Food News For Early July...

There’s a new Mellow Mushroom open in Jax Beach. I’m sure it’s going to be wildly popular. It’s located in a strip mall adjacent to the DQ on North 3rd Street. Their killer artisan pizzas with a hippie flair will be a hit, especially with their gigantic full bar. Because it’s a Beaches location, they’ve made sure to have plenty of room at the bar. For those not familiar with the franchise, it was born in the 1970s in Atlanta, and has since expanded throughout the South. Each has different, colorful murals, most of which harken back to a more innocent, hallucinogenic time. There’s always something interesting to look at in a Mellow. This one features a giant bus inside the restaurant that’s been painted nearly every color available and hollowed out for seating. Don’t miss the train car graffiti mural either or the vintage photo mural of Mellow’s beginnings. As for me, I’ll come for the Philosopher’s Pie (Steak, Portobello Mushroom Cap, Artichoke Hearts, Kalamata Olives, Provolone, Feta, and Mozzarella Cheeses on an Oil and Garlic Base).

Looking for a way to celebrate Bastille Day? I wasn’t. But now that I’ve heard about Bistro de Leon’s month-long celebration of their restaurant’s First Anniversary and Bastille Day, I’m reconsidering my position. All you’ve got to do is dine there in the month of July and you get a chance to win $100 dining certificate at the St. Augustine restaurant. On July 7, 14, 21 and 28, guests are asked to visit the Bistro’s website www.bistrodeleon.com to see if their ticket is one of the lucky ones!

Two new farmers markets opened last month. If you know you won’t have time on the weekend to go to the Riverside Arts Market and you need fresh produce, head to the St. Johns Town Center on Fridays. Starting at 3 pm, they have a small farmers market in the lot behind Dick’s Sporting Goods. You’ll recognize some of the vendors from other farmers markets in the area. There's also the new farmers market in Mandarin--on Sundays in the parking lot at Whole Foods.

Westsiders rejoice! A La Nopalera will be opening its doors at St. Johns and Roosevelt.

The specialty market at Park and King, Olives & Oils, has sadly closed its doors.

Rumor has it that a couple of experienced restaurateurs are looking into picking up the space left behind by Bungalow at the Park.

For the newest in baked goods, head to Choux Bakery (2540 Oak Street) in Riverside. Darling cupcakes, muffins and other, larger sundries are available. Their delectable looking website might convince you to go: www.chouxbakery.com. The word on the Jax Con blog is they plan to host evening events, notably something called Jazz and Cupcakes.

Every Friday Sake Tasting An introduction to true Japanese Sake. Try our featured Sakes for free to get an idea of what good Sake is all about then move on to our Sake available for purchase by the “Masu Cup.” When you learn what you like you can select from over 40 varieties to take home. Circle Japan is a Japanese Grocery/Cafe, so you can also learn about food pairings or just check out all of our Japanese goods. 12192 Beach Blvd 642-7799

Every Saturday thru December Riverside Arts Market Every Saturday, it's located on Riverside Avenue as it passes underneath the Fuller Warren Bridge, on the Northbank Riverwalk. Get local, fresh produce. Over 150 artists, farmers and food vendors booths. 10 am-4 pm. RiversideArtsMarket.com

July 1 Wine Tasting Series at Zaitoon Mediterranean Grill Monthly Wine Tasting will be held on the First Wednesday of each Month from 6 pm to 8 pm, $15, 13475 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 40 (located behind Fresh Market in the Harbour Village Shopping Center) www.zaitoongrill.com

July 2 Wine Tasting Fundrasier for Your Cultural Center For just a $20 tax deductible donation, Urban Flats will provide a delicious sampling of flatbreads, desserts and great wine. Proceeds from this event will directly benefit our Cultural Centers arts education programs. 5:30 pm - 7 pm 330 A1A North, Ponte Vedra www.ccpvb.org

July 4 Backyard BBQ at Orsay All you can eat, $20. Barbecue at a fine restaurant in their lounge or outdoors. Slow roasted pork shoulder with a sherry vinegar barbecue jus, potato salad dressed with creme fraiche & Pommery mustard, raw oysters and fresh watermelon. Chef Brian will be grilling burgers featuring locally raised, free-grazing Duval County beef from Ashlin Farms. From 4-9 pm 381-0909 www.restaurantorsay.com