III Forks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whiteway Deli and the Lawsuit

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

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

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

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?

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cozy Tea For Me

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

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

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

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

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

Art on a Friday

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

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

Beat People With Pillows

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

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

Here are the rules:

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

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

So excited about the Riverside Arts Market

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

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

Hip Asian Comfort Food

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

WinterFest 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!