Epicurean Jacksonville

Top Pot Donuts Seattle and Maurice's BBQ South Carolina

2010-08-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

So I've been a bit busy. In the past two months, I've been to Seattle, drove to North Carolina and I've had three different sets of house guests. But I've been able to taste some really great food.

In Seattle, Top Pot Donuts was recommended to me by local Jacksonville Chef Dennis Chan. It was worthwhile because they were really good donuts. First, a bit of lore about the name. When Top Pot first opened, the owner was on a shoestring budget, so he bought a secondhand sign that said Top Spot. The S in spot wasn't quite operational, so he took it off. Hence, Top Spot Donuts became Top Pot Donuts, even though pots are not involved.

There are basically two different styles of donuts. The one pictured above is the "cake style" donut. The texture inside is almost like a slightly dry cup cake, perfect for dunking! The other style is the old school donut, aptly named the old-fashioned. We got a dozen. choosing as many different types as we could. It wasn't hard since they have about 40 varieties of donuts. They're really filling and they taste amazing. There's no scarfing down of five donuts because they're huge and decadent.

My other great dining experience was in South Carolina. You may have heard of Maurice's BBQ. We stopped there by chance on our way to North Carolina. We indulged in the buffet, where I discovered ribs so tender and soaked with flavor that I had to close my eyes to better experience them. South Carolina loves their sauces, and the mustard-based sauce on my ribs was amply dramatic and savory. I didn't take a picture because the camera was packed away and because, quite honestly, barbecue often isn't beautiful. It tasted beautiful, but it certainly didn't look it.

St. Augustine's Casablanca Inn and Eco Tour

2010-06-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

For Jacksonvillians, St. Augustine is a popular spot for a short getaway. Their B&Bs have competitive rates, and some even have great last-minute or weekday rates. We opted to go on the weekend.

We stayed at the Casablanca Inn. Most people recognize this iconic hotel upon seeing a picture, because the white pillars and frontage on Avenida Menendez is eye-catching. A stay at the Casablanca includes a hearty breakfast served by a great staff, a parking spot close to the hotel (dear indeed in historic St. Augustine) and a $15 credit at their Tini Martini bar, over looking the bay.

They've got quite a few packages worth looking at— stay for two nights till November 4th and you get a free Eco Tour for Two complete with a bottle of champagne. There are lots of other romance packages to choose from as well.

The Inn has three buildings on its grounds, the Main House, the Coach House and the Secret Garden. The main house faces Charlotte Street. We were in the Coach House. While people most often request the Main House, perhaps because many of the rooms have an excellent view of the bay, I loved the Coach House. Not as many cars go by on Charlotte, so it feels restful and romantic. We relaxed on our small porch facing the quiet brick street. The Secret Garden Suites are better for longer stays, as they have kitchenettes and dining areas. As the name says, the suites are in a secret tropical garden tucked away in a side street you would never find without direction.

We enjoyed drinks at the Tini Martini bar, in the front of the Main House, people watching as horses trotted by, carriages and tourists in tow.

Zach McKenna has a passion for conserving wildlife and it shows. He runs St. Augustine Eco Tours in the marina next to the Bridge of Lions. You can, of course, book a tour outside of the Casablanca Inn's deal (free eco tour for two with two nights stay). They have many different tours you can take on various vessels. You can kayak, go on on a gorgeous catamaran or, like we did, hop aboard one of their rugged little research vessels. Unlike most boats I've been on, it's not a struggle to hear the guide, because the research vessel's engines are quieter and the ride fairly smooth, even when we ventured toward the sea waves.

While the main draw of the tour is the dolphins that frolic in the Matanzas, there's no guarantee that dolphins will appear. Most of the time they do, but you can't force nature. We got very lucky and saw several pods, including some tiny, just-born babies that were still learning how to swim properly. The baby dolphins were awkward, unlike the graceful adults that sliced through the water with ease. I always thought that dolphins knew how to swim by instinct, but Zach told us that it's actually a learned behavior, like walking is for humans. Once we learned what dolphins looked like after we spotted the first pod, everyone on board was on the lookout for dolphins.

Because it's a research vessel, they do have some interesting equipment. The last two pods of dolphins we encountered began talking to each other underwater, and thanks to the equipment, we got to listen in.

Though dolphins are an exciting part of the tour, Zach McKenna's knowledgeable enough about local flora and fauna that he can tell you about them as you encounter them. We saw several species of birds in our travels. A flock of gorgeously pink spoonbills waded by the shore. He pointed out tiny lady terns waiting on pilings for their suitors to bring them fish.

Post Eco Tour we ate at the White Lion. It wasn't my first choice, but I had a dim childhood memory of eating there. My husband had remarked on several occasions that he'd always wanted to go there and so we did. It is a tourist sort of place, though it's less of a tourist trap than the Santa Maria (which every local is vaguely disgusted by). The White Lion isn't terrible. prices are reasonable, it's casual, they've got an outdoor patio and they fry everything. I got a basket of fried okra.

Revamped: Alhambra

2010-06-07T13:23:00.000-07:00

With all the changes at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre, we thought a review of their food and new décor was in order. Dinner has improved, with Matthew Medure on board designing the menu.

The Alhambra has been in a fixture in Jacksonville community for over 40 years. In '84 it was bought by Tod Booth, who continued the proud tradition. By the late 2000s, Booth was relying heavily on out-of-town tickets, mainly from the Red Hat Society and other social clubs. But when the recession hit, this group shrunk considerably.

The Alhambra was close to closing at the end of 2009, but a group of businessmen called the Theatre Partner's Managing group and spread-headed by Craig Smith, came in to the rescue.

While they've always had community support, I think the aim today is to get more locals in their door, locals that may have abandoned the old Alhambra because of the food or the tired décor; and locals that had never been to the Alhambra.

From what I could see, the audience demographic has slightly changed. While dinner theater is still the purview of the blue hairs, there were more people there under the age of 30 who hadn't been dragged there by a well-meaning parent. The age range range was wider than I'd seen it at the Alhambra (notwithstanding their yearly Christmas Carole production).

In Craig Smith's intro to the show there were jokes about what a flop High School Musical was, which I gather the Alhambra did to reel in the tween demographic, though they did chat up what a great show it was, despite the lack of audience draw. But 42 Street was a different story. They got their crowd with that one.

High School Musical was a bit of a leap for the Alhambra, off of their usual formula for choosing a show. More “avant-garde” people complain about the mundane choice in shows that some community theatres make and that the Alhambra has made in the past. The truth of the matter is that these places just can't afford to gamble with their choice of shows. Community theatre can, because they have a funding cushion and donors, so from them, you'll see at least one gamble in a season line-up. Otherwise, you get the same musicals or type of musicals in rotation, because that's what people consistently come to see.

It's refreshing to see them trying new things because dinner theatre has such a slim margin of error, financially. Trying to scratch out a profit at any theater is tough-- and then you add the logistics and cost of food, while charging close to what other shows do that don't serve food, just so you can remain competitive. (Some tickets to shows at the major venues in Jax, which will remain nameless, charge as much or more than the Alhambra and you don't get dinner).

Before the food was dramatically rolled out onstage for The Foreigner, I got to look at the most striking changes the Alhambra has made: their remodeling. Outdoors, the fountain area where I went for a pre-show stroll has been brick-paved and landscaped nicely. Inside, the cramped ticket office is now hidden away, replaced by a hostess stand. The cramped buffet room is now a cozy lounge. At gala openings this is where they pass out champagne. It feels like an exclusive little club, perhaps a VIP room tucked away in an expensive restaurant. And there's a full bar in there as well. This is where the Alhambra could royally clean up.

Mainly, they've cleared away the clutter that had built up over the years, stream-lined things and modernized. The stage and dining area is just, well, cool. It has a deliberate retro look (as opposed to their previous outdated look, which was only retro because they hadn't remodeled). Looking around, there's a distinct feeling that Jessica Rabbit might slide on stage at any moment and sing a torch song.

Basically, you feel like you've arrived somewhere very, very cool, where you might just get a show.

They've revamped the menu under the auspices of Matthew Medure, but that doesn't mean that old favorites have gone away. The much-loved chocolate mousse is still a dessert option, though they serve others. I had the delightful strawberry and cream topped scone (which they called a biscuit) instead of their signature mousse. The mousse appears to be as popular as ever.

The main courses have certainly seen improvement. While they still offer a roast carving station, they have other, more sophisticated choices available. The standout was the savory pork loin, served with crispy bacon and mushroom. If you ever stayed away from the Alhambra because of the food, you need to try it now.

It's an interesting year for the Alhambra. I can already see that they've accepted a mix of old and new. They're going to be trying new things, taking new risks, but they're building on what they already know, and that's important.

Food News and May Foodie Events

2010-04-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

City Kidz Ice Cream & Cafe introduced its new corporate box lunch program. Healthy and tasty lunch orders can arrive for a meeting, celebration or as a large lunch order. Order 10 or more lunches and they waive the delivery fee.

On a somewhat less healthy note, Dunkin’ Donuts will be opening two more franchises here in Jacksonville. One will open in 2012 and the other will open in 2013. This is part of an expansion that will open a total of 17 new locations throughout Florida.

May 3rd Andy’s Farmer’s Market Grill will open next to the Jacksonville Farmer’s Market on West Beaver Street.

A new Urban Flats should be open at 9726 Touchton Road on the Southside.
Good news for fans of the flat bread and wine restaurant, who used to travel all the way to Ponte Vedra.

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives filmed several restaurants on the First Coast. On May 7th at 9 pm the Singleton’s episode will be re-run on the food network and 13 Gypsies will be shown on the May 10 at 10 pm.

Every Friday Sake 101 5-8 pm Circle Japan, 12192 Beach Boulevard, Suite 1, 710-5193.
Every Friday St. Johns Towncenter Market 3pm- 8 pm, sjtcmarket.com
Every Saturday Riverside Arts Market www.riversideartsmarket.com/
Every Saturday Orange Park Farmers Market 10 am-2 pm www.orangeparkfarmersmarket.com/
Every Sunday Mandarin Farmers and Arts Market Noon- 4pm, www.mandarinfarmersmarket.com
Every Sunday The Avenues Mall Green Market Inside the mall rather than outdoors. Noon- 6 pm

Wine Tasting Series at Zaitoon Mediterranean Grill Held on the First Wednesday of each month 6 pm- 8 pm, $15, 13475 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 40 (located behind Fresh Market in the Harbour Village Shopping Center) www.zaitoongrill.com

April 30- May 2 The 46th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Includes dozens of food booths featuring shrimp specialties. The Fine Arts Show has been ranked 38th in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine as part of their 200 Best Shows in the United States. Downtown Fernandina Beach, www.shrimpfestival.com

May 21 Jacksonville Craft & Import Beer Festival It’s the second year for this festival and it promises to be bigger than last year. With over 35 breweries and 200 beers to taste, you’ll be sure to have a good time. VIP party starts at 5:30 pm ($45). General Admission 7 pm ($30). Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, www.beerfestjax.com/

May 26 Indie Dinner and a Movie at Gypsy Cab presents: “Don McKay” For a midweek date, you can take a ride to St. Augustine. The Indie film series at Gypsy Cab continues with the movie, Don McKay. Twists, turns, fantasy, reality, past history, and future tragedy runs into a mass collison in this comic thriller. Doors open for dinner at 6pm and the movie starts at 7 pm. Tickets are $25 and include a buffet dinner, the movie, one non-alcoholic beverage, and a donation to the St. Johns Cultural Council. For reservations call 904-824-8244. www.stjohnsculture.com

May 29 Blue Bamboo Cooking Class This time Dennis Chan is cooking up outdoor summer barbecue and showing you the ropes! $38 per person, includes lunch and a glass of wine or cocktail. 10 am- noon, www.bluebamboojacksonville.com

May 30 Jacksonville Jazz Festival-Jazz Brunch Enjoy the sounds of jazz with a brunch buffet of fresh salads, pastries, and gourmet prepared entrees. African American artist Marsha Hatcher will be on hand to sign copies of her award-winning poster. For brunch reservations at Café Nola, call 366-6911, ext. 231. 11 am- 3pm, Cafe Nola inside the MOCA Downtown, www.mocajacksonville.org

Swanky Easter Brunch

2010-04-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

Just a list of swanky Easter Brunch places here in Jacksonville I've compiled. Happy Easter 2010

III Forks Easter Brunch

11 am-3 pm

It's one of our newest upscale places to nosh (namely wet-aged steak) and you'll be happy to know that they will be open for Easter Brunch. Executive Chef Joe Everett and his team are preparing a memorable Three Course Easter Celebration, beginning with your choice of Cream of Asparagus Soup, a delightful culinary salute to the season or a famous III Forks Salad. Entree choices are all served with whipped potatoes, sugar snap peas and off-the-cob cream corn. The special III Forks Easter Brunch is $42.95 for adults and $14.95 for children under 12. (Includes tea and coffee) Call 904-928-9277. 9822 Tapestry Park Circle on the Southside.

Easter at Azurea

11 am-8 pm

Do brunch, lunch or dinner at one of the fanciest places to eat in the area. You can order a creamy She-Crab Bisque, Pan Roasted Black Cod with Mussel and Vine Ripe Sweet Tomato Broth, Potato Truffle Dauphinois and finish things off with a dessert of White Chocolate Coconut Cheesecake, Macaroon Crust with Compressed Strawberries. There's much more to their Easter Menu, so check it out at www.oneoceanresort.com/dining. Cost will vary depending on what you order. Inside One Ocean Resort at One Ocean Boulevard Atlantic Beach.

Casa Marnia Hotel Easter Brunch

10 am-2 pm

It’s a traditional family affair in Jax Beach, featuring Chef Aaron Webb’s generous buffet menu, including smoked ham, sausage, an omelet station, crab legs, macadamia crusted grouper, paella, tandoori chicken and more. Reservations required; call 270-0025. The cost is $38.95 (plus tax & gratuity). 691 N. 1st Street in Jacksonville Beach.

Easter Brunch at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

11am-3pm

Enjoy the buffet of fresh salads, pastries and hot side items while you wait for your gourmet, freshly made entree. Over 10 choices including Shrimp and Grits, Kentucky Hot Brown & Banana Stuffed French Toast. Reservations strongly suggested. Go to their website at www.mocajacksonville.org $22/person / $8 Children under 10. Cafe Nola at MOCA 333 North Laura Street.

