In a truck-to-tables development, The Salty Fig restaurant is taking shape at 901 King St., at King and College streets in Riverside.
Executive Chef Jeff Stanford said Thursday the 151-seat restaurant should open in October to offer its “new American Southern food,†now popular with The Salty Fig food truck that travels to locations around town to set up and serve.
Full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=537212
Awesome. Another great place to dine in Riverside :)
This development, along with others (e.g. Pele's), is a testament to the fact that mobile vending is a good stepping stone towards more established small business. Just another reason why this city should encourage mobile vendors because some of them will turn into successful brick and mortar businesses.
Best of luck to the owners of Salty Fig.
Great news! Good to see Riverside continuing to develop into Jacksonville's premier dining destination.
I wonder if J.Love and his Special Sauciness is going to go all out warfare over 2 seats?
Councilman Love sponsored a floor amendment for Salty Fig.. they are exempt from the bill that was passed a few weeks ago.
A floor amendment was not introduced for Mellow Mushroom, even though Mellow had requested the courtesy seeing as though they have been meeting with neighborhood groups in good faith about their PUD application.
QuoteThis development, along with others (e.g. Pele's), is a testament to the fact that mobile vending is a good stepping stone towards more established small business. Just another reason why this city should encourage mobile vendors because some of them will turn into successful brick and mortar businesses.
100% agreed.
So Councilman Love is pro-business sometimes ? That sounds fair.
Quote from: fieldafm on August 13, 2012, 09:21:55 AM
Councilman Love sponsored a floor amendment for Salty Fig.. they are exempt from the bill that was passed a few weeks ago.
A floor amendment was not introduced for Mellow Mushroom, even though Mellow had requested the courtesy seeing as though they have been meeting with neighborhood groups in good faith about their PUD application.
I guess the wrong lobbyist was used?
Has anyone asked Love why he supports one and not the other?
Maybe he doesn't like pizza.
QuoteGood to see Riverside continuing to develop into Jacksonville's premier dining destination.
Uh, yeah, ok...
Quote from: mtraininjax on August 13, 2012, 06:03:37 PM
QuoteGood to see Riverside continuing to develop into Jacksonville's premier dining destination.
Uh, yeah, ok...
Just curious (and I'm not disagreeing with you or picking a fight here) - if Riverside isn't Jacksonville's premier dining destination, what is? I admit I may have over-egged the custard there.
So, reconsidering my original statement, I think maybe Riverside is on its way to becoming the "premier dining destination". At least it would be if restaurants would stay open. I think it deserves credit for having a decent selection of non-chain restaurants in close proximity to one another:
Orsay, 13 Gypsies, Pele's, Mossfire, The Casbah, Carmines, Kickbacks... I'm sure I've missed a few. I realise some of those are not technically in Riverside, but close enough. It's also possible some of them may have closed down (is the Row still open?). But with that new Chew-related restaurant opening near Mossfire, I think things are looking pretty decent for Riverside/Avondale.
Aside from that, I can't think of an area that has as many restaurants - maybe the beaches. So as I said, fair enough, I probably went a bit overboard. At least I-10 East can be happy someone said something positive about Jacksonville on this forum :P
I think one can easily argue that it is a prime dining destination for locally owned restaurants. It has a decent cluster that you won't find in most of Jax outside of the beaches and St. Augustine.
Went here last night. They did a fantastic job with the place. Looks beautiful...kind of a Black Sheep vibe. Great bar. I like that they're not trying to be something they clearly aren't...they know what they want to do and they're doing it well. The menu is well balanced and concise (lack of vegetarian options, but oh well...). It was the second day they were open and they definitely have some front of the house/back of the house communication issues, but other than that, really a great experience. Give them a few days (yes, that short) and they'll be another premiere dining spot in Jacksonville. Bravo
My friend and I were one of the first through the door Sunday. We had the privilege to be the first orders out of the kitchen. ;D I had the Oyster and Bacon Sandwich and it was great. A little pricey for me, but I will be back as funds permit. 8)
Curious if JTA was to put in a night time trolley service in the Park/King area - where should it go? Has to serve a residential component but is that an Avondal crowd? Strictly a Riverside vibe? Downtown? What's the route you think would serve this area the best?
