Dish Update + Events

by Erin Thursby
Rumors of their demise came long before the actual closing at The Bungalow on Park. They were thought to be shutting their doors back in December, but they re-opened in January, limping along until last month, when they finally closed. If you’re looking for restaurant equipment, visit their website thebungalowonpark.com for more info.
As fast as places are closing, other restaurateurs see this as opportunity to get into position for the economic bounce back. Catering by Liz’s Liz Grenamyer is one of the partners in a new Jacksonville restaurant on St. Johns Avenue, which has just broken ground. Also part of the partnership: Karen Thomas and John Nagy of Eleven South. Word is that the place will be casual and will be appetizer focused.
Also, gone from the Murray Hill landscape is La Fiesta Mexican restaurant, despite rave reviews of it on JacksonvilleConfidential.com. Board chatter chalks it up to two things–the Murray Hill restaurant vortex which also swallowed 1171 and the La Nopalera effect.
Every Saturday thru December RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET Located on Riverside Avenue as it passes underneath the Fuller Warren Bridge, on the Northbank Riverwalk. Get local, fresh produce. Over 150 artists, farmers and food vendors booths. 10 am- 4 pm. RiversideArtsMarket.com
June 2 NETWORKING LUNCHEON Come to the Carraba’s Italian Grill on Southside to network with other business people. Bring business cards. Cost is $20, which includes Carrabba’s special menu, beverage, salad and bread. If you miss this one scope out the website for an alternate date at NetWorthJax.com. Pay at the door or visit the website to pay online at a discount. 11:30 am- 1 pm
June 3 RAW FOOD AUTHOR SPEAKS Chef Paul Nison will be speaking about his new book The Daylight Diet. 7 pm- 9 pm $10. Nassau Health Foods (833 T J Courson Rd., Fernandina Beach), 277-3158
June 3 MONIQUE BURR FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER Sure to be tasty because it’s at Roy’s in Jacksonville Beach. The usual delectable island fusion cuisine along with hula entertainment and even fire dancing. The foundation is for the prevention of child abuse, particularly in Northeast Florida. $75. moniqueburrfoundation.org or 642-0210
June 4 FOOD FIGHT Featuring 50 of Jacksonville’s finest restaurants and beverage distributors who come together in friendly competition to “take a bite out of hunger” by raising funds and awareness for the Second Harvest Food Bank. More than 1,200 guests are tempted to taste everything they see from the glorious variety of the finest foods and spirits displayed throughout two floors of the fabulous Crown Royal Touchdown Club in Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Live musical entertainment, a silent auction and an exciting raffle round out the evening. Since 1989, the Jacksonville Foodfight has raised nearly $900,000 in the fight against hunger. 6 pm- 9 pm, 739-7074 or downtownjacksonville.org
June 4 THIRSTY THURSDAY AT THE SHOWHOUSE Please join The Guild at Ortega Landing for complimentary wine tasting Neil Roberts of PRP Wines will be pouring selections from the company’s vast inventory of fine wines. In addition, new Guild members will be serving complimentary appetizers from Sounds Delicious The Guild’s cookbook released in 2008. 5 pm- 7 pm. Ortega Landing and Marina. 358-1479 or waters-edge.com/showhouse
June 5- 6 WELLBORN BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL It’s blueberry season. Wellborn is just an hour and fifteen minutes away from Jacksonville. If you want to celebrate this little blue berry and you like arts and crafts, check out this small town fest. wellborncommunityassociation.com/aboutus.aspx
June 8 TASTINGS AND TRIVIA AT THE GRAPE Let The Grape take control as they take your palate on a global tasting of up to 12 different wines complemented with delicious light appetizers. Bottomless wine glass for $14! Trivia from 7 pm- 9:30 pm after the first course. Exercise your brain power with questions ranging from Movies, Music and General Knowledge to the World of Wine, but make sure to submit your answer before the song ends! Any size team allowed. No Admission Charge. First course launches at 5 pm. The Grape Wine Bar & Bistro at St Johns Town Center, 642-7111 or thegrape.com
June 19 CRAFT & IMPORT BEER FESTIVAL Come to the Jacksonville Muncipal Stadium for a day of beer. Join your fellow enthusiasts to sample over 30 different breweries with over 200 beers to taste. Several local restaurants are participating and serving up great food and lively music will keep your feet taping. Our VIP members will be treated to early entry, beer and brewology school, food pairing and judging classes, and a private selection of beer. General Admission $25, VIP $40. 7 pm to 10 pm, beerfestjax.com
June 20 FILIPINO PRIDE DAY Into the night, you can experience Filipino pride at the Landing. I’ll be there for the food, namely the pig roast. Enjoy entertainment for the entire family at this free event. Cultural performances, singers, delicious desserts and authentic Filipino food. filipinoprideday.com
June 27 SUMMER TOMATO BRUNCH COOKING CLASS Memories are made when family and friends gather round the table on a lazy weekend morning for a brunch. And things get juicy when the meal’s stars are ripe tomatoes. Menu will be: Eggs Galatas; Summer Vegetable Succotash with Tomatillo Green Goddess Dressing; Tomato Creole Waffle and Blackened Shrimp with Savory Whipped Topping; Strawberry Shortcake. 10 am. Mandarin Publix, inside the Apron’s kitchen, 262-4187