Orsay Sunday Brunch

11 am-4 pm

Orsay will be keeping their regular menu for brunch, which has always been good enough for any special occasion. Try the Croquet Madame or go for their raw bar and a Bloody Mary. You can see their full menu for brunch online at www.restaurantorsay.com/ 3630 Park Street in Avondale.

Easter Brunch at Salt

10 am-2 pm

Inside the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, is one of the best restaurants in the area. Admission actually includes one 5x7 family portrait. Reservations required; call 277-1100. $65 per adult, plus tax and gratuity. $32 per child (ages 5-12), plus tax and gratuity. 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island.

Zaitoon's Easter Brunch

11:30 am-3 pm

The Mediterranean restaurant Zaitoon, will be open for Easter Sunday during their regular operating hours. They will have a full buffet. Reservations are suggested; call 221-7066. Adults meals are $26.95 (includes a complimentary Mimosa) and kids 12 and under cost $14.95 (children under 4 eat free). 13475 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 40 (behind Fresh Market in the Harbour Village Shopping Center)

Calorie Counting on Menus

2010-03-05T17:17:00.000-08:00

So the Jacksonville Observer has reported that Jacksonville State Senator Steve Wise-R and Rep. Ed Homan, R-Tampa decided that it would be a good idea to put forth legislation in favor of forcing restaurants to put a calorie count on all menu items. They want to do this because they think it will make Floridians thinner--and therefore more healthy.

As a foodie this has made me made angry for a few reasons.

1: You can't legislate health. Case in point, larger warning labels on cigs in other countries resulted not in less sales of cigarettes, but in larger sales of decorative cigarette cases.

2: It stifles creativity. Chefs would not have the ability to be put together dishes based on what's fresh at the market. Nope. They'll have to stick to the calorie counted menu.

3: Higher cost for smaller businesses. Chains can afford to do calorie counts because they have the same menus across the country. But the cost of sending each dish to a lab is prohibitive for a local place. Say goodbye to Orsay.

4: Calorie counts are just a guess. Calorie counts even in chains can vary widely. Unless you're dealing with ALL prepackaged food ANYTHING can skew it higher. A piece of meat of the same size can vary in calories.

5: Less fresh food. If this is enforced, see above--in order for calorie counts to be accurate, less fresh food will be served in restaurants. How is this more healthy, exactly?

6: This will further homogenize our fruit and vegetable supply if all the states decide to do this. If each restaurant needs an exact calorie count, then they'll look for fruits and veggies that deliver a consistent count per gram that they are familiar with. That means they'll stick to a particular genus. If we don't have a variety of different genuses it could lead to a farming disaster for the US. We're already in trouble on that front because we don't grow enough different varieties of, say, corn. If you grow one type of corn only, it takes only ONE wave of disease or bugs to wipe out all of the corn in the US. If you grow a bunch of different types of corns some will be resistant.

I'm also annoyed because it seems to me the sort of thing I'd condemn Democrats for, but both of these guys are Republicans! It costs small business owners more and it sticks the government's nose in something that it should not interfere with.

We are not California.

The Death of Sushi

2010-03-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine sent me a link to something called a Sushi Popper.

This unholy item makes sushi more convenient with a push pop candy apparatus, so that it may be eaten at the ball park, in stadiums and other such places. This is part of a trend that I blame on the popularity of sushi.

Restaurants that have no business making sushi want sushi on their menu. So they get someone else to roll them up a supply, which they leave in their fridge until someone orders it--not unlike what you'll find at a Publix in the sushi case. At least there, you know that your roll might have been made up the day before. At a restaurant you expect that the chef is rolling it up when you order it.

What I like about the Sushi Popper is its sheer audacity. One look at the packaging, and you know that baby wasn't made-to-order. They, like the sushi you sometimes get at non-sushi restaurants, are made up ahead of time. Sushi Popper hires local rollers to fill their blasphemous tubes (Hi Kellie, I stole your phrase!)The tubes are then refrigerated and await your order.

I don't think they're a horrible health hazard. After all, I've eaten sushi from the case and lived. Many people have.

But it still makes me sad because the real, made-to-order deal is just so much better. If I had kids I wouldn't want them to grow up in a world where sushi came in tubes.

A Trip to Fresh Market: Hydroponics and Swedish Pancakes

2010-03-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

Get Your Hydro Here.
I picked up a decently sized basil plant from Fresh Market the other day when I was waiting for one of their food demos to start. (It was an Italian Beef Tenderloin served with Gorgonzola butter. The beef was excellent, particularly set off with the butter, but the pasta served with it, wasn't entirely my cuppa.)

The basil was grown hydroponically and the fragrance hit me from a couple of feet away.

I grow my own herbs at home. Sometimes I grow them from seed, like my purple Thai basil. I've got a large rosemary bush which I didn't grow from seed, some chives, parsley and a little bit of thyme I rescued from one of those refrigerated packages which leave the roots and some soil intact.

I knew that the basil I was looking at was exceptional. The copious amount of leaves and their size were one thing-- but the important part is how it smells, and this basil was quite possibly the most fragrant I'd encountered.

I've since transplanted the beauty into a pot after using some of it in a diced strawberry and honey mixture, as well as in a pasta dish (angel hair pasta with a Parmesan basil and olive oil sauce, topped with tilapia.)

All very delish.

This plant has piqued my interest in hydroponics, which was formerly relegated into categories labeled "Pot growers" and "moon colonists." Narrow minded, I know. But it's not just me. Type in a google search.

The only problem is that it looks like I'd have to use specialized equipment and buy nutrients. This translates into money, and I certainly don't have much of that, despite the fact that I just told you I was in a Fresh Market.

Swedish Pancakes

I actually got out of there for about $21, namely because I found Lund's Swedish Pancakes. I then cleaned them out of Lund's pancakes. Except for one box, which I left out of a misplaced sense of guilt.

You don't know what I've gone through to find Lund's Swedish Pancakes. I called both Native Suns, a Euro specialty market, I went to four different Publixes, called around to Winn Dixie, I went to the other Fresh Market (the one on San Jose) and I called the distributor. They were willing to ship me a large amount, but I'd also have to pay shipping. I could also get them over the internet. Same deal with shipping, even if I didn't have to buy a case.

So imagine my shock and joy at finding the box that had burned itself into my brain--when I wasn't even looking for it; when I had given up all hope.

You might imagine that I really like Swedish Pancakes. I do. My father likes them more and he can't find them either. I plan to share some of my bounty with him. In this way, he will know that I love him.

Swedish pancakes aren't spongy and thick like most pancakes can be. They don't bubble as pancakes do when you cook them. No, indeed not. This batter is thin, the result of which I can only describe as the holiest of matrimony between a crepe and a pancake.

Code Organ OR I stole this from Jax Con

2010-03-02T12:24:00.000-08:00

I surf Jax Con aka Jacksonville Confidental and they had something on there called code organ, a fun way to waste your time. It takes the html coding of a site and translates it into music. I must say, my Epi Jax blog sounds pretty sweet! One side note though, do make sure you cut/paste the whole thing, including the http://

Spice of the Moment: Spanish Smoked Paprika

2010-02-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

Like most Americans my first experience with paprika came on deviled eggs. It didn't taste like much and it was only trotted out for that particular dish. When I experimented in my mother's kitchen, I opened different spices and took a whiff. I even gave the paprika a chance, but it didn't pass the sniff test.

What I didn't know is that there are different varieties of the spice and that it has a relatively short shelf life as far as spices go. When I found a recipe which called specifically for Spanish smoked paprika, I didn't use the stuff in my cabinet (because there was none) so I had to buy it.

It was a whole new experience--the difference between a skeleton and a living being. You might know the general shape of an animal from its skeleton, but you wouldn't know the important details. There's beauty in the flesh. That's what smoked Spanish paprika is to the musty stuff I knew growing up: alive rather than a pile of bones.

Smoked Spanish Paprika comes from very mild sweet peppers that are ever so slowly smoked, generally with oak chips (though not always). Sometimes a combination of peppers are used. Despite peppers being the base, the most commonly found paprikas here in the US don't add heat to a dish. In some ways, it reminds me of chipotle, without the heat and with less dramtic sweet notes. Instead it's savory and smokey, with just a touch of the sweet.

I'm gaining an interest in trying to smoke my own paprika, though it really seems involved and I would have to get a smoker. I do have a dehydrator, so I can experiement with drying and grinding various peppers, but I won't get that smokey flavor.

I'm also interested in some of hotter Hungarian and Spanish paprikas. I'm unlikely to find these in a typical supermarket, but some of Jacksonville's ethinic markets and the interweb should should serve me well.

Not a Shack.

2010-02-23T13:57:00.000-08:00

I expected Salt Life Food Shack to be more, well, shack-like. The atmosphere is, instead, more beachy-but-upscale. The food is mid-range in price and the servers are beach girls, dressed more decently than Hooters girls, but meant to be eye-candy just the same.

I ordered the soft shell crab BLT. It includes a whole soft crab, two slices of crispy bacon, tomato slices, some shredded lettuce and a po' boy type sauce between ciabatta. It was the prep of the crab, the quality of the bread and the sauce that launched the sandwich into awesome.

Can't say the same of the sushi tuna roll I ordered, but I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to sushi.

My dining companion ordered their burger, which he declared tasty.

I do want to go back and explore more of their more expensive dinner options. As long as you aren't freaked out by the prospect of a whole soft shell crab in your sandwich, I do highly recommend the soft shell blt for lunch.

Lunch for two, with a sushi roll, a burger, soft shell blt and two non-alkie drinks came to just over $29 before tip.

Romance on the River: Valentine’s at The Landing

2010-02-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Just a Press Release for the Landing and the deals they got goin' on for Valentine's. As to me, I'll be staying home on the day and rescheduling my V-day dinner on a different day!

WHAT: Romance on the River: Valentine’s Day at The Landing and FREE parking

WHEN: Sunday, February 14, 2010

WHERE: The Jacksonville Landing participating restaurants
2 Independent Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32202

WHY: Downtown Jacksonville along the St. Johns River is one of the most romantic places in Northeast Florida. The Jacksonville Landing is home to seven riverfront restaurants, all of which are offering Sweetheart Specials for Valentine’s Day (see below for individual specials). From chocolate-covered strawberries to “Dinner for Two” and complementary champagne, The Landing has it all for this special day. No need to worry about paying to park! The Landing is offering up to four hours of free parking with purchase from the following locations:
American Cafe, Benny’s Steak & Seafood, Chicago Pizza, Cinco de Mayo, Hooter’s, Koja Sushi, The Twisted Martini or Vito’s Italian Cafe. Valid only with purchase. 4 hour max, $1 per hour thereafter.
Not valid with any other offer. Good only 2/12-2/14/10.

Individual merchant specials are as follows:
American Cafe
Sweetheart Special: Dinner for Two only $27.99 +tax
Add a bottle of wine to your meal for only $15.00.
Benny’s Steak & Seafood
Gourmet Three Course Dinner for Two $89.95 +tax
Also enjoy a champagne split with your meal.
Cinco de Mayo
Buy one margarita or draft beer get one 1/2 off.
Hooter’s
One free dessert per couple with purchase of any entree.
Koja Sushi
Choice of free drink, appetizer or dessert with purchase of $15.00 or more.
Sundrez
Heart Box Valentine’s Candy
Stuffed Animals
Jumbo Valentine’s Day Cards $6.95
Valentine’s Day balloons and much more!
-more-

Dipper Dan’s Ice Cream & Treats
6 Jumbo Hand Dipped Chocolate Strawberries $9.95
3 Jumbo Hand Dipped Chocolate Strawberries $6.95
Vito’s Italian Cafe
Three Course Meal for Two, only $85.00 +tax
Complimentary Glass of champagne included.
Don’t Forget!!!
The Landing offers valet parking every Friday and Saturday evening for only $10.00

For a complete list of all events at the Landing, please log onto www.jacksonvillelanding.com , www.myspace.com/jacksonvillelanding or www.facebook.com/jacksonvillelanding

The Jacksonville Landing, located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville adjacent to the St. Johns River, is a multi-purpose facility providing year-round dining, shopping and entertainment. With more than 40 shops and restaurants, visitors are sure to find exactly what they are looking for, as well as enjoy the fabulous view of the river. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Restaurants and clubs stay open later. For more information, or a complete list of events and entertainment, please call (904) 353-1188 or visit www.JacksonvilleLanding.com.

White Meat Vs. Dark Meat

2010-01-11T11:40:00.000-08:00

This week I'm fixing my toasted garlic and smoked paprika boneless chicken thighs.

Now chicken thighs tend to put off those that prefer white meat. White meat doesn't have as much flavor as dark because it doesn't have as much fat. Those who prefer white hold that it isn't as greasy and is a better "blank canvas" for flavors.

These differences mean that in certain recipes, one or the other is the better choice.

Such is the case with my toasted garlic and smoked paprika chicken thighs. The dark meat is just better.

I'm actually thinking about throwing in a few pieces of white meat for those who claim a strong aversion to dark meat--but, I hesitate. It doesn't feel right or true.

I've never been one of those cooks who wail about a recipe's integrity. The fact is I feel for poor maligned dark meat. This a recipe where boneless thighs are given the chance to shine--to be a star on the plate--not everybody's second choice.

The specter of my mother rises and I feel the urge to say things like "Just try a bite" and "I can't believe you don't like it. It's so good!"

Taste is a personal thing. I can't impose the experience on others that I'm having with a particular mouthful any more than my mother could. I can't make light meaters (thus I have coined a term)experience dark meat in the same way I do.

But.

If I toss some white meat into the recipe, nothing will stop me from placing a small pile of dark meat on their plate. "Just try a bite," I'll say, after extolling the virtues of dark meat in this recipe. And maybe, just maybe, one of them will have a revelatory experience.

Smoked Paprika Boneless Chicken Thighs

Olive Oil
1 head of Garlic
Chicken Thighs
Smoked Paprika
Bay Leaf
White Wine
Salt and Pepper

To begin with, slice fresh garlic. Don't crush or mince the garlic, you're going to be toasting the garlic in slices. One head of garlic or 10 cloves should be sufficient. I like to wear gloves. Because otherwise I smell like garlic for several days, even after the spplication of soap.

In a large deep pan, I heat olive oil. Once it's heated, I throw in the garlic. Some slices will cook faster than others. Have a plate nearby with a paper towel on it to place the toasted garlic and drain the oil.

Leave the remaining oil in the pan, but take it off the burner whilst you prepare the chicken thighs. A little salt pepper and a liberal amount of smoked paprika should go on the thighs. Make sure you get smoked Spanish paprika--it's better than the other stuff.

