Island Cow owners Mary and Dave Worrell have introduced bistro-style dining to St. James City with the help of new partners Hiedi Wilder, Amy Miller and Chef Dave Wakerman.

Dining options on Pine Island are seemingly endless as residents and visitors can choose from a variety of cuisines ranging from Italian to Oriental and fresh seafood to home-style cooking. Now, there is one more option to consider. The Island Cow in St. James City, recently presented a new bistro-style dining experience. Available to diners on Friday and Saturday evenings, those visiting St. James can place a reservation to enjoy a meal prepared by a four-star chef.

“The Cow has constantly evolved its venue to local and seasonal customers’ wants and tastes and this will be the next step as we are really going to raise the bar more than a few notches,” said owner Dave Worrell. “In addition to the bistro dining experience, we also have recently partnered with Hiedi Wilder and Amy Miller. These girls have a great outlook on life, beaming smiles and unmatched service.”

In addition to the bistro evening dining, the Island Cow also will undergo a name change as well and the sign outside will read ‘The Island Siren’ in upcoming weeks.

“The Island Siren will offer some new breakfast items and specialty coffees to its already successful breakfast menu and we will be offering new items on our lunch menu as well,” said Worrell.

On bistro nights, dinner will be served from 5 to 8 p.m. and will be prepared by new team member, Chef Dave Wakerman. Recently returning to the area from Montgomery, Alabama, Chef Dave spent the last 12 years at Dawson’s at Rose Hill. Chef Dave began his culinary career on Sanibel Island and spent 17 years in the kitchen at the famed Nutmeg House. Each week, the bistro menu will offer a choice of three entrees including a beef dish, fresh fish or chicken each prepared to order. Prices range from $15.95 to $21.95 per person and availability is determined on what best fresh products are available each week. In recent weeks, Chef Dave, has prepared beef tenderloin fillets in a bourbon cream sauce, fresh grouper fillets with large shrimp and zucchini and artichokes in a very light lemon butter sauce and a fresh split chicken breast on angel hair pasta with roasted peppers, fresh basil and shrimp with a light mozzarella and herb garnish.

“So far, the bistro meals have been very well received and as we continue to grow, our dishes will continue to vary and we will try to accommodate the wants and desires of our customers so they no longer feel the need to travel into town for a similar dining experience,” said Chef Dave. “At this time, we are offering our version an Italian/French cuisine. As we go along, we will be listening to what our customers have to say to offer a variety of dishes and eventually we are planning to add vegetarian items as well.”

According to Worrell, the evening dinner atmosphere will be that of your typical small bistro-style restaurant you would encounter on a visit to St. Thomas or St. Martin with a short walk of the cruise ship docks. Denim linens, candle holders with sand and small shells, flowers on each of the tables and a quaint unhurried meal. In addition, specialty deserts will be prepared by Miller and Wilder from their own recipes.

“Amy and I had considered starting our own restaurant here on the island, but after getting to know Dave and Mary Worrell, we decided to partner with them and help to take their already good ideas and add more good ideas,” said Wilder. “I have spent many years running restaurants for other people and when the opportunity arose to inject more of my own influence, I decided it was a good time to take the next step. I like the island community, doing business here and working here so I am thrilled to be a part of this venture in St. James City.”

Both Wilder and Miller are long-time island residents with years of experience in the restaurant business.

“I have a passion for coffees and creating desserts. I am looking forward to trying new things and every day has been a new discovery,” said Miller. “I also have been bringing the arts to the building as well. We will offer custom jewelry and purses as well as additional wall art from local artists to enhance the bistro atmosphere. It has been an exciting experience and I feel like I belong here.”

During the summer months The Island Siren will be open for breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Monday and for Bistro Nights on Friday and Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. and is located 3339 Stringfellow Road in St. James City. For more information or to make a reservation, call 282-2828.