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THIS WEEK // 9.23-9.29.15 // VOL. 29 ISSUE 26 COVER STORY C
FFOLIO WEEKLY’S ANNUAL
BEST OF JAX! READERS’ POLL B PART ONE P
H HERO WORSHIP W
[13]
BEST OF JAX! B
[14]
Introducing The Folio 5 and the 25th Best of Jax In Readers’ R poll.
W your help The Folio 5 uncovers the Best of Jax. With [14] NEWS & MEDIA N ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT/SPORTS & OUTDOORS [18] A [24] SHOPPING/HEALTH& BEAUTY/EDUCATION S [30] DINING & DRINKING D
cover photo by DENNIS HO
FEATURED ARTICLES
STAKES IS HIGH
[10]
BY AG GANCARSKI PREDICTION: The Curry GAME PLAN in the next few months will determine his legacy
KEEPING PACE
[12]
BY GREG PARLIER A proposed development in St. Johns County receives a RARE DENIAL
DOWN ON THE STREET
[49]
BY DANIEL A. BROWN PENELOPE SPHEERIS screens two of her pioneering films of punk rock cinema
COLUMNS + CALENDARS OUR PICKS 6 FROM THE EDITOR 8 MAIL 8 BRICKBATS & BOUQUETS 8 FIGHTIN’ WORDS 10 NEWS 11
FILM MAGIC LANTERNS ARTS MUSIC THE KNIFE DINING
46 46 49 52 56 57
BITE-SIZED ASTROLOGY I SAW U CLASSIFIEDS CROSSWORD NEWS OF THE WEIRD
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EDITOR • Matthew B. Shaw mshaw@folioweekly.com / ext. 115 SENIOR EDITOR • Marlene Dryden mdryden@folioweekly.com / ext. 131 A&E EDITOR • Daniel A. Brown dbrown@folioweekly.com / ext. 128 WRITERS-AT-LARGE Susan Cooper Eastman sceastman@folioweekly.com Derek Kinner dkinner@folioweekly.com CARTOONIST • Tom Tomorrow CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rob Brezsny, John E. Citrone, Brenton Crozier, Julie Delegal, Jordan Ferrell, AG Gancarski, Claire Goforth, Dan Hudak, Shelton Hull, MaryAnn Johanson, Keith Marks, Pat McLeod, Nick McGregor, Jeff Meyers, Greg Parlier, Kara Pound, Kathryn Schoettler, Chuck Shepherd VIDEOGRAPHERS • Doug Lewis, Ron Perry
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Our Picks
Reasons to leave the house this week
CLEAN WATER MUSIC FESTIVAL Music lovers can rock out for a good cause at the fourth annual Clean Water Music Festival. This year’s family-friendly event features performances by The Bright Light Social Hour (pictured), Israel Nash, Larkin Poe, Flagship Romance, Chico Lobos Band, Be Easy, Sidereal, Dalton Cyr, Fort Stories, The WillowWacks, The Rubies, Adam Sams, Oscar Mike, Sam Pacetti, Spice & the Po’ Boys, Rachael Warfield, Michael Jordan, and Matthew Fowler. There are food trucks, a silent auction, raffle, and local vendors. Proceeds benefit global-wide programs to provide clean drinking water. Noon-11 p.m. Sept. 26, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, admission is $15 suggested donation, cleanwatermusicfest.org.
FULLY FRONTAL FACE FORWARD The exhibit Face Forward features self-portraits by 30 notable regional artists Adrian Pickett, Bill Yates, Chip Southworth, Christie Holechek (pictured, Toward, charcoal and gesso on panel, 24x24x2), Daniel Wynn, David Engdahl, Doug Eng, Dustin Harewood, Enzo Torcoletti, Franklin Ratliff, Hiromi Moneyhun, Jason John, Jim Benedict, Jim Draper, John Bunker, Kevin Arthur, Larry Wilson, Laurie Hitzig, Louise F. Brown, Mary St. Germain, Mindy Hawkins, Overstreet Ducasse, Paul Ladnier, Robin Shepherd, Sara Pedigo, Shaun Thurston, Steve Williams, Susan Ober, Thony Aiuppy, and Tony Wood. One-night-only preview 5-9 p.m. Sept. 24 at CoRK Arts District Studio East, Riverside, corkartsdistrict.tumblr.com. The exhibit then displays Oct. 1-Dec. 28 at Haskell Gallery, Northside, jiaarts.org.
FolioFest
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The wait is over! This weekend, let’s take it to the bridge! The Fuller Warren Bridge, that is. Folio Fest is a music, art, comedy, and beer extravaganza, featuring live music from killer acts Tomboi (below right), The Daygos, LPT, and Fjord Explorer, along with performance art by “deformance artist” Liz Gibson and live painting by visual arts badass and 2014 One Spark winner Shaun Thurston (top right), comedy by funnyman Dustin Ybarra (at left), whose credits include Ted 2, Chelsea Lately, and NBC’s The Player. But wait … there’s more! As in, more than 60 craft beers, plus dragonboats, glassblowing, freak bikes, fine art screen painting, and scads of fun creative stuff, 4-9 p.m. Sept. 27 under the Fuller Warren Bridge, 715 Riverside Ave., unlimited beer sampling is $30 in advance; $35 day of, discount tickets at folioweekly.com.