Place the pan back on the burner and let it heat up. Toss your thighs in the pan. Let them brown and turn twice. Then pour enough white wine into the pan to cover half the chicken. Throw a dried whole bay leaf or two into this. Bring the wine to a boil and then bring down the temp to about medium and then to simmer. Place the lid on and allow to cook for about 12-15 minutes more.

After the 12 minutes is up, check on the thighs. Turn them over and turn up the temperature to reduce the liquid a little, if need be. Boneless chicken thighs normally take about 20-40 minutes total to cook on the stove top at medium heat.

Allow a few minutes to cool, off hot burner and top with garlic slices to serve. Bread goes well with the tasty sauce, made possible by dark meat goodness.

III Forks

2009-12-01T17:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight I got to nosh and nibble at III Forks. It seemed like every media outlet was there as well as some of Jacksonville's big spenders.

Trying their filet mingon, I found that Capital Grille now has some serious competition in the steak department. Their Kona crusted steak may no longer be king.

Their scallops were perfectly cooked, not overdone despite being on a buffet line.

The crab cakes probably follow the plated recipe, which is why they tended to fall apart as you used tongs to lift them to your plate on the buffet. This is not a criticism--they were falling apart because they use more crab meat than bread crumbs. Served straight to your table they would hold up well and on the buffet they were tasty, if slightly messy.

Their single culinary misstep was in the shrimp. Larger does not mean better. The shrimp were huge, served cold with cocktail sauce. But large shrimp are often not as flavorful as midsized shrimp. The fault, as far as I could tell, was in the shrimp, not in the prep of the shrimp.

And their desserts were heaven. The tiny creme brulees had the requisite caramel glass to break through and their chocolate cups were divine.

Decorwise, III Forks is swank, with high ceilings, dark wood and modern details. A girl would feel quite special if you took her out there. I also think it will be come the new go-to for salesmen romancing clients.

III Forks 9822 Tapestry Park Circle Jacksovnille, Fl (on Gate across from Tinseltown)(904) 928-9277

Freebie at Zaxby's

2009-11-18T14:05:00.000-08:00

I stay away from fast food as much as possible, but I'm all about sharing deals and Zaxby's claims they're an "alernative to fast food", so here it is, fresh from an email press release:

REGENCY ZAXBY’S HOSTS UNIQUE FOOD GIVEAWAY NOVEMBER 19

Dine at Zaxby’s on November 19 and Receive the Repeat Order FREE in December

WHAT: The Jacksonville Zaxby’s restaurant at Regency is giving away free meals in December to anyone who makes a purchase on Repeat Day, November 19. Guests who place dine-in or drive-through orders on Repeat Day are invited to save their specially colored receipt and return once during the month of December to receive a repeat of their original order ABSOLUTELY FREE. Gift cards, boxed lunch orders, Party Platterz and catering orders are excluded.

WHERE: 9575 Regency Square Blvd. — Jacksonville

WHEN: Thursday, November 19

An alternative to fast food, the Georgia -based fast-casual chain offers prepared-at-order chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches and salads. Zaxby’s most popular items are its hand-breaded Chicken Fingerz and Jumbo Buffalo Wings smothered in a choice of 10 sauces with names like Wimpy, Tongue Torch, Nuclear and Insane.

Zaxby’s operates more than 485 restaurants in 11 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia). For more information visit www.zaxbys.com.

The Dish

2009-10-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

We all love food with a view. Downtown's cityscape is pretty impressive dozens of stories up, but in the past the highest restaurants with an aerial Downtown view were also members only propositions. Not so any more, with the opening of the Skylight Dining and Conference Center (50 N. Laura St.) on the 42nd floor of Jacksonville's tallest building (The Bank of America Tower, originally called the Barnett Tower). Word is that you can actually eat lunch there for around $10.

The Uptown Market & Deli (1303 N. Main St.) is in full swing in Springfield. You can find it in new Third & Main building, along with City Kidz Ice Cream Cafe. (Do try City Kidz crab cakes!) Uptown is the newest place for Jacksonville's Urban set to catch a deli bite or breakfast and will be open till 8 pm. If you want table service, you'll have to go from 7 am to 2 pm, after that you can order from the deli.

Shatki Life Kitchen (51 Pine St., Atlantic Beach) is a restaurant, but they've been spreading their raw-foodist vegan cheer in more places than you would expect. They sell vegan crackers at the Beaches Green Market, Native Sun Market carries their various sundries and now European Street is selling their desserts.

We hope the Village Bread opening at the Landing will survive longer than Karlene's Deli did. Since they've weathered a less than stellar locale in the past, perhaps they will.

Don't take the loss of The Fresh Market at its 10950 San Jose Blvd locale as another sign of our doomed economy. It's merely moved just down the street (on the opposite side) to 12795 San Jose Blvd. Things must be looking up, because they've actually expanded.

Questions about the Riverside Arts Market

2009-10-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

I do love Riverside Arts Market. Love the variety, the entertainment, the produce, the herbs and all the people walking dogs.

But there are a few things that I wonder about:
Why close mid December?
I get doing that up North or where is gets so snowy and cold you don't want to go anywhere outdoors. In Florida, people actually come out during the "cold" months because it's no longer the miserable heat. I am struggling to understand the rationale behind this.

The only thing I can think of is that it is the first year and the promoters wanted a break. Because there will certainly be a demand for it. Why would you close during snowbird season?

I know it's modeled after a market in Portland Oregon which closes from the end of Dec. through part of Feb. But the promoters can't be so thickheaded as to think that conditions in Portland, OR are the same as here in Jacksonville.

The website keeps emphasising that it's cool under the bridge. Maybe they think it will be so cool that no one will come? It doesn't provide that much relief. You still end up sweating when it's in the 90s.

Why are vendors such jumping beans?
I guess it's more fair to the vendors to be moved about so that one person doesn't get a prime spot all the time.

But, as a customer it's a little frustrating if I am looking for a particular vendor.

I get that it's possible it would make me walk the market a bit more because the vendors get "shaken up" so to speak.

I'm of two minds on this. It means that people won't go to a particular area all the time, which is good and it makes you take a fresh look at things. But it's also easy to miss a vendor you would normally visit if you don't have the time to walk the whole market. I've noticed that the produce section at least is in the same spot and is all together.

They may be changing this policy, because I have noticed that vendors are more often in the same spot than they used to be...

Adventure Landing Labor Day and Beyond

2009-09-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

For those of you with a kid on a Labor Day Staycation:

Just some of the specials Adventure Landing has to offer, with one special deal for Labor Day...

HUGE LABOR DAY TOKEN SALE
AT ADVENTURE LANDING!

TOKEN SALE
FRIDAY-MONDAY

To honor all of you hard workers, we have put together great specials for the Labor Day Weekend!

Great Value - 60 Game Tokens for $10
Best Value - 100 Game Tokens for $15

You've worked hard...
Now it's time to play hard!

SHIPWRECK ISLAND WATERPARK
EXTENDED HOURS

We have extended the water park hours for the Labor Day Weekend.

Saturday & Sunday we will be open from 10am to 8pm!
We will be open from 10am to 6pm on Monday!

This is also the last week to enjoy Family Swim Nights:

Saturday Swim Nights: Discounted waterpark admission Saturday night from 7:30pm-11pm. $12.99 per person - Swim under the stars!

FRIDAY IS FAMILY NIGHT

From 6pm-10pm, a family of four can enjoy unlimited mini golf, unlimited laser tag and a large pepperoni pizza for just $24.99!

Valid for up to 4 guests. Each additional family member is $5 (does not include additional pizza). Not valid with any other offers or discounts.

ALL YOU CAN RIDE GO-KARTS

Enjoy all you can ride go-karts every Monday and Thursday from 6pm-9pm for only $19.99 per person!

ALL YOU CAN PLAY DAYS

Every Monday & Thursday, receive 10 Arcade Tokens, unlimited Mini-Golf and unlimited Laser Tag from open until 6pm for only $10 per person!

BIRTHDAY PARTY DEALS
FOR A LIMITED TIME

Right now, book any birthday party package and get DOUBLE GAME TOKENS for each person!

Also, you can SAVE AN ADDITIONAL $10 OFF the total package price if you book your party for a Monday-Friday.

Labor Day at Ocean 60

2009-09-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

I like Ocean 60. It's a fabulous, swanky martini bar with food that's even more fabulous. They have live music on a regular basis in their bar area. It gets a bit loud, but sometimes that, and a great creme brulee martini, is exactly what you want. Here's what they've got going on this labor day weekend.

Labor Day Weekend Celebration featuring Strings of Fire Latin Quartet 9/4 & 9/5/09 starting at 9:30 p.m. Wonderful Weekend Fiesta... Come Celebrate the Long Weekend here at Ocean 60 with Dancing, Tropical Rhythms & Festive Ambiance!

60 Ocean Boulevard
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233
(904) 247- 0060

Labor Day at the Landing

2009-09-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

The Landing is apt to be teaming with people, alcohol and families this Labor Day weekend. I think the best part is the fake beach. But I also included the music line-up.

September 2 -7 2nd Annual Beach Days at The Landing!
More than 100 tons of sand transforms the Courtyard into downtown Jacksonville’s only beach during the extended Labor Day weekend festivities. Live music on the stage each day and night by some of the best local beach bands, sand toys provided for the kids, beach chairs for the sun worshipers, hula hoop contest and more! Extended schedule of events for each day is provided below.

Friday, September 4 Live entertainment in the Courtyard with the George Aspinall Band 5 – 9 p.m. and the Paul Lundgren Band 9:30 p.m. –
1:30 a.m.

Saturday, September 5 Live entertainment in the Courtyard with Brian Turner & The Riptide 12-4 p.m., Hipp Street 5 – 9 p.m. and Cloud 9
9:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

Sunday, September 6 Live entertainment in the Courtyard with Brian Turner & The Riptide 4 – 8 p.m. and Party Train 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Monday, September 7 Krystal Square Off Tour 2 p.m. and live entertainment in the Courtyard with Sugar Bear 5 – 9 p.m.

Labor Day Bar-B-Q

2009-09-03T14:34:00.000-07:00

I've got a bunch of things in for the Labor Day Weekend. I will be posting them as I have time, before the weekend. The first the Woody's Rib Special:

To continue celebrating its 30th Anniversary year, Woody’s Bar-B-Q® restaurants throughout Florida, Tennessee and North Carolina are honoring fans and friends with All-You-Can-Eat spare ribs on Labor Day, September 7th. (Some Woody’s are offering this special during the entire holiday weekend). This is a great time for spare rib aficionados to visit their neighborhood Woody’s and have an opportunity to eat perfectly smoked spare ribs to their heart’s delight.

Wine for the Week

2009-08-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Thought it would be good to post some of the First Coast’s upcoming wine tastings and wine related events for all of our area wine lovers. Let me know if you'd like me to post more of these in the future.

Do check out the Cork And Keg (108 Bartram Oaks Walk, Suite 105 Saint Johns, FL 32259, 287-4310), which will hold its monthly beer tasting this Thursday. (Besides their usual wine tastings on Wednesdays and Saturdays). $5

August 18, 2009 (Tue) 6 pm- 8 pm
Humanitarian Happy Hour with Wild Rock Wine
Tacolu 1183 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32250
249-8226
By the glass.

This event is more of a fundraiser than a tasting. Still, might be fun.

For every glass of Wild Rock wine from New Zealand ($6/glass), a donation will be made to SurfAid International, benefitting health programs in Indonesia. Cash bar - and great raffle prizes from Billabong!

August 19, 2009 (Wed) 6 pm - 8 pm
Atlantic Beach Wine Tasting & Cigar Smoker
ABC Fine Wine and Spirits (191) 295 Royal Palm Dr Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
246-8343
PRICE OF ADMISSION: $10

I know what you’re thinking. A wine tasting at an ABC Liquor store? But ABC’s have gotten positively classy lately, what with their huge wine selection and cigar humidor rooms. Give it a try! I certainly had more fun at the one I attended than I thought possible. (Also, the hors d’oeuvres they set out at mine were excellent). Your admission comes with a coupon, so you’ll be able to buy a wine you loved at the tasting!

Savor old favorites and move on to try new ones, sampling from more than 50 selections; enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres to complement the wine, and chat with our wine experts. Each guest receives a souvenir wine glass and a coupon for $5 off any purchase the night of the event. Cigar lovers—join us outside for a sampling of fine cigars.

August 20, 2009 (Thu) 5 pm - 8 pm
Anjo's Weekly Tasting
Anjo Liquors 9928-1 Old Baymeadows Rd Jacksonville, Florida 32256
646-2656
FREE

Anjo Liquors Weekly Tasting on August 20th. This free tasting runs from 5pm to 8pm and includes wine and liquor. We will be pouring Gruet Chardonnay, Castel Del Mago Brachetto, and 99 Bananas Schnapps. Please come by and try something new!

August 21, 2009 (Fri) 5 pm - 8 pm
Sake Tasting at Circle Japan
Circle Japan 12192 Beach Boulevard Ste 1 Jacksonville, FL 32246
710-5193

Technically, sake is a type of rice wine, though the alcohol content differs from standard wines. This is one of those events that I always mean to go to, but never quite make. They hold it every week.

Interested in real Japanese Nihonshuu (Sake)? Don’t know anything about it? Come to Circle Japan and try several styles of our featured brand for free. Find something you like, enjoy as “Masu Cup” of some excellent Sakes to explore the brew further. Want more? You can use your new knowledge of this excellent Japanese beverage to chose a fine bottle to take home and enjoy. This event is great for veterans of “Oishii” Nihonshuu or the novice who just wants to learn more about this tasty and rare (here in North Florida) beverage. Our unique Japanese grocery is open as well to serve your needs for fine oriental treats.

Avondale Artworks

2009-08-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Just a little press release on one of Jacksonville's newest art galleries:

Avondale Artworks (3568 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville) has opened in the Shoppes of Avondale. The new gallery focuses on exhibiting a variety of artworks in a variety of mediums, and in a variety of price ranges.

With the opening of Avondale Artworks, the number of galleries in the Shoppes of Avondale increases to four, making the Shoppes of Avondale a true destination for art and art lovers.

The current exhibition includes oil, acrylic, pastel, and watercolor paintings, photographic art, mixed media, pottery and ceramics. Current exhibitors include Chris Chavers, David Snyder, Brian Gray, Desiree Kantrim, Ken Stutes, Glenda Ramsey, Julianne French, Raquel Morcillo-Gallego, and Scott Morris.

