dining guide entertaining u | fall 2007 american casual Harpoon Louie’s (4070 Herschel St. Riverside. 904-389-5631) It’s all American-cuisine at Har- poon Louie’s, known for their excellent burgers, Fresh Catch Salad and view of Fishweir Creek. Their food is a great deal for a great price, but it’s the view, the food and the pitchers of beer that brings people back. (Try the Student Loan Special—a basket of wings and a pitcher of beer.) Beer & Wine, but mostly, Beer. Open every day. $$
Back Porch Café (3031 Monument Rd. Arlington. 904-998-9918) You might feel as though you’re eating on your own back porch at this neighborhood eat- ery. The Pantinakis family serves American-style cuisine with a few Greek selections on the menu. Try their non-traditional twist on Pastitsio (a layered meat pasta and bread dish) with a tomato cream sauce. Beer & wine. Open Mon-Sat. $$
Cliff’s at the Beach (1401 Atlantic Blvd. Neptune Beach, inside the Days Inn. 904-249-2777) This Cliff’s is a bit more upscale than the location on Monument Road. Ahi tuna is a common enough dish these days, but Chef Nguyen’s presentation makes it special. The pickled ginger slaw served with it is an outstanding counter-taste to the other fl avors. Drinkers will like the reasonably priced basket of homemade chips, sprinkled with asiago and bleu cheese. If you’re into rich appetiz- dish. ers, try the scrumptious baked goat cheese served in tomato fondue with decidedly crispy slices of where to eat, drink and be merry. bread. Full bar. Open Mon-Sat. $$
Find your new favorite restaurant in EU. Cruiser’s Grill (319 23rd Ave. S. Jacksonville Beach. 904-270-0356 & 83202 A1A N. Ponte Ve- dra. 904-273-5446.) Cruise here for a burger, taco, cheddar fries, onion rings and even some country Our weekly restaurant section features fried steak. This is one of those classic burger joints that the whole family can enjoy. Beer & wine. food and drink selections from all Open every day. $$ over the First Coast. Let us know Firehouse Subs (21 locations around Jacksonville) There’s nothing like a Firehouse Sub. Instead your favorite restaurant or place of using a microwave to heat their meats, they use a steamer, which infuses it with moisture and to grab a drink. Look forward really makes the fl avor vibrant, unlike what you’ll experience at most chain sub shops. It’s a fam- to full-length and easy-to-navigate ily owned franchise that got its start right here in Jacksonville. Favorite subs include the “Hook and Ladder,” Smoked Turkey Breast and Virginia Honey Ham smothered with Monterey Jack and served reviews at www.eujacksonville.com. “Fully Involved.” Open every day. $
Landshark Café (1013 Atlantic Blvd. Atlantic Beach. 904-246-6024) Try the tasty So-Cal Soft our food critics eat everywhere, so you can be selective. Tacos with your choice of refried beans, beef, chicken, fi sh or shrimp. The Mayport Shrimp tacos are especially good, served with a side of salsa and sour cream. The fried banana peppers are one of the more unusual and popular side items on the menu. Lightly dusted with a breading, you can still see the yellow of the pepper showing through. It’s a tart choice that’s just a little off the bar food beaten path. Beer & wine. Open every day. $$
The Loop (11 locations all over Jacksonville) Just a few months after opening the restaurant in ’81, people were calling their pizza the best in the city and fl ocking to The Loop in droves. But they were selling more than just food, they were selling a concept: fast food served in a higher ascetic. The Loop did it before it was trendy, long before those little luxury salads became available at McDon- alds. Their gourmet salads upped the fast food ante by using fresh ingredients and real plates. Try one of their thick shakes or their signature tomato bisque soup. $
Mudville Grille (3105 Beach Blvd. St. Nicholas. 904-398-4326, 1301 Monument Rd. Arlington. 904-722-0008) The menu at Mudville Grille promises bar food in all its fried glory. On the ap- petizer menu, amidst classics including the Buffalo chicken fi ngers, Mudville’s red chile poppers are a standout. But bar food isn’t all you’ll fi nd on the menu at Mudville. Live it up with fresh sea- food–oysters steamed or raw, peel and eat shrimp or crab legs. Dinner selections, which are served with a salad and your choice of French fries or baked potatoes, include a monster 16 oz NY strip, a butterfl y shrimp platter or a marinated chicken breast. Open every day. Full bar. $$
Tom & Betty’s (4409 Roosevelt Blvd. Westside. 904-387-3311) Known for their Reubens and burgers, this family-owned establishment also has a full bar. Drop by on Tuesdays for trivia night, Wednesdays for poker and lady’s night, Thursdays for kid’s night and Saturdays for karaoke night. Live music every Friday. Full Bar. Open Mon-Sat. $$
barbecue Blackjack’s Best BBQ (4610 San Juan Ave. 904-387-3900) Known for their Memphis Style Dry Rub Ribs and basket of tableside sauces, these guys are a Jacksonville BBQ secret worth discover- ing. $
Bono’s (various locations. 904-398-4248) They fi rst fi red up their pit in the late 40s on Beach Boulevard in Jax Beach. Although there are many Bono’s throughout Jacksonville, natives prefer the original restaurant, called Lou Bono’s. There’s nothing automated about the Bono’s barbeque process, pit bosses literally stand over an open pit and tend to their meat. $$
2 dining guide | Fall 2007 | entertaining u newspaper to mash potatoes in a creamy, yet lumpy, delightful mess, with or mojo bbq pit & blues bar without gravy. Two classically southern sides for the choosing are the collard greens and black-eyed peas. 1607 University Blvd W. Lakewood. 904-732-7200 & 155 Beach Center cut pork chops, buttermilk fried chicken and a hand-cut Blvd. Jacksonville Beach. 904-249-6636 ribeye are a few of the down-home choices for the Southern platters. Mojo is “A Southern Blues Kitchen,” a center for barbecue and Try the chicken-fried steak topped with creamy gravy for a true down-home Southern cooking. Mojo’s has been in business for more Southern experience. Or you can enjoy the chipotle barbecue chicken, than two years. As owner Todd Lineberry says, “the food speaks for topped with a sweetly distinctive chipotle, cheddar jack cheese and itself.” smoked bacon, winning top marks from taste buds. If you’re looking A scrumptious assortment of appetizers are available, such as for something a little different, go for the Delta catfi sh platter, fried or the Mojo’s famous fried onion rings, chili cheese fries, pulled pork blackened. Barbeque platters come in two sizes, small and large, but quesadillas, Mississippi catfi sh fi ngers and fried chicken strips to even the “small” portion is a pretty substantial amount. $$ name a few. The kitchen at Mojo’s sprinkles all of their fresh salads with their delicious and unique homemade jalapeño cornbread croutons. Salads can be topped with fried or barbequed chicken, Texas chili, pulled pork, beef brisket or smoked turkey breast. When selecting sides, be sure to order the smoked yellow corn, which is richly smoked and full of fl avor. Mojo’s also knows how
eujacksonville.com | Fall 2007 | dining guide 3 Peanut Lime Slaw Crisps Grumpy’s (834 Kingsley Ave. Orange Park. 904-215-1956) Famous for their Eggs Benedict, from Blue Bamboo. Grumpy’s serves up straight-forward diner fare, including omelets, deli-style sandwiches and South- ern-style sides. The waitstaff is never grumpy here, always making sure beverages are full and the customers are satisfi ed. Open 5:30 am- 2 pm, 7 days a week. $
Metro Diner (3302 Hendricks Ave. San Marco. 904-398-3701) Local diners just tend to gain a little more panache when they’re in a swanky neighborhood. Such is the case with the Metro Diner, with their made-to-order omelets and 10-inch pancakes. Open 7:30 am- 2:30 pm daily. $$
Tidbits Restaurant (1076 Hendricks Ave. San Marco. 904-396-0528) This lunchtime eatery has been part of the competitive San Marco dining scene for some 20 years. The food is simple, fresh and good, with favorites such as potato salad and sandwiches on the menu. Catering available. Open Mon- Fri. $$
Truffl e’s Café and Bakery (11362 San Jose Blvd. Mandarin. 904-292-3345) Have a simple little chicken salad sandwich on a croissant, while sipping on gourmet tea or some of the best coffee in town. Their selection of sweet confections are talked about all over town. Open Tues-Sun. $$ cajun Bourbon Bayou (2 Independent Dr. Downtown, The Landing. 904-674- 6714) The Landing’s newest sit-down restaurant brings a little Cajun fl avor Downtown, in a melting pot of culinary tradi- tions, pulling from Native American, Spanish, French, German, Scottish and West Indies prepara- tions. Full bar. $$$