PAGE BREAK
FLORIDA HERITAGE BOOK FESTIVAL
The eighth annual Florida Heritage Book Festival & Writers Conference, which includes author presentations, luncheons, panel discussions, more than 50 vendors, book signings, critiques and workshops by authors and agents including Sohrab Homi Fracis (pictured), Elizabeth Sims, Mark Powell, Joan Leggitt, Darlyn Finch Kuhn, Jane R. Wood, Robert Macomber, Jeff Herman and Deborah Herman, Harrison Scott Key, and Bob Shacochis. Sept. 24-26 at Flagler College’s Ringhaver Student Center, St. Augustine; registration fees vary, for details, go to fhbookfest.com.
SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 7
FROM THE EDITOR
THE MAIL
THE BESTEST CHEERLEADERS
SOMETIMES WE GET NICE FEEDBACK
JUST A FEW MONTHS AFTER RETURNING TO Northeast Florida, I was interviewing a leading voice in the Jacksonville arts community for another publication. Of all the positive things I’d heard about this particular person, perhaps the most common characterization of him or her was as a “cheerleader for the city” and I asked about that distinction. The response surprised me. He or she didn’t care for the characterization, because as she or he put it, “cheerleader makes the subject sound like it’s challenged, or not deserving of support.” I found this to be a clever distinction at the time — in part because my experience is that cheerleaders cheer for both the undeserving (see: The Roar) and the deserving alike. If you’re one of the few who saw or read the interview when it was published, you know as well as I do that the interviewee was and is authentic in his/her enthusiasm for our region. Incidentally, in the months since, I’ve heard the word “cheerleader” used often by people dismissing the exact behavior the arts community leader admonished. For some, just the idea of being passionate about the goingson in Northeast Florida is evidence of forced or misplaced earnestness. I don’t imagine that these conflicting feelings are unique to Jax, but the pessimism in this city, I’ll freely admit, can be suffocating. We’re five to 10 years behind. Our downtown is never coming back. We are too spread out. Too Southern. Too segregated. Too conservative. Ever heard any of that? Relatedly, of the criticisms of Folio Weekly I’ve heard over the years (of which there are more than I’d like to admit), perhaps there isn’t one I disagree with more than the complaint that we are purposely negative. I can assure you, we do not sit in editorial meetings and discuss ways of meeting our poopoo-on-thingsthat-people-like-inNortheast-Florida quota. Doesn’t happen. Skeptical: yup. Critical: sure. Contrarian: absolutely. Independent: You better believe it. Alternative: that works, especially if you remember headbangin when Klinger played that new Candlebox tune on Planet Radio. For what it’s worth, every week for more than 27 years, this magazine has been giving you a snapshot of what’s happening in our region, good and bad, from live music, to arts and culture, to politics. If a subject is undeserving of support, we see it as our duty to challenge
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them (we feel our readers expect as much from us). And when they need a cheerleader, well, we do that, too. And we’ve been doing it. In 1991, Folio Weekly was the first publication in the area to offer readers in
Independent: You better BELIEVE it.
RE: “CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT,” cover story by Julie Geisenburg Delegal, Sept. 16 Just sitting here thinking about all the great articles Folio Weekly has written. Your magazine should be really proud of the fact it does not side on one political side or not. It just focuses on writing about issues that need to be addressed. Very impressed. Nicole via email
SOMETIMES IT’S NOT SO NICE
RE: “CAN THIS RIVER BE SAVED?” by Susan Cooper Eastman, Sept. 16 Only a very small section of the river runs through his [Lenny Curry] city. Take on all the politicians, not just the ones you childlike journos at Folio Weekly don’t like. Marc Kortlander via Facebook
SOMETIMES… RE: ?
Northeast Florida the opportunity to vote for the Best of Jax. That year, our readers voted for their favorites in several dozens of arts and entertainment-related categories. Nearly 25 years later, you’ve chosen 168 winners in categories ranging from Best Barista to Best Local TV Weather Forecaster to Best Spiritual Leader (would you be surprised if Richard Nunn won all three?). We’ve counted (see: forced interns to count) tens of thousands of votes and you’ve given us a snapshot of what’s great here in the 904. To be clear, Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax issues are uninhibited love-fests for our region. It’s PDA, only it shouldn’t make you nauseated. And more than anything else, this issue and the one that follows on Sept. 30 are a celebration of our area and all the people, businesses, and institutions that make it great. Taken as a whole, it’s one subject we don’t feel is challenged, or undeserving of our support. Matthew B. Shaw mshaw@folioweekly.com matthew_b_shaw
If you would like to respond to something that appeared in the pages of Folio Weekly, please send an email (with your name, address and phone number for verification purposes only) to mail@folioweekly.com.
