Erin Thursby
Peterbrooke Chocolatier has announced the opening of their newest shop located in downtown Jacksonville at 100 West Bay Street, Suite 110, with the entrance directly across from the Wells Fargo Building on Laura Street. The new shop will feature their hand dipped chocolates, coffee, “Peterbrooke-made” gelato, frozen yogurt, and various items from the Peterbrooke Bake Studio. The new location will also be able to host private parties, events and fundraisers.
The site of the Cowford Chophouse is going through some intense remodeling. They’ve had to go all the way down to the foundations, putting aside the vintage bricks for reconstruction later. Despite having lots to do, they’re still on target for opening in the Summer of 2016.
Bold City Brewery has signed a lease with Foodonics Equities, Inc. The Jacksonville-based craft brewery plans to open a Downtown “test kitchen” in early 2016. Foodonics Equities, Inc. has leased a 1,530-square-foot storefront located at 109 E. Bay Street to Bold City Brewery. The Jacksonville-based craft brewery plans to open a retail storefront and “test kitchen” brewery in the space to complement its headquarters at 2670 Rosselle Street, where it has operated a brewery and taproom since 2008. Jacques Klempf, owner of Foodonics Equities, Inc., purchased half of the Holmes Building (109-111 E. Bay Street) in July of this year. Klempf is also a partner in Forking Amazing Restaurants, a Jacksonville-based restaurant group that comprises Ovinté, Bistro Aix, Il Desco, and the Cowford Chophouse, located at 101 E. Bay Street. The unit leased to Bold City Brewery is adjacent to the Cowford Chophouse, which is currently under construction and is expected to open in summer 2016. The interior build-out of Bold City Brewery’s new Downtown location will begin in the first quarter of 2016, with a tentative opening expected in fall 2016.
Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails‘ has a new quick lunch menu Monday- Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. As always, ingredients are locally sourced.Guests may choose from a first course soup or salad, several main course selections like Sloppy Joe, Kale Salad, Rainbow Trout or Chicken Sandwich, and a drink for $15.50. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options are available as always!
To celebrate the first anniversary of the restaurant’s opening, guests who visit The Candy Apple Café & Cocktails December 15, 2015-January 15, 2016 will receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco with the purchase of an entrée or appetizer, or a complimentary appetizer or dessert with the purchase of a dinner entrée. Guests can only redeem this offer by telling their server they are celebrating the restaurant’s first anniversary.
Diners at The Candy Apple Café & Cocktails who present their show tickets from any of the Downtown cultural institutions: The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, the Florida Theatre, the Ritz Theatre & Museum and Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena to a server have the option to order from a Pre-Show Prix Fixe menu: $30 per person, includes one glass of house wine, an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert. Reservations are strongly encouraged. For reservations, visit thecandyapplecafe.com/reservations or call 904-353-9717.
Celebrity chef Kevin Sbraga opened his restaurant Sbraga opened last month in Brooklyn. See our Chef Selects article.
Il Desco opened last month in Riverside on the corner of Park and King. See our Chef Selects article for more.
Along with the kiosk Black Sheep will be opening in Hemming Park, Black Sheep will also be opening a brick and mortar later in the year.
Guests take in a traditional holiday High Tea in Azurea Lounge 2:30 pm – 5 pm, throughout the month ($28 per person). With selections of teas such as Citrus Mint, Bombay Chai and Earl Grey and champagne along with finger sandwiches including Bresaola Artichoke, Smoke Salmon Toast and Tiny Heirloom Tomato with Herb Ricotta, High Tea presents an assortment of miniature tartlets and tea cookies. Reservations are required and may be confirmed through open table at www.oneoceanresort.com.
Throughout the Month, you can take a Candy Cane Making Class at Sweet Pete’s. Various times and schedules available, see their website or call 904-376-7161. Cost is $15 per person and includes one scoop of ice cream. This class is appropriate for ages four and up. Children under thirteen must be accompanied by a paid adult. No unpaid participants will be allowed into classroom.
