DRINK EAT COOK

wine & a movie 200 restaurant recipes from top

date ideas profiles & menus local chefs

taste THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO EATING & DRINKING IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA • VOLUME 6

25 BARS
You Must Try

2011A SUPPLEMENT TO
JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE
 MBER
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OPENING EARLY 2011

jax beach lakewood fleming island avondale

1500 beach blvd 1607 university blvd w. 1810 town center blvd 3572 st johns ave
247-6636 732-7200 264- 0636 381-6670
mojobbq.com
 at your service
GREAT WEDDING GIVEAWAY
Congratulations to Katherine Novgrad
and Kevin Kyle (above), winners of the
2011 Great Wedding Giveaway. The
lucky couple, set to marry in June, won
a prize package worth more than
$30,000 in goods and services includ-
ing photography, a bridal shower for 25,
four hours of DJ entertainment, hair and
makeup services, an oceanfront wed-
ding and reception at the Serenata
Beach Club and a honeymoon stay at
the Boca Raton Resort & Club. To view
the details of their prize package,
visit jacksonvillemag.com.
BEST OF JACKSONVILLE PARTY
Mark your calendar! Every January,
Jacksonville Magazine hosts a gala
fundraiser designed to satisfy the foodie
in us all. The event features more than
two dozen restaurants showcasing their
“best” eats and drinks. The party has
raised more than $150,000 since its
inception.
BRIDE’S NIGHT OUT
Our cocktail party/wedding Q&A series
is ideal for learning the must-know
details involved in planning the biggest
event of your life. Visit our website for
more information. Bride’s Night soirées
are held four times per year—spring,
summer, fall and winter.
4 taste 2011
taste
JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE’S
2011 VOLUME SIX
EDITORIAL:
PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joseph White
ASSOCIATE EDITOR / DIRECTOR OF
COMMUNITY RELATIONS Kathy Weedon
MANAGING EDITOR Kaki Flynn
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kerry Speckman, Alison Trinidad,
INTERNS Tori Gibbs, Tia Woods
ART:
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Bronie M. Massey
DESIGNER Jennifer L. Curry • For 27 years, Jacksonville Magazine has
PHOTOGRAPHER / WEB GURU Bradley Stookey covered the people, issues and happenings
MASCOTS “Bud” the Jacksonville Magazine
of Northeast Florida. The magazine is
Wonder Dog and Cisco Kid published 12 times annually and reaches
more than 140,000 upscale, active and
SALES: educated readers each month.
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING • Jacksonville Magazine’s
Anna Marie Burke Home is a bi-annual
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES supplement (spring and
Rosalie Bolante, Wendy Cummings, fall) dedicated to highlight-
Carol Kimsey, Jessica Lindsay ing Northeast Florida’s
ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR & ACCOUNTING residential spaces, interior
Wendy Castro design and neighborhoods.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: • Jacksonville Magazine’s
SUBSCRIPTION REQUESTS / INQUIRIES Taste is an annual supple-
(800) 962-0214; mike@jacksonvillemag.com ment featuring dining
listings and menus from
CIRCULATION MANAGER Mike Romero
more than 250 First Coast
MAIL: restaurants and bars. You’re
reading it now.
1261 King St., Jacksonville, FL 32204
E-MAIL mail@jacksonvillemag.com
• Jacksonville Bride,
WEBSITE www.jacksonvillemag.com
MAIN OFFICE (904) 389-3622
Jacksonville Magazine’s
ADVERTISING (904) 389-3622 x303
special wedding magazine,
is published twice annually
Jacksonville Magazine’s Taste, 2011. Volume 6. Published an-
and is included with the
nually. All editorial contents ©2011. All rights reserved. No
part of this periodical may be reproduced without the written March and August editions
permission of the publisher. Neither the publisher nor of Jacksonville Magazine.
advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found in the
• Jacksonville Magazine’s
magazine. The publisher accepts no liability for the accuracy
of statements made by the advertisers. 904, Northeast Florida’s
Business & Executive Life
Authority is published six
• Back issues of Jacksonville Magazine, 904, Bride,
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• Subscription inquiries can be made by calling toll-free (800)
features online versions
962-0214, or by writing to us at 1261 King St., Jacksonville, FL of all our publications, a
32204, or via email: circulation@jacksonvillemag.com. calendar of events & more.
• To purchase reprints or obtain permission to reproduce
articles appearing in any White Publishing Co. publica- • The Dish is a twice-
tion, call (904) 389-3622. monthly email bulletin on
the city’s hottest events,
juicy gossip and other
ON THE COVER: Bouillabaisse with shrimp, need-to-know news.
lobster, mussels, fish, saffron broth from
‘town in Avondale. Photo by Bradley Stookey
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 let’s eat

featured menus
Frutti di mari from WHOSE MENU IS INSIDE :
ENZA’S ITALIAN
RESTAURANT AZUREA AT ONE OCEAN ....................8
MEZZA LUNA ................................10
OCEAN 60 ....................................12
AQUA GRILL ..................................16
BEACH DINER................................17
BISTRO AIX ..................................18
BLACKFINN AMERICAN GRILLE ........19
CHA CHA’S ....................................20
CHART HOUSE ..............................21
CORNER BISTRO ............................22
ENZA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT ..........23
FIONN MACCOOLS ..........................24
JULIETTE’S ..................................25
LIBRETTO’S ..................................26
MIXX ............................................27
MORTON’S, THE STEAKHOUSE..........28
SPECKLED HEN ............................29
SUITE ..........................................30
TACO LU ......................................31
WHISKY RIVER ..............................32

DISPLAY ADVERTISERS
CASBAH CAFE ..........................................2
MOJO BAR-B-Q ........................................3
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS ................................5
ALHAMBRA DINNER THEATRE ..................34
‘TOWN ................................................35
PETERBROOKE CHOCOLATIER ..................35
RAGTIME ..............................................36
PHILLY’S FINEST ....................................36
ICHIBAN ..............................................37
CRUISER’S GRILL ..................................37
TAPESTRY CAFE ....................................38
CORNER BISTRO ....................................38
CAPITAL GRILLE ....................................39
SAN SEBASTIAN WINERY ........................39
PULP ..................................................40
THREE LAYERS CAFE ..............................40
RENNA’S PIZZA ......................................41
WHITEY’S FISH CAMP ..............................41
BLACKSTONE GRILLE ..............................42
A. CHEF’S COOKING STUDIO ....................42
CASA MARINA HOTEL ..............................43
SECRET GARDEN CAFE ............................43
BUDDHA’S BELLY ..................................44
ESPETO BRAZILIAN STEAK HOUSE ............44
ZAITOON MEDITERRANEAN GRILL ..............44
THE BLUE FISH RESTAURANT ..................44
CAFFE ANDIAMO ....................................45
RIVERSIDE LIQUORS ..............................45
CORTESSÉS BISTRO ................................46
TAVERNA ..............................................46
MOON RIVER PIZZA ................................46
AUGUSTINE GRILLE & 619 OCEAN VIEW ..........50
BLUE BAMBOO ......................................99
TPC SAWGRASS ........................Back Cover

taste 2011 7
 Azurea at One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa

For a Truly Unforgettable Experience

Visit Azurea, our sleek signature restaurant well-known as the “it dining
experience” in Northeast, Florida. Featuring a breezy yet sophisticated
setting, this eclectic hot spot showcases Florida's First Coast cuisine with a
subtle tribute to the flavors of Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
Azurea’s menu changes each season, representing the latest trends and the
finest ingredients, adding a wonderfully fresh dimension to Executive Chef
Ted Peters’ cuisine. With both indoor and al fresco seating available, this
oceanfront culinary gem offers ocean views from every table creating the
perfect backdrop for your exquisite culinary experience.

Azurea at One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa One Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach | (904) 249-7402 | www.azurearestaurant.com
8 taste 2011
 FIRST COAST CUISINE

BEGINNINGS Maple Leaf Farms Duck Duo 28 Azurea

Tableside Winter Squash Bisque 8 Crispy Skin Duck Breast, Smoked Duck Spanakopita,
Crimini Mushroom Spoon Bread
at One Ocean
Asian Pear Compote, Duck Confit Purse
Azurea’s Baby Romaine Caesar Salad 8 Tellicherry Crusted Harris Ranch Resort Hotel & Spa
White Anchovy Parmesan Dressing, Toasted Natural Beef Tenderloin 30 One Ocean Boulevard
Brioche Crouton White Truffle Herb Dauphinoise, Potato Creamed Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Silver Queen Corn (904) 249-7402
Hudson Valley Duck Two-Ways 16
Seared Red Sea Salt Dusted Foie Gras, Clove SIMPLY GRILLED
Scented Brioche Bread, Duck Confit, Crisp Pancetta
and Chicken Liver Pate, Black Currant Preserve “FROM THE SEA” Hours
Warm Gorgonzola Soufflé 8 Coastal Carolina Hog Snapper 25 BREAKFAST
Orchard Coulis, Pistachio Pesto Everglades Hearts of Palm and Citrus Ceviche 7- 11am
Colorado Lamb Meatball Sampler 12 Herb Marinated Florida Mahi Mahi 25 LUNCH
South Carolina Grain Mustard Mop, Mint and Tomato and Thai Basil Vinaigrette
11:30am - 2:30pm
Stone-Fruit Chutney, Roasted Garlic and Seafood Mixed Grill 27
Preserved Lemon Aioli DINNER
Fresh Catch, Hawaiian Prawns, Diver Sea Scallop,
Cast Iron Seared Jumbo Blue Crab Cake 16 Lemon-Caper Buerre Blanc 6 - 10pm
Apple Cider Braised Collard Greens, Charred Tradewinds Caught Atlantic Cobia 25 Credit Cards
Heirloom Tomatoes, Crisp Smoked Bacon Clementine Marmalade all major credit cards
Artisanal Mixed Green Salad 10
Roasted Walnuts, Arkansas Black Apples, “FROM THE LAND” Reservations Accepted
Maple Crouton, Mulled Apple Cider Vinaigrette Bone-In Wild Boar Ribeye 36 yes
Pacific Ahi Tuna Carpaccio 14 Huckleberry Conserve Liquor
Blue Crab Meat, Ripe Mango, Piquillo Peppers, 16 oz. Bone-In Veal Chop 37 full service bar
Fresh Thai Basil, Chilled Sesame Citrus Nage Three-Peppercorn Crust, Caramelized
Shallot and Port Jus Outdoor Dining
Roasted Beet and Sweet Grass Dairy yes
Goat Cheese Salad 10 12 oz. Prime Strip 28 Day Dry Aged 38
Goat Cheese Mousse, Arugula, Walnut Vinaigrette Horseradish Mustard Butter Food Service After 11 pm
Roasted Georgian Bob White Quail 14 Mishima Ranch Wagyu yes
Apple Cornbread Stuffing, Bourbon Glaze, Beef Tenderloin (5 oz. minimum) 7 per oz.
Peppered Bacon and Vidalia Onion Relish
Banquet Facilities
Granny Smith Apple Strudel
yes
SPECIALTIES DESSERTS Catering Available
Fresh Catch 3 Ways 28 Warm Crispy Banana Bread Pudding 7 yes
Grilled with Tropical Fruit Salpicone Bronzed with Belgian White Sipping Chocolate, Nutmeg
Citrus Butter Emulsion Beignet Battered with Scented Mini Marshmallows Entertainment
Smoked Vidalia Onion Remoulade Pumpkin Cheesecake 7 no
Maine Lobster Risotto 32 Gingersnap Crust, Caramel Pecan Rum Sauce, Valet Parking
Deshelled Maine Lobster, Toasted Carnaroli Rice Vanilla Chantilly yes
Foraged Mushrooms, English Peas, Tarragon Duo of Crème Brulées 7
Hand Crafted Butternut Squash Tortellini 22 Butterscotch and Tahitian Vanilla Bean, Bitter
Spaghetti Squash, Forest Mushrooms Toasted Chocolate Wafers azurearestaurant.com
Pepita, English Peas, Grape Tomatoes, Sage Cashew Tartlet Enrobed in
Brown Butter Smooth Milk Chocolate 7
North Carolina Tangle Wood Farms Caramel Ice Cream, Salted Caramel Pouring Sauce
Chicken Breast 27 Florida Key Lime Semifreddo 7
Pecan Brioche Stuffing, Antebellum Grits with Pink Peppercorn Meringue Crumble, Roasted
Tasso Ham, Braised Brussels Sprouts Strawberry Sauce
Slow Braised Waygu Short Ribs 28 Profiteroles 7
White Truffle Parsnip Purée, Roasted Miniature Cinnamon Stick Ice Cream, Amarena Cherries,
Winter Vegetables Hot Fudge
Coriander Dusted Sea Bass 30 Warm Baked Camembert in Puff Pastry 7
Maine Lobster-Mango Gastrique, Cilantro Emulsion Cranberry Reduction, Adriatic Fig Compote,
Seared Diver Scallops 26 Toasted Marcona Almonds
Green Onion Crepe, Lump Blue Crab, House Freshly Spun Ice Creams and Sorbets 6
Smoked Bacon, Hominy, Asparagus Spears Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Tahitian Vanilla or
Hand Rolled Sweet Potato Gnocchi 26 Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream, Mango, Black Currant
Crisp Veal Sweetbreads, Parmesan Cheese or Meyer Lemon Sorbet, Crisp Almond Florentine
Pignoli, English Peas, Madeira Cream Jus Dessert Sampler for Two 12

taste 2011 9
 Mezza Luna

Fine Dining in Neptune Beach

Mezza Luna offers a mix of old world Italian cuisine and modern American
classics. The menu ranges from gourmet wood-fired pizza to nightly specials
featuring fresh local fish and seasonal game. Enjoy the busy atmosphere of
the bar or eat in the quieter surroundings of the main dining room. You might
want to venture outdoors into the beautifully landscaped patio. Wherever
you eat, choose an accompanying wine from Mezza Luna’s extensive list or
try a cocktail from the full bar. Reservations are accepted and all dishes
are available to go. Come and see why Mezza Luna is the beach’s finest
neighborhood restaurant.

Mezza Luna 110 First St., Neptune Beach | (904) 249-5573 | www.mezzalunaneptunebeach.com
10 taste 2011
 ITALIAN

Mezza Luna
110 First St.
Neptune Beach, FL 32266
(904) 249-5573

STARTERS Lasagna Bolognese 17

Hours
Chef’s Soup created daily 7 Chicken Piccata, Parmesan or Marsala 18
DINNER
Ahi Tuna Tartare 12 Veal Piccata, Parmesan or Marsala 24 5pm-close
ginger aioli & sweet soy sauce
SALADS Credit Cards
Crispy Vagabondo Calamari 10
Caesar 7 all major credit cards
lemon, basil & marinara
creamy parmesan vinaigrette & croutons Reservations Accepted
Beer Steamed Clams bacon & tomatoes 13
Grilled Pear Salad 8 yes
Duck Breast Confit 12
gorgonzola, spiced pecans & raspberry vinaigrette
truffle potatoes, caramelized onions & red wine Liquor
House Salad 7 full service bar
Parmesan Risotto Shrimp 12
greens, grape tomato, carrots, balsamic vinaigrette,
charred corn & smoked tomato broth Outdoor Dining
freshly grated parmesan
Almond Fried Brie 11 yes
Mozzarella Caprese 9
baby arugula, fresh cranberry & walnut vinaigrette
house made mozzarella, tomatoes & basil Food Service After 11 pm
Steamed Mussels 11 add prosciutto 12 no
roasted tomatoes & fennel broth
Tuna Nicoise 9 Banquet Facilities
Surf and Turf 13 white anchovy, tomato, frisse & roasted garlic aioli yes
braised short rib, seared scallop, banana peppers
relish & blackberry coulis Pickled Beet & Goat Cheese 8 Catering Available
roasted pecans, orange segments & crispy onions
Escargot 9 yes
bacon lardons, red wine & puff pastry CREATE YOUR OWN PASTA Entertainment
Cheese Plate 9 Pasta 12 yes
fettuccini, meat tortellini, angel hair, penne, linguine
ENTRÉES or whole wheat spaghetti
Valet Parking
yes
Ossobucco 26 Sauces
truffled cauliflower purée, baby carrots & lemon
(fri. & sat.)
marinara, rosato, alfredo, roasted tomato, bolognese
pinenut gremolata Special Features
or garlic & oil
Roasted Duck Leg 22 Additions MUSICAL
braised white beans, caramelized cipolini sauce HAPPY HOUR
shrimp, chicken, clams, mussels, meatballs,
Filet Mignon 29 calamari or primavera 5 Join us in the bar
truffled mash, wild mushrooms, bacon, red wine & Scallops 3 each Tuesday & Thursday
haricots verts 6-8pm
Fresh Catch 10
Grilled Flatiron Steak 23
balsamic roasted shallots & herbed pomme frites WOOD FIRED PIZZA mezzalunaneptunebeach.com
Mustard Tarragon Glazed Salmon 23 The Greek 16
roasted beet vinaigrette, sweet potato, prosciutto feta, spinach, tomatoes, mozzarella & olives
Pan Seared Grouper 26 Prosciutto 17
spinach, shallot-balsamic confit, smokey blue cheese mozzarella, fontina, caramelized onions & roma
& pepperonata tomatoes
Fennel Dusted Sea Bass 29 Traditional 15
vegetable ragout, fresh herbs, sweet peppers choice of: pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions,
olives or tomatoes
Grilled Harris Ranch Pork Chop 26
lemon risotto, caper-sage butter (White) Four Cheese 15
Scallops Charleston 26 mozzarella, fontina, parmesan & asiago
sherry, gruyere, mushrooms, saffron rice & asparagus Wild Mushroom 17
Crispy Skin Red Snapper 27 white truffle essence
sweet pea purée, mascarpone-chive potato cake, Blackened Chicken 16
sundried tomato-olive vinaigrette apples, goat cheese black mission fig sauce

Menu is subject to change seasonally

taste 2011 11
 Ocean 60

Fine Dining With Casual Elegance & Tropical Inspired Cuisine

Ocean 60 is chef owned & operated by Chef Daniel Groshell who graduated from the Culinary
Institute of America In Hyde Park, New York. His wife, Mariela Groshell, is the events coordinator
& business manager. Ocean 60 was established in 2001 and is currently celebrating it’s 10 YEAR
ANNIVERSARY in the quaint community of Altantic Beach. Chef Daniel takes French classical tech-
niques and combines them with different cultural inspirations from Latin to European and Asian to
provide a fusion of delectable flavors. Ocean 60 has a main dining room & wine bar which is best
suited for a more intimate dinner experience. Guests can also dine in our “Martini Room” which has
a more casual, lounge feel and has a full bar which specializes in over 25 martini selections. The
Martini Room has live music Thursday -Saturday Ocean 60 will be offering a new menu for the
Spring season including our Ocean 60 “Bocas,” our version of tapas. We are located directly across
from One Ocean Resort, formerly the Sea Turtle Inn.

Ocean 60 60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach (across from One Ocean) | (904) 247-0060 | www.ocean60.com
12 taste 2011
 CONTINENTAL

Ocean 60
Restaurant & Wine Bar & Martini Room 60 Ocean Blvd.
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
SALADS Specialty Soups Du Jour $6 (904) 247-0060
• Roasted Cauliflower Bisque Infused With
Ocean 60 Waldorf $6
Bacon & Onions
Romaine Lettuce Topped With Candied Nuts, Diced
Apples, Bell Peppers, Celery, Green Onions, Carrots,
• Cream of Mushroom Infused With Sherry, Hours
Shitakes & Green Onions DINNER
Dried Cranberries & Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
Sundried Tomato & Bacon Caesar $6 ENTRÉES 4pm to close
Chopped Romaine Tossed In Our House Sundried Vegetable Stuffed Mushrooms Credit Cards
Tomato Caesar Dressing, Bacon Crumbles, Garlic Florentine $13 all major credit cards
Croutons & Parmesan Cheese
Oven Roasted Stuffed Mushrooms With Seasonal
Smoked Grouper Salad $8 Vegetables Served With Wild Mushroom Medley &
Reservations Accepted
House Smoked Grey Grouper Served Over Charred Wilted Spinach Over Florentine Cream recommended
Vegetables & Citrus Mixed Greens Topped With Ocean 60 Grilled Meatloaf $15 Liquor
Candied Pecans & Shaved Asiago Cheese full service bar
Chorizo & Beef Meatloaf Served Over A Dijon,
APPETIZERS Bacon Whipped Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables
Outdoor Dining
& Caramelized Onion Demi Glace
Ocean 60 Shrimp Ceviche Martini $8 yes
Citrus Marinated Royal Red Shrimp In Fresh Citrus Pan Steamed Ricotta Ravioli & Crab $18
With Scallions, Red Onions & Bell Peppers Served Pan Steamed Ricotta Stuffed Ravioli Topped With Food Service After 11 pm
With Calypso Dusted Tortilla Chips Jumbo Lump Crab Meat In A Light White Wine, yes
Parmesan Broth
Artichoke & Wild Mushroom Bruschette $9 Banquet Facilities
Sautéed Artichoke Hearts & Wild Mushrooms Over Seared Pork Chops $19 no
Grilled Focaccia Crostini With A Sundried Tomato, Topped With Wild Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions
Sherry Cream, Crumbled Goat Cheese & & A Sherry Mushroom Cream Served Over Garlic Catering Available
Balsamic Drizzle Whipped Potatoes & Seasonal Vegetables yes
Grilled Chicken Spring Rolls $10 Duck Duo $21 Entertainment
Grilled Chicken, Spinach, Caramelized Onions & Seared Duck Breast Served Sliced & Medium Rare yes
Goat Cheese In A Crispy Spring Roll Served With Served Over A Duck Sausage Sweet Potato Hash
A Red Curry & Garlic Aioli & Citrus Mixed Greens & Finished With Blueberry Infused Demi Glace Valet Parking
Grilled Salmon $24 no
Asian Style Oysters $10
Panko Crusted Fried Oysters Served Over A Miso Grilled Salmon Topped With A Kiwi & Crab Relish Special Features
Bok Choy Salad & Ginger Ponzu Served Over A Honey & Herb Infused Couscous &
Prix Fixe Menu 4-6pm
Sauce Beurre Blanc
Pan Steamed Prince Edward Wine Tasting Every
Island Mussels $12 Pan Asian Grouper & Shrimp $25 Monday Night at 6 pm
With White Wine, Fresh Herbs, Tomato, Spanish Sesame Seared Scamp Grouper With Braised Bok
Choy, Black Tea Infused Jasmine Rice With A Duo Happy Hour
Chorizo, Lemon & Parmesan Cheese Daily 4-7:30pm
of Citrus Fondue & Ginger Soy Glace & Topped
Beef & Portabella Tower $12 With Crispy Wild Mushrooms Featuring
Grilled Portabella Topped With Caramelized Onions, Half-Price Martinis
Tomato, Blue Cheese & Beef Finished With Marsala
Snapper & Lobster Panzanella $25
Genuine Red Snapper Served With Lobster Meat Live Music
Demi Glace Thursday-Saturday
Over A Rustic Style Bread Salad of Crisp Diced
Crab Cakes $13 Bread, Greek Olives, Artichokes, Red Peppers &
Sautéed Lump Blue Crab Cakes With Citrus Greens Feta Finished With Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette
Over A Roasted Tomato & Bacon Remoulade ocean60.com
Rack of Lamb $27
Bronzed Diver Scallops $13 Grilled Rack of Lamb Served With A Twice Baked
Fresh Diver Scallops Served Tomato Salsa Fresca, Blue Cheese Stuffed Potato, Seasonal Vegetables
Crisp Plantains Finished With A Chimichurri & A Mint Infused Demi Glace
Beurre Blanc
Grilled Filet Mignon $28
Goat Cheese Spadini & Shrimp $13 Filet Mignon Topped With Charred Wild Mushrooms,
Chevre Cheese Baked With Artichokes, Roasted Caramelized Onions & Blue Cheese Served With
Peppers, Caramelized Onions & Basil Pesto Topped Crab Mac & Cheese Whole Wheat Penne
With Grilled Shrimp & Served With House Made Finished With Brandy Mushroom Cream Sauce
Tortilla Chips
Ocean 60 Mezze Platter $16
Artisan Cheese Sampler & Roasted Cured Meats
Served With House Made Spreads Served With
Calypso Dusted Tortilla Strips
Menu Changes Seasonally & Chef's Specials Are Created Nightly
taste 2011 13
Danny Groshell, Ocean 60 Tim Cacia, TPC Sawgrass TEAM BEACHES David Medure, Restaurant Medure Ted Peters, Azurea

In the spirit of culinary challenge TV shows like Iron Chef, the inaugural competition will feature eight of the city's
top chefs battling it out in the kitchen to see who will be named the 2011 Great Chefs of Jacksonville, hosted by
Jacksonville Magazine and TPC Sawgrass. Two teams of four chefs will serve dueling four-course dinners
highlighting the evening's theme “Florida Seafood.”
 150 Guests 4 Courses
8 CHEFS 2 Teams
WHO WILL PREVAIL?

Tom Gray, Bistro Aix Dennis Chan, Blue Bamboo TEAM CITY Scott Ostrander, 'town Matthew Medure, Matthew’s

Members of each team will work together to produce a series of dishes that will be scored by an invited panel, as
well as the night's patrons. More than just a gourmet tasting event, Great Chefs is a true competition, complete
with a coveted trophy and bragging rights. Seating is limited.

Doors open at 7 PM • Tickets available at JacksonvilleMag.com • (904) 389-3622

ECLECTIC AMERICAN

Aqua Grill
950 Sawgrass Village
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
32082
(904) 285-3017 SPECIAL APPETIZERS CHEF’S NIGHTLY SELECTIONS
Seared Caramelized Scallops 10 Seared Mahi-Mahi Rizzo 27
Hours Thai basil & sun-dried tomato hollandaise, potato Roasted tomato & fresh basil beurre blanc, fresh
pancakes & micro green salad. crabmeat, seared jumbo shrimp, grilled asparagus,
LUNCH roasted onion & garlic whipped potatoes.
Monday - Saturday Panko Crusted Fried Green Tomatoes 9
11:30am - 2:30pm Blue crab & roasted corn remoulade, garnished Maple Seared Alaskan Salmon 24
with Creole grilled shrimp & crispy Applewood With sesame-seared asparagus, pommes
DINNER
bacon. gaufrette, lump crabmeat & a light wasabi foam.
Sunday -Thursday
5pm - 9:30pm Fresh Littleneck Clams Baked St. Augustine
Friday -Saturday “New Orleans” 9 Grey Grouper 26
5pm - 10:30pm Baked in a cast-iron skillet with andouille sausage, Crabmeat, pancetta, shrimp and crawfish Ritz
red peppers, sweet onions, black-eyed peas & cracker stuffing, New Orleans lemon & garlic sauce,
BAR
tomatoes in a Creole meuniere sauce. with a roasted red pepper & andouille risotto.
Daily 11:30am - 1am
Credit Cards SOUPS & SALADS Veal Cutlet Parmesan 22
Fresh plum tomato sauce, garden herbs, mozzarella
all major credit cards Special Crab Salad 8 & parmesan cheeses with fettuccine carbonara.
Reservations Accepted Mixed lettuces, heart of palm, avocado, fresh
crabmeat, red onions & diced tomatoes tossed
First Coast Triggerfish Pesada 27
yes
in a creamy lemon-dill dressing. Romano-fresh herb breaded, topped with lemon
Liquor herb butter & served with fresh rock shrimp,
full service bar Hydroponic Arugula Salad 8 roasted red peppers & scallions over vegetable
Candied walnuts, fresh berries, grapes, Vidalia primavera pasta.
Outdoor Dining onions, goat cheese & raspberry vinaigrette.
yes Don Ho’s Ahi Tuna 24
Seafood Chowder 6 Seared until medium rare in a Macadamia nut
Food Service After 11 pm A tasty combination of blue crabmeat, shrimp crust with mango Chinese mustard, butter, shrimp,
no & scallops with a lobster fumet for an award- char sui pork & pineapple fried rice.
winning delight.
Banquet Facilities Bang-Bang Mayport Flounder 24
yes HOUSE CLASSICS Almond & fresh herb-crusted with Thai chili sauce
& vegetable primavera pad Thai.
Catering Available Broiled Combo 24
no Broiled fresh catch filet, fresh jumbo shrimp & day Eggplant Parmesan “To Die For” 18
boat scallops cooked with house seasonings, fresh Fresh plum tomato sauce, three-cheese blend
Entertainment with sautéed house-seasoned egg linguine.
lemon butter & white wine. Served with a fresh
no
garden herb rice pilaf. Roast Rack of New Zealand Lamb 26
Valet Parking Grilled Aged Filet Mignon 29 Dijon herb-crusted, Markham merlot jus lie,
no rosemary whipped potatoes & sautéed asparagus.
Wild mushroom bordelaise, sautéed baby spinach
Special Features & braised red cabbage. Served with an overstuffed Grilled Chicken & Pasta 19
twice-baked potato.
A Ponte Vedra favorite Citrus marinated boneless breast of chicken
for 22 years. “Kalbi Jim” Korean Braised sautéed with Portobello mushrooms, spinach,
Private banquet room Short Ribs of Beef 24 whole roasted garlic cloves, sun-dried tomatoes,
and a popular local bar Traditional rich flavorful stew of short ribs with roasted red peppers & homemade Italian sausage.
with large screen TVs. Asian pears, potatoes & fresh vegetables. Tossed in white wine butter over egg fettuccine.
Crispy Fried Seafood Platter 24 Vegetarian Delight 18
Panko fried fresh fish, homemade crab cake, Wasabi-crusted organic tofu, horseradish aioli,
aquagrill.net fresh sea scallops & jumbo shrimp. Served with three-pepper jam, Caribbean red beans &
our special hand-cut French fries & coleslaw. saffron rice, sweet potato purée & wok-seared
baby bok choy.
Double House Brined–All Natural–
Bone-in Pork Chops 22
Stuffed with a walnut, roasted red pepper pesto
in a bordelaise sauce. Served with summer squash
casserole & potatoes au gratin.

16 taste 2011
 AMERICAN

Beach Diner
501 Atlantic Blvd.
OUR BREAKFAST SPECIALS 96 with bacon or sausage links 8.59 Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Served with choice of white, whole wheat, rye- 92 French Toast Short Stack 7.59 (904) 249-6500
pumpernickel toast or English muffin, grits or hash with two eggs (any style).
browns or fruit (onions or cheese .25¢ extra) 93 Grilled Fresh Salmon 9.89 11362 San Jose Blvd.
1 Two Eggs 5.59 2 eggs any style, hash browns, grits or fruit, & toast Jacksonville, FL 32223
2 with Bacon or Sausage Links 6.89 94 Eggs on the ‘Bayou’ (single) 7.89 (904) 683-0079
3 with 1/4 lb Spicy Country Sausage 7.89 95 . . . . (double) 9.39
4 with Sugar-Cured Country Ham 7.99 Poached eggs on grilled English muffins topped with 880 A1A N., Ste. 2
5 with Pork Chops (1) 7.99 (2) 9.99 bacon, crabmeat, Hollandaise sauce, diced tomatoes Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
6 The Sunrise Special (6 – 8AM) 4.95 & green onions. Served with hash browns, grits or fruit. 32082
Two eggs, any style, bacon (2) or sausage links (2), ETCETERA (904) 273-6545
grits, hash browns, or fruit, toast or English muffin.
Short Stack & 2 Eggs 7.59
PANCAKES With Warm Maple Syrup Toast 1.79
7 Buttermilk Pancakes 6.29 Grits 1.69
Hours
8 with bacon (3) or sausage links (2) 7.59 with Cheese 1.89 BREAKFAST & LUNCH
9 Blueberry Pancakes 7.29 Hash Browns 2.19 Monday-Sunday
10 with bacon (3) or sausage links (2) 8.19 Bacon (4) or Sausage Links (2) 2.99 6am-2:30pm
11 Pecan Pancakes 7.29 Corned Beef Hash 3.99
12 with bacon (3) or sausage links (2) 8.19 Credit Cards
Canadian Bacon 3.99
all major credit cards
OMELETTES Sugar Cured Country Ham 4.59
Three egg omelette with choice of hash browns, Country Sausage 3.79 Reservations Accepted
fruit, or grits & toast or English muffin. English Muffin 1.79 no
13 Cheddar Cheese 7.89 Bagel 2.09
14 Cheese & Ham 7.89 with Cream Cheese 2.39 Outdoor Dining
15 Western 8.89 Cereal with Milk 2.99 yes
16 Mexican 8.89 Oatmeal, Brown Sugar & Raisins 2.99 Food Service After 11 pm
BUBBA SPECIALS Fresh Fruit 3.49 no
17 Mama Helen’s Fried Chicken Fingers 8.99 OUR SENSATIONAL SALADS Banquet Facilities
With two eggs (any style), hash browns, grits, or fruit, 31 Tossed Shrimp & Crabmeat Salad 9.89
toast or English muffin. yes
32 Chef’s Salad 9.29
18 The Ultimate 8.59 Catering Available
33 Chicken Salad 8.89
Two eggs (any style) with hash browns topped with
cheese, grits, (2) pancakes, bacon & sausage links. 34 Salad Sampler 9.29 yes
35 Caesar Salad 6.29
19 Fish-n-Grits 8.99 Entertainment
Deep-fried fresh Mississippi catfish (no bones!), two 36 Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad 9.29
no
eggs (any style), cheese grits, toast or English muffin. 37 Shrimp Caesar Salad 9.89
195 Steak & Eggs with Buttermilk Pancakes 9.99 Valet Parking
8 oz strip sirloin, choice of eggs, one side & pancakes. HOT OFF THE GRILL
With dill pickle & French fries or fresh fruit or potato salad no
OUR HOUSE FAVORITES 38 Classic Beach Burger 7.99 Special Features
20 Belgian Waffle with warm maple syrup 7.29 39 Open Face Chicken Finger Sandwich 7.99 Daily Specials
21 with strawberries 7.79 40 Traditional Reuben 7.99
Monday-Friday
22 Traditional French Toast 7.59 41 Turkey Reuben 7.99
23 with strawberries or blueberries 7.99 42 Deep-Fried Mississippi Catfish Sandwich 8.99
97 with bacon or sausage link 8.89
24 Corned Beef Hash with grilled onions 8.59
43 Grilled Bacon, Cheddar Cheese & Tomato 7.79 beachdiner.com
44 Patty Melt 7.99
25 Traditional Eggs Benedict (single) 7.09 45 Tuna Melt 7.99
26 Traditional Eggs Benedict (double) 8.09 46 Grilled Triple Cheese 6.99
27 Garden Omelette 8.89
28 The A.M. Rider 7.59 OUR SANDWICH FAVORITES
Two eggs, scrambled, with melted cheese, ham, peppers, With dill pickle & fresh fruit or potato salad or French fries.
onions & mushrooms in pita bread, with fresh fruit, or 47 Tasty Tomato & Sprout Sandwich 6.99
grits, or hash browns. 48 House Special 7.99
29 Toasted Bagel Sandwich 7.59 49 The Garden Pita 7.99
30 “An Old Favorite” 5.79 50 The B.E.T. Rider or (B.L.T) 7.99
Fried egg sandwich on whole wheat toast with lettuce 51 Tuna & Tabouli 8.49
& tomato, with fresh fruit, or grits, or hash browns. 52 Chunky Chicken Melt 8.49
Add bacon or sausage .69
53 Cordon Bleu 8.49
SOME NEW FAVORITES 54 Smothered Beef 8.49
90 Shrimp & Crab Omelette 9.89 55 Ultimate Turkey or (Club Sandwich) 8.49
91 Chocolate Chip Pancakes 7.29 56 Garlic Shrimp Rider 8.49

taste 2011 17
 FRENCH/MEDITERRANEAN

Bistro Aix
1440 San Marco Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 398-1949
LUNCH MENU DINNER MENU
LUNCH COMBINATIONS APPETIZERS
Includes tropical iced tea or fountain soda. Crispy Chips 5.5 / 9
Hours
Salad & Soup House-made potato chips with warm blue cheese.
LUNCH
Monday - Friday Half Sandwich & Bowl of Soup Organic Beets 11
11am - 2:30pm With red, black & green lentils in creamy truffle
Café Menu 2:30pm - 5pm SOUPS & SALADS vinaigrette.
Creamy French Onion Soup 4.5 / 7
DINNER SOUPS & SALADS
Monday -Thursday Our signature version of this well-loved classic.
5- 10pm Smoked Tomato Soup 4.5 / 7
Hobbs’ Prosciutto & Topped with crème fraîche & chives.
Friday -Saturday Goat Cheese Salad 7/ 12
5- 11pm With mixed greens, tossed in a fig balsamic Baby Spinach 6.5 / 11
vinaigrette. With pears, candied walnuts & house-made blue
Sunday 5- 9pm
cheese dressing.
Crispy Calamari Salad 13
Credit Cards
all major credit cards
With red onion, grape tomatoes & shaved WOOD-FIRED PIZZAS
cheese in lemon-herb vinaigrette.
Reservations Accepted House-Made Spicy Sausage 15
“Aixoise Salad” 12/13 With carmelized onions, tomatoes & spicy harissa.
yes Julienned vegetables & lime-peanut dressing
Liquor with roasted chicken or calamari. Mushroom & Fontina 14
With purée of mushrooms, chives & white truffle oil.
full service bar Quiche du Jour 12
HAPPY HOUR Served with mixed greeds or Caesar salad. FISH, MEAT, PASTA & POULTRY
Monday-Friday
4-7pm
SANDWICHES, BURGERS & PLATES Risotto 14/ 20
*Served with house-made potato chips With house-made duck confit, scallions, organic
Outdoor Dining & mixed green salad butternut squash & pumpkin seeds.
yes House-Made Tagliatelle 13/ 19
The AIX Burger 14
Shrimp in light tomato-cream sauce with fresh
Food Service After 11 pm Juicy grilled half-pound domestic Kobe beef
with French fries. herbs & Parmigiano-Reggiano.
no
*Italian Press Sandwich 11.5 Steak Frites 22
Banquet Facilities Bistro “Onglet” steak with green beans, red wine
yes Turkey, ham & salami with provolone, Dijon &
a sweet pepper relish on a baguette.
shallot sauce & French fries.
Catering Available Lock Duart Salmon 29
Blue Hill Bay Mussels 19
yes On arugula, sweet peppers, pickled onions, goat
Steamed in white wine, thyme & garlic with
cheese, mustard & potatoes.
Entertainment saffron aioli. Served with French fries.
no Pasta du Jour 10/17 Eden Farms Berkshire Pork Loin 26
Over truffled spaghetti squash, Brussels sprouts &
Valet Parking Featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.
porcini jus.
no Oak-Fired Fish “Aixoise” 16
Montana Ranch Filet Mignon 36
Special Features With basil potatoes & a tomato, olive & artichoke-
On green beans, shallot sauce, Stilton blue cheese
beurre blanc.
James Beard Award & au gratin potatoes.
Semi-finalist *Grilled Cheese Sandwich 9.5
Ashley Farms Duck Breast 26
With fresh tomato, cheddar, provolone & mozzarella
Emphasis on organic, With mushroom bread pudding, local baby broccoli
on brioche.
local & sustainable & creamy garlic.
ingredients.
Jacksonville Magazine
DESSERT
Top 25 Restaurant
1999 - 2010 Warm Belgian Chocolate Cake 7 Classic Crème Brûlée 7
With chocolate sauce & sweet cream.
Profiteroles 7
BistroX.com Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding 7 Mini cream puffs filled with vanilla bean ice cream
With a warm chocolate center & sweet cream. & topped with white chocolate & caramel sauces.

