Asian Cuisine Power Couple Rebrand Existing Restaurant to A1A Asian Kitchen

ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (August 10, 2026) – At the helm of popular eateries such as Libby’s Thai Bistro in St. Augustine and Lemongrass Thai Bistro in Jacksonville, husband-and-wife culinary power couple, Chef Carlos and Phet Valotha, are adding a new concept to their line-up. A1A Asian Kitchen, a 150-seat, 5,000-square-foot restaurant located at 6975 A1A South in the Crescent Beach area of St. Augustine, fuses authentic flavors of Asia, including Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam.

“I have been owning and managing Asian restaurants in Northeast Florida since 1996,” says Phet Valotha (formerly Phet Thompson), who runs front of house at her restaurants. “This includes concepts like the popular Thai Room in Jacksonville Beach, Lemongrass Restaurant in the Bay Meadows area of Jacksonville, and Galangal Thai Restaurant near Nocatee, which we’ve since moved on from, to our current concepts of Libby’s Thai Bistro, Lemongrass Thai Bistro, and now A1A Asian Kitchen.”

Originally opened as T. Smith Asian Bistro along a picturesque stretch of A1A, the Valotha’s purchased the turnkey operation in June and are quickly making it their own. First, a name change and rebranding to A1A Asian Kitchen. Next, a menu update. Chef Carlos, a native of Laos, has trained under Chef Thongthine Aphayasane, and brings dishes such as Lobster Kao Soi Ramen, Thai BBQ Pork Ribs, Kiew Wan Curry, Crispy Whole Snapper topped with a pineapple-infused red curry sauce, and a wide range of Sushi and Sashimi offerings.

“We’re keeping some of the dishes that our regulars have come to love and have added new items that we’ve perfected over the years working in the Northeast Florida culinary scene,” Chef Carlos explains. “We only work with the best chefs. I train them myself to make sure that our food is authentic and to our standards of excellence.”

A1A Asian Kitchen offers a full bar and serves lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner only on Saturday, and is closed on Sunday. Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Special events include Monday night trivia starting August 10; Tuesday Jazz Jam with Russ DeFilippis & Rusty Springfield every Tuesday night from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Salsa Dancing every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; and live music Tuesday through Saturday, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.