The Floridian, St. Augustine

Bottom line: It was good enough I bought the t-shirt.

vintage lamp on the bar

The Floridian does have its peculiarities: beer and wine isn't served in the main dining area, but it is served in the tiny bar in the back, aptly named The County Line. It has something to do with booze licensing in Old Town. Basically you have to buy a bottle of beer or wine and then take it into the dining room after settling up. No individual glasses of wine or mugs of beers can cross "the county line" into the dining room. We got around it by simply sitting at one of the three high-top tables available within the Floridian's County Line bar. They serve up local brew here. Jacksonville's own Bold City and Intuition Ale feature on their craft-heavy beer menu.

some of their kitsch

You will be surrounded by well-curated Florida kitsch and served by contented hipsters who seem super-happy to work there. Like the Columbia House, it's touristy enough for out-of-towners. But I think it does more than its share of local trade.

As I am a big fan of shrimp 'n grits, that's what I decided to order. It was a great decision. But it wasn't easy, because there wasn't a single menu item that didn't appeal to me. I will, of course, be going back. Their 'N Grits menu item comes with your choice of tofu, shrimp or fish. I went with the classic shrimp and chose the remoulade instead of the blackened or grilled based on the server's recommendation. The unlikely flavor combination of salsa, feta and remoulade more than worked-- it soared beautifully over my delighted taste buds. This place definitely follows the localvore trend with farm providers such as the CartWheel Ranch out of St. Johns County and Wainwright Dairy, from Live Oak, Florida.

The menu is seasonal, so it can change. Check out their site to drool current selections.
over the

The Floridian 39 Cordova Street, St. Augustine, FL (904)829-0655

Things to Know: The weird bar rules. They're closed on Tuesdays Lunch is 11 am-3 pm everyday they're open except Sunday, when they open at noon Dinner is 5 pm- 9 pm going to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays They don't take reservations, but you can call them for "priority seating."

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

Bistro de Leon Thanksgiving

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