Please inquire about vegan, vegetarian, allergy and gluten-free menu accommodations.

18 taste 2011
 AMERICAN

STARTERS SEAFOOD & PASTA

BlackFinn
Ying-Yang Shrimp 10.99 Hong Kong Style Chilean Sea Bass 24.99
American Grille
Fried crisp and tossed in the perfect blend of sweet Asian spices, coconut curry rice cade, soy sauce, The Markets at Town Center
and spicy Asian sauce. sautéed spinach. 4840 Big Island Dr.
Seared Ahi Tuna 12.99 Shrimp & Grits 19.99 Jacksonville, FL 32246
Sushi grade, garlic and pepper crust, seaweed salad, Cajun shrimp, andouille sausage, goat cheese grit cakes, (904) 345-3466
pickled ginger, wasabi, soy sauce. tasso cream.
Spinach & Artichoke Dip 9.99 Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes 19.99
Mediterranean Platter 7.99 Roasted Vegetable Pasta 14.99
Hours
Hummus, seasoned flatbread, roasted tomato feta dip, Whole wheat spaghetti, balsamic portobello, roasted LUNCH
Greek olives, cherry peppers, artichoke hearts. tomatoes and spinach tossed in olive oil and garlic. Every Day 11am-5pm
BlackFinn Crab Tower 14.99 Spinach & Feta Pasta 14.99 DINNER
Chilled jumbo lump crab salad, coconut curry rice cake, Penne, fresh spinach, feta, toasted pine nuts, roasted Sunday-Thursday
wakame, tobiko, miso vinaigrette. tomatoes, lemon sauce. 5-11pm
Crispy Calamari 10.99 Chicken & Broccoli Tortellini 15.99 Friday & Saturday
Blackened Brie 7.99 Lime Seared Salmon 17.99 5pm-midnight
Roasted corn and black bean pico de gallo, rice pilaf,
FLATBREADS fresh steamed asparagus.
BRUNCH
Fresh toppings served on Mediterranean lavosh. Sunday 11am-4pm
Iron Skillet Macaroni & Cheese • Surf or Turf
Roasted Vegetable 9.99 Specialty blend of cheeses, bacon, tomatoes, cavatappi LATE NIGHT
Sausage & Pepperoni 9.99 pasta, toasted bread crumbs. A late night menu is
Shrimp & Pesto 11.99 Surf with lobster 18.99 served until closing
Margherita 9.99 Turf with bbq pulled pork 13.99 after dinner hours.
Rosemary Shrimp Skewers 18.99 Credit Cards
SANDWICHES Shrimp on rosemary skewer, fresh vegetable kabobs,
BlackFinn uses only choice certified angus beef. all major credit cards
rice pilaf.
Sandwiches are served with French Fries.
Reservations Accepted
Balboa 11.99 CHICKEN & CHOPS
yes
Shaved prime rib, mozzarella, toasted hoagie bun, au jus. Low Country Pork Chop 16.99
Blackened Chicken 8.99 Sweet potato mash, apple chutney, collard greens. Liquor
Creamy peppercorn dressing, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, Queen City Chicken 14.99 full service bar
onion, ciabatta roll. Bacon-crusted chicken stuffed with sweet sausage Outdoor Dining
Saloon Burger 9.99 with sweet potato mash, fresh asparagus.
yes
Half lb of certified angus beef, sautéed mushrooms, Lemon Chicken 13.99
caramelized onions, swiss, bacon, lettuce, tomato, Boneless skinless cutlets, capers, lemon sauce, rice Food Service After 11 pm
onion, kaiser roll. pilaf, fresh spinach. yes
The Classic Burger 9.99 Roasted Lamb Chops 21.99
Half lb of certified angus beef with your choice of
Banquet Facilities
Balsamic glaze, sweet potato hash, steamed broccoli.
accompaniments, kaiser roll. yes
Ahi Tuna 11.99 SALADS Catering Available
Sushi grade, wasabi mayo, lettuce, tomato, ciabatta roll. Ranch Chicken 9.99 yes
Crab Cake 13.99 Mixed greens, roasted corn and black bean pico de
Roasted tomato, apple slaw, remoulade, garlic bread. gallo, southwest chicken tenders, crispy tortilla strips, Entertainment
cheddar jack, campfire ranch. yes
BEEF Goat Cheese, Strawberry & Pecan 8.99
We offer the finest USDA choice cut steak selections.
Valet Parking
Field greens, sesame crusted goat cheese, strawberries,
dried cherries, spiced pecans, strawberry poppy seed
yes
Filet Mignon 27.99
8 oz. cut, hotel butter, garlic mashed potatoes, dressing. Special Features
steamed broccoli. The Steakhouse 14.99 live music on the patio
Herb Rubbed Campfire Steak 28.99 Field greens, romaine, grilled prime rib, roasted roma
16 oz. ribeye, dry herb rubbed, garlic mashed potatoes, tomatoes, bleu cheese crumbles, roasted peppers,
maple glazed carrots. balsamic vinaigrette, crispy onion strings. blackfinnamericangrille.com
First Cut Ribeye 27.99 Chopped 8.99
16 oz. cut, sweet potato mash, fresh steamed asparagus. Ahi Tuna 12.99
Steak Frites American 23.99 Spinach 8.99
12 oz. grilled ribeye, cilantro butter, broiled bleu cheese BlackFinn House 6.99
tomato, truffle fries.
Traditional Caesar 6.99
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf 14.99
Slow roasted, sweet potato mash, collard greens, Mixed Greens 6.99
honey chipotle ketchup. The Wedge 6.99

taste 2011 19
MEXICAN

Cha Cha’s
9551 Baymeadows Rd. APPETIZERS 20.One Chile Relleno, One Taco,
Jacksonville, FL 32256 Nachos Order / with Cheese Only $4.99 Spanish Rice & Refried Beans $7.95
(904) 737-9903 Nachos with Beans / add Beef $5.99 / $6.25 21. One Taco, One Burrito & One Chalupa $7.95
Nacho Con Carne $6.25 22. One Burrito, One Chile Relleno
Cheese Dip / Cheese & Bean Dip $3.25 & One Taco $7.95
Hours Quesadillas (one) $2.75 23. One Taco, One Beef Burrito,
Monday - Saturday Guacamole Dip / Guacamole Salad $2.50 Spanish Rice & Refried Beans $7.95
11am- 10pm 24. One Chile Relleno, One Beef Burrito
SPECIALS & Spanish Rice $7.95
Credit Cards Special Dinner $9.99 25. One Chalupa, One Taco & One Tostada $7.95
all major credit cards Chalupa with guacamole, 1 chile relleno, 1 beef taco, 24. Make Your Own Combo Dinner
1 enchilada, 1 tamale, Spanish rice & refried beans. Choose any 3 items $8.25
Reservations Accepted A. Burrito Special $5.75
no One beef burrito with sauce, topped with cheese, Especialidades de la Casa
lettuce & sour cream. Tacos de Carne Asada $9.99
Liquor B. One Chicken Burrito & Refried beans, tomatillo sauce & pico de gallo,
full service bar One Chicken Enchilada $6.99 flour or corn tortillas.
Outdoor Dining Topped with lettuce & sour cream. Acapulco Special $7.20
C. Taquitos (3) $6.99 Includes tamale, con queso, 2 taquitos (chicken &
no
Rolled corn tortillas stuffed with beef or chicken. beef), 4 nachos with cheese, lettuce, tomato, rice,
Food Service After 11 pm Served with lettuce, guacamole & sour cream. sour cream & beans.
no Chalupa Texana $5.50
COMBINATION DINNERS Beef or chicken, or beans with lettuce, cheese,
Banquet Facilities (No Substitutions) guacamole & sour cream.
no 1. One Taco, Two Enchiladas Carnitas Dinner $10.50
& Spanish Rice $7.65 Pork tips, rice, beans & salad. Served with tortillas.
Catering Available 2. One Taco, One Enchilada Beef Steak Ranchero $10.99
no & One Chalupa $7.65 Beef steak with red sauce on top, rice & beans.
3. One Enchilada, One Taco & One Served with tortillas.
Entertainment
Chile Relleno $7.65 Beef Steak a la Tampiquena $10.99
no
4. Two Tacos, One Enchilada & Chili With rice, beans & salad. Served with tortillas.
Valet Parking Con Queso $7.65 Special el Presidente $10.99
no 5. Two Beef Enchiladas, Spanish Rice Beef steak topped with cooked onions, tomatoes,
& Refried Beans $7.65 rice, beans & bell peppers. Served with tortillas.
6. One Beef Enchilada, One Taco, Chilaquiles Mexicanos $7.25
????.com Spanish Rice & Refried Beans $7.65 A corn tortilla stuffed with chunks of chicken cooked
with our special sauce. Served with rice & salad.
7. One Enchilada, Chile Relleno,
Spanish Rice & Refried Beans $7.65 Beef Fajitas $10.75
Strips of beef cooked with tomatoes, onions &
8. One Enchilada, One Tamale, bell peppers. Served with rice, beans & salad.
Spanish Rice & Refried Beans $7.65
Chicken Fajitas $10.75
9. One Beef Enchilada, One Chalupa
& Spanish Rice $7.65 Homemade Mexican Chile with Beans $4.25
10. Two Beef Tacos, Spanish Rice Quesadilla Rellenas $6.50
& Refried Beans $7.65 A flour tortilla grilled & stuffed with cheese, chopped
beef & refried beans. Served with lettuce, tomatoes,
11. One Beef Burrito, One Taco sour cream & guacamole.
& One Enchilada $7.65 Taco Loco $5.99
12. One Chalupa, One Chile Relleno A flour tortilla filled with pieces of chicken, lettuce,
& Refried Beans $7.65 tomatoes, grated cheese & sour cream.
13. One Enchilada, One Beef Burrito Chimichanga $6.75
& Chile Relleno $7.65 Chunks of beef & refried beans wrapped up in a flour
14. One Taco, One Chile Relleno tortilla then topped with cheese. Garnished with a
& One Chalupa $7.95 guacamole salad & sour cream.
15. One Beef Burrito, One Enchilada Nacho Special $6.99
& One Tamale $7.95 Cheese nachos with ground beef, chopped chicken,
refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes & sour cream.
16. One Chalupa, One Chile Relleno
& One Beef Burrito $7.95 Enchiladas del Rancho $6.50
Two cheese enchiladas topped with pork, cooked with
17. One Burrito, One Enchilada tomatoes, onions & bell peppers & enchilada sauce.
Spanish Rice & Refried Beans $7.95 Served with salad.
18. One Chalupa, One Chile Relleno Burrito Mexicano $5.75
& One Enchilada $7.95 A flour tortilla stuffed with pork, cooked with tomatoes,
19. One Chalupa, One Beef Burrito onions & bell peppers. Topped with nacho cheese,
& One Enchilada $7.95 lettuce, tomatoes & guacamole.

20 taste 2011
 SEAFOOD & STEAKHOUSE

Chart House
1501 Riverplace Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
APPETIZERS SHRIMP & SEAFOOD (904) 398-3353
Oysters on the Half Shell 10.99 Coconut Crunchy Shrimp 23.99
Dynamite Scallops 13.99 Shrimp Fresca 28.99
Hours
East Meets West Tuna 15.99 Shrimp Trio Platter 26.99
Sunday -Thursday
Oysters Rockefeller 13.99 Baked Stuffed Shrimp 25.99
4:30- 10pm
Shrimp Cocktail 12.99 Pan Seared Sea Scallops 26.99
Friday & Saturday
Calamari & Friends 12.99 Chart House Mixed Grill 28.99
4:30- 11pm
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms 11.99 PRIME RIB, STEAKS & CHICKEN
Fried Asparagus 8.99 Credit Cards
Prime Rib – Chart House Cut 24.99 all major credit cards
Coconut Crunchy Shrimp 10.99 New York Strip (14oz.) 31.99
Hummus Trio 7.99 Reservations Accepted
Tenderloin Medallions 26.99
Jumbo Lump Crab Cake 14.99 recommended
Filet Mignon 28.99
Crab, Avocado & Mango Stack 14.99 Filet (6oz.) & Shrimp 29.99 Liquor
Lobster & Shrimp Spring Rolls 12.99 Filet (6oz.) & Cold Water Lobster Tail 44.99 full service bar

SOUPS & SALADS New Wave Surf & Turf 30.99 Outdoor Dining
Fork tender short ribs with Cabernet demi-glace no
Lobster Bisque 7.99
paired with seared scallops in a ginger soy sauce,
Clam Chowder 6.99 served with Yudon Gold mashed potatoes. Food Service After 11 pm
Gazpacho 6.99 Chicken Romano 19.99 no
Best of Soup 7.99 Pan seared with a blend of Romano cheese & panko Banquet Facilities
Chopped Spinach Salad 7.99 bread crumbs, with lemon shallot butter & tomatoes. banquet area available
Caesar Salad 6.99 CRAB & LOBSTER Catering Available
Chart House Chopped Salad 6.25 Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes 28.99 yes
Beefsteak Tomato Salad 7.99 Alaskan King Crab 45.99 Entertainment
Chart House Salad Bar 15.99 Cold Water Lobster Tail (7oz.) 31.99 no
Dungeness Crab Clusters 26.99
TODAY’S FRESH FISH SELECTION Valet Parking
We serve only the freshest fish available each day. SIGNATURE TOPPINGS yes
Any of these fish may be prepared to your liking: Dynamite Topping 7.50
grilled, baked or blackened. Served with seasonal Crab crusted, basil oil drizzle. Special Features
vegetable of the day & coconut ginger rice. Oscar Topping 7.50 HAPPY HOUR
Atlantic Yellowfin Ahi 29.99 Jumbo lump crab, asparagus & béarnaise sauce. Every Day 4:30-7pm in
Tilapia 22.99 the Bar & Lounge Only
ACCOMPANIMENTS
Atlantic Grouper 28.99 Add Coconut Shrimp 8.99 Early Dining Specials
Atlantic Salmon 24.99 Add Dungeness Crab (1/2 lb.) 8.99 4:30-6:30pm
Mahi-Mahi 27.99 Add King Crab 19.99
Gulf Snapper 29.99 Add Lobster Tail (7oz.) 24.99 chart-house.com
FRESH FISH SPECIALTIES SIDE DISHES
Dynamite Grouper 33.99 Saffron Risotto 5.99
Snapper Hemingway 32.99 Creamed Spinach 6.99
Parmesan crusted, sautéed & topped with Sizzling Mushrooms 6.99
jumbo lump crab & shallot butter.
Baked Potato 5.99
Baked Stuffed Tilapia 26.99
A New England classic, stuffed with crabmeat
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes 5.99
& baked, with coconut ginger rice. Steamed Fresh Asparagus 5.99
Macadamia Crusted Mahi-Mahi 30.99 DESSERT
Warm peanut sauce with a hint of Frangelico, mango
Hot Chocolate Lava Cake 9.99
relish, soy glaze drizzle, with Asian green beans.
A rich chocolate cake with molten center, made with
Miso Glazed Salmon 25.99 Godiva liqueur. Served warm, topped with chocolate
Spiced Yellowfin Ahi 30.99 sauce, Heath Bar Crunch & vanilla ice cream.
Menu items and prices subject to change.

taste 2011 21
AMERICAN

Corner Bistro
9823 Tapestry Park Cir.
Jacksonville, FL 32246
(904) 619-1931
APPETIZERS Corner Crab Cake Burger 9
Calamari 9 Pan seared fresh made crab cakes served with
Hours Crispy calamari tossed with sliced cherry peppers lettuce, tomato and onions, topped with roasted
Sunday -Thursday and garlic butter served with a rich marinara. red pepper sauce.
11am - 10pm Mussels Provencal 11 Quiche 9
Friday -Saturday Black mussels cooked with white wine, basil, and Goat cheese & artichoke; ham, sausage, & Swiss
fresh garlic finished with spicy marinara sauce. cheese; spinach & broccoli with Fontina cheese.
11am - 1am
Paired with one of the following: Caesar salad,
Sunday Brunch Classic Steak Tartare 12 bistro salad or soup.
10am - 2:30pm Filet mignon laced with truffle oil accompanied by
capers, red onions, egg and rustic crostinis. Grilled Salmon Sandwich 10
Credit Cards Fresh grilled salmon with lettuce, tomato and red
Smoked Salmon Crostini 12 onions topped with our house made tartar sauce
all major credit cards Smoked Alaskan salmon served on toasted crostini on a toasted focaccia bun.
Reservations Accepted topped with caviar, capers and creamy dill dressing.
Bistro Turkey Club 8
yes Corner Crab Cakes 11 Turkey breast and capicolla ham with bacon, pro-
Crab cakes with chipotle aioli and cilantro crème volone cheese and basil mayonnaise served hot on
Liquor frâiche. a toasted ciabatta bun with lettuce and tomato.
full service bar Wasabi Ahi Tuna 11 Vegetarian Corner Sandwich 8
Blackened yellow fin ahi tuna served Japanese
Outdoor Dining ponzu vegetables, sweet wasabi sauce, and a spicy
Balsamic marinated and grilled portobello mushroom
yes cap topped with roasted red peppers, melted
mustard drizzle.
mozzarella cheese, arugula and basil pesto oil on
Food Service After 11 pm SOUPS AND SALADS a toasted ciabatta bun.
yes Available dressing: raspberry vinaigrette, ranch,
Caesar, blue cheese, creamy Italian, French.
ENTRÉES
Banquet Facilities Filet Mignon 29
yes The Grilled Caesar Salad 6
Hearts of romaine lightly grilled and served with 8 oz grilled filet mignon accompanied by Yukon
Catering Available Caesar dressing, parmesan grana and croutons. gold mashed potatoes and wild mushroom ragout
finished with a house made Worcestershire sauce.
yes The Bistro Salad 6
Mixed greens tossed with a raspberry vinaigrette Scallops Victoria 26
Entertainment and finished with dried cranberries, walnuts and Jumbo scallops, pan seared, accompanied by
yes crumbled goat cheese. sautéed asparagus and finished with roasted red
pepper sauce and crispy prosciutto.
Valet Parking Arugula Salad 6
Sweetened pears, goat cheese, dried cranberries, Tender Braised Short Ribs 24
yes
walnuts, almonds, and your choice of dressing. Spoon tender beef short ribs accompanied by scallop
Special Features potatoes and sautéed garlic spinach and drizzled
Mozzarella Salad 9 with white chocolate gorganzola cream sauce.
HAPPY HOUR Vine ripened tomatoes layered with fresh Mozzarella
daily 3-7pm cheese and topped with basil oil and balsamic Miso Marinated Salmon 23
reduction. Salmon marinated in miso accompanied by ginger
Add: chicken $4 (grilled or blackened); steak $4; jasmine rice, sesame vegetables with a citrus soy
cornerbistrowinebar.com vinaigrette.
shrimp $4; tuna $4; anchovies $3.
Crispy Gouda Chicken 21
SOUP AND BISQUE Pan crisped chicken breast stuffed with gouda
Soup Du Jour 5 Lobster Bisque 6 cheese accompanied by broccoli, scallions, tomatoes
and mushrooms over a rich tasso cream sauce.
LUNCH ENTRÉES Andouille Crusted White Fish 27
Lunch is served daily between 11am and 3pm Andouille crusted white fish with Yukon gold
All lunch specials come with your choice of soup, mashed potatoes, assorted vegetables, Crystal hot
salad, rosemary potatoes or steak fries sauce beurre blanc and drizzled with chive aioli.
Lamb Burger 9 Rack of Lamb 29
Tender grilled 8 oz. lamb burger topped with arugula, Rosemary grilled rack of lamb accompanied by
feta cheese, Bermuda onions and toasted cumin sundried tomato, mushroom and spinach risotto
mayonnaise. finished with a cabernet gastrique.
Angus Beef Burger 8.5
8 oz. grilled burger served with lettuce, tomato DESSERTS
pickle with one topping. Create your unique blend Crème Brûlée 6
with additional toppings for .75. Additional top-
ping: bacon, mushrooms, jalapeños, grilled onions, Four Layer Chocolate Cake 6
Swiss, cheddar, provolone and bleu cheese. New York Cheesecake 6

22 taste 2011
 ITALIAN

Enza’s Italian
Restaurant
10601 San Jose Blvd.
ANTIPASTI FREDDI (COLD APPETIZERS) Linguini Alla Rosa 12.95 Jacksonville, FL 32257
Antipasti Enza 12.95 Linguini tossed in our tomato cream sauce with
(904) 268-4458
Prosciutto de parma, salami, olives, roasted peas & mushrooms.
peppers, pepperoncini & anchovies with parmesan, Linguini Garlic and Olive Oil 12.95
homemade mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Linguini with olive oil, garlic & fresh basil chiffonade. Hours
Beef Carpaccio 9.95 Linguini Matriciana 13.95 Tuesday -Thursday
Thin sliced cured beef, mixed greens, portobello Linguini tossed with prosciutto, onions & marinara 4 - 9:30 pm
mushrooms, capers & parmesan cheese with a sauce spicy or mild. Friday & Saturday
tomato lemon vinaigrette.
Spaghetti Carbonara 13.95 4 - 10 pm
Frutti Di Mari 9.95 Prosciutto & onions sautéed & tossed in our rich Sunday 4 - 9:30 pm
Shrimp, scallops, calamari, clams & mussels in a cream sauce with spaghetti.
lemon olive oil vinaigrette. Credit Cards
Spaghetti Meat Sauce 12.95
Grilled Marinated Eggplant 8.95 all major credit cards
Grilled & marinated in balsamic vinegar & olive oil Penne Bolognese 13.95
with roasted sweet peppers, onions & fresh basil. Spaghetti with Sausage & Peppers 13.95 Reservations Accepted
yes
Pomodoro Caprese Napoleon 8.95 Spaghetti Dinner 10.95
Homemade mozzarella & fresh tomato stacked Gnocchi (tomato or marinara sauce) 12.95 Liquor
with basil, garlic & olive oil. full service bar
Spaghetti with Meatballs or Sausage 12.95
Pomodoro con Feta 5.95 Outdoor Dining
Tomato topped with feta cheese, fresh basil, garlic, BAKED DINNERS yes
oregano & olive oil. Baked Lasagna 13.95
Food Service After 11 pm
ANTIPASTI CALDI (HOT APPETIZERS) Eggplant Parmesan 13.95
no
Mussels or Clams 9.95 Baked Ziti 12.95
Fresh Little Neck Clams or Prince Edward Island Baked Ravioli 11.95 Banquet Facilities
Mussels in your choice of scampi sauce or marinara yes
sauce spicy or mild.
Baked Cannelloni 12.95
Baked Manicotti 11.95 Catering Available
Calamari Fritti 9.95 yes
Seasoned & fried to order, served with a marinara Stuffed Shells 11.95
dipping sauce. Seafood Cannelloni 16.95 Entertainment
Fried Mozzarella Stix 7.95 Chicken Cannelloni 13.95 yes
Fried Ravioli (meat or cheese) 8.95 Seafood Lasagna 17.95 Valet Parking
Goat Cheese Bruschetta 8.95 Meatball & Sausage Platter 12.95 no
Goat cheese, tomato, homemade pesto on toasted
PESCI (FISH) Special Features
ciabatta bread.
Shrimp with Garlic & Oil 9.95 Grouper Francese Market Enjoy our generous
Egg battered in our lemon butter wine sauce over portions of classic Italian
PASTA spinach or pasta. comfort food in a relaxed,
Pennette Ryan 13.95 Grouper Parmesan Market contemporary atmosphere.
Mini penne pasta tossed with pine nuts, spinach, Breaded & fried topped with mozzarella & Come in, sit down and
garlic, sun-dried tomatoes & a touch of marinara. marinara sauce with a side of linguini marinara. enjoy your evening with
Pennette Caprese 13.95 Shrimp Aglio & Olio (garlic & oil) 18.95 friends and family.
Mini penne pasta tossed with fresh tomato, garlic, 6 jumbo shrimp with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, HAPPY HOUR
olive oil, basil & homemade mozzarella cheese. capers & artichoke hearts over angel hair pasta. Tuesday-Friday, 4-7pm
Garden Pasta 13.95 Tonno Salimeni 18.95
Penne pasta tossed with diced tomatoes, garlic, Seared tuna encrusted with black & white sesame
onions, mushrooms, broccoli & olive oil. seeds atop spinach, cherry tomato, with our wasabi enzas.net
Sicilian Style Pasta 13.95 soy sauce & a jumbo shrimp.
Penne pasta tossed with peas, garlic, broccoli, Mussels or Clams Red or White 16.95
onions & diced fresh tomatoes. Prince Edward Island mussels or Little Neck clams
Fettuccini Alfredo 13.95 in our marinara or garlic lemon sauce, mild or
With grilled chicken or shrimp 18.95/20.95 spicy, over linguini.
Fettuccine Guiseppa 14.95 Shrimp Francese 18.95
Fettuccini in our Alfredo sauce topped with Egg battered jumbo shrimp in our lemon butter
gorgonzola & mozzarella cheeses. wine sauce over spinach.

taste 2011 23
IRISH

Fionn
MacCool’s
333 1st St. N. GREADOG (APPETIZERS) ENTRÉES
Jacksonville Beach, FL Spicy Spinach Dip 7.99 STEAKS
32250 Three Cheese Dip 6.99 Grilled Rib-Eye 17.99
(904) 242-9499 MacCool’s Mini Burgers 7.99 Filet Mignon 19.99
Rueben Egg Rolls 7.99 Grilled Portabella Pub Steak 14.99
Scotch Egg 6.99 Center Cut Pork Chop 15.99
Hours Hard boiled egg wrapped in seasoned sausage, Add grilled shrimp to any steak 4.99.
breaded, deep fried, and served with creamy
Open Every Day
mustard sauce. SEAFOOD
11am- 2am Catch of the Day 16.99
Sausage Rolls 6.99
Credit Cards Guinness BBQ Wings 8.99 Cedar Plank Salmon
all major credit cards Irish Nachos 7.99 Shrimp & Chips 12.99
Reservations Accepted Homemade boxty chips smothered with pepper CHICKEN
jack and cheddar cheeses, onions, tomatoes, Grilled Chicken 10.99
no jalapeños, and sour cream. Add Chicken 10.99;
Add Steak or Shrimp 12.99 Reuben Stuffed Chicken 11.99
Liquor
Giant Pretzel 3.99 Chicken & Chips 9.99
full service bar
Baked Brie 9.99 Pan Seared Chicken 13.99
Outdoor Dining Smoked Salmon 9.99 THE IRISH BOXTY
yes “Boxty on the griddle, Boxty in the pan, If you
Stuffed Mushrooms 5.99
Food Service After 11 pm can't make a boxty, you’ll never get your man.
yes SAILÉAD (SALADS) From the Gaelic word "bacstai,” a boxty is a
Fields of Green 2.99/5.99 traditional method of grilling a potato pancake
Banquet Facilities over an open fire or griddle. It is then stuffed
Classic Caesar Salad 3.59/6.99 with a variety of delicious fillings.
yes Spinach & Portabella Salad 4.59/8.99 Ha’penny Bridge Boxty 9.99
Catering Available Raspberry Salad 3.99/7.99 Tender corned beef, buttered cabbage and a creamy
yes Add Chicken, Steak to any salad for $4 mustard sauce tucked into a potato pancake.
Entertainment or Salmon, Shrimp to any salad for $6 Blackened Chicken or
yes Pot O’ Gold Salad 8.99 Shrimp Boxty 9.99/ 12.99
Fionn’s version of the classic cobb salad. Potato boxty filled with blackened chicken, tomatoes
Valet Parking and mushrooms in a spicy white cheese sauce.
no ANRAITHI (SOUPS) Add Chicken 9.99; Add Shrimp 12.99.
Potato Leek cup 1.99/ bread bowl 4.99 County Cork Boxty 9.99
Special Features Soup of the Day cup 1.99/ bread bowl 4.99 Ham, mushrooms, and caramelized onions wrapped
HAPPY HOUR in a potato pancake, topped with white cheese sauce.
Sat. & Sun. 4-7pm FIONN’S FLAT BREAD PIZZA Steak Boxty 12.99
Wednesday: $9.99
Cheese 5.99 Grilled steak, mushrooms, onions, and our Irish
Prime Rib Dinner. Pepperoni 6.49 whisky sauce wrapped in a potato pancake.
Reuben Pizza 7.99
Thursday: Police & WRAPS
Firefighter Night. Smokin’ Chicken 7.99
Chicken Salad Wrap 8.99
Veggie Pizza 7.99
Tuesday: Military Chicken Caesar Wrap 8.99
Appreciation. FIONN’S TRADITIONAL FARE Substitute shrimp or steak 10.99.
Wednesdays: BIA TRAIDISIÚNTA SANDWICHES & WRAPS (CEPAIRE)
Ladies’ Night 2-4-1 drinks Fish & Chips 11.99
from 4pm-close The Dubliner 8.99
Shepherd’s Pie 12.99 Warm corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and
LIVE MUSIC! Tue.-Sat. Corned Beef & Cabbage 12.99 Thousand Island dressing on grilled on rye bread.
Bangers & Mash 10.99 RLT 6.99
Roscommon Slammer 9.99 Irish rasher bacon, lettuce, and tomato on rye bread.
maccoolsjax.com Full Irish Breakfast : Two eggs, banger sausage, MacCool’s Burger 7.99
rashers, black pudding, mushrooms, tomato, baked
beans, and Irish soda bread.
Giant Guinness BBQ Burger 9.59
“Liam Style” Guinness BBQ Chicken 7.99
Fr. Kelly’s request: no mushrooms and green peas French Dip 8.99
instead of baked beans. Fionn’s Giant Fish Sandwich 8.99
Guinness Lamb Stew 11.99 Steak and Cheese Sandwich 8.99
Chicken Pot Pie 10.99 Double Decker Club 8.99

24 taste 2011
 AMERICAN

Juliette’s
& The J Bar
Omni Jacksonville Hotel
245 Water St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
DINNER MENU
(904) 355-6664
SHAREABLE PLATES ENTRÉES
Black Skillet Mussels 11 Shrimp and Grits 20 Hours
Tomatoes, shallots, white wine, crostini. Vidalia onions, sweet peppers, andouille sausage, fire BREAKFAST
roasted tomatoes. Monday - Friday
Mayport Blue Crab Cakes 11 6:30 - 11am
Roasted pepper coulis. Seafood Pasta 28
Shrimp, scallops, crabmeat with bucatini pasta and
Saturday - Sunday
Fried Green Tomatoes 10 vodka sauce. 6:30am - 12pm
Blue cheese crème frâiche. LUNCH
Seared Twin Tenderloin 32
Barbeque Chicken Flatbread 10 11:30am - 2pm
Red wine reduction, whipped poatatoes and broccolini.
Caramelized onions, goat cheese. DINNER
Pan-Seared Ribeye 26 5:30 - 10:30pm
Margherita Flatbread 10 Gorgonzola butter, whipped potatoes and broccolini.
Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil. The J Bar serves
Steak Frites 20 until 12am
Chicken Wings 8 Grilled hangar steak, béarnaise and fries.
Buffalo, barbeque, or our signature sauce. Credit Cards
Lamb Chops 26 all major credit cards
Appetizer Platter 20 Pistachio crusted, frangelica glace, whipped potatoes,
Fried green tomatoes, chicken wings and crab cakes.
Reservations Accepted
baby carrots.
suggested
SOUP AND SALAD Chicken New Orleans 18 Liquor
Blackened chicken breast, tasso ham, new potatoes,
Grouper Chowder 6 full service bar
mushrooms, green onions, béarnaise.
Atlantic grouper with fresh vegetables and cream. Outdoor Dining
Vegetarian Napoleon 19 no
Bit 6 Portobello, roasted red pepper, goat cheese, grilled
Bacon, leek and tomato soup. squash. Food Service After 11 pm
yes
Chop Chop 10 PERSONALIZED PLATES
Romaine, red onion, bacon, hard boiled eggs, cucumber, Banquet Facilities
tomato, toasted mustard seed vinaigrette. Burger Builder 13 yes
Personalize your protein, bread, cheese, three toppings
Walnut Gorgonzola 10 and served with fries. Catering Available
Mesclun greens, gorgonzola, walnuts, tomato, croutons, Protein: half pound agnus beef burger, grilled chicken, yes
balsamic vinaigrette. grilled salmon, Portobello mushroom, crab cake. Entertainment
Whole Leaf Caesar 10 Bread: Wheat bun, white bun, Panini, focaccia. no
Baby romaine, parmesiano, reggiano, white anchovy, Cheese: American, cheddar, swiss, brie, goat cheese,
croutons. blue cheese, pepper jack, provolone. Valet Parking
Toppings: Caramelized onion, French fried onion, yes
Caprese 10 bacon, jalapenos, salsa, fried green tomato, sautéed
mushrooms, guacamole. Special Features
Heirloom tomato, fresh mozzarella, baby spinach,
basil, balsamic glaze. Incredible Wine Selection
Fresh Catch 24
Upscale, Casual
Chicken Salad 10 Personalize your fish, cooking style and topping,
Breast of chicken, celery, grapes and walnuts, dressed served with rice pilaf and vegetables. Atmosphere
with mayonnaise and served as a sandwich or in a Fish: Grouper, salmon, mahi-mahi, catch of the day, Tapas Menu in
tomato. shrimp, scallops. The J Bar is perfect
Cooking Style: Grilled, pan-seared, blackened. for theatre patrons
Topping: Shrimp salsa, lump crab beurre blanc,
white wine, lemon and capers or sauce of the day.
Menu changes seasonally. All items based on availability.
omnijacksonville.com

taste 2011 25
 ITALIAN

Libretto’s
Pizzeria & ANTIPASTI PIZZA
Italian Kitchen Bruscette Trio 6.95 Large: 18" Medium: 14" Personal: 10"
The Markets at Town Center Mozzarella Fritte 6.95 14.95 11.95 7.95
4880 Big Island Dr. Chicken Tenders 7.95 Sicilian: 16" thick crust 17.95
Jacksonville, FL 32246 Fried Calamari 8.95 New Yorkers call it a “square.”
(904) 402-8888 Stuffed Mushrooms 7.95 Grandma: 16" square 19.95
Eggplant Rollatini 8.95 Crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil.
Antipasto 9.95 Toppings - Large
Hours
INSALATA 2.50 whole 1.50 half 1.50 personal
Sunday-Monday *Premium Toppings - Large
11am-11pm House or Caesar Salad 5.95
3.75 whole 2.50 half 2.50 personal
Garden Salad 6.50
Tuesday-Saturday Toppings: Pepperoni, Meatball*, Sausage (sweet or spicy),
Sicilian Chopped Salad 8.95
11am-2am Chicken* (fried or grilled), Bacon*, Prosciutto*, Tomato,
Tuscan Chopped Salad 8.95 Mushroom, Portabella, Onion, Eggplant, Spinach,
Credit Cards Spinach Salad 8.95 Roasted Peppers, Broccoli, Anchovies, Jalapeños,
all major credit cards Caprese 8.95 Kalamata Olives, Roasted Garlic, Ricotta, Ham,
Grilled Portabella 8.95 Pineapple, Sundried Tomato, Extra Cheese.
Reservations Accepted Large / Medium / Personal
yes ZUPPA
Margherita 17.95 / 14.95 /8.95
Pasta E Fagiole 4.95
Liquor Zuppa Del Giorno 4.95
Alla Vodka 20.95 / 17.95 / 10.95
beer & wine only Pizza Blanca 18.95 / 15.95 / 9.95
Escarole & Bean 5.95
Outdoor Dining Traditional escarole and white bean soup, with chunks Florentine 22.95 / 19.95 / 12.95
of pepperoni, just like grandma used to make it—can Chicken Parm 20.95 / 17.95 / 10.95
yes be served without pepperoni, but don’t tell grandma!
San Genarro 22.95 / 19.95 / 12.95
Food Service After 11 pm PASTA New Yorker 24.95 / 21.95 / 14.95
yes Add meatballs or sausage $3; chicken $3.50; spinach
or broccoli $3; grilled shrimp $5; mozzarella $1.50. Lasagna 22.95 / 19.95 / 12.95
Banquet Facilities Marinara 7.95 Positano 22.95 / 19.95 / 12.95
no Penne Al Verde 9.95 Apollonia 22.95 / 19.95 / 12.95
Penne Alla Vodka 9.95 Harvest 24.95 / 21.95 / 14.95
Catering Available
yes Fettucini Alfredo 9.95 Meat Lovers 22.95 / 19.95 / 12.95
Spaghetti Bolognese 10.95 Baked Ziti 22.95 / 19.95 / 12.95
Entertainment Cheese Ravioli 9.95 Buffalo or BBQ Chicken 20.95 / 17.95 / 10.95
no Baked Ziti 10.95 Il Diavolo 22.95 / 19.95 / 12.95
Valet Parking Lasagna 10.95 Tuscany 20.95 / 17.95 / 10.95
no Fettuccini Al Forno 10.95 Hawaiian 19.95 / 16.95 / 10.95
Special Features
Spaghetti Puttanesca 10.95 HEROS
Penne Palermo 11.95 Meatball or Sausage Parmigiana 7.95
Dinner Specials on Linguini with White Clam Sauce 12.95
Fridays & Saturdays. Eggplant or Chicken Parmigiana 7.95
Calamari Fradiavolo 12.95 Sausage & Peppers 7.95
Full menu is available ENTRÉES
for delivery with Grilled Chicken 8.95
Pastas available: spaghetti, penne, linguini, capellini.
no delivery fee. Sub pasta with broccoli or spinach $3; broccoli rabe $5.
Chicken Cutlet 7.95
Add a side salad for $2.95. Italian Hero 8.95
Chicken Parmigiana 12.95 Veal Cutlet Parmigiana 8.95
librettopizzeria.com Chicken Marsala 12.95 Fresh Mozzarella 6.50
Chicken Francese 12.95 Broccoli Rabe 8.95
Eggplant Parmigiana 11.95 Potato & Egg or Pepper & Egg 4.95
Chicken Scarpariello 14.95 CALZONES
Shrimp Scampi 12.95 Classic Calzone 5.95
SIDES Spinach Pie Calzone 7.95
Meatballs 5.95 Create Your Own
Sausage 4.95 We start with mozzarella and ricotta, you add the rest.
Pasta 4.95 choose from any of our pizza toppings for 1.50 each.
Sautéed Broccoli Rabe 6.95 WINGS
Sautéed Broccoli or Spinach 5.95 Classic Buffalo Style or Garlic Butter
Garlic Bread 3.50 With blue cheese or ranch dressing, carrots and celery.
Garlic Knots 3/1.00 6 / 10 / 20 Wings 5.95 /8.95 / 16.95

