An artist’s rendering shows Jue Let, the new concept that will take over the Pearl’s former Blue Box Bar space. Credit: Courtesy Image / Lake | Flato

Fresh off of a James Beard Award nomination for Best Chef: Texas, Best Quality Daughter’s Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin is teasing a new culinary concept that, like her flagship restaurant, will be located at the Pearl.

An homage to the eponymous Canton-born Chinese chef who served James Beard’s family over the years, Dobbertin’s new Jue Let will take over the vacant space that housed Blue Box Bar until its closure last summer.   

“Jue Let was a surrogate father figure to James Beard, and he left a lasting impression on him as well as a lifelong appreciation of fresh, seasonal ingredients and Chinese culture,” Dobbertin said in an emailed statement. 

Jue Let wasn’t the sole Chinese immigrant who influenced the future “dean of American cuisine,” however. According to Dobbertin’s research, Beard also grew up with a Chinese nanny and spent much of his childhood around another Chinese family. 

Jue Let will focus mainly on cocktails but also offer an assortment of bar bites and small plates. Lis Forsythe will bring her expertise curating Best Quality Daughter’s bar program to the table as Jet Lue’s new beverage director. 

Lake | Flato, the architectural design firm behind Best Quality Daughter’s signature look, will return to helm both the interior and exterior design for Jue Let, according to Dobbertin.

“We are eager to unveil more details of our new concept when the time is right,” the chef-restaurateur said in her statement. “Until then, please stay tuned for this exciting new chapter.”

Dobbertin hasn’t yet set an opening date for Jue Let. 

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This article appears in Jan 22 – Feb 4, 2025.