dish update + events

by erin thursby
A neighborhood gourmet specialty store just opened up near Park and King. Olives & Oils (1506 King St. 619- 6187) carries exotic cheeses, various pastas and, of course, olive oil. Check out their fresh produce and ready-made side dishes as well!
There’s nothing like a deep fried turkey. But it’s a bit messy and can be a little dangerous. Copeland’s Famous New Orleans Restaurant and Bar is selling Cajun Fried Turkeys all throughout November and December. A 12-14 pound turkey costs about $50, not unreasonable when you consider that all the equipment needed, plus the raw turkey and the oil will run you at least $100. To get more information about Copeland’s Cajun Fried Turkeys, please contact Copeland’s at 998-4414, or visit copelandsjacksonville.com.
Also serving up some deep fried turkey love is Whitey’s Fish Camp in Orange Park. Not only can you order a deep fried turkey to tske home, but you can also order an entire holiday feast to serve 4-6 people for just $62.95. The 12-14 turkey by itself is just $38.95, positively a positively a steal! Call 269- 4198 to pick up the day before Thanksgiving.
Boston’s Restaurant and Sports Bar just opened a Jacksonville location last month near the JAX at the River City Marketplace. Bar food, pasta and pizza are the foods you’ll find, but the draw might be the big screen TVs and the various game consoles such as PlayStation3 with Madden ‘08 and the Wii.


foodcentric events


International Food Festival
Friday & Saturday, November 8- 9 – Part of the Family Art Festival and Salute to the Troops at Midtown Centre. Local cuisine by Firehouse Subs, Havana-Jax Cafe, Juliette’s at the Omni Hotel, Matthew’s Market and Catering, and Red Chilies Indian Cuisine.

Roy’s 20 Year Anniversary Gala
Tuesday, November 11 – Indulge in an evening dedicated to friends, fond memories and a menu created in tribute to Roy Yamaguchi. Prepared by long time friends Alan Wong, Nobu Matsuhisa and Testuya Wakuda (just to name a few), this five–course wine dinner features the wines of Moët Hennessy USA. Seating is limited, so call 241-7697 to make your reservation.

Signature Chefs Auction Gala March of Dimes Benefit
Thursday, November 13 at 5:30- 9 pm – Auctions, chef demos and celebrity Chef Rock will be a part of this food laden event. Go to page 12 for details and an interview with Chef Rock.

Taste The Muzyk
Friday, November 14 at 7 pm – The VIP party will feature the exclusive VIP restaurant, Old Siam. The pavilion will be decked out for an evening of fun and relaxation by PRI Productions with food from various restaurants and a variety of beverages. See the story on River City Band on page 33.

24th Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon
Tuesday, November 18 from noon to 1 pm – At the Prime Osborn Convention Center. See pages 10 and 11 for details – Individual tickets are $25. Call 739-7074 for more information or visit wenourishhope.org

Thanksgiving and Old Tyme Farm Days & Engine Show
Friday & Saturday November 28- 29 – Why not have an extra Thanksgiving? Or have Thanksgiving a day later, without all the cooking, but with all of the food. You’ll have the chance to experience the “olden days” as you watch cane grinding and syrup making, or ride in a mule-pulled wagon. You will also have the opportunity to visit a living Old Tyme Village, and see many crafts, old-fashioned wares, and old tyme front porch pickin’ In addition, there is an Old Tyme Gospel Sing and a Thanksgiving Dinner. Don’t forget to join in the Pre-Christmas Parade that runs through the Park including golf carts, bicycles, horses, and more! This is definitely a fun-filled weekend that you do not want to miss out on!, Spirit of the Suwanee Music park, $10 Info: 386-364-1683.


drinkcentric events


Festival d’Vine
Saturday, November 8 at 6:30 pm – Technically this Catholic Charities’ event is all about the wine, but with Jacksonville food stars such as bb’s, Matthew’s, Mortons and Pizza Palace, it’s just as much about the food!, San Marco Square, San Marco and Atlantic Boulevards, $75 (354-4846).

Margarita Fest
Friday, November 14 from 7- 10 pm – Margarita Fest will feature a special performance from Captain Josh, the most booked Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band in North America. Morocco Shrine Auditorium. $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Info: myspace.com/folioweeklymargaritafest

Beaujolais Nouveau
Thursday, November 20 at 6 pm – Continuing an enduring tradition, we will celebrate the arrival of the 2008 Beaujolais Nouveau with a lavish fete. In a French bistro setting, the celebrated arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau will feature hors d’oeuvres and music for dancing. $89 per person. Advance reservations are required. Call 277-1028.


notable classes and demos

November 8th Dennis Chan of Blue Bamboo (3820 Southside Blvd., 646-1478) will hold a Middle Eastern cooking class. There are only about twelve slots, so reserve today. Cost is just $35.
At Apron’s Cooking School (Publix- 10500 San Jose Blvd., 262-4187) you’ll find the usual full calendar of cooking classes and demos, except for Thanksgiving Day!
Get apples involved in your cuisine by attending Apron’s Apple a Day demo ($35) on November 15th at 6:30 pm. The menu includes Canapé of Maytag Blue Cheese & Roasted Walnuts; Waldorf Salad; Pork Loin with Apple Cranberry Chutney; Wild Rice; Stuffed Baked Apples.
On the 20th they have another notable demo– Jacksonville’s Battle of the Clubs ($50), wherein Chef Eric Peterson from Timuquana Country Club squares off against Chef Jeff Nordman from Marsh Landing Country Club. Come to this class and see why these chefs are two of the finest in Jacksonville.