Harry’s (4495 Roosevelt Blvd. Westside. 904-387-0304) Try their spicy, savory and buttery Jamba- laya, with rice or pasta mixed in with shrimp chicken and smoked sausage. Another house favorite is the chicken Baton Rouge. Full bar. Open Mon-Sun. $$$ Cross Creek (850 S. Lane Ave. Westside. 904-783-9579) They’ve been at their original Lane Avenue locale for more than 10 years, serving up some of the best beef brisket in town and luring Ragtime Tavern Seafood Grill (207 Atlantic Blvd. Atlantic Beach. 904-241-7877) With their customers every time the wind wafts the smell of that slow-cooked meat over Lane. Cross Creek has own micro-brewery and food with an ‘Orleans fl air, this is one of the most popular eateries on Atlan- two locations (Lane Avenue and Lem Turner) but the local favorite is the original Westside locale. $$$ tic Beach. It’s a big place with cozy booths and lots of levels, giving it a sense of intimacy. Expect live music on the weekends and some fi ery Cajun food. Try New Orleans favorites like jambalaya, Jenkins Quality Barbecue (830 Pearl St. 353-6388, 2025 Emerson St. 346-3770, 1791 Kings red beans & rice and blackened fi sh. They’ve got a decent coconut shrimp appetizer and if you’ve Rd. 358-9915, 5945 New Kings Rd. 765-8515) If you haven’t been to Jenkins Quality Barbecue, got a taste for Asian style cuisine, try the delish seared tuna. Come for the beer, stay for the food. you are missing out on a Jacksonville tradition. Jenkins has a place where you can sit down, but Full bar. Open every day. $$$ they’re most known for their take-home chicken in a bag. They sell them by half or whole, slather them in the Jenkins mustard-based sauce and stick them in a bag with several slices of bread. It looks terrible, but tastes great. Jacksonville natives also love their fi nely minced slaw and they also buy the Jenkins Sauce for their home barbecues. $$ southwestern
Woody’s (various locations. 904-384-3442) Founded in 1980, Woody’s is a relatively young Jack- West Inn Cantina (3644 St. John’s St. Avondale. 904-389-1131) sonville chain, when compared to the venerable Bono’s. Woody’s is still owned and operated by the West Inn Cantina fi rmly bases their cooking in the Southwestern tradition, throwing in original owner, Woody Mills. They’ve stayed true to their concept and recipes, while including new some California fl ash, a dash of the Caribbean and a little Indian spice. Raspberry glazed selections like their low-carb Bar-B-Q Wrap. $$ salmon, an Angus Certifi ed Margarita steak, honey lime chicken and West Indian barbecue shrimp are just four of the selections that might beckon you on to the house specials portion of the menu. Try the Five Treasure Chicken for an intriguing and scrumptious study in fusion. Served cafés & diners with a pepper cream sauce that fl awlessly blends spices of India and the West, the chicken is coated with crushed tortilla shells and bread crumbs. The portion of chicken cutlets is very The Fox (3580 St. Johns Ave. Avondale. 904 387-2669) generous. Fortunately, the Five Treasure Chicken makes for tasty leftovers. Full bar. $$ This Riverside diner is an Avondale landmark. In addition to having the best quick breakfast in town, they serve it up hot and made-from-scratch in a funky retro diner circa 1950s. It isn’t schtick, Campeche Bay Mexican Restaurant (8120 Atlantic Blvd. Regency. 904-727-5050) it’s been around since then, but these days it’s the cleanest diner in the historic district. From their Fajitas and Margaritas are the signature items at Campeche, but people also rave about their rice fried green tomatoes drizzled with a horseradish sauce to their world-famous corned beef hash, The and beans. For something a little different with a Mexican fl air, try the crab enchiladas. Folks from Fox is the place for everyone from the early rising businessman to the hungover twenty-something. the area love to drink at their bar, even after the kitchen’s closed. Their fried ice cream is the best in Try their theme omelets, such as the white with veggies or the spicy “Ortega,” its all delicious. Get town. Full bar. Open every day. $$ breakfast all day (they are open until 2:30 most days) or get a Coyote Burger topped with an egg for breakfast. It’s family run, with excellent service. Open 7am-2:30 pm every day. $$ Mossfi re Grill (1537 Margaret Street. Five Points. 904-355-4434) One thing that makes the Mossfi re a little different than most Southwestern style eateries is the fi sh selections. Besides the Beach Hut Café (1281 S. 3rd St. Jacksonville Beach. 904-249-3516) Wondering where to catch regular fi sh menu choices, they also offer a fi sh special which changes regularly. Specials in many breakfast at the beach? Look no further than the Beach Hut, which serves breakfast all day. Try their restaurants aren’t always that special, but at the Mossfi re, their special preparations are known to be Complete Country Meal: two eggs, two hot cakes and your choice of home fries, grits or cheese exceptionally good, so don’t be afraid to venture off the regular menu. Full bar. Open Mon-Sat. $$ grits, plus coffee or tea. If you’re an early riser come in from 6 am-8 am Monday through Friday, for a substantial breakfast for only $2.99. Folks also eat their casual lunches, noshing on their club sandwiches, fi sh fi llets, burgers and lunch specials. Open 6 am- 2:30 pm every day. $ southern Cool Moose Café (2708 Park St. Riverside. 904-381-4242) If you’ve got a hankering for a break- Beach Road Chicken Dinners (4132 Atlantic Blvd. St. Nicholas. 904-398-7980) It’s more than fast with incredible fl avor, try the HELLO bagel or the three egg spicy sausage. Breakfasters with just a landmark, it’s a time honored Jacksonville tradition of more than 60 years. Their classic four- a sweet tooth can nosh on their fl uffy pancakes (excellent with added blueberries), French toast or piece chicken dinner, biscuits, gravy, slaw, cream peas, gravy and fries are legendary Southern fried their eggs benedict. Each sandwich in the Cool Moose arsenal comes with a side. If you enjoy sweet foods here in Jax. Open Tue-Sun. $ potatoes don’t miss the sweet potato fries. For dessert, Cool Moose has a cookie that legends are built upon-which is why the legend is printed on a sidebar of the menu. Beer & Champagne. Open Michelle’s Southern Home Cooking (8560 Beach Blvd. Southside. 904-353-0002) Loads of Tue- Sun. $$ Southern vegetables, cooked until they yield some delicious “pot lickers.” Classic country fried
4 dining guide | Fall 2007 | entertaining u newspaper steak and other Southern fried favorites can be found on the menu. For dessert, have a slice of homemade apple pie. All their pies and cakes are homemade. Open everyday. $$
Pengree’s Restaurant (556 Kingsley Ave. Orange Park. 904-278-0089) For breakfast or lunch in Orange Park, try Pengree’s. Weekly specials include Meatloaf Mondays, Wednesday’s Country Fried Steak and Friday’s Chicken Pot Pie. Breakfast is served till 11 am Monday through Friday, till noon on Saturday and till 2 pm on Sundays. Eggs, pancakes and French Toast are the stars of their breakfast menu. Open 7 am- 2 pm every day. $$ steakhouse/chop house
The Preservation Tap & Chop House (St. Johns Ave. Avondale. 904-555-1212) If you’re searching for the newest dining hotspot in Jacksonville, take a ride to Avondale and sit down to a terrifi c meal at the Preservation Tap & Chop House. Owner Drew Cavins says, “I wanted it to be a neighborhood place with an elegant ambiance…I wanted to create what a restaurant in the 1930s in Jacksonville might be like.” Although every aspect of their menu has moments worth celebrating, the entrees are defi - nitely the stars of the show. Whether you want to keep it fairly inexpensive with their Cherry Chicken with Goat Cheese for less than twenty dollars, or try the porterhouse for more than thirty, you will never feel as though it wasn’t worth the price. Carnivores will adore the Prime Rib Panini. This sandwich is smothered with Swiss cheese and comes with an au jus dipping sauce and any of their Southern sides. All of the sides seem to be earning praise, and I am positively in love with the collard green au gratin! Some of the more unusual and contemporary salads include the turkey tan- doori and Lobster Cobb salads. I took pleasure in the fl uffy bib lettuce of the warm brie, pecan and pear salad, which was served with a sweet-but-tart rosemary honey vinaigrette. Full bar. $$$
Morton’s (1510 Riverplace Blvd. Southbank. 904-399-3933) It’s all dark woods and an ambiance that would make ol’ blue eyes proud. The walls are fi lled with nostalgic photos of old movies stars and celebrities. Choose your aged beef from a tableside cart and live it up, steak-style. Full bar. Open every day. $$$$
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse (1201 Riverplace Blvd. Southbank. 904-396-6200) While it might be commercially owned, this steakhouse is worth a mention because it’s where businessmen take their high-end clients. They pride themselves on fun with class, but it’s the class that people go back for. They season the steak with very little, letting the true fl avor of the aged beef show through. If you’re not up for steak, go for the lobster, it’s nothing less than delicious. Full bar. Open every day. $$$$