26 taste 2011
 ITALIAN/JAPANESE

pizza pasta sushi Mixx

1161 Beach Blvd.
STARTERS 1 for $9 or 3 for $25 Salmon 11 Jacksonville Beach, FL
(served with bread) House cured salmon, arugula, red onion, caviar, fried 32250
quail egg, cucumber green curry dressing.
Polpette (904) 249-7787
Meatballs with fresh tomato sauce. White Anchovies 10
White anchovies, capers, tomato, preserved lemons,
Calamari Fritti olives, extra virgin olive oil.
Crispy fried calamari tossed with sundried tomato Hours
vinaigrette, chopped basil & flat leaf parsley, spicy SALADS (served with bread)
DINNER
lemon caper remoulade.
Insalata alla Cesare 6 Tuesday-Thursday
Ostriche Fritta con Pancetta Caesar salad with bacon, roasted garlic, ground
Bacon fried oysters, jalapeño slaw & BBQ hollandaise. anchovies & parmigiano.
5-10pm
Insalata Caprese Mixx Wedge 6 Friday & Saturday
Sliced plum tomatoes, house made mozzarella, Wedge of iceberg lettuce, house made herb bleu 5pm-11pm
baby greens, basil vinaigrette. cheese dressing, bacon, tomato & red onion.
Credit Cards
Insalata Siciliana Insalata Spinacci 7
Roasted eggplant, red peppers, arugula, house made Spinach, beets, tomato, candied walnuts, goat cheese,
Visa MasterCard & AmEx
mozzarella, wrapped with prosciutto di Parma, drizzled warm bacon red onion vinaigrette. Reservations Accepted
extra virgin olive oil.
Asparagi con Prosciutto, HOUSE MADE PASTAS (served with bread) yes
*All pastas are half portion sized. For a larger portion Liquor
Gorganzola e Olio di Olive please add $7 to pasta prices listed below.
Grilled asparagus, prosciutto di Parma, gorgonzola, full service bar
drizzled extra virgin olive oil. Spaghetti con Ragu e Polpette 12
Salumi Misti
Spaghetti, fresh tomato sauce & meatballs. Outdoor Dining
Assorted meats, cheeses & house pickled vegetables. Melanzana Involtini 12 no
Thin sliced eggplant, wrapped around spaghetti, tossed
Salsiccia alla Griglia in fresh tomato sauce & stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella Food Service After 11 pm
Grilled house made sausage, gorgonzola, Mediterranean & parmigiano; baked & topped with mozzarella. yes
roasted red pepper salad, extra virgin olive oil & Balsamic.
Pappardelle 12 Banquet Facilities
Carpaccio con Scaglia di Parmigiano Pappardelle pasta, wild mushroom roasted garlic
Thin sliced rare beef, arugula, shaved parmigiano, parmigiano cream. yes
Dijon lemon dressing.
Gnocchi con Ragu di Porchetta 11 Catering Available
SUSHI ROLLS $10 each Gnocchi, pork ragout, basil ricotta. yes
Southern Fried Shrimp Roll Spaghetti alle Vongole 12
Fried shrimp, jalapeño slaw, jalapeño aioli. Spaghetti, little neck clams, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, Entertainment
red chili flakes, Italian parsley. no
Tuna Roll (specify plain or spicy with chili paste)
Canneloni Fiorentina 10
Tuna, cilantro, pickled red onion & avocado.
Pasta stuffed with ground chicken, veal, spinach, Valet Parking
Wasabi Crab Roll mozzarella, parmigiano, ricotta & beschiamella cream; yes
Lump crab, wasabi paste, cucumber, avocado, served over tomato sauce.
wasabi caviar. Special Features
White Fish Roll RUSTIC WOOD FIRED PIZZAS HAPPY HOUR
Fresh spinach, avocado & Tobika caviar wrapped with Funghi 12 daily 5-7pm
sashimi Flounder; finished with a tomato chipotle aioli Caramelized onion, wild mushrooms, fresh house made (in the bar only)
& preserved lemons. mozzarella, quail egg.
Parma 14 Weekly Chef’s Specials
House Cured Salmon Roll
House cured salmon, cayenne fried onions, spinach, Prosciutto di Parma, pureed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh Pizza, Pasta & Sushi.
mascarpone cheese, spicy lemon caper tartar sauce. house made mozzarella, arugula & shaved parmigiano Weeknight Bar Specials
Tempura Fried BBQ Pork Roll Margherita 9
Puréed San Marzano tomatoes, house made mozzarella,
Wood Burning
Roasted poblano BBQ pulled pork, jalapeño slaw,
tempura fried roll. basil. Pizza Oven
Tempura Cajun Shrimp & Crab Roll Pollo 12
Roasted chicken, spinach, BBQ onions, goat cheese.
Cajun grilled shrimp, lump crab, avocado, scallion, red
pepper; drizzled cilantro aioli, tempura fried roll.
mixxfl.com
Marinara 11
White anchovies, puréed San Marzano tomatoes, black
SASHIMI/CRUDO olives, chopped oregano & grated parmigiano.
Flounder 12 Salsiccia 13
Greek style Flounder, diced cucumbers, tomato, red Fire roasted peppers, sausage, gorgonzola, puréed
onion, black olives, feta & chopped fresh oregano. San Marzano tomatoes.
Chipotle Tuna 14 Gamberi 16
Chipotle seared tuna, roasted tomato basil chipotle Slow roasted tomatoes, fresh ricotta & mozzarella,
aioli, pickled red onion, sliced jalapeño. shaved zucchini, bacon & shrimp.
Tuna Siciliana 14 Bianca 10
Tuna, sliced red onion, tomato, capers, black olives, Ricotta, mozzarella, goat cheese, parmigiano, roasted
chopped herbs, extra virgin olive oil. garlic, drizzled extra virgin olive oil, chopped basil.

taste 2011 27
AMERICAN

Morton’s
The Steakhouse
1510 Riverplace Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207 APPETIZERS Chicago Style Bone-In Ribeye Steak $51
(904) 399-3933 Tuna Tartare, $15 Prime Rib, Bone-In Double Cut $52
Diced Tomato and Avocado, Thai Cream Available Friday & Saturday Only.
and Balsamic Glaze
Hours Domestic Double Rib Lamb Chops $41
Monday - Saturday Smoked Pacific Salmon $14
Chicken Christopher,
5:30- 11pm Maine Lobster Cocktail $20 Garlic Beurre Blanc Sauce $27
Sunday Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Cocktail $15 Chilean Sea Bass,
5- 10pm Broiled Sea Scallops Wrapped Pineapple-Pepper Salsa $41
Credit Cards in Bacon, Apricot Chutney $17 Broiled Salmon Fillet,
all major credit cards Colossal Shrimp Cocktail $20.50 Chef’s Beurre Blanc Sauce $32
Reservations Accepted Oysters on the Half Shell $16 Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes,
recommended Oysters Rockefeller Classic Preparation $16 Mustard Mayonnaise Sauce $41
Liquor Jumbo Lump Crab Cake $15 Colossal Shrimp Alexander,
full service bar Colossal Shrimp Alexander $18.50 Beurre Blanc Sauce $38
Outdoor Dining Baked Five Onion Soup $11 Alaskan King Crab Legs $62
no or as an accompaniment to any steak $31
Lobster Bisque $14
Food Service After 11 pm Lobster Tail, Western Australian $44
no MORTON’S PRIME OCEAN PLATTERS Jumbo Lobster Tail, Western Australian $46
CHILLED Whole Baked Maine Lobster market price
Banquet Facilities Maine Lobster, Colossal Shrimp Cocktail, Jumbo
yes Lump Crabmeat, Oysters on the Half Shell, “slightly smaller” STEAKS
Catering Available Alaskan King Crab Legs.
New York Strip Steak $45
yes serves two / three to four $43/ $86
serves five to six $129 Filet Mignon, Single Cut
Entertainment Bearnaise Sauce $41
no BAKED
Sea Scallops Wrapped in Bacon, Jumbo Lump Filet Oskar $46
Valet Parking Crab Cakes, Oysters Rockefeller, Colossal Asparagus, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat,
yes Shrimp Alexander. Bearnaise Sauce
serves two / three to four $42/ $84 Ribeye Steak $43
serves five to six $126
mortons.com Cajun Ribeye Steak $45
SALADS
SIDE DISHES
Center Cut Iceberg $12
Our Version of the Wedge, with Chopped Egg, Steamed Fresh Jumbo Asparagus $11
Tomato, Bacon Bits and either Morton’s Blue Grilled Jumbo Asparagus, Balsamic Glaze $11
Cheese Dressing or Thousand Island Dressing.
Sautéed Garlic Green Beans $8
Caesar Salad, Classic Dressing $10
Steamed Fresh Broccoli $9.50
Morton’s Salad, $10
Creamed Spinach, for two $12
Blue Cheese Dressing, Chopped Egg, Anchovies
Sautéed Fresh Spinach &
Sliced Beefsteak Tomato, $11.50
Purple Onion & Vinaigrette or Blue Cheese
Button Mushrooms $8.50
Chopped Salad $11.50 Sautéed Button Mushrooms $9.50
Sautéed Mushrooms & Onions $9.50
ENTRÉES
POTATOES: Jumbo Baked, Lyonnaise,
Filet Mignon, Double Cut Mashed, Potato Skins, Steak Fries $9.50
Bearnaise Sauce $47
Hashbrown Potato, for two $10.50
Porterhouse Steak $52
Onion Rings, Thai Cream Sauce $9.50
Double Porterhouse, for two $104
Carved Tableside DESSERTS
New York Strip Steak, Signature Cut $52 Specialty Desserts & Dessert Tray Offered

28 taste 2011
 SOUTHERN GASTROPUB

Speckled Hen
Tavern & Grille
9475 Philips Hwy., #16
APPETIZERS SOUP Jacksonville, FL 32256
Lobster & Scallion Fritter 8 Creamy Wild Mushroom 6 (904) 538-0811
Mango and avocado relish, lemon emulsion. With shaved parmesan reggiano.
Duck Fries 6 Seafood Gumbo 8
Smoked sea salt, chives, horseradish, roasted Hours
Shrimp, whitefish, andouille okra.
garlic aioli. LUNCH
French Onion 6 7 days a week
Flash Fried Calamari 8 Three onions, herbed crostini, melted gruyere cheese.
Sweet pepper chow chow, crumbled feta, lemon
starting at 11am
sundried tomato and basil pesto. ENTRÉES DINNER
7 days a week
Beer Braised Short Rib Spring Rolls 8 BBQ Grilled Meatloaf 14 starting at 4pm
Ginger, scallion, carrot, bell pepper and datil
Roasted garlic smashed potatoes, sautéed haricot
sweet chili. vert, fried leeks. Credit Cards
Sausage Trio 11 all major credit cards
Grilled Bone-In Pork Chop 16
Andouille sausage with tasso etouffeé, chorizo Herbed potato cake, brown butter applesauce, Reservations Accepted
sausage with huancaina sauce, bratwurst with sautéed french beans, black pepper cider reduction.
sauerkraut and spicy mustard.
yes
Roasted Half Rack of Lamb 22
Smoked Mushroom Bruschetta 8 Liquor
Sweet potato gnocci, cippolini onions, prosciutto
Basil pesto, grilled mushrooms, shaved parmesan. wrapped asparagus, blackberry shallot butter full service bar
Chicken Liver & Biscuits 7 Braised Short Rib 17 Outdoor Dining
Pan fried chicken livers, country ham, buttermilk Grilled grits, roasted oyster mushrooms, thyme no
biscuit, caramelized onion kumquat marmalade. scented oven tomato, natural jus.
Food Service After 11 pm
Wood-Grilled Datil Pepper Glazed Half Pound Grilled Angus Burger 10 no
Chicken Drumettes 7 Huntsman Cheddar on a toasted sesame seed bun
Blue cheese panna cotta, celery sauce. with fried pickles, lettuce, tomato and onion Banquet Facilities
yes
King Crab Mac N’ Cheese 12 Sous Vide Chicken 15
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, aged cheddar, pasta fusilli. Flash fried chicken, prosciutto-asparagus bread Catering Available
pudding, balsamic glazed carrots, white truffled gravy. yes
Jumbo Lump Crabcake 11
Black eye pea salsa, sweet corn sauce, crawfish Seared Bone-In Chicken Breast 13 Entertainment
remoulade, parsley chips. Whipped potatoes, sautéed haricot vert, prosciutto yes
and goat cheese
SALADS Grilled Certified Black Angus Flank Steak 17 Valet Parking
Half and full sized salads available; Porter beer marinated with cheddar cheese potato no
add chicken ($3), shrimp ($7) to any salad gratin, roasted baby vegetables, veal reduction.
Special Features
Southern Cobb Salad 8/11
Tasso ham, blue cheese, tomato, onion, fried okra,
SEAFOOD & PASTA HAPPY HOUR
4-7pm every day
speckled eggs, house-made ranch dressing. Pecan Crusted Seared Scallps 18
Baby Spinach & Endive Salad 8/11 Sweet potato purée, wilted spinach, bacon leek
vinaigrette, endive scallion salad. speckledhentavern.com
Grilled Portobello, walnuts, goat cheese, balsamic
vinegar. Seared Ahi Tuna 21
Plantain mofongo, mango, green papaya salad,
Baby Caesar 7 smoked curry sauce, fried yucca.
Smoked caesar dressing, crouton ring, parmesan
reggiano, white anchovies ($.50). Shrimp & Grits 18
Local Mayport shrimp, andouille sausage, tasso
House Salad 5/8 ham gravy over stone ground grits.
Cucumber, cherry tomato, shaved red onion,
herb vinaigrette. Pan Roasted Local Flounder 17
Apple pirlau, sautéed local greens, fennel jus.
Chop Salad 6/9
Red and green cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, Basil Pappardelle 11
fried wonton, soy vinaigrette. Hand rolled pastas, red onion, cherry tomato, English
peas, zucchini, squash, shaved asparagus, white wine
sauce (with chicken, add $3; with salmon or shrimp,
add $7).

Menu Changes Seasonally.

taste 2011 29
 TAPAS

SUITE
The Markets at Town Center
4840 Big Island Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32246 LIGHT FARE SIGNATURE PLATES
(904) 493-9305
Hummus Duo 11 Black Cod Miso 16
Select two from roasted garlic, red pepper or black Fresh black cod in a sweet sake and miso marinade.
Hours bean. Served with pita chips, broccoli and carrots.
4pm - 2am
Lobster Alfredo 16
Tuna Fusion 14 Fettuccine with succulent lobster in our housemade
7 Days a Week Fresh tuna tartare with avocado and ginger lime Pecorino Romano cream sauce.
Credit Cards vinaigrette, served with crispy gyoza chips.
Lamb Lollipops 16
all major credit cards Shrimp and Crab Ceviche 13 Rosemary-seasoned grilled lamb chops.
Reservations Accepted Flavorful blend of shrimp, crab, red peppers and
yes mango, served with crispy gyoza chips. Mini Crab Rounds 16
Pan-seared lump crab cakes drizzled with housemade
Liquor Fruit & Cheese Platter 18 remoulade sauce.
full service bar Chef’s Artisan cheese selection served with sliced
pears, apples, grapes, strawberries and croissants, Lobster Tacos 16
Outdoor Dining drizzled with caramel sauce. Three flour tortillas stuffed with lobster salad and
yes Cajun slaw.
Sweet Potato Crisps 8
Food Service After 11 pm Thinly sliced pieces of sweet potatoes served with Lamb Burger 12
yes truffle crème. Seasoned lamb with goat cheese and caramelized
onions, served with mixed greens.
Banquet Facilities
GREENS
yes Grilled Steak Over Toast 12
Strawberry Feta Salad 9 Sliced and topped with horseradish cream served
Catering Available on toast.
Fresh greens, toasted almonds, strawberry slices, Feta
yes
cheese and strawberry vinaigrette.
South Beach Skewers 10
Entertainment Tender grilled chicken in a lemon white wine sauce.
yes
Lobster Salad 16
Lobster tempura with a chilled Udon noodle and Asian
Valet Parking vegetable medley. “SUITES”
yes perfect for sharing
Insalata Caprese 10
Special Features Fresh mozzarella, organic tomatoes, extra virgin olive Cheesecake 9
oil and balsamic glaze. Rich and creamy New York style cheesecake with
HAPPY HOUR
graham cracker shell.
4-7pm Every Day
GRILLED FLATBREADS
Half-off small plates Chocolate Mousse 8
during happy hour. Salsiccia 12 Silky semi-sweet chocolate and whipped cream with
Italian sausage, sliced tomatoes, roasted peppers and shaved chocolate.
Romano cheese.
suitejacksonville.com Bread Pudding 8
Tuscany 12 A classic brioche pudding with green apples, raisins
Artichoke hearts, prosciutto, Romano cheese and and topped with caramel.
extra virgin olive oil.
Pop Rock Sorbet 8
Pomodoro 10 Raspberry sorbet topped with raspberry sauce and
Cherry tomatoes, ricotta, mozzarella and roasted garlic. garnished with a mouth watering sensation.

Margherita 10
Fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, extra virgin olive oil
and balsamic glaze.

30 taste 2011
 BAJA MEXICANA

TacoLu
1183 Beach Blvd.
GET STARTED! TACOS Jacksonville Beach, FL
Add Guacamole to any taco for .55.
Guacamole not as large 5.99/ large 7.99 32250
Made a few minutes ago, with roasted garlic, lime, Baja Fish Taco 2.95
cilantro & a little salt & topped with house-roasted “Straight from the streets of Ensenada.” Beer- (904) 249-TACO (8226)
pepitas for a little nutty crunch. battered Mahi served on a homemade corn tortilla,
with cabbage, pico, chipotle crema, cilantro & lime.
El Nacholu 6.99 Hours
Chips, queso, black beans plus pico de gallo, guacamole Bangin’ Shrimp 2.95
and sour cream make this nacho LA BOMBA!!! (You know what that is!) Spicy, Asian-style fried shrimp Tuesday -Thursday
served with cabbage, lime, chipotle crema on a soft 11am - 10pm
Add Brisket or Chicken 3.00
flour tortilla.
Friday
Queso Fundido 6.95 Mahi 2.95
Fried cheese like you’ve never had before! Pan-fried 11am - 11pm
Blackened fish on a freshly-made corn tortilla with
& smothered in sautéed mushrooms & roasted garlic. Saturday
cabbage, fresh mango salsa & chipotle crema.
Add Chorizo 1.50 10am - 11pm
TacoLu Verde 2.95
Queso “Cheese” in English. Yum! 6.25 Pulled chicken with our roasted tomatillo salsa and Sunday
Monterey Jack cheese. Make it a little spicy with the 10am - 10pm
QUESADILLAS chingona salsa.
El Explosivo 9.50 Credit Cards
Our beef Brisket, sautéed onions, mushrooms with guajillo Brisket 2.95 all major credit cards
chile sauce...an explosion of flavor—not a lot of heat!! Beef brisket that has been braised in Dos Equis Amber
beer, served on a soft flour tortilla with our homemade Reservations Accepted
Bangin’ Dilla 10.50 Ranchera sauce, poblano peppers, Cotija cheese,
Just like the Bangin Shrimp taco, but WAY bigger and
no
diced onion & cilantro.
better! Add spinach and corn and you’re the MAN! Liquor
(or WOMAN). Carnitas 2.95
Pork braised in a mix of Coca Cola and orange juice. full service bar
Cheeseburger 9.50 Melts in your mouth! Served on a flour tortilla with Mas Tequila
Over 1/4 but not quite 1/2 of a pound of seasoned jack cheese, onions and cilantro.
ground beef, with all the Cheeseburger goodness– Outdoor Dining
lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and mustard. Cheeseburger Taco 2.95 yes
Feeling a bit timid? We offer items for you as well! Ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles &
Cheese 6.50
mustard. Get it? Food Service After 11 pm
Chicken 7.50 Veggie 2.95 no
Beef 7.50 A hippie’s delight! Fresh spinach, roasted corn & Banquet Facilities
sautéed mushrooms with Cotija cheese. Even sounds
Add Black Beans, Roasted Corn, Spinach or Mushrooms good to me! no
add one 1.00; add two 1.50; all the way 2.00.
Tempeh 2.95 Catering Available
STACKED ENCHILADAS This soy-based taco has tons of protein and flavor. yes
These enchiladas are served “stacked” instead Served with cucumber-avocado salsa and a splash
of rolled. Layers of fresh-made tortillas, our of cilantro lime vinaigrette. Entertainment
homemade sauces, meat, cheese…WOW!! no
SPECIALTY TACOS
Roja 8.95 Valet Parking
Fresh corn tortillas with beef brisket that has been slow Taco Rosa 3.50 no
roasted in Dos Equis Amber beer & smothered in home- Seared Ahi Tuna with cucumber-avocado salsa,
made Ranchera sauce and Mexican cheese. Comes chipotle-ponzu sauce & a wasabi-soy sauce. Not very Special Features
with your choice of one side. Add a fried egg 1.00. Mexican, but really, really amazing!
Everything on TacoLu’s
Suizas 8.95 Avocado Taco 2.95 menu is made in our
Fresh corn tortillas with pulled, roasted chicken, topped Avocado, lettuce, fresh pico de gallo, Cotija cheese kitchen with only a few
with creamy tomatillo sauce & jack cheese. Comes & a dash of our cilantro lime vinaigrette.
exceptions. We make
with your choice of one side. Add a fried egg 1.00. Carne Asada 3.99 everything in house,
Skirt steak marinated in soy & lime juice on flour with
SALADS cilantro and onion. So much flavor, you won’t believe it.
by hand, fresh every
day–often more than
Tacolu Salad 6.99 The $10 Taco 4.99 once or twice a day.
Mixed salad greens with avocado, tomatoes, jicama & Filet Mignon, two cheeses, pico de gallo on flour tortilla.
house roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds). Guacamole is made
This taco SHOULD be $10; but it’s not!
throughout the day and
Grape Salsa Salad 6.99 Scallop Taco 4.99 corn tortillas are made
A delicious grape chipotle salsa (redgrapes, almonds Blackened scallops on cabbage with a slice of avocado,
chipotle crema and a lil splash of cilantro-lime vinaigrette. two to three times per day.
& a little heat) on mixed greens. You don’t even need a
salad dressing! (But we have one for you—just in case). Come in and give
SIDES different, fresh and
The Baja Salad 6.99
Roasted corn, crisp green beans, poblano chilies (for a Cilantro-Spinach Rice 1.95 amazing a shot!
little heat), served on a bed of mixed greens with our Black Beans 1.95
homemade cilantro-lime vinaigrette.
Add to any salad: Chicken/Shrimp 3.00/4.00 Frijoles Charros 1.95 tacolu.com
Mahi, Bangin’ Shrimp or Tuna 5.00 Mexican Street Corn 2.25

taste 2011 31
 AMERICAN

Whisky River
The Markets at Town Center
4850 Big Island Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32246
(904) 645-5571

Hours START YOUR ENGINES Four Cheese Pizza 10.49

11am - 2am Fried Shrimp Basket 8.99 Buffalo Chicken Pizza 14.99
7 Days a Week Chips & Salsa 3.99 The Dirty Mo 14.99
Tiny Baby Corn Dogs 4.99 Cheeseburger Pie 14.99
Credit Cards
all major credit cards Dirty Mo’s Cheesy Sticks 5.99 BBQ Chicken Pizza 14.99
Buffalo Shrimp 7.99 Additional Toppings 1.50 each
Reservations Accepted Pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, bacon, ham,
yes, for private parties Beer Battered Onion Rings 5.99
black olives, green bell peppers, jalapeños, mushrooms,
Classic Quesadillas 8.99 onions, caramelized onions, spinach, fresh garlic, tomatoes,
Liquor green onions, chicken, salami, bleu cheese crumbles.
full service bar
Dale Jr. Chicken Tenders 6.99
Buffalo Dip 5.99 SPEEDWAY WRAPS & SANDWICHES
Outdoor Dining Nacho Mama’s Recipe 7.49 Served with pickle spear & your choice of side.
yes Substitute side with house or Caesar salad for $1.99.
Fried Pickle Chips 5.99
Food Service After 11 pm The Sampler 12.99 Fried Fish Wrap 8.49
yes Try a generous sampling of our favorites; including Pulled Pork Sandwich 7.99
Banquet Facilities a Classic Quesadilla of your choice, Beer Battered Classic Chicken Sandwich 7.99
Onion Rings, Dirty Mo’s Cheesy Sticks & a sampling
yes of Killer Wings. Served with salsa, chipotle ranch, BBQ Chicken Sandwich 7.99
Catering Available bleu cheese & marinara sauce. Pulled Chicken Sandwich 7.99
yes Sweet Potato Fries 4.99 Smoked Half Chicken 12.99
Entertainment KILLER WINGS & KILLER SAUCES Crispy Shrimp Wrap 8.99
yes Levels of Heat: Mild, Medium, Hot & Atomic Hot First Coast Burger 6.99
Add cheese or bacon .75
Valet Parking Killer Wings
yes Try them fried or Jr.’s personal favorite—finished BBQ Brisket Sandwich 8.99
on the grill. Served with celery sticks & your Two Wide Burger 9.99
Special Features choice of ranch or bleu cheese.
Add cheese or bacon .75
HAPPY HOUR 5/10/15 wings 4.99/8.99/ 13.99
Caesar Wrap 8.99
Mon.-Fri. 4-7pm with 25/50 wings 22.99/ 39.99 With your choice of grilled or fried chicken or shrimp.
food & drink specials. Boneless Breaded Killer Wings Beer Battered Fish Sandwich 7.99
Check our website 8/12 wings 7.99/ 11.99 Crispy Chicken Wrap 8.99
for special events & Killer Sauces
concert calendar.
Pick Two Wraps for 9.99
MILD: Lemon Pepper Butter, Garlic Parmesan Butter,
Honey BBQ, Smokey BBQ; MEDIUM: Hot BBQ, BBQ OPTIONS
Sweet Thai Chili, Spicy Garlic Parmesan;
whiskyriverjacksonville.com *All come with 2 sides and corn bread.
HOT: Jerk, Peach Habanero; ATOMIC HOT
Brisket, Pulled Pork, Sausage,
SHORT TRACK SALADS Pulled Chicken, 1/4 Chicken.
House Salad 4.99 Any 1 10.99
Kelley King’s Caesar Salad 4.99 Any 2 14.99
Chicken Chopped Salad 7.99 Any 3 19.99
Blackened Chicken Salad 7.99 Sides: Baked Beans, Fries, Sweat Potato Fries,
BBQ Chicken Salad 7.99 Mac & Cheese, Green Bean Casserole,
Cole Slaw, Corn Bread.
Buffalo Chicken Salad 7.99 Half Rack of Ribs 11.99
PIT STOP PIZZA Sausage Plate 6.99
All 13"x 18" rectangle pizzas are served on thin, fire
roasted crust & topped with fresh parmesan cheese. SWEET FINISHES
Pepperoni Pizza 11.99 American Apple Crumble 5.99
The Killer 14.99 Chocolate Fudge Cake 5.99
The Garden Pizza 13.99 New York Style Cheesecake 5.99

32 taste 2011
 Seating is
Limited
Reservations
Required

A series of intimate & stylish social

gatherings hosted by Jacksonville Magazine
for brides-to-be, featuring the city’s premier
wedding services pros. Attendees will be treated
to a sophisticated evening with cocktails &
delicious food, games & a fun panel discussion.
W Fashions W Flowers W
W Expert Advice W Goodie Bags W
Spring • Summer • Winter • Fall

Register at www.jacksonvillemag.com

For tickets & details, call (904) 389-3622.

We really are from Philly!

Come See Our

60-foot Ice Rail Bar
“We Can Make It SNOW
In Florida”
Authentic Northern Style
Cheesesteak & Pizza
1527 N. 3rd St.
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 241-7188
www.phillys-finest.com
 BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT at THE BEACH!

NEWLY RENOVATED • UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

LUNCH SPECIAL: Save $2 on $10 or more
DINNER SPECIAL: Save $5 on $30 or more
HIBACHI SPECIALS: Mon. Chicken $10.95 / Chicken & Filet $18.95
Tue. Shrimp $15.95 / Steak & Shrimp $17.95
Wed. Steak $15.95 / Shrimp & Chicken $16.95
Thu. Salmon $15.95 / Steak & Chicken $15.95
Fri. Filet & Shrimp $19.95 / Chicken, Shrimp & Filet $22.95 675 N. Third St.
Sat. Filet & Scallops $20.95 / Chicken, Steak & Lobster $24.95
Sun. Steak & Scallops $17.95 / Steak, Shrimp & Scallops $21.95 Jacksonville Beach (904) 247-4688
OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK • TAKEOUT AVAILABLE

Award Winning Burgers, Chicken & Fries

www.cruisersgrill.com
LAKEWOOD 904.737.BURG (2874) ST. AUGUSTINE 904.824.6993 JAX BEACH 904.270.0356
San Jose & University Blvd. 3 St. George Street Corner of 23rd & 3rd St.

WINNER OF BEST BURGER Folio - 2008, 2009, 2010

Beaches Leader - past 7 years
 • Coffee
• Tea
• Iced Coffee
• Smoothies
• Breakfast Items
Mon.-Sat. 8am-9:30pm • Sunday 9am-2pm • Sandwiches
• Paninis
9823 Tapestry Park Cir., Jacksonville, FL 32246 • Salads
(904) 329-4380 • Soups
• Pastries
• Ice Cream
• Beer & Wine
• Catering Available
• Free WiFi
• Happy Hour
4-7pm, Mon.-Sat.

southside
sunday-thursday 11am-10pm 9823 tapestry park cir.
friday-saturday 11am-1am 904.619.1931
sunday brunch 10am-2:30pm
happy hour daily 3-7pm cornerbistrowinebar.com

an elegant neighborhood restaurant & lounge

 W E I N V I T E YO U

TÅ Å

o Unleash

C O M E S W I R L , S I P A N D S AV O R O V E R 3 5 0 W I N E S .
© 2011, RHMI

St J oh n s T own C enter, J ac ks o nville . 904 997 9233 . thec apitalgrille. c o m

 Zen
Garden
Award-Winning Coffeehouse

Three Layers &

Come & see the Cellar at Three Layers
what all the present:
BUZZZZZ Lunch, Beer, Wine,
Desserts, Coffee,
is about!
Music, Art

special events room available | phone 904-355-9791 | www.threelayerscafe.com

 www.rennaspizza.com

At Renna’s Pizza everything is fresh! Famously known

for our New York Style Pizza, Renna’s offers a variety
of pasta dishes, salads, and hot & cold submarine
sandwiches. Now with five locations to better serve
you, Renna’s Pizza is still the Best Pizza in Town! So,
come and join us today for a Fresh One!

Serving Jax Since 1976

New York Style Pizza at its BEST!

DELIVERY NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL LOCATIONS

River City Marketplace 714-9210 • St. Johns Town Center 565-1299 • Argyle Village Square 771-7677
Riverplace Shopping Center 292-2300 • NOW OPEN Jacksonville Beach 273-3113

Come by boat, bike or car to see what “Old Florida” is all about!

Waterfront Dining
Open Daily at 11am
(except Mon. open 4:30 pm)
Live Entertainment Wed.- Sun.
2032 County Rd. 220
Orange Park, FL 32003
(904) 269-4198
 Modern American Fusion Cuisine
LUNCH • DINNER • SUNDAY BRUNCH
PRIVATE DINING • CATERING

112 BARTRAM OAKS WALK, STE. 102

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32259
• (904) 287-0766 •
WWW.BLACKSTONEGRILLE.COM

Cultivating Your Passion for Cuisine

Cooking Classes t Chef’s Table Dinners Imported Wines & Cheeses t Catering
tG

t
rs
our met

te

t
P la
Re ure
tail nat
Store t Sig
US-1 South

SR 210

Hilden Rd.

International

904.827.1350 www.achefscookingstudio.com 145 Hilden Rd., Ste. 119 (US1 1 mile south of Nease High School) Golf Pkwy.
 Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant
J oin us for casual dining under the stars at the
Historic Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant.
Casa Marina serves dinner and lunch in our
beautiful open air courtyard, Tuesday-Friday.
Our delicious “New Beach Cuisine” menu
features weekly specials highlighting fresh
seafood, such as Grouper Hemmingway, as
well as, Rack of Lamb & Filet Mignon.

Don’t Forget Our Award-Winning Sunday Brunch!

Please call for information regarding our Weddings & Special Events.

