MODERN
FRENCH CUISINE
LOCALLY SOURCED
MEET THE STAFF
Ashley Amaral
Assistant General Manager
Born in Greensboro, Ashley and her family moved to Carteret County in December 2021. Ashley was the Service Manager for Print Works Bistro, one of the most highly acclaimed dining spots in NC. Through a chance meeting in front of Cru Wine Bar, involving her son, and a dog, Ashley met one of the investors in Blue Moon Bistro. One thing led to another, and Ashley is now captain of the front of house for Blue Moon Bistro. It was meant to be. Ashley brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her position. She loves giving a customer, “an experience they will revel in remembering” for years. Ashley looks forward to sharing her depth of knowledge and passion for consistently excellent service with you.
MEET THE CHEFS
J. Foster
Executive Chef
Jayson Foster was born in Norwich NY where he developed a love of cooking through spent time with his mother and grandmother in the kitchen. In 1996, he came south to Beaufort, where his first job was as a dishwasher at Spouter Inn. After stints in other dining spots, Jayson was hired by Chef William Bell at William’s Casual Fine Dining where he was named sous chef. Jayson was in the second graduating class at Carteret Community College Culinary Program and was part of the first group of students to go to France for study under two-starred Michelin Chef Marc Meurin. A stalwart on the Beaufort Food Scene, Jayson has cooked at Chef’s 105, Circa 81 and at Aqua, where he was the Chef for 10 years. In 2012, Jayson was part of the winning team in the Fire on the Docks Competition in Wilmington. Jayson is proud to bring all these experiences together in the kitchen at Blue Moon Bistro, and looks forward to serving you. Bon Appetit!
Josh Macklin
Chef de Cuisine
Josh Macklin started his cooking career at the Coral Bay Club in 2001. While at TCBC, Josh realized that cooking was his passion. Though he spent seven years at the Coral Bay Club, he enrolled in the Carteret Community College Culinary Program after only three years in the kitchen. Josh was in the first graduating class from CCCCP. As an honors graduate of CCCCP, Josh was also in the first group of students who went to France to study with two-starred Michelin Chef Marc Meurin. Following this tenure, Josh joined Floyd’s 1921 as banquet chef. Has also worked at Circa 81 as chef/restaurant manager and joined the Oysters and Pearls group, opening both Catch 109 and serving as Executive Chef for Table 9. Josh loves how food brings together families and friends, and he looks forward to sharing with you all the passion he feels for what good food can do for the community at large as well. He is a proud believer of food being a bond we all share. Bon Appetit!
Lara Johnson
Bar Manager
Josh Macklin
Lara was born and raised in Upstate New York until the age of fifteen. She made her way to Raleigh, where she graduated high school and continued onto Wake Technical Community College, where she attained her Nurse’s Aide license. Her dream of a simpler life lead her to Banner Elk, where she dove head first into Artisanal, one of the most acclaimed restaurants in North Carolina. Lara then moved all the way across NC, to land on the Crystal Coast. Bringing maturity and poise to her trade, Lara adds experience, creativity and an encyclopedic knowledge of mixology and to her profession. Blue Moon is much stronger for her presence. Cheers!!!
WHY BEAUFORT
Beaufort has a long history of local food. In 1709, John Lawson reported that the waters around Beaufort, NC had forty types of fish and eighteen types of shellfish. From the earliest days of Beaufort, there were many reports of wild cattle, sheep and hogs on the surrounding land. Some of the richest farmland on the East Coast became accessible with the development of reliable transport. All of this local abundance is at our fingertips! So, just like a great recipe, take this naturally food rich area, stir in the beauty of Carteret County, whisk in the Carteret County Community College Culinary program, and finally, fold in the port of Beaufort and all the ingredients are there for a rich culinary history. Blue Moon Bistro is proud to continue to be part of this legacy.
From its colonial beginnings, Beaufort continues to thrive, being named “America’s Coolest Small Town” by Budget Travel Magazine, and “America’s Favorite Town” by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Most folks who visit don’t want to leave, and Beaufort is experiencing phenomenal growth, much like “boom” in 1728-1732, when 21 lots were sold in the town and surrounding area! Then as now, this brought visitors from all over the colonial world, including London, the West Indies, Jamaica and the East Coast.
Into the mix of natural bounty, beauty and an amiable population, Blue Moon Bistro aims to add to the charm and rich dining culture of Beaufort. We work to be creative, innovative and to bring a consistent hospitality experience to Beaufort and Carteret County NC. We welcome you to visit with us for a meal. Bon Appetit!