Tree Steakhouse (11362 San Jose Blvd. Ste 1. Mandarin. 904-262-0006 & 725 Atlantic Blvd. Atlantic Beach. 904 241-5600) The inside of this classic Jacksonville Steakhouse will remind you of an upscale men’s club (in the Mandarin locale), but the menu is diverse and the ambiance is roman- tic enough that it’s a favorite for Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. The steak, of course, is excel- lent, but so is the salmon. Full bar. Open every day. $$$$ asian cuisine
Blue Bamboo (3820 Southside Blvd. Southside. 904-646-1478) A blue bamboo is an American with deep Asian roots, like Blue Maboo’s owner Den- nis Chan. In the past six decades, his family has owned twelve Chinese restaurants in the Jacksonville area. After graduating from Hyde Park’s Culinary Institute of America, Chan worked with the Food Network’s Ming Tsai on the program “East Meets West.” The whimsically named fried dragon whiskers are narrow strips of zucchini fried in sesame flour and served with a side sauce of garlic chive ranch. If ever there was a way to get your kid to eat their veggies—the dragon whiskers are it! Blue Bamboo doesn’t skimp on the crab in their crab cakes; instead of looking for the blue crab amidst too many bread crumbs, I found myself happily looking for the bread crumbs. Beautifully presented, this Street Eat is drizzled with sarachi oil, Asian chili sauce and a lemongrass sauce. Choosing an entrée was a difficult task; my attention caught by the variety of choices. peanut lime chicken, ahi tuna and coconut shrimp are three of the scrumptious choices offered under salads. Under noodle dishes, I passed up the pad thai and curry with regret, knowing from the Street Eats that they would certainly be tasty. I nearly settled on the miso marinated salmon, but once I saw that Cantonese orange duck was offered— I couldn’t resist, and I wasn’t disappointed. The crispy duck comes in a sweet orange sauce with a side of sticky jasmine rice and a small spring salad topped with bal- samic vinaigrette. The dessert selections come under the heading of “Happy Endings.” Open everyday for lunch and then after 5 pm. $$$
eujacksonville.com | Fall 2007 | dining guide 5 sushi café
2025 Riverside Ave. Riverside, 904-384-2888 One of the most visually interest- ing things to ever grace a plate is sushi. For form and variety, you just can’t beat a good-looking plate (or boat) of sushi. Presenta- tion is half the fun at Sushi Café. The quickly clas- sic, beloved Jax 5-Points sushi stop is a local favorite for a reason—quality sushi served fresh. Also served at the sushi bar is sashimi, a chilled slice of raw fi sh available at most sushi bars but not considered sushi because it is served without rice. Generally though, sushi rice is the base around which sushi is built, so it’s important to get the right consis- tency and stickiness. The rice at Sushi Café is sticky without being dry with the appropriate amount of vinegar. If you are a sushi afi cionado then you will enjoy the nigiri sushi at Sushi Café, which is a slice of raw fi sh atop a small block of sushi rice, generally with a small dab of wasabi in between. The maguro, or tuna, is a deep pink, uniform in color and tender, as it should be. In all sushi preparations here I found that the avocado was as exquisitely fresh as the white fi sh, salmon and tuna I enjoyed on the rainbow roll. Those that don’t want to try sushi or aren’t in the mood for it can fi nd plenty of selections on the menu. Try a tempting tempura battered appetizer or full fl edged meal. Choose from shrimp, chicken or vegetable. Hibachi items, teriyaki chicken or steak and katsu are some of the items available. The chicken hibachi was remarkably tender. Lobster, fi let mignon, steak and scallop preparations are all on the menu. From the stickiness of the rice to the freshness of the ingredients Sushi Café has my endorsement as some of the best sushi in town. Beer, wine & sake. Open every day. $$
6 dining guide | Fall 2007 | entertaining u newspaper chinese
Genghis Khan Chinese Restaurant (1060 San Jose Blvd. Mandarin. 904-286-1668) They call it a Chinese restaurant, but the addition of Genghis Khan to the name should clue you in that it’s a bit Mongolian as well. They’ve even got a handy posted guide if you aren’t sure how to spice or sauce your raw meat/vegetable selection depending on your fl avor preferences. Your selections are then cooked up by the chef on a fl at, hot grill. Upon your return, your choice of rice or noodles will be ready to add to your Mongolian creation. Beer & wine. Open Tue-Sun. $$ Jade’s Bistro (11362 San Jose Blvd. Mandarin. 904-288-7999) Jade Bistro mostly makes up- scale Chinese dishes. In appetizers, you might want to try the lettuce wraps; crisp iceberg lettuce is brought to your table along with a fl avorful fi lling of chicken or shrimp. Entrées they’re known for include Thai-style Chilean Sea-bass. Beer & wine. Open every day. $$
Mongo’s Flat Hot Grill (2 Independent Dr. Downtown, The Landing. 904-665-0123) Mongolia’s right next to China, isn’t it? Well, it’s close enough for Mongo’s Mongolian style buffet to end up in the Chinese section. Down at the Landing, you can fi nd this fun restaurant. There’s a good view of the river and the skyline. Best of all, they’ve got a full bar to go with the grill. Not a surprise, since everything at the Landing, including the T-shirt shops, eventually seems to get a full liquor bar. Choose your raw meats, veggies and spices, and then watch the chef cook it up on the grill. Just $14.95 all you can eat (without a drink). Full bar. $$
Pagoda (8617 Baymeadows Rd. Baymeadows. 904-731-0880) For a sit down Chinese lunch that’s fast enough for Baymeadows workers to get back before their lunch hour ends but still nice enough to make diners feel relaxed, Pagoda is the choice. Try the shrimp fried rice, and even if you have to order it a day ahead of time, the Peking Duck. Open Mon-Sat. $$ indian India’s Restaurant (9802 Baymeadows Rd. Southside. 904 -620-0777) The cuisine at India’s Restaurant comes from the northwestern region of Punjab, which straddles India and Pakistan. The regional cuisine is based on the use of creams and, of course, curries. The rice at India’s Restaurant is Basmati rice, which comes exclusively from India (attempts to grow it in the states have resulted in an inferior rice). Fragrant as only Basmati rice can be, the cook delicately spices and fl avors it with ghee butter. Such rice is surely served in heaven. The lunch special, at about $6, attracts quite a few business people from the surrounding Baymeadows area. Beer & wine. Open Mon-Sun. $$
Cilantro (9825-6 San Jose Blvd. Mandarin. 904-262-9577) This menu runs the gamut of Indian cuisine, including the Southern region. They serve outstanding tandoori chicken. Try their massive lamb dosa, which is over a foot in length. Everyone in that area of San Jose Boulevard knows about the lunch buffet and they keep it in mind for lunch hour, when they get tired of barbecue and fast food. Beer & wine. Open Mon- Sun. $$
Taj Indian Restaurant (9041 Southside Blvd. Southside. 904-519-0098) Known for their superb naan bread, Taj is considered quite a fi nd for those who venture into the restaurant, tucked away in one of Southside’s anonymous strip malls. From the menu, try their “Indian Dinner for Two” a full fi ve-course meal including big bowls of mulligatawny soup, a collection of appetizers, and two meat dishes of your choice, accompanied by a thick veggie curry, pullao rice, their famous naan, and gulab jamun for dessert. Besides their lunch buffet, they also serve up a tasty dinner buffet in the evenings. Beer & wine. $$
Red Chilies (8661 Baymeadows Rd. Southside. 904-566-6707) One of the newest and most hip Indian restaurants on the Jacksonville scene, Red Chilies not only serves regional Indian fare, they also dish up Indo-Chinese entrées such as Chicken Manchurian. Select something from their Biryani Mmenu for a savory Middle Eastern/Indian treat. Southern Indian dishes such as their methuvada (a deep fried lentil cake) and their North Indian curries round out their menu. Full bar. Tues-Sun. $$ japanese Blue Fin (104 Bartram Oaks Walk. Julington Creek. 904-230-7466) Blue Fin’s décor doesn’t stick to the usual sushi house formula, mostly abandoning Japanese touches in favor of a more contempo- rary, trendy look. Most nights, you’ll fi nd owner George Le toiling away behind the sushi bar, deftly shaping the rolls and sculpting the rice. He knows sushi well, but also has a background in pasta and French cuisine. Because of this, and his Vietnamese heritage, garlic is one of his favorite ingredi- ents. That, along with the standard soy sauce, serves as the basis for many of his savory sauces. Full bar. $$$
Chizu (1227 S. 3rd St. Jacksonville Beach. 904-241-8455) A darkened Japanese steakhouse and su- shi bar not far from Jax Beach, their hibachi chefs put on quite a show. The sushi bar is long (almost 30 feet) and they offer more than 50 selections. Full bar. Open every day. $$$$
eujacksonville.com | Fall 2007 | dining guide 7 Beef Mixed Vegatable Dish from Aurathai.