BRICKBATS & BOUQUETS BRICKBATS TO JACKSONVILLE MAYOR LENNY CURRY After two months on the job, the dismissal of 299 Brown administration appointees, and the requests for resignation of other high-level city leaders, including those involved in transportation and development – last week the mayor continued the partisan purge, asking for the resignation of three members of the city’s planning commission, including former Democratic candidate for council Lisa King, who was subsequently elected by her fellow board members to chair the commission. BOUQUETS TO KITCHEN ON SAN MARCO Our Best of Jax winner of Best New Restaurant will host a Farm-to-Jax dinner on Saturday, Oct. 3, proceeds from which benefit Sustainable Springfield, an organization that works to unite humans with nature by creating healthy communities and sustainable practices in the area. For tickets and details, go to eventbrite.com/e/farm-tojax-tickets-18372480584. BOUQUETS TO ATTORNEY STEVE PAJCIC and JACKSONVILLE AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION After donating money to Hemming Park and more money to keep Jacksonville’s urban parks open, Pajcic donated another $50,000 toward a playground project near the Eureka Gardens apartments on the city’s Westside. In addition, Automobile Dealers Association contributed $20,000 to the playground, which will provide a safe place to play for the approximately 1,000 children who live in Eureka Gardens. KNOW SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A BOUQUET? HOW ABOUT A PROVERBIAL BRICKBAT? Send your submissions to mail@ folioweekly.com. Submissions should be a maxium of 50 words and directed toward a person, place, or topic of local interest.
SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 9
FIGHTIN’ WORDS
PREDICTION: The Curry GAME PLAN in the next few months will determine his legacy
STAKES IS HIGH
IN THE IMMORTAL WORDS OF MARTIN LAWRENCE in Bad Boys 2, “This shit just got real.” If you’re reading this, you may know the budget was approved by Jacksonville City Council just days ago. You likely missed Monday Night Football because you were tuned in to the real “Must See TV” (to borrow a phrase from Bill Gulliford). Maybe you saw streamers fall from the rafters in council chambers. As William Butler Yeats said, “Celebrate good times — come on!” But don’t get too baked on that Charlotte’s Web, kids! For the Lenny Curry administration, passing a budget without significant pushback from City Council is an achievement that mostly eluded Mayor Alvin Brown. But it’s not the Super Bowl. It’s the first game of the season. The schedule is stacked now for the Curry teams: the moderates in policy positions in City Hall; the power brokers who walk hand in hand with Curry, all the way from Together for a Greater Jacksonville to Building Something That Lasts; and the firstrate political operatives, who have built their reps on The Making of the COJ Mayor 2015. Each of those teams is like Neapolitan ice cream. When they’re kept at the optimal temperature, they maintain their divisions. But when the heat is on, the question is: Will they melt and run together into an unappetizing sucrose melange? There are those in policy positions who may have balked at one very important person from the campaign possibly being offered an administration job, for example. There are those who may have thought that to be a dealbreaker. And there are those who look at the first months of the new administration, including major supporters, and want to see a little less politics among the major players. Much conversation has been held and much ink has been spilled about the mayor’s decisions regarding board moves. All your friends in the media are quite tired of talking about it, really. Not that we worry. We know things are going to heat up soon enough. Unfunded Liability in the Police & Fire Pension and Port Dredging are two issues where the revenue isn’t quite working at the moment. Jacksonville could always bet its emergency reserve on the Jaguars winning the Super Bowl; odds are 350-1 as I write this, so if the team can make a run, we’ve got it covered. Human Rights Ordiance? That may be an issue. There’s a major local lobbyist who tells me that will be a fully inclusive measure. Tommy Hazouri and the others who care about this issue are pushing for that. Yet there is some worry among some folks that 10 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
there might be a “half a loaf ” approach, an incrementalist take on the issue that one seasoned observer compared to Lyndon B. Johnson’s phase in the process of creating Civil Rights laws in the late ’50s in the Senate, and the 1960s during his presidency. If one accepts the dictum that the HRO is about human rights and not “special privileges,” it’s hard to make the case that
The one councilperson who’s out front on this … is former mayor TOMMY HAZOURI. Is Hazouri going to back down on this issue? HELL, NO. transgender people somehow don’t deserve those rights on moral or utilitarian grounds. HRO supporters in Jacksonville think there may be as many as 12 votes for the measure … pending mayoral leadership. The one Councilperson who’s out front on this issue, without equivocation or pandering to/ via “religious exception” language, is former mayor Tommy Hazouri. Is Hazouri going to back down on this issue? Hell, no. He has nothing to lose, and he will provide the unstinting dedication to getting this done that has seemed to be missing on Council in the three years since the bill failed in 2012. Advocates had better be pulling for him. One perhaps apocryphal anecdote involved a certain councilman saying that he couldn’t support the bill a few years back because it would sanction a “sinful lifestyle.” Three guesses who might have said that. Lenny Curry, the man, understands nuance rather well. Often the smartest guy in the room, he takes great pains to relate to those who aren’t. The result is paradoxical: an intellectual who doesn’t count on his audience to do the heavy lifting. And perhaps as a function of presentation, he doesn’t want to be seen doing the heavy lifting himself. We have gotten used to the rallying cry of “Let’s ride!” But we must recognize that there are boulders in the road. One of them Mayor Curry has identified as Brown era holdovers on various city boards. He made his move there. If only those were the lone obstacles in our way from being a city of division to One City One Jacksonville … . AG Gancarski mail@folioweekly.com twitter/AGGancarski
