
If you haven’t been over to Grater Goods in Murray Hill and you love local, it’s time to pop in, after a moment at Bernie’s Wine Stop next door. They sell artisan food goods, such as cheese, Stubbees honey, red cinnamon cucumbers, and pickles from Olive My Pickle. We are especially in love with the Thai Pimento cheese in the cold case from the local Barrett’s Cheese. They carry local goods, but also other interesting artisan goods from around the country (like their slow cured Olli Wild Boar Salami from California).
The brand new Gilbert’s Social opened its doors last month at 4021 Southside Boulevard (look for the orange building). Restaurants in Jacksonville generally have a slow build, from buying and renovation to soft openings, but Chef Kenny Gilbert is a “get ‘er done” kind of guy. They’d been thinking about the concept for a while, so they were ready to open the doors in less than a month. Come to dinner for the spicy but flavorful Hot Chicken. The Brisket is a favorite any time of day.

If ever there were a time to have dessert first, that time is now, at Bistro Aix, Il Desco and Ovinté. Executive pastry chef Michael Bump has revamped the menus at all three. After sampling his newest at a media tasting, we highly recommend the Chocolate Praline Torte from Il Desco, a chocolate delight with a surprising mix of textures. It’s the best dessert we’ve had the privilege to taste in some years. Come by Bistro Aix on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to chose your sweet indulgence from their old-school dessert cart!
We are super excited about the brew soon to come out of Wicked Barley on Baymeadows. The team over there is so passionate about getting the food and beer done right. Mark your calendars for October 22nd, for the Wicked Barley Beer Release Party. There will be sausage; there will be beer, starting at 11am and going all day.
Speaking of alcoholic expansion here in Jacksonville–we hope you know about the fabulous new Manifest Distilling at 960 E Forsyth Street in Downtown Jacksonville. They’ve started giving tours with hours Wednesday-Sunday 10am-6pm.
We wish Sam Salem the best, as he’s retiring from the iconic Whiteway Deli, and has sold the business to Scott McAlister, who also owns The Garage, Rogue, and Loft. But don’t worry! Your favorite sandwich and mine (the Anne Beard) is in no danger, as the Deli will keep on making things as they have in the past. And Sam, despite selling and retiring, might still be seen at Whiteway helping out.
Moon Over the Market
Get your tickets ahead of time for the November 10th tasting event of Moon Over the Market. Tickets are $30 each until October 20th. Celebrate the iconic Jacksonville Farmers Market under sparkling lights, with tastes from area restaurants and an alcoholic beverage. During the first hour (6-7 pm) the market will remain open so that you can experience the Jacksonville Farmers Market with a cocktail in hand. Besides tastes from Magnolia’s (they’ll be offering up their waffle-based cuisine and a tasty beer waffle), delights from The Pear, lovely appetizers from Pastiche, barbecue from Bono’s, oven-fired pizza from the new Pie 95, and East-meets-West cuisine from Blue Bamboo, Rummies and Yummies will offer their delicious rum cakes. Other tastes include deliciousness from Chef Celestia Mobley of Soul Food Bistro and Amie Kesslar of Front Porch Pickings. You’ll also get to experience tastes from local culinary programs as the next generation of chefs is mentored in a competition using food from the market, with mentorship from local chefs such as Chef Nedal Mardini, reigning champion of the Extreme Food Fights and sous chef to Hobnob, and Chef Rosaria Anderson of ThisChickCanCook Catering. Check the Facebook page for updates on sponsors and other tastes that will be on offer! Hosted by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, GastroJax, and the Jacksonville Farmers Market. Search Eventbrite: Moon Over the Market to get your tickets! Sponsors thus far include Heartland Payment Systems, PrimeNet Direct Marketing Solutions, and Visit Florida. Media sponsors are EU Jacksonville and iKnowJAX.com.
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