Was in a lecture today, and the speaker (whose from NYC, lived in Phoenix for about 6 years, and has lived in Jax for 4) said the following: "Jacksonville doesn't have much in the way of food, unless you want fried food. Not a foodie city by any standards." Figured I'd shoot him an email in response. Can anyone help me fill in the blanks?
French: Restaurant Orsay (Riverside); French Pantry (University Blvd/Powers Ave) (lunch only); Magnificat (Downtown) (lunch only)
Spanish: 13 Gypsies (Riverside); Taverna (San Marco); Tasting Room (St. Augustine)
Coffee: Bold Bean (Riverside)
Farm to Table: 'town (Avondale); AIX (San Marco)
Indian: India's Restaurant (Baymeadows); Flavors of India (Baymeadows)
Vietnamese: Bowl of Pho (Baymeadows)
Italian: ?
Chinese/Japanese: ?
Mexican: Pepe's Hacienda y Restaurante (University Blvd/St. Augustine Rd)
Thai: Indochine (Downtown)
Soup/salad/sandwich: Olio Market (Downtown)
Middle Eastern: Noura Cafe (San Jose and University); the Casbah (Avondale)
Feel free to add any categories!
QuoteJacksonville doesn't have much in the way of food, unless you want fried food.
I thought that all we had were Waffle Houses... ;)
Well, if he's going to limit himself to fried food, at least do it right: Potter's House (Normandy); Beach Road Chicken (Atlantic); hopefully Sweet Lady Blue (Downtown).
Other thoughts:
Brazilian: Brazilian Jax Cafe (San Jose) Espeto (St. John's) Skewer's (Ponte Vedra)
Middle Eastern: Mandaloun (Baymeadows) Hala (all over town)
Med./Eastern European: Anatolia (Mandarin)
Barbeque: The list is endless...
Oh wow! Thought provoking.
One of the best in town is The Wine Cellar on Prudential Drive on Southbank. I don't know how to classify it other than "continental." Knowledgeable wait-staff. Quiet. In the same classification, Matthew's in San Marco. Pricey; worth it.
Italian: Primi Piatti on Park St. in Riverside (Northern Italian and authentic and a nice, quiet atmosphere); Sorrento's on Old St. Augustine Rd.
A taste of old Florida? Clark's Fish Camp, Hood Landing Road in East Mandarin or maybe Whitey's on SR 210 in Orange Park. For the best fried shrimp in the area, it's still O'Steens in St. Augustine - go early to avoid lines - say about 4:00 PM.
Olio is nothing really special other than it's close to my office. Noisy. No wait-staff. Lunch only.
Sushi: Sumo Sushi, next to Primi Piatti. Very good selection of saki.
Chinese: Fuhgeddaboutit. None anywhere near here that I know of.
We have a Ruth's Chris' in town and at the Beach, a well known chain of steak houses, but I'm not sure they are all that great. My next splurge for a fancy steak was going to be a return to Morton's. Alas, no more. I'm not aware of a non-chain steam house in town that measures up. I wonder what it would take to get Bern's to open a second place here.
One way to tell a good restaurant, IMHO, is whether the water glass comes with a straw or not. No straw = class - not afraid to wash the glass well. No linen napkins is a definite negative.
So many options in Jax - if you want bland to go Orlando, that's darden-topia. Nothing but national chians. Jax has a great selection of mom & pop restaurants.
Ok, on to your questions:
Italian:
- http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/44/481507/restaurant/Mandarin/Santionis-Cucina-Jacksonville
- Nice atmosphere, live pianist on the weekends.
Chinese/Japanese:
- http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/44/1347675/restaurant/Southside/Mr-Chan-Asian-Cuisine-Jacksonville
- Clean and friendly. They offer an authentic menu (chicken feet, etc) and an Americanized menu.
Oh, where have all the sit down Chinese restaurants gone? I still like Pagoda on Baymeadows Rd. - 30 years strong!
Quote from: ben says on March 26, 2012, 07:35:54 PM
Was in a lecture today, and the speaker (whose from NYC, lived in Phoenix for about 6 years, and has lived in Jax for 4) said the following: "Jacksonville doesn't have much in the way of food, unless you want fried food. Not a foodie city by any standards." Figured I'd shoot him an email in response. Can anyone help me fill in the blanks?