BREAKING CANNIBAL
NEWS
DUSTIN YBARRA on Texas heat, proud white guys, and his creepy new role on Fox’s “Gotham” THOUGH HE’S RELATIVELY YOUNG, that Dustin Ybarra’s star is rising is the product of a long road. The wild-eyed, wild-haired Ybarra made a name for himself among standups, with his ever-evolving routines, which include their fair share of self-deprecation, often punctuated by a hoarse, nervous laugh reminiscent of Seth Rogan’s restless giggle. Ybarra appeared on Comedy Central’s popular, yet now-defunct, Live at Gotham stage all the way back in 2009, but after a succession of bit parts and a few recurring roles — often calling for a generic stoner type — some might have pegged Ybarra as someone to be perennially type-casted. This week, though, Ybarra made his debut as a ghoulish psychopath on Fox’s very dark, critically acclaimed Gotham and, as he has a seemingly relentless schedule of standup dates — locally, he performs at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 and 8 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at Comedy Club of Jacksonville on the Southside — Ybarra is suddenly in high demand. This Sunday, Sept. 27, Ybarra will do a set at FolioFest under the Fuller Warren Bridge in Riverisde. He was kind enough to speak with us from his home in LA, offering thoughtful answers, interspersed with that nervous laugh. Will this be your first time in Jacksonville? Let me think. Yeah. I played Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. And, you know what? I also played Marco Island. I don’t even know where that is. Yeah, I do remember there being a lot of old people. Makes sense. Do you have any good Floridarelated material? When I was there last, let’s see, I remember I talked about, I was in Miami, I was thinking about gangsters and old people and how they have to hang out together. Gangsters and old people? Yeah, I don’t know. I guess I thought it was funny how they have to get along. Well, you’re from Texas, right? That seems like a good place to mine some comedy-gold. [Laughs.] I was going to say Florida kind of took the heat off Texas. But, growing up in Texas, you know, I was in high school when George Bush was president, so every Tonight Show joke was Bush this and Bush that so Texas was like this big joke. But, obviously I don’t look like a cowboy or anything, but I am from there. So how’d you get into standup? Did you start in Texas? In high school I would do this, like, guitaropen-mic at the Starbucks by my house. I would make up these songs and looking back, they just weren’t funny at all. I remember I had one song that was, like, you know the
song, “Bye Bye Miss American Pie”? Well, it was like “Bye Bye My Bong & My Pipe.” The whole thing was about weed, which was weird because I didn’t even smoke back then, but for some reason I had all this weed knowledge. The big problem was I made the parody actually as long as the real song so it was, like, seven minutes [laughs] and people were all, like, OK, wrap it up. So is it safe to assume you were listening to Weird Al back then? Oh, yes. Definitely. Weird Al and Adam Sandler. Did you ever listen to those Adam Sandler audio CDs? Hugely inspirational. What was your favorite track? Oh boy, [favorite] audio sketch? Probably the goat sketch. [Laughs.] And I do love his Grandma song, too. But, yeah, after high school I started doing standup in Dallas, did that for, like, four years and then moved to New York and then to LA. Let’s talk about your standup a little. You talk about your father being Mexican and some of your background. How do you think those experiences shaped your approach to humor? Dude, I really love being half-Mexican. It’s a cool perspective, you know what I’m saying? You can’t really play proud Latino, but you definitely don’t want to play proud white guy [laughs] — that doesn’t ever play well. It’s like having more material. And my jokes, it’s not going to be as Mexican as, like, George Lopez or something, but you know I look white, but I have a Mexican last name. And then the Dad thing: It bothered me growing up because he took off when I was younger. But lately it has been awesome for my comedy. I’ve been getting tons of material from it. [Laughs.] I don’t know. I’m not happy that it happened, but at least I’m getting some good jokes out of it. You’ve had recurring TV roles and quite a few film credits, and you recently landed a role on Gotham. That’s a little different for you. It’s really exciting. It actually comes out today [Sept. 21]. It’s nuts. I play this serial killer, Robert Greenwood, and it starts with me in Arkham [Asylum] and it goes to some pretty crazy places. Was that a challenging role for you? Well, it wasn’t like [auditioning] for stoner, or
college dude, or computer nerd, so it was pretty exciting. And I love Batman. So being part of the DC [comics] world is just nuts. You play a cannibal, is that right? Yeah, that’s when you know you have a different look. Whenever your manager thinks you should go in for those kinds of roles. How do you prepare to audition for that? I remember just looking at myself in the mirror, putting on these weird clothes, I didn’t shave and just messed up my hair, and I said, ‘I look kind of cannibally.’ But when I went to the audition, there were a bunch of crazy lookin’ fools in there. [Laughs.] Any of them method actors? [Laughs.] Probably, they looked like it. I think they just let people in from Hollywood Boulevard. Like a bunch of homeless dudes. Is it a goal for a young comedian to grow out of standup? No way! I would say standup is going to always be there for me. Standup is my bread-andbutter. I’ve put so much time into it. It’s just great, man. You pretty much get to create, write, produce, direct and perform in standup, you know? It’s your own thing and no one can tell you what not to do. It’s great. Do you like the road part of it? Like when you play three shows in three days [which he’ll do this weekend in Jacksonville]? Mostly. It can get kind of hard, though. Just radio and all that stuff. I won’t complain, though. [Laughs.] It’s really easy compared to a lot of jobs out there. But sometimes you’re hung over and you gotta do radio. Matthew B. Shaw mshaw@folioweekly.com SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 11
JAGS LEAD THE AFC SOUTH!?
