30-01-2025
History-inspired Jue Let cocktail bar replacing Blue Box at Pearl
Lauded chef Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin is expanding her Pearl footprint with Jue Let, a new cocktail bar.
The latest: Dobbertin, a 2025 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef in Texas and owner of Best Quality Daughter, announced the project Thursday.
The bar is named after Jue Let, a China-born private cook for the Beard family.
What they're saying: Dobbertin, who is Chinese American, said she was "pleasantly surprised" to learn how deeply Beard was influenced by Chinese culture and cuisine.
"It was Jue Let who introduced young [James] Beard to Chinese cuisine, shaping his palate and trajectory as a culinary icon," she said in a statement.
What's next: San Antonio architecture firm Lake Flato, which also designed Best Quality Daughter, will transform the former home of Blue Box — shuttered last year — into Jue Let.
Dobbertin is bringing along key Best Quality Daughter team members, including beverage director Lisa Forsythe and director of operations Daniel Perez, who will also continue as the restaurant's general manager.
While the menu and opening date haven't been announced, Jue Let will feature a small food menu alongside its cocktails.
