dish update

by erin thursby
Opening up in the space where Tokyo Bay used to be in 5 Points is the Fu Hao Bistro (1003 Park St). While they’ve got a distinctly Chinese decor, their menu is pan-Asian and they have quite a few Thai menu items. Rumor has it they’re hiring Thai chefs. This will be great for the Thai-hungry over on the Westside. (Just so I don’t get hate mail from real estate agents, the Westside is a general term for a collection of more specific neighborhoods, including Riverside and Avondale).
While Westsiders don’t have their own Indian joint, they can eat Indian food on their side of town, if they plan in advance. The folks from Cozy Tea (1029 Park St, 329-3964) hold an Indian dinner once a month on first Fridays in 5 Points.
Closed this month in San Marco is Cafe Carmon, which had been part of the Jacksonville foodscape for over 20 years. Also closed is Plaza III.
Meanwhile, this month in Springfield, the City Kidz Ice Cream Cafe, located at 3rd & Main Street is scheduled to have their grand opening. Surprisingly, they won’t just be serving ice cream. City Kidz serves various sandwiches on a signature pretzel roll with organic lettuce and tomatoes. Also on the menu are a shrimp cocktail, gourmet kosher baked goods, frozen desserts, all natural fruit smoothies with options to add vitamin supplements, coffee and espresso based drinks with organic syrup and flavors. They’re a green restaurant with a social conscience. Their slogan is: “An Inner City Enterprise Fostering Financial Literacy.” Catchy isn’t it? To learn more about their food and social causes go to citykidzicecream.com/mainstreet.

Riverside Arts Market
Every Saturday from April 4th through Christmas.
They’re calling it the Riverside Arts Market, but its technically right on the dividing line between there and the little-known neighborhood of Brooklyn. It’s located on Riverside Avenue as it passes underneath the Fuller Warren Bridge, on the Northbank Riverwalk. Live entertainment can be heard from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm on the River Stage. Over 150 artists, farmers and food vendors booths. Info: RiversideArtsMarket.com

Rhythm & Ribs Festival
Friday- Sunday, April 3-5
Smack your lips and stomp your feet at this annual festival featuring championship barbecue dishes from around the country. A variety of outstanding entertainment throughout the weekend will be presented. The Red River Band starts the rhythm on Friday followed on Saturday by Sherry & the Psydelics, Spectra, J.W. Gilmore & the Blues Authority and headliner Leon Russell. Sunday features ribs and Funk Shui & the Falling Bones. Admission is $2 and $5 Saturday. Friday 5- 10 pm, Saturday 11 am- 10 pm and Sunday 11 am- 5 pm. St. Augustine’s Francis Field Info: rhythmandribs.net.

The Cowford Ball 2009: Wranglers, Rustlers & Renegades
Saturday, April 4 at 6:30 pm
This year’s wranglin’, rowdy gang of 165 dedicated committee volunteers are busy rustlin’ up gourmet western fare; live and silent auction gems; the most wanted midway games; entertainment and high kickin’ dance hall girls that’ll make renegades hoot and holler; and a herd of other surprises! The Cowford Ball is the largest single fundraising event for the Duval Unit of the American Cancer Society raising more than $4.7M since its inception in 1995. Info: 391-3613.?

Casa Marina Easter Brunch
Easter Sunday, April 12 at 10 am – 2 pm
With foodies today choosing variety and a mixture of stylistic preparations, the Family-Friendly Brunch Menu will include many signature Casa Marina dishes. $38.95 per person plus tax & gratuity. Please call for reservations Info: 270-0025

Spicy Asian Cocktail Fare Cooking Class
Friday, April 17 at 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm
Williams-Sonoma classes (St. John’s Town Center, 998-4304) include demonstrations and samples of featured dishes, as well as printed recipes to take home with you. Be sure to have plenty of cool drinks on hand when you serve these spicy Asian-inspired hors d’oeuvres from the Essentials of Asian cookbook. They’re perfect for a cocktail party or as small plates for a dinner party. $30 per class, which includes a 10% discount on in-store purchases. On the menu: Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp, Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce and Lemongrass Beef Skewers

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 30th Annual Fish Fry and Oyster Roast
Saturday, April 18 from noon to 4 pm
Sit under the old oak trees along the St. Johns River and enjoy Food, Family Fun, Fellowship and Live Gospel Music!All You Can Eat meal tickets are $12 (adults)- $8 (children) for fish dinners and $15 (adults) – $10 (children) for oyster dinners. Free Parking. In St. Augustine. Proceeds go to the Mission Fund. INFO:

Bradford County Strawberry Festival
Saturday & Sunday, April 18-19
So you missed the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City. Don’t cry, dry your eyes and schedule a drive to Downtown Starke, which has its own festival for these fabulous little fruits. See arts, crafts as well as “The Legends Show” featuring Elvis, Patsy Cline & more. Info: mainstreetstarke.com.

Thursday Tasting at Urban Flats
Thursday, April 30 at 5:30 pm- 7 pm
Gather your friends for food and wine at the Ponte Vedra Urban Flats to support children suffering from childhood cancer. Tickets on sale now for $25 each. You can purchase them at the event or by calling. Info: 396-4223 or childcancerfund.org

46th Annual Isle of Eight Shrimp Festival
Friday & Saturday, May 1-3
The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival includes dozens of food booths featuring shrimp specialties. The Fine Arts Show has been ranked 38th in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine as part of their 200 Best Shows in the United States. Each year, the Festival is held in the historic Downtown Centre Street business district in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. The festival is a lively mixture of fun including an annual “Pirate Parade” to kick things off on Thursday and features juried fine arts and crafts show, antiques, live entertainment, Southwest Airlines Kids Korner, contests, pirates, free admission and 25 food booths featuring shrimp prepared every way possible by local non-profit organizations. Info: shrimpfestival.com or call toll free (866) 426-3542