T
he secret to getting Blake Bortles, quarterback for the AFC South co-leading Jacksonville Jaguars (something I mention because, even though it’s meaningless, it’s also true) to step up? Piss him off. After the pusillanimous play-calling that characterized the play-it-safe-approach in the putrid Panthers loss a week-and-a-half ago, the usually even-keeled Bortles showed some fire toward his critics, saying, “It’s like a kindergartener saying something to a college kid.” The Jaguars, against the Miami Dolphins, came out like a team with something to prove. Adding the elusive Marquise Lee piece to the wide receiver puzzle helped keep coverage honest, especially early on, giving Allen Robinson an opportunity to have one of the better games we’ve seen from a Jags wideout in recent years. And TJ Yeldon? His stats are 83 total yards on 28 touches. Not a scintillating average. But to get that kind of volume from the Alabama product is quite encouraging, a suggestion that the Jags may have a bellcow back, albeit one without a signature run … yet. For the first quarter-and-a-half, the Jags’ offense was straight fire. After? Diminishing returns. If the O was a college kid, it’d be one who did well on the first big test and barely passed the midterm. Bortles’ final stats looked great. 273 yards and 2 TDs? You should be able to win with that. There was enough to get out in front. And enough to get in field goal range at the end. There were no backbreaking pick sixes. There were also no sacks; Sam Young stepped up in a way Luke Joeckel never quite managed. And the defense? They did enough. Of course, they did enough against the Panthers the week before, too. What this looked like to me was a game from a team that could be turning the corner. The AFC South may be more wide open than one may have thought. The Colts have issues, as the Bills game showed us. The Titans? They got housed by Cleveland, who made good use of Marcus Mariota tape. And the Texans? Maybe when Arian Foster’s groin gets right, they’ll be able to run him into the ground yet again as their best path to the playoffs. But for now, their quarterback sitch seems to be a deal-breaker. The Jags end their homestand 1-1, and to beat the Dolphins means just a little bit more than some other wins. The signature victory in franchise history, the 62-7 postseason obliteration of the Dan Marino/Jimmy Johnson Dolphins, means nothing to this generation of new fans, who didn’t have to deal with Dolphins hangers-on in the local market even as Jacksonville got its new team. Mayor Lenny Curry talked a bit of smack on Twitter to Marco Rubio, who told some dude to start Tannehill in Fantasy because the Dolphins would win easily. Tannehill was still a solid start, but for Curry and the rest of the #ilovejax posse, the defeat of the Dolphins was sweet vindication. Of course, the real test comes in New England on Sunday. Jags have beaten the Patriots once, when Scott Zolak was the Pats’ QB. No such luck this time, but these Pats are not the team they were in earlier years. They are beatable. If Blake Bortles can keep up with Tom Brady, he has a chance to shut his critics up for at least a couple of weeks. AG Gancarski mail@folioweekly.com twitter/AGGancarski
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NEWS
KEEPING PACE
“What does the county want to be when it grows up?”
— Sarah Owen, Florida Wildlife Federation, St. Johns County
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AFTER SEVERAL CONTENTIOUS HOURS OF deliberation and an extensive public comments session, the St. Johns County Board of Commissioners denied a proposal for the addition of a nearly 1,000-unit development in a rural part of one of the fastest-growing counties in the country this month. Environmental advocates said the development would have had detrimental environmental impacts for the south end of the county and Pellicer Creek; in addition, opponents said it would add stress on already overcrowded schools, spread-thin fire services, and roads meant for rural communities. The proposed Kings Grant development included 999 housing units, a 120-bed medical facility, a 260-bed assisted living facility, 130,000 square feet of commercial space and 200 hotel rooms on 772 acres on the northwest corner of the area at the interchange of S.R. 206 and I-95. It’s a dangerous place for some of Florida’s most delicate waterways to have hundreds of people added into the mix, Matanzas Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon said a week before the meeting. “If you had to put a pin on any area in St. Johns County that is the worst place, environmentally speaking, to put a development like this, I would argue you could put a pin there and be 100 percent correct,” he says. The Matanzas River and Crescent Lake watersheds touch the property, which sits 10 miles uphill from Pellicer Creek — this means, even with all precautions taken, urban runoff from any development there will eventually drain to Pellicer Creek, Armingeon said. The headwaters of any body of water are the most critical areas of a water system, because they feed the waterway, including any pollution, and Kings Grant would sit in the headwaters of Pellicer Creek, Armingeon said. Another issue for the developer was fire service. The closest existing fire stations to the property, which was proposed to be off an interstate exit whose main features are a Flying J truck stop and potato farms, are in Crescent Beach, near St. Augustine Shores on U.S. 1, and in Hastings. Firetrucks coming from Crescent Beach would be slowed by railroad tracks and a drawbridge. And the St. Augustine Shores station also stands on the other side of tracks. Hastings, meanwhile, has one truck in operation. None is within five miles, and the Fire Rescue Department would not be able to meet response time goals to the development, and possibly slow service in the communities from where a truck might come, according to a staff analysis of the developer’s application. That’s been the biggest sticking point for the developer with the Planning and Zoning Agency, which recommended denial of the project by a 4-3 vote in July. That vote was much closer after the developer added a medical facility and commercial space at the suggestion of county staff in December 2014, when it first applied. “Staff is of the opinion the addition of the medical campus promotes a type of development in this area that is not found within several miles, and the medical campus has the potential to provide economic benefits to the County if developed,” the growth management department staff wrote in its analysis of the development. But the list of infrastructure shortcomings in the area seems to be longer than potential
After amplifying rural residents’ and environmentalists’ concerns over UNSUSTAINABLE GROWTH, a proposed development in St. Johns County receives a rare denial
