- May 16, 2024
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The dining space known as “The Grotto” includes water features in the lighted cave experience. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Aeronautical engineer and soon-to-be restaurateur Brent Bruns stands on a bridge under the Fire Water Tower at The Shape of Water Restaurant on A1A. At night, the “tree” constructed of cement and rebar will spray water and flames to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Organic shapes abound on the property, including this work-in-progress Medusa. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
For Brent Bruns, “failure is not an option” for The Shape of Water Restaurant opening soon at 5047 N. Oceanshore Blvd. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
With the idea of intimate sweetheart dining in mind, the Bleeding Heart Bridge is meant to serve as a portal for lovers to pass and leave any heartbreak behind. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Artist and sculptor Jennifer Butler and Brent Bruns worked together to painstakingly create faux bois (fake wood) features. Each piece is crafted using rebar, chicken wire and cement. Talented hands use a nail to inscribe grain or bark. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
Several miniature illuminated waterfalls enhance the Fairy Garden in the evening. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
The Crow’s Nest offers a secluded space for up to six. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh
State Road A1A meanders along 383 miles of Florida’s East Coast providing a scenic drive with an eclectic collection of restaurants, shops, bars and residences. By the end of the year, Palm Coast could boast its own unique themed dining destination on A1A, The Shape of Water Restaurant, at 5047 N. Oceanshore Blvd. in the Hammock.
A two-story-high water feature beckons guests to stop at an otherwise unassuming spot where gourmet fare will be served in intimate spaces surrounded by waterfalls, lazy rivers and sculpted rocks and trees.
With no background in restaurants or commercial kitchens, aeronautical engineer and entrepreneur Brent Bruns set out on a journey to create not just a place to eat, but rather a place to share a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Nearly 75,000 labor hours later, 21 waterfalls are complete along with a bleeding heart bridge, upcycled waterwheel, decks, crow’s nest seating and a grotto.
Bruns’ inspiration for each space has been less about planning, and more about observing the world around him. The process is organic.
“Most of my ideas come to me at 3 o’clock in the morning. That’s when I plan my day,” Bruns said. “I wanted to call it Hammock Play Garden, but nobody liked that name. I just thought about waterfalls, water, waterfalls … The Shape of Water Restaurant. Everyone loved it, so I kept the name.”
At the beginning of this journey, artist and sculptor Jennifer Butler listened to Bruns’ dream and offered a rough sketch of his vision. Bruns paid her to create a more detailed version and the partnership began a push and pull of creativity.
For example, Butler tucked a small fairy into a nook of a “faux roche” (fake rock) supporting a bridge over one of the many pools of water. From there, Bruns conceived an entire fairy village hoping guests will see something different on each visit.
“The idea is for guests to experience something they never have,” Bruns said.
French cuisine is the heart of the menu featuring such dishes as escargot vol-au-vent, chateaubriand and saumon en papillote. Off-menu and offered as specials, the chef will prepare grass-fed lamb from New Zealand, abalone flown in from California or scallops from Digby, Nova Scotia. Weekly specials may include Boeuf Wellington, Kobe beef or prime rib.
An expanding wine cellar will include six private label house wines in the most popular varietals like chardonnay and merlot.
Repeat customers can look forward to certain VIP perks like a complimentary glass of wine or a sweet bite to finish the meal. From an open kitchen, the chef will visit tables and engage with diners.
Reservations will be required, particularly for premium spaces like the private Sweetheart Room, the Grotto or near the Fire Raintree Tower. Dress will be business casual to semi-formal with limited space for family dining. Expect a 90-minute experience with entertainment such as a violinist, guitarist, mandolin player or magician.
For a more casual experience without reservations or a dress code, guests are welcome at the cozy tiki bar for a variety of libations and appetizers.
With a targeted opening by the end of the year, the public can arrange a tour of the property in progress by calling 386-986-8207 for an appointment.
“This is an atmosphere,” Bruns said. “And I want to tell you about it. I’m planning five years out. In the future, there will be a treehouse.”
Bruns understands that many businesses fail in the first year, especially restaurants. Still, an optimistic motto hangs outside his office door, “Failure is not an option.”
“If you do the right thing, it eventually will come back to you,” Bruns said.
Bruns aspires to offer excellent cuisine with the best service in the most unique atmosphere — at least along Highway A1A.
