viCARIous: Azurea at One Ocean Resort
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Dining/viCARIOUS-Azurea-at-One-Ocean/Azurea-One-Ocean-Resort/1067403716_dt7TT-M.jpg)
Drive to Azurea. You've reached the edge of the continent. You can't drive any further without sinking (unless you drive one of those land-and-sea duck tour tanks). Step out of your car (did you tip the valet?), enter the beautifully appointed lobby of One Ocean Resort, and walk through an aqueous blue tunnel that officially symbolizes your passing from a terrestrial world to one ruled by the sea.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-dec-vicarious-azurea-at-one-ocean-resort
It is hard to believe this is the same place as the old Sea Turtle Inn. I have been in the restaurant though we didn't eat and hung out in the bar for a few. What a spectacular place... I just hope it survives this economic downturn...
The mac n cheese there is the bomb!!!!
QuoteAnother issue I’ve heard about Azurea relates to consistency. I’ve told friends about my great experience dining there and they didn’t seem to have received the same attention and quality as Phil and I did. I know food and dining is a subjective, personal experience, but it’s worth pointing out, especially since we were invited guests. A friend shared a photo with me of a disappointing macaroni and cheese they were served at Azurea. It didn’t look nearly as cheesy as mine, nor did it have as much of that delicious breadcrumb topping.
I go there for drinks FAR more often than to dine, but I've taken some very particular foodie out-of-town guests and they loved it! It's interesting that there seems to be such a wide variety of opinions. I myself have enjoyed two meals there, and everyone I have personally dined with at Azurea have had a very good experience.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on December 08, 2010, 03:52:50 PM
It is hard to believe this is the same place as the old Sea Turtle Inn. I have been in the restaurant though we didn't eat and hung out in the bar for a few. What a spectacular place... I just hope it survives this economic downturn...
I think they must be doing OK, as they are renovating to add an additional 2 conference rooms.
Can't wait to try it out - this place has been on my wishlist since they first opened and I saw that terrific decor and menu.
The topic of the economic downturn is a strange one alright, and I haven't really heard a convincing explanation for the plainly observable facts: nearly every flight I book is full all the time, nearly every 5 star hotel is full, nearly every stratospherically expensive restaurant is slammed. Since I travel and eat out almost constantly for work, I've been quite puzzled by all this. It doesn't seem to vary at all by city either.
What has kept ME from visiting this particular restaurant has been my perception of formality -- most of the time, we just don't feel like getting 'dressed up' to go out for dinner. So it is great to read Cari's assessment that the place is rather more beachy than dressy. The only other thing that would keep me away would be the valet parking since I have a phobia, but I imagine that we could park ourselves anywhere nearby and simply walk over.
The airlines have cut a significant amount of capacity.
It's not more people flying, there are just less flights, and usually on smaller equipment.
Did One Ocean get the whole valet issue resolved? Some people had had their rental cars stolen from the valet in the past few years, due to lack of oversight. Just wondering if there is a lock on the valet box nowadays...Great hotel otherwise!