French: Restaurant Orsay (Riverside); French Pantry (University Blvd/Powers Ave) (lunch only); Magnificat (Downtown) (lunch only)
Spanish: 13 Gypsies (Riverside); Taverna (San Marco); Tasting Room (St. Augustine)
Coffee: Bold Bean (Riverside)
Farm to Table: 'town (Avondale); AIX (San Marco)
Indian: India's Restaurant (Baymeadows); Flavors of India (Baymeadows)
Vietnamese: Bowl of Pho (Baymeadows)
Italian: ?
Chinese/Japanese: ?
Mexican: Pepe's Hacienda y Restaurante (University Blvd/St. Augustine Rd)
Thai: Indochine (Downtown) Tuptim Thai (Roosevelt/NAS)
Soup/salad/sandwich: Olio Market (Downtown) Chomp Chomp (Downtown)
Middle Eastern: Noura Cafe (San Jose and University); the Casbah (Avondale)
Feel free to add any categories!
The Capital Grille is a chain, but definitely a great meal every time I have been in.
I think you all have proved the lecturer's point!
So tell us, JJ, which of all the listed places have you been to?
French: Bistro Aix
Steak House: Matthews
Italian: La Cena
Don't forget about BB's, Biscotti's, Marker 32, 11 South, Ragtime, Mezza Luna, Aqua Grill, Blue Bamboo.
I wouldn't listen to too much your "professor" says.
Yeah chain or not capital grill's pretty good. So's the steaks at Ruth's Chris, sizzling in a Paula Deen sized hunk of butter. Mmmm
QuoteI think you all have proved the lecturer's point!
In what regard?
Quote from: ben says on March 26, 2012, 07:35:54 PM
"Not a foodie city by any standards."
I'd let this one go, as the speaker is probably right, especially if his frame of reference is NYC. Jacksonville has some legitimately great restaurants (Orsay comes immediately to mind), but I don't think anyone has ever confused Jacksonville for a "foodie city" like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. Getting back to what many people in the other topic were saying, the first part of making Jacksonville great is accepting what we are. You ask the average Jacksonville citizen what they want for dinner, and they aren't going to request foie gras, rendered duck, or a chilled terrine. You don't exactly see Molecular Gastronomy kitchen labs on every corner here, and Chili's isn't exactly a master at deconstruction. For better or worse, Jacksonville is largely a meat and potatoes city where Outback, Carrabbas, and the Cheesecake Factory are our Daniel, Masa, and Le Bernardin's. Not a bad thing -- Jacksonville isn't an overly pretentious place -- and it might change over time, but it is what it is. The city loves its chains, and to a lesser extent, its seafood. Trying to convince a New Yorker that Jax is foodie heaven is probably a losing battle. What isn't a losing battle though -- and I think you're trying to do this, which is awesome -- is to continue to spread the word about our great restaurants, whether it be through word of mouth, Yelp, Twitter, whatever. I think a lot of the Outbackers could probably be converted if properly encouraged to expand their horizons a bit :D
Perfect timing:
Restaurant guide Zagat launches Jacksonville surveyQuoteIn what cold be a first, Zagat has launched one of its "featured surveys" for Jacksonville-area restaurants
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/423471/gary-mills/2012-03-27/restaurant-guide-zagat-launches-jacksonville-survey
http://www.zagat.com/vote
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on March 27, 2012, 09:02:30 AM
Yeah chain or not capital grill's pretty good. So's the steaks at Ruth's Chris, sizzling in a Paula Deen sized hunk of butter. Mmmm
I think it would be more flavorful if it were a butter sized hunk of Paula Deen melting on the steak.
We have a plethora of chicken wing options. So there's that.
Quote from: blizz01 on March 27, 2012, 09:48:39 AM
Perfect timing:
Restaurant guide Zagat launches Jacksonville survey
QuoteIn what cold be a first, Zagat has launched one of its "featured surveys" for Jacksonville-area restaurants
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/423471/gary-mills/2012-03-27/restaurant-guide-zagat-launches-jacksonville-survey
http://www.zagat.com/vote
Cool. Just voted/registered.
