Good San Marco news

[ben says]

1) Taverna is doubling in size, taking over the space next door, and getting a liquor license.

2) Indochine has either bought/leased the whole Square One building, top and bottom. Bottom floor: Buddha Bar, Asian themed bar, drinks and food until 2 a.m. Top floor: Indochine with an expanded menu (probably more high end items).

[tufsu1]

Better news.....the square is expected to be opened back up to traffic next week

[ben says]

Better news.....the square is expected to be opened back up to traffic next week

That's obviously great news, but common, opening up the square to traffic....It wasn't an if, but a when. Good it's happening soon, though.

On the other hand, Taverna's success and a Square One revamp (both official as of yesterday) is a huge plus for San Marco! 

[thelakelander]

Good news indeed.  I can't wait to see what the vibe of that area becomes when everything is complete:

[fsujax]

I hope Indochine doesnt close their downtown space.

[ben says]

I hope Indochine doesnt close their downtown space.

They're not.

[fsujax]

Good.

[Captain Zissou]

I think the recent resurgence in the SM area can be attributed to Councilwoman Boyer and great leadership from Doug Skiles and the other folks at SMPS, AND the anti-business policies of riverside/Avondale driving potential new business away from that area and over to a business friendly area like SM.

It could also be because I moved from RA to St Nick. I bring the cool with me.

Anyone remember Pom's back in the day?! Still one of my favorite dining experiences in the city. I hope indochine can re-capture some of that magic!!

[dougskiles]

The Square has also become a bit of a car show these days.  Yesterday I parked next to a Ferrari and today next to an Aston Martin.

That IS great news about Indochine moving into the Square One space!

[ProjectMaximus]

Didn't know Square One was closing...not that I went there much. Indochine will bring some cache, although I'm not a huge fan.

Taverna on the other hand...love it!

[JFman00]

Very exciting. Two of my favorite restaurants in Jax.

[ben says]

Anyone remember Pom's back in the day?! Still one of my favorite dining experiences in the city. I hope indochine can re-capture some of that magic!!

Hell yeah I remember Pom's. Best Thai food in Jax. Still haven't made it to his new place in Tapestry Park.

I don't think Indochine is trying to replicate/recreate what went on at Pom's. Pom's had more refined food...seafood heavy...lots of different things beyond curries and noodles. Mark (managing owner/partner at Indo) told me it would be the same menu as Indochine, but that Susie (chef; managing partner) was going to play around in the kitchen to expand the options. Not sure if by expanding the menu he meant: (1) more in the Pom's direction, i.e. more refined food; more formal; etc, or (2) more bar-centric, to accompany the Buddha Bar theme downstairs.

[Captain Zissou]

Pom's occupied that space for at least 10 years. It would be a shame not to give them a nod in one way or another. When I was younger all I ordered was the Rama Thai Delight. Such fond memories.

[ben says]

Pom's occupied that space for at least 10 years. It would be a shame not to give them a nod in one way or another. When I was younger all I ordered was the Rama Thai Delight. Such fond memories.

How old are you again? Do you happen to remember a Thai place in that spot before Pom's? I have vague recollections, but can't piece it together. I definitely remember eating there for at least 8 or so years (I'm 27). I grew up in San Marco, but yeah, I remember that place very, very fondly. I still haven't had a Pad Thai, anywhere, as good as Pom's.

[Dog Walker]

Children! 

That place (old Pom's) was the Town Pump bar for many, many years before anything else went in there.  Mims' bakery was next to the theater and Setzer's was on the far corner at Naldo.  Later became a Pic & Save.  Went to Southside Grammer school with Betty Mims.

My family lived for several years on Carlo St., now Balis Place, across the street from the Mezrahi family (French Novelty Shoppes).  Wonderful people!  Had a tremendous crush on Deborah, their daughter, and loved listening to Charlie practice the trumpet in the afternoons.  No A/C so we all heard everything.

One of my earliest jobs was selling the Jacksonville Journal on the corner by the theater in the afternoons after school. 10 cents per copy.  You've seen the old black & white movies with the paperboy shouting, "Paper, paper!"  That was me.

Thread brings back memories!