From Skopelos to Eagle's Nest: Chef's journey lands him in Crestview
Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Cameron and Rachel Yordan.
CRESTVIEW — Justin Robinson has done everything in the food business, from working in fast food as a teenager to working as a head chef at some of Pensacola's finest dining establishments.
After 30 years in the food industry, he began one of his most daring ventures yet, owning and running his own place. His venture, the Eagle's Nest at Blackwater, sits in a quiet area of Crestview on the grounds of the Blackwater Golf Club.
"We want people to come here and have a good time to make a day out of it," Robinson said. "We want people to come in here and have wings while they watch the game, but we also want people to come in and try some of our handmade pasta that we make from scratch."
What made you start a restaurant?
After Hurricane Sally damaged the well-known Pensacola eatery Skopelos in 2020, the owner of that establishment brought Robinson on the staff at a new eatery called Agapi Bistro, which was named Pensacola's "Best New Restaurant" in the InWeekly Magazine: Best of the Coast Awards.
At the end of 2022, Robinson left the business and spent some time with his family. During his time off, he said he re-evaluated where he was going with his life. Robinson and his wife, Mykel, connected with friends Cameron and Rachel Yordan, who are part owners of the Eagle's Nest, to open the new restaurant.
"(Cameron) needed a business partner and a chef and that's exactly what I was looking for," said Robinson. "We all just really clicked very well together and went full speed on this."
What should eaters expect?
Robinson said the menu of the Eagle's Nest is full of fresh options, from sushi made in-house to the hand-tossed pizzas made with authentic ingredients.
He said the restaurant uses "double zero flour," which really gives the pizza an authentic Italian experience. Robinson said the flour really creates a crisp crust with just the right amount of chew.
The most popular menu item is the "pyro shrimp," which is made with lager-battered Gulf shrimp tossed in Thai-coconut sauce and chili crisp, garnished with a creamy sriracha mayo called Kewpie, scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
More is coming at the restaurant, Robinson said. A beer garden is expected to open on the this weekend with 20 taps. Along with the beer garden, putting lanes, cornhole lanes and two firepits will be available.
The restaurant also provides food and beverage service to The Drive Bar, which sits near the driving range on the golf course.
Hours and contact info
Eagle's Nest at Blackwater is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Brunch will also be served on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To learn more about Eagle's Nest on Blackwater, visit https://www.eaglesnestatblackwater.com or their Facebook page.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Eagle's Nest in Crestview provides a brand new dining experience
