A new arepa place just popped up in the Riverside / Brooklyn neighborhood, it’s called Arepa Please. You may remember this space as Johnny’s Deli, on the corner of Riverside Ave. and Forest St, across the street from Unity Plaza and the old fire station. I sat down with managing partner Jose Gregorio to talk about all things arepas and how they plan to serve both Johnny’s original deli menu while introducing South American cuisine. Tell me about Arepa Please. Where did it originate? How did it start? Arepa Please is a place that combines good vibes, the best coffee in …

What’s better than donuts? Mini-donuts! They’re smaller, so that means you eat more of them. Although they have been here for a year, the buzz in shows no signs of stopping, no doubt due in part to all their donuts being made-to-order hot. My favorite flavors are Strawberry Pop Tarts and Fruity Pebbles, but there are many flavors to choose from: Sweet Pete’s Sea Salt Caramel, Mint Chocolate Chip, S’mores, Maple Bacon, Strawberry Sprinkle, and Lemon Poppy to name a few. The demand has been so high that they moved a wall to make room for another prep table. Mini …

I’ve been stalking Crane Ramen Gainesville on Instagram for years now. I would daydream about bowls of their ramen floating above my head. Now, I don’t have to dream because they’re here! I sat down with Ramen Master Steve Grimes to get the inside slurp. How is Jacksonville reacting to Crane Ramen? “We’re getting hammered pretty bad on Facebook and Yelp. A lot of people are saying there’s no flavor in the broth, it’s not authentic, and it’s a whole bunch of white people making Japanese food. Yes, they are correct–I’m a white guy making Japanese food in Florida, for …

It’s been awhile since I’ve been to The German Schnitzel Haus, a few years to be exact. What put them back on the radar for me was the Impossible Burger. It’s a burger that is plant-based, but it smells and tastes like meat. It even bleeds red. But that’s not all they do at GSH. They have killer house-made pretzels, beef stroganoff, schnitzel, German pulled pork fries and even a whole Vegan menu. I sat down with Chef Steve and Lisa Thurston, the husband and wife duo behind GSH two talk all things food. Chef Steve didn’t go to culinary …

Michael Bump continues his dessert dominance at Cowford Chophouse, and he’s just getting started. It’s not just Cowford Chophouse; MB is running the dessert program for the whole : , , and  . Cowford Chophouse is the new kid on the block (in specifically), and it’s on everyone’s restaurant hit list. I got to try Cowford for dinner and after devouring oysters, steak tartare, and a Filet topped with foie gras, I knew what time it was: DESSERT time! The server went through the dessert menu, but I heard nothing as Cinnamon Rolls stuffed with creme brûlée started to roll …

Q&A MANAGING PARTNER JEFF McCUSKER Have you heard of River & Post? It’s the newest addition to Jacksonville’s booming restaurant scene. What makes it special, you ask? Over 10,000 square feet, a 9-story rooftop bar with a killer view, with a 3-Michelin-Star background, and it’s locally focused. I sat down with managing partner Jeff McCusker to get the inside scoop. Tell me about River & Post. River & Post is a casual seafood restaurant. We have great steaks and poultry dishes. I would say it’s American cuisine with a chef that is classically trained. We have a lot to offer …

I’m always curious about how people got to where they are today, especially when it comes to the culinary world. You probably know about 4 Rivers BBQ, but what you don’t know is that they have a dedicated Sweet Shop. I’m talking custom cakes, cupcakes, pies, brownies, and even homemade poptarts. I sat down with Sweet Shop Production Manager Sarah Nieves to talk all things sweet. Did you go to culinary school? I went to the International Culinary Center which used to be the French Culinary Institute in New York. Why did you choose that out of all culinary schools? …

The anticipation of Timwah (@Dimsumjax) has been brewing for months. They’ve been building the hype on Instagram teasing us with dim sum tutorial videos and pictures of racks on racks of these beautiful little treats. I thought to myself, “Is this the real deal? Are the videos legit?” I left comments on nearly every photo: “When? When? Open yet? How about now?” I was able to make it to the opening day, and it was packed like a can of sardines. After about an hour, the table next to me couldn’t stand the wait and left without saying a word, …

If you know me, then you know I eat out every single day. Here are nine of my favorite things that you should eat here in Jacksonville, Florida.   Need to know where to eat? Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube @Natedoesfood