photo by Greg Parlier
JAGCITY
Kings Grant was proposed to be located on the northwest corner of the I-95 and SR-206 interchange, where it would have added residential traffic to the trucks coming and going from this Flying J Truck Stop, on the northeast corner of the intersection. economic benefits. There’s no wastewater treatment plant in that part of the county, though the developer proposed to build one in phase three, which could take up to 15 years to complete. Most of the commercial development, the hospital, hotel and medical offices were also slated for phase three. To its credit, the developer volunteered three acres to the county for a fire station, according to county documents, although the county does not have anywhere near the funds to pay for a new fire station, especially after commissioners denied putting a sales tax referendum on the ballot to help balance the budget this summer. In addition, nearby Pedro Menendez High School is already at capacity, and the St. Johns County School District’s shortage of seats across the county is well-documented. School district staff says they are two schools behind now, with population growth expected to continue to well outpace funding for construction and renovation projects. Prior to the meeting, concerned residents and environmentalists were on edge, as it was unclear in what direction the commission, which in the past had approved enough developments to place St. Johns among the fastest-growing counties in the nation, would go with Kings Grant. And, during the run up to the meeting, Commission Chair Rachael Bennett’s relationship with area developers was called into question, because she had served as senior vice president for prominent landowner in St. Johns County and development firm Hutson Companies until her election in 2012. Before that, she worked for the engineering firm England, Thims & Miller, the same firm that’s designing Kings Grant. Thomas Ingram, who represents the developer at County Commission meetings, cited the medical facility, which would serve an “aging population,” and increased job opportunities for the southern part of the county in his defense of the project and said the county’s comprehensive plan had slated this area for future development 25 years ago. “We have worked very hard with the
County to propose a planned community that addresses the community’s need for services, infrastructure and environmental protection. There is a great deal of detail in all of this that is difficult to capture in a news story, but the needs for services, infrastructure and environmental protection are all being addressed,” he wrote in an email. Sarah Owen, who follows St. Johns County development closely for the Florida Wildlife Federation, says she was worried about the precedent approving such a development in rural south St. Johns would have set. Kings Grant would have 13 houses within an acre, and if it had been approved, she says, it’s likely more development would be proposed in the area at that density, making it much more difficult for the county to deny later projects. Indeed, in its analysis, county staff called Kings Grant a potential “catalyst for future development.” “Our position is, this is not the right time,” Owen says. “In the northwest section of the county, you’ve created a boondoggle. Near [State Road] 206, we have the potato capital of Florida, timberlands for wood production and also as a wild natural habitat. We need to talk about how we can protect this. We should get together with the landowner, and others and develop a plan for how we should develop this part of the county. One landowner shouldn’t be able to set the precedent,” she says. “We’ve got issues today — do we want more tomorrow?” “It was a huge victory for the lower end of the Matanzas River and Pellicer Creek. Something of that density there would have made water problems worse. It’s nice to see the community coming together to fight for something important,” says Matanzas Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners’ vote to deny rezoning for the Kings Grant project. For one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, after Tuesday’s vote, the issues remain. It appears the commission and developers alike may have to slow down in order to work through them. Greg Parlier mail@folioweekly.com
CHAZ. BÄCK producer art director
candy keane
dennis ho
coordinator costumer
photographer
matthew b. shaw editor
ted ohrt
bridget gilmore
candy keane
sean keane
jenna esposito
the hydro-warrior
concordia
ms. education
the spark
cybrania
HERO WORSHIP One of my all-time favorite superhero movies is the cult-classic/box-office bust, Mystery Men, starring Ben Stiller, William H. Macy, Janeane Garofalo, and the guy who will forever be Pee-wee Herman (at least to me) as a team of wannabe lionhearts whose claims to superpowers are teased as dubious at best; the misapprehensions of social outcasts. To me, Mystery Men, which premiered in 1999, couldn’t have been made in any other decade; everything from the script’s social commentary to the cinematography (the dark eyes and gothic visuals give credence to the rumor that Tim Burton ghost-directed the film) bears a Gen-X stamp, which is only part of the reason I love it. Today, between the proliferation of CGI, the inflated cross-fit devotees filling out the Spandex, and the studios’ predilection for disaster-porn, Hollywood’s bigbudget superheroes seem unrelatable. And therein lies the other reason the Mystery Men were so appealing. As silly and ridiculous as the characters were, they are relatively authentic. Everyday Joes and Jills, romantic and delusional enough to believe in their own divine calling. Which brings us to the Folio 5. Perhaps you’ve seen our cover stars
around town in the last few weeks. We illuminated the bat signal and the areas finest cosplayers responded, creating their own superhero collective, if you will, who, according to the Folio 5 has come together under the auspices of communication, education, conservation, creativity, and harmony to help us become the Bold New City we’ve always dreamed we could be. But as super as the 5 may appear, to think they can accomplish this task alone would be, well, delusional. The Folio 5 has enlisted the help of the winners of our 2015 Best of Jax readers’ poll. These winners, as selected by you, represent the real, actual boots on the ground in the battle to find Northeast Florida’s true secret identity. Many of the winners have been at it for years, while some have joined the fight just recently. While we’re at it, it’s worth mentioning that Folio Weekly has been doing its part for longer than anyone else. This is our 25th Best of Jax readers’ poll. So, without further ado, we present the real heroes of Northeast Florida … Matthew B. Shaw mshaw@folioweekly.com
inside discover the best of...