Visit www.casamarinahotel.com for more details

691 First St. N., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 270-0025 • fax (904) 270-1159

“Meet and
Eat @
Beach and
Peach”
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
& SUNDAY BRUNCH
OPEN TUESDAY-SUNDAY

Watch for us in
an upcoming Private Dining & Catering Available
episode of
Restaurant: 10095 Beach Blvd.
Impossible
on Jacksonville, FL 32246
The Food
Network
904.645.0859
www.secretgardencafe.net
 DRINK TEA, LAUGH OFTEN & LIVE LONG

LUNCH &
DINNER HAPPY HOUR
OPEN EVERY DAY
EVERY 3 TO 7
DAY
WATERFRONT DINING
14 Cuts of Meat • Hot & Cold Buffet
TUE -THUR & SUN • 5-9 PM • FRI - SAT • 5-10 PM
301 10th Ave. N., Jacksonville Beach 904.712.4444
| 4000 St. Johns Ave. in Avondale (904) 388-4884
www.buddhasbellythai.com www.espetosteakhouse.com

Richard & Evalee Grenamyer

Welcome You To

A Feast for
the Senses

HAPPY HOUR Every Day 3-6 pm

2-for-1 Wells • Beer & Wine Specials
Queen’s
Harbour
Open for Lunch & Dinner
SUNDAY BRUNCH 10:30 am - 2pm
Atlantic Blvd.
Hodges Blvd.

San Pablo Rd.

Tuesday-Sunday Open for Lunch, Dinner & Sunday Brunch

13475 Atlantic Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32225 Now Booking Parties, Luncheons & Dinners
HAPPY
HOUR Located behind Fresh Market in
Harbour Village Shopping Center 3551 St. Johns Ave. in Historic Avondale
2-FOR-1
Drinks (904) 221-7066 904.387.0700
Tues.-Sat. www.ZaitoonGrill.com www.bluefishjax.com
3-7pm
 Jacksonville’s Most Complete Selection of Wines & Spirits

Visit our Riverside

WINE & FULL
SERVICE BAR Liquors & FRIDAY NIGHT
WINE TASTINGS
Mon.-Fri. 5-9 PM Village Wine Shop 5-8 PM

Matching Wine
Over 500 Wines Wines from
with People for
by the Glass $ 4 to $ 4,000
Over 40 Years

DELIVERY
AVAILABLE

IN HISTORIC
FIVE POINTS • 904.354.1001 •
1035 PARK ST. WWW.RIVERSIDELIQUORS.BIZ

Traditional Italian Cuisine with a Continental Flair Premier Dining for Lunch & Dinner
500 Sawgrass Village Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach • (904) 280-2299 • www.andiamotrattoria.com
 The Best Kept Secret in St. Augustine

• Comedy Club • Nightly Entertainment

• Casual Dining • Martini Bar
• Courtyard Dining • Flamingo Room
• Fresh Native Seafood • Catering Available
On & Off-Site

172 San Marco Ave.

St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 825-6775
www.cortessesbistro.com

• Archives
• Links
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• Online 24/7
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jacksonvillemag.com • iPhone too
 Generously Sponsored By

Thank You & Congratulations

vintage jewelry and more...
Jacksonville Magazine thanks Serenata Beach Club and all the
sponsors of the 2011 Great Wedding Giveaway. In addition, we
congratulate the four finalist couples who participated in the
“Nearly Wed Game” December 9 at the club. This year’s winners
are Katherine Novgrod and Kevin Kyle, who will receive more
than $30,000 in goods and services courtesy of the region’s
leading wedding professionals.

Jason Moonen & Nathan Hotary &

Lori Robinson Lauren Schiazza

Michael Katilius & Katherine Novgrod

Tiffany Fleming & Kevin Kyle

Prize Package Generously Sponsored By

Joseph M. Barton, DMD Ellie Bing
Bella Bridesmaid Love, A Bridal Boutique
Bellezza Salon & Boutique Matthew’s
Boca Raton Resort & Club Publix
Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant Rosenblum’s
Deanne Dunlop Photography Sawgrass Country Club
Destination Weddings Serenata Beach Club
D’Land Entertainment O.C. White’s / The White Room
Elias Jewelry

Good luck, Katherine & Kevin.

We’ll see you in June for the big day.

• Honeymoon Destination •
Boca Raton Resort & Club
Businesses wishing to participate in
this exciting promotional opportunity
may call (904) 389-3622.
 200+ First Coast Restaurants
AMELIA ISLAND
29 SOUTH 29 S. Third St., 277-7919
BARBARA JEAN’S RESTAURANT 960030 Gateway
Blvd., 277-3700
BEECH STREET GRILL 801 Beech St., 277-3662
BRETT’S WATERWAY CAFÉ 1 S. Front St., 261-2660
CAFÉ KARIBO 27 N. Third St., 277-5269
CRAB TRAP 31 N. Second St., 261-4749
ESPAÑA RESTAURANT & TAPAS 22 S. Fourth St.,
261-7700
JACK & DIANE’S 708 Centre St., 321-1444
JOE’S 2ND STREET BISTRO 14 S. Second St.,
321-2558
KABUKI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR
Amelia Plaza, 277-8782
MOON RIVER PIZZA 925 S. 14th St., 321-3400
O’KANE’S IRISH PUB 318 Centre St., 261-1000
LOS PEPPER’S MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA 2128
Sadler Rd., 277-2011
PLAE Amelia Island Plantation, 277-2132
SALT 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy., The Ritz-Carlton,
277-1100
SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL 1998 S. Fletcher Ave.,
277-6652
THE SURF 3199 S. Fletcher Ave., 261-5711
T-RAY’S BURGER STATION 202 S. Eighth St., 261-6310
THE VERANDAH RESTAURANT 6800 First Coast Hwy.,
321-5050
AVONDALE, RIVERSIDE & WESTSIDE
13 GYPSIES 887 Stockton St., 389-0330
AL’S PIZZA 1620 Margaret St., 388-8384
BISCOTTIS 3556 St. Johns Ave., 387-2060
THE BLUE FISH RESTAURANT 3551 St. Johns Ave.,
387-0700
BRICK RESTAURANT 3585 St. Johns Ave., 387-0606
THE CASBAH 3628 St. Johns Ave., 981-9966
COOL MOOSE 2708 Park St., 381-4242
EINSTEIN BROTHERS BAGELS 1661 Riverside Ave.,
Ste. 130, 354-0991
ESPETO BRAZILIAN STEAK HOUSE 4000 St. Johns
Ave., 388-4884
EUROPEAN STREET CAFE 2753 Park St., 384-9999
GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET 2007 Park St.,
384-4474
HOVAN MEDITERRANEAN GOURMET 2005-1 Park
St., 381-9394
INTUITION ALE WORKS 720 King St., 683-7720
MOON RIVER PIZZA 1176 Edgewood Ave. S.,
389-4442
MOSSFIRE GRILL 1537 Margaret St., 355-4434
PASTICHE 4260 Herschel St., 387-6213
PIZZA PALACE 920 Margaret St., 598-1212
RESTAURANT ORSAY 3630 Park St., 381-0909
RIVERSIDE LIQUORS & VILLAGE WINE SHOP 1035
Park St., 354-1001
SAKE HOUSE 824 Lomax St., 301-1188
SUSHI CAFÉ 2025 Riverside Ave., 384-2888
48 taste 2011
TOM & BETTY’S RESTAURANT 4409 Roosevelt Blvd.,
387-3311
‘TOWN 3611 St. Johns Ave., 345-2596
BAYMEADOWS
BROADWAY RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA 10920
Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 3, 519-8000
BUFFALO WILD WINGS GRILL & BAR 9550
Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 10, 448-1293
CHA CHA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 9551 Baymeadows
Rd., Ste. 21, 737-9903
INDIA’S RESTAURANT 9802 Baymeadows Rd., Ste.
12, 620-0777
LEMONGRASS 9846 Old Baymeadows Rd., 645-9911
MAYURI INDIAN CUISINE 9551 Baymeadows Rd.,
Ste. 10, 448-5999
MEDITERRANIA RESTAURANT 3877 Baymeadows
Rd., 731-2898
NATIVE SUN NATURAL FOODS MARKET 11030
Baymeadows Rd., 260-2791
PATTAYA THAI GRILLE 9551 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 1,
646-9506
TIMES GRILL 10915 Baymeadows Rd., 674-2606
BEACHES
11 SOUTH BISTRO BAR 216 11th Ave. S., 241-1112
AL’S PIZZA 303 Atlantic Blvd., 249-0002
ANGIE’S SUBS 1436 Beach Blvd., 246-2519
AZUREA 1 Ocean Blvd., 249-7402
BEACH DINER 501 Atlantic Blvd., 249-6500
BONEFISH GRILL 2400 S. Third St., 247-4234
BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q 1307 Atlantic Blvd., 270-2666;
1266 S. Third St., 249-8704
BRIX TAPHOUSE 300 2nd St. N., 241-4668
BUDDHA’S BELLY 301 10th Ave North, 712-4444
CAMPECHE BAY CANTINA 127 First Ave. N., 249-3322
CARIBBEE KEY 100 N. First St., 270-8940
CASA MARINA INN & RESTAURANT 691 First St.
North, 270-0025
CHIZU 2153 Penman Rd., 241-8455
CRUISER’S GRILL 319 23rd Ave. S., 270-0356
DWIGHT’S 1527 Penman Rd., 241-4496
ENGINE 15 BREWING CO. 1500 Beach Blvd., 249-
BEER
EUROPEAN STREET CAFE 992 Beach Blvd., 249-3001
FIONN MACCOOL’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT
333 N. First St., 242-9499
THE FISH COMPANY 725 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 12,
246-0123
FLY’S TIE 177 Sailfish Dr., 246-4293
HALA SANDWICH SHOP & BAKERY 1451 Atlantic
Blvd., 249-2212
ICHIBAN 675 Third St. N., 247-4688
JOSEPH’S PIZZA 30 Ocean Blvd., 270-1122
THE LOOP PIZZA GRILL 211 Third St., 241-8479
LYNCH’S IRISH PUB 514 N. First St., 249-5181
MATSU JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 1515 N. Third St.,
249-4290
MEZZA LUNA RISTORANTE 110 First St., 249-5573
MIXX 1161 Beach Blvd., 249-7787
MOJO KITCHEN BBQ PIT & BLUES BAR 1500 Beach
Blvd., 247-6636
NORTH BEACH BISTRO 725 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 6,
372-4105
OCEAN 60 60 Ocean Boulevard, 247- 0060
ONE HOT COOKIE! CAFÉ 217 N. Third St., 270-2127
PHILLY’S FINEST CHEESE STEAK 1527 N. Third St.,
241-7188
RAGTIME TAVERN SEAFOOD GRILL 207 Atlantic
Blvd., 241-7877
SLIDERS SEAFOOD GRILLE 218 First St., 246-0881
STICKY FINGERS 363 Atlantic Blvd., 241-RIBS
SUN DOG STEAK & SEAFOOD 207 Atlantic Blvd.,
241-8221
TACOLU BAJA MEXICANA 1183 Beach Blvd.,
249-8226
THAI ROOM 1286 S. Third St., 249-8444
TURTLE ISLAND NATURAL FOODS 363 Atlantic Blvd.,
Stes. 7 & 8, 246-2441
DOWNTOWN & SPRINGFIELD
BURRITO GALLERY & BAR 21 E. Adams St., 598-2922
CAFÉ NOLA 333 N. Laura St., 366-6911
CHEW RESTAURANT 117 W. Adams St., 355-3793
CURRENTS RIVERVIEW BISTRO 841 Prudential Dr.,
306-9512
HOLA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 1001 N. Main St.,
356-3100
JENKINS QUALITY BARBECUE 830 N. Pearl St.,
353-6388; 5945 New Kings Rd., 765-8515
JOSEPH’S PIZZA & ITALIAN RESTAURANT 7316 N.
Main St., 765-0335
JULIETTE’S BISTRO Omni Jacksonville Hotel,
791-4815
KOJA SUSHI The Jacksonville Landing, 350-9911
SALSARITA’S FRESH CANTINA 840 Nautica Dr.,
Ste. 131, 696-4001
THREE LAYERS A COFFEEHOUSE 1602 Walnut St.,
355-9791
ZODIAC GRILL 128 W. Adams St., 354-8283
FLEMING ISLAND
LA NOPALERA 1571 C.R. 220, Ste. 100, 215-2223
MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA 1800 Town Center
Blvd., 541-1999
MERCURY MOON 2015 C.R. 220, 215-8999
MOJO SMOKEHOUSE 1810 Town Center Blvd.,
264-0636
WHITEY’S FISH CAMP 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198
INTRACOASTAL WEST
AL’S PIZZA 14286 Beach Blvd., 223-0991
FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES 3267 Hodges Blvd.,
992-4680
JERRY’S SPORTS GRILLE & STEAKHOUSE 13170
Atlantic Blvd. Ste. 22., 220-6766
MILANO’S RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA 12620 Beach
Blvd., Ste. 4, 646-9119
MOJO KITCHEN 1500 Beach Blvd., 247-6636
MVP’S SPORTS GRILL 12777 Atlantic Blvd.,
221-1090

ZAITOON MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 13475 Atlantic
Blvd., Ste.40, 221-7066
JULINGTON CREEK
BLACKSTONE GRILLE 112 Bartram Oaks Walk, 287-
0766
BRUCCI’S PIZZA 540 S.R. 13, Ste. 10, 287-8317
THE LOOP PIZZA GRILL 450 SR 13, 230-2202
PIZZA PALACE 116 Bartram Oaks Walk, 230-2171
MANDARIN
3 SISTERS’ CHOCOLATE BAR 9965 San Jose Blvd.,
262-9122
BLACKSTONE GRILLE 112 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste.
102, 287-0766
BONEFISH GRILL 10950 San Jose Blvd., 370-1070
BROOKLYN PIZZA 11406 San Jose Blvd., 288-9211;
13820 Old St. Augustine Rd., 880-0020
CLARK’S FISH CAMP 12903 Hood Landing Rd.,
268-3474
CRUISER’S GRILL 5613 San Jose Boulevard, 737-
BURG
DON JUAN’S RESTAURANT 12373 San Jose Blvd.,
268-8722
ENZA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 10601 San Jose Blvd.,
268-4458
HARMONIOUS MONKS 10550 Old St. Augustine Rd.,
880-3040
MANDARIN ALE HOUSE 11112-19 San Jose Blvd.,
292-0003
MIZU SUSHI & GRILL 14965 Old St. Augustine Rd.,
Ste. 124, 880-0889
RENNA’S PIZZA 11111 San Jose Blvd., 292-2300
TREE STEAK HOUSE 11362 San Jose Blvd., 262-0006
ORANGE PARK
THE HILLTOP 2030 Wells Rd., 272-5959
LA NOPALERA 2004 Kingsley Ave., 276-2776
THE LOOP PIZZA GRILL 530 Wells Rd., 269-0756
MOJO BAR-B-QUE 1607 University Blvd. W., 732-
7200
POMPEII COAL-FIRED PIZZA 2134 Park Ave.,
264-6116
RISTORANTE SARNELLI 2023 Park Ave., 269-1331
THE ROADHOUSE 231 Blanding Blvd., 264-0611
THAI GARDEN 10 Blanding Blvd., Ste. B, 272-8434
WHITEYS FISH CAMP 2032 CR 220, 269-4198
PONTE VEDRA
619 OCEAN VIEW 619 Ponte Vedra Blvd., 285-0202
AL’S PIZZA 635 A1A, 543-1494
AQUA GRILL 950 Sawgrass Village Dr., 285-3017
THE AUGUSTINE GRILLE Sawgrass Marriott Golf Re-
sort & Spa, 285-7777
BARBARA JEAN’S RESTAURANT 15 S. Roscoe Blvd.,
280-7522
BRUCCI’S PIZZA 880 A1A, Ste. 8, 280-7677
CAFFE ANDIAMO 500 Sawgrass Village Cir., 280-
2299
GALANGAL RESTAURANT 145 Hilden Rd., 827-1150
JJ’S LIBERTY BISTRO 330 A1A N., Ste. 209, 273-7980
LULU’S WATERFRONT GRILLE 301 N. Roscoe Blvd.,
285-0139
NINETEEN 110 Championship Way, 273-3235
PUSSER’S CARIBBEAN GRILLE 816 A1A N., 280-7766
RESTAURANT MEDURE 818 A1A N., 543-3797
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 8141 A1A, 285-0014
TRADITIONS 110 Championship Way, 273-3235
URBAN FLATS 330 A1A N., 280-5515
ZOËS KITCHEN 240 A1A, Ste. 5, 273-1100
ST. AUGUSTINE
95 CORDOVA 95 Cordova St., 810-6810
A1A ALE WORKS 1 King St, 829-2977
AVILES RESTAURANT 32 Avenida Menendez, 829-9727
BISTRO DE LEON 12 Cathedral Place, 810-2100
CAFÉ ELEVEN 501 A1A Beach Blvd., 460-9311
CAP’S ON THE WATER 425 Myrtle St., 824-8794
CELLAR 6 WINE BAR 6 Aviles St., 827-9055
CLAUDE’S CHOCOLATE 51 King St., 808-8395
COLLAGE 60 Hypolita St., 829-0055
CORTESSÉS BISTRO & FLAMINGO ROOM 172 San
Marco Ave., 825-6775
CREEKSIDE DINERY 160 Nix Boatyard Rd., 829-6113
CRUISER’S GRILL 3 Saint George St, 824-6993
DONOVAN’S IRISH PUB 7440 U.S. 1. N., 829-0000
FLORIDA CRACKER CAFÉ 81 St. George St., 829-0397
GYPSY CAB CO. 828 Anastasia Blvd., 824-8244
KINGFISH GRILL 252 Yacht Club Dr., 824-2111
KINGS HEAD BRITISH PUB 6460 U.S. 1, 823-9787
OASIS RESTAURANT & DECK 4000 Ocean Trace Rd.,
471-3424
O.C. WHITE’S SEAFOOD & SPIRITS 118 Avenida
Menendez, 824-0808
OLD CITY HOUSE INN 115 Cordova St., 826-0184
RAINTREE 102 San Marco Ave., 824-7211
THE REEF 4100 Coastal Highway, 824-8008
SAN SEBASTIAN WINERY 157 King Street, 826-1594
SCARLETT O’HARA’S 70 Hypolita St., 824-6535
SOUTH BEACH GRILL 45 Cubbedge Rd., 471-8700
THE TASTING ROOM 25 Cuna St., 810-2400
SAN MARCO, ST. NICHOLAS
& LAKEWOOD
ATHENS CAFE 6271 St. Augustine Rd., 733-1199
b.b.’s 1019 Hendricks Ave., 306-0100
BASIL THAI & SUSHI 1004 Hendricks Ave., 674-0190
BISTRO AIX 1440 San Marco Blvd., 398-1949
BISTRO 41 3563 Philips Highway, Ste. 104, 446-9738
CHART HOUSE 1501 Riverplace Blvd., 398-3353
EUROPEAN STREET CAFE 1704 San Marco Blvd.,
398-9500
THE GROTTO 2012 San Marco Blvd., 398-0726
HAVANA-JAX CAFE 2578 Atlantic Blvd., 399-0609
LA NOPALERA 1629 Hendricks Ave., 399-1768
LAYLA’S OF SAN MARCO 2016 Hendricks Ave.,
398-4610
THE LOOP PIZZA GRILL 2014 San Marco Blvd.,
399-5667
Listed by Neighborhood
MATTHEW’S AT SAN MARCO 2107 Hendricks Ave.,
396-9922
MOJO BAR-B-QUE 1607 Unversity Blvd. W., 732-7200
METRO DINER 3302 Hendricks Ave., 398-3701
MORTON’S, THE STEAKHOUSE 1510 Riverplace
Blvd., 399-3933
PIZZA PALACE 1959 San Marco Blvd., 399-8815
PULP 1962 San Marco Blvd, 396-9222
QIU SUSHI ROCK CAFE 1950 San Marco Blvd.,
399-3305
RIVER CITY BREWING COMPANY 835 Museum Cir.,
398-2299
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 1201 Riverplace Blvd.,
396-6200
SAKE HOUSE 1478 Riverplace Blvd., 306-2188
TAG (TAKE-AWAY GOURMET) 2130 San Marco Blvd.,
398-6676
TAVERNA 1986 San Marco Blvd., 398-3005
TIDBITS 1076 Hendricks Ave., 396-0528
WINE CELLAR 1314 Prudential Dr., 398-8989
SOUTHSIDE & TOWN CENTER
ALHAMBRA DINNER THEATRE 12000 Beach Blvd.,
641-1212
AL’S PIZZA 8060 Philips Hwy., 731-4300
BLACKFINN AMERICAN GRILLE St. Johns Town Cen-
ter, 345-3466
BLUE BAMBOO 3820 Southside Blvd., 646-1478
CANTINA LAREDO St. John’s Town Center, 997-6110
THE CAPITAL GRILLE St. John’s Town Center, 997-9233
CORNER BISTRO & WINE BAR 9823 Tapestry Park
Cr., 619-1931
DAVE & BUSTERS 7025 Salisbury Rd., 296-1525
EUROPEAN STREET CAFE 5500 Beach Blvd.,
398-1717
FONTANA ITALIAN RESTAURANT 7605 Beach Blvd.,
805-9755
THE GRAPE St. John’s Town Center, 642-7111
ISLAND GIRL WINE & CIGAR BAR 7860 Gate Pkwy.,
Ste. 115, 854-6060
JJ’S BISTRO DE PARIS 7643 Gate Pkwy., 996-7557
LIBRETTO’S PIZZERIA & ITALIAN KITCHEN 4880 Big
Island Dr., 402-8888
MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY St. Johns Town Center,
380-4360
MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA 9734 Deer Lake Court,
997-1955
THE MELTING POT 7860 Gate Pkwy., 642-4900
MITCHELL’S FISH MARKET St. John’s Town Center,
645-3474
SECRET GARDEN CAFÉ 10095 Beach Blvd., 645-0859
SEVEN BRIDGES GRILLE & BREWERY 9735 Gate
Parkway N., 997-1999
SPECKLED HEN TAVERN & GRILLE 9475 Philips Hwy.,
538-0811
SUITE St. Johns Town Center, 241-7697
TAPESTRY CAFÉ 9823 Tapestry Park Circle, 329-4380
WHISKY RIVER St. Johns Town Center, 645-5571
*
taste 2011 49
 Distinct Dining Experiences at the
Sawgrass Golf Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort

20% OFF*
Jacksonville’s Best
Your Entire Food Bill
*Not valid on holidays or with any other offers.

Kept Secret Excludes Alcohol. Expires 12/30/11

DINNER: Monday through Saturday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Complimentary Valet Parking
1000 PGA TOUR Boulevard Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (904) 285-7777 www.sawgrassmarriott.com/dining

BUY ONE ENTREE,

GET ONE ENTREE

50% OFF*
*50% will be applied to the entree of equal

Magnificent Oceanfront
or lesser value. Not valid on holidays
or with any other offers. Expires 12/30/11

Dining
DINNER: Wednesday - Sunday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm Complimentary Valet Parking: Saturday & Sunday

619 Ponte Vedra Boulevard Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (904) 285-0202 www.sawgrassmarriott.com/dining
 the guide

the guide
COMPILED BY THE STAFF OF & CONTRIBUTORS TO JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRADLEY STOOKEY

WHAT’S INSIDE:
Red curry grouper
from RUAN THAI
FEATURES & RECIPES
ON THE WATERFRONT ....................54
RECIPE: BATTERED & FRIED ............56
YES WE CAN ..................................58
THE PRODUCERS ..........................62
LET’S EAT ....................................64
TASTY READS ................................66
COCKTAIL CORNER ........................68
RECIPE: FISHY BUSINESS ................70
RECIPE: SUMMER SALAD ................72
RECIPE: SEAFOOD AL DENTE ............75
RECIPE: A SAVORY START ................79
RECIPE: FISH & GRITS ....................83
RECIPE: SWAMP THING ..................87
BEER 101 ....................................88
NIGHTLIFE GUIDE ..........................92
WINE & A MOVIE ....................96 & 98

RESTAURANTS BY CUISINE
AMERICAN ....................................52
CHINESE ......................................67
CHOCOLATE SHOPS ........................67
CONTINENTAL ..............................70
CUBAN & CARIBBEAN ....................72
FRENCH ......................................74
FUSION ........................................74
GREEK & MEDITERRANEAN ..............75
HEALTHFUL / ORGANIC....................76
INDIAN ........................................76
IRISH & ENGLISH PUBS ..................76
ITALIAN ........................................78
JAPANESE ....................................80
KOREAN ......................................81
MEXICAN & TEX-MEX ......................81
MIDDLE EASTERN ..........................82
SANDWICHES ................................82
SEAFOOD ......................................84
SPANISH/BRAZILIAN ......................86
STEAKHOUSES ..............................90
THAI ............................................90
WINE BARS ..................................91

taste 2011 51
 Jacksonville Magazine’s Taste
the

Guide
Editor’s note: Highlighted restaurants are ad
clients. Menu items mentioned in the follow-
ing listings were gathered in late 2010 and
are subject to change, as are any prices
posted or details about each restaurant.

AMERICAN
‘town 3611 St. Johns Ave., Avondale
250 restaurants, bars, shops
and other need-to-know First
Coast “foodie” info.
Risotto Arborio of deep
sea seared scallops with 29 South 29 South 3rd St., Amelia
lobster emulsion from
BISTRO De LEON
A. Chef’s Cooking Studio 145
Alhambra Theatre & Dining
(345-2596; town3611.com).
Sustainable American cuisine is
what’s served at ‘town, the ultra-hip
newcomer to Avondale. Grab a seat
at the open kitchen to witness the
creation of truffled tater tots with
caramelized onion fondue, heirloom
squash risotto and bouillabaisse.
Sharing is encouraged, though you
may not want to. L, D, SB. SEE AD ON
PAGE 34
Island (277-7919). The philosophy
in the kitchen of this 1923 reno-
vated home is to take classics and
turn them on their ears. Think lob-
ster corn dogs with spicy horserad-
ish ketchup and grilled heart of
romaine salad with Maytag blue
vinaigrette. Chef/owner favors local
providers and ingredients from the
on-site garden. D. SEE AD ON PAGE 73
Hilden Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach (827-
1350; achefscookingstudio.com).
Join chef Andrea for culinary work-
shops, demonstrations and wine
tastings. Recent workshop and
demonstration themes have been
Mexico Revealed!, Italian
Persuasion!, and Totally Cheesy
Weekend!. Stop in to the shop to
buy some of the latest culinary
tools. Chef Andrea can prepare a
custom menu to cater parties and
special events. Wine is included
with all dinners and classes, and
some events require reservations.
D. SEE AD ON PAGE 42
12000 Beach Blvd., Southside (641-
1212; alhambrajax.com). A new and
improved Alhambra—the nation’s
oldest professional dinner theatre—
debuted in 2009, featuring a fresh
interior design and new menus cre-
ated by Matthew Medure. He cre-
ates a new menu for each show
consistent with its themes, like
sweet and salty mocha tart and

52 taste 2011
Gambas al Ajoillo
from ESPAÑA

taste 2011 53
 on the waterfront
Riverview, Oceanfront and Waterside Dining Faves
RIVER CITY BREWING CO.
619 Ocean View
619 Ponte Vedra Blvd., 285-7777
Cuisine Inventive dishes like Cuban
seafood cigars and tempura coconut
shrimp, paired with southern-tinged
Caribbean and Cajun flavors.
View Atlantic ocean waves provide a
charming ambiance to diners.
Azurea at One Ocean Resort
1 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach; 247-0305
Cuisine Coastal meets conscious; the
menu boasts of sustainable, locally
grown ingredients.
View Atlantic Beach’s only oceanfront
restaurant is steps from the shore.
Barbara Jean’s
15 S. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra; 280-7522
Cuisine Southern fare and seafood,
cooked to perfection. The crab cakes
are not to be missed.
View Arrive by boat or dine on the
dock along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Brett’s Waterway Cafe
1 S. Front St., Fernandina Beach; 261-2660
Cuisine Sophisticated, yet approach-
able seafood and signature salads,
prepared beautifully.
View Downtown Fernandina’s best
view of the Amelia Island harbor.
Cap’s On The Water
4325 Myrtle St., 824-8794
Cuisine Surf and turf at its finest.
54 taste 2011
Sample items from the raw bar.
View The sunset view from Cap’s
overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway.
Casa Marina
691 N. 1st St., Jacksonville Beach, 270-0025
Cuisine Upscale continental; seafood,
filet mignon and rack of lamb.
View Cozy up to a gorgeous ocean
scene at a window seat, but the
Penthouse Lounge has the best view.
Chart House
1501 Riverplace Blvd., Southbank; 398-3353
Cuisine A fresh spin on steaks and
seafood; the chocolate lava cake is
decadent perfection.
View Downtown’s Main Street Bridge
and the St. Johns River can be seen
from almost every seat in the house.
Joe’s Crab Shack
6 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, 249-6160
Cuisine Crabs are the obvious choice,
but other seafood options round out
the hands-on beachfront fave.
View Snag one of the deck tables to
feast on a laid-back view of
Jacksonville Beach.
Lulu’s Waterfront Grille
301 N. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra; 285-0139
Cuisine Try the “kings” crab cake
sandwich basket to experience how
the menu perfectly combines simple
with delicious.
View A thin stretch of the Intracoastal
provides a pretty dining backdrop.
Marker 32
14549 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach,
223-1534
Cuisine Blue crab cakes with caper
dill aioli, sauteed Florida pompano
with brown butter; a dining destina-
tion for sophisticated palettes.
View Gorgeous sunset views, situated
on the Intracoastal Waterway and
across from San Pablo Island.
O.C. White’s
118 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine,
824-0808
Cuisine Surf and turf options,
refreshed with island flavors.
View The second floor offers post-
card-worthy scenes of Downtown St.
Augustine and the bayfront.
The Reef
4100 Coastal Hwy., Vilano Beach, 824-8008
Cuisine Sesame crusted tuna and
prime rib stuffed mushrooms mingle
perfectly with mediterranean pasta
and Florida rock lobster tail.
View The Reef overlooks a quiet
stretch of Atlantic shoreline.
River City Brewing Co.
835 Museum Cir., Downtown, 398-2299
Cuisine The on-site micro-brewery
complements everything from creole
crisped eggplant to porcini dusted
jumbo sea scallops.
View Panoramic deck views of the
downtown skyline are unbeatable.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
1201 Riverplace Blvd., Southbank; 396-6200
Cuisine Aged steaks, hand-cut and
seared at 1,800 degrees. Impressive
sides are perfect complements.
View The skyline scene is paramount
from within the posh interior.
Sliders
1998 S. Fletcher Ave., Fernandina Beach,
277-6652
Cuisine A beachfront eatery with
BRADLEY STOOKEY
deep-fried selections (try the pickles)
and the “Famous Seafood Platter.”
View The pub-like atmosphere is right
next to the beach.
*
 the guide
Black and
carved sugar cured ham with white sesame
pineapple vanilla compote for A tuna from
BLUE FISH
Closer Walk with Patsy Cline.
2011 performance schedule
includes The Odd Couple, Willy
Wonka and My Fair Lady. D, SB.
SEE AD ON PAGE 34

Aqua Grill 950 Sawgrass Village

Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach (285-3017;
aquagrill.net). Since 1988 Aqua
Grill has been wowing guests with
gourmet cuisine and an eclectic
menu featuring certified Angus
steaks, seafood, live Maine lobster,
pasta, chicken, vegetarian entrées
and more. Eat the famous fried
green tomato salad made with
crispy bacon and goat cheese or
the Cajun marinated center cut
New York strip with truffled lump
crab macaroni. Enjoy lakefront
dining with outdoor patio seating,
or relax in the full-service bar with
large-screen TVs and satellite. For
banquets, Aqua Grill offers a pri-
vate dining room or climate-con-
trolled patio seating with a private
bar. L, D. SEE MENU ON PAGE 16
The Augustine Grille 1000 PGA
Tour Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach (285-
7777). Elegant farm-to-table cui-
sine, where executive chef David
Scalise and chef de cuisine Brett
Smith use the finest ingredients
sourced from local fishermen,
farmers and artisans who excel in
their craft. The upscale décor is
befitting a restaurant that neigh-
bors the legendary TPC at
Sawgrass golf club. The menu
changes with the season, but
expect a variety of grilled seafood,
steak and chops. Three-course prix
fixe menu may offer lobster
bisque, grilled ribeye and vanilla
bean créme brulée. D. SEE AD ON
PAGE 50
Azurea One Ocean Resort, Atlantic
Beach (247-0305). Featuring a
breezy yet sophisticated setting,
this hot spot showcases Florida’s
First Coast cuisine with an eclectic
tribute to the flavors of Europe, the
Caribbean and the Americas. A
must-try is the “Adventurous
Palate,” a culinary journey cus-
tomized to each guest’s preferences
and personally prepared by highly
acclaimed executive chef Ted
Peters and his team of sous chefs.
Follow the arching, blue-lit tunnel
to find this restaurant tucked inside
One Ocean. With both indoor and al
fresco seating available, this ocean-
front culinary gem offers ocean
views from every table. L, D. SEE
MENU ON PAGES 8-9
b.b.’s 1019 Hendricks Ave., San Marco
(306-0100). There’s a definite buzz
about this hip San Marco bistro. Its
upscale comfort food, which
includes prosciutto-wrapped pork
chops or mushroom triangoli ravioli
(specials change daily) with to-die-
for desserts, have patrons—a mixed
bag of hipster yuppies, soccer moms
and empty nesters—lining up. L, D.
Barbara Jean’s 15 S. Roscoe
Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach (280-
7522); 960030 Gateway Blvd.,
Amelia Island (277-3700). The
signature element of the waterside
restaurant is the expansive view
provided by the 100-foot deck
overlooking the Intracoastal
Waterway. A seat outdoors can be
tough to come by when the sun is
shining. The atmosphere is ideal for
meals like the coastal platter, a
heaping portion of battered fried
shrimp, fish and a crab cake. B
(weekends and holidays), L, D.
Beach Diner 501 Atlantic Blvd.,
Atlantic Beach (249-6500;
beachdiner.net). Diner classics
shine at this Atlantic Beach
favorite, where the menu offers
steak and eggs with buttermilk pan-
cakes, French toast, chunky chick-
en melt sandwich and the classic
beach burger. With service starting
at 6 A.M., it’s a perfect spot for a
sunrise breakfast.. B, L. SEE MENU ON
PAGE 17
Beach Hut Café 1281 3rd St. S.,
Jacksonville Beach (249-3516). It’s
been a breakfast tradition in
Jacksonville Beach for some 20
years. The picnic tables at the
surfer’s hangout fill up fast, but the
food is worth the wait. Breakfast is
served any time of the day, seven
days a week. Early birds dine for
less than $3 weekdays before 8
AM. Griddlecakes, eggs Benedict
and egg riders are popular breakfast
selections. Sandwiches, hot dogs
and hot plate specials including
ham and cabbage and meatloaf are
what’s for lunch. B, L.
Beach Road Chicken Dinners
4132 Atlantic Blvd., St. Nicholas
(398-7980). Beach Road has been

taste 2011 55
 BATTERED & FRIED
Cornmeal fried catfish from
The Speckled Hen Tavern & Grille
Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
2 cups fine cornmeal
1
/8 cup kosher salt
2 Tbsp. onion powder
2 Tbsp. garlic powder
Procedure:
1) Combine dry ingredients listed
through celery seed. Measure
three cups into a large bowl and
store remaining in
airtight container. Set aside.
2) Salt and pepper the buttermilk
to taste. Soak catfish fillets in
buttermilk for at least two hours.
* Speckled Hen serves this dish with a crawfish remoulade and stone-ground
grits. For the full recipe, log onto JacksonvilleMag.com
serving fried chicken, biscuits, fries
and sweet tea to area families since
the 1930s. The Jacksonville dining
landmark serves family-style meals
with all the fixings you can handle.
The chicken dinner—four pieces of
—CHEF NICK ROBSON
white meat, dark meat or a combina-
tion—is a classic. All dinners come
with unlimited helpings of biscuits
and gravy, cole slaw, cream peas,
mashed potatoes, rice and fries. D.
Beech Street Grill 801 Beech St.,
Fernandina Beach (277-3662).
Located in a restored 1889 home in
historic Fernandina Beach, this fine
dining establishment caters to
guests seeking comfort in their
“worldly cuisine” with entrées like
grilled tenderloin of beef with apple-
smoked bacon and sautéed lobster
and crab Savannah over linguine. D.
Benny’s Steak & Seafood
Jacksonville Landing, Downtown (301-
1014). Enjoy front-row views of the
St. Johns River and a menu laced
with fried calamari, mussels
Milanese, gator tail, conch fritters
and a variety of fish entrées. L, D.
Billy’s Boat House Grill 2321
Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (241-
9771). Situated on the Intracoastal
Waterway, Billy’s is one of a few
remaining waterfront restaurants in
2 Tbsp. chili powder Jax Beach. The menu leans toward
seafood with shrimp, little neck
/2 Tbsp. celery seed
1
clams, conch chowder and fried oys-
ters, which can be enjoyed on the
4 6-oz. catfish fillets deck or indoors. L, D, SB.
3 cups buttermilk Biscottis 3556 St. Johns Ave.,
Avondale (387-2060). A true
salt and pepper
neighborhood gathering spot, this
oil for frying Avondale institution specializes in
innovative updates on old favorites
like meatloaf served with apricot
marinara sauce and duck confit
3) After marinating, dredge fillets pizza (dinner specials change daily).
in cornmeal mixture, covering Local painters display their works in
both sides.
the dining room, but the real works
4) Place battered fish into hot oil of art are in the dessert case. L, D,
and cook four minutes, turning SB.
once.
Bistro 41° 3563 Philips Hwy., Ste.
5) Drain on a paper towel-lined 104 (446-9738). Casual eatery
plate. Serve. serves a variety of quick breakfast
YIELDS 4 SERVINGS
* and lunch favorites. The menu of
burgers, sandwiches, soups and sal-
ads is padded with house specialties
like grilled lamb and falafel. B, L.

