History-inspired Jue Let cocktail bar replacing Blue Box at Pearl
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Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin. Photo: Rick Kern via Getty Images
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.
Editor's note: The rendering image credit has been updated.