QuoteJacksonville isn't an overly pretentious place -
Isn't that like saying Attilla the Hun wasn't overly nice?
I just voted as well.
So tell us, JJ, which of all the listed places have you been to?
Almost all. I dine with some frequency at Orsay and the French Pantry. The Tasting Room in St. Augustine is out of my normal routine, but I've been before. I've been to Primi Patti many times. I keep going hoping I can keep them in business because I always fear the lack of traffic there except on the weekends is going to put them under, but they seem to be real survivors. I think lunch at 'town is a great value. Taverna is great and I've been often. I don't much care for Indochine but have been with others when its their call where to dine. The Casbah has its novelty factor although its a bit dated now I think. I like 13 Gypsies and its in my 'hood but ever since the Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives thing, I haven't found it worth the hassle of making a reservation several days out just for their fare. Don't get me wrong, I like to dine at almost every place mentioned. I just think the real point was s that while we have to thing hard to name more than one dining establishment in each category, NYC has a lot of of each in every neighborhood at all price points .
My kid lives in Brooklyn, NY (hipster ground zero). I get up there at least 5-6 times per year and one of the hardest things I have to do while there is to decide where to eat, so many choices, and not all expensive. For example, there are at least 5 great Neapolitan style pizza joints (Paulie Gee's, Roberta's, etc) close by. Not to mention great cheese shops, butcher shops and the like for dining in. We don't need to compare ourselves to something that's not like us, we just need to celebrate and patronise what we have!
JaxJerry
I think the thing to get at is there's a considerable distance between "New York-level foodie culture" and "only chains". We're neither, and we have many terrific restaurants of various specialties.
Seems silly to compare ourselves to New York. That's like asking who has better beaches, Alabama or California?
The topic is "best food in town", not the US.
QuoteSo many options in Jax - if you want bland to go Orlando, that's darden-topia. Nothing but national chians.
OMG, you obviously have not been on Mills or been to Winter Park. Seriously!
Bistro Aix? Are you for real? Their service sucks, the food has gone seriously down hill, and they now use their hallway to the restrooms as their storage lockers. The only real French cuisine is Orsay, hands down, best food in Jax, period.
What, no Seafood on the list? Geez, with all the Outback jabs and Cheesecake discussions, you might as well put Jacksonville as an exit off an interstate. However, there are so many great places to go, many suggested, but I will stay with what I know and love in my 'hood.
Pastiche - wonderful assortment of Americana foods. Great setting too.
Bluefish - Best scallops in Jacksonville, period.
'town - Amazing Sunday brunch, always running out of items on the brunch menu, its that good.
Mojo #4 - Best BBQ, and I mean real BBQ, not that S On a Shingle stuff they serve at other places.
Casbah - Great middle eastern food and lively spirits.
The Fox - Best weekday breakfast in Avondale, and Ian is a hoot!
Singletons at the beach is best for real rustic seafood. Beaches Seafood on 3rd street is fantastic with their Oyster shooters. Who hasn't been to Ragtime, Sliders, or Mezza Luna at the beach. Forget the chains, get out and support your locals. These folks deserve your patronage for the years and years of great food and dishes.
Quote from: mtraininjax on March 27, 2012, 04:35:26 PM
QuoteSo many options in Jax - if you want bland to go Orlando, that's darden-topia. Nothing but national chians.
OMG, you obviously have not been on Mills or been to Winter Park. Seriously!
Bistro Aix? Are you for real? Their service sucks, the food has gone seriously down hill, and they now use their hallway to the restrooms as their storage lockers. The only real French cuisine is Orsay, hands down, best food in Jax, period.
What, no Seafood on the list? Geez, with all the Outback jabs and Cheesecake discussions, you might as well put Jacksonville as an exit off an interstate. However, there are so many great places to go, many suggested, but I will stay with what I know and love in my 'hood.
Pastiche - wonderful assortment of Americana foods. Great setting too.
Bluefish - Best scallops in Jacksonville, period.
'town - Amazing Sunday brunch, always running out of items on the brunch menu, its that good.
Mojo #4 - Best BBQ, and I mean real BBQ, not that S On a Shingle stuff they serve at other places.
Casbah - Great middle eastern food and lively spirits.
