The Kitchen on San Marco

I've got a crush and it's going to keep me coming back to The Kitchen on San Marco. No, it's not one of their severs (though every single one has been adorable and charming) and it isn't the blue-eyed and food-passionate Chef Ryan. It's the beet salad.

Once, I was under the misapprehension that I didn't like beets. Most people, having only experienced the slimy, neglected pickled things that get thrown on to a salad probably feel the same way, but beets are a root veggie that benefits from the right kind of TLC. Here in Jacksonville the various preparations I've seen have made me into a beet cheerleader. (I'm going to take this time to recommend the beet fries from the food truck Funkadelic if you haven't tried those).

The crush-worthy beet salad at Kitchen on San Marco is mostly beets, some creamy goat cheese, vinaigrette, and leafy greens. Simple. Delicious.

More Than Soul...

The Chefs of The Potter's House Soul Food Bistro were eager to show off their culinary prowess at a blogger event this past Wednesday. Their scope goes farther than the soul food they're known for, and they excel at doing catered events. Most often they're asked to do soul, of course, but they love doing the fancier events. Executive Chef Celestia Mobley says she learned “how to cook” from her Grandmother and she learned “the whys in culinary school.” There and during her career, she's picked up different styles of cooking from French cuisine and beyond.

Assistant Manager Chef Ardelia “Ardy” Speed-Johnson cooks up healthy versions of soul food. I know, healthy and soul food seem to be mutually exclusive, but Chef Ardy proves that isn't so. For the event she did something that was a little more swanky than soul, the better to show off her range. She did a turkey ricotta meatball, no breadcrumbs, on a cooked kale bed with chipotle plum sauce. Garlic lead prominently, but it didn't overwhelm the other flavors, instead it seemed to frolic a bit with ricotta and the plum sauce, standing up well to the light bitters of the kale. With a pretty plating, this dish wouldn't be out of place at a fine dining catered event. If you're a bride to be, I'd say you need to be booking Soul Food Bistro for your wedding, now!

Chef Greg Fountain, who brings the flavor of the Caribbean to Potter's simply cooked up shrimp and rice seasoned with a lively yellow turmeric and an endearing little sprig of dill. It was another classy dish that looked as good as it tasted. And it looked like spring and sunshine.

We asked for dessert Chef Valerie Harris (known as Miss Val) to come out after a taste of what she could do, just so we could tell her, in person, how delightful all her selections were. My favorite of the bunch was the coconut cream pie, which for me, was life-alteringly good (your mileage may vary, of course).

I have no idea why Potter's hasn't been on Diners Drive-ins and Dives. Seriously, Guy Guy Fieri needs to make a trip back to Jacksonville to hit this place up, the mac and cheese alone would make it worthwhile. They have garnered some recognition on a more national basis recently, getting nominated just this year for Best Soul Food at the Neighborhood Awards (hosted and put on by Steve Harvey).

 Locations: 5310 Lenox Avenue suite 1, Jacksonville, FL 32205, 904.394.0860 + 11876 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225, 904.394.2801 See website for full hours. Closed Mondays.

Did We Just Get Trolled by Councilperson Brown?

Trolling, for those who don't know internetspeak, is the art of saying something really heinous/shocking/over-the-top in an internet forum or comments in order to gain a response. Very often, trolls aren't espousing what they believe, they're just looking for outrage.

So when Councilperson Reginald Brown opened the meeting by saying he wasn't against food trucks after proposing an ordinance that seems to legislate food trucks out of Jacksonville, it was all I could think. Reginald Brown trolled us with a food truck ordinance.

I appreciate that he is willing to receive feedback from the community at this juncture. Sincerely and totally. If it were going to stay the same, I was ready to mobilize. The question is: did he just put a pretty anti-food truck ordinance out there to simply to form a committee? To gain a response?

If he was serious when he put it together, then, it's a worse problem as it was a woefully misinformed piece of legislation. I have to say: I hope Jacksonville just got trolled.

Hawkers Update

Went back to Hawkers and had a different experience. This time, not as good. They are on only their fourth day of service and I will say that they went to a lot of trouble to make it right.

Some of it had to do with "team service", of which I have not been a fan. It means that lots of different people bring you your orders and no one person is responsible for you, even though you have a server. For it to work, everybody has to be in the loop. So, if for example, somebody is running out an extra order out to you to make up for a screw-up, you might turn them away because you assume it's a mistake. And because all they were told was to bring you the order, they'll leave.

It's true, this time around the difficulty level was raised. I brought someone with me who has coconut and nut allergies (but can do peanut) and they were very careful about it. The server wasn't incredibly versed as to ingredients, but he did take it seriously and so did the kitchen. However, this made us the sort of table that sucks the server's time.

The server assumed that all the orders came from one person. He left quickly after getting an order for the small plates. I didn't get to put my order in, but managed to be happy with the small plates. And my hungry husband, who wanted an entrée for himself, was left wondering why he was passed over. He was finally able to put his order in, but some time later, the server came back, telling us they were out of the item he ordered.