Crazy Sushi (4320 Deerwood Lake Pkwy, #202. Southside. 904-998-9797) “Sushi so hot, the Tama’s Sushi (106 1st St. Neptune Beach. 904-241-0099) wasabi gets nervous.” is the slogan at Crazy Sushi. The specialty is sushi, but they serve other Japa- Hakaru “Tama” Tamaki was formally trained in Japan as a Sushi Chef. Tama moved to Jacksonville nese dishes in a casual atmosphere. Try the crab rangoon for a non-sushi appetizer alternative. Beer in 1981, becoming the fi rst Sushi Chef in the area. It has been his life-long dream to have his own & wine. Open every day. $$ restaurant. Now he makes some of Jacksonville’s best sushi right across the street from the ocean in Neptune Beach. Beer & sake. $$ Fusion Point (237 San Marco Ave. St. Augustine. 904-823-1444) For sushi and a fusion blend of Far Eastern dishes, head to Fusion Point, the best established sushi joint in St. Augustine. Chef Tai specializes in interesting new blends of fl avors and textures that have made his restaurant well respected in the area. Voted the Best Ethnic Restaurant by the St. Augustine Record for several years thai by the locals, it’s located just north of the Florida School for the blind. Beer, wine & sake. Open for dinner from 5 pm-10 pm daily. Aurathai (1173 Edgewood Ave. S. Murray Hill. 904-389-8424) Murray Hill got a little swankier, with the addition of Aurathai. Try their delicious, tradi- Koja Sushi (2 Independent Dr. The Landing, Downtown. 904-350-9911 & 9866 Baymeadows Rd. tionally prepared thom yum soup or Kaeng Kiew Wan (also known as green curry). If you’ve Baymeadows. 904-350-9911) Those looking for a Japanese meal experience ought to know that eaten at Taste of Thai on University, Aurathai is the more upscale version. Justin Sellas, son of there is a strong Korean infl uence as far as other dishes besides sushi are concerned. The Spicy Pork the owners of Taste of Thai, decided to open his own place with his own stamp on things. He box, which is described as “sliced pork in sweet & spicy sauce” is more like a Korean curry than named the restaurant to honor his mother Aurathai Sellas. what you’d normally expect at a Japanese restaurant. Locals know to ask for the excellent kimchee, A colorfully chic décor gives Aurathai a modern, fun and classy feel. The highly saturated a traditional Korean dish of fermented veggies. Full bar. Open every day. $$$ color is broken up by custom-made white paper and stainless steel wall lights, as well as bam- boo paneling and occasional olive green accents. In the very back of the restaurant you’ll fi nd Sake House (824 Lomax St. 5- Points. 904 301-1188) Artistic interpretations of Japanese scenes a large black and white picture of a Thai woman in a traditional headdress, over the well ap- grace the walls of this 5-Points sushi house. At Sake House, you can sit in a traditional Japanese din- pointed wine bar. ing room, but you’ll have to remove your shoes. There are 10 specialty sushi rolls to choose from on The spring rolls are perfectly conceived and executed, but it was the sweet chili sauce their sushi menu and 8 more on their regular menu. Beer, wine & sake. Open every day. $$ served on the side that had us begging for more. The same sauce took a starring role in the thang qua, a sliced cucumber salad garnished with ground peanuts. One appetizer that was Sushi Rock Café (1950 San Marco Blvd. San Marco. 904 399-3305) Neon in the midst of San snapped up quickly was the chicken satay skewers. The incredible peanut sauce was respon- Marco marks this sushi place. The décor and feeling is Urban Japanese, with a hint of futurism and a sible for the run on those. dash of nostalgia. Sit at the bar and watch them craft your meal. Beer, wine & sake. Open every day. I nearly ordered my Kaeng Daeng (red curry) Thai hot. Instead, I opted for hot, one step $$
8 dining guide | Fall 2007 | entertaining u newspaper below, and that was plenty spicy, even for me. They’re very accommodating as far as making Venison and Crème your dish at whatever level of spice you’d like, from mild on up. Only Thai food can bring Brûlée from The Row. that mixture of slow heat and fast burn that I crave. In the taste department, Aurathai has made the top of my Thai list. Beer, wine & sake. Open every day. $$
Lemongrass (9846 Old Baymeadows Rd. Baymeadows. 904-645-9911) An upscale L.A. urban feel is the back-drop for tasty Ameri-Thai-fare at this Baymeadows area restaurant. With a lime green décor and a small-but-chic bar, it’s also a stop for a casual dinner. Try their Pad Thai and Crab Rangoon. Beer, wine & sake. Open Mon-Sat. $$$
Old Siam Restaurant (1716 3rd Street North. Jacksonville Beach. 904-247-7763) A soothing dé- cor of greys, burgundies and pinks makes this a romantic twist on Thai. As the sister restaurant of Pom’s, you can expect the same level of excellent service and well-chosen wine list. Try their sig- nature seafood special of shrimp, mussels, scallops, squid and crab claws with sweet basil and Thai spice. Beer, wine & sake. Open for dinner every day. $$$
Pattaya Thai (9551 Baymeadows Rd. Baymeadows. 904-646-9506) Jacksonville diners who crave authentic Thai often eat at Pattaya Thai, which has a devoted following. The chicken coconut soup is one of the menu items regulars go back for. It’s been part of the Jacksonville dining scene since before Thai was cool, albeit in a different location than where they fi rst started. Beer, wine & sake. Open Mon-Sat. $$$
Pom’s (1974 San Marco Blvd. San Marco. 904-338-0269) For Thai food in an uber-posh atmo- sphere, try Pom’s in San Marco. This pricey, white table-clothed Thai eatery often serves chicken satay and Thai spring rolls to the pre-theater crowd. Located just off San Marco’s square above Square One, you can enjoy traditional Thai fare as well as fusion twists on old dishes. Try their sea- food dishes or see if you can stand the heat of one of their spicier dishes; but be forewarned, unless b.b.’s (1019 Hendricks Ave. San Marco. 904-306-0100) For diverse, stylish American food in a you’re a true afi cionado of Thai-spice, you might be sweating at your well-appointed table. Full bar. mod-bistro atmosphere, minus the pretension, b.b.’s in San Marco is a Jacksonville favorite. They’ve $$$$ reportedly got a bisque soup that will have you wanting to lick the bowl clean. Under each entrée, one of their by-the-glass wines is suggested as a pairing. Desserts are large, so plan to share! Last Taste of Thai (4317 University Blvd. Southside. 904-737-9009) There’s a homey, family feel to we heard, they don’t accept reservations, but you can give them a call an hour before you arrive, this Thai restaurant, mostly because it is a family-owned and operated business. Service is always give them a specifi c time and they will put your name on their call-ahead list. $$$ friendly and they have a full selection of vegetarian items. The green chicken curry choice comes highly recommended. Regulars are a big part of the scene at Taste of Thai and owner Aurathai often Bistro Aix (1440 San Marco Blvd. San Marco. 904-398-1949) French-style bistro fare at its fi nest takes the time to greet them. Beer & wine. Open Mon-Sat. $$ with an eclectic fl are, Bistro Aix has a reputation for upscale cuisine, but there are some tasty op- tions on the menu for under $20 and they have half-portions available on many of the selections, Thai Café (1177 Park Ave. Orange Park. 904-541-0204) This place specializes in the old classic something you might be grateful for if you like to have a little taste of everything! For dessert try Pad Thai, and locals often order the Cantonese-style fi sh, which is lauded as pretty close to the genu- their classic crème brûlée. Open every day. Full bar. $$$ ine deal. Prices are reasonable and the made-to-order lunch special is just $5.95. Beer & wine. Open Mon-Sat. $$ Biscotti’s (3556 St. Johns Ave. Avondale. 