56 taste 2011
Blackfinn American Grille St.
Johns Town Center (345-3466;
blackfinnamericangrille.com). Four
distinctly different dining atmost-
pheres comprise Blackfinn, making
it an ideal locale for after-work
aperitifs, a romantic dinner or
lunch with a colleague. Creative
dishes like the bacon-wrapped
meatloaf, goat cheese, strawberry
and pecan salad and Hong Kong-
style Chilean sea bass complement
hand-crafted cocktails. L, D, SB.
SEE MENU ON PAGE 19

Blackstone Grille 112 Bartram

Oaks Walk, Julington Creek (287-
0766; blackstone-grille.com). The
atmosphere here is best described
as modern American fusion served
in a trendy bistro-style setting. A
flaming grill at the heart of the
menu cooks up items ranging from
salmon to ribeye steaks. Filet
mignon au poivre with black truffle
sauce and truffle oil or pistachio-
crusted chicken breast with melted
onion and marbled potato gratin
round out the dinner menu. Head
over during lunch to taste the
bacon-wrapped shrimp and oysters
or the pepper-crusted ahi tuna
salad. Host a special event in the
private dining room. L, D, SB. SEE
AD ON PAGE 42

Brick Restaurant 3585 St. Johns

Ave., Avondale (387-0606). Food
might be the main attraction (reg-
ulars swear by the grilled salmon
salad, Kobe beef burger and prime
rib), but it’s not the only thing that
draws guests into The Brick.
Outdoor seating (complete with
misters or heaters depending on
the weather), live music (usually
of the groovy, jazzy variety) and a
happening bar also make it an
Avondale hotspot. L, D, SB.
Brix Taphouse 300 2nd St. N.,
Jacksonville Beach (241-4668;
brixtaphouse.com) There are 32
beers on tap, most of them micro-
brews with flavors ranging from
chocolate to pear. Order a pint, mix-
and-match flavors or pick four mini-
samples. As the name implies, Brix
is housed in a cool brick building
with an outdoor patio with room for
over 100. Check out ladies night
Sundays, service industry night (SIN)
Mondays, live music Tuesdays and
90’s Thursdays. Invest in a Growler,
a two-liter glass bottle that can be
filled with your favorite beer to take
home and brought back in for refills
(just make sure it stays sealed on
the road). Brix doesn't serve food, so
bring your own. Sports fans will love
the eight plasma screens and projec-
tion screen. SEE AD ON PAGE 89
Café Karibo 27 N. Third St.,
Fernandina Beach (277-5269). Café
Karibo's menu comprises a diverse
collection of light and tasty fare,
ranging from salads and sandwiches
at lunch to Southern and more eth-
nic dishes for dinner. If the weather
Melanzana
Involtini from
MIXX
is nice, enjoy your meal in the gar-
den courtyard under the shade of a
lush oak canopy. L, D.
Café Nola Museum of Contemporary
Art Jacksonville, 333 N. Laura St.,
Downtown (366-6911). Located on
the ground floor of the stunning art
museum, Café Nola serves dishes
such as shrimp and grits, vegetarian
lasagna, roasted salmon and
asparagus goat cheese salad. While
there, check out the art upstairs
and the gift items in the shop. L, D.
Chew Restaurant 117 W. Adams
St., Downtown (355-3793;
chewrestaurant.com). Lunch

taste 2011 57
 yes, we can
Jacksonville Canning Center an economical resource
words and photo by Cari Sànchez-Potter
THE JACKSONVILLE CANNING CENTER
is operated by the Duval County
Extension Service and celebrated its
75th anniversary last year. It first
opened in 1935 with the purpose of
canning cod for the Old County
Prison. During World War II, it evolved
into a tax-funded cannery to help
local residents through a tough econo-
my and assist in Victory Garden
efforts. The center moved to its cur-
rent location on Commonwealth
Avenue in 1978. Today, it is a mod-
ern, gleaming facility with a large
commercial kitchen and knowledge-
able staff that serve Duval County res-
idents and organizations such as 4-H
clubs, nonprofits, churches, schools,
boaters and individuals looking to can
in bulk.
It might be surprising to hear that
canning is resurging in popularity.
While canned items like corn relish or
dilly beans may be falling out of favor,
the new generation of canners is
experimenting with jazzy recipes for
58 taste 2011
jewel-toned blood orange jellies, tart
kumquat marmalades and festive,
sparkling champagne jellies flecked
with orange zest.
To explain the recent upswing in
popularity of home-canned foods, the
center’s agricultural program leader
Terry DelValle draws a parallel to
WWII, when a tough economy caused
Americans to turn to gardening and
canning their own produce, which was
cheaper than buying canned products
at the supermarket.
With some basic tools and a few
simple instructions, you’ll be on your
way to home-canned marmalades and
jellies that you can give away as deli-
cious, economical holiday gifts or
enjoy yourself throughout the year.
BE ORGANIZED: Citrus is the per-
fect gateway ingredient into canning.
While you’ll need a pressure cooker
that reaches high temperatures for
canning low-acid foods like vegetables
(other than tomatoes), all you need for
very acidic foods like citrus are a large
stockpot, some sturdy tongs and glass
jars; available at your local hardware
or grocery store.
USE A RECIPE: Recipes are cru-
cial when canning. Only use recipes
from a tested, reliable source to be
sure that the finished product isn’t
susceptible to contaminants that
cause botulism. The Duval County
Extension Service has a wealth of
trusted recipes on its website, and
safe canning procedures are exhaus-
tively covered by the Department
of Agriculture’s National Center for
Home Food Preservation at home-
foodpreservation.com. There also are
canning cookbooks available at your
local bookstore or library.
If the specialty words used in can-
ning recipes (Headspace? Hot-packed
vs. cold-packed? Pectin? Pickling
lime?) are confusing, call the center.
Even veterans should make periodic
visits to the center to brush up on
current techniques, recipes and
equipment.
PAY ATTENTION TO QUALITY:
It’s simple: Use an inferior product,
you get an inferior result. Instead of
purchasing produce from the super-
market, where it often sits in a ware-
house and travels long distances
before it hits store shelves, why not
grow your own or buy local produce at
one of the area’s farmers markets?
Produce purchased at market is often
picked the same day, ensuring tastier
results in the finished product. Citrus,
like oranges and lemons, are inexpen-
sive when bought in bulk at the
Jacksonville Farmers Market on Beaver
Street. For more exotic citrus like
Satsuma or pummelo, try the Beaches
Green Market at Jarboe Park in
Neptune Beach or Farmers at the
Riverside Arts Market under the Fuller-
Warren Bridge.
*

consists of soups, salads and
“high-end, handcrafted sandwich-
es,” like the fried green tomato
BLT and croque-monsieur. The
stylish Downtown eatery also serves
dinner Thursday-Saturday. L, D.
Cool Moose Café 2708 Park St.,
Riverside (381-4242). Every neigh-
borhood needs a cozy, friendly cof-
fee shop, and in Riverside it’s Cool
Moose. Many locals start their day
at the Moose with a cup of joe and
the newspaper. Others come for
the bagels and muffins for break-
fast. Full breakfast and sandwich-
es, wraps, panini and soup for
lunch. B, L, SB.
Copeland’s Famous New
Orleans Bar & Restaurant
4310 Southside Blvd., Southside
(998-4414). Fried seafood, red
beans and rice, blackened fish,
red potatoes, shrimp etouffé,
andouille sausage—all the flavors
we think of when remembering
New Orleans come to mind at
Copeland’s. L, D.
Corner Bistro & Wine Bar
9823 Tapestry Park Cir., Southside
(619-1931;cornerbistrowinebar.com).
Upscale, friendly and elegant are
the key goals that Corner Bistro
aims to meet. The menu includes
various types of burgers (Angus
beef, crab cake and venison),
amaretto chicken, and the filet
bleu. A plethora of wines can be
purchased by the glass or bottle.
Come back on Sundays for quiche,
crepes, omelets and bottomless
mimosas and sangria. L, D, SB. SEE
ADS ON PAGES 22 & 38
Cortessés Bistro & Flamingo
Room 172 San Marco Ave., St.
Augustine (825-6775;
cortessesbistrostaugustine.com).
Located in a quaint 1880s home
that has been transformed into a
bistro serving Italian and fresh
seafood. Many special rooms and
features include The Wine Cellar
with its Chambriar Wine Care
System to keep the temperature
and humidity at perfect levels.
Casual, upscale dining featuring
hazelnut grouper, lobster creole
and beef medallion with crab cake.
Enjoy karaoke nights and the week-
end comedy club. L, D. SEE AD ON
PAGE 46
Cruiser’s Grill 319 23rd Ave. S.,
Jacksonville Beach (270-0356);
3 St. George St., St. Augustine
(824-6993); 5613-1 San Jose Blvd.
(737-2874). For more than 10
years, beachgoers have looked to
the original Cruiser’s Grill in
Jacksonville Beach for a good
greasy burger and cheese fries
served with ranch dressing. Patrons
can dine inside to the sounds of the
kitchen staff yelling out when an
order is done, or sit outside at the
picnic tables. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 37
Dave & Buster’s 7025 Salisbury
Rd. S., Southside (296-1525). The
lengthy menu is laced with every-
thing from sandwiches and salads
to ribs and steak. Most diners
come for the fun and games of the
Million Dollar Midway. It’s loud
and festive with dozens of arcade
games. L, D.
Ellen’s Kitchen 1824 3rd St. S.,
Jacksonville Beach (246-1572).
This bustling diner has been serving
traditional breakfast favorites for
over 40 years. And, although they
are served all day, lunch fare also
graces the menu. Tables inside are
jam-packed together, and the week-
ends are always a busy time—a line
out the door is common on
Sundays. B, L.
Engine 15 Brewing Co. 1500-
217 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach
(249-BEER; engine15.com). Over
100 varieties of beer are available
between bottled and tap selections.
Beer-infused menu includes beer
brats, chips and beer queso and the
beer dip sandwich. The brew mas-
ters can even help you brew your
own beer, either in bottles or an
entire keg. Gather and mix the fer-
mentables, brew the beer, add the
hops, and the staff will help you
create your own world-class beer,
including your own custom labels.
Outdoor seating and live entertain-
ment add to the laid-back atmos-
phere. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 89
Five Guys Burgers & Fries
1620 Margaret St., Riverside (425-
3380) plus several other locations.
the guide
The menu at this franchise opera-
tion with about 8 area locations is
simple enough—burgers, hot dogs,
fries and drinks. That’s about it. You
won’t leave hungry, as portions are
huge. The fries are awesome. L, D.
The Fox Restaurant 3580 St.
Johns Ave., Avondale (387-2669). A
quaint 1950s atmosphere mixed
with folk art and customer doodles
wedged into picture frames. The
Fox serves up diner-style breakfast
and lunch daily. A local favorite, a
line out the door is virtually guaran-
teed in the mornings. B, L.
Grinders Café 10230 Atlantic
Blvd., Atlantic Beach (725-2712).
Offering Southern favorites like
fried chicken with gravy, collard
greens and friend okra, the
Southern cuisine at Grinders Café
comes pretty close to what
Grandma used to make. On the
lighter side, the menu also features
subs and salads. Be prepared to
wait a few minutes for a table at
lunch, though, as regulars roll in
early. L, D.
Grumpy’s 834 Kingsley Ave.,
Orange Park (215-1956). Offers
breakfast and lunch to diners who
don’t require fancy frills. Have a
deli sandwich like ham, turkey and
roast beef combo, which comes
with a choice of potato salad,
coleslaw, applesauce, baked beans
or French fries. Top it off with
some housemade cookies. B, L.
Gypsy Cab Co. 828 Anastasia
Blvd., St. Augustine (824-8244;
gypsycab.com). This long-time Old
City hotspot keeps customers lin-
ing up out front with a frequently
changing menu, linguini with clam
sauce, pork loin with mango-
sundried cherry chutney, roast
duck with raspberry glaze and sim-
ilar fare. Next door bar serves
tapas and hosts live music and
comedy acts. L, D, SB. SEE AD ON
PAGE 77
Harpoon Louie’s 4070-8 Herschel
St., Avondale (389-5631). It’s an
Avondale staple that overlooks tiny
Fishweir Creek. When the weather
permits, the big deck out back is
the preferred spot for regulars. The
taste 2011 59
Belly dancing at
CASBAH CAFE

Tiramisu from
ENZA’S ITALIAN
menu’s “school loan special” comes
RESTUARNT
with a dozen chicken wings, a side
of fries and a pitcher of beer for
about $13. Burgers and salads
attract a healthy portion of customer
attention, as does the blackened
grouper sandwich. L, D.
Intuition Ale Works 720 King
St., Riverside (683-7720). Head
over to taste the micobrews,
including local favorites I-10 IPA,
Wild Child Wheat and Riverside
Red. Brewmaster and founder Ben
Davis has studied the art of beer-
making in Napa Valley, New
Zealand and Chicago. Join the
Intuition Ale Works Mug Club and
get your own special mug in the tap
room. Take a tour of the brewery, or
come to events like the seasonal
beer release parties and private tast-
ings. Open Wednesday through
Saturday. Pizzas and dips from
Pele’s Fire Catering are available to
accompany the popular local liba-
tions. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 89
Jack & Diane’s 708 Centre St.,
Amelia Island (321-1444). An
eclectic place that celebrates
unique food, drink, art and music.
Come eat jambalaya, vegan black
bean cake wraps, shrimp and
grits, “world famous” pancakes
and huevos rancheros. Gluten-free
options appeal to diners with spe-
cial dietary needs. The outdoor
dining deck and private backyard
tiki bar make Jack & Diane’s one
of the coziest spots in Amelia
Island. Weekly beer tastings. B, L,
D. SEE AD ON PAGE 73
Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro 14 S.
Second St., Fernandina Beach (321-
2558). Chef Joe Robucci describes
his cuisine as New American with
Italian, French, Creole, Asian and
South of the Border influences,
but “eclectic” works just fine for
us. Guests can sup on Asian bar-
bequed duckling, grilled leg of
lamb and seafood fricassee inside
the restored turn-of-the-century
home or al fresco in the New
Orleans-inspired courtyard. D.
Juliette’s Bistro Omni
Jacksonville Hotel, 245 Water St.,
Downtown (355-6664). Located in
the Omni Jacksonville Hotel and
just steps away from the
Jacksonville Landing, with amaz-
ing views of the river. Dine with
Jacksonville’s “movers and shak-
ers” that come in from downtown
businesses. An upscale, yet cozy
eatery abuzz with activity. The
regional Florida cuisine includes a
variety of seafood, pasta and
chicken entrées, as well as hand-
cut Buckhead beef. Order sweet
tea, and get freshly brewed tea
with a side of 'sweet syrup' to add.
The J Bar, adjacent to the restau-
rant, serves a tapas menu ideal for
theatre patrons. B, L, D. SEE MENU
ON PAGE 25
Landshark Cafe 1728 3rd St., N.,
Jacksonville Beach (246-6024).
Dress-down casual atmosphere
and menu full of bar eats—wings,
soft tacos, Angus burgers, fish and
chips and more. Live music on the
weekends. L, D.
The Loop Pizza Grill Multiple
locations (looppizzagrill.com). The
homegrown franchise counts more
than 10 restaurants in the Jax
area in its fold. The menu runs the
gamut from tomato bisque soup
and chili with cheddar and onion
to enormous burgers and grilled
chicken sandwiches. L, D.
Mellow Mushroom 1018-2 N.
3rd St., Jacksonville Beach (241-
5600). Pizzas, live music, big
screen TV, sports, trivia nights and
happy hour specials are big draws
to the three area Mellow Mushroom
ultra casual pizza pubs. L, D.
Metro Diner 3302 Hendricks Ave.,
San Marco (398-3701). The interior
atmosphere is reminiscent of the
art deco era, with black and silver
vintage bar stools overlooking an
open kitchen where cooks flip
pancakes and burgers. Other dish-
es include the meatloaf plate,
tuna melt and big fish sandwich.
Don’t forget to check the black-
board for breakfast and lunch spe-
cials. B, L, SB.
Mojo Bar-B-Que 1607 University
Blvd. W., Lakewood (732-7200);
Mojo Kitchen 1500 Beach
Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (247-
6636); Mojo Smokehouse
the guide
1810 Town Center Blvd., Orange
Park (264-0636). ‘Mojo’ refers to
blues lyrics describing a good luck
feeling or vibe and, with a cool
clientele and a relaxed atmos-
phere, that is exactly what you will
find here. Southern folk art deco-
rates these barbecue joints serving
pulled pork, chipotle BBQ chicken
wings, Brunswick stew, blackened
catfish po’ boy, Texas beef brisket,
hickory-smoked chicken, Mojo
spareribs and North Carolina pork
shoulder. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 3
Nineteen 110 Championship Way,
Ponte Vedra Beach (273-3235). A
couple of years ago the PGA Tour
built themselves a gorgeous new
clubhouse at Sawgrass—and then
they invited everybody inside.
Named after "the nineteenth hole,"
a term golfers have long referred to
as the clubhouse bar at a golf
course, Nineteen is open to all
from sun-up to sun-down. The
menu features Black Angus sliders,
Southwest spring rolls, smoked
turkey panini, Tuscan meatloaf and
steak frites. B, L, D. SEE AD ON BACK
COVER
Original Pancake House
St. Johns Town Center (997-6088).
As the name implies, the breakfast
joint specializes in dozens of differ-
ent pancakes, omelets, danishes
and crepes. Signature dishes
include apple pancakes, strawberry
waffles, mushroom and vegetarian
omelets and Danish cherry crepes.
The sourdough French toast is darn
good, too. B, L, D.
Pengree’s Restaurant 556
Kingsley Ave., Orange Park (278-
0089). Serves breakfast every day of
the week with a menu including all
the classics like pancakes, French
toast, bacon and eggs. Try the fritta-
ta omelet, which is sautéed with
chicken breast and mushrooms and
filled with marinara and mozzarella
cheese. B, L.
Philly’s Finest 1527 3rd St. N.,
Jacksonville Beach (241-7188).
Philly’s Finest boasts nine varieties
of cheese steaks along with pub
favorites—wings, cheese fries and
onion rings as well as pizzas and
taste 2011 61
 the producers
Raising pigs, cattle and chickens is a growing local
business. Literally. by Elizabeth Gray
THIRD-GENERATION EGG FARMER Jacques Klempf is
the CEO of Dixie Egg Co., which distributes more than
700 million eggs a year throughout the Southeast out
of its distribution center in Jacksonville. It produces
the Eggland’s Best brand of eggs, which are laid by
hens fed an all-natural, vegetarian feed. A hen’s diet
determines the nutri-
tional value of its eggs,
affecting the amount of
cholesterol, vitamins
and total fat per egg.
Klempf, now 53, start-
ed delivering eggs to
families in his neigh-
borhood with a little
THE DELKAT FAMILY FARM in Hilliard has been in red wagon when he
Del Conner’s family since the 1800s. Today, he raises was 8 years old.
pigs, cows, chickens and sheep. The farm started sell- When shopping for
ing hogs seven years ago, providing pork to 29 South eggs, Klempf says to
restaurant in Fernandina Beach and to customers in look for the USDA shield and date they were candled,
need of a whole hog, custom-cut and wrapped. represented by a three-digit number. (Out of 365, the
DelKat raises Berkshire pigs, a breed that has not number represents the day the egg was graded, sized
been genetically changed for show or influenced by and packaged. For example, 001 means January 1).
factory farming (when animals are raised in confined Stores should not sell eggs more than 30 days after
spaces, making them prone to illness). DelKat does they have been candled. Klempf says there is a negli-
not use antibiotics or hormones on its pigs. Think of gible difference in taste between white and brown
them as semi-free range, able to roam in the fresh air eggs, which is determined by the hen’s feather color.
and mud with access to shelter when the weather is White eggs are laid by a white hen, while brown eggs
too hot or too cold. It are laid by a red hen. The size of an egg depends on
takes about six months the age of the hen—the older the hen, the larger the
for a hog to reach egg. A “jumbo” egg is produced by a hen that is
slaughter weight—300 probably near the end of its egg-laying career, which
pounds live and 210
pounds hanging. For a
lasts about two years.
*
pig to attain breeding
age, expect at least 10
months. In Conner’s
opinion, there is a dif-
ference in taste
between factory farm
meat and the product
he sells. His customers
believe so, too. There
should be some fat to give it flavor, he says (factory
farms tend to sell leaner meat). The nutrient content
of the meat from a hog depends highly on the feed.
DelKat sells whole hogs for about $2.90 a pound
including butchering.
*
62 taste 2011

stromboli, hoagies and salads.
Check out the Ice Bar, a full-length
bar literally made of ice, a very cool
way to keep your favorite beer cold
as you cheer for your favorite team
on the multiple television screens
that hang directly above. Eagles and
Phillies fans always welcome. L, D.
SEE AD ON PAGE 36
_ al Southern fare. Food is served
PLAE 80 Amelia Village Cir., Amelia
Island (277-2132; plaefl.net). PLAE
stands for "People Laughing and
Eating," which is exactly what will
happen when you try the cedar
plank salmon with carmelized grits
or taste the flourless chocolate
torte. Ask about the daily surprise
wine pours, featuring a diverse
selection that affords guests an
insight into the nuances of wines
from different soils. Located with-
in the Spa & Shops at Amelia
Island Plantation, the lounge has
quickly become one of the premier
places to be entertained in the
area, with live music throughout
Chicken fried house
smoked bacon from ‘TOWN
the week. D. SEE AD ON PAGE 73
Potter’s House Soul Food
Bistro 5310 Lenox Ave.,
Jacksonville (394-0860). Located in
the Westside's Normandy mall, this
establishment was opened by the
Potter’s House Christian Fellowship
church, and specializes in tradition-
cafeteria-style and customers take a
seat at one of the many tables in
the large dining room. Patrons have
a choice of a personal or family-
sized entrée, complete with sides,
cornbread and dessert. Catering is
also available. L, D.
Raintree Restaurant &
Steakhouse 102 San Marco
Ave., St. Augustine (824-7211). Set
in a historic home, serving beef
Wellington, rack of lamb, Ahi tuna,
Maine lobster, vegetarian and
low-carb entrées. The dessert bar
features bananas Foster, crepes,
cappuccino and espresso. D.
the guide
Restaurant Medure 818 A1A
N., Ponte Vedra Beach (543-3797).
Chic and sleek interior design
pairs well with ultra creative menu
offerings such as whole fried
snapper, Ahi tuna tartare and wild
mushroom crepes. D.
The Reef 4100 Coastal Hwy. A1A,
St. Augustine (824-8008;
thereefstaugustine.com). The menu
at this casual oceanfront restau-
rant encompasses a variety of
seafood, steaks and pasta entrées,
as well as soups, salads and
sandwiches. Tuesday’s prime rib
and crab leg night is a favorite
with the locals, but the main
attraction is The Reef’s “famous”
Sunday champagne brunch
featuring eggs Benedict, crab legs,
waffles, desserts, hot entrées and
a carving station. L, D, SB.
River City Brewing Company
835 Museum Cir., Southbank (398-
2299; rivercitybrew.com). The casu-
ally elegant 325-seat main dining
room overlooks St. John's River and
the downtown skyline. The menu
offers dishes created with global
flavor and culinary expertise includ-
ing fresh seafood, tender steaks,
creative pasta dishes and daily
chef's creations. The on-site brew-
ery is visible from the Brewhouse
Lounge, which features live week-
end entertainment, both inside and
on the outdoor deck. Second-floor
private banquet rooms for all spe-
cial events, social or corporate.
Off-site catering services available.
L, D, SB. SEE AD ON PAGE 89
Scarlett O’Hara’s 70 Hypolita St.,
St. Augustine (824-6535). The
sometimes raucous restaurant and
bar attracts a mix of locals, tourists
and Flagler College students. When
a band is playing, the music filters
all the way upstairs and out into
the Historic District. Seats on the
front porch fill up fast. Same goes
for the covered raw bar area. Some
claim the place is haunted. L, D.
Secret Garden Cafe 10095-600
Beach Blvd., Southside (645-0859;
secretgardencafe.net). The newly
refurbished interior of the Secret
Garden Cafe fills fast for breakfast,
taste 2011 63
 let’s eat
Special events where tasty food is the order of the day
Celebrity Chefs Tasting Annual Wine Tasting Gala Tailgate Kickoff To A Cure
Luncheon Presented by Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation Presented by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Presented by the Salvation Army March 18 September, Date TBA
March 10 Modis Building EverBank Field, Terrace Suite
Prime Osborn Convention Center 543-2599 733-3560
630-4000
James Beard Foundation 10th Annual Delicious
22nd Annual Great Atlantic Charity Dinner Destinations
Music & Seafood Festival Presented by the Friends of James Beard Presented by St. Vincent’s Foundation
March 19 Foundation September 8-10
Jacksonville Beach Sea Walk April 9 Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Pavillion Azurea at One Ocean Resort 308-7338
270-9301 853-2346
28th Annual Caring Chefs
Dining Out For Life 3rd Annual Jacksonville Craft Presented by the Children’s Home Society
Presented by the North Florida AIDS Network & Import Beer Festival October, Date TBA
April 28 May 20 The Avenues Mall, Southside
Various Restaurants Veterans Memorial Arena, Downtown 493-7739
356-1612 394-7196
27th Annual Empty Bowls Soup
18th Annual World of Nations 21st Annual Jacksonville Food and Bread Luncheon
Celebration Fight Presented by Second Harvest North Florida
Presented by the City of Jacksonville Presented by Second Harvest North Florida November 15
April 28-30, May 1 June 9 Prime Osborn Convention Center
Metropolitan Park, Downtown EverBank Field, Touchdown Club 739-7074
630-3690 739-7074
8th Annual Festival D’Vine
48th Annual Isle of Eight 31st Annual AT&T Greater Presented by Catholic Charities
Flags Shrimp Festival Jacksonville Kingfish November 5
April 29-30, May 1 Tournament
Location to be determined
Centre Street, Fernandina Beach July 18-23
354-4846
261-5841 Sisters Creek Park, 8203 Heckscher Dr.
251-3011 The 27th Annual Great
Great Chefs of Jacksonville Chowder Debate
Presented by Jacksonville Magazine 2nd Annual Great Southern Presented by The Conch House
March 3 Tailgate Cook-Off
November 6
TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse Presented by Kansas City Barbecue Society
The Conch House, St. Augustine
630-4000 August 26-27
829-8646
Main Beach at Amelia Island
277-0717 Amelia Island Restaurant
Week
January 22-28
Various Restaurants
277-0717
9th Annual Best of
Jacksonville Party
Presented by Jacksonville Magazine
January, Date TBA
Museum of Contemporary Art
389-3622
*

64 taste 2011
 the guide
especially the Sunday brunch. herb-crusted lamb, pork Springfield’s tastiest bagels,
Lunch specials include the open- Adirondack and oak-grilled filet muffins and cakes like chocolate
faced Monte Cristo sandwich, fried mignon. Reserve wine list. D. espresso and Italian cream. Try the
green tomatoes and Alabama meat- Jeff Squares—just trust us on this
loaf. Dinner is served on Friday Sun Dog Steak & Seafood one. Also serving bistro salads and
and Saturday nights. B,L, D, SB. 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach fresh-made soups. The next-door
SEE AD ON PAGE 43 (241-8221). The neon sign is a cellar sells boutique wines and
Beaches landmark. Lively bar beers, Bold City brew on tap. Eat
Seven Bridges Grille & atmosphere is complemented by a in the little oasis out back called
Brewery 9735 Gate Pkwy. N., huge menu of crab cakes, chili, the Zen Garden, where you can
Southside (997-1999). Seven prime rib and blackened mahi. relax with your favorite tea and
Bridges heats up about the time Live music nightly. L, D, SB. enjoy being outdoors with a friend
the Southside’s legions of nine-to- or alone with a book. Live music
fivers start clocking out. The bar is Take Away Gourmet 2103 San plays regularly. SEE AD ON PAGE 40
usually lively, and the line for the Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-
pool table forms early. There is a 6676). Part gourmet market, part Tory’s Café 9842 Old Baymeadows
grab-and-go restaurant, TAG is a Rd. (641-4890). Around lunchtime,
patio for outside dining. The
source for fine cheeses, oven- both lunching moms and business-
micro-brewery churns out its own
ready meals, fresh-made sand- men can be found dining at this
brands of seasonal ales, stouts
wiches and more. Retail wines, shabby-chic establishment. For
and lagers, which pair well with
breads and caviar available, too. about the last two decades crowds
the salads, burgers, steaks and
have been drawn to this lunch-only
pasta. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 89
Three Layers 1602 Walnut St., café by its menu, full of traditional
Speckled Hen Tavern & Grille Springfield (355-9791). A renovat- lunch specialties such as Tory's sig-
9475 Philips Hwy., Southside (538- ed and funky loft-like space serves nature tomato basil soup. L.
0811; speckledhentavern.com). This
“Southern” Gastropub features Hawaiian fried rice from
Executive Chef Nick Robson’s cre- BUDDHA’S BELLY
ative assortment of Southern-
inspired comfort foods prepared
with a new twist. Local art adorns
the walls and can be purchased,
with all proceeds going directly to
the artists. Live acoustic music is
performed every Friday night, and
the seven televisions attract sports
fans. The menu changes seasonally,
but don’t miss the pecan-crusted
seared scallops, king crab mac n’
cheese or the shrimp and grits.
Large beer and wine menu. L, D.
SEE MENU ON PAGE 29

Sticky Fingers 363 Atlantic Blvd.,

Atlantic Beach (241-7427; stickyfin-
gersonline.com); 8129 Point
Meadows Way, Southside (493-
7427); 13150 City Station Dr.,
Northside (309-7427). The pride of
this upscale barbecue restaurant
chain, which boasts a full bar, is its
Memphis-style, hickory-smoked ribs
available in five versions, including
dry rub and Carolina sweet. L, D.

Stonewood Grill & Tavern

3832 Baymeadows Rd., Baymeadows
(739-7206); 950 Marsh Landing
Pkwy., Jacksonville Beach (285-
2311). Serving Emerald Bay crab
cakes, oak-grilled citrus salmon,

taste 2011 65
 tasty reads
Inspiration for your next meal can come in many forms

FOODIES KNOW that the secret to
tasty eats is in the ingredients—par-
ticularly fresh, local ones. Promoting
that theme, Southern Living
released Farmers Market Cookbook
($29.95, Oxmoor House) as the
ultimate guide to local farmers mar-
kets, with seasonal recipes and test
kitchen tips. Featuring more than
200 recipes organized by season
and 150 photos, the cookbook
includes the Jacksonville Farmers
Market (the oldest in the state)
and several other Florida cities.
Especially handy is a fresh produce
and herb primer, which breaks down
the specifics on selecting and stor-
ing fresh produce and herbs.
BARBECUE IS MORE THAN FOOD.
It’s a homegrown, beloved art form.
From the type of wood smoke to the
choice of meat to the seasonings in
the sauce, BBQ is serious business.
The Big Book of BBQ (Oxmoor
House, $24.95) treats the subject
with care and delicious respect. The
280-page softback was compiled by
the editors of Southern Living—and
they should know good barbecue,
right?—and it covers everything from
ribs to brisket to sausage with over
200 recipes, tips, techniques and
mini-profiles of favorite restaurants
across the BBQ belt. Sadly, none of
Jacksonville’s best BBQ joints made
the book.
FROM PEACH COBBLER to banana
pudding, homemade sweets are a
staple of old-fashioned Southern cui-
sine. Classic Southern Desserts
(Oxmoor House, $30) shares 200
recipes that have been fine-tuned in
its test kitchen over the past 40
years. The 344-page hardcover—
compiled from more than 10,000
dishes—features full-color photos,
kitchen tips and the stories behind
the recipes. Organized by dessert
type, the book includes chapters on
cakes, cookies, pies and ice cream.

VEGETARIANS ARE NO LONGER LIMITED to a Try your hand at the

diet of side dishes and desserts with Crock-Pot Recipe of the Week.
queen Judith Finlayson’s newest cookbook The
Vegetarian Slow Cooker ($25, Robert Rose). This
softcover guide features 200-plus classic and
exotic meatless recipes for the slow cooker, from
breakfast items to soups to breads. More than
130 vegan (egg- and dairy-free) recipes are
clearly marked throughout the 300-page cook-
book. The book includes slow cooker basics and
full-page color photos, as well as Finlayson’s jacksonvillemag.com
personal tips for each recipe.
*
66 taste 2011

T-Ray’s Burger Station 202 S.
Eighth St., Fernandina Beach (261-
6310). Not much to look at from
the outside, but islanders don’t
mind and they swear by the ham-
burgers. The breakfast menu offers
all the American classics. B, L.
Urban Flats Flatbread Co. 330
A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach (280-
5515; urbanflats.net). The cen-
turies-old tradition of flat bread
gets a modern update at Urban
Flats with inspired flavor combina-
tions such as fig and prosciutto;
turkey, pear and brie; and steak
and portobello. The menu also
includes “lite bites” such as warm
cheese and spinach dip and truffle
mac and cheese. L, D.
The Verandah Restaurant
6800 First Coast Hwy., Amelia Island
Plantation, Amelia Island (321-
5050). Serving fried shrimp, mari-
nated and grilled yellow fin tuna
with sour grape chutney, pan-roast-
ed free range chicken with zinfan-
del and fresh thyme. D.
Whisky River St. Johns Town
Center (645-5571). Dale Earnhardt,
Jr. opened Whisky River to cure
Jacksonville’s need for a spot that
can serve great food, draw big-
name performers and pour strong
drinks with Southern charm.
Burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and
salads are popular, but try the
Killer Wings, a local favorite that
comes in 13 mix-and-match flavors
like spicy garlic parmesan. The DJs
play a mix of country and Top 40
dance music. The mechanical bull
and the Happy Hour specials bring
in a fun crowd. L, D. SEE MENU ON
PAGE 32
Jade’s Bistro 1484 Sadler Rd.,
Fernandina Beach (321-2777). Chic
and contemporary, the dining room
here has a spa-like quality with
soothing colors and organic ele-
ments—a contrast from your usual
fast-food Chinese place. Aside from
Chinese specialties diners can
choose from a variety of Thai dishes
and "Asian Fusion Specials." L, D.
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro St.
Johns Town Center (641-3392).
Many hailed the arrival of this
national franchise operation as a
new day in the local dining scene.
Meals are served family-style and
the menu is highlighted by items
such as wok-seared spare ribs in
barbecue sauce, crab wontons
with spicy plum sauce, pin rice
noodle soup, Cantonese roasted
duck and crispy honey chicken.
There are 10 vegetarian entrées as
well. L, D.
Pagoda 8617 Baymeadows Rd.,
Southside (731-0880). Serving Pu
Pu tray, beef with snow peas,
USDA prime filet mignon
from III FORKS
the guide
chicken chow mein Cantonese,
Szechuan-style tofu, Chinese
steak, roast pork lo mein, General
Tsao’s chicken, almond char shu
din and more. L, D.
Silver Star 5016 Blanding Blvd.,
Westside (778-8500). Don’t pass
on the wonton soup or the fried
wonton appetizers. The menu cov-
ers all the standards with plenty of
vegetarian, chicken, beef and
seafood entrées, as well as duck.
The Four Seasons chef special
includes shrimp, duck, chicken,
pork and mixed vegetables. And
try the tiny sugared doughnuts for
dessert. L, D.
CHOCOLATE SHOPS
Claude’s Chocolate 51 King St.,
St. Augustine (808-8395); 145
Hilden Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach
(829-57990;claudeschocolate.com).
Chef Claude Franques and his
wife, Nicole, left the bustling din-
ing scene of NYC to open a choco-
late shop in St. Augustine. Today,

CHINESE
Happiness 1233 Lane Ave. S.,
Westside (781-6793). It’s been a
Lane Avenue fixture for as long as
anyone can remember. The buffet
is popular at lunch. The menu says
it all with sweet and sour chicken,
shrimp lo mein and pork egg foo
young. The sautéed green beans
are a can’t-miss side dish. They do
a tremendous amount of takeout,
so don’t let an almost empty din-
ing room scare you off. L, D.

taste 2011 67
 cocktail corner
Sometimes a plain old draught beer just won’t do.
Dos Gatos (119 E. Forsyth St., 354-0666)
opened late in 2009 across the street from
the Florida Theatre. The nightspot is one of a
small handful of Downtown bars that are
infusing a social life to the city’s urban core.
A big round of applause for that, right? Its
bartender owners, Jason and Joy Albertelli,
designed a plush bar/ lounge with a mix of
soft boudoir accents and warehouse grit.
Their signature drinks include the Sidecar
(below), a classic American cocktail your
grandparents might have favored.
11/4 oz Hennessy VSOP cognac
3
/4 oz Cointreau
Splash of sweet and sour*
Cherry garnish
Shake and strain vigorously into a martini
glass or over ice.
*Sweet & Sour recipe
2 parts simple syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water)
TacoLu Baja Mexicana (1183 Beach Blvd., 1 part lemon juice
249-8226) is perhaps best known for two 1 part lime juice
things: fish tacos and tequila. The Jax Beach
restaurant is just a few blocks from the
Fresh is better, but bottled juice will suffice.
*
water, and the eclectic decor is splashed with
Corona beer flags and brightly colored tiles.
Opened in July 2008, the bar is stocked with
some 100 types of tequila and pours plenty
of exotic drinks like the spicy jalapeño
margarita:
11/2 oz. Herradura Blanco tequila
1 Tbsp. jalapeño, puréed in lime juice
1
/2 oz. organic cucumber liqueur
1
/2 oz. jalapeño-infused simple syrup*
Sour mix, to taste
Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker. Rim
12-oz. glass with kosher salt and fill with ice
cubes. Pour mixture into glass and garnish
with lime or jalapeño.
BRADLEY STOOKEY

*Simple syrup recipe: Boil equal parts water

and sugar. Add sliced jalapeños and boil
again. Let simmer. Run through mesh strainer
to remove seeds.
*
68 taste 2011
 500 South (500 South Legacy Tr., 940-
8000) opened in March 2008 as part of The
Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village’s
$10 million renovation. Decorated in contem-
porary colors, the new American restaurant
and lounge has an enormous wine wall, flat-
screen TVs and a billiard room. The
Raspberry “Mo”jito is 500 South’s signature
drink, named after the restaurant and bar’s
manager, Mo. The recipe below makes a mix
for several cocktails, so invite some friends
over to enjoy the Cuban-inspired fave.
2 oz. lime juice
2 tsp. sugar
1/2 liter water
3 lime wedges
12 fresh mint leaves
1 oz. Bacardi Razz
Splash of club soda
A touch of Chambord liqueur
Mix lime juice, sugar and water to make a
mojito mix. In a separate glass, muddle lime
wedges and mint leaves. Add ice, two ounces
of the mojito mix, Bacardi Razz, and a splash
In the years since its summer 2007 opening, of club soda. Top off with a touch of Chambord.
Galangal (145 Hilden Road, Ste. 110, Ponte
Vedra) has earned a rep for serving authentic
Shake and pour into a high-ball glass.
*
Thai cuisine in an upscale setting. The chic
eatery’s high style and bold flavors aren’t
limited to its plates, though; the bar menu is
generous with its offerings of wine, sake and
cocktails, too. Try your hand at making the
restaurant’s signature Thai basil-citrus
martini, which puts a fresh spin on the
classic libation. You may need to visit your
local Asian food market to find authentic
basil leaves, but like a night at Galangal,
going a little out of your way is worth the
effort.
10 Thai basil leaves
2 lime wedges
1 1/2 oz. Absolut Citron vodka
3
/4 oz. Aperol Aperitivo liqueur
1 oz. ruby red grapefruit juice
Muddle the basil leaves and lime wedges
together in the bottom of shaker tin (if you
don’t have a wooden muddler, use a spoon).
BRADLEY STOOKEY

Add ice, vodka, Aperol, and grapefruit juice.