In addition to exhibition and sale of artworks, the gallery offers printing of customer provided high-resolution photographic images on canvas and paper, and will also be providing art classes in the near future.

To celebrate its opening, Avondale Artworks will be hosting a grand opening celebration on Friday, September 4th, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Visit www.AvondaleArtworks.com for more information and to sign-up for email notification on future gallery events.

Barbeque sauce

2009-08-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

Where do you buy your barbecue sauce? Have a favorite local or not, comment here!

Jacksonville is barbecue country. One only has to look at the abundance of cue joints around town to realize that. Most of the good ones stick around for what seems like forever (Lou Bonos)but others fade away (Brown Brothers).

Even though barbecue is relatively cheap people are looking to be able to cook some at home. Even if you can't fire up the grill or smoke your own cue, you should at least be able to replicate some of that barbeque goodness at home.

The secret, as they say, is in the sauce.

Locals like to pick up theirs from their favorite barbeque places, from the blues kitchen of Mojos or the down home mustard sauce of Jenkins while some go all commercial with bottles of Sticky Fingers (not my choice, but still, to each their own).

I've just discovered Country Bob's All-Purpose Sauce. I like my sauces to bring more heat than sweet, but it makes for a decent base to start with, especially when you're not actually grilling. As far as I'm concerned, it's too damn hot to grill in Florida right now, but I like barbecue flavor in the summer. I end up doing some faux grilling in my kitchen by using some barbeque sauce.

Because Country Bob's is neutral enough as a sauce base that you can build on, going more spicy (with pureed peppers) or more savory (soy sauce). They do have a barbecue sauce in their brand, but I prefer to keep their All-Purpose sauce in my kitchen.

While it doesn't do as well on the grill, the sauce isn't as thick as many barbecue sauces, so it's easier to use in regular cooking. I find that it's bit too sweet for me to start with, but as it's designed to please a variety of palates, I find it to be a good commercial sauce.

As it is All-Purpose, you'll find it goes well with a lot of things and can be used as a dipping sauce or a last minute topping for burgers.

You can get Country Bob's at any nearby Wal-mart.

http://www.countrybobs.com/

Food Allergies and Preferences

2009-08-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

More and more people are eating specialized diets, mainly because of allergies, but sometimes because of health. Gluten-free, meat-free, nut free, peanut-free and dairy-free diets are becoming more and more common.

Restaurants are changing because of this in the way they handle food. Cross contamination from nuts and peanuts is a real concern.

On Slashfood, blogger Hanna Raskin talks about the server's role in helping customers with allergies.

She also chides those with allergies for coming to a restaurant featuring the very things they are allergic to:

As a server at a seafood restaurant, it sometimes seems like every one of those unlucky eaters has sat at one of my tables. I still can't understand why someone who can't stomach wheat or fish would choose to dine at a place renowned for its lobster mac and cheese

Unfortunately those with allergies don't always have a choice as to where they dine. Eating food is a social activity. Generally, if you want to hang with a group of people, you'll end up eating with them.

I've called ahead to talk to a chef when it's a special occasion or it's a nice restaurant. Otherwise I talk to the server. With chains I try to do research.

Upcoming August Food Events

2009-08-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

Just two food events coming up this month that you might want to consider:

August 15 Japanese Favorites Cooking Class One Saturday each month, Blue Bamboo‘s Chef Dennis Chan hosts a cooking class. $38 per person, includes lunch and a glass of wine. 10 am-noon, 3820 Southside Blvd

August 17-23 Eat Up Downtown Save the date and your appetite! Downtown Vision, Inc. is dishing out exquisite cuisine at an affordable price during the third annual Eat Up Downtown, Downtown Jacksonville’s dining week. More Downtown restaurants have joined this year to promote Downtown as a dining destination including Charthouse and Morton’s Steakhouse. From hip cafés to elegant steak houses, participating restaurants each offer specially selected, three-course dinner menus for $25 per person. There are no coupons to clip or tickets to buy, simply view the menus online, select a restaurant and call the restaurant for reservations. Try a new restaurant or visit an old favorite and Eat Up Downtown!

Monday Night Dining

2009-07-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

Do you miss Pom's? Well, how about Old Siam? Both are former restaurants owned/run by Pom Souvannasoth. (Try and say that last name three times fast. Trust me, it's more difficult in my case--I have a lisp.)

If you're into fancy dining and you hate spending a dreary Monday night, take a gander at this:

Pom's Thai Bistro Night - Monday July 20 , 2009

Featured Celebrity Chef Pom Souvannasoth of Pom's Thai Bistro prepares a selection of his best features alongside the local favorites of Eleven South.

Authentic Thai spices and flavors transform Pom's entrees into works of art. Choose a combo of your favorite Thai dishes such as Pom's famous spring rolls or mix and match from both Pom's special menu and Eleven South Bistro favorites. (Special a la carte menu).

RSVP Required. Call 904-241-1112 to Reserve.

Cooking Class this Saturday

2009-07-16T06:52:00.000-07:00

Whiteway Deli and the Lawsuit

2009-07-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard about this ridiculous lawsuit against Whiteway Deli, it's something you you should read.

Basically the owner of the Whiteway building/corner believes that no one can possibly use the name Whiteway unless they are renting space in his building.

Since the owners of Whiteway Deli moved a couple of blocks down, he decided to sue them for copyright infringment.

There's some confusion over whether George Martin, president of Whiteway Realty Co. is suing themover the use of Whiteway because of the corner or because of the realty company.

He tried to squeese 5 grand a month from the owner of the deli, Sam Salem, for use of the name.

Whiteway, where it's known, is almost considered a micro-neighborhood within Riverside. Personally I think it's like penalizing a restaurant called Brooklyn Diner for not being in Brooklyn...

Here's the most pertinent part of the article--the meat of the thing:

Carolyn Herman, who teaches trademark law at Florida Coastal School of Law, said if a trademark case got to trial, the burden of proof would be on Martin. He would have to show not only that he was using the name first but also a likelihood of confusion over what goods and services each business is providing.

"Is anybody going to think that Whiteway Deli is now Whiteway Realty, or that Whiteway Realty is now Whiteway Deli?" she said. That's why, for example, Delta Faucets and Delta Air Lines don't infringe on each other's trademarks, Herman explained.

Whiteway Realty registered a state trademark on the name Whiteway Corner in 2006, but by then the deli had been operating nearly 80 years. There was a Whiteway Corner Inc. formed a year before the deli opened to develop Park and King, but that company dissolved in 1943, state records show.

The owner of the Corner estimates that he's spent $100,000 on marketing the name Whiteway Corner.

You know what's sad? Whiteway Deli is far more well known than Whiteway Corner. Because the food just is that good.

How Restaurant Food in Florida Has Progressed

2009-07-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

In my internet meanderings I ran across this article about a food writer named Jason Sheehan who decided he hated Florida and Florida food based on experiences he had in 1997 in Brandon and Tampa.

The interesting part was the response from chefs in the Tampa Bay area. Sheehan is quoted as saying that the food was "aggressively nonregional." Strangely enough, the chefs agree that at the time what he said was true. But they saw it as more of a national trend than something localized.

They believe that Tampa and the country has progressed and that we are now doing interesting things in the kitchen and on restaurant tables.

I do wonder what the future holds though. The recession has changed many aspects of life, so I do wonder how it will change the tablescape.

More people are eating comfort foods and staying away from the exotic. People don't want to spend money eating out unless they know what they're getting.

On a practical level, this means that fixed-price menus have become more popular in the last 3-5 years. Even if you're spending more on a meal (say $25-80) at least you know exactly what you'll be spending.

But will the economics strengthen or weaken regionalist cooking? Comfort foods are often regional, particularly the further South you go in the U.S.

Florida is kind of the exception to the rule. Jacksonville is part of American Southern culture, but the further South you get in the State of Florida, the less likely you are to have a traditional, regional American Southern dish. Miami might geographically be Southern, but in the culinary arena, it's more Cuban and international.

Tampa, I think, was probably struggling for a culinary identity. While there are Cuban influences (Ybor City) it's a little too far North to totally take on that brand of regionalism. And it's not an especially Southern-minded city, at least not in culinary idealogy.

Since the late 90s were an especially bland time in the country's palate, it's understandable that Tampa should have seen the worst of it.

Movie Foods Party

2009-07-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

This Saturday the Jax Foodies Club will be holding a Movie Dish party. Basically we will be cooking something inspired by a movie. My inspiration is Clemenza from The Godfather. The book gives a detailed description of the stuff that's cooked in the movie.

According to a rather obsessive Godfather site that I'm grateful for, this is Clemenza's recipe which he cooks for everyone after the Don is shot:

Clemenza's sauce recipe: Start with a little oil, and fry some garlic. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste, and fry. Be sure it doesn't stick. When boiling, add the sausages and meatballs. Add some red wine and sugar.

I rarely cook straight-up Italian, so for me it's kind of exotic. Mainly I stick to Thai. I've always loved how Clemenza cooked for them in the book. It's always been a favorite moment for me.

Maybe I'm obessed with food (hence the blog) because I also love the scene in the book with Sonny and his mother cooking peppers.

Anyone else have any favorite movie or literature moments involving food?

At the Metro Diner

2009-07-08T15:29:00.000-07:00

So far I've gotten a few good suggestions on Jacksonville classic must-eats. Of course because I'm a food writer, I've been to most of them and tried most of the items, but there are gaps.

Here's my list so far of what I haven't tried: Angie's Peruvian Sub, the Veggie Rider at The Goal Post and The Metro Diner.

So my question is, what should I try first at the Metro Diner? Mainly I've heard good things about the pancakes and something called the big fish sandwich.

Jacksonville Must Eats?

2009-07-07T02:17:00.000-07:00

It occurs to me that there are still First Coast food classics that I haven't tried yet. Is there a particular Jax classic I should have eaten? Leave your comments on what you think is a must eat.

With a sense of shame I'll admit that I have still not tried the legendary Peruvian Sub at Angie's, despite being in a play that rehearsed within waking distance. (I did try, but it was closed all three times I darkened their doorstep).

What I'm hoping for is a discussion here about the things I should be trying in order to spur me into action.

Most of the things that took me a long time to try are in restaurants that only open for breakfast and lunch. The Fox, which people rave about, I have only been to twice. Metro Diner, never.

That's because I keep the hours of a hungry vampire and rarely show my face when the sun is in full force.

Rave about a particular dish and I'll endeavor to devour it and blog poetically about it here!

Food News For Early July...

2009-06-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

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

FYI for Steak Burger Enthusiasts

2009-04-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Hip Asian Comfort Food

2009-03-18T11:25:00.001-07:00

I'm excited about my latest cookbook acquisition. It's by local a chef named Dennis Chan from Blue Bamboo on the Southside. Not only are the recipes straight from the Blue Bamboo kitchen, but they also have some great tips. (Assign one hand wet and one hand dry when breading and how to use knuckle measurement when cooking rice.) Chan also includes a little story on each recipe, as to what inspired it, or where it came from.

You can find the cookbook on his website ($34.95) or just go to Blue Bamboo itself on Southside. You can also find it at Cork and Keg in Julington creek, Wine Warehouse in Atlantic Beach, The Book Mark in Atlantic Beach, and Hong Kong Trading Co, next to Blue Bamboo.

If you're a bit more hands on, Blue Bamboo holds cooking classes one Saturday a month. Includes lunch and a glass of wine. 10 am-noon, different theme every month.

April 18--Blue Bamboo Favorites
May 9--Hip Asian Comfort Food
June 20--Floribbean

Blue Bamboo 3820 Southside Blvd. (904) 646-1478

I Love Local Blogs

2009-03-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

I've been looking at Jax Reader and discovering all sorts of people, places and blogs that I never knew about. My latest find is Finding Florida which has a treasure trove of local places to go, things to do and places to EAT! So here's sending out hearts stars and smiles to both Jax Reader and Finding Florida.

Three events to round out February

2009-02-24T10:17:00.000-08:00

Below you'll find three events to finish out your month! Highland Games, a masked ball in St. Augustine or the Florida Strawberry Fest. Check it out.

Florida Strawberry Festival
February 26- March 8

February is a time for love, chocolate and Florida Strawberries. You don't hear much about Plant City the rest of the year, but when the Florida strawberry season comes around, it's big. Entertainment at this big fest ranges from Jessica Simpson and Kellie Pickler to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Randy Travis and Brenda Lee. They pick a Strawberry Queen, have most of the events and entertainment associated with a county fair, plus lush fresh strawberries and other local produce. Info: flstrawberryfestival.com

Northeast Florida Scottish Highland Games & Festival
Saturday, February 28 from 9 am- 10 pm

Have a hankering for some haggis? Or at least a deep fried Mars bar? Besides the caber toss, that's why I show up for the Scottish Games. I'm hoping I show up BEFORE they run out of the Mars bars, unlike last year. At the Clay County Fair grounds. Info: neflgames.com or 725-5744

Noche De Gala (Night of the Gala)
Saturday, February 28 at 6:30 pm

Be a part of this 16th century masked ball celebrating the 490th birthday of St. Augustine's founder, don Pedro Menendez de Aviles. Guests will be escorted to the festivities by re-enactors in period clothing. Cocktail reception and dinner will be catered by the Casa Monica Hotel, followed by dancing to contemporary tunes. Attire is black tie or 16th century costume. Lightner Museum and Ballroom, 75 King Street in St. Augustine. Admission is $175. Reservations are required. Info: 825-5033

The Landing & Should I Give Koja a 5th Chance?

2009-02-19T09:55:00.000-08:00

I actually liked Mongos at the Landing. So I'm sad they closed.

Sure, it wasn't high cuisine but it was fun. Plus you had no one but yourself to blame if you hated the flavor of your food.

The food at Twisted Martini ranks as the best place to eat at the Landing as far as I'm concerned. But it's less like dining and more like eating food at a bar. You can't blame them for that. They can't help that the word martini is in the name.

Otherwise I've found the Landing to be a bit of a culinary hole so far.

One of the places that's always gotten undeserved lavish praise (IMHO) is Koja Sushi. I've never had an experience there that blew me away. It's either been mediocre or a bad experience.

Like the time they served us something called a sweet and sour pork that turned out to actually be some sort of curry. And on a separate occasion all of our sushi plates turned up without wasabi. Turned out they had run out of it a few hours before. Did the server let us know this before they put in our order? Nope. And for me wasabi is central to the sushi experience. I would have ordered something else.