news & media [pg. 14] arts & entertainment sports & outdoors [pg. 18] shopping, health & beauty education [pg. 24] dining & drinking [pg. 30] contributing writers
chaz. bäck, daniel a. brown, marlene dryden, susan cooper eastman, rebecca gibson, claire goforth, keith marks & kara pound
SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 13
LOCAL HERO
Tim Tebow
Finalists: Shad Khan, Wayne Wood
Where were you the day the mighty Tebow dethroned perennial Best of Jax Local Hero Shad Khan? While it may be tempting for detractors to make a snarky joke about a local hero unable to secure a thirdstring quarterbacking gig for an offense more or less inspired by his performances as a Northeast Florida prep star/Heisman trophy-winning collegiate, those readers who voted for Tim Tebow likely revere him more for his off-field heroics. Through programs like W15Sh — which provides once-in-a-lifetime experiences for children with life-threatening illnesses — and a yearly golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass, the Tim Tebow Foundation has made a commitment to the region through charitable giving and other faith-based initiatives. And if the Jags suddenly need a third-string quarterback capable of late-game heroics, after purchasing a nice little $1.4-mil crib in the JTB-adjacent Glen Kernan Golf & Country Club, Tebow is just a short drive away.
BEST LOCAL WEIRDO
Kerry Speckman
Finalists: Congresswoman Corrine Brown, Alvin Brown
Renaissance Man Henry Rollins is quoted as saying, “You need a little bit of insanity to do great things.” With hot pink hair and her signature eyewear, it’s no wonder that Kerry Speckman stands out from the crowd — any crowd. A professional writer for more than 20 years, Speckman is a local blogger and allaround interesting personality. Whether she’s talking about her favorite coffee spots or the sexiest men in Jacksonville, Speckman covers all bases. “With so many weirdos in Northeast Florida to choose from, I’m honored to be named the best,” admits Speckman. “Does that make me sound weird?”
BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO NORTHEAST FLORIDA IN 2015 One Spark
Finalists: Lenny Curry, Riverside Arts Market
Like our winner for Local Hero, the victor in our Best Thing to Happen to Northeast Florida in 2015 14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
category seems to be emerging from a challenging year — that had quite a few bumps and bruises — all the better for it. After reporting record attendance numbers for its April street party with a purpose, One Spark laid off a majority of its fulltime staff, leaving proponents and critics wondering what would become of the local creation that held such promise. Though the 2016 version will be scaled down, no doubt the announcement of plans to continue the festival was encouraging to the hundreds of thousands who enjoyed One Spark this year.
BEST LOCAL TREND Food Trucks
Finalists: Craft Beer, Art Walk
Essentially, all trends come and go. Some trends, romanticized by a younger generation, return for a new cycle (your day will come, Hammer pants, just be patient). But no set trajectory exists and expiration dates can be fickle. Hence, readers voted food trucks as Northeast Florida’s best local trend. But don’t call it a comeback, because it’s no secret that food trucks — in the words of LL Cool J — have been here for years. Our voters’ locavorian lust has proved insatiable, however, as has the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, as this year the epi-curious among us welcomed a bevy of new mobile eateries, including Eddis & Sons, Nitrogen Creamery, The Salty Dog, and Pounders Burgers, all of which began operating within the last three months.
BEST LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD Riverside
Finalists: Avondale, San Marco
Riverside has been the coolest neighborhood in Northeast Florida for so long that it’s now got layers of groove inside its groove. Bordering Downtown Jacksonville, Riverside has livability, walkability, bikes, dogs, food, and bars. It also has just the right the mix of people that makes a place a great place. Homeowners, apartment dwellers, lifelong Riversiders, all living alongside new arrivals. Walking the dog might lead to a conversation with a Jacksonville Symphony violist or a yardman with more Zen than most yoga teachers. Riverside’s homes and apartments, built mostly between 1901 and 1929, make a trek down any street an architectural eye trip.
on everything from fishing to local breweries to the Jaguars, it’s a one-stop shop for much of what’s going on in Duval. And their hashtagging game is #onfleek.