The Fox - Best weekday breakfast in Avondale, and Ian is a hoot!
Singletons at the beach is best for real rustic seafood. Beaches Seafood on 3rd street is fantastic with their Oyster shooters. Who hasn't been to Ragtime, Sliders, or Mezza Luna at the beach. Forget the chains, get out and support your locals. These folks deserve your patronage for the years and years of great food and dishes.
Sounds like someone didn't have a good time at Bistro... wah. There food is very good and the atmosphere is great. I've also never had a problem with service there.
QuoteThe only real French cuisine is Orsay, hands down, best food in Jax, period.
Weird. I find Orsay to be really, really disappointing. I preferred Crush. I don't know if Orsay is the best French food in Jacksonville (it may well be), but it certainly isn't great French food. I guess that's what makes horse races, though. :P
I've never tried Bistro Aix.
There was a good French restaurant near Ponte Vedra called JJs. I really liked it the first time I went (in 2010), but I went back last summer and was really disappointed.
I saw an article in the Jacksonville Business Journal about the "Top 20" restaurants in Jax which they compiled by somehow averaging Urbanspoon and Yelp reviews. Is there another website that Jaxsonians use to find restaurants/bars? I've found these kind of threads on this site by far the most helpful. I was shocked to see how few reviews even the top restaurants had on Yelp (none above 100!). Is there somewhere else people can look?
My vote, though already mentioned: The Tasting Room (not sure it counts for Jax).
Perfect timing:
Making sure that this doesn't get lost in the shuffle....
Restaurant guide Zagat launches Jacksonville survey
Quote
In what cold be a first, Zagat has launched one of its "featured surveys" for Jacksonville-area restaurants
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/423471/gary-mills/2012-03-27/restaurant-guide-zagat-launches-jacksonville-survey
http://www.zagat.com/vote
Quote from: mtraininjax on March 27, 2012, 04:35:26 PM
QuoteSo many options in Jax - if you want bland to go Orlando, that's darden-topia. Nothing but national chians.
The Fox - Best weekday breakfast in Avondale, and Ian is a hoot!
What Ian is doing at Chomp Chomp is quite special in my opinion, really like what they are doing there.
A Taste of Heaven soul food (103rd & Firestone) is probably the most slept on soul food place in Jax; It will give any in town a run for their money.
I would have to add Blue Bamboo (Asian fusion) to the list as well. Chef Dennis Chan is fantastic. Def try the Singapore Street Noodles.
For country cooking, try Checker BBQ on old St. Augustine Rd. Art Jennette is a riot and will have you in stitches. Try the trailer trash special- pulled pork sandwich, 15 fresh Mayport shrimp, fried green tomatoes and a side for $8. Its at least 2 meals. Can't beat that deal.
For Vietnamese, either Pho Ha Noi on Blanding (fabulous Bhan Mi sandwiches-only $2.50) or Cali Pho @ University & I-95.
Quote from: blizz01 on March 27, 2012, 05:49:44 PM
Perfect timing:
Making sure that this doesn't get lost in the shuffle....
Restaurant guide Zagat launches Jacksonville survey
Quote
In what cold be a first, Zagat has launched one of its "featured surveys" for Jacksonville-area restaurants
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/423471/gary-mills/2012-03-27/restaurant-guide-zagat-launches-jacksonville-survey
http://www.zagat.com/vote
Bistro Aix, Taverna, bb's, Indochine, Sumo Sushi. I also positively rated 13 Gypsies, Blue Fish and Beach Road Chicken Dinners. Mixed review on Brick. Bad review for Orsay.
QuoteSounds like someone didn't have a good time at Bistro... wah. There food is very good and the atmosphere is great. I've also never had a problem with service there.
No real restaurant stacks tables, cleaning supplies and chairs in their restroom hallway. None. One of the first lessons taught in culinary school is to go into a restaurants bathroom and if it isn't clean there, odds are the kitchen is not either. Waiting 2 hours for appetizers and never having a manager check on you, is really piss poor service.
Quote from: Gators312 on March 27, 2012, 06:05:00 PM
Quote from: mtraininjax on March 27, 2012, 04:35:26 PM
QuoteSo many options in Jax - if you want bland to go Orlando, that's darden-topia. Nothing but national chians.
