FYI for Steak Burger Enthusiasts

I really dig the steak burger at Karlene's at the Landing, but if you want to go somewhere a little more high-rent, there's Morton's. Yes, it's a steakhouse, so most people might not think to order a burger, but did you know that their steak burger was the impetus for starting the chain? No joke.

Here's the skinny on it from one of their press releases:

Morton’s Prime Sirloin Burger isn't just any hamburger — it’s what led to Morton’s creation 30 years ago. When Morton's co-founders Klaus Fritsch and Arnie Morton first worked together at the Playboy Club, Fritsch made his signature hamburger and sent it out for Arnie Morton to taste. Morton proclaimed it the best hamburger he'd ever tasted. From that day, they started the business partnership that has become Morton's The Steakhouse. Now in its 31st year, Morton’s has 81 restaurants worldwide.

Priced at just $15, the burger is served with Morton’s popular french fries. Combined with a drink from the specials list below, diners can enjoy Morton’s at a low price.

$4 Drink Options:
Sam Adam’s seasonal selection
Budweiser
Bud Light
$6 Drink Option:
The Morton’s Spritz (Prosecco, Aperol and Orange)

$5 Drink Options:
Canyon Road Chardonnay
Cavit Pinot Grigio
B.V., Coastal Cabernet
Columbia Crest Merlot
$7 Drink Options:
Vodka “Mortini” (Finlandia)
Cosmopolitan (Smirnoff)
Palm Beacher (Skyy)

Morton’s The Steakhouse is located at 1510 Riverplace Blvd. in downtown Jacksonville. Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Sundays. For information and reservations, please call 904-399-3933. You are also invited to visit www.mortons.com to make online reservations or to view the full Morton’s menu.

Cozy Tea For Me

There's a tea room in 5-Points. It's called Cozy Tea. You might have missed it if you don't hang there on a regular basis. It's all doilies and florals inside. Pretty girlie, and a perfect place to take mom on mother's day. (Despite that they get a lot of businessmen in for meetings over tea). Really the vibe there is less funky 5-Points and more Avondale--or maybe it's just a marker of how 5-Points is changing.

The pacing can be slow, which is the complaint I've heard most often from the work-a-day crowd that only has so long for lunch. They brought up that problem before I did when I was talking to them, and mentioned that they've got a better handle on it. The atmosphere and enjoyment of a tea room is not generally fast paced, so they suggest you mention you're on the clock. That way they can speed things up a bit.

But I am digressing from my main point: the food. The scones are friggin' awesome! They are crumbly but not dry, served with rich, fresh and sweetened cream, along with a lovely cherry preserve made in-house. Took me back to England, seriously.

And then there's the chicken curry pastry. Omigod. Just try it. Shika, the owner/cook/proprietor is of Indian heritage and she does some amazing things.

If you have the time to do high tea after lunch, or you have a long meeting that could be spiced up with a touch of curry over doilies and tea pots, take it to Cozy Tea.

Art on a Friday

Looking for something to do tonight other than going out to yet another bar? Try the new art opening at the Jane Gray: Bright Young Things 09. Get the details here on EU Jacksonville.

Featured artists are MactruQue, Heather Blanton, Christina Foard, Dustin Harewood, Madeleine Peck, and Sharla T. Valeski.

Beat People With Pillows

Have I got a stress reducer for you! A giant pillow fight set to be held in Riverside Park on Saturday at 3pm. It's part of the International Pillow Fight. It's BYOP (Bring Your Own Pillow)and it should be a lot of fun.

This event has been held around the world. It was slated at first to be at the St. Johns Town Center, but was moved to the park. There are flyers about the event around the 5 Points area.

Here are the rules:

- Soft pillows only!
- Swing lightly, many people will be swinging at once.
- Do not swing at people without pillows or with cameras.
- Remove glasses beforehand!
- The event is free and appropriate for all ages.
- Wait until the signal to begin.

One of the most important rules is: Don't swing at a person not holding a pillow. If they brought a pillow, they are participating. If they didn't, it's assault. (I would really love to be the cop who fills out that police report: Assault with a Fluffy Weapon).

So excited about the Riverside Arts Market

I am really stoked about the Riverside Arts Market, which will debut this Saturday! I plan on going early so that I can buy produce.

If you haven't heard about it already, this weekly market (through December) will feature local artist booths, produce and even live entertainment.