To be fair, the sweet and sour pork was probably the Korean version of the dish. We asked if a mistake had been made and they said it was the correct dish. Since the place is presented in a Japanese manner, you sort of expect what you'd get at the standard Japanese-style steakhouse or sushi place. Yes, I know these little differences are what people treasure about the Koja, but now undomesticated equines couldn't drag my husband to the place.

Service has never been great and the quality of the fish in the sushi I've been served has not been the best. I also find their eel to be too crispy. (They claimed that they never get complaints about it and that everyone but me loves it).

After three annoying experiences and one so-so one, I stopped going. In the last year I've only hit them up for some kim chee to go.

There are just so many other sushi options where I have had a great experience every time that I find no reason to go. So my questions are these: What do people love about Koja? Should I give them a fifth chance? Were they really the best sushi in town in 2006 when they took home that Best of Folio Award?

Sushi picture is actually from the now defunct Tokyo Bay.

The Rebranding of Matthew Medure

2009-02-15T13:10:00.000-08:00

Matthew’s Market in San Marco closed in late January. One of owners, Chad Labenz, said it was due to the misconception that they were more expensive, according to a Jacksonville.com article. It’s true that the sandwiches there were a steal and the items they sold in the market were about at the price level of Fresh Market. But as a friend of mine commented: “If they wanted it to be seen as inexpensive, they should have taken off Matthew’s name.” I can’t disagree with that. Matthew Medure isn’t just a person in Jacksonville, he’s a brand. By putting his name on the market, it was seen as luxurious and expensive. Even if they sold deli meats out of the back of a truck*, if Matthew Medure’s name was associated with it, it would be seen as quality, expensive, luxury food. Normally that’s not a problem, it’s an asset, but the economy has made it a liability.

Medure’s, his Ponte Vedra restaurant, which closed late November of last year is supposed to be reopening eventually and will feature lower cost items. Again, the name Matthew Medure does not equate to affordability in the minds of most people on the First Coast. He’s going to have a devil of a time rebranding himself, if that’s what he intends to do. I think that if he’s lowering the price point he should be associated with the place but not use his name in the title.

Matthew’s, his main restaurant, is still open and busy. In fact, they’ve been running a relatively reasonable prix fixe menu of four courses that serves two for just $89. That’s a super deal for one of the fanciest restaurants in town.

Also, according to Jacksonville Confidental, Matthew's along with Bistro Aix and Cafe Carmon are actually offering coupons in the latest MINT Mag. Check out the post!

*As far as I know Matthew Medure has never sold anything out of the back of a truck, nor is his name associated with anyone who has.

West Inn

2009-02-09T18:57:00.001-08:00

West Inn Cantina looks like a bit of a hole, what with it being attached to a liquor store. While I am not a fan of the decor there (tacky Southwest mixed with Southern neighborhood bar). I am a fan of the food there.

Not only are the portions more than decent for the price, they also like to sneak in a taste of India or some gouda in these "typical" Southwestern dishes. I love that I get better food and more of it for the same price I'd pay at a TGI Fridays. The service isn't always stellar, but I tend to go later in the shift, when servers are cut and those left are clearly thinking about going home.

Still. I friggin' love it.

You can find the much adored West Inn in Avondale 3644 Saint Johns Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32205 (904) 389-1131

I Love Orange

2009-02-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

Like I said last month, orange is underrated as part of decor. Sometimes it's hard to find what you need in orange, if you're a fan. I've found three orange items lately that have piqued my interest.

First, this slim bookcase from CB2, the less pricey hipper spinoff of Crate & Barrel.

I like it because you don't have to mount it anywhere and the size means that you can place them all around your house. Also comes in at least one more staid color. I believe it comes in some sort of grey. I am considering for my bedroom, which always needs books, but is short on floorspace.

The next item is out of Pottery Barn. It's the orange one. Just a couple of hardworking orange nesting tables to add a little something. These are great if you want a little surprising color but you're worried about committing to a huge hunk of orange or red or whatever. I don't have anywhere to put these. So I won't be getting them.

The last bit of orange is a bit of mod lighting from lightology.com Sure, I love it, but at $1,405 there's distinct possibility it ain't never coming home to momma. Ah well. Here's the little lovely:

Have a Summer Fling

2009-01-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

Sure, it's cold, but you can come inside and have a Summer Fling. There's enough vodka in it anyway...

WinterFest 2009

2009-01-10T11:57:00.000-08:00

It's a little known First Coast competitive food event that draws chefs locally and from around the country. As I believe in informing foodies about all that the area has to offer whenever I can, I'm announcing WinterFest 2009 to be held in St. Augustine from January 15-17.

The events will be held on the campus of the The First Coast Technical College’s School of Culinary Arts.

You'll see everything from demos from Chefs like Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard of Bistro de Leon, to hard-core food competitions. Believe me, you'll be well fed. Even though the competitions have been around for 14 years, there are still St. Augustine foodies that miss this one.

Even if you can't make it out on Thursday (15th) or Friday (16th) do come out on Saturday(17th). Definately don't miss the Minorcan Cuisine competition on Saturday. Things kick off in the morning, so be there by 9 am.

If you need more info on this event, contact David S. Bearl at 904-829-1060 or
bearld@fcti.org; rotachef@yahoo.com

What: WinterFest
Where:FCTC School of Culinary Arts
The First Coast Technical College’s
School of Culinary Arts, Building C, 2980 Collin Ave, St. Augustine
When: Jan 15-17

Oral Explosion

2009-01-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

I don't think I'm the only one with a dirty mind. Oral Explosion is not the name of a stripper or a strip club. It's the name of a company that's building a stand-alone food court on San Marco Blvd. The name already has connotations, but once you add what the old location is standing on, then it's hilarious.

As an interesting side note, I've been asking random people in my life what they think of when they hear "Oral Explosion." I got really fizzy candy, something to do with sexy mouth action and, of all things, vomiting.

I've no idea what sorts of foods will be in this center. Fast food, such as what you'd find at the mall, seems to be the consensus. I'm hoping it will at least be tasty fast food.

I do like the design of the building, though.

Check out what they're saying about it on Metro Jacksonville.

MOCA Jacksonville SALE

2009-01-08T21:15:00.000-08:00

I'm a total sucker for a museum store. So when I saw the big SALE signs at the MOCA gift shop, I just had to cross the street and take a look. I got a vase from Roost for less than $8 and I was eyeing the reasonably priced Angela Adams glasses

It looks like people are catching on that there's a sale, but you can get some Angela Adams rugs for a marked down price. There are also an assortment of various glass work vases and ceramics that are marked down by 70%. They're a real steal and well designed.

Lovely Lamb

2009-01-06T19:53:00.000-08:00

Maybe I love too many things. Lamb is one of them.

Here's a Lamb recipe I put together this past weekend. If you're an exact sort that craves 1/2 teaspoon measurements, go back to baking. This recipe is for cooks, not bakers, and honestly as long as you keep the lamb from burning and don't over marinade, you should be fine! Leave behind your fear of guestimation. You'll feel so free.

I used bone-in Australian blade chops.

I marinaded them in a mixture of pomegranate cherry juice, raspberry blush vinaigrette, roasted red peppers, rosemary and some left over bacon. (You can marinade from 1-4 hours.)

I took some pistachios and ground them up almost to a paste and tossed in some freshly grated garlic, sesame oil, finely chopped fresh rosemary and a few pieces of the roasted red pepper from the marinade to form a sort of tasty crust. Then I broiled it according to the package instructions.

Then my smoke alarm went off.

The lamb was not in the least burned, but I have an incredibly sensitive smoke alarm, which starts going off the moment I even think of frying bacon or broiling anything.

There are no pictures because we ate them. And they were very good and tender too.

Sweet Clothes

2009-01-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

Found this clothing site that I absolutely love! It's rather Mad Men, I think.

My favorite dresses so far:

The shoes, skirts and shirts look cute as well, but I am stuck on the dresses.

I Heart Salmon

2009-01-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

I love salmon. It's healthy but oh-so-tasty. Here are a variety of recipes I've found on the web:

Salmon Pesto Pasta

Salmon Cakes with Chipotle Corn Salsa

A Simple but Tasty Maple Mustard Salmon -- This one is great because it's only three ingredients!

Simple Smoked Salmon Dip -- replace the liquid smoke in this recipe with a little green tabasco!

And, here's a site devoted to salmon recipes!

Orange Decor is Underrated

2009-01-01T20:49:00.000-08:00

Lately I’ve been attracted to the pop-sizzle of orange. It’s the accent color in my half-decorated bathroom.

Here are a few orange things from our own Nest-Living in Five Points (and online)

I plan to post other orange items from other retailers (not all will be local, of course). It's a sadly neglected color. Sure it's a little retro, but what isn't these days!

Post Christmas Recycling

2008-12-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already started to take down Christmas decorations, here are three great articles on recycling and reusing or recycling what you have:

How to Recycle Your Christmas Wreath

10 Ways to Recycle Christmas Cards

Some Interesting Ideas on Recycling Your Christmas Tree

Foodcentric Jacksonville New Years

2008-12-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

Almost every bar and restaurant in the area is apt to hold their own New Years Eve celebration. Here are a few of the more food heavy options on the First Coast.

Dining Dancing & Spirits at the Casa Marina Hotel

Not only can you indulge in their New Years buffet, which seems to have something for everybody, but the price includes an open bar with live entertainment. And, even better, you can book a room there, so you don’t have to drive anywhere after the festivities. The buffet menu includes an antipasto platter, shrimp, carved prime rib roast accompanied by roasted new potatoes, grouper Hemmingway served with cous cous, various pastas, salads, chocolate fountain and much more. 'Dining, Dancing & Spirits' begins at 7 pm till 2 am. $100/per person plus tax & gratuity. McGee Entertainment will be playing a selection of dancing and listening music for all ages. Info: http://www.CasaMarinaHotel.com or (904) 270-0025. 691 N. 6th Street Jacksonville Beach

The Chef’s Tasting Menu at Ocean 60

A delectable four course meal is what you can get at Ocean 60 for the New Year. Basically it’s a luxe fixed price menu at a not-so-luxe price. You select each course from a number of choices on the menu. For entrée course you’ll choose between Juniper Crusted Lamb Chops, Macadamia Crusted Diver Shot Grouper, Kona Coffee Crusted Tenderloin & Amaretto Butter Poached Tiger Prawn, Proscuitto, Sage & Pecorino Stuffed Chicken Breast and Roasted Vegetable & Mozzarella Strudel. $70 per person. The Evening Entertainment in the Martini Room will be Toots Lorraine & The Traffic Sultry Swing & Jazz Style Vocals with a Modern Twist. Reservation and credit card deposit required. Info: http://www.ocean60.com/ny_eve_2008_menu.pdf or (904) 247-0060 Sixty Ocean Boulevard Atlantic Beach

Roy’s New Year’s Dinner Prix Fixe

Roy’s on Jacksonville Beach is a favorite for special occasion meals. Their four course New Year’s meal promises to be delish. Blue Point mussels, pan seared scallops, filet mignon, lamb and duck are all choices for the meal. Price $50-85, depending on entrée section. Info: 2400 3rd St S Jacksonville Beach (904) 241-7697

New Years Eve Dinner at Bistro de Leon

It’s new to the New Year in St. Augustine, but it’s a marvelous place to eat no matter what day it is. This particular menu is not four courses. It’s seven! Seven fabulous French courses! Expect escargot, champagne, lamb and much more. Just $69 per person. 12 Cathedral Place St. Augustine Info: http://www.bistrodeleon.com or (904) 810-2100

Rumors and Restaurants

2008-12-21T23:45:00.000-08:00

It's tough to keep a restaurant running in the best of times. In the current economy we're going to see a lot of places closing. Going out to eat is one of the first things people cut when they slash their budgets. We can't really blame people for that. When they do go out to eat, they choose fast food or something they perceive as cheap.

We can expect that lots of places will be going down. Jacksonville Confidential recently incorrectly reported that two places would be shutting their doors.

One was going to be taken over by a new owner and possibly given a new name and the other, the other seems to be in limbo.

I asked the owner of Bungalow on Park if he was closing because of what I'd read on Jax Con. He replied with bravado that he wasn't closing, they weren't going to close and that they had only closed for private holiday parties.

Although his doors were open just a few days after Jax Con's announcement, I really don't know if I believe him. I know from experience that restaurant owners will often lie through their teeth about closing, right up until the day the repo men pry the stove and sink from their walls.

That being said, a rumor of a place closing can kill a restaurant just as quickly as debt can. So, I guess I'm hoping that Jax Con will be a little more careful in the future. I see they've amended the Pom's post, but they haven't done anything with the Bungalow post. At the very least, saying that they "closed their doors for good" on December 16th when they were clearly open after that and keeping it up, makes me think somebody has an axe to grind... (See Jax Con's comments below about how they don't have an axe to grind and my response).

Free Itty Burgers in December

2008-12-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

If you're in town for the holidays, why not grab a free burger at Morton's? They're offering free mini-burgers in their bar on Sunday, December 21st, in celebration of their 30th anniversary.

I've heard that the full sized sirloin steak burgers that they've been serving since July are mighty tasty--so I'm curious as to what the mini-burgers are like.

Morton's can be found Downtown. They only open for dinner. If you can't make it for the freebie, why not order the steak burger? It's a steep $19.95(expensive for a burger, inexpensive compared to most entrées on their menu) but $5 of each hamburger and French fries entrée goes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

That's right. You get to eat a cow and bathe in the warm glow of social consciousness at the same time.

The full-sized burger is only offered on Sundays.

1510 Riverplace Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 399-3933
www.mortons.com

13 Gypsies

2008-12-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

Just ate at 13 Gypsies, which may well become one of my favorite places. I'll have a review up in my paper in January. If you want a REAL tapas place--- 13 Gypsies, on the corner of Stockton and College, is the place to go. It's a small place, so if you want to come for dinner, reservations are what you'd need!

389-0330

Bedtime...

2008-12-02T14:36:00.001-08:00

These are the pillow shams that I ordered from Urban Outfitters. They were defective (one was about 1 inch shorter than the other) so I had to send them back. Trying to convince me hubby to go in for the full tapestry as a spread, but I think it will be these for a pop of color and perhaps some orange or red pillows cases underneath.

Sheets will be white, grey or brown and for now the top comforter is a plain but textured brown. I would like to go with orange pillow cases, because I don't think Sean could handle orange sheets.

