At 20 years old, Scott Alters left Jacksonville, Florida, to travel throughout the U.S. and overseas. When he returned to his hometown, the chef shared the lessons and flavors of his travels through Rue Saint-Marc, which he opened alongside his wife and beverage director Gabrielle Alters in 2017.
The restaurant uses classic French techniques but spotlights cuisines from Lebanon and Morocco all the way to Vietnam. This eclectic blend is in-line with the local dining scene; Jacksonville’s casual, beachtown vibe belies a diverse restaurant community that continues to grow and evolve.
From freshly caught fish to global bites and local ingredients, Alters shares his Jax favorites.
Rue on the rebound
After reopening, Rue Saint-Marc added a five-course tasting menu called the Rue Experience. We saw the check average rise $25 per person. We have also seen volumes increase over pre-COVID levels.
Paying it forward
It is one of my ambitions that through the success of Rue Saint-Marc, I can inspire the next generation of Jacksonville chefs to take chances and open restaurants that express who they are.
Friend of a Farmer
I wanted to create a model that is geared to supporting local food. The menu changes as often as it does so that the restaurant can help the farmer instead of the farmer supporting the restaurant.
Jax must-have
Fresh-off-the-boat seafood caught on the Jacksonville coast. It is incredible to be able to order the iconic, locally caught Mayport shrimp, grey grouper, red snapper, triggerfish, and more.
Why Jacksonville rocks
Jacksonville is made up of a collection of unique neighborhoods. We are seeing these neighborhoods develop their own identities, which allows neighbors and visitors alike to have access to many different experiences all within one city’s limits.
The scene
The Jacksonville Beach area offers more casual fare that resonates with beachgoers. San Marco and Avondale lean toward European and California styles. Riverside focuses on eclectic foods to cater to a younger crowd. Baymeadows Road has a substantial collection of ethnic restaurants.