Cover and shake vigorously. Strain into a marti-
ni glass and garnish with a fresh basil leaf.
*
taste 2011 69
 FISHY BUSINESS
Grilled coriander mahi with arugula salad
from Azurea at One Ocean Resort
Ingredients:
4 five-ounce mahi-mahi filets
2 tsp. whole coriander seeds, toast-
ed and ground
2 shallots, finely shaved
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
11/2 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped
Procedure:
1) Season the mahi with the
coriander, salt and pepper.
2) Lightly oil the mahi to keep from
sticking. Grill on one side for two
minutes, then make a quarter turn
to attain grill marks, and grill for
another two minutes. Flip the mahi
and grill the other side for two
additional minutes.
70 taste 2011
—CHEF TED PETERS
11/2 cup arugula
/2 cup pastini, cooked
1 Aviles Restaurant & Lounge
/2 bulb fennel, shaved
1 (829-2277). A tiny eatery with room
/4 cup kalamata olives
1
1 pint grape tomatoes
4 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Carrots (optional)
3) Finish the mahi in a preheated
350-degree oven topped with
shaved shallots, thyme and a dollop
of butter for three to five minutes.
4) In a large bowl, toss the arugula,
pastini, tomatoes, shaved fennel,
and olives with olive oil. Adjust
seasoning if necessary. Serve salad
in chilled bowls and top with grilled
mahi. Garnish with carrot curls.
YIELDS 4 SERVINGS
* charred tomatoes and goat cheese
they operate two small shops that
can satisfy even the most discern-
ing sweet tooth with white choco-
late bark, dark chocolate bonbons,
and chocolate-covered treats like
ginger, orange peels and pretzels.
SEE AD ON PAGE 77
Peterbrooke Chocolatier Various
locations, including St. Johns Town
Center (565-1073; peterbrooke.com).
Nobody does sweet and salty better
than Peterbrooke; the popularity of
their chocolate-covered popcorn is
proof. Hand-dipped treats, gift
baskets, ice cream and chocolate-
covered fruits and nuts attract a
faithful customer base to the many
shops peppered across Jacksonville
and St. Augustine. SEE AD ON PAGE 35
CONTINENTAL
95 Cordova 95 Cordova St., St.
Augustine (810-6810). Expect a
world of flavors at the Casa
Monica’s signature restaurant. New
World, Asian and Middle Eastern
influences lace the menu featuring
shrimp and goat cheese grits, filet
mignon eggrolls, rack of lamb,
honey and ginger-rubbed chicken,
fire-grilled sea scallops, and center
cut New York strip. The interior is
opulent and streaked with cobalt
blue, gold and bright reds. B, L, D.
32 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine
for eight tables in the dining room
and a few more on the patio, Aviles
is located inside the Hilton hotel on
the Bayfront. Look for pan-seared
scallops with risotto, baked rainbow
trout and grilled hoisin-marinated
filet mignon. The house specialty is
Hunan whole crispy fish. B, L, D.
SEE AD ON PAGE 77
Bistro Aix & Onyx Bar 1440 San
Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-1949;
bistrox.com). Arguably the hippest
restaurant in town, San Marco’s
Bistro Aix is stylish, yet unpreten-
tious, in both décor and menu.
Venture into inspired creations such
as grilled tuna over whipped pota-
toes, baby spinach, lemon-garlic
butter and chive oil, or lamb tender-
loin on roasted eggplant, potatoes,

cream. Soups, salads, thin-crust
pizzas from the wood-fired oven,
risottos and homemade pastas
round out the offerings. On the
sweet side, Bistro AIX's in-house
pastry chef turns out classic prof-
iteroles, tortes, cakes and cookies
worthy of their own fan club.
If you can find a seat at the
glowing martini bar, you won’t
even mind the usual wait for a
table on weekends. L, D. SEE MENU
ON PAGE 18
Brett’s Waterway Café One S.
Front St., Amelia Island (261-2660;
brettswaterwaycafe.com). Serving
an eclectic mix of Southern
regional cusine with an emphasis
on local seafood and aged beef.
Appetizers include crab dip gratin,
pulled pork fritters and fried green
tomatoes. The entrée menu fea-
tures Carolina BBQ grilled shrimp,
grilled salmon, diver scallops and
16-oz. ribeye steaks. And for
dessert, don't miss out on the Key
lime chiffon pie or the Georgia
peach bread pudding. Seasonal
outdoor seating overlooking Amelia
Island’s working harbor. L, D. SEE AD
ON PAGE 73
Casa Marina Inn &
Restaurant 691 First St. N.,
Jacksonville Beach (270-0025;
casamarinahotel.com). You can’t get
any closer to the ocean than Casa
Marina without getting your feet
wet. The renovated historic inn has
a handful of rooms, a hip lounge
and a restaurant that serves an
eclectic menu with a Mediterranean
flare. The Casa Marina's lavish
buffet includes the freshest
seafood, chef-roasted carvings,
colorful pastas and salads, plus
warm homemade breads and tempt-
ing desserts. Begin with a sparkling
Mimosa and enjoy a feast with an
ocean view. Most entrées priced
around $20. L, D, SB. SEE AD ON
PAGE 43
Collage 60 Hypolita St., St.
Augustine (829-0055; collages-
taug.com). The menu at this cozy
restaurant in the heart of St.
Augustine’s historic district focuses
on “artful global dining” with sig-
nature dishes including escargot
Caliche’s poke bowl
from SALT LIFE
FOOD SHACK
sautéed with mushrooms and
cognac cream sauce. D.
Currents Riverview Bistro
841 Prudential Dr., Second Floor,
Southbank (306-9512). The rela-
tively new restaurant is located
inside the Aetna Building overlook-
ing the St. Johns. The menu is
eclectic with Indian, Thai, Latin
and European dishes. B, L.
Dwight’s Bistro 1527 Penman
Rd., Jacksonville Beach (241-4496).
Chef-owned-and-operated for more
than 10 years, Dwight’s is a petite
Mediterranean-style bistro serving
fresh ravioli and pasta, crab cakes,
grilled quail, filet mignon, veal and
lamb. The hand-laid tile mosaics
give the place real character. D.
Eleven South Bistro 216 11th
Ave. S., Jacksonville Beach (241-
1112). Jacksonville’s beach com-
munities have a decidedly casual
climate, which is reflected on an
upscale level with Eleven South.
The courtyard and garden have
quickly become a preferred dining
spot. The bar is a lively neighbor-
hood gathering spot. One of the
signature dishes is the seafood
martini with tuna tartare, lump
crab, poached white shrimp, avo-
cado and mango salsa. L, D.
the guide
The Hilltop 2030 Wells Rd.,
Orange Park (272-5959). The Wells
Road landmark serves salmon with
lemon dill sauce, filet mignon,
homemade rolls and cherries
jubilee and bananas Foster for
dessert. Its seven banquet rooms
see plenty of special events, espe-
cially wedding ceremonies and
receptions. D.
Le Pavillon 45 San Marco Ave., St.
Augustine (824-6202). Situated
inside an old house along busy
San Marco Avenue, Le Pavillon
has been a fixture in the Oldest
City for 30 years with European-
themed dishes like veal Oscar,
sauerbraten and späetzle, and
their famous rack of lamb.
Extensive wine list. D.
Matthew’s 2107 Hendricks Ave.,
San Marco (396-9922; matthews-
restaurant.com). The ever-changing
menu brings influences as diverse
as Mediterranean, Middle Eastern,
Asian and Southern to the plate.
D.
The Melting Pot 7860 Gate
Pkway., Southside (642-4900; melt-
ingpot.com). You don’t need to be a
chef to prepare a gourmet meal at
this popular fondue restaurant on
the Southside. The four-course
taste 2011 71
 SUMMER SALAD
Heirloom tomato berry salad
from Merge Restaurant
Ingredients:
1 bottle (8.5 oz) high-quality balsam-
ic vinegar
1 bunch fresh mint
1 bottle (11-16 oz.) light corn syrup
1 bag (5 oz.) baby arugula
1 pint mozzarella
Procedure:
1) Cook the balsamic vinegar for
eight minutes (until syrupy) in a
pan on medium heat. Let cool to
room temperature.
2) Blanch and shock the mint. Add
to blender with corn syrup and
blend for two to three minutes until
a nice green color is achieved.
72 taste 2011
—CHEF ADAM SEARS
4 strawberries, sliced
1 pint heirloom tomatoes, sliced
1 pint fresh raspberries
extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
3) Toss the arugula, tomatoes and
mozzarella in a little olive oil. Salt
and pepper to taste.
4) Place salad on a cold plate and
arrange berries on top. Garnish with
a drizzle of the balsamic reduction
and mint oil.
YIELDS 4 SERVINGS
* Augustine (829-2977;
interactive dining experience
includes salad, cheese fondue,
entrée (choose from chicken, beef,
seafood or vegetarian) and chocolate
fondue for dessert. D.
North Beach Bistro 725 Atlantic
Blvd., Ste. 6, Atlantic Beach (372-
4105). A lively bar and grill decked
out in dark woods and a semi-tropi-
cal theme. Diverse menu. L, D, SB.
Ocean 60 60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic
Beach (247-0060; ocean60.com).
Chef-owned, CIA-certified restaurant
has a menu that changes daily.
Expect inventive fare such as red
curry and lime chicken wings,
smoked duck and arugula salad, and
blackened seared diver scallops.
And those are just the appetizers.
For the main course, look for crisp
fried cornish hen, black pepper
seared boneless pork chops, grilled
rack of lamb and seared flounder
and royal red shrimp. Martini room
with live music Wednesday-
Saturday. D. SEE MENU ON PAGES 12-13
Old City House Inn &
Restaurant 115 Cordova St., St.
Augustine (826-0184). An award-
winning B&B makes room for a
restaurant preferred for its
innovative menu which draws
influences from Africa, the
Mediterranean and good ol’
Southern cooking. B, L, D, SB.
Salt 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy., The
Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island (277-
1100). The seasonally driven menu
changes weekly but might include
appetizers such as Hawaiian tuna
tartare with tomato water and
homemade avocado sorbet. D.
Wine Cellar 1314 Prudential Dr.,
Southbank (398-8989). A lot has
changed in the neighborhood since
Wine Cellar opened its doors in
1974. It remains a San Marco fine
dining landmark, offering a three-
course prix fixe menu Friday and
Saturday, a cozy lounge and an
unmatched wine list. L, D.
CUBAN/CARIBBEAN
A1A Ale Works 1 King St., St.
A1Aaleworks.com). Island and New
World cuisine hit the Oldest City.

Amelia
Island
Amelia Island offers 13 miles
of coastline and a wide
variety of restaurants.
At only two miles wide,
this tiny island puts you
close to the ocean no matter
where you choose to dine,
whether it’s a seafood
restaurant in the harbor or
an Italian eatery downtown.
Jack & Diane’s (904) 321-1444
708 Centre St., Fernandina Beach
Downtown Historic District.
The locals’ treasured favorite for
breakfast, lunch & dinner. Huge $5
tasting menu full of homemade
goodness from French Toast to
Jambalaya! Plus a variety of
vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free
fare. A fun stop at the ‘tastiest
spot.’ Open daily 8am-9pm.
Brett’s Waterway Café
1 S. Front St., Fernandina Beach,
(904) 261-2660.
www.brettswaterwaycafe.com.
Eclectic mix of Southern regional
cuisine with emphasis on local sea-
food and aged beef. Seasonal outdoor
seating overlooking Amelia Island’s
working harbor. Wine Spectator
Award of Excellence 2002-2010.
PLAE
80 Amelia Village Cir., Amelia Island,
(904) 277-2132. www.plaefl.net.
People Laughing And Eating.
Signature dishes and an award-
winning wine list that is served in
a sophisticated yet comfortable
atmosphere. The informative, fun
and attractive wait staff only adds
as an embellishment to the delicious
and well-exected menu.
Amelia Island
España Restaurant & Tapas
22 S. Fourth St., Fernandina Beach,
(904) 261-7700.
www.espanadowntown.com.
Specializing in traditional flavors
from Spain & Portugal. Dine in our
cozy main dining room, enclosed
patio or in our lush outdoor garden
(weather permitting). Reservations
recommended on weekends and
peak seasons. Open for dinner
Mon.-Sun. 5 -10 pm.
29 South
29 South 3rd St., Fernandina Beach,
(904) 277-7919.
www.29southrestaurant.com.
Scotty Schwartz, Executive Chef and
Owner cooks classic world cuisine
with a modern twist prepared with
ingredients from local farms and an
onsite garden. Join us for Lunch
Tue.-Sat., Dinner Mon.-Sat. or Sunday
Brunch. 2010 Golden Spoon Award
Winner.
 the guide
A1A offers fantastic views of the
Bridge of Lions from its second-
floor dining room. There are two
bars, outside porch seating and
live music Thursday-Saturday.
The menu is extensive with a
heavy seafood tilt. Top appetizers
are fried lobster bites, blue crab
and artichoke dip, tavern fried
shrimp and Trinidad chicken
wings. House specialties include
grouper picatta, lobster and
shrimp tacos, pecan-crusted plank
seared salmon and grilled seafood
paella. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 89
Bahama Breeze Island Grille
St. Johns Town Center (646-1031;
bahamabreeze.com). Even though
it’s a franchise, Bahama Breeze
stands out as a destination for
Caribbean eats like jerk chicken
pasta, coconut shrimp and the
crab, shrimp, mango and avocado
stack. Refreshing cocktails like the
Bahamarita are best enjoyed on
the outside deck. Live music
keeps toes tapping and hips
swaying well into the night. L, D.
Havana-Jax Café 2578 Atlantic
Blvd., St. Nicholas (399-0609;
havanajax.com). For more than a
decade, Havana-Jax has been the
place for authentic Cuban food
(think arroz con pollo, ropa vieja,
Cuban sandwiches, black bean
soup) in Northeast Florida. Guests
are also treated to the “Cuban din-
ing experience,” which translates
into friendly service, healthy por-
tions and not laughing at cus-
tomers when they try to remember
their high school Spanish vocabu-
lary. Stay late for cocktails, music
and dancing in the club next door,
Cuba Libre. L, D.
Madrid Restaurant 11233
Beach Blvd., Southside (642-3741).
Despite its Spanish sounding
name, Madrid’s menu features
Latin and Caribbean cuisine such
as caldo gallego, ropa vieja, bistec
de palomilla and Cuban sandwich-
es with flan and tres leches for
dessert. L, D.
Stars Caribbean Restaurant
1901 Blanding Blvd., Jacksonville
(381-9022). The tropical inspired
74 taste 2011
paint job on this restaurant's exteri-
or is a clue that this isn't your aver-
age burger joint. Instead, traditional
Jamaican dishes assume the star-
ring roll. To get in the island mood,
diners sit among a decor comprising
Caribbean flags reggae concert
posters. L, D.
FRENCH
Bistro de Leon 12 Cathedral Pl.,
St., Augustine (810-2100). You
don’t get more French than chef
Jean Stephane Poinard, and his
menu shows it. For dinner, expect
classics such as steak au poivre,
chicken cordon bleu and roasted
crown of lamb. The escargots à la
Bourguignonne, six snails cooked
and served in their shells with a
traditional garlic parsley butter,
sums up the menu nicely. L, D.
JJ’s Bistro de Paris 330 A1A N.,
#209, Ponte Vedra Beach (273-
7980); 7643 Gate Pkwy., Southside
(996-7557). Stepping into J.J.'s is
evocative of strolling into a Parisian
patisserie—patrons are greeted by
the glow of warm lights and scents
from a bakery offering an array of
pastries, cakes and custards. Lunch
features include soups, salads and
sandwiches, while more substantial
fare, such as duck, steak and lamb,
is prepared at dinnertime. L, D.
Le Clos 20 S. Second St.,
Fernandina Beach (261-8100).
Proving size isn’t everything, tiny
Le Clos packs a flavorful punch in
an intimate setting. Candles set
the mood inside a renovated 100-
year-old cottage. The menu’s
emphasis is on seafood but dishes
such as seared Muscovy duck
breast with sauce Mikado, mush-
rooms, potato gratin and sautéed
vegetables may catch the eye. D.
Pastiche 4260 Herschel St., Avondale
(387-6213; mypastiche.com).
Avondale eatery specializes in
Southern comfort food with a
French flair like grilled beef tender-
loin bordelaise and roasted salmon
tandoori style. There’s a tiny dining
room and a covered garden. Try the
sweet potato fries. The daily quiche
is can’t-miss good. L, D.
Restaurant Orsay 3630 Park St.,
Avondale (381-0909; restaurant
orsay.com). New bistro serves a
variety of French favorites includ-
ing croque madame, steak tartare,
mussels frites, coq au vin and
house-made patés. The lobster pot
pie is the stuff of legend. Save
room for the créme brulée. D.
FUSION
95 Cordova Casa Monica Hotel, St.
Augustine (810-6810). Like a
United Nations of flavors, this
Morocco-themed restaurant located
in the lobby of the Casa Monica
hotel also combines American,
Asian, Mediterranean and Caribbean
influences in gourmet entrées like
cashew-crusted salmon sriracha and
honey and ginger rubbed free-range
chicken. The decadent six-course
tasting menu is a favorite with
adventurous diners. Three dining
rooms available for private parties.
B, L, D, SB.
Blue Bamboo 3820 Southside
Blvd., Southside (646-1478;
bluebamboojacksonville.com).
Chef/owner Dennis Chan prepares
Asian-inspired eats including seared
Ahi tuna, honey-glazed spareribs
and fried dragon whiskers. Entrées
are as upscale as the white table-
cloths. The menu is labeled “hip
Asian comfort food.” We call dishes
like Cantonese roast duck, red curry
shrimp and grits, peppercorn-crust-
ed filet and chile-mango salmon
just plain good. Also, check out the
daily Southern specials such as
catfish and fries on Monday and
chicken pot pie on Friday. L, D.
SEE AD ON INSIDE BACK COVER
Bonito Grill and Sushi 614
Centre St., Fernandina Beach (261-
0508). Featuring a fusion of
American and Asian cuisine.
Serving broiled Chilean sea bass
with red miso rub, soba noodles
with sautéed seafood and Long
Island duck with wasabi teriyaki.
Lengthy sushi menu, too. L, D.
Mama Fu’s 11105 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin (260-1727). A franchise
that brings together the various fla-
vors of Asia under one roof, this
quick-serve restaurant has a menu
 laced with Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese
and Japanese favorites. Though a
counter-service style establishment,
wine and beer are available, including
SEAFOOD AL DENTÉ
Lobster and shrimp pappardelle from
many appropriate Asian imports. L, D. Mitchell’s Fish Market
Mixx 1161 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville
Beach (249-7787, mixxfl.com). Chef
Toni Acireale opened Mixx in the
old building of his family’s
restaurant, Giovanni’s Bar & Grill.
The menu reflects a sense of
invigoration for the new venture,
with affordable pizza, pasta and
sushi all under one roof. Guests are
encouraged to “mixx” it up with a
lengthy wine, sake and beer menu.
D. SEE MENU ON PAGE 27
Roy’s 2400-101 S. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach (241-7697).
Internationally acclaimed chef and
restaurateur Roy Yamaguchi’s
Hawaiian fusion cuisine blends
seafood with European sauces and
bold Asian spices creating innovative
dishes such as yellow-fin Ahi
poketini, hibachi-style grilled salmon
and slow braised short ribs. D.
SUITE St. Johns Town Center (241-
7697; suitejacksonville.com). Suite
fuses American, Italian and Asian
flavors into small dishes like shrimp
and crab ceviche, black cod miso
and lamb lollipops. Sophisticated
cocktails are the new restaurant and Ingredients:
nightclub’s specialty; try a nitrogen- 4 large shrimp, peeled & deveined 2 asparagus stalks, grilled and
infused N-Tini or a guilt-free liba- chopped
3 oz. raw lobster meat, chopped
tion from The Slimlist. Suite's four 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
VIP areas can be reserved for those 2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
seeking a more intimate setting and 2 Tbsp. shallots, minced
personal attention. Reservations are 7 oz. pappardelle pasta, cooked
2 Tbsp. garlic, minced
accepted and recommended. D. SEE 2 Tbsp. fresh tarragon, chopped
2 Tbsp. sherry wine
MENU ON PAGE 30 1 Tbsp. parmesan cheese
4 oz. white wine
Zhanras 108 Anastasia Blvd., St. 1 /2 tsp. fresh parsley, chopped
1

Augustine (823-3367). Comprising

two experiences in one, this St.
Augustine newcomer houses a chic
tapas-style restaurant and swanky
cigar & martini bar. The restaurant
menu features 60-or-so tapas-style
plates along with a diverse array of
soups, salads, pizzas and entrées
showcasing a fusion of global
cuisine. L, D.
GREEK/MEDITERRANEAN
Athens Café 6271 St. Augustine
Rd., Ste. 7, Southside (733-1199). A
classic family-run establishment
/4 cup sweet corn kernels
Procedure:
1) Season shrimp and lobster with
salt and pepper. Over medium heat,
sauté shrimp and lobster meat in
olive oil until they start to turn
pink. Add shallots and garlic and
sauté for 30 seconds. Deglaze with
sherry and white wine.
2) Add grilled asparagus, corn,
cherry tomatoes and butter. Bring
liquid to a boil.
salt and pepper to taste
3) Once sauce is boiling, add pasta,
tarragon, salt and pepper. Toss
pasta in sauce until coated and hot.
Taste sauce with a tasting spoon,
adjust if necessary.
4) Place pasta in a warm pasta
bowl and garnish with parmesan
cheese and parsley. Serve with
cheese bread.
YIELDS 1 SERVING
*

taste 2011 75
 the guide
prepares a menu that features
authentic Greek dishes, rack of
lamb, rack of veal, whole snapper,
chicken and seafood entrées. À la
carte food and wine menu. L, D.
Hovan Mediterranean 2005-1
Park St., Riverside (381-9394).
Casual and quick in the midst of
the bustling Five Points shopping
district. Serving gyro sandwiches,
falafel, hummus, tabbouleh salad,
grape leaves, baba ghannoush,
chicken kabobs and Hovan rolls.
Takeout platters are great for par-
ties. Pet-friendly with outdoor
seating. L, D.
Mediterrania Restaurant 3877
Baymeadows Rd., Baymeadows
(731-2898). Baymeadows was a
quiet street when Mediterrania
opened its doors more than a
decade ago. The family-run
establishment serves Greek
favorites splashed with a touch of
Italy including rack of lamb, veal
and lots of seafood. L, D.
Zaitoon Mediterranean Grill
13475 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 40,
Southside (221-7066;
zaitoongrill.com). Named for the
Arabic word for “olive,” Zaitoon
melds the flavors of the Middle
East with contemporary cuisine
from Spain, France and Italy.
Dishes like hummus, tabouli,
lamb, mixed seafood grill and
paella are complemented by an
extensive wine list. Popular dinner
entrees include Moroccan spiced
braised lamb shank with roasted
fennel potato purée and sautéed
snapper with coconut-scented
yellow curry, apple-mango chutney
and basmati rice. L, D. SEE AD ON
PAGE 44
HEALTHFUL/ORGANIC
The Granary 1738 Kingsley Ave.,
Orange Park (269-7222). For 30
years the health food market has
specialized in organic produce, as
well as household goods, health
and beauty items and pet supplies.
Grassroots Natural Market
1915 E.W. Pkwy., Orange Park (541-
0009); 2007 Park St., Riverside
(384-4474). With emphasis on an
76 taste 2011
organic market, Grassroots has
just started serving organic salads,
wraps, sandwiches, sides and
desserts. However, Grassroots is a
veteran of serving refreshing
organic smoothies and juices.
Healthy Way Café St. Johns Town
Center, Suite 185 (642-2951).
Organic food is the calling card
here. Roasted veggie wraps,
organic fruit salad, Mediterranean
sandwiches, and an organic
banana split. Plus, beer and wine,
full-service bar, smoothies—all
organic, of course. L, D.
Native Sun Natural Foods
Market 11030 Baymeadows Rd.
(260-2791); 10000 San Jose Blvd.
(260-6950; nativesunjax.com).
Certified organic supermarket with
full deli and hot bar serving rotisserie
chicken, vegan sushi, crab cakes,
dumplings, wraps, salads, soups and
more. Market offers fresh organic
produce, meat and seafood, baked
goods and smoothies, with indoor
and outdoor seating and catering
services. L, D.
Pulp 1962 San Marco Blvd., San
Marco (396-9222). Organic wine
and beer, tea and coffee are just a
few of the treats served up at Pulp.
Fresh fruit and veggie smoothies are
made to order, and self-serve frozen
yogurt allows guests to create the
healthy snack of their dreams.
Oatmeal and breakfast bowls are
available in the morning. B. SEE AD
ON PAGE 40
The Present Moment Café 224
West King St., St. Augustine (827-
4499). The unique menu at this
vegan enclave does not include your
usual tofu and rice, rather most of
the dishes feature nuts, salad or
hand-hewn corn chips, and
beverages include organic wine,
beer, juice and infused water. D.
Whole Foods Market & Café
10601 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin
(288-1100; wholefoodsmarket.com).
The 4,000-square-foot market
portion of Whole Foods provides a
wide array of locally grown produce,
a cheese and olive bar, free-range
meats and pre-packaged meals that
are ready to bring home and serve.
The busy café includes a 130-seat
indoor-outdoor café with a coffee
and espresso bar, cuisine from
around the world, freshly sliced veg-
etables and fruit, and gourmet
baked goods. Open daily.
INDIAN
India’s Restaurant 9802-8
Baymeadows Rd., Baymeadows
(620-0777). The tandoor clay oven
is always hot and the scent of
curry is ever-present at India’s, a
family-friendly operation. Chicken
is a house specialty and vegetari-
ans have lots of options like rice
biryani and paneer masala. The $7
lunch buffet is a main attraction
around the noon hour. L, D.
IRISH/ENGLISH PUBS
Culhane’s Irish Pub 967
Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (249-
9595). The pub's specialty
sandwich, the drunken cheese
steak, is served on a hoagie roll
with thinly sliced ribeye marinated
in Guinness beer and loaded with
sautéed mushrooms, onions, green
peppers and melted cheddar
cheese. L, D.
Donovan’s Irish Pub 7440 US-1
N., St. Augustine (829-0000). An
addition to St. Augustine in mid-
2008, Donovan's Irish Pub serves
classic Irish cuisine including
shepherd's pie, corned beef and
cabbage and Irish stew. L, D.
Fionn MacCool’s 333 1st St. N.,
Ste. 150, Jacksonville Beach (242-
9499; maccoolsjax.com). Really
more of a restaurant than a typical
pub, the two-story establishment
serves a variety of upscale entrées
including steaks, paella and
seafood stew. The Guinness and
beef stew is loaded with chunks of
meat, carrots, celery, onions and
potatoes simmered in an aromatic
broth. The bangers and mash (Irish
sausages and mashed potatoes)
come with baked beans and gravy.
Appetizers are many and range
from sausage rolls and stuffed
mushrooms to jalapeño poppers
and bacon cheese fries. Live music
is usually on tap. L, D. SEE MENU ON
PAGE 24

St. Augustine
The Nation’s Oldest City is a
First Coast dining hot spot.
From seafood with a Spanish
flair to contemporary global
cuisine to European-inspired
gourmet chocolates–
dine to your hearts desire.
Claude’s Chocolate
51 King St., St. Augustine; 145 Hilden Rd., Ponte
Vedra, (904) 829-5790. www.claudeschocolate.com.
Welcome to Claude’s Chocolate, a glamorous
confection made in historic St. Augustine from the
purest chocolate and ingredients free of artificial
flavors and preservatives. Our chocolates are a
delight to the eye and filled with the fresh, deep
aroma of Belcolade Belgian chocolate.
St. Augustine
Avilés Restaurant & Lounge
The Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront:
32 Avenida Menéndez., St. Augustine, (904) 829-2277.
www.hiltonhistoricstaugustine.com.
Fine eclectic dining prepared by world-class chefs
and served with rich Spanish flair. The menu is influ-
enced by the traditional dishes of Spain, France,
Asia and the Mediterranean, from New Zealand
mussels filet to crème brulée.
Gypsy Cab Co.
828 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, (904) 824-8244.
www.gypsycab.com.
A local favorite since 1983. World-urban cuisine.
Cab fare (the menu) draws on multiple influences
including Italian, German, Cajun, Mediterranean,
classical European, Southern, Oriental, and
“Floribbean.” Gypsy Cab Company, always a
favorite with locals, has a reputation as being a
casual restaurant with diner friendliness.
 the guide
Fly’s Tie Irish Pub 177 E.
Sailfish Dr., Atlantic Beach (246-
4293). A true neighborhood gather-
ing spot, the small pub features all
the things one expects—lively
patrons, imported brews on tap,
darts, music and a new menu of
O’Brothers Irish Pub 1521
eats debuting in 2009. L, D.
King’s Head British Pub 6460
U.S. 1 N., St. Augustine (823-
9787). If not for the double-decker
bus parked outside, it would be
easy to miss this quaint pub while
zipping down U.S. 1. King’s Head
serves lunch and dinner every day
but Monday with a menu of British
staples like fish and chips and
steak and kidney pie. L, D.
O’Kane’s Irish Pub 318 Centre
Lynch’s Irish Pub 514 N. 1st St.,
Jacksonville Beach (249-5181). An
authentic Irish pub that provides
78 taste 2011
guests with the ultimate feel of
Ireland. Classic Irish dishes are
served including bangers and mash
and shepherd's pie. 32 beers on
tap to quench any thirst. L, D.
Margaret St., Riverside (854-9300).
From the owners of Mossfire Grill,
O’Brothers offers a true “pub”
atmosphere where patrons can
enjoy a pint, eat delicious food and
play shuffleboard. The menu
includes Irish staples like shep-
herd’s pie and fish and chips, as
well as treats like Guinness mac
and cheese and lamb burger. L, D.
St., Fernandina Beach (261-1000).
O’Kane’s serves a full bar but
many regulars come for the grub
first and foremost. The menu offers
Fancy tuna
from KOBE
the assorted meat pies, fish and
chips, steaks, seafood and soups
served in sourdough bread bowls.
Live music presented Wednesday
through Sunday. L, D.
ITALIAN
Al’s Pizza 303 Atlantic Blvd.,
Atlantic Beach (249-0002) plus five
other locations. A perennial “Best”
winner in local diners’ polls, Al’s is
casual with a menu chock-full of
pizza, calzones and pasta dishes.
But its slick and funky atmosphere
(particulary the Riverside location),
not to mention unexpected dishes
like mussels in wine and garlic
butter sauce and fried chicken
salad, also make it a favorite with
foodies who normally wouldn’t dine
at a pizza joint. L, D.
Amici 1915 A1A S., St. Augustine
(461-0102). Classic family-run
kind of dining establishment offers
a combination of comfortable
ambiance, traditional cuisine and
familiar service. Menu highlights
include pasta, seafood, veal and
chicken dishes, as well as pizza.
Spacious indoor dining and an
open-air patio. Three private
dining rooms for parties between
20 and 150. L, D.
Broadway Ristorante &
Pizzeria 10920 Baymeadows Rd.,
Suite 103, Baymeadows (519-8000,
broadwayfl.com). Huge menu is laced
with all your Italian faves including
hand-tossed pizzas baked in a brick
oven, calzones, strombolis, penne à
la vodka, antipasto and more. Open
until 2 AM and later. L, D.
Brucci’s Pizza 880-8 A1A, Ponte
Vedra Beach (280-7677); 540 S.R.
13, Ste. 10, Fruit Cove (287-8317);
13500 Beach Blvd., Ste. 36,
Southside (223-6913). The casual
restaurant offers New York-style
pizza, pasta dishes and paninis.
Baked dishes come with salad and
garlic bread. Wraps, calzones and
strombolis are also on the menu. L, D.
Café Atlantico 647 A1A Beach
Blvd., St. Augustine Beach (471-
7332). The chic cuisine at this
cozy Italian eatery is as authentic
as chef/owner Paolo Pece can pre-
 pare. Considering he is certified by
the Italian Cuisine Institute in
Naples, that’s pretty darn authentic.
Pastas are plentiful, as are seafood
A SAVORY START
French Onion Soup from JJ’s Cuisine and
and veal dishes. The walls are Wine warms the soul
adorned with an ever-changing col-
—CHEF JJ VIGOUREUX
lection of original artwork. D.
Caffé Andiamo 500 Sawgrass
Village Cir., Ponte Vedra Beach
(280-2299; andiamotrattoria.com).
A stainless steel pizza oven
highlights this chic eatery
specializing in frutti di mare, pollo
paisano, veal chop carbone and
vongole Positano. Pasta highlights
include linguini alla scogliera—
linguini with a medley of shrimp,
fish, calamari, scallops, clams and
mussels with your choice of mari-
nara or garlic and olive oil. Private
dining room for six and a usually
lively bar. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 45
Enza’s Italian Restaurant
10601 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 109.,
Mandarin (268-4458; enzas.net).
Family-owned eatery’s specialties
include seafood lasagna, chicken
parmigiana, grouper francese and
housemade tiramisu. The interior
is contemporary with lots of pol-
ished wood and marble. Try the
catch of the day Livornese,
sautéed with olives, capers, garlic
and tomato sauce. The veal
Ingredients:
Bordeaux with mushrooms and a
red currant jelly reduction sauce is 5 lbs. Spanish onion, peeled and 1 bottle (750 ml) white wine
pretty good, too. Live piano music. julienned
Check for special winemaker din- 1 gal. beef or vegetable stock
ners and other foodie events. D. SEE 4 T. butter (1/2 stick)
salt & pepper to taste
MENU ON PAGE 23
4 sprigs rosemary, picked and
chopped Crostini (toasted sliced baguette)
Joseph’s Italian 7316 N. Main St.,
Northside (765-0335); 30 Ocean 2 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
4 sprigs thyme, picked and
Blvd., Atlantic Beach (270-1122).
chopped
Joseph’s takes its “fresh and saucy”
reputation seriously with homemade
sauces and dressings, fresh-ground
meats, and hand-rolled breads and
crusts. The menu includes pizza, Procedure:
pasta, calzones and stuffed rolls, 1) Place onion in stockpot with 1/2 4) Ladle soup into an oven-safe
sandwiches and salads. If you’re too stick of butter and cook on low to bowl or cup and place one or two
full for dessert, avoid the tiered medium heat. Cook onions until crostini slices in the soup. Cover
case showcasing homemade cannoli, soft and translucent. with slices of cheese.
cappuccino torte and coconut cake. 2) Add herbs and white wine and 5) Turn oven to broil and place bowl
L, D. cook until wine is reduced by half. or cup in oven for five minutes.
Libretto’s Pizzeria & Italian 3) Add stock and cook for five min- Cheese should bubble and be
Kitchen St. Johns Town Center utes. Season with salt and pepper slightly burnt on top.
(402-8888; librettospizzeria.com).
The specialty pizzas from Libretto’s
to taste. SERVES 4
*
taste 2011 79
 the guide
bring a taste of the Big Apple to the
River City. Calzones, pastassalads
round out the menu, alongside fam-
ily-style Italian classics like chicken
marsala and eggplant parmigiana.
Try the cheese ravioli stuffed with
ricotta and a classic tomato sauce
and fresh basil. The casual dining
room caters to families and couples
alike. Delivery is also available,
making pizza night at home even
better. L, D. SEE MENU ON PAGE 26
Luigi’s Italian American
Restaurant 5912 University
Blvd. W., Southside (731-0338).
Serving Jacksonville since 1975
with traditional Italian dinners,
lasagna, eggplant parmigiana,
chicken parmigiana, pizza and
meatball cheese subs. Nothing
fancy here but big portions and
good eats. L, D.
Mama Mia’s 12220 Atlantic Blvd.,
Southside (221-1122). Mama Mia’s
Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria is a
little slice of the boot in a strip
mall. The aromas, along with a
framed picture of the Mona Lisa,
Organic, gluten-free
pumpkin whoopie pies
from NATIVE SUN
80 taste 2011
are the first things you notice when
you walk through the door. Menu
choices include 10 specialty pizzas
such as a seafood-topped pie, cal-
zones, stromboli and subs. L, D.
Mezza Luna 110 N. First St.,
Neptune Beach (249-5573;
mezzalunaneptunebeach.com). The
interior is reminiscent of a wine
cellar with dark woods, dim
lighting and a corner fireplace.
Mozzarella and prosciutto,
portobello frittes, Ahi tuna tartare,
jumbo sea scallops and wood-fired
pizza highlight a creative menu.
The osso bucco with truffled
cauliflower purée, caramelized
baby carrots and lemon pinenut
gremolata is outstanding. The
outdoor patio is a great place to
relax and enjoy a bottle of Domain
Drouhin pinot noir and a plate of
lasagna Bolognese. D. SEE MENU ON
PAGES 10-11
Moon River Pizza 925 S. 14th
St., Fernandina Beach (321-3400);
116 Edgewood Ave. S., Jacksonville
(389-4442). Fresh, homemade
dough forms the base for Moon
River Pizza's hand-tossed pies, and
there are a plethora of toppings
from which to choose. One favorite
combination is dubbed The Pizza—
topped with spinach, mushrooms,
white cheddar and lots of fresh gar-
lic. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 46
Pizza Palace 1959 San Marco
Blvd., San Marco (399-8815); 920
Margaret St., Riverside (598-1212);
116 Bartram Oaks Walk, Julington
Creek (230-2171); 3928
Baymeadows Rd., Mandarin (527-
8649). Each shop of this
home-grown string of pizza joints
is a little different. The menus are
consistent with New York-style
pizza, strombolis, calzones, salads,
Italian subs and pasta. L, D.
Primi Piatti 2722 Park St.,
Riverside (389-5545). Cozy one-room
bistro aims to please with fresh-
made pastas and sauces, rustic
Italian cooking, a carefully select-
ed wine list—all presented in a
stylish and simple setting. L, D.
Renna’s Pizza St. Johns Town
Center, plus four other locations
(565-1299). Renna’s serves New
York-style slices as well as pasta
dishes, salads, and hot and cold
subs. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 41
Sorrento 6943 St. Augustine Rd.,
San Jose (636-9196). Menu high-
lighted by Neopolitan cuisine
including snapper francese, veal
Positano supreme, sausage and
peppers, chicken scallopini, egg-
plant parmigiana and tiramisu. D.
Vinny’s Italian Restaurant
14185 Beach Blvd., Southside
(223-5400). Calling itself a “real”
New York pizzeria, Vinny’s extols its
roots with a menu featuring “real
NY deli subs,” “real NY strombolis”
and “pizza made by ex-New
Yorkers.” Specialty pies include
barbecue chicken, clams casino
and salad pizza. L, D.
JAPANESE
Chizu 1253 Penman Rd.,
Jacksonville Beach (241-8455).
Twirling spatulas, the click-and-
clack of salt and pepper shakers,
cooked shrimp tossed high into

