The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize James Beard Finalist, Jade Ayala in our ‘Community Proud’ series sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union.

Jade Ayala, Beverage Director at The Port of Call in Mystic, has built a career rooted in curiosity, intention, and a deep respect for connection. A Connecticut native, Jade’s story begins in Meriden and Hartford, where an early sense of grit and culture shaped a perspective that now defines her work in hospitality. That sense of place still shows up today in how Jade approaches every detail, every interaction, and every experience created behind the bar.

Before stepping into hospitality, Jade spent seven years working for the State of Connecticut’s Commission on Culture and Tourism and later in television advertising. While that work focused on telling stories, Jade quickly realized she wanted to help create them. That shift led to a role at Firebox, starting as a barback with no prior restaurant experience. It was there, in the fast-paced rhythm of service, that Jade discovered how intention and precision can transform a space into something meaningful.

Today, as Beverage Director for The Port of Call and Oyster Club, Jade approaches her craft with a clear philosophy. Every choice matters. From a cocktail ingredient to the energy of a room, nothing is accidental. “I’m drawn to the sensory gravity of a single moment. To think just a few drops of kelp oil to finish a cocktail has the power to transport, it's wild, yet the saline bite demands you be nowhere else but exactly right here. The ability to create a stolen moment! Searching for flavor that evokes a buried memory or a quiet exchange across the bar. I certainly chase those interactions where giving a small detail the space to breathe until it carries the weight of something much larger.”

Her goal, and the goal of the team at The Port of Call, is not just to create something visually appealing, but something that feels real, layered, and memorable. That work has not gone unnoticed. Jade was recently named a 2026 James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, a national recognition that reflects both talent and dedication. Still, for Jade, the achievement feels less like an individual milestone and more like a shared success with the team and community that made it possible.

"We're honored to be recognized by the Beard Foundation in a category that celebrates the relationship between food and beverage in such a meaningful way," said Jade. "Everything we do at The Port of Call is collaborative — from how we think about ingredients to how a drink interacts with a dish — but it's also about creating a feeling. That comes from a female-led, queer team of food and beverage creatives who care deeply about what we do. Things don't always come easy, and we've never taken the easy road — we've chosen to be thoughtful, to put in the work, and to create a space where everyone feels genuinely welcome. This recognition reflects that spirit and the intention behind everything we do."

Community is at the center of everything Jade does. She sees restaurants not just as businesses, but as gathering places that reflect the people who fill them. Mystic, in particular, has made a lasting impression. Jade describes the town as a place that protects its character while still allowing space for something new, as long as it is built with authenticity and care. That balance is what drew Jade here in 2017 after a visit to Oyster Club, and it is what continues to keep her rooted.

That same spirit of inclusion and creativity is evident in programs like Sea Queens. The Port of Call partnered with Dro Lopez, a local phenomenon who saw the potential immediately and declared the dining room “the perfect stage.” Together, they engineered an experience that transitions from dinner to a high-energy drag show, finally dissolving into a dance floor where everyone is invited to let their hair down and enjoy the present. What began as just an idea has turned into a sell out performance and must do experience in Mystic. 

At the core of Jade’s work is a simple but powerful principle. Care. Care for the guest, for the team, and for the details that often go unnoticed but are always felt. It is what builds trust, fosters connection, and turns a night out into something lasting.

Something that people might not know about Jade is that she’s quiet in a high-volume world. While the dining room is loud, her focus is on the details, using that natural reserve to read the energy of a space and connect with people in a way that feels intentional and authentic, not just performative. In her free time, she likes to slow things down, a nice refresh from the restaurant scene. She loves to spend time near the water, cook with friends, and spend time with family. Nothing too elaborate, just the quiet moments with people she loves that she’ll treasure forever.

Jade credits her mom for much of her success, teaching her independence early on, but more importantly, she says that her mom showed her how to stand in your authentic self with grace, warmth, and integrity. A life lesson that Jade carries with her everyday. She also credits the crews at Oyster Club and The Port of Call and says that what they’ve built is shared and only exists because of that collective care and belief in one another.

Jade Ayala’s impact on the Mystic community goes far beyond what is in the glass. Through thoughtful leadership, creative vision, and a genuine commitment to connection, she is helping shape experiences that define what hospitality can be at its best.

Join us as we celebrate Jade Ayala’s contributions to the Mystic community and in wishing her luck on her James Beard nomination.