Take a look: The Monroe, anchor restaurant at SoMo Walls, has soft opening

Glasses clinked and camera shutters snapped Tuesday, as the first wave of patrons filled the luxurious dining room at SoMo Walls' anchor tenant , The Monroe, an upscale eatery that has launched its month-long soft opening.

Developer Bugra Demirel described Tuesday night as "an emotional moment," especially for those who have worked day and night to make it happen. SoMo Walls is on South Monroe Street between Oakland Avenue and Harrison Street, not too far south of the Capitol.

The fine-dining eatery doesn't have its grand opening till Aug. 2, but, based on the night's reactions, The Monroe is bringing a new sense of energy to the South Monroe corridor.

Doors were held open by The Monroe staff as guests made their way in. Once inside, many couldn't help but linger on the front patio, which was filled with sandy-colored plush seats for both high and low tables, white couches in the center and pass-through bar seats.

"This is perfect," one guest said as she made her way to a table filled with friends. This girls' night seems to have found its match with the new venue.

The earth-tone enhanced dining area, warmly lit with an eclectic and elegant arrangement of nude and cream-colored chandeliers, hang above all the tables. Hunter green, burnt orange, and deep blue colored tables, half booths, and banquettes closer to the kitchen add color, along with the colorful short drinking glasses waiters fill with ice cold water.

Accents of gold on the tables, footstools, chandeliers and arch frames that decorate the wall and bar area add a sophisticated look to the space, fitting Demirel's portrayal of the space as one for the "grown folks."

The bar sits at the front, decorated with an aesthetically pleasing arrangement of spirits, glasses of all different shapes and sizes, and dried fruits that sit on the bar top, used to decorate drinks.

Some stayed and sipped on craft cocktails, others stayed a little longer to share appetizers and decide new entrees to try while catching up.

Highlights from The Monroe menu

The menu, curated by the expertise of restaurateur and chef Jesse Edmunds, features modern American cuisine with hints of globally inspired flavors.

"Small and Shareable" appetizers include the sea scallops made with Roe Beurre Blanc, sunchoke puree and rye crumbs ($16).

The seafood section ranges from a snapper dish to a seafood tower that includes a "Hamachi Crudo" made with buttermilk ponzu, strawberry, mizuna and begonia ($16).

Full size entrees (with options for some to come in a half portion) include the summer herb agnolotti made with brown butter, grilled mushrooms and confit tomato ($14/$24). You can also indulge on the "large format" section of the menu with the Chateaubriand made with beef tenderloin, potatoes au gratin, summer pea and green onions and confit tomatoes ($89).

The menu exemplifies the collaboration of heavy hitters in Tallahassee's hospitality scene, including beverage director Jaymi London.

One of the signature cocktails is "The Monroe Martini," made with olive oil infused gin or vodka, vermouth, cocktail onion and olive ($15). Pitchers starting at $64 and other bottles on the shelves are available to order as well.

Changing the landscape of South Monroe

The $11-million project, SoMo Walls, spearheaded by Demirel, is changing the landscape of South Monroe with a new wave of entrepreneurship and modernization. The successful execution of this redevelopment marks a significant milestone for the area.

As previously reported in the Tallahassee Democrat, last fall Blueprint board members approved a controversial "recoverable grant" in the amount of $1.8 million that allows Demirel a chance to repay $1 million. Such a funding option had never been offered in Blueprint's history.

The funding augmented an estimated $9.2 million put up by Demirel and his partners to bring the project to life.

Demirel, who is also a force behind Grow Tallahassee that backs candidates it sees as "pro-growth," says the money was used exclusively for redeveloping the block, its sidewalks, lighting and parking lot. He added the investment will draw tenants to the city's newest destination.

Burn Boot Camp has already committed to becoming the next tenant at SoMo Walls.

Jason Grant, a founding partner at Ology Distilling, is continuing to help build the now operational Walls Distilling Co. The distillery sits right next door to the restaurant and will be a regional producer of homegrown gin, rum, vodka and whiskey.

According to Demirel, the team is running its final system diagnosis before they work on the first batch, but he says the "first line of products should be on the shelves within the next two weeks."

Guests can also look forward to the addition of four large plasma televisions to hang in the center of the front patio to watch sporting events and the addition of brunch services to follow soon as well.

If you go

• When (hours for July) : 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday; 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
• Where: 1327 S. Monroe St.
• Parking: Adjacent to the restaurant
• Website: www.themonroetlh.com

Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Take a look: The Monroe, anchor restaurant at SoMo Walls, has soft opening