Dish Update – January 2013

by erin thursby
Sweet Theory Baking Co. recently opened at 1243 King Street next to Whiteway Deli. Their gluten and dairy-free treats are, well, a treat.
Urbanspoon just released their list of America’s Popular New Restaurants of 2012. For Jacksonville the most popular turns out to be the newest gem in our culinary crown: Black Sheep Restaurant.
Shula’s Bar & Grill has opened a restaurant at the Jacksonville International Airport. It can be found on Concourse A past Security. Expect offerings such as burgers and sandwiches.
Do you like biscuits? The folks at a new San Marco restaurant certainly do. There, biscuit worship has been taken to new heights, with 15 biscuit sandwiches at the Maple Street Biscuit Company.
Taco Lu has moved into its new digs: in the old location of The Homestead Restaurant. The best part? More parking for the taco-hungry masses!
If you’re a local foodie you probably already know about Tom Gray’s departure from Bistro Aix. He’s set to open a new eatery somewhere in the St. Johns Town Center. Bistro Aix will still be open and serving up their tried-and-true menu items. Florida Trend just inducted Bistro Aix into their Golden Spoon Hall of Fame.
Speaking of Florida Trend awards, Golden Spoon honors and awards went to Blue Bamboo, 29 South, 95 Cordova, Azurea, Eleven South, Marker 32, Matthew’s, M Shack, Pele’s Wood Fire, Pom’s Signature Restaurant, Orsay and Salt.
Cooking in Season with Sustainable Springfield features seasonal ingredients from local sources. Here’s this year’s list of classes: Winter Ingredients January 19, 2013 at 10 am at a private residence, Chef from Taverna. Spring Ingredients April 20, 2013 at 2:30 pm at BB’s Restaurant. Summer Ingredients July 20, 2013 at 10 am at Black Sheep Restaurant. Fall Ingredients October 19, 2013 at 3 pm at The Floridian. Many of them are already full, so head to www.sustainablespringfield.net/cooking-in-season-classes.html to sign up today!

April 25 Anthony Bourdain: Guts and Glory Acclaimed chef, author and television host comes to the T-U Center’s Moran Theater to share candid and hysterical insights about his life’s work and travels, including an open Q & A session with the audience. Although it’s in April, we’ve included it now, because it’s sure to sell out. Get your tix! www.anthonybourdainontour.com or www.artistseriesjax.org

Jan 11 Mead Tasting! Sample eight different meads accompanied by tasty desserts. Learn about mead, a honey-wine, and find your favorite product! Tickets are available on the website under events. 6:30 pm at Dahlia’s Pour House in Riverside/Avondale. www.dahliaspourhouse.com

Jan 12 Warming Winter Wine & Dine Have you ever had the urge to just stay at home and relax with friends, sharing old stories, sipping wine, and just enjoy a soul-warming meal? If you want to experience that comfortable “fireside” feeling, then this menu is perfect for you. With a few deliciously simple recipes, you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the night, your company and your wine. Menu: Crisp Escarole Salad with Bacon, Dates, and Warm Walnut Vinaigrette served with Sauvignon Blanc; Portobello Mushroom Barley Soup with Truffle Crème Fraiche served with Merlot; Buttermilk Meatloaf with Stroganoff Mushrooms and Wide Egg Noodles served with Chardonnay; Warm Banana Shortcakes served with Tawny Port. 6:30 pm, $45, Publix Apron’s Cooking School. www.publix.com/cookingschools

Jan 25 Intuition Ale Works Beer Dinner An exciting four-course meal featuring local craft beer brewer, Intuition Ale Works! Each course will be paired with an accompanying beer and customers will learn more about this growing Jacksonville-based brewery from an Intuition Beer Expert! Space is limited and pre-registration is required. See the menu and register at wholefoods.com/Jacksonville. 6:30 pm, $30

Jan 26 Simply Succulent Capture the attention and taste buds of your closest friends and family with delicious plates and complementing wines that will please the pickiest pallets and excite the foodie in you. Menu: Smoky Tomato Soup; Pan Seared Jumbo Scallops with Roasted Garlic and Herb Sabayon; Grilled Cornish Game Hens over Wild Mushroom Rice; Lavender-Lemon Scones with Warm Honey Drizzle. 6:30 pm, $45, Publix Apron’s Cooking School. www.publix.com/cookingschools

Mondays Ocean 60 Wine Tasting & Tapas Pairing three wines with three tapas for $10. Hosted by manager, Shawn McGinnis, at the Main Dining Room Wine Bar. 6-8 pm, Ocean 60 Atlantic Beach. www.ocean60.com

Mondays and Wednesdays 5 for 5 at 5 Wine Tasting A 2 oz tasting of five featured wines each day. 5 to 6 pm, 296 Royal Palms Drive, Atlantic Beach. 372-0052, www.royalpalmwines.com

Thursdays Grotto Wine Bar Thursday Night Tasting Each Thursday night join us for our weekly wine tasting. You’ll taste through 6 wines for only $5 from 6 to 8 pm. Grotto Wine Bar, 2012 San Marco Boulevard. www.grottowine.com