FOLIOby ERIN THURSBY
Getting a meal isn’t always easy, especially in these tough times. Right now Second Harvest Food Bank of North Florida is experiencing a severe shortage in donations and demand is at an all-time high. Five hundred fifteen agencies depend on this food. You can donate food Second Harvest at Winn-Dixie, Vystar Credit Union and select Curves locations.
On a happier note, all throughout the month of October, St. Augustine’s Wildflower Cafe (4320 A1A South, 904-471-2691) will be celebrating. The Oktoberfest menu will include time-honored German dishes; Sauerbraten, Jaeger-style Pork Loin with Nuremberg hunter sauce and a Bavarian Platter combining smoked pork loin, knockwurst, bratwurst and Stuttgart Sauerkraut. You can also try the Dresden Chicken Breast sauteed with paprika, mushrooms, onion and sour cream and Wildflower Fresh Catch prepared with Chef’s seasonal ingredients. (Prices $16-20). An extensive wine list is available. Plus, they have a supply of domestic and imported beers. Since it isn’t Oktoberfest without German beer, they’ll have a selection of that as well! Early Bird Menu is available between 4 pm to 6 pm. Hours are Tuesday – Saturday – 7:30 am – 8 pm, Sunday Breakfast Only – 7:30 am- 1 pm, Closed Monday
foodcentric and winecentric events, plus notable classes
October 1, 5:30 pm- 8:30 pm
Ponte Vedra Beach Chamber 1st Annual Seafood Feast & Expo
The parking lot of Heritage Bank will be filled with Chamber member exhibits. In addition, there will be a buffet seafood feast offered by Bogey Grille, free beer courtesy of Champion Brand and free wine. The Masterpiece Dance Band will also be on hand to entertain. While there, you can also purchase raffle tickets to win prizes offered by each exhibitor. Tickets can be purchased at any Ponte Vedra Beach Chamber of Commerce event, at the new Chamber office located at 50 A1A North, Suite 102 (old Peek Cobb office), at Heritage Bank or online at pontevedrachamber.org/expo. Tickets: $35 (discounts availible for groups)
October 4, 7 pm- 11 pm
Arts Alive: Caliente Nights
Arts Alive: Caliente Nights is a fundraiser for the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach. Enjoy creative cocktails, spicy salsa, paella, chocolate, a coffee and liqueur bar, cigars and a silent auction featuring original art, travel, music and dance. Tickets: $100/CCPVB members, $125/non-members. Info: 280-0614 or ccpvb.org
Wednesday, October 8 at noon
MOCA’s smART Bites Lunchtime Learning Series
Making Marks, with Guest Curator Madeleine Peck. October 22 at noon- The Inward Eye Series by Richard Anuszkiewicz. Cost: Free with price of admission. Members free.
October 7, 11:30 am- 1 pm
Networking Luncheon
It’s time to mix business with the pleasure of eating at this professional networking luncheon event. Sales professionals and companies are invited to network with other businesses to grow their business through quality referrals. Cost: $20 (includes Carrabba’s special menu, beverage, salad and bread). Info: NetWorthJax.com
October 7, 7:30 am- 9:30 am
Hubbard House’s 14th Annual Barbara Ann Campbell Memorial Breakfast
Hubbard House will host the 14th Annual Barbara Ann Campbell Memorial Breakfast at Hyatt Regency Downtown. The breakfast will celebrate Barbara Ann Campbell’s life and honor her memory by encouraging the Jacksonville community to unite and realize that domestic violence truly is everyone’s issue. By embracing this concept and working together we take another step towards preventing other lives from being tragically lost. Info: hubbardhouse.org/hh/special.aspx or 354-0076 ext. 212
October 10-12
Greek Festival
Greek food and fun at the Special Events Field in St. Augustine! Live music, dancing, shopping and more. Info: 829-0504 or stauggreekfest.com
October 11, 8 pm
First Coast Opera Presents: Cabaret Espanol
Looking for a unique evening full of Spanish song, dancing, tapas and wine? First Coast Opera (FCO) is getting ready to present the next in their very popular series of cabarets, Cabaret Espanol: A Night of Spanish & Latin Music, Food & Fun! St. Augustine’s Lance Armory. Info: 417-5555
October 18, 9 am- 3 pm
Garden Fest 2008
Your food has to come from somewhere. Why not learn to grow it! The theme is Think Green, Grow Green. Topics include: Turn Trash to Treasure; Eco-Friendly Landscaping; Birds, Bees and Butterflies; Creating Edible Centerpieces and What’s New in Horticulture. Morning refreshments and drinks for lunch will be provided. To register, please call Rachel Wilson at (904)-272-4252. Cost: $10/program, $15/program plus brown bag lunch. Duval County Extension Office, 1010 N. McDuff Ave. Info: 287-9772.
October 19, 4 pm- 6 pm
MOCA Guild: Celebrating 50 Years
MOCA Guild members invite you to join in celebrating the rich legacy of the Guild in a special 50th Anniversary Sherry Party. Enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres and artful conversation. Tickets: $10. Info: 598-9469.
October 23 from 6 pm -9 pm
Holiday Dinner Demonstration
Join the Cummer Museum for the first hints of the season at their Holiday Dinner Demonstration. Chef Tony Corrente of Chef’s Garden will present a masterwork of delicious dining with ease for all to enjoy in a four-course dinner and wine pairing in the Barnett Concourse. Seating is limited. Cost: $63. Info/reservations: 899-6026.
October 25, 1 pm- 11 pm
Jacksonville Caribbean Food Festival
Starting with a Caribbean-style Mardi Gras parade, this day-long festival will feature live bands, cultural performances, and vendors providing cultural delicacies from every region that showcase Caribbean foods, artwork, music, drinks and various other goods. Metropolitan Park. Info: jacksonvillecarnival.com
October 19, 7 pm- 9:30 pm
Children’s Home Society’s 25 Annual Caring Chefs
Once again, it’s time for the premier food event on the First Coast. Caring Chefs is the original food-tasting event in Northeast Florida and remains the biggest and best. Each year sell-out crowds flood the Avenues Mall to sample some of the finest cuisine from more than 50 of the best restaurants on the First Coast. Thanks to the generosity and support of the area’s chefs, donors, volunteers and sponsors, 100 percent of all proceeds continuously benefit Children’s Home Society of Florida. Tickets: $60 and include admission, food, drink and live entertainment. Avenues Mall. Info: 493-7739
October 25, 5:30 pm -7:30 pm
Florida’s First Coast Premier Wine Extravaganza
With over 150 wines from around the world provided by Premier Beverage Company and the talented chefs from the areas finest restaurants serving tasty delights, come and experience Jacksonville’s finest luxury tasting. 100% of the ticket sales from this evening will benefit children suffering from childhood cancer right here on the First Coast. Cost: $50/advance, $55/at the door. VIP tasting tickets are an additional $25. Florida Theatre. Info: 355-2787. Please contact the CHILD Cancer Fund office at 396-4223 for more information regarding sponsorship packages.
Follow FOLIO!