904-387-2060) Although bb’s and Biscotti’s are under the same ownership, Biscotti’s came fi rst. Years ago, Biscotti’s began as a hip coffeehouse in Avon- Thai Room (1286 S. 3rd St. Jacksonville Beach. 904-249-8444) The same folks that own Lem- dale, the fancy part of Riverside. Brick walls and curved archways give the place a more traditional ongrass also own this Jax Beach gem. They specialize in fi ne Thai cuisine including crispy duck, feel than its sister restaurant. Although their salads and entrees are fi rst rate, they’re known for their Thai-style snapper and chicken satay. A large menu means you’ll always fi nd something you’re in desserts, so check out their pastry case and make sure you save room. Open every day. Beer & wine. the mood for. Wine lovers will fi nd more than 200 wine selections on their menu. Beer, wine & sake. $$$ Open Mon-Sat. $$$ Brick Restaurant (3585 St. Johns Ave. Avondale. 904-387-0606) The seating style at the Brick encourages diners to look out at the picturesque, oak-lined street of people who walk in Avondale, whether it be a man walking a massive Dalmatian or a woman pushing a double stroller of twins. fine dining As an added bonus, the outdoor area of the Brick has misters, keeping diners cool in the heat of the summer. Lunch diners often opt for their popular Cuban Panini, while at dinner they chose to feast The Row (1521 Riverside Ave. Riverside. 904-354-5080) on the maple-glazed salmon entrée. Full bar. Open every day. $$$ The restaurant is named for “the row,” which is what the row of luxurious mansions lining Riverside Avenue was called in the early part of the last century. It captures the 1900 Café Nola (333 N. Laura St. Downtown. 904-366-6911) An unexpected shot of sweet is the sig- fl avor of Riverside beautifully, with rich maroon walls, white table cloth settings and fresh nature of Café Nola. It can be shock for those who are strictly meat and potatoes or that don’t like fl owers. to experiment. The Indian style mussels are a great favorite, if you’re fond of mussels. The fl avor The Row is, without a doubt, one of best places in Jacksonville to go for a romantic of the mussels gracefully prevails over the light-handed curry fl avor, and the portion is fairly large. meal. On a nice day you can sit on the spacious porch in the front, or you can eat more ca- Also notable on the small plates section of the menu are the Truffl ed Risotto Fritters, which are off sually on the deck in the back. The two main dining areas, bisected by the hotel lobby, are set by a sweet, caramelized black pepper shallot marmalade. Full bar. Open Mon–Fri and featuring a classically Riverside, with cushy chairs, beautiful place settings and window vistas of the Sunday brunch. $$$ neighborhood and the trees. Perhaps the pinnacle of The Row’s entrées is their signature Chicken Marsala. It’s Chew (117 W. Adams St. Downtown. 904-355-3793) Putty greens, clean lines and industrial/urban not the standard thin, rough-pounded chicken, but is instead served as a roasted de-boned warmth (yes, there is such a thing) mark the décor, with oh-so New York white paper lights, green chicken stuffed with a stunningly fl avorful spinach, goat cheese and pecans, topped with an tiled pillars and frosted glass. Serving reasonably priced, beautifully presented soups, salads and excellent marsala sauce, mushrooms and capers. I haven’t found a tastier chicken dish in other breakfast and lunchtime favorites. Patrons come back for their fried green tomato BLT and Jacksonville. Those with a taste for tender venison should try the charbroiled venison ten- their incredible croquet-Madame, topped with a fried egg. Salad offerings include the signature derloin. It’s complemented nicely by a wholly agreeable juniper-balsamic reduction, roasted Chew salad with shitake mushrooms, the apple and goat cheese salad, fresh citrus salad, fennel and potatoes and fresh asparagus. The Row does as well in the fi sh category as they do in all spinach salad, black mission prosciutto and classic Caesar. Each salad on the menu is paired with its others. I highly recommend the pesto-crusted salmon with parmesan sour cream sauce, for own dressing, made to complement its salad. Beer & wine. Open Mon-Fri. $$$ a richly creamy yet slightly tart salmon experience. The sunburst squash served on the side was a lightly sweet, delicious pairing for this dish. Cortesses Bistro & Flamingo Room (172 San Marco Ave. St Augustine. 904-825-6775) Expect Reservations are recommended, but you can always take a seat at the classy Gum Bunch delectable seafood crepes, stuffed fl ounder and live music. We recommend their artichoke soup and Pub. Besides a decent wine list and good selection of beers, they’ve got a full bar for those (despite the upscale manner of the place) their burgers. Take advantage of their beautiful courtyard who like the stronger stuff. Open Mon-Sat for dinner. $$$$ and sip on an exquisite martini from their Flamingo Room. They also have a delightful champagne brunch on Sundays. Full bar. Open Mon-Sun. $$$
eujacksonville.com | Fall 2007 | dining guide 9 Crush (3630 Park St. Avondale. 904-381-0909) High-art French food has become the signature of this former wine bar. The appetizer with the loveliest presentation on their current dinner menu seems to be the Tarte de Fromage Chevre, a layered tart of roasted beets and goat cheese atop mixed greens highlighted with a citrus vinaigrette. Also sitting pretty on the plate—their Roti de Canard, a slow roasted duck breast, truffl ed carrot puree, grilled endive, duck gelee, with a beurre rouge sauce. Beer & wine, lots of wine. Open Mon-Sat. $$$$
Eleven South Bistro (216 11th Ave. S. Jacksonville Beach. 904-241-1112) At Eleven South, they say that “good food has an address”—theirs. It’s modern American cuisine served with a Mediter- ranean fl air, though they pull inspiration from around the world for their menu, which often changes. One appetizer that does stay on the menu is their seafood martini; ahi tuna tartar, lump crab, poached white shrimp, avocado, mango salsa, crostini and citrus aioli presented in a martini glass. Seafood, steak and various other upscale items round out their menu. Full bar. Open every day. $$$$
Ocean 60 (60 Ocean Blvd. Atlantic Beach. 904-247-0060) One of this bistro’s trademark dishes is a whole fried fi sh dusted in a light cornmeal, perfectly scored (so you can lift the fi sh right off the bone), and served with yucca fries, a Napa cabbage salad and a brandy citrus dipping sauce. If you want to peruse the art on the walls as well as on the plate, make sure you request a table on the mar- tini bar side, where they have a rotating gallery. Full bar. Open Mon-Sat. $$$$
Opus 39 (39 Cordova St. St. Augustine. 904-824-0402) Each night, the fi ve-course tasting menu changes, so you’ll always have the chance to try something new at this cutting-edge, yet elegant bistro. It’s a contemporary Spanish cuisine that borrows fl avors from around the globe. They’re no slouch in the wine department either, and have won awards from Wine Spectator Magazine. They also have a retail wine shop on-site, if you should want to take home some exclusive vino. Reserva- tions are required. Beer & wine. Open Tues-Sat. $$$$
Sterlings (94551 St. John’s Ave. Avondale. 904-387-0700) The white table cloths, the sterling sil- verware and the fi ne food make this a great spot for an upscale meal. They serve veal, lamb, chicken and a fresh catch of the night on their menu. Upstairs is a great little bar, and the courtyard makes for a romantic spot to dine. It’s much quieter than some of the other fi ne restaurants in town, so you won’t have to shout to your dinner companions over your fi ne meal. On Sundays they serve brunch with mimosas and bloody marys, as in customary here in Jacksonville. Just have one, or pay a little extra to upgrade to bottomless drinks. Full bar. Open every day. $$$$ delicatessan Worman’s Deli (204 Broad St. Downtown. 904-354-5702) This Downtown deli is an institution that’s been family owned and operated since 1923. Try anything from the deli case, order yourself a made-to-order sandwich or indulge in one of their baked sweets, like a black and white cookie. Open Mon-Sat. $
