FOLIOby erin thursby
Bungalow on the Park (2782 Park Street) closed near to the holidays, apparently for holiday parties. But on a local blog in December it was claimed that they were closed for good. Rumors of their business troubles surfaced. As of December mid-month, the owner claims that they will remain open. Since they were relatively well-priced, I thought they might survive the bumps and bruises of this economy. We’ll see how they fare in the New Year.
Generally it’s the more expensive places that close when the marketplace takes a dive, as in the case of Pom’s (San Marco Square) which, I’m sorry to say, had more of a reputation for being overpriced than good. But don’t mourn Pom’s, because they aren’t closed. Ownership will be changing and guess what—they plan to charge less!
The swanky places that have fallen include Medure’s in Ponte Vedra (there are no plans to close Matthew’s or Matthews Market) and Old Siam in Jacksonville Beach.
Corner Brasserie (1430 San Marco Boulevard) has faded to black as well. I know there are folks who will lament this closing; I just never got the chance to eat there. No one I ever talked to had anything but a great experience there.
But cheer up, not all is bleak. New to Five Points is a charming little spot for tea, Cozy Tea (1029 Park Street, 329-3964). They serve elegant tea sandwiches, pastries, quiche, salad, chocolates and, of course, teas in their pretty, lace-filled little tea room. It was positively the last thing I expected to find on a nasty grey day in Five Points during my December scouting for gifts. It’s sort of refreshing because it looks so traditional. And the tea smelled marvelous.
foodcentric new years eve
Almost every bar and restaurant in the area is apt to hold their own New Years Eve celebration. Here are a few of the more food heavy options on the First Coast.
Dining, Dancing & Spirits at the Casa Marina Hotel
Not only can you indulge in their New Years buffet, which seems to have something for everybody, but the price includes an open bar with live entertainment. And, even better, you can book a room there, so you don’t have to drive anywhere after the festivities. The buffet menu includes an antipasto platter, shrimp, carved prime rib roast accompanied by roasted new potatoes, grouper Hemmingway served with cous cous, various pastas, salads, chocolate fountain and much more. ‘Dining, Dancing & Spirits’ begins at 7 pm till 2 am. $100/per person plus tax & gratuity. McGee Entertainment will be playing a selection of dancing and listening music for all ages. Info: CasaMarinaHotel.com or 270-0025. 691 N. 6th Street, Jacksonville Beach
The Chef’s Tasting Menu at Ocean 60
A delectable four course meal is what you can get at Ocean 60 for the New Year. Basically it’s a luxe fixed-price menu at a not-so-luxe price. You select each course from a number of choices on the menu. For the entrée course you’ll choose between Juniper Crusted Lamb Chops, Macadamia Crusted Diver Shot Grouper, Kona Coffee Crusted Tenderloin & Amaretto Butter Poached Tiger Prawn, Proscuitto, Sage & Pecorino Stuffed Chicken Breast and Roasted Vegetable & Mozzarella Strudel. $70 per person. The Evening Entertainment in the Martini Room will be Toots Lorraine & the Traffic, sultry swing & jazz-style vocals with a modern twist. Reservation and credit card deposit required. Info: ocean60.com/ny_eve_2008_menu.pdf or 247-0060. 60 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Beach
Roy’s New Year’s Dinner Prix Fixe
Roy’s on Jacksonville Beach is a favorite for special occasion meals. Their four-course New Year’s meal promises to be delicious. Blue Point mussels, pan-seared scallops, filet mignon, lamb and duck are all choices for the meal. Price $50-85, depending on entrée section. Info: roysrestaurant.com or 241-7697. 2400-101 South 3rd Street, Jacksonville Beach
New Years Eve Dinner at Bistro de Leon
It’s new to the New Year in St. Augustine, but it’s a marvelous place to eat no matter what day it is. This particular menu is not four courses. It’s seven! Seven fabulous French courses! Expect escargot, champagne, lamb and much more. Just $69 per person. Info: bistrodeleon.com or (904) 810-2100. 12 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine
Detox Education & Sampling
Saturday, January 3, 10 am- 2 pm, Come by Native Sun to discover the detoxifying abilities of raw foods, juices and more. Sampled items will be on sale the day of and the following week. At both Native Sun locations. Info: 260-2791.
