by ERIN THURSBY
Downtown Vision is hosting Picnic in the Plaza on Fridays at Hemming Plaza from 11:30 am-1:30 pm, weather permitting. So grab your picnic basket, camp chairs and blankets, and enjoy an afternoon, complete with cornhole, music and good company. Check downtownjacksonville.org to find restaurants offering take-out lunch specials.
On November 20, TacoLu Baja Mexicana opened in their new location at 1712 Beach Blvd. (the old Homestead). They are open Monday thru Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday until 11 pm and opening at 10 am on weekends for brunch. You will find plenty of parking here.
The Loop Pizza Grill opened a new restaurant November 30 at the St. Johns Town Center, 4413 Town Center Parkway, next to Total Wine in the St. Johns Town Center North. It is a new prototype restaurant for the Loop with a new look that includes a 50-foot mural by local artist Steve Williams. They will still offer the same menu of pizzas, burgers, salads, and milk shakes. The Loop will be open daily, from 11 am to 10 pm.
Executive chef and founding partner Tom Gray is leaving Bistro Aix after 13 years at the San Marco restaurant he helped to open. Gray plans to build and open a new restaurant next year at the St. Johns Town Center. Bistro Aix announced the promotion of Zeke Mears to executive chef. Mears trained at the Culinary Institute of America before working his way up in the Bistro Aix kitchen from sous chef to executive sous chef to his latest position, executive chef.
Sun Dog Diner closed after more than 23 years in Neptune Beach. The owners opened another restaurant with a similar name (Sun Dog Brewing Company) in Ponte Vedra a little less than a month before closing in Neptune. You can find the Sun Dog Brewing Company near Pusser’s on A1A. Rumors that they will open in another locale in the beaches have been flying.
Candy Cane Pulling at Sweet Pete’s–You can book a group to learn the art and fun of making candy canes! Call 376-7161 for details. Sweet Pete’s, 1922 Pearl St., sweetpete.net
On December 6 and 7, enjoy Champagne & Shopping as the Cummer Store presents their annual shopping event with complimentary champagne, appetizers and additional discounts. Exclusive Trunk showings will be available both days. Dec 6 at 10 am-7 pm & Dec 7 at 10 am-4 pm, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 356-6857, www.cummer.org
Through December 22, the Historical Society presents the Gingerbread Extravaganza. The event showcases traditional gingerbread houses along with other gingerbread creations built by area chefs, architects, school groups and individuals. From 11 am to 5 pm Monday-Saturday. Requested donation of $5 for adults and $3 for children. Parking is free. Old St. Andrew’s, 317 A. Philip Randolph Boulevard, immediately across from the Veteran’s Memorial Arena, 665-0064, gingerbreadjax.org.
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