An international magazine recently honored Jax New Orleans Bistro in Anderson for having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world.

“Wine Spectator” magazine awarded the bistro with the “2008 Award of Excellence,” and the restaurant will be mentioned in the Aug. 31 edition of the magazine. The restaurant’s wine list includes 180 wines from around the world.

John Benca, a co-owner of Jax, found out that the bistro won the award a few months ago, and he received the award in the mail about a week ago.

“We are extremely proud and pleased,” Benca said. “It is not an easy award to win. It says a lot about your wine list and your food venue at the same time.”

His wife, Dixie, co-owns the restaurant, which opened about three years ago.

The restaurant is moving from 502 N. Main St. to 112 N. Main St., the former location of the McCarthy’s and Friends Food with a Flair, because that site is in downtown Anderson. Jax also will be able to accommodate larger parties in its new location and offer a private dining room on its new top floor. Lunch and dinner will be served at the new site starting Aug. 1.

The 502 N. Main St. location will be converted into a banquet, catering and special event facility.