Whiteway Delicatessen (1510 King St. Riverside. 904-389-0355) A little slice of New York is right on the corner of King and Park Street in the historic Whiteway corner of Riverside. When you fi rst step in, the pictures of all of their customers may throw you off, but don’t worry, you’ll get your turn when you get to the counter. They have some of the best sandwiches, especially the ones stuffed into pitas. Get one of their side salads to complement it, you’ve never had a better potato salad. $ irish Culhane’s (967 Atlantic Blvd. Atlantic Beach. 904-249-9595) If you’re lucky you might see one of the four Culhane sisters who run the pub. These delightful ladies hail from county Cork out of Ireland. Culhane’s is our pick for hearty Irish fare, from their potato leek soup to their shepherd’s pie. Desserts are just as good as the main fare. Carolan’s fried cheese cake, covered in Irish crème sauce is a defi nite winner. The 24-carrot cake is a truly massive slab of carrot cake with a rich cream cheese icing and honest-to-goodness whipped cream. Full bar. Open 11:30 am- till the last customer leaves Tue-Sun. $$
Fionn MacCool’s (333 1st Street North, Suite 150. Jacksonville Beach. 904-242-9499) From the front door to the back room, Fionn MacCool’s is everything you expect from an upscale Irish pub. Besides typical pub fare and a lovely Guinness Steak, they serve the rare Irish specialty of Boxty, a traditional Northwest Irish meal, which is a potato pancake as light as a crêpe wrapped around a meat fi lling in a rich cream sauce. Full bar. Open Mon-Sat with a weekend brunch. $$
Shannon’s (111 Bartram Oaks Walk. Julington Creek. 904-230-9670) Literally the greenest Irish pub in town, Shannon’s location near Mandarin makes it both a draw for families and a local hangout for twenty to forty-year olds looking for a neighborhood chill zone. Their menu includes standard pub food but they also offer up American style bar foods and an array of sandwiches and salads. Order the scotch eggs and you won’t be disappointed. You get two huge scotch eggs the size of small cannon balls. The boiled eggs are encased in Shannon’s bangers sausage and deliciously fried breading. Full bar. Open Mon-Sun. $$
10 dining guide | Fall 2007 | entertaining u newspaper european street café German food, such as bratwurst, knockwurst and a German potato salad (served warm) are part of the selections, as are Middle Riverside, Southside, Beaches, and San Marco Eastern Dishes like kibbie and tabouleh. European Street Café might just be Jacksonville’s undisputed Favorites include the Blue Max, featuring smoked pastrami, king of soups, salads and sandwiches, perhaps because it’s been corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese mixed with hot around for so long. Older locals remember when the place was called mustard and blue cheese dressing. For a twist on the club sandwich, Mr. Dunderbak’s Deli. give the Canadian Turkey Club a try. New on the menu is the Turkey There are certain items that bring people back, such as the Parisian, a sandwich where you win in its struggle between sweet and Beer-Cheese Soup served in a bread bowl, which is a favorite among savory. Turkey, brie, raspberry sauce, cucumber and lettuce all join in local soup lovers. Locals who frequent a European Street (they on a classy little croissant. are generally fi ercely devoted to one location) also come Under salads, the neighborhood choice is the shrimp salad back for the 2-6 pm Happy Hour. The sheer quantity bowl and in appetizers it’s the warm brie, served with almonds, apple and selection of beers available gives even the slices and French bread. Don’t miss the deli case on your way out. pickiest beer drinker enough choices. There are The desserts and cakes here are very, very good and they offer such something like 150 bottled beers available and strange cakes as the banana split, as well as gigantic, fresh- 20 beers on tap. baked cookies. Whatever you go for, make sure you visit a European Street Café at least once, it’s a Jacksonville tradition. Open every day. Beer & wine.
eujacksonville.com | Fall 2007 | dining guide 11 burrito gallery 21 East Adams St. Downtown. 904-598-2922 deli-style and otherwise. Vegetarians who haven’t yet discovered this Burrito Gallery has the chops to put some fi ne art on the walls place should come in for the ginger teriyaki tofu burrito and the grilled and some damn fi ne tacos on your plate. They consistently feature the veggie. The tacos are a smaller choice, but just as tasty. Try the fresh best and brightest young artists from the Jacksonville area, both on mahi, carnitas (pork), curry chicken or the shrimp. the canvas and on the actual wall. If you go to a place called Burrito Under salads the Cobb is a most excellent choice. The spring mix Gallery, you might want to order a burrito. Go ahead. But be warned. is topped with bleu cheese, egg, grilled scallions, tomatoes and bacon Burritos come in two sizes here, ginormous and gargantuan. with a tasty sherry tarragon vinaigrette served on the side. It comes They serve great food made fast. It’s fresh of course, and much, with grilled chicken, but you can sub that with steak or shrimp. But much better in quality than the majority of quickly prepared meals, the bottom line is that they have some of the best fi sh tacos in town made with blackened mahi. For an unusual treat, try their chicken curry tacos. Full bar. Open Mon-Sat. $$
12 dining guide | Fall 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Curried Snapper mediterranean/middle eastern from Zaitoon.
Zaitoon (13475 Atlantic Blvd. Intercoastal. 904-221-7066) Zaitoon cuisine delves deeply into the Mediterranean, borrowing from each tradition in the area—Spanish, French, Italian, Greek and Middle Eastern. The Mediterranean is such an intriguing mélange of cultures and cuisines, so Zaitoon has plenty to choose from. They blend tried-and-true family recipes with contemporary techniques. The appetizers, called “tapas” in the Spanish tradition, are divided into items that are served cold or hot. On the warmed or hot side, you’ll fi nd spanakopita, a Greek dish of butter brushed phyllo pastries baked and fi lled with spinach, sweet onion and feta. There’s also fl ash fried calamari and the ever popular Middle Eastern favorite of kibbie. Under the cold tapas there are a number of spreads for breads, including a signature dipping sauce. In this section I’d have to recommend the layered hummus here over their plain hummus. Fresh tomato, cu- cumber, red onion, kalamata olive, spinach and feta cheese top this layered hummus dish. Skewerless kebabs form the bulk of the lunch menu, including tasty lamb, beef and sa- vory chicken. The best choice is a combo kebab of two different kinds of meat. At dinner try Zaitoon’s Spanish Paella, with local shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari, and chicken sautéed in a white wine then baked over a chorizo and oven dried tomato risotto. You might want to sample their classically Greek Moussaka, a napoleon of eggplant, potato, ground sirloin, lamb and tomato with a Bechamel, or white sauce. Chicken lovers will fi nd it hard to resist the de- scription of their Sicilian Chicken, grilled and served with dried chilies, potato, bell peppers, tomato, olives, capers, and red wine amid basmati rice.