The Fox - Best weekday breakfast in Avondale, and Ian is a hoot!
What Ian is doing at Chomp Chomp is quite special in my opinion, really like what they are doing there.
I love Chomp Chomp. Such a fun little spot, inexpensive, and delicious. Love the people working there, too. While I love the location and vibe and personality of The Fox, honestly, I could care less for their food. Don't serve "yogurt and granola" and then bring me a Yoplait and a box of Kelloggs granola. I mean, common, at least try!
Quote from: JaxJerry on March 27, 2012, 12:08:17 PM
My kid lives in Brooklyn, NY (hipster ground zero). I get up there at least 5-6 times per year and one of the hardest things I have to do while there is to decide where to eat, so many choices, and not all expensive. For example, there are at least 5 great Neapolitan style pizza joints (Paulie Gee's, Roberta's, etc) close by. Not to mention great cheese shops, butcher shops and the like for dining in. We don't need to compare ourselves to something that's not like us, we just need to celebrate and patronise what we have!
JaxJerry
Funny...We just got back from 4 day stay in a Brownestone in Carroll Gardens area. I love Brooklyn. We tried http://www.yelp.com/biz/enoteca-on-court-brooklyn-2 and had the free baby pizzas with our adult beverages. Entrees were very good too.
Quote from: David on March 27, 2012, 10:14:39 AM
We have a plethora of chicken wing options. So there's that.
Yeah, The Chicken Koop!
I haven't been in a time, but I have enjoyed Pataya Thai on every occasion I've been.
Chomp Chomp is a great little place.
Good list, but yeah we're def not NYC.
Your professor clearly needs to get out more. We'll never be NY but we still have good food and tremendous variety. There are tons of amazing spots, all over town...you just have to be willing to try them.
Great call on Restaurant Orsay and French Pantry...two of Jacksonville's best. I'd also add Culhane's Irish Pub (Atlantic) and Palm Valley Fish Camp (Ponte Vedra), two other great area spots. Don't forget the lunch buffet at Soul Food Bistro for soul food and the $7 and under lunches at Chomp Chomp downtown. Uptown Market and City Kidz Cafe (they have a nationally known Viva Vanilla ice cream that is soon to be stocked in Sam's Clubs locations) in Springfield are both winners.
Vietnamese: Bowl of Pho (Baymeadows). There's also PK Noodles on Beach Boulevard. Great bahn mi sandwich and spring rolls.
Italian: Enza's in Mandarin, in the Whole Foods shopping center. Mama Lucia's on St. Johns Bluff is decent as well.
Soup/salad/sandwich: Olio Market (Downtown). <---YES! Also: Pinegrove Deli in Riverside (amazing cuban sandwich), Chamblin's Uptown (near the Downtown library. Homemade soups, delicious wraps and bagels sandwiches. Bagels are made locally.), Whiteway Delicatessan in Riverside, Delicomb (Jax Beach).
Middle Eastern: Noura Cafe (San Jose and University). Also add: Mandaloun (Southside and Baymeadows) - delicious lunch buffet, best hummus in town, Karam (Beach/Hodges and University), Hala (University), Taverna Yamas (Tinseltown/Southside), Wafaa 'n Mike's (Springfield).
Breweries: Intuition Ale Works (Riverside), Bold City Brewery (Riverside), Green Room Brewery (Beaches), Engine 15 (Beaches), Seven Bridges (Southside), Brewer's Pizza (Orange Park). And while we're on the topic of beer, the selection at Kickbacks (Riverside), any of the European Street locations and Pele's Wood Fire (Riverside).
Cuban: Mambo's at the beach. Great ropa vieja.
Breakfast spots: Metro Diner (hello!), Cool Moose Cafe (Riverside), Chamblin's Uptown, Bagel Love (Avondale), The Fox (Avondale), Biscotti's (Avondale).
Love Bold Bean for coffee but don't forget Three Layers a Coffeehouse in Springfield. Good eats and desserts (I'm looking at you oversized peanut butter cookie and Jeff's square)...
And, Puerto Plata on Blanding Blvd. If you haven't already, you need to try the chicharrines de pollo (fried chicken), chivi (goat stew), and all of the shrimp dishes.
