Jack Tar & The Colonel's Daughter is getting a new patio popup concept.
Otoño will be led by Pizzeria Toro Chef de Cuisine Marla Thurman, who won the Food Network's "Chopped" cooking competition in March.
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"Marla has successfully led our busy kitchen at Pizzeria Toro for over 5 years, and worked tirelessly since the pandemic began. Now she’s hungry for a new challenge just as we are re-envisioning the best path forward for Jack Tar during this challenging temporary time,” said Gray Brooks, who owns both restaurants.
Jack Tar & The Colonel's Daughter reopened in late June for curbside take-out.
“What’s important to us is to provide some comfort to our community, and we think we can do that best by opening for outdoor dining, honoring our team and their backgrounds by sharing their food, and taking care of our own – our teams, guests, farmers and greater community,” Brooks said.
One hundred percent of the profits of Otoño will be donated to Urban Ministries to help fight food insecurity in Durham.
Otoño, which means "autumn" in Spanish, will open on Friday and continue to operate as long as fall weather permits outdoor seating. Look for the menu to highlight Thurman's Texas heritage and feature Mexican dishes, including Agua Frescas, Tostadas with citrus ceviche and Seafood Tortas and vegan dishes including Tamales made with housemade masa, Pambazos with mushroom chorizo, Fried Chile Rellenos with tofu queso fresco and Chocolate Tortes with chili and orange candies.
“As a chef, I have so many cuisines and ideas I’d like to explore, so this presented an incredible opportunity. Opening Otoño will give me a chance to share more of my own culinary heritage with Durham and bring the delicious regional Mexican dishes that I’ve learned from so many of the cooks on our team to the forefront,” Thurman said.
Jack Tar's signature menu items including its double cheeseburger, Szechuan Peppercorn Hot Chicken, pancakes and made-to-order crullers will also be available.
Jack Tar's cocktail bar is also moving to the patio. Look for new cocktail options highlighting tequila, mezcal and bourbon.
There will be contactless ordering and payment, plus outdoor counter service for patio diners and curbside pickup. Staff are required to wear masks and asked to do the same upon arriving, leaving and visiting the restroom.
“We feel confident that our outdoor patio will provide a lot of space for guests to be comfortably spaced six feet apart from others, and be a beautiful backdrop for communing safely in our city together,” Brooks said.
Otoño will open for dinner and cocktails Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Brunch service will begin on Sept. 19 and continue on Saturday and Sundays from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.