On a rainy Tuesday night, about 15 people sat in the dimly lit Fyre Bar & Grill. The two flatscreen TVs flanking the bar flashed the heated UF vs. University of Georgia basketball game, and several patrons congregated to watch the ongoing battle.
The deep-red walls and dark wood furniture create a cozy, welcoming ambiance in the restaurant, 203 SW 2nd Ave., which was formerly Japanese restaurant Shooting Star. Although Fyre opened about two months ago, remnants of Asian décor linger in the bamboo curtains and shoji screen room divider.
Restaurant owner Alexander Davidowski made the switch to attract more college students, said front-of-house manager Arthur Turnbull.
Davidowski traded Japanese fare for a broader ethnic variety, transforming the place into an Americana bar and grill.
The decision to spell Fyre with a “y,” Turnbull said, was to create intrigue and convey something hot.
“It gives us the freedom to do whatever we want with the menu,” Turnbull said.
The revamped restaurant’s offerings span from all over the world — from Italy to Mexico.
Turnbull recommends choices like the Fyre burger, calamari, crab wontons deluxe, fish soft tacos, pasta Riviera and bratwurst.
The crab wontons deluxe are a great way to start a meal, he advised, and if you’re trying to avoid eating too much, stay away from the fruit puree.
The menu is also vegetarian-friendly. Salads, veggie burgers and pasta dishes are plentiful for those who do not eat meat.
Dishes on the menu all fall under $10, making Fyre an economical choice. In addition, there are $5 lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