Casbah (3628 Saint Johns Ave. Avondale. 904-981-9966) The Casbah is on my list of late night bites, since they serve food until 2AM. It’s an established hookah hangout, so you can anticipate sweet clouds of hookah smoke. Unlike cigarette smoke, it isn’t disturbing to the meal, and is more like a light, sweet incense than anything else. Middle Eastern-style cuisine is a lot less exotic than people believe it is. At the Casbah, the stuffed Grape leaves, also known as a dolma, are stuffed with spiced ground beef and rice. The leaves themselves are a little tart, so they have a bit of a savory tang to them. I sampled the fool, which is like the fresh hummus, made largely by puréeing garban- zo beans (also known as chick peas) and topping it with olive oil and spices, only with fava beans, resulting in a thicker, heartier pita dip. Open every day. Beer & wine. $ latin La Nopalera (various locations.) When it comes to Mexican, Jacksonville dearly loves its La No- paleras. They have fi ercely loyal regulars, who know the servers by name, who eat there sometimes twice a week. The food is simple and lightly spiced. If you want more kick to your food, ask for extra hot sauce or salsa when you order. The ground beef tacos, lightly spiced, are extra tasty, and the fl uffy tortillas are perfectly genuine. Ask for the pork tacos, and you won’t be disappointed. $$
El Porto (11380 Beach Blvd. Downtown. 904-564-9977) Known as one of the best Mexican buf- fets in Jacksonville, El Porto serves up fast, simple Tex-Mex comfort foods for the whole family. The buffet is open from 11 am- 2:30 pm and 5 pm- 8:30 pm, seven days a week. Open 11 am-10 am Tento Churrascaria (528 First St. N. Jacksonville Beach. 904-246-1580) It’s Brazilian Steak- Mon-Sat; 11 am -9 pm Sun. $$ house that features, meat, meat and more meat, with over 14 cuts of meat carved before your very eyes. In fact, it’s kind of like a buffet, except that you just sit there and they continue to bring you Havana-Jax (2578 Atlantic Blvd. St. Nicholas. 904-399-0609) This restaurant is unique in Jack- more premium slices of meat. Drinks and desserts are separate from the $29 all-the-meat-you-can- sonville; while we have many Hispanic restaurants that serve the occasional Cuban dish, Havana- eat price. $$$$ Jax is the only one that specializes in purely Cuban cuisine. If you’re looking to come in for lunch, the Cuban sandwich is the most genuine Cuban you can fi nd in Jacksonville. Cuban arroz con pollo is the standout choice for dinner. Full bar. $$$ italian Jimadores Mexican Bar and Grill (440 Hendricks Ave. Miramar Plaza. 904-739-5828) They’ve got a good selection of Mexican beers such as Dos Equis, Tecate, and Corona to quench your thirst Angelo’s (2111 University Blvd. N. Arlington. 904-745-4812) With dark wood paneling, Sinatra after eating salsa and tortilla chips. Homemade tortillas, crisp lettuce, succulent tomatoes, tender, crooning, black accents and red tablecloths, Angelo’s isn’t short on classy retro-style atmosphere. juicy meats, and savory spices are just part of what you’ll fi nd at Jimadores. All of their dinners are The food is uncomplicated Americanized Italian. You’ll lovingly consume the artfully presented served with rice and beans and you can have your choice of beef, chicken, pork, or seafood. Full bar. chicken piccata. The moist juices of the tender chicken breast are sealed in by an egg batter (Fran- Open Mon-Sun. $$ çais style) served atop a bed of zucchini and green peppers with a fl avorful lemon and chicken stock reduction laced with capers. Full bar. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $$$ Puerto Plata Restaurant (2045 Blanding Blvd. Lakeshore. 904-388-5888) The line between Caribbean and Latin gets blurred at this family-owned restaurant on the Westside. The charming Sorrento’s (6943 Saint Augustine Rd. Mandarin. 904-636-9196) This is a true Italian bistro. A servers speak terrifi c English and are great at helping customers navigate their menu. If you love quaint little restaurant perfect for an intimate dinner, Sorrento is located in a snug little building plaintains, they have some of the best in town. Their Dominican fried chicken is also exceptionally tucked away from the limelight on St. Augustine Road. Known by foodies as one of the best kept good, but look out for bones, these aren’t McNuggets, they’re Latino Americano delicacies. Some secrets of Italian dining in Jacksonville, Chef Luciano Russo meticulously prepares delicious tradi- other notable dishes include their roasted pork, the soups, and their Cuban sandwich. Make sure to tional fare and the service is always extraordinary. Step out of the trendy restaurant scene and into try the hot sauce and instead of a soda, get their delicious Parcha, a passion fruit juice. Open Tues this quiet little treasure. Excellent wine list and select beers. Open Tues–Sun. $$$$ - Sun. $$ Ristorante Sarnelli’s (2023 Park Ave. Orange Park. 904-269-1331) In spite of having one of the Ramirez Restaurant (1237 Park Ave. Orange Park. 904-278-9040) Everybody thinks of this fam- best locations for a restaurant in Orange Park (at the corner of Park and Kingsley) Sarnelli’s still ily owned restaurant as primarily Mexican. While they do have their share of fajitas and Mexican seems like a secret. The façade isn’t impressive, but when you step inside, you step straight into an style dishes, you might want to venture into some of the Cuban cuisine the family cooks here, like authentic slice of Northern Italy. From their Flounder Caprese to the traditional lasagna, this is very their roast pork and the ropa vieja (a shredded beef dish). You can dine indoors or outdoors, enjoy- possibly the best Italian experience you can fi nd in Florida. But make a reservation if you expect to ing their selection of beer, wine and spirits. Full Bar. Open Mon- Sun. $$ be served. Beer and an exceptional wine list. Open Mon-Sat. $$$$
eujacksonville.com | Fall 2007 | dining guide 13 caribbean The Conch House (57 Comares Ave. St. Augustine. 904-829-8646) While this place has a Ca- ribbean/Floribbean fl avor to many of their dishes, it can’t exactly be called traditional Caribbean. Although more expensive than most Caribbean restaurants, it is well worth it. You can enjoy your Minorcan Burger in a private cabana on the water or have the Carribbean Chicken Pasta in their air-conditioned dining room. They also make great cocktails, not tourist grifters, but stiff drinks in their bar out on the dock. From live alligators to jet ski rentals, this must be the coolest restaurant in North Florida. Several full bars. Open every day. $$$
Ameribbean Restaurant (3801 N Main St. Springfi eld. 904-798-8500) This Springfi eld taste of the Caribbean is worth the drive, even if you don’t live in Springfi eld. Word of mouth has spread quickly about this hole-in-thewall- esque place, so you might fi nd yourself dining with some of the folks who report the local nightly news. Try their brown stew chicken (another name for jerk chick- en) and their beef stew, which simmers for hours. Open Mon-Sat. $
Caribbee Key (100 First St. Neptune Beach. 904-270-8940)The island-inspired food at Carib- bee Key has become an important part of the Neptune Beach culture. While Caribbee Key is more inspired by island fl avors and fl air than slavishly devoted to genuine Caribbean food, it’s still not Goat Cheese Wild Mushroom to be missed. You can sit outside and enjoy the sunlight and an ocean breeze, or you can go to their and Tomato Bruscetta from upstairs bar where they keep the windows open. The jerk Chicken is defi nitely of a Jamaican fl avor Tastings. and can be had fried or grilled. The creamy roasted corn and crab chowder will be a treat for those who love island chowder. It’s not very spicy, but it is very savory. Full bar. Open every day. $ Moon River Caribbean Sunrise Bakery & Restaurant (4106 N Main St. Springfi eld. 904-355-0405) For (1176 Edgewood Ave S. Murray Hill. 904-389-4442) Although not a traditional pie, more than 10 years, Caribbean Sunrise Bakery has been serving Jacksonville with a taste of the sun- their white pizza is the best in the business. Not many people remember Rock and Roll Pizza down- kissed islands. They play reggae and sell freshly baked Jamaican-style breads. Try a meat patty or town, but those that do can go to Moon River to fulfi ll that craving. They have exotic toppings, their tender oxtail, or if you’re adventurous, there’s ackee, which they only serve on Saturdays and original local art, and a rock and roll theme to their delivery. This is easily the best non-traditional Sundays during breakfast. Meals are well-priced and you can opt for half or whole portions. Open pizza in town, and it’s in Murray Hill. Who would’a guessed? Beer & wine. $$ every day. $