Alternative spreads or comforters would be grey in color. I'm a little skittish about using a white spread or comforter. They always look so good in magazines, but we have a black and white kitty with lots of fur, and I have a tendency to spill things. Still, I love that crisp white look!

I'd like to put an orange throw on the end just to jazz it up a little and I'd like some alternatives to the somber brown. A rich red throw would be great too.

After talking to some very nice people at Urban Outfitters for far too long and far too many times, I've reordered the shams and am crossing my fingers that they will not be defective this time.

2008-12-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

If it EVER arrives, this is the platform bed we ordered. I found it on multiple internet sites, which I periodically check. I noticed that most of them were "out of stock" so I knew I had to order it ASAP and so, I went to the cheapest one and ordered...

It was supposed to ship at the end of November and now it's shipping at the end of December. Hope we get it and I hope it looks as good as advertised.

I think it will because I've been to a bunch of different sites and looked at reviews on all of them.

Biggest downside is that we have to put it together. Upside is that I've never seen anything like it and my husband likes it too. Designwise, it's fairly fab!

Bring Me Some Figgy Pudding Christmas Eve Dinner

2008-12-02T09:15:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve. It's a special time, meant for special food. I got a press release the other day featuring this sort of food. I may well be spending my Christmas Eve at the Casa Marina hotel in Jacksonville Beach. Take a look at the release and the sumptous menu:

Chef Aaron Webb enjoys having fun in the kitchen as well as preparing distinctive dishes from his repertoire of New Beach Cuisine. This year, the Historic Casa
Marina Hotel & Restaurant is serving a traditional 4-course Christmas
Eve Dinner with music ~ including one dessert dating back to 16th
Century England ~ 'Figgy Pudding'.

The Casa Marina Hotel, Jacksonville's only member of Historic Hotels
of America, dates back to 1924, not quite as vintage as 'figgy
pudding'. But for Chef Webb, it's a classic addition to his menu for a
legendary hotel that has enchanted guests for nearly 85 years!

Christmas Eve Dinner:

Served from 6:30pm – 8:45pm (last seating).
The Johnston Duo will be entertaining from 7-10pm.
Cost is $59/per person (plus gratuity and tax). Children under 10 are
half price. Children under 5 are FREE. Reservations suggested.

Christmas Eve Menu

Appetizer

~Butternut Squash Gnocchi~
With Jumbo Lump Crabmeat & a Grape Tomato,
Basil Cream

~Stuffed Quail~
Herb Marinated & Stuffed with a Smokey Bacon Risotto
Over Parsnip Puree

~Seared Diver Scallops~
In a Wild Mushroom Compote with a Buttered Lobster Broth

~Red Cornmeal Fried Oysters~
Plump Select Oysters Crispy Fried in Red Cornmeal, Over a Green
Apple & Beet Relish with Honey Thyme Aioli

Salads

~Tossed Spinach Salad~
Fresh Baby Spinach with Sundried Cranberries, Candied Pecans, Mandarin
Oranges & Bermuda Onions Tossed in a Caramelized Vidalia Vinaigrette

~Garden Salad~
Roasted Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato & Sweet Roasted Corn
Tossed with Field Greens, Grape Tomatoes & Scallions in a Raspberry
Champagne Vinaigrette

Entrée

~Maple Glazed Duck Breast~
Crispy Seared, Maple Glazed Duck Breast Over
Bourbon Sweet Potato Mash

~Chilean Sea Bass~
With a Fresh Cherry, Chestnut & Golden Raisin Ragout

~Grilled Spiced Lamb Rack~
Moroccan Spiced Lamb Rack, Char-grilled with a Fig & Port Wine Reduction

~Red & Green Peppercorn Filet Mignon~
8oz Filet Peppercorn Dusted & Grilled with Sauce Béarnaise Over Truffle
Yukon Gold Mash

Desserts

~Pumpkin Cranberry Crumb~
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Cranberry in a Crumb Crust

~Figgy Pudding Tart~
With a Custard Sauce & Fresh Berries

~Caramelized Pear~
Poached & Caramelized Baby Pear Over Shortbread Round
With Crème Anglaise

Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant
691 N. 1st Street
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250
904-270-0025
www.casamarinahotel.com

Whitey's Deep Fried Turkey

2008-11-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

Meh. It wasn't that great--- it lacked something.

Holding Thanksgiving the Day AFTER

2008-11-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

There are, in fact, some benefits to holding Thanksgiving the day after the real Thanksgiving. I ordered a deep fried turkey from Whitey's Fish Camp, namely because the none-too-bright girl who answered the phone was unable to tell me how spicy the Cajun seasoning was going to be. She said she hadn't tasted it and then said it "was probably a medium heat" and that it was about as spicy as the other food they serve. Because I cannot recall eating there, that didn't do me any good.

So I called Whitey's. They're $10 cheaper and were more helpful. Because I am picking up the turkey the day after Thanksgiving, it will still be warm and won't need much heating up. If I were holding Thanksgiving on the actual day, I would have had to pick it up the day before Thanksgiving. It would then cool as it sat in the fridge and the reheating in the oven would take forever! The whole point of a deep fried turkey is how moist it is. Sticking it in the oven for that amount of time might wick some of that moisture away, though the crispy skin will help protect it.

The History of Pie...

2008-11-15T16:08:00.000-08:00

We say that something is "as American as apple pie," but of course the apple pie didn't originate here. Early recipes can be traced back to England, around the 1300s. Most of these didn't have sugar, or had very little, since sugar was costly.

The earliest apple pie recipes featured pastry that wasn't meant to be eaten. That is, the pastry was only meant to be a disposable container for the fruit filling. These were often sold by streetside vendors in London. By the 1500s, sugar was more readily obtained, so you could eat the pastry surrounding it as well. Early colonists in America had not cultivated apples available to them at first, so they had to be imported. Once apple trees were growing, they were mostly used in cider, though there were apple pie recipes in the U.S. by the 1700s.

What we know as apple pie today is actually closer to the Dutch version of the recipe, laced with cinnamon, sugar and with the traditional lattice work top crust.

Apple pie became quintessentially American during WWII, but the origins of the phrase "as American as apple pie" still remain murky. Wikipedia says that "for mom and apple pie" was supposedly the standard answer from American soldiers in WWII whenever journalists asked them why they were going to fight.

Head here for the rest of this article on the history of pie...

Bistro de Leon Thanksgiving

2008-11-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

I love St. Augustine's newest French bistro. I won't be able to go there for their Thanksgiving day feast, but if you don't want to cook here's the skinny on it:

Join Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard at the Bistro de Leon for Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 27. Choose from 2 seatings: 1:00pm and 4:00pm. Valerie and Chef Poinard will be serving the following menu as they COOK FOR YOU SO YOU CAN ENJOY THE DAY WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS.

THANKSGIVING DINNER $30/pp (children ½ price $15)

1:00 AND 4:00 SEATINGS

Thanksgiving Turkey OR Pineapple Pork Tenderloin
French stuffing with sausage and mushrooms
Mashed Potatoes
Carrot Cumin Flan
Tomato Provencale
Sweet Potatoes Gratin
Cranberry Relish

Optional Specialty Desserts ($5.95)

Apple Tarte Tatin with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Poached Pear
Pecan Tart

Reservations Suggested!

Special Take Out:

Order Thanksgiving Dinner to Take Out by November 20 and receive a 10% discount on your order for Take-Out Only~

Bistro de Leon

12 Cathedral Place
St. Augustine
www.bistrodeleon.com
(904) 810-2100

2008-10-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

Just came from the MySpace Jax Foodies October meeting. The theme was disgusting or strange foods.

The picture above is a durian fruit. A very stinky fruit from far away, but as you bring it closer to your nose (I swear) it's less stinky and more fruity. Doesn't taste bad, and it's almost creamy.

We also had 1,000 year old eggs, which aren't actually 1,000 years old. But they do look and smell fairly awful once you get the shell off. It looks a bit like a black jelly. Only one person was brave enough to try it, and she said that it tasted the wya it smelled--which, to my nose was pretty bad.

I brought kim chee from Koja Sushi, probably the best place to get it in town.

Plenty of other stuff we tried, but those were the strangest highlights.

Deep Fried Turkey Goodness!

2008-10-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a deep fried turkey. It is so darn good, I just can't express how moist and crisp it is at the same time!

But it's a bit messy and can be a little dangerous. Copeland's Famous New Orleans Restaurant and Bar is selling Cajun Fried Turkeys all throughout November and December. A 12-14 pound turkey costs about $50, not unreasonable when you consider that all the equipment needed, plus the raw turkey and the oil will run you at least $100.

I've not ordered one of these before from Copelands but am seriously thinking about ordering one if I have to hold Thanksgiving here.

To get more information about Copeland's Cajun Fried Turkeys, please contact Copeland's at 998-4414, or visit copelandsjacksonville.com

Banana Bread Variations

2008-10-14T00:37:00.000-07:00

Lots of ideas to get you started in the quest to make new and exciting banana breads...

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1108778/banana_bread_variations.html?cat=22

Dish Update

2008-04-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

Joining a host of other area restaurants, Zaitoon Mediterranean Grill (13475 Atlantic Blvd. Intracoastal. 904 221-7066) will be participating in the upcoming “Dining Out for Life” charity event on April 24th. Dining Out For Life was created by an ActionAIDS volunteer in Philadelphia. In 1993, ActionAIDS made it an international event offering licenses to AIDS Service Organizations around the country. Since Dining Out for Life International's founding the event has grown throughout North America and is now produced in over 46 cities. Each eatery involved gives a portion of their profit towards AIDS research. Go to diningoutforlife.com, for a list of additional participating restaurants.
If you have a favorite family coffeecake recipe and you’d also like a little r&r, take enter the Inn on Charlotte’s (52 Charlotte Street, St. Augustine) Coffeecake Challenge recipe contest. The grand prize winner will get a 2-night stay at the Inn on Charlotte (Sunday thru Thursday excluding holiday periods), gourmet lunch for two and Claude’s Chocolates – exquisite European chocolates made in St. Augustine. The prize-winning recipe will be incorporated into the gourmet breakfast menu that is served to Inn guests and be prominently featured on the Inn’s website. Visit innoncharlotte.com for official rules and entry. Entries must be received by June 15th.

Dish Update

2008-04-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

If you want a base of cooking knowledge that you’re sure to use, don’t miss Apron’s Cooking School’s (10500 San Jose Blvd. 904-262-4187) hands-on Mother Sauces Course, held on April 7th at 6 pm. You’ll learn the composition of the archetypal sauces, so that you can have fun with variations of these five “mother” sauces. And if things don’t go exactly as planned, you’ll have the knowledge to fix sauce mistakes. The menu will be: Espanole – Mushroom Demi-Glace over Egg Noodles; Béchamel and Tomato – Pastitsio; Béarnaise – Veal Oscar Medallions; Veloute – Chicken Picatta

The Fairgrounds get fancy on April 5th for the Cowford Ball(904-398-0537), a large annual fundraiser for the Duval County Unit of the American Cancer Society. Gourmet food will be served. Expect live entertainment, auctions and dancing.

Dining Advice

2008-03-18T22:58:00.000-07:00

So I'm hoping to launch a new Q & A advice section for my paper. Readers can present their food quandaries or dining etiquette questions.

Anyone can email a question in at jacksonvilledish@gmail.com

I will post them here from time to time! Here's my first question and my answer:

Q: My husband and I are going to the Jacksonville area for our anniversary this weekend. I am intrigued by the Tapas restaurants. There is nothing like them around here. Is it considered rude to eat at one of these establishments if you don't drink?

A: You're not obligated to drink anything anywhere, even at a wine bar. Even though waiters love lushes (because the price of alcohol drives up the bill price and their tip) as the customer, the staff is serving at your pleasure. If you're worried about what the people dining with you think, most of the time as long as you don't make a big deal about it, they won't. If they do, they're the one being rude. A person who doesn't know you might be curious and ask why, but that's no reason for you to fret. What you do or don't drink is your choice, whatever the reason. Just an FYI though, call ahead to find out what you’ll be drinking. Non-alcoholic beverages are often limited at a tapas place, so you might be drinking water.

If you have any dining questions for Dish, email us at JacksonvilleDish@gmail.com

Dish Update

2008-03-13T21:58:00.001-07:00

There are plenty of Irish bars to choose from this St. Patrick’s Day, but if you relish Irish food as much as their beer, try Culhane’s (967 Atlantic Blvd 904-249-9595) The party kicks off Friday, March 14th, with entertainment, an outdoor tent, giveaways and some pipe playing. The featured foods: Cornbeef & Cabbage, Reuben, Shepherd's Pie, Bangers N'Mash & Sausage Rolls
At The Grape in the St. Johns Town Center (10281 Midtown Pkwy 904-642-7111), the new featured menu item is Brie en Croute, brie baked in a rich pastry crust with cranberry, apricot and almond chutney drizzled with a Cabernet syrup. They’ll be holding a wine tasting on Saturday March 15th, from 1- 4 pm, for those who’d like to skip the beer, and taste four wines.
The Grape isn’t the only place busting out wine instead of beer during the weekend before St. Paddy’s. JJ's Bistro (330 Florida A1A N 904-273-7980) will be holding 2005 Release Bordeaux Wine Dinner at 7 pm Friday, March 14th, and Saturday, March 15th. Expect seven courses, including foie gras and monkfish. Call for reservations. $120 a person.

King Fish Grill

2008-03-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures from Kingfish in St. Augustine. Really great views with lots of yachts in the harbor. I've just had one dish there, and an event but I hope to go back soon....

Dish Update

2008-03-05T11:34:00.000-08:00

Friday, March 7, 6- 10 pm the Chance Foundation, Inc. is holding its 1st Annual Smokin Grooves for Charity event to benefit the foundation and our community. Enjoy an evening of entertainment, socializing, with wine and hors d’oeuvres, at the upscale wine and cigar lounge Poppy Love Smoke (112 East Adams Street), while supporting an incredible cause. Tickets are $25 at the door or $20 in advance. See thechancefoundation.com/id4.html for details.

