Three with a passion.
Chef Michael McMillan, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in NY, has tenured at some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the country, such as Trois Jean in New York City under Master Chef of France, Jean Louis Dumonnet; and with Chef Dean Fearing at The Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, Mobil five-Star/AAA 5 Diamond restaurant and hotel. After five years as General Manager and Executive Chef of La Parisienne in St. Augustine, McMillan and wife, Christine, opened Opus 39 Restaurant & Food Gallery in 2002. McMillan’s philosophy is to use whole, fresh, seasonal ingredients in his restaurants, with many items flown in fresh from Spain and other exotic locations. Opus 39 offers a multi-course menu daily and the Tasting Room menu changes with each season.
Christine McMillan holds a degree in Psychology and Communications from Florida State University. After a stint in Human Resources and non-profit management, she joined her husband in the restaurant business. On weekends, she shares her rare wine expertise with customers in Opus’ Retail Wine Shop. The rest of her time she splits between the promotion of Opus 39 and The Tasting Room—and the couple’s two children, James and Meredith.
Michael Lugo After studying hotel and restaurant management at the University of North Texas, Michael worked for the Pappas Restaurant Group in Dallas, gaining experience in all areas of the industry, from server, to head waiter to kitchen manager. After serving as a bar manager with the Landry's Restaurant Group, he entered the fine dining category in a management role for Food Star Restaurant Group in Texas and the Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House in Dallas. There he cultivated an in-depth knowledge of Wines as a wine steward, overseeing the restaurant’s 1000 bottle wine list. He and his wife moved to St. Augustine looking for a slower pace of life, yet Michael found he missed the excitement of a fine dining restaurant. In meeting the McMillians, Michael discovered experienced partners who share his vision of creating an innovative dining experience inspired by the love of outstanding Wines and unforgettable food.