Caribbean Sunspot (116 East Adams St. Downtown. 904-359-2100) Right next to London seafood Bridge on Adams, you can fi nd Caribbean Sunspot. With a teeny dining area painted in Rastafarian Whitey’s Fish Camp (2032 County Rd. 220. Orange Park. 904-269-4198) colors, you can kick back and sip on some fruit nectar while noshing on their veggie plate or jerk This may just be the best thing about Orange Park. From their sweet potato fries to their Snow chicken. Open Mon-Fri. $ Crab dinners, Whitey’s is an institution. Some people feel that since they expanded they lost a little of their charm, but as a once Fleming Island local told us, their food used to be sketchy, Da Real Ting (128 West Adams St. Downtown. 904-633-9738 ) The jerk chicken here at Da Real whereas now it is fantastic. The view of Black Creek ain’t bad either, and there’s plenty of Ting really is the real thing. It’s the best jerk chicken we’ve found in Jacksonville. For some bar bites great live entertainment every weekend. Full bar. Open every day. $$ that can’t be beat, try their conch fritters, served with a spicy sauce. Full bar. Open Fri-Sun nights. $ Creekside Dinery (160 Nix Boatyard Rd. St Augustine. 904-829-6113) Overlooking the scenic Plantains at the Sea Turtle Inn (1 Ocean Blvd. Atlantic Beach. 904-249-7402) This high-end Gonzales Creek, this fi sh camp sort of seafood spot lets you sit right by the water while you dine on restaurant runs the culinary gamut, but it’s rooted in Floribbean fl avor. Try the pan seared crab cakes some of the best seafood the traditional south has to offer. From their famous seafood chowder to with a Key Lime mustard mayo or any of the fi sh dishes. With a lovely view of the Atlantic and a the Palatka plank steak, this is a true Florida experience. $$ fusion ingrained with Island fl avor, it’s one of the top restaurants on the beach. Open every day and late on Friday. They also have a spectacular brunch. Full bar. Open every day. $$$ Billy’s Boathouse (2321 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach. 904-241-9771) From clams and oys- ters to fi sh entrees with an Asian twist, including Cashew Crumb Swai (a snapper dish) and Salmon Hiro, Billy’s Boat House is perched right on the water and often features live music on their patio pizza while you dig into some fresh caught fi sh and a cold beverage. Full bar. $$ Cap’s on the Water (4325 Myrtle St. St. Augustine. 904-824-8794) Located on the Intracoastal Tommy’s Pizza (4160 Southside Blvd. Southside. 904-565-1999) This small, innocuous Waterway in St. Augustine, Cap’s started as a fi sh camp but has since become more upscale, with pizza place, buried in a strip mall along Southside Boulevard, was an unusual treat. Histori- white tablecloths and a wine list. For a less formal experience than the dining room has to offer, you cally, the best pizza places are never those glitzy towering standalone joints with recognizable can sit out on the deck, at the bar, or on their fl oating dock. They’ve recently added their “Sunset name brands, but rather small parlors tucked away almost invisibly in a strip of shops. As an Oyster Bar” to their deck, raw, steamed and a variety of baked oysters are served, as well as Dunge- appetizer, we had one of Tommy’s specialties; the unusual but astounding Strawberry and ness crab, mussels and Mayport shrimp. Full bar. $$ Tomato Salsa Foccacia. The Margherita pizza is a delicious thin-crust pizza with an olive oil sauce (replacing the traditional pizza sauce), topped with real mozzarella cheese, fresh sliced Outback Crab Shack (8155 County Rd. 13 N. St Augustine. 904-522-0500) This place is quickly roma tomatoes, and fresh basil. Bottled beers and wine. $$ becoming Jacksonville’s new favorite fi sh camp. Although it has been there since 1975, people in Jacksonville seem to have discovered it only in the last year or two, but it has quickly been a place Gino’s (1705 Hendricks Ave. San Marco. 904-398-4425) Somehow invisible to most people, known for being worth the drive. They call the restaurant a cypress shack, they have music, and they Gino’s is not hidden, it’s right next to the San Marco La Nopelara. Gino’s easily makes the best New are laid back (no shoes no shirt, no problem). Obviously their specialty is soft shell crab, but they York style pizza in town. The intimate little restaurant has great décor and makes enormous, hand- also have everything from oysters to alligator. Full bar. $$ tossed pizzas with traditional ingredients and some of the best sauce in town, bar none. If you’ve never had a pizza that made you close your eyes while you chew it, you’ve never been to New York Safe Harbor (4378 Ocean St. Mayport. 904-246-4911) This shop is fi rst and foremost one of the or Gino’s. Limited bottled beers and wine. Open every day. $$ best fresh fi sh markets in Jacksonville. Featuring a constantly changing array of the freshest fi sh to come off of the boats that dock right next to it, Safe Harbor can give you the raw materials for a Brooklyn Pizza (Locations in Mandarin, Bartram Park, and 9A at Baymeadows. 904-288- fantastic dish, or their experts can prepare the fi sh you pick out right there in their kitchen, and either 9211) You can always get a fairly quick slice of Brooklyn-style pizza at any of their loca- way it is likely to be among the best seafood you’ve had. $$ tions and their pizza is pretty close to the real thing. Their gigantic, hand-tossed pizzas have good sauce and the full array of traditional toppings. They are also reminiscent of New York Sliders (218 1st St. Neptune Beach. 904-246-088) This Neptune Beach favorite is the perfect place through their small storefront pizzerias where you can see the pizza baker yelling right back at to slip away from the beach for a cold beer and some delicious oysters. Their raw oysters are known the order clerk. The best thing about Brooklyn Pizza is that a New York slice is never far away for being the best, but even if you like them cooked, they have plenty of styles to tickle your fancy. because of their three convenient locations around town. Limited bottled beer selection. Open Not an oyster lover? They’ve got something to appease you too, while the rest of your party sucks Mon-Sat at most locations. $$ down some sliders. $$
14 dining guide | Fall 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Singletons (4728 Ocean St. Mayport. 904-246-4442) Many swear that this is the best fi sh camp in Florida, although Frommer’s only awarded it two stars. Their shrimp Po Boy is supposed to be the things dreams are made of, for people who just can’t get enough fried shrimp and fi sh in their messy sandwiches. $$ tapas The Tasting Room (25 Cuna St. St Augustine. 904-810-2400) Try the Chef’s Daily Flight, for a trifecta of beauty and taste. Many of the ingredients that are part of the tapas selections at the Tast- ing Room are exclusively made in Spain, like the Manchego cheese and the Serrano ham. Those who haven’t had grilled romaine lettuce simply need to try this dazzling presentation at the Tasting Room. The smoky fl avor coupled with the crisp lettuce will leave you thinking about their salad for days. Ours was topped with roasted red peppers, onions, pine nuts, chives, a sherry cream sauce and scrumptious little anchovies. If you’re into adventurous cuisine, you just might experience fl avors at the Tasting Room that you’ve never had before. Beer & Wine. Open 1:30 pm- 11 pm Tues- Wed; 1:30pm - 12:30 am Thu-Sat; Closed Sun & Mon. $$$$.
Zhanras (108 Anastasia Blvd. Anastasia Island. 904-823-3367) This chic new tapas restaurant on Anastasia island has a post-modern design, a rotating gallery of contemporary art provided by local artists, and an attached cigar and martini bar. It is a great place to meet up with friends and share appetizers while you enjoy the casual-cool elegance of their facility. Visit zhanras.com for a peek at their menu. Full Bar. $$$ wine bars Tastings (1515 Prudential Dr. Southbank. 904-346-0605) There’s a new wine bar in town that is aptly named Tastings. Though wine is the focus, they do have a great little menu that will tickle your taste buds even if you aren’t into the vino. They’ll pour you wine at the bar, they have wines on tap. The process keeps them fresh by lowering the oxygen content. Most restaurants can’t spare the expense of offering top vino by the glass. By putting their wines on tap (which keeps them super-fresh), Tastings can offer you a taste, half-glass or full glass of the good stuff. But, it’s not just about the wine. The simply prepared but excellent food will be bringing me back. The menu is carefully crafted to complement wine for a lovely interplay of fl avor. Those who work in the area are just discovering it as a low-key, mid-priced place to catch a tasteful lunch, with or without wine. The bruschetta plate is served with a goat cheese and wild mushroom spread. The goat cheese is cut with cream cheese, making the fl avor more subtle and improving the texture so that it can be spread on bread. Two types of fl at bread came with this dish—a kind of toast cracker and bread that was fl uffy in the center and crispy on the outside, like a tiny sliced baguette. Cute and tasty. The most popular salad on the menu, though, is the Spicy Salmon Skewers & Baby Spin- ach. It’s a salad that pops with fl avor. Even as I write this, I’m craving another taste of that seasoned but lightly spiced salmon set apart with the lemony taste of the deliciously simple vinaigrette. I can’t resist dessert, so when I was offered a taste of their chocolate cake, I gave in to the Dark Side and had a piece. The Rosa Regale, a sweet bubbly, launched the taste of the slice into the stratosphere. It helped me discover depths of fl avor in that chocolate cake that I hadn’t known before. Open every day. $$$
The Grape (10281 Midtown Pkwy. Southside, St. Johns Town Center. 904-642-7111) This is a corporate wine bar for people that have a predetermined idea about what a wine bar is. They are committed fi rst and foremost to wine, so they do special meals that pair different courses of their cuisine with different wines and they have a wine shop attached in case you fi nd that perfect wine. Although not as affordable as Total Wine, they do have more than 120 wines that you can taste and purchase by the bottle. $$$
The Grotto (2012 San Marco Blvd. San Marco. 904-398-0726) The Grotto is a San Marco stalwart for wine and cheese connoisseurs. Their San Marco location makes them the perfect place to start or end an elegant evening in San Marco, and the ambience is like an authentic Italian wine grotto. Except that it is not actually in a cave. But when there you for- get you’re in a storefront. Select from one of their more than 50 wines by the glass or take home a bottle that is perfect for the season. $$$
Simons A Wine Bar (1004 Hendricks Ave. San Marco. 904-396-8088) The wines on their menu are categorized by region and you can fi nd Austrian wines from $21 per bottle or a 1995 Bordeaux for $3,400. This quiet retreat is a great place for a private dinner, although the foods are a little rich, but to really get the full Simons experience you have to go on one of their live jazz nights. $$$
Wine Cellar (1314 Prudential Dr. Southbank. 904-398-8989) The Southbank area seems to be where all of the wine bars get together and hangout. Wine Cellar is the oldest wine bar in the area, making it the classic wine bar for the Jacksonville area. Their con- This Dining Guide is brought to you by Entertaining U Newspaper. tinental cuisine can be paired with your choice from their enormous wine list. Put on your evening 3101 University Blvd. South, Suite 311 Jacksonville, FL 32216 clothes and make it a formal night. $$$$ (904) 730-3003 | fax (904) 448-5956 | www.eujacksonville.com
eujacksonville.com | Fall 2007 | dining guide 15