ABC Fine Wine and Spirits (5440 Beach Blvd) will be going Irish a little early on March 13th from 6-8 pm. They’ll be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Wine Country style, with more than a dozen wines to taste, gourmet hors d’oeuvres to complement the wines, and the time to chat with their wine experts. The cost is just $5. Each guest receives a souvenir wine glass and a coupon for $3 off any purchase the night of the event

The Kingfish Grill (252 Yacht Club Drive St. Augustine, FL 904-824-2111) known for its marina view has celebrated its 2nd anniversary and has expanded one story. The spacious new private banquet space, The Harbor View, is now hosting luncheons, dinners and receptions for 30-100 guests that are ‘far above the rest’.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville’s Contemporaries are hosting a cooking demonstration with Chef Kathy Collins of Café Nola @ MOCA on Tuesday, March 18 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Learn culinary techniques from a top chef in a relaxed and artful setting while enjoying a gourmet meal with specially selected wine pairings provided by the Wine Warehouse.

Café Nola’s Chef Collins is originally from Chicago, Illinois where she graduated from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu (CHIC). Chef Collins has been a personal chef both in Chicago and Jacksonville. Locally, Chef Collins was the Sous Chef at Pastiche in Jacksonville’s historic “Avondale” and has served as the Head Chef at Café Nola since 2005. To complement the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, Chef Collins showcases seasonal cooking with an emphasis on locally grown and produced foods. She particularly is drawn to the bountiful supply of seafood available on the First Coast. Her Mediterranean style, Southern influenced dishes bring a fresh and innovative approach to the typical southern palette. Local rock shrimp, the freshest available fish, Maple Leaf Farms duck, local breads, artisan cheeses, and fresh greens are frequent staples.

The class is $48 per person for MOCA members and their guests (includes tax and gratuity). RSVP by March 14. Call 904-366-6911 ext. 225 for reservations. Space is limited.

Cleaning Out the Spice Rack

2008-02-26T22:41:00.000-08:00

Letting go of spices, for me, is like letting go of a relationship that’s past its prime. Every time I use the spice I think “This could be better, it’s gotten stale. I really should toss it and begin again.” But instead, I just put it back in the cabinet. In the chaos of dinner preparation, I never remember to write down what I will need at the time. While I remember the staples compiling my grocery list later on, I have some kind of mental block against actually remembering to pick up a spice that should be replaced, but that we’re not actually out of. My husband does remember, buys new stuff and sticks it in the front. But he doesn’t throw out the old stuff. And so, the old spices languish beside their new brethren.
Sometimes I don’t throw them away because I get sentimental. (That’s right. Don’t judge me.) I have the cheesiest looking curry container. I got the stuff at a flea market, in one of those massive bins. I was poor, the plastic spice bottle was large and it was only one dollar. I used to sprinkle it over popcorn in the dorm. I still can’t bring myself to toss it. When I look at the cartoon palm tree and sunset, it somehow ends up right back in the cabinet. I don’t cry or anything. I just can’t throw it away.

Dish Update

2008-02-24T23:22:00.000-08:00

Inside the old Heartworks in 5 Points is the new Scribes Café (820 Lomax Street 904- 738-7999). It’s run by the parent company of Heartworks. Scribes serves sandwiches and coffee, has high speed internet access and is open till midnight. According to their website: “Each table provides a private setting where a writing pad and pen are available for your thoughts and notes.” They now serve a variety of non-vegetarian stuff, such as their corned beef Ruben.
Anyone can walk in and nosh on their usual offerings as they surf the net, but you can also get a full-scale dinner there, cooked just for you (and a few of your friends), by reserving their private rear dining room. You can have up to a dozen people and you’ll need to arrange the meal in advance. They ask that you reserve at least three week in advance, because they get booked quickly. A deposit of 20% is required at time of reservation confirmation.

While you can find wine tastings and wine dinners all over the First Coast area, you won’t often find a tequila tasting. Cantina Laredo (10282 Bistro St. 904-997-6110) will be holding a tequila dinner on March 20th. Expect a four course meal, each paired with a tequila beverage. You’ll get an education in the history of tequila and what to look for as you taste it.

Vegan, Really Good!

2007-10-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

I know there are a lot of people who live the vegetarian or vegan lifestyle and find it hard to have options when they go out to eat.

So here's a link to my review of Present Moment Café, a Raw Food Vegan place in St. Augustine, which is fantastic!

http://www.eujacksonville.com/pages/10-4-07/presentmomentcafe.htm

I would love for a place like this to open up in Jacksonville. Even the non-veggies (at least the ones that aren't freaked out by creative dishes) will love the stuff at Present Moment. The juice bar alone makes it worthwhile.

Here's a link to a great site with info on the Raw lifestyle and Raw

Restaurants, with plenty of beautiful pictures of what a well-prepared Raw dish can look like.

http://www.rawchef.com/index.php

This site will get you a respectable list of Raw Food recipes.

http://www.living-foods.com/recipes

Every Chip is a Gift from God! Or-- If it’s not Fabulous don’t put it in your mouth!

2007-10-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

I'm an omnivore, which means, like a raccoon, I'll eat just about anything, provided I can open the damn package.

But, as someone who loves to savor things, I've come to a certain Food Philosophy that can be applied to other things in life.

If it isn't fabulous don't put it in your mouth.

Reject the mediocre in favor of an exalted experience.

We have to eat. It's required.

Therefore, wouldn't life be more pleasant if everything you ate were fabulous? So, don't bother eating things you don't absolutely love.

I also think you should be "present" every moment that you eat. Each bite of everything should be Experienced as totally and fully as possible. None of that gazing into the TV as you munch on chips.

Every Chip is a Gift from God in all its Fat Saturated Glory.

Paying attention to what you're eating not only increases your pleasure factor, it will also mean that eat more slowly and that you may, in fact eat less and get full faster.

Or that could be bullsh*t because I want the rest of the world to gain about ten pounds, skewing the average, thereby saving me from countless hours at the gym.

Whatever the case, you'll certainly have more fun in life if you cut out the things that aren't adding to the experience of personal satisfaction and pleasure.

Food and Memory

2007-09-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

My next review is going to be for Columbia in St. Augustine. I'll post pics here soon, once I rifle through all my shots. I just have to say that I adore this place. I might be prejudiced because it's a sentimental thing. Foods and smells always have the biggest pull on a person when they remind you of something good. If it's something you used to eat at the kitchen counter as a kid, you're going to be as lost in the memory of that as you will be in the food.

That's what delights me about Columbia. It brings back memories of my childhood in Miami. My Peruvian baby-sitter Rosa used to feed me Pigeon peas and all sorts Spanish type dishes. I remember the Cuban bakery right next to the Hialeah apartment we lived in till I was five.

The thing I always look forward to at the Columbia is the Cuban bread. This ain't no pansy Publix version of Cuban bread, wherein they take the exact same dough they use for French bread and shape into a Cuban bread shape. Maybe Publix stopped doing this, but I stopped buying their Cuban bread so long ago because of this, therefore I have no idea if they still do that. They use the same or similar dough for just about everything. It's a base I guess. I still buy their French bread but then, I've never been to France and it's likely that I've never had the real deal.

If you're not willing to pay over $20 per entree, head over to the Columbia for lunch. It's got a nifty atmo. And, they've got parking on Spanish Street in Historic St. Aug. The restaurant has lots of natural light, lots of white arches, pseudo-Spanish architecture and a courtyard (which is not recommended in this heat). The Cuban Sandwich they serve at lunch is the real thing--God love 'em.

b.b.'s Pictures

2007-09-13T02:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. These are pictures I took at b.b.'s in the San Marco area of Jacksonville.

Salt

2007-09-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

Salt might seem like a weird subject to write about, but author Mark Kurlansky makes it interesting. he put out a book in 2002 called Salt: A World History. Anyone who likes historical minutiae or loves knowing about food history will dig it.

Salt sits on every restaurant table today, but in bygone times it was tremendously valued. Like any substance that humanity places a value on, it has its own mythos and customs. People have sweated and died for the stuff. Wars have been fought for the sake of salt. Probably more blood has been split over salt than any other substance, even oil, which is relatively young as a substance of value.

Salt has so many uses and so rich a history that it has been a symbol for many things, often at cross purposes: for sexuality as well as for purity. The author of this magnificent and well researched book speaks salt in fairy-tales, of industries dependent on salt and salt's preservative powers. It's not hard to see the grandeur of salt when Kurlansky writes of it, as it preserved the Egyptian dead and raised empires.

But here's a taste, just the first section of his intro:

"I BOUGHT THE rock in Spanish Catalonia, in the rundown hillside mining town of Cardona. An irregular pink trapezoid with elongated, curved indentations etched on its surface by raindrops, it had an odd translucence and appeared to be a cross between rose quartz and soap. The resemblance to soap came from the fact that it dissolved in water and its edges were worn smooth like a used soap bar.

I paid too much for it -- nearly fifteen dollars. But it was, after all, despite a rosy blush of magnesium, almost pure salt, a piece of the famous salt mountain of Cardona. The various families that had occupied the castle atop the next mountain had garnered centuries of wealth from such rock.

I took it home and kept it on a windowsill. One day it got rained on, and white salt crystals started appearing on the pink. My rock was starting to look like salt, which would ruin its mystique. So I rinsed off the crystals with water. Then I spent fifteen minutes carefully patting the rock dry. By the next day it was sitting in a puddle of brine that had leached out of the rock. The sun hit the puddle of clear water. After a few hours, square white crystals began to appear in the puddle. Solar evaporation was turning brine into salt crystals.

For a while it seemed I had a magical stone that would perpetually produce brine puddles. Yet the rock never seemed to get smaller. Sometimes in dry weather it would appear to completely dry out, but on a humid day, a puddle would again appear under it. I decided I could dry out the rock by baking it in a small toaster oven. Within a half hour white stalactites were drooping from the toaster grill. I left the rock on a steel radiator cover, but the brine threatened to corrode the metal. So I transferred it to a small copper tray. A green crust formed on the bottom, and when I rubbed off the discoloration, I found the copper had been polished.

My rock lived by its own rules. When friends stopped by, I told them the rock was salt, and they would delicately lick a corner and verify that it tasted just like salt.

Those who think a fascination with salt is a bizarre obsession have simply never owned a rock like this."

FLESH ART MEETS WALL ART

2007-08-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

Like graffiti, tattoo art has had an effect on so-called "conventional" art. Tattoo artists are just that—artists. The difference is, they can't just scrap the canvas and go on to the next piece. Their canvas is the skin.

While the Bogda Art Gallery isn't exactly presenting traditional art, their recent show of tattoo art is an example of how far the idea of tattooing as an art has come in the last century.

The status of tattooing as an art has been elevated in recent years, making it more acceptable for people in all walks of life. Tats done on the neck and face still aren't accepted in corporate circles, but subtle tattoos everywhere else have made their way into the mainstream. In the twenty-five to twenty-nine year old age bracket, a whopping 36% of Americans have a tattoo. That's a higher percentage than the amount of Americans who smoke.

Tattooing has a long and rich history. In times past, it has been used to denote status in tribal cultures, sometimes telling you a person's trade, position and age. Tattoos have also been used to mark criminals and to communicate membership in secret societies, gangs and other groups.

These days folks get inked for some of the same reasons—to tell the world that they belong to a particular subculture, yes, but also that they love someone or that they love a particular style of art or just an idea. Many times a tattoo is symbolic of a life change. Whatever the reason, it's something that'll be with the person, sometimes for the rest of their lives (until they cover it up or have it lasered off).

Lots of tattoo artists have talent as artists, particularly those who work to design and develop tattoos. Custom tattoos have become the norm, and hardly anyone gets a design straight off the wall of tattoo examples.

Some of the art at the Bogda looks like it came straight from those walls a.k.a. "the handbook of typical tats." Skulls, hearts, swords and sparrows abound. If you've spent any amount of time in tattoo parlor, or if you tend to look at everyone's tats, you're going to get nostalgic and you might even want one: for your walls or for your skin.

Chris Ayalin's work, particularly the green snarling wolf surrounded by drops of blood and flies, is so over-the-top that you just have to love it, if only for the ludicrousness of it. I looked at that green wolf and realized that it was very possible that someone out there was permanently marked with something that looked like it belonged as the cover of a DIY death metal album.

Some of the canvas work is a surprise, like the Oriental-style gold leaf treatments from Stevie Floyd of Pegasus Gallery in St. Augustine. I also liked the goofy-looking giraffe from Brian Register of Peacocks Tattoo.

The most impressive pieces of artwork weren't on the walls, though, they were on the people hanging out at the opening. Flesh canvas Rob Shaffer modeled his arm, done in the style of a Hokusai Japanese wood block print. The artist was Stevie Floyd, who loves designing and tattooing Japanese artwork and Art Nouveau tats.

Stevie's prints were selling quickly at the opening. Most of the artwork displayed is fairly affordable, from $20 and up.
The Bogda will be showing work from various local tattoo artists through the 28th.

Life-altering Fruit

2007-07-24T11:27:00.001-07:00

In my nearly never ending quest to find interesting foods and ingredients I keep a weather eye out for strange stuff on grocery shelves. I like the idea that merely one block away from your house is a place that holds the key to all these new experiences, experiences brought sometimes from half-way around the world.

This time I was in, of all places, a Wally World. Now, I try to avoid shopping here, but my nocturnal habits make it a necessary evil. It isn’t a place where I seek out the weird as far as food’s concerned (plenty of OTHER weird things happening in a Wally World to make up for it).

We were in the veggie and fruit sector when I saw something I had never seen before: TAMARILLO, it said, From NEW ZEALAND. Who was I to argue? There they lay, deep red with a slight shine to them, a lush burgundy waiting.

I picked it up. “What is it?” I asked my husband. “No clue,” he said, peering at the non-existent description that reasonably might have been under it in a Publix.

It was surrounded by peppers hot and peppers mild. “Maybe it’s some kind of hot pepper?” I asked hopefully. But there was no one to ask. Even at the best of times there is a distinct lack of knowledge amongst the produce handlers at a Wally World. Besides, there wasn’t a blue vest in sight.

So I took home my tamarillo. The tiny thing cost nearly $2 and confused our poor checkout girl. She helplessly flipped through her vegetable charts as the line behind us grew.

“Crap,” my husband said, looking back at the line of weary customers behind us “We’re THOSE people.” People of course, who hold up a line by having a ridiculously exotic item without a tag.

But we did make it through the line.

At home, I eyed my tamarillo as one would a potential nemesis. What was it? I wondered if I should just plunge a knife into it and find out.

And then there was the lure of the world wide web. Surely I could find out there. After all, the thing was in WAL-MART, it couldn’t be that terribly out of the ordinary.

To the interweb I went.

It wasn’t a pepper.

It wasn’t even a vegetable.

