Steph Says: Taverna in San Marco!

[Metro Jacksonville]

Steph Says:  Taverna in San Marco!



Our intrepid restaurant reviewer, Steph Bewley checks out the soft opening of Taverna, the new restaurant in San Marco.

Official Opening: October 1, 2009

1986 San Marco Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32207
904.398.3005




Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-sep-steph-says-taverna-in-san-marco

[mandy6488]

Excellent review Steph! I thought it was super delicious and I can't wait to go back!!

[fsu813]

seems a lot like Orsay...

[stephElf]

seems a lot like Orsay...

In some ways, the quality and service was spot-on. They are clearly going for a more Mediterranean, eclectic inspired menu where as Orsay has some specific French influence.

[mandy6488]

The service was awesome.. they were all about making sure we liked what we were getting and answering any questions we had... Also loved being able to sample wine before deciding on a glass. I can't wait until the opening and more menu selections!

This place would be awesome for a date night or another girly dinner.

[Bewler]

Dude, those mussels…

Mmmmmm

[stephElf]

Steph this place looks awesome!

The owners are very very good people as well.  Very young and attractive, and ambitious.

They came from Jonathan Insetta's group of people, which is an amazing good thing.

Did you get to look at the wine list?

And did they say when the pizza oven gets kicked into action?

They are off to a great start! If I am not mistaken, there were a few pizzas on the soft-opening menu (2 or 3). So I think they are good to go.

The wine list had a nice offering. In additional to the traditional whites and reds that you see regularly, they had some interesting blends. I appreciated the fact that they offered several by the glass in each category vs. just one or two. Not as extensive as Bistro Aix for example but definitely diverse enough.

[BridgeTroll]

Oh baby... I am soooo there...

[jaxlore]

Cant wait to try the Pignoli Cookies!!! Whenever I go to NY i stop by a bakery on the way home and scarf these down on the plane ride back.

[stephElf]

Jaxlore - I am originally from Staten Island - little Italy haha.. so I miss having those tasty suckers at an arm's reach!! This was definitely a nice surprise for me!

[stephElf]

The wood is a nice touch! We all commented that it was cool the cheese plate came on a rustic wood board as well.

[stephElf]

Steph, you said that the grand opening is October 1.  Is it serving lunch in the meantime?

I have the following from the Times Union:

Owners Sam Efron and Kiley Wynne Efron are going to try to keep control over seating during the trial run. So, if you want to check it out, you need to make reservations by calling (904) 398-3005. Here are the specials: Half off all food items, Sept. 7-11; free appetizer for two, Sept. 14-19; free glass of wine or beer with dinner, Sept. 21-26. The restaurant’s official opening (and when you won’t need reservations) is Oct. 1.

[mtraininjax]

Sam was one of Orsay's great chefs and has a great resume for his own restaurant. Kiley was one of the managers on the floor, and were part owners of Orsay. So they know how to run a restaurant! I am excited for them both, they should do well!

[fieldafm]

Went to Taverna's last night.  
Had an interesting interpretation of grouper(Im not used to grouper being served with a Mediterranean style flair).  The actual fish was great, something of a seared pecan-type crust and the fish was cooked just to my liking.  The hummus was very good.  My date had an orechiette pasta dish which was good(the tomatoes weren't overpowering the dish which was refreshing).  Nice wine list, and they had Sam Adams Summer on draft which I took full advantage of.  The service was beyond impeccable.  Overall, a very good dining experience!

[ChriswUfGator]

I'll have to try this place out...