the air—all the things one expects
from a good Japanese hibachi grill
chef are found at Chizu, and have
been for more than a decade. They
serve a wide array of sushi and
offer a full bar in the cocktail
lounge. L, D.
Crazy Sushi 4320 Deerwood Lake
Pkwy., #202, Southside (998-
9797). Serving hibachi steak,
shrimp tempura, chicken katsu,
tuna tataki and the “Love Boat.”
L, D.
Daruma Japanese Steakhouse
13799-9 Beach Blvd., Southside
(821-9817). Chefs put on quite a
show during the dinner’s
preparation, all cooked in front of
you on a half-dozen hibachi grills.
Fire-spewing volcanoes made from
onions and pieces of shrimp
tossed into the air are a few of the
acts patrons will see. A full bar is
available in the lounge surrounded
by cascading waterfalls. L, D.
Etto Japanese Restaurant 915
Sawgrass Village Dr., Ponte Vedra
Beach (273-4344). This lakeside
Japanese eatery features full bar
service, a separate sushi bar,
hibachi grills and an interior
dressed in stone tiles and bamboo
screens with an innovative stone
fountain as a point of focus. D.
Ichiban Japanese Steak
House 675 3rd St. N.,
Jacksonville Beach (247-4688).
Hibachi chefs at Ichiban are sure
to entertain. It should also be
noted that catching food in your
mouth is normally part of the
show. Practice using chopsticks
for the full experience; sushi is a
specialty at this Jax Beach estab-
lishment. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 37
Okinawa Japanese Grillhouse
& Sushi Bar 4403 Roosevelt
Blvd., Westside (388-8708).
Featuring a full sushi bar, lobster,
filet mignon and soft shell crab.
Interior highlights include a fish
pond and a dramatic waterfall
near the entrance. L, D.
Sake House 824 Lomax St.,
Riverside (301-1188); 1478
Riverplace Blvd., Southbank
(306-2188). Both locations are
known for their lengthy sushi offer-
ings, including chef’s special rolls
like the Mexican roll—grouper
tempura, tomato, avocado, hot
sauce and sesame seeds—and the
Annie roll—shrimp tempura,
cream cheese, cucumber, scallions
and roasted almonds. L, D.
Sumo Sushi 2726 Park St.,
Riverside (388-8838). Cozy
Japanese eatery offers everything
from miso soup to unusual sushi
rolls—think sweet potato, octopus,
mango and lobster. Bento boxes
are popular lunchtime choices.
L, D.
Sushi Café 2025 Riverside Ave.,
Riverside (384-2888; sushicafe-
jax.com). The restaurant’s slogan
says it all—”When it comes to
sushi, we’re on a roll!” The sushi
list is lengthy with a handful of
locally-inspired rolls like the Jax (a
California roll with eel) and the
Jaguar (eel & avocado deep-fried).
The menu also includes hibachi,
tempura, katsu and teppan meals.
L, D.
Wasabi Japanese Restaurant
9041-138D Southside Blvd.,
Southside (363-9888). The buffet
is enormous at Wasabi, and it
includes everything from steamed
crab legs to spicy green beans to
sushi items. Seafood is a house
specialty and the grill is always
hot. Not much in the way of
Japanese atmosphere, but few
diners seem to mind. L, D.
Yummy Sushi 4372 Southside
Blvd., Southside (998-8806). The
Shoppes of Deerwood Lake take on
an Asian flavor with this Japanese
joint known for its lengthly menu
and beautiful plate presentations.
The house specialty, the Yummy
Roll, comes with shrimp tempura,
avocado and spicy crab meat. L, D.
KOREAN
Sam Won Garden 4345-1
University Blvd. S., Southside (737-
3650). Perhaps the only Korean
barbecue restaurant around, Sam
Won offers a pleasing interior with
quiet booths and knee-high tables
the guide
set in the traditional style of Korea.
Lunch specials start under $10.
Plus, there’s a karaoke room. L, D.
MEXICAN/TEX-MEX
Burrito Gallery 21 E. Adams St.,
Downtown (598-2922). The secret
to getting a table for lunch at the
popular Downtown eatery? Arrive
early. The restaurant and art gallery
offers the Tex-Mex standards—tacos,
taco salads, quesadillas, nachos,
burritos, chili and deli wraps. Dine
inside or out for lunch or dinner.
Happy hour runs Wednesday
through Saturday. L, D.
Campeche Bay Cantina 127
1st Ave. N., Jacksonville Beach
(249-3322). A Beaches Mexican
eats landmark for over 20 years.
The lounge does a steady business
with an assortment of margaritas,
beers and wine. The fish taco plat-
ter, with two blackened catch of
the day on flour tacos served with
Mexican tartar sauce, red cab-
bage, cheese and chipotle sauce,
and sides of rice and beans, is a
top seller. D.
Cantina Laredo St. Johns Town
Center (997-6110). A hot-spot in
St. Johns Town Center, Cantina
Laredo offers authentic Mexican
cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
The top-shelf guacamole, a staple
of the restaurant, is artfully
prepared tableside with fresh
avocado, tomatoes, red onion,
jalapeño and spices. Entrées
include shrimp enchiladas with
spinach and peppers, stuffed and
grilled chicken breast with chipo-
tle-wine sauce, and basic chicken,
beef or spinach fajitas. L,D, SB.
Casa Maria 12961 N. Main St.,
Northside (757-6411). Of course,
they offer the “Speedy Gonzales”
with a taco, enchilada and rice or
beans for only $5. The carne
asada and bistec ranchero are also
house specialties. L, D.
Cha Cha’s 9551 Baymeadows Rd.
Ste. 21, Baymeadows (737-9903).
Plates come out so fast that diners
barely have time to enjoy their chips
and salsa at Cha Chas. The menu
consists of combination dinners like
taste 2011 81
 the guide
the No. 14 with a taco, chile relleno
and one chalupa. House specials
include the carnitas dinner with
rice, beans and salad, and the
chimichanga that, like most of Cha
Cha’s dishes, includes plenty of red
sauce and plenty of cheese. The
bean burrito, quesadillas and the
“Speedy Gonzalez” are Jax Mag
favorites. L, D. SEE MENU ON PAGE 20
Don Juan’s 12373 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin (268-8722; donjuans-
jax.com). Don’t be surprised to find
a Mariachi singer serenading you
while dining at this family-owned,
sit-down restaurant, established in
2004. The menu features all the
Mexican standards—fajitas,
chimichangas and carne asada—but
the festive bands that perform on
Friday and Saturday nights are a real
treat. Patio area. Casual. L, D.
El Potro Mexican Restaurant
multiple locations including 7200
Normandy Blvd., Westside (378-
9822). One of a handful of El
Potros in the River City, the
Westside location serves all the
Mexican classics—chimichangas,
burritos, hot tamales, enchiladas,
fajitas. 99¢ tacos are a house
specialty. L, D.
El Rodeo 644 Park Ave., Orange
Park (215-3393). A slice of Mexico
in Orange Park featuring terrific
salsa, extraordinarily friendly serv-
ice and dishes like carne asada,
chile relleños and flan. L, D.
La Nopalera multiple locations
including 14333 Beach Blvd.,
Southside (992-1666). There are a
couple of La Nopalera restaurants
in town. Fast service and inexpen-
sive eats are the calling card at
each. Lunch specials like the
Speedy Gonzalez can be had for
about $5. Big burritos, rice and
beans, Corona, Dos Equis—they
have all the south-of-the-border
favorites. L, D.
Mossfire Grill 1537 Margaret St.,
Riverside (355-4434). New
American and Southwestern cui-
sine come together at this Five
Points fave famous for its black-
ened tuna tacos, homemade crab
cakes, tortilla-crusted goat cheese
82 taste 2011
and the fattest burritos this side of
the Pecos. The upstairs lounge is
more intimate with cozy booths
and couches and tequila bar. L, D.
Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant
12 N. 2nd St., Fernandina Beach
(261-0049). Downtown Fernan-
dina’s dining scene gets some
needed spice with a menu packed
with dishes like carne tampiqueña,
enchiladas, fajitas, fish tacos and
tortilla soup. L, D.
Pepe’s Hacienda & Restaurant
3615 Dupont Ave., Ste. 900,
Lakewood (636-8131). Open since
late 2005, Pepe’s earns raves for its
housemade salsa and guacamole, as
well as for tamales, enchiladas and
tacos. Most entrées can be had for
under $10. An attached shop sells
butchered steaks, chorizo, vegeta-
bles, chilies and baked goods. L, D.
Pepper’s Mexican Grill &
Cantina 13475 Atlantic Blvd.,
Jacksonville (221-2300). Authentic
Mexican cuisine with a family-
friendly atmosphere. And, they
have great nachos. The fish tacos
are a signature item, as are the
appropriately sizzling fajita skillets.
Serving wine and beer and take-out
service. L, D.
TacoLu 1183 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville Beach (249-TACO;
tacolu.com). Offering a blend of
Baja-style cuisine in a casual sit-
down eatery, this Beaches restaurant
offers a new twist on the traditional
taco. Try the Baja fish taco with
beer-battered mahi served on a
homemade corn tortilla with cab-
bage, pico, chipotle crema, cilantro
and lime. The beef brisket tacos
that are braised in Dos Equis amber
beer and served with ranchera
sauce, poblano peppers and Cotija
cheese are pretty good, too. But,
what really sets it apart from the
pack is its selection of over 50
types of tequila. SEE MENU ON PAGE 31
MIDDLE EASTERN
Casbah Cafe 3628 St. Johns Ave.,
Avondale (981-9966). Diners seek-
ing a Middle Eastern experience
will find it—in more ways than
one—at this Avondale restaurant
and lounge. In addition to tradi-
tional fare such as shawarma
wraps, kabobs, tabouleh salad and
the Old City Sampler, guests can
enjoy exotic aromatic tobacco in
Northeast Florida’s original hookah
lounge, as well as live entertain-
ment in the form of belly dancers.
L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 2
Hala Café 4323 University Blvd. S.,
Southside (733-1855); 9735 St.
Augustine Rd., Mandarin (288-
8890). Hala has been serving
Middle Eastern cuisine in the
Jacksonville area for 30 years. The
restaurant and adjoining bakery are
located in a less-than-picturesque
retail strip on University Blvd., but
don’t judge this book by its cover.
Hala is usually busy and patrons
frequent the lunch and dinner buf-
fet or fill up on menu items includ-
ing tabouli riders, spinach pie and
grilled chicken with hummus and
tabouli. L, D, SB.
Istanbul Grille 10140 Philips
Hwy. (821-6767) The all-you-can-
eat Turkish lunch buffet is a big
seller during the week and belly
dancing is featured on Saturday
night. Hookahs, draught beer
specials and appetizer plates are
popular in the lounge. L, D.
Layla’s of San Marco 2016
Hendricks Ave., San Marco (398-
4610). Cozy full-service restaurant
does a brisk business as an Arabic
pub with a happening happy hour,
belly dancers on weekends and
hookah pipes. L, D.
Sahara Cafe & Bar 10771 Beach
Blvd. Jacksonville Beach (338-
9049). Mediterranean eats like
hummus, baba ganoush, shish
kabobs, lamb and baklava are
served. Hookahs, belly dancing
and small outdoor patio offered.
L, D.
SANDWICHES
Angie’s Subs 1436 Beach Blvd.,
Jacksonville Beach (249-SUBS). Its
décor is Early American Garage
Sale (think: mismatched chairs,
random tchotchkes and odd arti-
facts like a boar’s head). But the
sandwiches at this Beaches institu-
 tion are anything but thrown togeth-
er. From the C&H Special to the
Dirty Gringo, fans aren’t just loyal—
they’re addicted, especially to the
FISH & GRITS
Molido-rubbed tuna with grilled poblano
sweet tea and the house Peruvian grit cake from TPC Sawgrass
sauce. L, D.
—CHEF MARVYN MIZELL
European Street Cafe Four loca-
tions: 2753 Park St., Riverside
(384-9999; europeanstcafe.com);
5500 Beach Blvd., Southside (398-
1717); 1704 San Marco Blvd., San
Marco (398-9500); 992 Beach
Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (249-
3001). With more than 100 salads
and deli sandwiches and another
200 beers to choose from (not to
mention a dessert case and
shelves packed with confections
from across the pond), you may
never want to leave. The signature
sandwiches are many. One of our
favorites is the Blue Max with
smoked pastrami and hot mustard,
corned beef, melted swiss cheese,
sauerkraut and bleu cheese dress-
ing. The Reuben Special, muffu-
letta and turkey Parisian are darn
good, too. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 89

The French Pantry 6301 Powers

Ave., Southside (730-8696).
Regulars know to come early. The
line often forms even before the
doors open. Expect things like
crab cakes and Thai chicken salad Ingredients:
and French dip sandwiches. The
bakery supplies many of the city’s 4 five-ounce tuna steaks 1 cup grits
better restaurants with bread, and 1/2 cup cumin 2 Tbsp. butter
all guests recieve a small basket to
enjoy with their meal. L. 1 cup paprika 2 poblano peppers
1 cup black pepper 1 bunch cilantro
Larry’s Giant Subs Various
locations, including 1509 Margaret 1 cup coriander 1 lime, juiced
St., Riverside (674-2793; 1 cup chili powder 1 cup mayonnaise
larryssubs.com). In 1982, two
brothers opened the first Larry’s 3 cups boiling water salt and pepper to taste
Giant Subs. Today, the chain has
expanded throughout Jacksonville
and the southeastern United States. Procedure:
Each sub is made to order with
freshly sliced meats and cheeses 1) Combine the cumin, paprika, 4) Purée poblano peppers and add to
and crisp produce topping, and pepper, coriander and chili powder hot grit mixture. Spread on sheet pan
comes with a pickle. Catering is in a shallow bowl. until cool and solid. Cut into wedges
available. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 5 and grill.
2) Season tuna with salt and roll in
McAlister’s Deli 9700 Deer Lake molido mixture. Grill until rare to 5) Blend cilantro, lime juice and
Ct., Ste. 5, Southside (564-2377; medium rare. mayo in blender.
mcalistersdeli.com); 1615 County 3) Mix grits, water and butter. Salt 6) Slice tuna, add grit cake and
Road 220, Ste. 180, Fleming Island and pepper to taste. garnish with cilantro lime mayo.
(278-6055). The “famous sweet
YIELDS 4 SERVINGS
*
taste 2011 83
the guide
tea” is this rapidly growing deli
operation’s pride and joy. The
menu covers lots of ground with
salads, wraps, soups and baked
potatoes topped with all sorts of
things like jalapeño peppers, black
olives, cheddar cheese and more.
Turkey melt, BLT, French dip,
chicken salad, muffuletta—the list
goes on and on. B, L.
Pinegrove Deli and Market
1511 Pinegrove Ave., Avondale
(389-8655). Easy to miss, this tiny
Avondale deli and market offers
lunch fare in a homey environment
that echoes delis' past. Pinegrove
has all the regulars, like turkey and
ham sandwiches, as well as meat-
ball subs and BLTs, known for
heaping piles of bacon. L.
Sun Deli 1011 3rd St. S.,
Jacksonville Beach (270-1040). A
Jacksonville Beach mainstay, this
unassuming eatery offers classic
sandwiches and salads with catchy
names, like the Beach Boy Sub.
Each is made to order with Boar's
Head meats and cheeses. The decor
exudes a small-town vibe, featuring
framed photographs of Fletcher
High School homecoming activities
and greeting cards surrounding the
entrance. L.
Tapestry Cafe 9823 Tapestry Park
Cir., Southside (396-0528). Boars
Head sandwiches, paninis and
breakfast offerings draw diners
throughout the day, but piping hot
espresso drinks and tasty smoothies
keep the comfortable seats filled.
Free wifi sweetens the deal for the
coffeeshop crowd. B, L, D, SB. SEE
AD ON PAGE 38
Tidbits 1076 Hendricks Ave., San
Marco (396-0528). The potato salad
and stuffed pita sandwich are the
SAKE HOUSE
sushi
stuff of local legend. Regulars know
the routine—stand in line and keep
it moving up to the counter. Turkey,
roast beef, ham, chicken salad are
among the sandwich offerings. Taco
salad is a big, big, seller. B, L.
Tom & Betty’s 4409 Roosevelt
Blvd., Westside (387-3311). A
Jacksonville classic that’s been
serving sandwiches, burgers and
fries for decades. Sandwiches
come with car-themed names, so
the menu takes a minute for first-
time diners to digest. They serve
what might be the biggest BLT in
town. A separate bar area attracts
plenty of regulars, as do the
comfortable booths and live bands.
Karaoke on Saturday nights. L, D.
Whiteway Delicatessen 1237
King St., Riverside (389-0355). The
joint has been serving sandwiches,
sides and iced tea since 1927
but recently moved to bigger digs
just up the street. No matter:
neighborhood lawyers, doctors and
politicians still frequent the
Riverside breakfast and lunch spot.
Tabouli and riders are the main
draws, and daily specials include
the Dr. Berk, veggie tabouli with
turkey, $5. B, L.
Zoës Kitchen 240 S.R. A1A, Ponte
Vedra Beach (273-1100); 1661
Riverside Ave., Riverside (355-
9637). Zoës’ menu reflects its
slogan“Eat Smart, Eat Fresh” with
healthy sandwiches, salads and
hot plates like chicken kabobs,
quesadillas and their famous
chicken salad. Ponte Vedra shop
offers patio seating. L, D.
SEAFOOD
619 Ocean View 619 Ponte Vedra
Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach (285-
0202). Relaxing oceanfront restau-
rant specializes in seafood spiced
with Caribbean, Cajun and Southern
flavors. Offering chorizo and
mussels, fried calamari, corn-
dusted mahi mahi and more. The
duck confit croquettes with whole
grain mustard and cranberry gas-
trique and the parma scallops with
garlic, shallots, sun-dried tomatoes
and parma prosciutto are top
appetizers. For dinner, try the

roasted grouper with olives,
tomatoes and capers or the grilled
rack of lamb with fig demi glace.
L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 50
Beachside Seafood Market &
Restaurant 120 3rd St. S.,
Jacksonville Beach (444-CRAB). The
big deck is the preferred seating
area for most regulars to this
Beaches family-friendly haunt.
Fried grouper, crab cake sandwiches,
shrimp burger, oyster shooters—
there are few poor options on the
menu. L, D.
The Blue Crab 3057 Julington
Creek Rd., Julington Creek (260-
2722; bluecrabcrabhouse.com).
Touting itself as the only
Maryland-style crab house in
Jacksonville, The Blue Crab is an
ultra-casual restaurant featuring a
variety of crab-tastic dishes such
as crab cakes, stuffed crab
delight, garlic crabs, crab balls
and cream of crab soup, as well as
chicken and fish entrées. L, D.
The Blue Fish Restaurant
and Oyster Bar 3551 St. Johns
Ave., Avondale (387-0700;
bluefishjax.com). Oysters and raw
bar items reign supreme at this
Avondale seafood shop. Other
sea-faring favorites include crab
bisque, shrimp and grits and
pan-seared sea bass. Try the fried
green tomatoes on roasted red
pepper coulis topped with goat
cheese, the Crescent City snapper
with crawfish, crabmeat and Gulf
shrimp in a rich spicy gravy and
rice, or the blackened and bleu
filet mignon served on a red wine
demi glace. The lounge upstairs is
a cozy dinner spot, but grab an
outdoor table for Sunday brunch.
L, D, SB. SEE AD ON PAGE 44
Bonefish Grill 10950 San Jose
Blvd., Mandarin (370-1070); 2400
S. Third St., Jacksonville Beach
(247-4234). Seafood is the order
of the day at the city’s two
Bonefish outlets. Atlantic salmon,
rainbow trout, snapper, Chilean
sea bass, Gulf grouper and
swordfish may all be cooked over
the wood-burning grill; however,
seasonality does affect the avail-
ability of some fish. Landlubbers
gravitate toward the pork tenderloin
portabella piccata and filet
mignon. D.
Cap’s on the Water 425 Myrtle
St., St. Augustine (824-8794).
Dubbed the place where “Palatka
meets Ponte Vedra,” Cap’s is well
loved for its huge deck shaded by
the live oak trees and its front-row
views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
The menu is a combination of tra-
ditional Southern dishes with Asian
and European elements. Raw,
steamed and baked oysters are raw
bar favorites, as well as Dungeness
crab, mussels and Mayport shrimp.
L, D.
Chart House 1501 Riverplace
Blvd., Southbank (398-3353; chart-
house.com). The exterior of the
waterfront restaurant is probably
the most unusual in town. Inside,
the Chart House is a dramatic
dimly-lit dinner-only restaurant
best known for its seafood. New
menu items include the hummus
trio, lobster and shrimp spring
rolls, seared mahi and miso-glazed
salmon. Menu classics like the
parmesan-encrusted snapper
Hemingway topped with jumbo
lump crab and lemon shallot
butter, and the coconut crunchy
shrimp with crab fried rice and
sweet plum sauce remain. Save
room for hot chocolate lava
cake.D. SEE MENU ON PAGE 21
Clark’s Fish Camp 12903 Hood
Landing Rd., Mandarin (268-3474).
With views of Julington Creek, this
former bait and tackle shop has
been transformed into a rustic
dining retreat. Home to the three-
pound prime rib and hundreds of
stuffed animals at every turn,
Clark’s menu is said to be one
of the largest in town with 60
different appetizers and dishes
ranging from fried green tomatoes
to ostrich to rattlesnake. L, D.
The Conch House 57 Comares
Ave., St. Augustine (829-8646).
Live music plays as patrons dine
under swaying palm trees on the
outside deck or at a handful of
tiki-style tables for which the place
is famous. Open for lunch and
the guide
dinner, the Conch House specializes
in seafood and Caribbean cuisine.
Conch fritters, escargot, conch
chowder and Granny Ponce’s
baked stuff clams are a few menu
favorites. L, D.
Creekside Dinery 160 Nix
Boatyard Rd., St. Augustine (829-
6113). Dubbed as serving “North
Florida Low Country Cooking,” this
rustic outpost keeps patrons com-
ing back with a funky interior and
the signature oak plank baked
entrées—a technique which is
especially flavorful when preparing
fish. D.
Gene’s Seafood Restaurant
Three Jax locations including 1571
University Blvd. W., San Jose (448-
9888). If it swims, it’s probably on
the menu. Peel-and-eat shrimp,
conch fritters, gator tail, fried cala-
mari and fried corn nuggets are
among the appetizers. For dinner
and lunch, they’ve got everything
from snow crab legs and frog legs
to scallops and catfish filets. L, D.
JL Trent’s Seafood & Grill
4553 120th St., Westside (908-
4202); 8968 103rd St., Westside
(908-8355). The original Trent’s
across the street from NAS
Jacksonville is a classic American
seafood joint serving all your fried
favorites: crab legs, lobster, whole
catfish and shrimp. Mahi mahi,
trout and flounder round out the
long menu. Fried pickles are the
house specialty. L, D.
Joe’s Crab Shack 6 Beach Blvd.,
Jacksonville Beach (249-6160).
Located directly on the ocean, Joe’s
is a family-friendly kind of place
complete with a sandy playground
right out front. The menu is large
and the portions are huge. The
fisherman’s platter with fried
popcorn shrimp, fish fillet, clam
strips, scallops, hush puppies and
fries is big enough for two. L, D.
King Fish Grill 252 Yacht Club
Dr., St. Augustine (824-2111). The
atmosphere is casual, beachy and
unpretentious—just like one might
expect at a seafood joint situated at
the docks of Camachee Cove
Marina. Look for dishes like horse-
taste 2011 85
 the guide
radish encrusted grouper, sesame
seared yellowfin tuna, chicken
piccata, filet mignon and soft shell
crab. Banquet room available for
private parties. L, D.
Ragtime Tavern, Seafood and
LuLu’s Waterfront Grille 301
N. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach
(285-0139). Perched on the banks
of the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm
Valley, this casual, yet upscale,
restaurant is known for its local
seafood dishes like steamed garlic
clams, Intracoastal scampi and Chef
Jeff’s New England clam chowder.
But its true claim to fame is its
waterfront “driving range.” L, D, SB.
Marker 32 14549 Beach Blvd.,
Jacksonville Beach (223-1534)
Upscale waterside dining features
a menu that changes with the
season. But look for dishes such
as butternut squash soup,
pan-seared salmon, sauteed brook
trout, seafood bouillabaisse, and
wood grilled steaks. D.
Salt Life Food Shack 1018 3rd
Mitchell’s Fish Market St.
Johns Town Center (645-3474). Part
of the bustling shopping complex
near JTB features a menu 80
dishes long highlighted by items
such as little neck clam chowder,
broiled sea scallops, pecan-crusted
mountain trout, garlic broiled
shrimp and lemon pepper grilled
Salt Water Cowboys 299
chicken. L, D.
O.C. White’s Restaurant 118
Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine
(824-0808; ocwhites.com). A
historic home in the heart of the
Oldest City sets the table for this
seafood favorite. Housemade crab
cakes, fresh-caught grouper,
shrimp, lobster, steaks, chowder
and pasta are menu staples.
Singleton’s Seafood Shack
Outdoor seating and entertainment.
Lunch served seasonally. D, SB.
Parson’s Seafood 904 Sixth Ave.
S., Jacksonville Beach (249-0608).
It’s nothing fancy and there’s lots
of stuff fried to a golden brown.
There’s a full bar, big screen TV,
banquet room for large groups and
usually lively crowd of regulars. L, D.
Pusser’s Caribbean Grille 816
A1A N., Shoppes of Veranda, Ponte
Vedra Beach (280-7766;
86 taste 2011
pussersusa.com). Dining and drink-
ing establishment offers an exten-
sive menu heavy on seafood and
island-infused eats. L, D
Grill 207 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic
Beach (241-7877;
ragtimetavern.com). Open for more
than 20 years, Ragtime is
Northeast Florida’s first micro-
brewery. The menu is huge and
packed with fun items like shrimp
nachos, Louisiana crawfish and
sauteed mussels. The house
seafood gumbo is terrific, with
okra and mounds of chopped fresh
veggies sautéed in a rich, brown
roux with tomatoes, shrimp and
crab. For dinner, the blackened
fish, Oscar grouper and lobster
and shrimp tacos are tops. Live
music is staged Wednesday
through Sunday. L, D. SEE ADS ON
PAGES 36 & 89
St. N., Jacksonville Beach (372-
4456). The menu is appropriately
“salty” with locally caught shrimp,
wood-grilled salmon and the
“beach boil” with shrimp, snow
crab legs, sausage, corn, onions
and potatoes. L, D.
Dondanville Rd., St. Augustine
Beach (471-2332). The interior of
this family-friendly outpost is worth
a look-see. The view of Intracoastal
tidal marshes and the rustic Florida
Cracker décor is complemented by
a menu that offers steaks and
chicken dishes but emphasizes
seafood. D.
4728 Ocean St., Mayport (246-4442).
“Rustic” is a fitting description for
this Mayport landmark. The place
has been open for about 50 years,
and the weatherbeaten exterior
shows its age. But don’t let the
shabby veneer scare you off.
Singleton’s is great for families
with a huge menu of fried
shrimp, clams and oysters.
The fish is straight off the boat
and the hush puppies are hot and
crispy. L, D.
Sliders Seafood Grille and
Oyster Bar 218 First St.,
Neptune Beach (246-0881). Fish is
Sliders’ specialty, as are “you shuck
‘em” oysters and Key lime pie.
Seafood gumbo, Cajun grilled mahi
and butternut grouper are featured
on the chalkboard menu propped
up outside on the sidewalk. Outside
tables make for fun people
watching. Try the fish tacos. L, D.
Sliders Seaside Grill 1998 S.
Fletcher Ave., Fernandina (277-
6652). Serving New York strip, crab
cakes, pork barbecue ribs, fried
shrimp and fried pickles. Ocean-
front dining and deck, tiki bar and
outdoor kids’ playground. L, D.
Whitey’s Fish Camp 2032 C.R.
220, Orange Park (269-4198;
whiteysfishcamp.com). Situated off
Swimming Pen Creek, Whitey’s
began as a tackle shop in 1963
but it wasn’t until 1988 when the
establishment was complete with
a full service bar, kitchen, dining
room and outside deck. Daily
blackboard chef’s specialty entrées
include north-of-the-border
steamed snowcrab legs, shrimp
boil, beer-battered fried grouper,
sautéed crab and shrimp cakes
and all-you-can-eat catfish. L, D.
SEE AD ON PAGE 41
SPANISH/BRAZILLIAN
13 Gypsies 887 Stockton St.,
Jacksonville (389-0330; 13gyp-
sies.com). Fresh, organic ingredi-
ents are the staple for the Spanish
cuisine offered at 13 Gypsies.
Open for lunch and dinner, 13Gs
specializes in tapas including the
convino tapa, Chef Howard's spe-
ciality, with cured meats, cheese,
nuts and fruit, which are excel-
lently paired with one of the sever-
al wines offered. Vegetarian
options available. L, D.
España Restaurant & Tapas
Bar 22 S. Fourth St., Amelia Island
(261-7700; espanadowntown.com).
Cozy, quaint, friendly—they all fit
España, an outlet for Spanish and
Portuguese cuisine on Amelia
Island. The interior is casual rustic
with faux clay walls and plenty of
Spanish collectibles. One can't go
 wrong with char-grilled portobello
mushrooms topped with manchego
cheese, serrano ham and a light
brown sauce or marinated pork
SWAMP THING
Fried gator tail from Whitey’s Fish Camp
tenderloin braised with garlic, onion —STEPHANIE MELSON
and roasted red pepper. Paella is a
house specialty. Tapas items start
around $8 and entrées are priced
between $19 and $32. D. SEE AD ON
PAGE 73

Espeto Brazilian Steakhouse

4000 St. Johns Ave., Avondale
(388-4884; espetosteakhouse.com).
Fourteen different cuts of meat
are fire-grilled and carved table-
side in the traditional churrasco
style. Top sirloin, filet mignon
wrapped in bacon, pork loin, leg
of lamb and more cut by a gaucho
right at your table. The buffet
features imported cheeses, olives,
a large variety of salads and four
hot dishes to complete the
Brazilian feast. D. SEE AD ON PAGE 44
The Tasting Room,
Contemporary Spanish
Restaurant 25 Cuna St., St.
Augustine (810-2400,
tastetapas.com). Innovation and
seasonal variety are the hallmarks
of this chef-owned restaurant,
serving grilled hanger steak with
anchovy butter, baby lamb chops
with mint, and seafood paella à la
Valenciana. Tapas menu. Courtyard
dining and a private room for
intimate gatherings. Wine
Spectator Award of Excellence hon-
oree, Florida Trend Golden Spoon Ingredients:
award winner. Live music nightly. D. 1 lb. gator tail meat 2 eggs
Taverna 1986 San Marco Blvd., San House-Autry Mills brand seafood Oil
breading
Marco (398-3005;
tavernasanmarco.com). San Marco’s
hippest upscale dining option
features a casual interior and a
Procedure: Notes:
menu that draws inspiration from
Spain and the Mediterranean. The Gator is best enjoyed wet. Whitey’s
1) Set oil in deep fryer to 350
wood-fired pizzas are must-try whips up a mixture of ranch, horse-
degrees Fahrenheit.
favorites, and the entrée list is one radish, chili powder and paprika to
of the most creative in the city. 2) Tenderize gator meat and cut serve with its tails. Looking for a
Look for short ribs with butternut into bite-size pieces. place to buy gator? Forget the
squash orzo, housemade spicy pork 3) Beat the eggs in a bowl to make swamp and head to your local fish
and fennel sausage with tomatoes a wash. Dip meat in egg wash and market or grocery meat counter.
and toasted pine nuts, and a 16-oz. dredge in breading. Certain Publix markets will take
New York strip with whole roasted special orders; just note it may
4) Shake off excess breading and require a few days to get it in.
garlic and shallots, fingerling
drop meat in fryer until golden
potatoes, bacon and mushrooms.
Front patio tables are great for
brown. Serve immediately. YIELDS 4-6 SERVINGS
*

taste 2011 87
 beer 101
Do you know the difference between
stouts, porters, lagers and ales? Now
you do. I-10 IPA by Intuition Ale Works • photo by Bradley Stookey
River City Brewing Company
835 Museum Cir., Jacksonville,
(904) 398-2299.
www.rivercitybrew.com.
The Brew House Lounge offers five
microbrews, including lagers, ales,
Ale is the English term for a beer made in a cask or bottle with and stouts, as well as seasonal brews.
top-fermenting yeast (the same way Champagne is carbonated). The Jackson Pale Ale paired with our
Because of the living yeast, real ales are sometimes cloudy and Brew House Sandwich or our Fried
have a slightly yeasty character. Ales are produced in a wide
Calamari are both the best in town.
variety of colors, palates and strengths including bitter, brown
ale, India pale ale, light ale and red ale, among others.
Lager is any beer made by bottom-fermentation. It is usually
golden in color but sometimes can be dark. Lager requires a
longer, colder fermentation than ale and uses a different
species of yeast, one that tolerates cold temperatures well.
The result of the cold fermentation is a lighter, crisper,
smoother beer. Lager beer was introduced to the U.S. dur-
ing the German immigration of the early 1800s. It was
immediately adopted and the country's collective palette
switched from favoring ales to lagers.
Porter is a strong, dark ale, bottom-fermented with the
addition of roasted malt to add flavor and color. Porter was
named after the porters who hauled goods from wagons to
the stands in the open air markets common to England in
earlier times. Porter originally was a blend of stout and
pale ale; it is higher in alcohol and more roasted-tasting
than an ale, and lighter-bodied than a stout. Today most
porters are reddish in color, slightly sweet, very malty,
but not bitter.
The darkest and heartiest of beers, a Stout is
top-fermented and differentiated from a regular ale Seven Bridges
by its brown-black color, chocolate-coffee flavors 9735 Gate Pkwy. N., Jacksonville,
and fuller body. This is achieved by brewing with (904) 997-1999.
barley that has been dark-roasted to the point of www.7bridgesgrille.com.
charring (think of espresso beans, compared to
medium-roast coffee). It is thus both darker and Featuring a working brewery, full
maltier than porter, has a more pronounced hop bar, billiards, covered patio and
aroma, and may reach an alcoholic content of outdoor beer garden, as well as
7 percent. Stout originated in Ireland, where semi-private dining areas. Awarded
most traditional stouts are very rich, yet sharp 1st and 3rd place in Florida’s Best
*
and slightly bitter. Beer 2009. Weekday Happy Hour
from 4-6:30 and 10–close.