Fat Free Living Sampling
Saturday, January 10, 10 am- 2 pm, Try healthy, all-natural and fat free snacks at Native Sun while you shop. Sampled items will be on sale the day of and the following week. At both Native Sun locations. Info: 260-2791.
Frog Leg Festival
January 15- 18, You can stay in town to sample some frog legs, or you can take a weekend road trip and go to a festival devoted to them. About three hours South of Jacksonville is Fellsmere, FL, where they hold an annual Frog Leg Festival. About 18 years ago, the city council wanted to raise money for the children of their city. They came up with the fest. Free live entertainment, free parking, admission, midway crafters, pony rides, helicopter rides, gator tail and frog leg dinners are part of the fest, which attracts around 80,000 people. Info: froglegfestival.com
FREE Healthy Happy Hour
Thursday, January 15, 6- 8 pm, Join Native Sun Natural Foods Market for free samples of organic and all-natural beers and wines paired with healthy hors d’ oeuvres. Must be 21 and up to participate. Look for Healthy Happy Hours every 3rd Thursday of the month! At the Baymeadows location only. Info: 260-2791.
Breakfast Sampling
Saturday, January 17, 10 am- 2 pm, Discover new healthy ways to start your day with all-natural and organic items from your grocery! Sampled items will be on sale the day of and the following week. At both Native Sun locations. Info: 260-2791.
Decorative Arts of Dining
Saturday, January 24, 10 am-1 pm, Daytona Beach seems an unlikely place for tablescapes to be on display, but that’s where the Guild of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra is going to be. You can attend, eyeing dining design by notable Daytona hostesses and designers. But don’t worry, you won’t go completely hungry. They serve coffee and sweets. Mori Hosseini Center located at the Daytona State College Campus, 1200 W. Int’l Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach. (386) 506-4475?
Best Baking Sampling
Saturday, January 24, 10am – 2pm, Pick up new at home baking recipes using all-natural and organic ingredients! Sampled items will be on sale the day of and the following week. At both Native Sun locations. Info: 260-2791.
Taste of Chocolate Challenge
Thursday, January 29, 2009, 6 pm, Who doesn’t love chocolate? January seems to be the month for it, as two major chocolate events grace our local scene. At the Taste of Chocolate Challenge, you can vote for your favorite chocolate confection as rendered by local chocolatiers, bakers and chefs. Participants include The Chef’s Garden, Edgewood Bakery, Heavenly Chocolate, Kilwin’s Chocolate and Chef Philip. Expect raffles, giveaways and auctions. In between the chocolate, you can chow down on hors d’oeuvres (to avoid the inevitable sugar crash). Tickets one for $30 or two for $50. Donations to benefit Family Nurturing Center of Florida. Haskell Building, 111 Riverside Avenue. Info: Call Stella Johnson at 389-4244, ext 204 or visit fncflorida.org .
Super Soups Sampling
Saturday, January 31, 10am – 2pm, Warm up with assorted soup samples made with all-natural and organic ingredients. Sampled items will be on sale the day of and the following week. At both Native Sun locations. Info: 260-2791.
Chocolates of the World
Saturday, January 31, 6 pm -10 pm, Enjoy an evening of food sensations, entertainment and cultural music that will fill the air while Jacksonville’s finest chefs compete for the 2008 “Chocolates of the World” best dessert title in three categories: Best Decorated Station, Best Dessert Presentation and Best Tasting Dessert. Chocolates of the World will benefit IVCJax’s programs that provide leaders from Jacksonville and other parts of the world with an opportunity to share best practices. Through these programs hosted by IVCJax, an exchange of shared experiences allows visitors to connect with local community leaders in a social, cultural and professional atmosphere to foster mutual understanding. Tickets to Chocolates of the World are $75 for non-members and $65 for members, and can be purchased at any Peterbrooke Chocolatier store. Event held at Sawgrass Golf Resort and Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach Info: 346-3942 visit IVCJax.com or email chocolates@ivcjax.com
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