I think Bluefish is underrated... They have been serving a cioppino that makes me think of San Francisco. Orsay is one of the best places in town... not sure I would classify it as french though... Both places have pretty damn good happy hours too! 8)
Quote from: Jax_Osprey on March 28, 2012, 10:49:37 PM
Cuban: Mambo's at the beach. Great ropa vieja.
I'm not a big fan of Mambo's food, but there's a fantastic Cuban place on Dunn Avenue near 95. The name escapes me at this second, but they've got the best ropa vieja in town.
Quote from: KenFSU on March 29, 2012, 07:53:28 AM
Quote from: Jax_Osprey on March 28, 2012, 10:49:37 PM
Cuban: Mambo's at the beach. Great ropa vieja.
I'm not a big fan of Mambo's food, but there's a fantastic Cuban place on Dunn Avenue near 95. The name escapes me at this second, but they've got the best ropa vieja in town.
Del Sol - I tried calling them the other day for some togo food and they didn't pick up - I haven't driven by in a while, so I don't know if they're still open.
Edit: Also El Mofongo (sic) in the little shopping center complex at Wesconnet and Timuquana. Very good.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on March 29, 2012, 07:58:32 AM
Del Sol - I tried calling them the other day for some togo food and they didn't pick up - I haven't driven by in a while, so I don't know if they're still open.
(http://cdn.styleforum.net/9/91/916be0d2_no-darth_vader.jpeg)
Yelp says they're closed :(
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sol-cuban-cafe-jacksonville
I am ashamed to admit I have never eaten at Potter's House but everytime I read about, it sounds so damn good. I might have to make a trip over there this weekend.
Wanna thank everyone for the recommendations in here, have a lot of food to try out ;D
I have to say though I've been here for about 4 years and still haven't really gotten out to try some of the bigger restaurants in town. I agree with the guy whose son lives in Brooklyn that there is no comparison, but I never feel I have to struggle if I want something different. Sure we don't exactly have restaurants with Molecular Gastronomy tasting menus but who cares, molecular gastronomy is more fun to make than it is to eat.
The only place I really miss is Meyer's Latin Flair that was located down on Southside for about a year (which then became Baba something and is now Istanbul), used to live right next to it and their Lomo Saltado was always great (as low end as it gets, but that's a pretty common craving). I will be the one that says I like Kickbacks for the food almost more than I like the selection of beer.
QuoteThe only place I really miss is Meyer's Latin Flair that was located down on Southside for about a year (which then became Baba something and is now Istanbul)
I think that location might be cursed. It has been many different things but none seem to last. Maybe Istanbul Grill will be the exception.
Istanbul has a shot, if only because it was preexisting prior to moving to that location whereas the others were upstarts. I agree though, everything closes in that shopping center (feel kind of bad since I know the owner of the dentistry office), for a while it seemed like Meyer's and Larry's Subs could survive, but Meyer's closed and Larry's wound up leaving the franchise and changing to LaNair's Subs for all of 6 months before closing their doors as well.
Best Italian in town used to be Tonino's Trattoria off of Merrill Road. Haven't been there in 5 years, but he used to fill some ravioli's, boy. Also, the guy from La Cena will fill you up with pretty decent fare.
Loved reading through this thread. I'll add a few of my own:
Overall best restaurants:
Orsay, bb's, 13 Gypsies, The Wine Cellar, perhaps Matthews, Ocean 60, Beech St Grill in Fernandina
- I have heard that Azurea at One Ocean in AB is really good, as well.
- I think Bistro Aix is highly overrated, and the restaurant that was on the corner across the street was much better. Too bad it closed.
Best pizza:
I have always preferred Renna's and then Al's.
Best Italian:
Mezza Luna in NB or La Cena downtown (be prepared for a potentially "interesting" experience)
Best Middle Eastern:
I'm very partial to the Casbah in Avondale, which is expanding finally
Best local seafood:
Definitely Safe Harbor (I go there every time I am in town). Singleton's has gotten a little too dirty for my taste. Boating trips to Outback Crabshack, Lulu's, Whitey's, Cap's or Clark's are all the same general experience, but definitely good-fun eats. Bluefish is ok, I have yet to be impressed. I admit I don't prefer fried seafood, so it's nice to go somewhere that offers sauteed or seared fish rather than grilled or fried. I have actually enjoyed the food at Mitchell's, though the atmosphere and location are so generic.