88 taste 2011
Brix Tap House and Bar
300 2nd St .N., Jacksonville Beach,
(904) 241-4668.
www.brixtaphouse.com.
We are a full liquor bar and tap house
with 32 different craft, domestic and
imported beers on tap. All beers are
offered at the lowest prices and
served in a true 16 oz pint glass in a
great atmosphere with friendly service.
We also sell and service beer growlers.
A1A Ale Works
1 King St., St. Augustine,
(904) 494-6925.
Offering award-winning cuisine with
Caribbean, Cuban & Floridian influ-
ences, as well as handcrafted ales
& lagers. A1A Ale Works is located
in historic St. Augustine and has
panoramic views of Matanzas Bay.
Bayfront banquet facilities available.
Engine 15 Brewing Co.
1500 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach,
(904) 249-BEER. www.engine15.com.
Want to brew your own beer? Now
you can! 35 draft lines, full kitchen,
and now… brew-it-yourself. Open
Mon*-Thur, Sun 11am -11pm; Fri-Sat
11am-12pm *Closed Mon January-March
European Street Café
www.europeanstreet.com.
Four locations to serve you from 10
to 10, 7 days a week with 20 taps and
hundreds of bottles at all locations.
Voted Jax’s Best Happy Hour: 2-for-
1 huge drafts from 2 to 7 every day.
Become an honorary Brewmeister
and win free beer for a year.
Intuition Ale Works
720 King St., Jacksonville, (904)
683-7720. www.intuitionale.com.
Jacksonville’s newest craft brewery!
Visit the tap room to try our locally-
brewed beers and take home a quart
or gallon growler. Brewery tours
Saturday at 1pm or by appointment.
Brew local. Drink local.
Ragtime Tavern, Seafood & Grill
207 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach,
(904) 241-7877.
www.ragtimetavern.com.
Located a half-block off the ocean
since 1983, Ragtime offers casual
beach dining, an award-winning
selection of appetizers, entrées,
desserts and North Florida’s first
microbrewery, featuring lagers & ales.
Ragtime hosts live music Wed.-Sun.
 the guide
people-watching and enjoying a
leisurely lunch. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 46
Tento Churrascaria 528 First St.
N., Jacksonville Beach (246-1580).
Brazilian open-flame cooking is
the order of the day at the one-
price eatery—$39 for adults, $18
for kids 5-12. An enormous buffet
of salads, soups and veggies sets
the table for skewers of hot-off-
the-grill steak, lamb, chicken and
more. D.
STEAKHOUSES
The Capital Grille St. Johns
Town Center (997-9233;
thecapitalgrille.com). A welcome
arrival to the River City fine dining
scene, the spacious steak house is
dressed in dark woods and white
linens. Appetizer standouts include
pan-fried calamari with hot cherry
peppers, oysters on the half shell,
90 taste 2011
and prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella
with vine ripe tomatoes. Among the
“chef's suggestions” are cedar
plank salmon with tomato fennel
relish and bone-in Kona crusted dry
aged sirloin and caramelized shallot
butter. Private wine lockers are
available. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 39
Morton’s The Steakhouse
1510 Riverplace Blvd., Southbank
(399-3933; mortons.com). Serving
tuna tartare, smoked Pacific
salmon, Maine lobster cocktail,
broiled sea scallops wrapped in
bacon and oysters Rockefeller.
Main dishes include domestic
double rib lamb chops, Alaskan
king crab legs, Chicago style bone-
in ribeye steak and the famous
prime rib. There’s a cozy lounge,
private board room dining and an
extensive wine list. D. SEE MENU ON
PAGE 28
Big eye tuna poke
martini from NORTH
BEACH BISTRO
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
1201 Riverplace Blvd., Crowne Plaza
Jacksonville Riverfront, Southbank
(396-6200); 814 A1A N., Ste. 103,
Ponte Vedra Beach (285-0014). If
you’re looking to close a deal—in
any sense of the phrase—the high-
falutin’ steak house chain is the
place to do it. Steak (be it T-bone,
ribeye, NY strip or filet mignon) is
their specialty. Sides are remark-
able themselves. D.
Tree Steakhouse 11362-1 San
Jose Blvd., Mandarin (262-0006).
For over 35 years the Tree has
been serving prime steaks cut
tableside, as well as fish, chicken
and lamb. Arguably the most pop-
ular cut is the ribeye, brought
whole to your table and trimmed
to your liking. Salad bar and
extensive wine list. D.
III Forks 9822 Tapestry Park Cir.,
Southside (928-9277). The chic
new restaurant features an ultra
stylish decor—leather, dark wood,
aquarium, and funky fireplace
along with a large bar and patio.
Bacon-wrapped scallops, Ahi
tuna, rack of lamb, chilean sea
bass and various cuts of steak
offered. D.
THAI
Basil Thai & Sushi 1004
Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville (674-
0190); 8358 Point Meadows Dr.,
Southside (379-3446). Basil
specializes in sushi that are filled
with creative and tasty ingredients
like spicy mayonnaise, crab, and
green snap peas. If you prefer a
full-sized entrée, try the Chilean
sea bass served with a green curry
sauce, brown rice and broccoli.
L, D.
Buddha’s Belly 301 10th Ave. N.,
Jacksonville Beach (712-4444,
buddhasbellythai.com). The menu
runs the gamut of Thai cuisine,
from satay chicken, tom yum
soup, green curry and prix pow to
an extensive selection of teas.
Buddha figurines adorn the interi-
or, providing a serene and inviting
atmosphere for lunch and dinner
guests. L, D. SEE AD ON PAGE 44
Galangal 145 Hilden Road, Suite
110, Ponte Vedra Beach (827-
1150). Part of a family of area
Thai restaurants, Galangal stands
out among other Thai eateries for
its more refined flair. From daring
design to bold tastes, there is
nothing understated about this chic
eatery and lounge. Enjoy a number
of Thai dishes along with a selection
from the bar menu which is rife
with tasty cocktails. D.
Lemongrass Restaurant 9846
Old Baymeadows Rd., Baymeadows
(645-9911). It’s not just the food
that regulars deem “Zen-sational”
(customer favorites include prig
pow, panang curry, crispy duck and
ginger-infused salad with wonton
noodles). The restaurant’s sleek
design in shades of soothing green
is equally as comforting—that is,
unless, you order your meal “Thai
hot,” in which case there’s no
solace. L, D.
Pattaya Thai 9551 Baymeadows
Rd., Ste. 1, Baymeadows (646-
9506). One of the city’s original
Asian outposts re-opened in a new
location. Offering a lengthy menu
that features 40 vegetarian items
alone. Chicken coconut soup is a
house specialty. L, D.
Ruan Thai Cuisine 3951 St.
Johns Ave., Avondale (384-6665).
The interior is upscale but
unpretentious, and without much
in the way of Asian décor. The
traditional Thai menu has dishes
like nam sod, tofu soup and spring
rolls. The pad Thai features rice
noodles, stir-fried with egg, bean
sprouts and green onions, topped
with crushed peanuts. Entrees
range from $19 for roasted crispy
duck to $12 for lemon grass
chicken. L, D.
Taste of Thai 4317 University
Blvd., Southside (737-9009). A
family-owned-and-operated
restaurant features Thai cuisine in
a warm and friendly atmosphere
on the Southside. Lunch and
dinner selections are enhanced
with the characteristically Thai
staples of lemongrass, coconut
milk, basil and ginger. House
specialties include fresh spring
rolls, pla lad prig (hot and spicy
fish), kaeng daeng (red curry) padt
prig pow and padt Thai. L, D.
Thai Garden Restaurant 10
Blanding Blvd., Ste. B, Orange Park
(272-8434). An oasis of spice and
flavor in an otherwise mostly
Americanized dining landscape,
Thai Garden prepares traditional
Thai whole snapper, satay with
chicken or pork, red or green curry
and Thai garden curry. They’ll
make your entrée as hot or as
mild as you wish. L, D.
Thai Palace 9965 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin (880-5363). Thai Palace
makes its home in one of
Mandarin’s busy plazas along San
Jose Boulevard. The lunch crowd
favors rice and curry dishes, seafood
and vegetables, noodles and basil
fried rice. Four crunchy Thai rolls
get a side of sweet and sour and
shaved carrots, and the small green
salad is topped with tofu and
peanut sauce. Choose between beef,
chicken, shrimp, scallops or tofu for
a pan-fried dish with basil, pineapple
or the spicy pepper, or try a special
rice entrée with chili duck or
chicken cashew nuts. L, D.
Thai Room Restaurant 1286
S. Third St., Jacksonville Beach
(249-8444). Casual ambiance is
comfortable with lots of pillow-
padded booths and authentic
cuisine including chicken and beef
satay, snapper, crispy duck, noodles
of the drunk and chicken sautée. D.
WINE BARS
The Grape St. Johns Town Center
(642-7111; yourgrape.com). Wine
is, of course, the main draw at this
hip, yet non-intimidating, meeting
place with more than 120 wines to
taste by the glass, bottle and tast-
ing flights organized by taste clas-
sification. But tasty vittles are also
on the menu like Mediterranean
quesadillas, gourmet cheeses, spe-
cialty spreads like spinach and
applewood smoked bacon, and
roasted red pepper hummus. L, D.
Island Girl Wine & Cigar Bar
108 1st St., Neptune Beach
(372-0942); 9A and Gate Pkwy
(854-6060). Cozy and manly pub
atmosphere at both locations. Food?
No, but they do have premium
stogies and wines aplenty. Popular
for sporting event viewing and
cigar-maker gatherings.
The Grotto Wine & Tapas Bar
2012 San Marco Blvd., San Marco
(398-0726). The hip wine and
tapas bar in San Marco Square is
as popular as ever. The Grotto’s
considerable inventory—70 wines
by the glass, 300 by the bottle—
includes favorites and rare
selections; the tapas menu features
aged beef tenderloin, garlic shrimp
and chocolate fondue. D.
Riverside Liquors & Village
Wine Shop 1035 Park St.,
Riverside (356-4517). An outlet for
fine wines and spirits for more
than 40 years. They don’t serve
food, but a cozy lounge area at the
back provides space to uncork a
purchase and enjoy a glass or two.
SEE AD ON PAGE 45
San Sebastian Winery 157 King
St., St. Augustine (826-1594). An
attraction not far from the heart of
the Historic District, the winery’s
Cellar Upstairs serves as a jazz
club of sorts, featuring live music
on weekends. Offering light eats.
Banquet space available. D. SEE AD
ON PAGE 39
The Wine Bar 320 1st St. N.,
Jacksonville Beach (372-0211).
Tapas menu complements the
bar’s live music schedule and
open mic nights. Regular wine
tastings. D.
Walkers 2692 Post St., Riverside
(894-7465; walkersbar.com). The
menu is light at this night spot —
spinach artichoke, cheese plates
and roasted red pepper hummus
about sums it up. The wine list is
long and specialty cocktails like
the Mojito Fizz are a treat. D.
*
NOTE: This list does not represent a complete
accounting of all area restaurants. Every effort
was made to ensure accuracy. We regret any errors
or omissions. A new edition of Taste will be pub-
lished in early 2012. Until then, happy eating.
taste 2011 91
 jax after dark
25 dives, lounges, bars, pubs & clubs
Dance Clubs
The phrases “packed club” and
“Jacksonville Landing” don’t often
go together in the same sentence.
But many nights Maverick’s (2
Independent Dr., Downtown, 356-
1110) proves an exception to the
rule. The cavernous, two-story
nightspot has all the elements
required for a first-rate country
outing—multiple bars, stage for
live acts, line dancing and a
mechanical bull. Ladies, if you
must ride, for the sake of the spec-
tators, please consider your choice
of attire for the evening. • The
neighborhood of St. Nicholas
swings with a decided Latin flair,
thanks to Cuba Libre (2578
Atlantic Blvd., 399-2262) and its
sister restaurant Havana Jax. The
92 taste 2011
club features a huge dance floor,
comfy seating, projection TV and
the coldest mojitos this side of
Guantanamo Bay. • Beachy casual
is the norm for bars east of The
Ditch. They may let you in, but if
you’re not dressed to impress at
Jacksonville Beach’s Ocean Club
(401 1st St. N., 242-8884), peo-
ple will notice. And not in a good
way. Everything from reggae to old
school rock is played here, with
drink specials and events like
Naughty Schoolgirl nights spicing
up the weekly calendar. Plus, the
beach is literally a stone’s throw
away. • Arguably the largest enter-
tainment complex in the city, The
Metro (2929 Plum St., 388-8719)
in Riverside is actually several
clubs in one. Tiki bar? Check.
Maverick’s
Disco? Check. Drag shows? Check.
In fact, Metro provides late night
patrons everything from pool tables
to pole dancers. • Hipster hang-
outs tend to come and go. In
Springfield, The Pearl (1101 N.
Main St., 791-4499) keeps chug-
ging along with a mix of requisite
drink specials, a groovy illuminated
dance floor and an unpretentious
vibe. The back patio is ideal for
cooling down after a few busted
moves.
Dive Bars
Count Freebird Live (200 1st St.
N., 246-2473) a dive in the vein
of a classic honky tonk music
venue, minus the chicken wire
across the front of the stage. A full
house packs in about 700, stand-
ing-room-only upstairs and down.

Lomax Lodge
Expect about a dozen shows per
month with acts ranging from
1999 (a Prince tribute band)
homegrown talent JJ Grey and
Mofro. • Another local music
venue that’s a heck of a lot smaller
but just as “divey,” San Marco’s
Jack Rabbits (1528 Hendricks
Ave., 398-7496) is a place to see
quirky veteran acts as well as
bands poised to hit it big. •
Hands-down the father of all First
Coast dives is Pete’s Bar (117 1st
St., 249-9158). We can’t say
much that hasn’t been written a
hundred times before. Cheap beer,
cheap pool tables, the most color-
ful collection of patrons you’ll find
anywhere—if you haven’t been at
least once, shame on you. •
Springfield is a part of town known
for its pioneers, urban dwellers
with a hankerin’ to make some-
thing new out of something old. No
surprise then that Shantytown Pub
(22 W. 6th St., 798-8222) fits
right in. Whether a DJ is working
the turntables or it’s just a tune on
the jukebox, the music is always
playing. • No animals were harmed
in the making of Lomax Lodge
(822 Lomax St., 634-8813) in
Five Points. No, really. This rela-
tively new dive is something of a
tongue-in-cheek take on a hunting
lodge, complete with hand-painted
animal mount murals above each
booth. A huge selection of beer,
pool table, dance floor, air hockey
and a dedicated roster of regu-
lars—all dives should be this good.
Cocktail Lounges
The wildly popular St. Johns Town
Center area became even more of
a nightime hotspot with the open-
ing of Suite (4880 Big Island Dr.,
493-9305). This multi-level
lounge has a decidedly upscale
vibe with a rich interior and servers
wear silver and sexy attire. Small
plates are offered, though many
guests come for the innovative
cocktails • The Penthouse Lounge
(691 N. 1st St., Jacksonville
Beach, 270-0025) at the Casa
Marina offers ocean views above
the historic hotel. Featuring live
music every night of the week, the
bar offers plenty of places to set
your drink and catch up with
friends. Dress gets fancier as the
night goes on—but would you
expect any less in a penthouse
suite? • Across from The Florida
Theatre, Dos Gatos (123 E.
Forsyth St., Downtown, 354-0666)
is a swank cocktail lounge with a
little urban grit. The exposed brick
décor and creative cocktail list, the
indie rock music mix and comfy
couches (skip the bar and head
straight to the back) are all rea-
sons we keep coming back for
more. • The bar and patio lounge
at III Forks (9822 Tapestry Park
Cir., Southside, 928-9277) are the
embodiment of modern style. Cozy
up to the curvaceous half-moon
bar or steal away to the patio for a
seat beside the dancing water
fountains and fire features. The
bar menu is an affordable alterna-
tive to the steakhouse’s regular
fare. It’s just as tasty, but easier on
the wallet. • If you like the charm
of singer Michael Buble, you’ll
probably like The Onyx Room at
Bistro Aix (1440 San Marco Blvd.,
398-3660) in San Marco. The
restaurant’s bar attracts a stylish
and sexy crowd, with its backlit
onyx, antiqued mirrors and crystal
light fixtures. The perfect place to
mingle and sip on cocktails before
dinner or an evening on the town,
it can get crowded—just like the
night the Canadian crooner per-
formed last in Jax. But its weekday
half-priced happy hour, 4-7 PM, is
worth the wait.
Suite
taste 2011 93

Perfect Rack Billiards
Sports Bars
Pool halls are smoky, dingy places
filled with seedy characters and
hustlers. Maybe in the movies.
Perfect Rack Billiards (1186
Edgewood Ave. S., 738-7645) is
just the opposite. It’s clean,
smoke-free, serves tasty eats, and
features about a dozen top-of-the-
line pool tables. Heck, it’s down-
right family-friendly. • One might
not consider City Hall Pub (234 A.
Philip Randolph Blvd., 356-6750)
a sports pub in the traditional
sense, but its location—walking
distance from Veterans Arena,
Baseball Grounds and EverBank
Field—makes it a great pre- and
post-game destination. HDTVs
aplenty, live music, big outdoor
patio, pub grub and drink specials
provide enough incentive to visit
even if the city’s sports complex is
quiet for the night. • Pizza, strom-
boli, hoagies and, of course,
cheese steaks are the signature
menu items at Philly’s Finest
(1527 3rd St. N., 241-7188) in
Jacksonville Beach. The owners are
true Philadelphia fanatics, so if the
Eagles, Flyers or Phillies are play-
ing, the games will be showcased
on the plasma TVs. The ice bar is
an unusual and cool feature.
Literally. • Both Sneakers Sports
Grilles (8133 Point Meadows Way,
Baymeadows, 519-0509; 111
94 taste 2011
Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, in the back and is favored by cus-
482-1000) are huge. Sports mem- tomers who appreciate and enjoy
orabilia and TVs are everywhere talking about wine and fine spirits.
and some of the projection screens The shop doubles as the unofficial
are some 10 feet high. The headquarters of the Riverside Wine
Beaches venue is just yards from Fest the evening of November 20.
the beach and has an outside • There’s no shortage of reds and
patio. The menu consists of all whites at The Grape (10281
your pub favorites such as que- Midtown Parkway, 642-7111) at
sadillas, nachos, wings, burgers St. Johns Town Center. However,
and fish and chips. • Speaking of many regulars come for the food.
really big sports bars: among the The menu of soups, salads and
latest editions to St. Johns Town small plates is extensive, including
Center is Whisky River (4850 Big items like baked brie in pastry,
Island Dr., 645-5571), a franchise mussels marinara, and even lamb
operation owned by NASCAR star chops. Save room for the chocolate
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. The bar/restau- fondue. It’s a wine shop, too. So
rant has a raucus hillbilly vibe, taking an unfinished bottle home
complete with shapely servers when you leave is no problem. •
decked out in tight black leather Keep it simple, stupid. That could
vests and cutoff jean shorts. Live be the mantra at Walkers (2692
music acts (mostly country) take Post St., 894-7465) in Riverside.
the stage regularly. Mechanical The interior is spartan and clean
bull ride, anyone? with little more than red bricks and
Wine Bars wine bottles to attract the eye.
For years, Downtown boosters have Well, perhaps the other patrons will
been saying the city needs more do that, too. Wine, beer and cock-
places like Poppy Love Smoke tails and a tiny selection of food
(112 E. Adams St., 354-1988). (cheese plates, spinach artichoke
Ultra cool with funky art on the dip) round out the offerings.
walls, a couple thousand bottles of Simple is good.
*
wine in the house, huge walk-in
humidor—it’s easy to see why
patrons tend to linger late into the
night. Entertainment runs the
gamut, from spoken word poetry
nights to jazz acts to DJs spinning
old school hip-hop. • The Wine Bar
(320 N. 1st St., 372-0211) in Jax
Beach is a no-frills neighborhood
watering hole for those who favor
glasses of Rodney Strong cabernet
and Hacker Pschorr draughts. Eats
include lobster spread, flat breads,
bacon-wrapped scallops and more.
Nightly specials, open mic nights
and weekend music keep the cal-
endar lively. Also, a selection of
fine cigars are offered. Smoking
permitted on the patio. • Riverside
Liquors (1035 Park St., 356-
4517) has been a 5 Points institu-
tion since the 1960s. If it comes in
a bottle with a cork, Riverside prob- Bartender Curtis
Campbell at Walkers
ably sells it. A small bar is tucked
 A.Chef’s Corner Bistro & Wine Bar
Cooking Studio Intuition Ale Works
Complimentary Appetizer with the
$5 Off Any Studio Class Purchase of Two Dinner Entrées or
10% Off Entire Lunch Check Buy One Pint, Get One FREE
or Dinner* 9823-1 Tapestry Park Cir., Jacksonville, FL 32246 720 King St., Jacksonville, FL 32204
145 Hilden Rd., #119, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081 (904) 619-1931 | cornerbistrowinebar.com (904) 683-7720 | intuitionale.com
(904) 827-1350 | achefscookingstudio.com Regular release brews only. Limit one coupon per person, per visit.
*Reservations required. Limit one per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Dine-in only. Limit one offer per table.
Expires 7/31/11 *See our ad on p.22 & 38 Expires 12/31/11 *See our ad on p.89
Expires 12/30/11 *See our ad on p.42

Blue Bamboo Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant Cortessés Bistro

Restaurant & Wine Bar Buy One Entrée, Get One of & Flamingo Room
Equal or Lesser Value FREE
One FREE Appetizer with purchase of two cocktails Buy One Entrée, Get One Half Price
3820 Southside Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216 691 First St. N., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 172 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 646-1478 | bluebamboojacksonville.com (904) 220-4540 | casamarinahotel.com (904) 825-6775 | cortessesbistroandflamingoroom.com
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit one offer per table. 20% gratuity added automatically to non-discounted check totals with coupon. 2nd entrée must be of equal or lesser value. Cannot be combined with any other
Dine-in only. Tax & gratuity not included. Not valid with Sunday Brunch. Cannot be combined with any other offer. offer. May be used for lunch or dinner. Dine-in only. Tax & gratuity not included.
Expires 6/30/11 *See our ad on p.99 Expires 8/30/11 *See our ad on p.43 Expires 12/31/11 *See our ad on p.46

29 South Larry’s Giant Subs Zaitoon Mediterranean Grill

50% Off Any Lunch or Dinner Entrée
One Complimentary Entrée with the FREE SUB! (with the purchase of a lunch/dinner
Purchase of One Full Price Entrée Buy any medium 8" or large 12" sub & entrée of equal or lesser value).
29 S. 3rd St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 two 22oz fountain drinks, get one 13475 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225
(904) 277-7919 | 29southrestaurant.com sub of equal or lesser value FREE! (904) 221-7066 | zaitoongrill.com
Limit one coupon per table, per visit. Not valid with any other specials Valid at all North Florida locations | larryssubs.com Cannot be combined with any other discount, promotion, or online gift voucher.
or promotions. 18% gratuity will be added before deduction. Not valid with other offers or specials. Limit one coupon per visit per customer. Limit one coupon per table. Not valid on holidays. Tax & gratuity not included.
Expires 2/1/12 *See our ad on p.73 Expires 6/30/11 *See our ad on p.5 Expires 12/31/11 *See our ad on p.44

Espeto The Blue Fish Zaitoon Mediterranean Grill

Brazilian Steak House Restaurant & Oyster Bar
ONE FREE DESSERT 20% Off Your Entire Bill
20% Off Prix Fixe Menu with the purchase of one dinner entrée. 13475 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225
4000 St. Johns Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32205 3551 St. Johns Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32205 (904) 221-7066 | zaitoongrill.com
(904) 388-4884 | espetosteakhouse.com (904) 387-0700 | bluefishjax.com Cannot be combined with any other discount, promotion, or online gift voucher.
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit one offer per table. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit one offer per table. Limit one coupon per table. Not valid on holidays. Tax & gratuity not included.
Dine-in only. Tax & gratuity not included. Dine-in only. Tax & gratuity not included.
Expires 10/31/11 Expires 12/31/11 *See our ad on p.44
*See our ad on p.44 Expires ??/??/11 *See our ad on p.44

Ichiban Jack & Diane’s Three Layers Cafe

Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
15% Off One Entrée
at grill tables only
675 N. Third St., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 247-4688
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit one offer per check.
Tax & gratuity not included.
Expires 12/31/11
FREE Dessert with Entrée Purchase Buy One Pick-3 Combo
of $10 or More Per Person. Lunch, Get One Half Off
708 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 321-1444 | jackanddianescafe.com 1602 Walnut St., Jacksonville, FL 32206
(904) 355-9791 | threelayerscafe.com
One coupon per person. Not valid with any other offer or discount.
Must present coupon when ordering. Discounted Pick-3 must be of equal or lesser value.
*See our ad on p.37 Expires 6/30/11 *See our ad on p.73 Expires 8/31/11 *See our ad on p.40
 wine & a movie
Enjoy a night in with a glass of vino and a fun flick
Marley, the yellow lab his
owner calls the “World’s
Worst Dog,” is a free-spirited
canine with boundless
energy, a bottomless stomach
and a destructive fear of
thunder. Marley & Me is a
funny tearjerker based on the
autobiographical memoir of
the same name by journalist
John Grogan, starring Owen
Wilson and Jennifer Aniston
as the young couple the
lovable Marley terrorizes.
A bottle of Cannonball
Cabernet Sauvignon ($14)
would pair well with a sweet
film like this. Winemakers
describe the dark California
red as the “perfect symbol of
freedom” with a bouquet of
blackberry, strawberry and
black cherry and hints of
chocolate and oak.
96 taste 2011
Watch agents J and K save
the planet from not-so-
friendly aliens in Men in
Black (1997) and Men in
Black II (2002). These
blockbuster comedies star
Tommy Lee Jones and Will
Smith as two super-secret
agents of MiB who work to
keep New York City aliens
in check. But not all these
visitors come in peace. This
leads to messy and often
humorous situations for the
agents. A bottle of 2008 A
to Z Pinot Gris ($15) pairs
nicely with a J-and-K movie
marathon. From Willamette
Valley, Oregon, this pale
golden wine tastes of spices,
nutmeg, lime blossom and
tangerine.
Add some drama, suspense
and romance to your night
with the book-turned-
musical-theater-performance-
turned-movie, Phantom of
the Opera. The 2004 remake
stars Gerard Butler as the
phantom, struggling to be
heard within the confines of
the Opera Populaire. Pranks
turn to jealous rage when the
phantom’s protégé, Christine,
falls in love with another
man. A bottle of Chateau De
Valmer Vouvray 2008 ($15)
pairs nicely with this French
love story. From France’s
famed Loire Valley, the
white provides a touch of
sweetness with flavors like
apricot, peach and honey,
as well as some tartness to
create a crisp and balanced
appellation.
The splendor of spring is no
more evident than in the
fanciful French film Amélie
(2001), starring Audrey
Tatou. Nominated for five
Academy Awards, the mod-
ern-day fairytale with English
subtitles follows Amélie, a
shy Parisian waitress with a
peculiar perspective on the
world. Seeking to help those
around her, she takes justice
into her own hands.
Ultimately a love story, this
light and colorful chick-flick
pairs nicely with a glass of
2008 Bon Bon Shiraz Rosé
($14). From R Wines (the
WINE BY BRADLEY STOOKEY
South Australian winemakers
behind Bitch), this ruby pink
shiraz tastes of raspberry and
strawberry, with a slight lime
zest aroma.
*
Whitey’s Fish Camp Philly’s Finest Philly’s Finest
18" Extra Large Buy One Cheesesteak,
20% Off Dinner Cheese Pizza for $8.99 Get A 2nd Half Off
2032 CR 220, Orange Park, FL 32003
(904) 269-4198 | whiteysfishcamp.com 1527 N. 3rd St., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 1527 N. 3rd St., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit one offer per table. (904) 241-7188 | phillys-finest.com (904) 241-7188 | phillys-finest.com
Dine-in only. Tax & gratuity not included. Excludes alcohol. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Expires 6/30/11 *See our ad on p.41 Expires 12/31/11 *See our ad on p.36 Expires 12/31/11 *See our ad on p.36

Buddha’s Belly Speckled Hen Cha Cha’s

Tavern & Grille Authentic Mexican Restaurant
One FREE Appetizer $5 Off With Any Purchase,
with two entrée purchases, up to $7.50. $5 Off When Spending $25 Of $25 Or More
301 10th Ave. N., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 9475 Philips Hwy., #16, Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 712-4444 | buddhasbellythai.com 9551 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 538-0811 | speckledhentavern.com (904) 737-9903
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit one offer per table. Must present coupon. Not valid with any other offers.
Dine-in only. Tax & gratuity not included. No alteration to certificates. Not valid on Fridays or with any other offer. One coupon per person.
Expires 12/31/11 *See our ad on p.44
Expires 11/30/11 *See our ad on p.29
Expires 4/31/11 *See our ad on p.20

Tapestry Café Juliette’s PLAE Restaurant

at Omni Jacksonville Hotel
Get 20% Off One FREE Bottle of House Wine 20% Off “Big Plates”
Anything $5.99 And Up with Purchase of 2 Dinner Entrées 80 Amelia Village Cir., Amelia Island, FL 32034
9823 Tapestry Park Cir., Jacksonville, FL 32246 Omni Jacksoville Hotel: 245 Water St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 277-2132 | plaefl.net
(904) 329-4380 (904) 355-6664 | omnijacksonville.com Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit one offer per guest check.
Limited to regularly-priced entrées. No other coupons apply. Dine-in only. Tax & gratuity not included.
Coupon cannot be combined with any other offers.
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Expires 12/31/11 *See our ad on p.38

JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE
$10 SUBSCRIBE! The Magazine of Northeast Florida for 27 Years $10
Mail to Jacksonville Magazine • 1261 King Street • Jacksonville, Florida 32204 • (904) 389-3622

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 wine & a movie 2
The sequel to four fun flicks featured on page 96.
In A Bug’s Life (1998), hero
Flik leads a circus troupe of
bugs to save his ant colony
from bullying grasshoppers.
The cartoon—voiced by Dave
Foley, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
and Kevin Spacey—portrays
a world where raindrops are
like water bombs and fallen
twigs like mountains. The
family-friendly film includes
animated “outtakes” and
“bloopers” that run during
the end credits. As a
complement, try a glass of
Rinaldi’s Bug Juice ($17), a
sparkling white dessert wine
with hints of apple, peach
and sage. Low in alcohol
content, this moscato d’Asti
was named after the bees
hungry for its grapes at
harvest.
98 taste 2011
Who doesn’t know the story
of Disney’s The Lion King
(1994)? You know, Simba,
the heir to the throne, the
“circle of life” and all. From
the time his father Mufasa
presents him to the entire
animal kingdom on Pride
Rock to his journeys with
friends Timon (voiced by the
great Nathan Lowe) and
Pumbaa, this animated
blockbuster will cause a few
tears. The film-turned-
Broadway musical pairs well
with Moselland Cat Riesling
($13). The fruity white wine
is crisp and fresh with hints
of lemon and apple, but the
colorful variety of cat-shaped
bottles are what will truly
satisfy your feline fancy.
Becky loves to shop, and she
has the lengthy credit card
statement to prove it. As a
financial journalist instruct-
ing others what to do with
their money, she can’t quite
seem to manage her own.
After all, what better remedy
exists than retail therapy?
Isla Fisher plays Becky in the
comedy based on Sophie
Kinsella’s Confessions of a
Shopaholic (2009). A bottle
of Francis Coppola Sofia
Rosé ($13) pairs well with
this fashion-friendly film.
The winemaker describes the
rosé as feminine and stylish
with romantic and fruity fla-
vors of strawberries, cherries
and citrus. Sounds delicious.
We’ll take two, and charge
it, please.
Ready yourself for a frightful
night with the horror classic
Cujo (1983). This Stephen
King thriller follows a lovable
St. Bernard-turned-rabid-
beast who terrorizes a small
suburban community.
Starring Danny Pintauro (aka
Jonathan Bower on the
1980s sitcom Who’s the
Boss?), the low-budget flick
is rated “R.” This ex-house-
pet’s ferocious encounters
pair with a glass of Vicious
Red ($10). The full-bodied
California blend marries zin-
fandel, cabernet sauvignon,
barbera, syrah and petit syrah.
Its bold blackberry and vanilla
WINE BY BRADLEY STOOKEY
flavors should go well with
red meat—a dish of which
Cujo was a rabid fan.
*
Serving Jacksonville’s Hip Asian Comfort Food.

Now Available :
The Blue Bamboo
Cookbook!

Lo c a l . S o p h i s t i c a t e d . C a s u a l .

Restaurant, Wine Bar, and Cocktails

Cooking classes offered twice a month
Centrally located at 3820 Southside Boulevard

9 0 4 . 6 4 6 . 1 4 7 8
w w w. b l u e b a m b o o j a c k s o n v i l l e . c o m
 IF YOU THINK SEVENTEEN IS EXCITING,
WAIT UNTIL YOU GET A TASTE OF NINETEEN.

Two Award Winning Restaurants for You to Enjoy: Nineteen and Traditions SEE YOU AT HAPPY HOUR
s$ELICIOUSDININGOVERLOOKINGTHEWORLDFAMOUS0,!9%233TADIUM#OURSE 5 Appetizers for Only $5
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*ACKSONVILLE-AGAZINESh4OP2ESTAURANT2ANKINGv & $5 Ketel One Martinis
s"REAKFASTLUNCHANDDINNERSERVEDDAILY Monday-Saturday
s.IGHTLY(APPY(OURIN.INETEEN 4:30-6:30 PM

For Hours and Reservations Call 904-273-3235 or Visit TPC.COM