^ I think this is a conversation for a different thread, but my .02 cents: a trolley that goes East Bay to San Marco, San Marco thru Riverside Avenue to Avondale, Avondale to Park/King, Park/King to Five Points, Five Points to East Bay, etc etc etc...sounds like one hell of a loop, but it's probably the best route as far as urban core, drinking, and fun....
Quote from: ben says on January 01, 2013, 10:58:08 AM
Went here last night. They did a fantastic job with the place. Looks beautiful...kind of a Black Sheep vibe. Great bar. I like that they're not trying to be something they clearly aren't...they know what they want to do and they're doing it well. The menu is well balanced and concise (lack of vegetarian options, but oh well...). It was the second day they were open and they definitely have some front of the house/back of the house communication issues, but other than that, really a great experience. Give them a few days (yes, that short) and they'll be another premiere dining spot in Jacksonville. Bravo
(http://i.imgur.com/0SBuk.gif)
I"ve been off the grid for a week or so, and come back to read that ben says has actually reviewed a restaurant BEFORE getting everyone else's take on it!!!!!!!!!!
If we're ever to meet in person, ben says, but when we do.....
(http://i.imgur.com/cHSqp.gif)
;D ROFL... welcome back to the grid...lol :D
;D
This place is fantastic, and the coolest restaurant/bar space in Jax, in my opinion. Opening pretty quietly without the fanfare of Black Sheep, I think this will be my top choice for date night...
+1 on the night trolley through the core. I've been jonsing about this for a while now. I can walk less then a mile to King and make the rounds at night!
A party of 4 of us went on New Years Eve night and all loved it. The atmosphere is perfect, the price point is perfect, the service was friendly and seemed knowledgeable given the short time it has been open. All in all, this is the best new addition the neighborhood has had in quite some time. It's kind of everything the Brick has always wanted to be, if that makes sense? I did feel like they were offering an extensive menu for the soft opening and with some tweaks will be fantastic. I can't wait to be a regular at Salty Fig!
Quote from: exnewsman on January 01, 2013, 08:10:42 PM
Curious if JTA was to put in a night time trolley service in the Park/King area - where should it go? Has to serve a residential component but is that an Avondal crowd? Strictly a Riverside vibe? Downtown? What's the route you think would serve this area the best?
Well that is interesting considering for two years we have advocated for such a service. We put on over a half dozen pub crawls using JTA trolleys to prove it would be successful. And JTA has heard from DVI, RAP and downtown merchants (Mark Hemphill has literally begged for it) who have all advocated for such a service. Glad to know JTA may finally be listening :)
I've mentioned a trolley to all the merchants I know, and I really think it is up to them to provide it. Call it "The Riverside Connector" and run a loop from Starbucks/Einstein's up to The Shoppes of Avondale, down Ingleside to Orsay, then down to Pele's, down King to Kickbacks, From there to Bold Bean, then to the Five Points/Sun Ray Cinema. Down to Starbucks and do it again. Make it free and it will allow pretty much anyone living in Riverside-Avondale to go anywhere they want without having to drive or park. Start at 6 pm on Thursday through Saturday going 'til 2 am. See if it works.
Will try and get down to Salty Fig and report back.
Quote from: fieldafm on January 02, 2013, 10:02:17 PM
Quote from: exnewsman on January 01, 2013, 08:10:42 PM
Curious if JTA was to put in a night time trolley service in the Park/King area - where should it go? Has to serve a residential component but is that an Avondal crowd? Strictly a Riverside vibe? Downtown? What's the route you think would serve this area the best?
Well that is interesting considering for two years we have advocated for such a service. We put on over a half dozen pub crawls using JTA trolleys to prove it would be successful. And JTA has heard from DVI, RAP and downtown merchants (Mark Hemphill has literally begged for it) who have all advocated for such a service. Glad to know JTA may finally be listening :)
Don't know that they are. I was just asking the question and was curious as to what people thought the best route would be. This is obviously an area on the move. I read on a previous thread a few months back I suppose (perhaps it was something Lake wrote) about needing to pull from the nearby residential areas but then that begs the question - who are the customers here and where are they?
