Despite age restrictions, Bliss restaurant and lounge in Florissant is staying busy with Caribbean and West African classics

The buzz surrounding Bliss, the North County restaurant and lounge that drew international attention for its age restrictions, has increased business significantly. “We’ve seen a solid jump,” said public relations manager Winnie Thompson, who was hired by owners Tina and Marvin Pate to manage the attention coming from media outlets as far flung as London and South Africa.

Bliss opened in mid-May at 11836 W. Florissant Ave. in the Florissant Hills Shopping Center and within a matter of a few weeks, word had spread that there was an age-limit of 30 and 35 – for women and men respectively. Thompson explained the couple’s thinking: “They want to create an oasis for their customers. It’s just like choosing a cruise for adults only.”

 

 

Although she said she couldn’t disclose the chef’s name at the moment, she spoke highly of the restaurant’s West African and Caribbean menu. Jamaican curry shrimp and wings fried with suja African spice are the kinds of things coming out of this kitchen. So are Jamaican spiced oxtails, jollof rice and jerk lamb shanks. There are seats for 300 in this upscale space, as well as a dance floor.

 

 

“What with inflation and money being tight, people can’t afford to travel; it’s nice to have a place which feels like this,” Thompson said. Furthering this feeling of oasis, Bliss is set apart from the bustle of the shopping center. It’s tucked down low around the back, and its windows are blacked out. On the inside, though, it’s a whole other world. “It feels like a resort,” Thompson said. “It has an island vibe.” What she means is that it’s like a garden of flowers – full of color and warmth and greenery. “It takes your breath away,” she said.

Bliss is open from 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. A Bliss Happy Hour is on Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. when cocktails are $10.