It was a fruit.

When I finally sliced it open, the center was filled with tiny, edible seeds, surrounded by a mild flesh. The taste of the tart fruit could best be described as a cross between tangerine and grapefruit. The texture in the center was a bit like pomegranate and the flesh around the center was the texture of a soft pear, a little less tart than the center of the fruit. I ended up loading it with brown sugar and scooping it from each half.

The tartness of the fruit lends itself well to chutneys, and it’s eaten as a breakfast fruit. It can be added to just about anything for just a bit of a mystery “zing.”

For recipes and a brief history of the fruit go to http://www.tamarillo.com

Where to get your Fishes!

2007-07-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

I mostly eat fish when I go out, buying the occasional fillet at the market when the mood strikes. Because I don't buy fresh fish on a regular basis, I don't really know where to go--

Or I didn't, until I found Safe Harbor in Mayport.

Jacksonville tends to get a little compartmentalized, so not everybody is going to know about this place if they don't live in the area. If you live more than 20 minutes away, just grab a cooler to stick your fish in for the ride home.

Not only is it a great fish market, with shrimp right off the trawlers, they also have an informal restaurant that cooks up scallops, salmon, grouper, shrimp and all the essential underwater yummies in all kinds of preparations.

I'd say, if you haven't ever been over to Mayport, take a trip there this weekend. Go to Safe Harbor, enjoy the lunch and take home some fresh fish!

Safe Harbor Seafood Market. 4378 Ocean St Ste 3 Atlantic Beach, FL 32233

Market hours: Mon-Thu 9pm-5:30pm & Fri-Sat 9am-6pm

Marina Restaurant Mon-Sat 10am-8pm

Caribbean Food in Jax

2007-07-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

There are more Caribbean Restaurants in the Jacksonville area than you'd think.
This week, I had to do a sidebar listing of as many Caribbean/Island eateries as I possibly could.

This was a tougher assignment than you might think.

First of all, half these places aren't even in the phone book. I know I missed some--like Rosetta's, because I didn't have time to drive out there and they never answered their phone.

Although I did travel around the city some, mostly I used the phone to gather info. I tell you, there's nothing like a thick Jamaican accent to aid in the art of miscommunication. That wasn't the only issue though--here I was, using my standard procedure, saying "Can you fax me a menu?" and the answer I get is "Our fax machine is down right now." After about the fifth one, I realized that most of these tiny places probably didn't even have fax machines. I just thought it was funny that each person on the phone at different restaurants decided that it was better not to admit that they didn't own one.

Anyway, Da Real Ting has the best jerk chicken. Too bad they're not open during normal business hours. The place is more like a club, opening at 9 pm- 3 am on Fridays & Saturdays and from 7 pm- 11 pm on Sundays. The crowd there can seem a little shady, but the chicken's worth it, damn it! Also, it's not the cleanest place I've ever been. It's still worth it.

But, if you're out and about during the day, Caribbean Sunrise Bakery is a great place to eat genuine Caribbean. Most people get their stuff to-go but the place is fairly clean and well run. Lots of kids get their beef patties there after school. The jerk chicken is very good and the oxtail is properly cooked. You might have had really tough oxtail in the past, but that isn't the case here. When cooked correctly, for a long period of time in wet heat (braised or stewed) oxtail can have an incredible flavor.

There are some downsides, like the neighborhood is a bit rundown and you're likely, as we were, to be approached by a panhandler with a well-rehearsed tale of woe, in which he needs just a few dollars to get home/eat food/fix his car. The guy that talked to us needed $16. I guess he was adjusting for inflation.

Autobots, Transform!

2007-07-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

So, this new Transformers movie...I was waiting for it to come out with a mixed sense of anticipation and dread.

Anticipation because movie tech is able to do the 'bots justice and dread because movie scripts and plotlines suck ass these days. What if they did it badly? Would the pain be too much to bear?

Actually, the movie rocks. I think there are some fanbois out there that will disappointed in some of the changes and tweaks made to the 'bots, but by and large, those fanbois will be happy that they even made this...even if they hated it.
I had a few Transformer toys as a kid, but my nostalgia was sorta fuzzy. Unlike the guy that sat next to us at the preview performance, I do not have a tattoo of the Autobots logo and I can't name all the Decepticons.

But the movie jogged my memory and I even got a few "in-jokes."

The flick's weakest point is something it couldn't have done without-- Optimus Prime moralizing in a very deep voice, mostly about how humanity has a lot to learn but we have good in us, yada-yada...That's Prime alright...I'd forgotten how he tended to do that in the old series. No wonder Megatron always wanted to off him.

But I digress. My point here is that the film is worth seeing on the big screen, if only for the bad-ass robot fights.

Even if you know nothing about Transformers, you'll like the movie. (In fact, it might help.) The script is funny, the action movies swiftly and the perspective is human.
Read my official review from EU here: http://www.eujacksonville.com/pages/07-05-07/transformers.htm

Chocolate Mousse, without Lactose

2007-04-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

I've got a friend who's lactose intolerant, so I've been trying to come up with rich-tasting, French style desserts...

The easiest thing I've made so far is a coconut milk chocolate mousse.

You'll need:
1 can coconut milk (Thai brand is pretty good)
1 tablespoon pure cocoa (no powdered milk or sugar added)
2 tablespoons white sugar

Take a can of coconut milk, unshaken and open. There should be a creamy layer on the top of the unmixed milk. Scoop the majority of it off into a bowl (you'll get a little over a cup of coconut cream).

Next mix the cocoa and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the contents over the bowl of coconut cream and stir the contents well.

It can be served right away.

If you put the contents in the fridge, it will become more solid, but you can serve a dollop of this simple dessert with fresh strawberries in a small martini glass or on a plate, right away. The thickened mixture can be used like an icing. If you want to refridgerate it but want a looser texture, you can add a little of the coconut milk remaining in the can.

It doesn't take long to make, and it's very tasty and creamy! Most people won't know it's made with coconut milk.

Sunday in Downtown Jacksonville

2007-02-03T23:02:00.000-08:00

Since my husband wasn’t going to be working on Sunday, I asked him to come with me on a trip Downtown. Because it was Sunday, I knew that not much would be open in the morning hours, so I settled on going to the newly renamed MOCA.

When we arrived, four employees were clustered around the main desk. They asked how they could help, and then explained that the gallery walls were bare as they were between exhibits. The new exhibition would be opening on the 26th.
Sean hadn’t seen the museum’s fascinating shop, so we started browsing. Quite a few items left over from Christmas were on sale. He found a ring he liked in the extensive jewelry case and I marked several items in my mind as future gifts for some of our harder to shop for relatives.
We stepped out onto the street fairly clueless as to where we should walk from there. Finally, we settled on walking to the Landing. Even if nothing was open, we knew we could count on a pleasant view of the river.

On Laura Street we stopped in front of a vacant building, sad because the architecture was majestic and beautiful. There are buildings all over the downtown area like this, and I hope to one day see them all filled and restored. As we stood there, looking up like tourists, a man, probably homeless, stopped alongside us to share in the wonder and mumble about the beauty of the building. He was difficult to understand because he had as many teeth as the building had unbroken windows, but his appreciation was clear. We hurried on, apprehensive that the conversation was a prelude to asking us for money, but later I wondered what he had been saying, and if it would have cost us so much to stay and listen to him.

My friend Siobhan, who’s from New York, says my mistake is that I make eye contact with street folk, but I’m Southern, and I have a difficult time treating people as though they don’t exist. One day I made the mistake of crossing Hemming Plaza and no less than three people of raggedy attire tried to strike up a conversation. I didn’t ignore them, but if I had, they wouldn’t have disappeared. I have given the homeless money because they’ve told me tales so outlandish that I felt they had earned the money simply for entertaining me. I’m certain that God has written “gullible mark” all over my face, in the sort of ink that only panhandlers can see.

Once at the Landing, it was apparent that everything was closed until the afternoon. Still, there were people out, enjoying the balmy weather and walking their dogs. I noticed the Downtown Ferry docked, and a few people boarding it. I had never taken the ferry over to the South Bank and so, of course, was filled with a deep desire to do so. It cost us $10 cash for two round trip tickets. We pooled what little cash we had (my husband reluctantly gave me his last dollar) and boarded the ferry. The dock at South Bank is just adjacent to the River City Brewing Company, the MOSH, the Maritime Museum and a spectacular fountain. We got a voucher from the captain for our return trip and headed to the River City Brewing Company for brunch. It was a steep $21 brunch, but the Snow crab legs, carving station and omelet station made it worthwhile. There’s just nothing like putting a freshly made waffle on a plate next to crab legs and shrimp, if only for the novelty of the thing.

As we left Downtown, we threw our remaining change to man playing a sax on sidewalk.

How to really, really enjoy chocolate

2007-02-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

1) Close your eyes. Scientific studies have proven that the sense of taste is heightened in a dark room, so make it really dark and close your eyes once you’ve placed some heaven-sent chocolate in your mouth.
2) Don’t just chew and swallow. Chocolate only comes into its full flavor when it melts a little, so eat small bites and let it melt in your mouth before you swallow it. Some chocolate connoisseurs even keep a special warming pad to heat their chocolate to just the tasting right temperature, without being sticky. I’m not so hi-tech, though I do love it so.
3) Start with a clean palate. If you’ve eaten something sweet just before tasting your chocolate, your taste buds will be overloaded with the sweet taste and the chocolate will taste bitter. Coffee with chocolate may seem like a great choice, but you won’t get the full richness of your chocolate if you take strongly flavored coffee with it.

(The sweet confections above are from Claude's Chocolate's in St. Augustine)

gastronomic meanderings

2007-02-02T19:06:00.000-08:00

Once a month, when I’m at the grocery store, I try to pick up some ingredient I’ve never used before. It gives my culinary wanderings a sense of adventure. Sometimes I even search for a specific item (like last year’s hunt for blue potato) just to see what it’s like.

Generally I’ll find the simplest preparation of the item so I can get a sense of what the ingredient is like, without having it get lost in other flavors.

I’ll tell you, blue potatoes did not change my life the way I thought they would. They’re really really starchy, so they would hold up well in a potato salad, but then you lose the pretty blue presentation. They’re also good pan-fried but, again, if you sear the outside you lose what makes them nifty—that weird-ass color. I think what made them so much fun was that it took me a little while to find them. I finally got them at Jacksonville’s Blue Buddha, which sadly is now catering only to their restaurant clients.

Now since I brought home a batch of dandelion greens, I’ve been really thoughtful. My husband hated, and I mean HATED, the dandelion greens that I stir fried with a bit of garlic, some oil and a little lemon juice. They are pretty bitter, but I was already imagining them in a heavy cream sauce with other ingredients. I’ve been thinking about slipping them in some recipe that they would be amazing in, despite their bitterness. I can’t resist the challenge of wowing my husband with some recipe that includes them.

Resolution Solution

2007-01-03T03:12:00.000-08:00

My solution to the whole resolution thing is to make resolutions I can keep. For instance, I make a resolution like “I will wake up every day in the next year.” This is a terrific resolution because each day I can wake up with an immense sense of satisfaction, feeling slightly superior to everyone else. Sure, nearly everyone else woke up today (barring coma victims and those who have watched that “depression hurts” ad one too many times) but I am keeping a promise I made to myself.
Also, I don’t just make one super-simple resolution. I make as many as I possibly can, like: I will eat chocolate once a week, I will put music I love in my car CD player, I will make my cat happy and I will get a haircut this year. I write down as many as I can and spend the rest of the year being pretty happy. There’s another one: I will spend the rest of the year being pretty happy. Let me know if I backslide.
5 Suggested Resolutions for Celebs
I’ve noticed that more than one celebrity has interesting habits that could be combated by simple resolutions. With that in mind, here are my five suggested resolutions for the paparazzi hounded celebrity…
1. Wear Underwear. Unless you’re in the shower.
2. Gain weight. America is counting on you.
3. Refrain from racial outbursts, especially when you might be on camera.
4. Don’t get married. It won’t last.
5. Take care of a dog for a year before having kids
Your Resolution! We Want to Know!
The majority of resolutions aren’t made between December 28th- New Year’s Day. Most are made sometime in the month on January or as late as May. What’s your resolution? EU wants to know! Send a postcard with news of your resolution to c/o EU Jacksonville, Resolutions 5121 Bowden Rd, Suite 311, Jacksonville, FL 32216. Just drop us a creative line to announce your resolution or the success and/or tribulations of your resolution.

Why MySpace Is the New Christmas Card

2006-12-23T13:22:00.000-08:00

“I don’t understand why these people send me cards, I mean they never call, and I haven’t talked with them in years.”
I heard this from a middle aged man decrying the cost of postage, mystified because people he barely knew or hadn’t spoken to in years saw fit to send him a yearly Christmas card.
I instantly understood why mere acquaintances send Christmas cards, because I’m on myspace. In the world of myspace, people maintain a myspace page for many of the same reasons that people used to send Christmas cards. Most of the “friends” on a given myspace page are made up of people who haven’t seen the poster since high school, just like most of the people who exchanged cards when it was more in vogue.
The main reason people send out those cards to near-strangers, is that you can keep in touch with people without the effort of actual day-to-day friendship. You can measure your life against theirs, based on a Christmas card stock, a family Christmas letter and family picture. Likewise, on myspace, people can measure themselves against others based on friend count, the picture galleries and how pimped out the page is.
Christmas card fanatics, who send out hordes of cards, know that people feel the need to respond in kind. That means card fanatics will have plenty of cards to display around their house, proving to visitors that they have lots of “friends.” In the same way, a myspace extremist can have two thousand “friends” that they display every time someone comes to visit.
Sending out Christmas cards is also a way of displaying yourself in a way you can control. In day-to-day life, people can’t control how they are perceived, but on a card things are different. You can pose a family worthy of Jerry Springer in matching button-downs on a windswept beach. On your myspace page, you can also project whatever image you would like, choosing a background color or picture as a way to present yourself to the world. If you’ve gotten fat, just put up a picture of your cat or a picture of yourself ten pounds lighter. Most of your “friends” will never know.
Everyone talks about how computers have caused us to retreat from the world, substituting superficial interaction for real human interaction. In the past we were forced to use things like the mail system to maintain this superficial interaction, doing things like actually licking stamps and addressing envelopes to keep in touch. These days we’ve just amped it up, because humans tend to develop systems that make whatever it is they already do more effortless. So it isn’t that we only just discovered superficial interaction: we just do it faster and better than we used to.