While a trolly for just riverside would be nice, something city based that would incorparate the whole core would cut down on drunk driving and parking issues dramatically.
^For something to work long term, I think it would have to be at least urban core based, with Riverside's districts being tied into it. That way, you'll have something that won't rely too much on a specific segment of the population or use.
As for Salty Fig, I'm looking forward to trying them out. Anyone know what their hours of operation are currently?
Quote from: thelakelander on January 03, 2013, 01:29:52 PM
^For something to work long term, I think it would have to be at least urban core based, with Riverside's districts being tied into it. That way, you'll have something that won't rely too much on a specific segment of the population or use.
As for Salty Fig, I'm looking forward to trying them out. Anyone know what their hours of operation are currently?
Agreed
I think a route that went from King/Roselle down to Park Street over to 5 Points and into downtown/Bay Street makes the most sense.
That being said, I am biased... but I am a BIG fan of Salty Fig. The menu is southern american style cuisine with a decidely New Orleans style (the Stanfords cut their culinary teeth in New Orleans). The fried oyster appetizer with a corn bisque is really good, as is the sandwich made famous on their truck that has been amped up even more (their version of a BLT-but with pork belly instead of bacon... and they kicked it up a notch by adding fried oysters) and the mahi was really good too. Their signature cocktails are also good. They are open for lunch and dinner.
Great menu and REALLY cool space. There is even a river-friendly bioswale in their parking lot courtesy of Doug Skiles. And the whole Stanford family is top notch.
All this b/c of a little food truck... weird ;)
Quote from: fieldafm on January 03, 2013, 01:47:41 PM
All this b/c of a little food truck... weird ;)
Who would've thunk it, huh? ;)
Just finished lunch there and it was all very tasty. Had the Mahi tacos, angus burger and gorgonzola chips.
Will definately be going back. The interior is great, reaching back into the space that was previously occupied by Goodwill, and the new parking in back is a big plus. Another solid option for foodies in Riverside-Avondale.
Quote from: thelakelander on January 03, 2013, 01:29:52 PM
^For something to work long term, I think it would have to be at least urban core based, with Riverside's districts being tied into it. That way, you'll have something that won't rely too much on a specific segment of the population or use.
As for Salty Fig, I'm looking forward to trying them out. Anyone know what their hours of operation are currently?
11am to 2am I believe.
Based on some of their food truck offerings, I've been looking forward to this!
Salty Fig changed their name to Blind Fig???
Quote from: ben says on December 27, 2013, 05:04:43 PM
Salty Fig changed their name to Blind Fig???
http://m.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2013/12/02/the-salty-fig-jacksonville-name-change.html?r=full
As long I can still get that fried oyster and pork belly sandwich, for all I care they can call themselves The Festering Wound.
The food at this place sucks. How bad to have to be in the kitchen to ruin a cheeseburger?
It's just like it's kissing cousin Black Sheep - all ambiance no flavor. Perfectly marketed to upper-income hipsters.
I literally just got back from dinner there. No idea what you are talking about, never had a bad burger there.
Btw, they are celebrating their one year anniversary on Monday and will have a variety of moonshine specials all day.
Blue cheese on a burger? I truly feel empathy for you.
If you would like to taste actual food with flavor - and have a nice ambiance - and better drinks - check out Bistro AIX.
Quote from: fieldafm on December 27, 2013, 07:39:26 PM
I literally just got back from dinner there. No idea what you are talking about, never had a bad burger there.
Btw, they are celebrating their one year anniversary on Monday and will have a variety of moonshine specials all day.
^^ or perhaps go to Bistro Aix and have the LeGrande Cheeseburger with that exotic cheddar cheese for $13 on THEIR menu?? Any empathy for me if I so dared? Man, lighten up he said never had a bad burger. Work at Aix?
Quote from: Tony B on December 27, 2013, 08:15:10 PM
Blue cheese on a burger? I truly feel empathy for you.
If you would like to taste actual food with flavor - and have a nice ambiance - and better drinks - check out Bistro AIX.