Restaurants I MISS!!!
1) Dolphin Depot - hands down was the best seafood I have ever had in my life and I just loved the experience of the waiters telling the menu (my parents hated that)
2) Pom's - hands down the best Thai I have ever eaten. I hear he has opened a new restaurant called Pom's Signature in Tapestry Park. I really loved the old location above Square One (I hear San Marco has been in decline a little bit recently).
3) Village Cafe in Ortega - I wouldn't expect many if any to know this one, but consistently excellent food. Very impressive, but a shame the ladies got tired of running the restaurant. One of the ladies is a tennis pro at Timuquana and serves up sandwiches, which are good, at Carter's.
4) Pastiche pre-Bono's - was very good. I hear the chef finally got tired of working with Bono's and left. I believe that is still a rumor.
5) Sterlings - I know there was a lot of drama there and people found one half of the ownership to be quite rude, but I really loved brunch there. Was the best brunch in town (that probably goes to the Players Club now).
Lunch:
Cafe Nola is quite good. I had a memorable experience there a couple years ago.
Chew left me underwhelmed on the contrary, but of course Orsay may be the best in town overall.
Private clubs:
Ponte Vedra really has an excellent culinary program there and blows every other club in NE FL out of the water. Anyone who has the opportunity to eat in the main dining room for brunch or dinner should take that offer up (if you are a member, you already know).
Restaurants that have gotten bad press or left others unimpressed that still please me:
River City Brewing Company
Biscotti's
Restaurants that need to adapt/change/improve or die:
Bistro Aix
The Brick
Simms, I can't tell you what happened to the last chef at Pastiche, because after Eric opened up Heirlooms (now closed) in San Jose, I kind of lost track. Currently, the chef, Jenny Selden, is from Biscottis (albeit a while ago, maybe 5-6 years) She trained under another chef in SC, opened a restaurant in L.A. using nuevo, southern comfort food, bounced around a bit in Savannah and now is the Chef at Patio at Pastiche. Their menu is southern comfort food with a twist and next time you're in town, you should check out their Family Supper concept. Thursdays - Saturday is a 4-5 course menu, served family style and it's pretty awesome. I haven't been for lunch, but, again, it's the same concept.
From what I can tell, the only influence that Bono's has is a strong catering base and deep pockets. The food coming out of the kitchen is genuine.
The brick is generic food, but in a good setting with a well stocked bar and live music, I don't know that they're trying to be anything other than what they are. And it seems to work for them. I go all the time, I am not expecting superb food, I'd go to Orsay for that. Just a place to relax and people watch.
AIX, on the other hand is snot-central, their attitude is writing checks their kitchen can't cash. The food at AIX is worse than if you just made the same thing at home, and I can't even cook. When I first moved to Jacksonville, AIX was the cat's meow, they used to run an hour wait whenever you went. I don't remember it being this bad back then, but then the quality of the food in town has improved dramatically over the past decade, so I'm not sure whether AIX has gone downhill or is just stuck in a 2000-era time warp and hasn't adjusted to the new (higher) expectations people have. Either way, it doesn't change the fact that the food is abysmal and the service is deplorable.
That's happened everywhere by the way, if I look back at what passed for fine dining when I was younger, those standards are laughable now, everything is much more complex. The best of the best restaurants in Florida back in the 80s and 90s, the Forge, Kapoc Tree, then in the 90s Tantra and its copycats, all had some gimmick like a palatial building, live grass inside the building, whatever, but at the of the day it was basic seafood or meat and potatoes. I ate at Graycliff back when it was top 10 in the world according to zagat, and it was still basically meat and potatoes, plus a snazzy souffle. I know I'm dating myself with all this, but hey, I'm getting old why hide it.
The west coast finally influenced everything else, and and AIX is still stuck in that limbo period circa 2000, where everybody was trying to be all cutting edge with their presentation of pizzas, fries, and grilled cheese sandwiches. They need to get with the program, that doesn't cut it anymore. Some less surly staff wouldn't kill them either.
