They bring a passion for the wines of world and their own brand of imaginative Asian fusion cuisine to their stunning waterfront restaurant.
The new owners of Blue Jasmine, at Ocean Village marina, are looking forward to their first summer in charge of the venue, which seats 200 with room for another 100 on the sun-drenched terrace.
Lisa Li and her Master of Wine qualified sommelier husband Yuanyi, known as Li, took over Blue Jasmine last year, reopening it in November to offer a world class selection of wines, with a particular focus on Italy, and 'Tapasia', pan-Asian small plates.
Two and a half years after they opened their successful Italian wine and cicchetti bar Baccello in Christchurch High Street, they've taken on an ambitious project in Southampton.
The couple have already hosted pop up dining events with chefs including Dan Rogan in a raised seating area for 35 and clients like Southampton Football Club and British American Tobacco in a glamorous 12 person private dining space.
Now plans are afoot for an outdoor bar, a Jude's ice cream cart on the decking and a DJ playing a summer soundtrack of chilled Ibiza tunes.
"Wine is definitely our unique selling point and we want people to enjoy that and our food without having to break the bank.
"We're really excited for this first summer. Our dream would be to see the marina drenched in sun, busy and buzzing with all the businesses doing well.
"It's very important to us that we become part of the community here like we are in Christchurch."
The menu includes snacks and duck pancakes to share, larger plates including fillet of beef and wasabi prawns, and delightful dishes from the wok, with a high end marina menu also available.
Bottomless lunches are served each weekend with Blue Jasmine's signature glassware with crystal-filled stems also for sale.
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