Quote from: fieldafm on December 27, 2013, 07:39:26 PM
I literally just got back from dinner there. No idea what you are talking about, never had a bad burger there.
Btw, they are celebrating their one year anniversary on Monday and will have a variety of moonshine specials all day.
LOL!
I'm confused.....What's wrong with blue cheese on a burger? I love blue on a steak, so it's not that far of a leap to put it on a burger.
Quote from: funwithteeth on December 27, 2013, 05:23:05 PM
As long I can still get that fried oyster and pork belly sandwich, for all I care they can call themselves The Festering Wound.
Agreed.
You should also get over to Cafe Freida if you need another place for a fried oyster sando.
Just to be clear, I LOLed because of the absurdity of the remark in quotes.
Ate there last night. I've never had a bad meal there - and every drink has been excellent. I don't care if that makes me a hipster, though if I were "upper income" I'd expect to have more money to spend at trendy eating establishments.
I gave this place one more chance this past Saturday. Got the fish tacos... horrible. They left such a terrible aftertaste in my mouth that I brushed my teeth twice when I got home to try and get rid of it.
Another in my party had the shrimp & grits and barely ate anything.
Great atmosphere, really good bar, atrocious food.
Never going back. Not when there are so many other options in the area that have great food.
I've eaten here once and was grossly disappointed. I *wanted* to love it...its beautiful space, I liked the concept, I thought the menu looked good and I liked that they started as a food truck.
I dined for lunch, by myself. Service was terrible - my server seemed bothered to be taking care of me, her first words to me were "Are you ready to order?" I was particularly annoyed about this when the server for the table near me went over the specials and offered a house made lemonade that I definitely would have ordered had I known about it. I was also unimpressed with the food. I ordered shrimp and grits...the grits contained hard, old lumps of grits and the shrimp were undercooked and flavorless. To be fair, when I alerted the manager he was very apologetic (and he even came back to tell me that the chef sent his apologies and was appalled that the grits went out like that) and he took the meal off my bill. He also *seemed* interested in my suggestion to carry gluten free hamburger buns so that their burgers and sandwiches could be offered to people with gluten intolerance.
Between my own experience and the experience of a trusted friend who has dined there twice and had very similar experiences to mine both times, I don't think I'll be back and I don't think I will be trying the new beach location.
I usually like to try new and interesting dishes. The food at The Blind Fig was OK at best.
Marketed correctly, it's a decent meal. They just are trying to be more than they are.
Hopefully, they'll take constructive criticism and try to become the great place they aspire to be.
Wow - at this rate, the Garage may have better food than The Blind/Salty Fig.
I agree with the above 4 comments.
Great space, great bar.
Terribly trained waitstaff. At its best, mediocre food.
They had a couple real stand-outs on the menu, their meatloaf sandwich especially was delicious, but they took the good stuff off a month or two after they opened. What's left is the high-profit margin stuff that seems like it costs $3 to make but you can sell it for $20, e.g. the shrimp and grits. There's also a black hole in the middle of the menu, once you get past a side salad the lightest thing to order is basically the fish tacos, other than the burger and a heavy sandwich with fried oysters, they don't really have any sandwiches or things like that. Which pretty much crosses it off the list for lunch, since nobody wants a dinner entree. The place does have potential though, and a great bar.
I love the fried oyster & pork belly sandwich, but yeah, it's not something you'd want to get too often. Unless it's your aim to get real fat and/or have a near-fatal heart attack before turning 50.
I've not ventured beyond that sandwich because I've heard from other people —and as the last string of posts indicate—the quality of the food gets dicey beyond that.
I've only had drinks there due to the lack of vegetarian options but the bar is top notch.
I've enjoyed every meal I've had at Salty Fig. Many of their options are carb heavy so may not be the place to go if you are trying to lose weight. I'd like to see a better red wine selection.
Met some friends at the Blind Fig last - had some very good drinks - they have a great bar then walked across King st. to Kickbacks to eat. Perfect solution to the menu / food situation at fig.
I'm really looking forward to Kickbacks finishing up the construction and getting the full beer selection back.