The server did not wait after delivering the news, but instead faded away into the crowded din. My husband was not happy about that. Sharing is kind of a big thing at Hawkers, so realize that if a server sees food on your table, they mainly come back when you're getting low. They will assume that you're happy with small plates, just like our server did. Unfortunately, what we had on the table wasn't what my husband wanted. The server needed to check with all of us, or even ask if we needed anything else. I realize that he was busy, and the questions about ingredients took a lot of his time.

Points for Hawkers:
--Once we were able to communicate what was wrong, they did their best to make it right and came by several times to make sure we were satisfied. Once in a while, stuff happens.

--They managed to get the allergy thing right! I know, because my friend is not in the hospital. If they had messed it up, she would be.

Things to know:

--Sharing is kind of a big thing at Hawkers, so realize that if a server sees food on your table, they mainly come back when you're getting low. They will assume that you're happy with small plates.

--Team service means that you have the right to FLAG ANYBODY down, not just your server. I'm not saying that's an easy thing to do, because they move at a high rate of speed.

Hawkers Asian Street Fare

The soft open of Hawkers did not disappoint. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from a space that had doomed countless other ventures, restaurant and otherwise. But I was blown away by the food. Asian fare, so often, is done too broadly, flavors exaggerated, pushing them well past the delicate balance the dishes should have, when they're done right.

I brought along a dining partner that has spent some time in Beijing and knows the cuisine. The steamed dumplings, she said, would be her test. And they more than passed. My test was the roast duck. I love duck but am afraid to order it at most places, because it's a commitment. When duck is good, it can be very, very good, but when duck is bad it makes me very, very sad. The small plate of roast duck was cheap enough for me to take the risk. I'm glad I took it. Best. Duck. Ever.

The bok choy was tasty, but impossible to eat with chopsticks and problematic to eat with a fork and no knife. If you're coming in while it is still soft open, know this: they have no knives. Ask if they do. When they have them, you can safely order the bok choy.  The quality was good enough that I am perfectly fine with the fact that I looked a bit barbaric eating it. Om nom nom nom!

Also: great service.

We ordered three small plates, two entrees, Thai tea, coke and a small sake. Total before tip was about $50.

Things to Know: They take chopstick etiquette seriously. Don't worry, there's handy graphics on the menu to educate you!

Hawkers 1001 Park Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204
(904) 508-0342

Eat here: Blue Bamboo

Five reasons why you should be eating at Jacksonville's Blue Bamboo:


1- It's a locally owned and operated restaurant on the Southside. In the commercial bustle of Southside, it's sometimes hard to remember that there are locally owned businesses that do a wonderful job. Blue Bamboo is one of those businesses.

2- There isn't anything like it in Jacksonville. This is Asian fusion at its finest, in a beautiful setting, with innovative cocktails and a great staff. Check out their menu to learn more!

3- It's a classier way to end or begin a night at the movies. Just down the road from Tinseltown, it's a way to get out of your dining rut.

4-Dim Sum Sundays. Once a month, they offer Dim Sum on Sundays. If you've had good dim sum, you're already making plans. If not, well, this needs to be part of your life.

5-Dennis Chan is part of Jacksonville's food legacy. His family has run about dozen restaurants in the past 60 years.

For more on what Blue Bamboo is all about, check out this interview at metrojacksonville.com

Growing Lemongrass in Jacksonville

I bought some lemongrass at local Oriental market recently. They were selling it in clumps of three or four stalks. I had planned to use it in cooking, but I didn't end up getting a chance to use it. I'd heard from several people that it grows quite well here in North Florida, so I decided to try it.

Lemongrass likes tropical weather and lots of sun, making it the perfect summertime crop. I've been recently demoralized in the garden department, since nearly everything I've planted is wilting and dying.

If you're worried about the winter killing it off once it gets cold, well, stop worrying. It will die off a bit, but it's hardy enough to rally most of the time. Even if it does die a cold death, it's not difficult to replace and plant.

Most gardening guides say you should place the stalks in a clear vase with water at the bottom. Change the water every couple of days and plant them when you get 1/2 long. As an experiment, I skipped that step on one of my stalks, just to see how it would do. I made sure to keep it moist in a sunny place. The experimental stalk already has new growth, about a week after I put it in the pot. It sprouted at the same time as the rest of the lemongrass, which I planted later.

As for the rest of the lemongrass, it was in the vase for about a week before I planted them. Once in the pot, it was only two days before it sprouted new growth.

My lemongrass is planted in a pot with potting soil, but I may decide to fertilize (probably organically) because these guys like rich soil (though I've heard they don't absolutely need it). I'm looking forward to cooking with fresh lemongrass from my garden.

Revamped: Alhambra

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 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.

A Trip to Fresh Market: Hydroponics and Swedish Pancakes

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.

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

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 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.

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/

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!

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.

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).