FOLIO
by erin thursby
Cilantro’s on San Jose was my savior when I lived over in Mandarin. There just aren’t that many Indian cuisine options in that neighborhood, and the food is good. Sanjit Kumar Rajak, co-owner and manager was recently arrested. First, he was here illegally; second, he had hired workers that were in the country illegally. The workers, who worked six days a week, were housed by Rajak and paid $600 a week in cash. They were from Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. Cilantro’s is understandably closed for now. Although I don’t live in Mandarin anymore, I am sad it closed, despite the shady circumstances.
Here’s a question: why are most of the Indian restaurants in or near Baymeadows? I’m sure that in the right location an Indian place on the Westside/Riverside would do very well. Maybe I’m just prejudiced because I now live on the Westside and love Indian food.
Also closed is Bella’s. You may or may not have heard of them, since they opened and closed so quickly. They had taken the Dick’s Wings space off of Southside.
Matthew’s Market in San Marco closed in late January. One of owners, Chad Labenz, said it was due to the misconception that they were more expensive, according to a Jacksonville.com article. It’s true that the sandwiches there were a steal and the items they sold in the market were about at the price level of Fresh Market. But as a friend of mine commented: “If they wanted it to be seen as inexpensive, they should have taken off Matthew’s name.” I can’t disagree with that. Matthew Medure isn’t just a person in Jacksonville, he’s a brand. By putting his name on the market, it was seen as luxurious and expensive. Normally that’s not a problem, it’s an asset, but the economy has made it a liability.
Medure’s, his Ponte Vedra restaurant, which closed late November of last year, is supposed to be reopening eventually and will feature lower cost items. Again, the name Matthew Medure does not equate to affordability in the minds of most people on the First Coast. He’s going to have a devil of a time rebranding himself, if that’s what he intends to do. I think that if he’s lowering the price point he should be associated with the place but not use his name in the title.
Matthew’s, his main restaurant, is still open and busy. In fact, they’ve been running a relatively reasonable prix fixe menu of four courses that serves two for just $89. That’s a super deal for one of the fanciest restaurants in town. Also, check out the coupons they’ve got in MINT.
In other food news, yet another sushi joint (unimaginatively named Sushi House) has opened up, this time on Edgewood, next to 1171.
smART bites: Why Look At Animals?
(Thursdays at 6 pm – 6:30 pm) smART bites gives you a 30-minute guided tour of the featured exhibition and collection. Get your “bite-sized” tour and tasty tapas from Café Nola at the Downtown Museum of Comtemporary Art (MOCA) after work on Thursday evenings! Free with museum admission. Adults– $8; Seniors (60 years and older)– $5; Military (with current ID)– $5; Students (with current ID)– $5; Children under 2– FREE; MOCA Jacksonville members– FREE. Info: mocajacksonville.org
St. Augustine Tea
(Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays) Bistro de Leon in St. Augustine (12 Cathedral Place) is now holding tea from 2:30- 5 pm Thursday through Sunday. French pastries, breads and espresso will also be available for consumption! Info: 810-2100
Victorian Tea
(Fridays & Saturdays) As usual, The Row on Riverside Ave. offers afternoon tea every Friday and Saturday from 1- 3 pm. Afternoon tea is $15 per person plus tax and gratuity. Includes one sandwich assortment (chicken salad, egg salad, cucumber), one scone with clotted cream and jam and four petite desserts. Info: 354-5080 or rowrestaurant.com
5th Annual Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Wine Tasting Gala
(Friday, March 6 at 6 pm) The evening will feature a tremendous selection of over one hundred wines from around the world, including reserves which will be poured by wine experts, food tastings provided by dozens of local favorite restaurants, live music and a one-of-a-kind silent auction. Tom Coughlin will host the event and will be joined by other celebrity participants. To be held inside the Modis Building Main Lobby. All funds raised will support the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation in their efforts to assist local families who have a child battling cancer. Info: tcjayfund.org
28th Annual Lions Club Seafood Festival
(March 13- 15) This three-day St. Augustine event is a favorite throughout Northeast Florida and features tons of delicious seafood, outstanding music and affordable arts & crafts. Held at Francis Field. $2 entry, kids 12 and under free. Proceeds go to benefit Lions Club charities Info: lionsfestival.com
Beer Dinner
(Saturday, March 14) Bold City Brewery will host a beer dinner, their very first, in fact! Cost is $35 per person which includes five courses paired with five beers. Check out the menu online at jacksonvilleconfidential.com/2009/02/beer-dinner-at-bold-city-brewery.html. Seating is limited so reserve today. Info: 379-6551
A Day of Gardening
(Saturday, March 14 at 9 am- 3 pm) Don’t just eat food, learn to grow it at the Duval County Extension Office. Spend the day learning about growing orchids, square foot gardening, hydroponic gardening, irrigation, tomatoes, citrus, green landscapes, micro-greens, rain gardens, native plants, and more. Info: Reserve your space by calling 387-8850 and send check for $10 made payable to DCOHAC to Day of Gardening, 1010 N. McDuff Ave.
4th Annual PHiNS Gumbo Fest & Landing St. Paddy’s Day Celebration
(Saturday, March 14) Proceeds benefit Planet Gumbo, providing financial support to feed the hungry at
homeless shelters. The public can enjoy unlimited gumbo servings for $10 each. The Girl Scouts of America will be selling cookies noon- 6 pm and the WAPE 95.1’s St. Patty’s Celebration will start at 5 pm. Hooters Green Bikini Contest 9 pm and more!
Global Food Supply
(Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 pm – 8 pm) Each year, the Great Decisions editorial board selects eight of the most pressing global issues and regions that will be the focus of the briefing books, television programs, and online resources. The Global Food Supply is just one of those issues. Held Downtown in the Main Library. Info: jpl.coj.net or 630-2366. Pre-Registration is required and the course guides can be purchased in the Friends of the Library Booktique.
Great Atlantic Seafood Festival
(Saturday, March 21) Florida seafood, fried, boiled, grilled or blackened at the Seawalk Pavilion. Arts & crafts, rides, games and music for the whole family. Bands attending include Chroma, the Yankee Slickers, Late Nite Transfer, Saltwater Grass, Simplified and Blueground Undergrass. Info: jacksonvillebeach.org
All Organic Cooking Class at Persephone Healing Arts Center
(Friday, March 27th at 6 pm -8 pm) This all-organic cooking class covers simple suppers and healthy sandwiches, including preparation of two grain salads with homemade dressings, herbal butter and herbal yogurt. The classes are designed to teach easy ways to create and cook healthy meals that encourage healthy and nutritional eating habits. Instructed by A. Schaeffer-Pautz, MD. Dr. Pautz is board certified in Internal and Holistic medicine. Space is limited. Registration reserves your space. Cost is $85 Info: 246-3583
Follow FOLIO!