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on April 18, 2012, 05:32:22 AM
The brick is generic food, but in a good setting with a well stocked bar and live music, I don't know that they're trying to be anything other than what they are. And it seems to work for them. I go all the time, I am not expecting superb food, I'd go to Orsay for that. Just a place to relax and people watch.
AIX, on the other hand is snot-central, their attitude is writing checks their kitchen can't cash. The food at AIX is worse than if you just made the same thing at home, and I can't even cook. When I first moved to Jacksonville, AIX was the cat's meow, they used to run an hour wait whenever you went. I don't remember it being this bad back then, but then the quality of the food in town has improved dramatically over the past decade, so I'm not sure whether AIX has gone downhill or is just stuck in a 2000-era time warp and hasn't adjusted to the new (higher) expectations people have. Either way, it doesn't change the fact that the food is abysmal and the service is deplorable.
That's happened everywhere by the way, if I look back at what passed for fine dining when I was younger, those standards are laughable now, everything is much more complex. The best of the best restaurants in Florida back in the 80s and 90s, the Forge, Kapoc Tree, then in the 90s Tantra and its copycats, all had some gimmick like a palatial building, live grass inside the building, whatever, but at the of the day it was basic seafood or meat and potatoes. I ate at Graycliff back when it was top 10 in the world according to zagat, and it was still basically meat and potatoes, plus a snazzy souffle. I know I'm dating myself with all this, but hey, I'm getting old why hide it.
The west coast finally influenced everything else, and and AIX is still stuck in that limbo period circa 2000, where everybody was trying to be all cutting edge with their presentation of pizzas, fries, and grilled cheese sandwiches. They need to get with the program, that doesn't cut it anymore. Some less surly staff wouldn't kill them either.
Couldn't agree more re: AIX.
And while I agree that Brick really has no incentive to be anything else (nor is it trying to be)...how much cooler would that place be if you could chill/people watch/hang out AND get a damn good meal. I go there about once a week for a drink...but by the time I get hungry, I hate having to get up and move into "whats for dinner" mode.
Ah, first world problems.
Quote from: Tacachale on April 18, 2012, 08:18:19 AM
Ah, first world problems.
Agree. Feel kinda stupid talking about this stuff when billions can't get flour and water.
Quote from: Tacachale on April 18, 2012, 08:18:19 AM
Ah, first world problems.
It's not like we don't contribute to the rest of the world, Tachachale. Tomahawks cost $1.5mm apiece, bunker-busters are $1.25mm to $3mm depending on the yield, F-18s are $57mm apiece, come on, we're dropping tons of money around the globe on combatting world hunger, Bush-style. You have to remember, there are two sides to every supply/demand curve. Those wussy French just send food over, the U.S. goes right to the root of the problem and reduces the number of mouths to feed.
Now back to restaurants...
Quote4) Pastiche pre-Bono's - was very good. I hear the chef finally got tired of working with Bono's and left. I believe that is still a rumor.
Pastiche's new supper club Thursday and Friday nights is SERIOUSLY awesome (and cheap). Southern-inspired cooking served family style for $20. Jenny is a super good cook and is honestly one of the more friendly/accessible chefs in the neighborhood.
Honestly, Pastiche is WAY better now! I've eaten there more since they re-opened than I ever ate there before the new look/partnership.
Their catering(of which I have used a half dozen times since November) is STILL top notch I can assure you.
I've been meaning to try that out at Pastiche.
I've been getting the emailed flyers, thanks for the recommendation you just moved that up to the top of my list.
Go next Friday night(27th) and the lady friend and I will be glad to join you.
I stumbled upon 'Joey Brooklyn Famous Pizza' on 7860 Gate Parkway near I-295, and wow! It's the real deal NY style pizza. I think that I found my new favorite pizza place.
^^^That place is closed, but I found a great replacement; Brewer's Pizza in Orange Park not far from Red Lobster is really good.
I second Brewer's Pizza. We discovered them doing the Jax Ale Trail. Gotta try the "florida smacker" pizza if you haven't yet. Soooo good.
The Fresh Market's fried chicken in a bucket, trust me!!! Publix's is pretty good, but TFM's put them to shame! Not greasy, very flavorful, moist, perfect!