Dec 5 Gingerbread Man 5k/10k Dash Join your favorite holiday cookie at the 5th Annual Gingerbread Man 10k/5k Dash on December 5th at 8:00 a.m. in World Golf Village. The real Gingerbread Man will be out running amuck around the course…catch him if you can! Holiday socks, hats and general candy cane striped attire are encouraged. Pets are also welcome! This family fun run is quickly becoming the run of the season in St. Johns County. Participants will enjoy a beautiful, safe course with awards for both runners and walkers. At the finish, enjoy a Gingerbread Man cookie (of course) from Amaretti Desserts along with great eats and drinks for participants. Everyone receives a great Tee with and custom medal. For more info, go to http://www.ultimateracinginc.com/ultimate_racing_inc/Gingerbread_Man_10k_5k.html
Dec 5 & 6 Cunningham’s Holiday Herbal Celebration A gardener’s way of getting into the Holiday Spirit. Purchase your cool season herbs, vegetables, annuals and perennials, along with gifts from the garden, herbal vendors, and herbal food from appetizers to desserts. Seasonal herbal beverages will also be available. For additional information contact Linda Cunningham at 904 725 3106 or locun@att.net. Visit on facebook at Cunningham’s Herbs.
Dec 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 GINGERBREAD HOUSES Forgo the mess at home, and bring the family here! This class allows you and your children (up to three kids) to decorate your own gingerbread house. One adult is required for each family group; children should be at least 4 years old. Check the website for times. $50 * Price is for family up to 4 participants, add one seat per family to the cart. Check their calendar for times.
Dec 6 Winter Wonderland at Sweet Pete’s Join Sweet Pete as they celebrate the holidays with snow, crafts, story time and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visit 20,000 square feet of fun, inside you’ll find a candy factory, two large retail areas, Candy Apple Restaurant and Bar and a rooftop patio and dessert bar. Sunday, December 6 from 11-3 p.m.
Dec 6 Jingle Bell Brunch and Sweet Pete’s Winter Wonderland Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance at Sweet Pete’s from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 6. All guests will have the opportunity to take a complimentary photo with Santa and enjoy free activities, including story time, crafts, candy-cane stations, and a winter wonderland with “snow” on Hogan Street. Join The Candy Apple Café & Cocktails for a festive Jingle Bell Brunch before or after your visit with Santa. Reservations are required. For reservations, visit thecandyapplecafe.com/reservations or call 904-353-9717.
Dec 17 Jaxsons Night Market Do some holiday shopping with local artisans, eat some food truck food, bring home local baked goods and drink some local beer. 5:30 – 9 p.m. Hemming Park, 303 N Laura St.
Dec 24 Christmas Eve Dinner Start a new holiday tradition with Christmas Eve dinner at The Candy Apple Café & Cocktails. Guests may order from a $30 prix fixe menu, which includes a glass of wine, appetizer, entrée and dessert. A children’s menu will be available, as well. Reservations are strongly encouraged.Dec 19 Food Truck Rally & Kids Winterfest! Food Trucks & Dessert Trucks, BEER & BINGO (Bingo games are at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm), Face Painting & Balloon Artist. Interactive activities for kids of all ages. Santa Claus (arriving at 1:30pm). Lots of table vendors selling cute last minute gifts for the holidays (and for yourself) Hemming Park, 303 N Laura St.
Dec 31 New Years Eve Eats Azurea One Ocean Guests wave goodbye to 2015 and ring in 2016 with a decadent five-course menu at Azurea 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Presenting specialty items such as Grilled Portabella & Eggplant Timbale, Atlantic Coast Oyster Tasting and Duo of South East Family Farms Beef, the flavor-packed experience is $110 per person with an optional wine flight of $35 per person. As the first day of 2016 begins, Azurea will host an à la carte breakfast to provide an energizing and healthy start to the new year. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting open table.
Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Dinner at The Candy Apple Celebrate the end of 2015 and new beginnings in 2016 with a prix fixe New Year’s Eve dinner at The Candy Apple Café & Cocktails. Executive Chef Jamey Evoniuk will prepare a four-course dinner, and all guests will receive complimentary glass of Prosecco. The restaurant will serve dinner until 12 a.m.; the cost per person is $65 plus tax and gratuity. A complimentary Champagne toast will be held at midnight. Reservations are strongly encouraged. 353-9717
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