Feature Story & Photos by Larry H. Oskin
The Southern On 8th Kitchen and Bar Brings Charm, Grace & Fine Dining To Clermont!
The Southern On 8th Kitchen & Bar recently opened for the fine dining experience of its guests. With a 100% scratch kitchen, superior fresh quality foods, top-notch service and a beautiful décor package. It’s a special southern foodie retreat. Absolutely everything is custom cooked to order. Darren & Karen Johnson and Richard & Michelle Formato, owners and operators, have been friends, business associates and local south Lake residents for over 30 years.
The decision to open this new restaurant, located at 801 Montrose St, Clermont, started with the many challenges from COVID-19. With their other businesses dramatically affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic, they decided to take charge and do something new and extra special together. Their corner building has always been prime property in Downtown Clermont. Formerly the 801 City Grill, this building has been home to numerous restaurants and diverse businesses over the years.
Eat, Drink & Be Southern! The Southern On 8th offers indoor and outdoor dining opportunities with plenty of free parking. Richard, a life-long resident of Clermont, began working, cooking and eating at his brother’s restaurant (the former 801 City Grill) beginning when he was 8 years old. Now, He wants to bring some of those fond memories back to the building.
The large East Dining Room shares an homage to quaint old and historic Downtown Clermont, with old photographs and memorabilia. This crown jewel of Clermont real estate boasts a large first floor with four one-bedroom upstairs apartments, a large basement and an outdoor patio. Darren and Karen run most of the business operations and staffing, while Richard is the Executive Chef.
The center West Dining Room offers you a rustic natural dining experience with moss art, textured wall treatments, and southern landscape greenery. Besides a covered outdoor patio with fans and heaters, there is an outdoor cocktail party area.
The Southern of 8th Menu Selections: Formato has personally and creatively created 100% of the menu selections. He developed a diverse menu with old family-style recipes and regional tastes from Charleston, New Orleans, the Florida Keys and other areas of Southern food influence. This includes popular seafood specialties from both coasts of Florida. Everything is made completely from scratch … even the salad dressings.
A wide-array of Southern-style appetizers, entrees and desserts are available including Appetizers: Fried Green Tomatoes, Southern Deviled Eggs, Alabama Wings, Florida Catch Ceviche and tender Gator Tails. Entrees: Southern Shrimp & Grits, Country Fried Ribeye Steak, Black Angus Tenderloin Filets, Seafood Pappardelle, Southern Brined Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Southern Fried Catfish. Desserts: Florida Key Lime Pie and Bourbon kissed chocolate pecan pie. A kid’s menu is available and special dietary needs are noted.
The large bar area offers 16 different craft cocktails specialty and signature drinks, a wide-variety of Florida beers and ales as well as the top national and international lagers, and a huge American and international wine selection Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 PM and offers half-priced beers, wines and signature bites.
Ultimate Southern Hospitality! Working closely together with their staff and management team, they specialize in creating the ultimate guest experiences with exceptional quality foods and southern hospitality services. Get ready to celebrate here for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s, Mother’s and Father’s Day, with special events. Their goal is to become well- respected as the ultimate in fine dining experiences here in South Lake County.
Clermont Entrepreneurs: Darren & Karen Johnson have successfully worked together in the hospitality business for many years, with an internationally respected consulting and special events business. The Johnsons own the Clermont Brewing Company and will open their new Clermont Woodhouse Spa later this year. Richard & Michelle Formato come from a long line of family restaurant owners. They own Appletree Design & Printing Company. They have numerous other business ideas now in the works for Downtown Clermont.
Experience Southern Charm! The Southern on 8th is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays. Open hours are 4 to 9 PM on Tuesdays through Thursdays, 4 to 10 PM. on Fridays and Saturdays as well as 4 to 9 PM on Sunday evenings. For reservations, a complete review of their menu and for more information on the new Southern On 8th Kitchen & Bar, call 352-394-777 or visit: http://www.thesouthernon8th.com/.