Best Local Twitter Account @TheSpecktator
Finalists: @CityofJax, @904happyhour
With more than 3,300 followers and nearly 24,000 Tweets, Kerry Speckman’s Twitter account reads like a who’s who of Northeast Florida. She’s consistently posting photos of local personalities like Ken Amaro, Karen Feagins and Shad Khan as well as sharing about everything from the smell of her cat’s poo to the burning question: Are man buns acceptable? Speckman had this to say of the FW readers’ poll win, “To the voters: #thanks. To my competitors: #sorrynotsorry. To everyone else: #thestruggleisreal.”
BEST LOCAL SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICT Kerry Speckman
Finalists: Kim Tippin, Steve Williams
American tech entrepreneur Amy Jo Martin declared, “Social media is the ultimate equalizer. It gives a voice and a platform to anyone willing to engage.” And Kerry Speckman engages. Local writer and all-around resident weirdo, Speckman is the queen of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and everything in between. Check out her blog, The Specktator (thespecktator.com) for a nonstop stream-of-consciousness on all kinds of topics and issues, from sports to hot dudes to fashion.
BEST LOCAL SPORTS RADIO PERSONALITY Dan Hicken
Finalists: Cole Pepper, Jeff Prosser
The bikes have baskets. The coffee is fresh-roasted. The beer is brewed right there. The river flows nearby (hence the area’s name). The food is farm-to-table. And if you listen carefully, you might hear the barred owls hoot at sunset.
BEST LOCAL NONPROFIT Yoga 4 Change
Finalists: Rethreaded, First Coast No More Homeless Pets
With a mission to promote healthy living and foster self-confidence for at-risk and underserved members of the community through yoga, Yoga 4 Change is one badass nonprofit. Founded by Atlantic Beach resident Kathryn Thomas, the organization has taught poses like cobra and camel at locales such as Duval County Jail, Mayport Elementary, PACE Center for Girls and Florida Family Support Services. Yoga 4 Change was even a big winner in this year’s One Spark, winning more than $30,000. Namaste.
BEST LOCAL FACEBOOK PAGE 904 Happy Hour
Finalists: Jax Truckies, Folio Weekly
They’ve got the finger on the pulse, and … THEY’RE EVERYWHERE! 904 Happy Hour wins best Facebook page, but they also win Best Mock Government Spy Campaign. Sometimes we feel they’re taking pictures of us even when we’re lying in bed reading 1984, only to wake up and find it on their social media page. While 904 Happy Hour has proved the victor this year, Folio Weekly watches and learns. We’re like the China of local social media — we may not be No. 1 yet, but we’re getting stronger (plus, we’re communists).
Best Local Instagram Account igersjax
Finalists: Only in Duval, 904 Happy Hour
With more than 26,000 followers, igersjax has proved a social media force to be reckoned with — especially if you consider the much-less-captive audiences of larger cities like Miami (igersmiami 11.2K) and Chicago (igerschicago 12.7K). So what makes igersjax an Instagram sensation? With more than 2,000 posts
Another year, another crushing victory for Best Local Sports Radio Personality Dan Hicken. Googans adore the silver-tongued soothsayer for his sharp insights, rollicking sense of fun and unabashed love of sports, sports, sports. (And, lest we forget, his glorious singing voice.) If you don’t know what a ‘googan’ is, you’re not listening to enough of Hicken and partnersin-crime Jeff Prosser and “Balls” Davis from 6-10 a.m. on 1010XL and 92.5 FM’s “The Drill.”
BEST LOCAL NEWS WEBSITE News4Jax.com (News4Jax/WJXT)
Finalists: firstcoastnews.com (First Coast News), jacksonville.com
Ah, the Internet, the rabbit hole down which American workers find themselves lost on the daily. In the era of up-to-the-instant reporting, today’s news organizations Best Local News Website court web traffic like Donald Trump courts headlines. News4Jax is for rising above the cluttered home pages, the slow-loading pop-ups, the marketing surveys for access, the “five free articles this month” limits, with a website that is straightforward, thorough and doesn’t make your computer’s fan sing the siren song of browser crashes.
BEST LOCAL INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER Ken Amaro (First Coast News)
Finalists: Nikki Kimbleton, Vic Micolucci
In the years that First Coast News’s Ken Amaro has been doing the deep dive into complex stories from around the region, his name has become synonymous with investigative journalism. Everyone knows “I’m telling Ken,” is no idle threat in Northeast Florida. That’s why this year marks Amaro’s 12th spin around the Best of Jax dreidel. There’s no doubt Ken’s on our side. Psst: he’s “on your side,” too.
BEST LOCAL TV ANCHOR Bruce Hamilton
Finalists: Donna Deegan (JTA Making Moves, Mary Baer (WJXT Channel 4)
The perennial tan, the chipmunkish smile, the inside jokes with Richard Nunn — don’t let these quirks fool you. Bruce Hamilton is a competent, even sharp, news anchor and interviewer. The affable co-anchor is able to make terrible puns, then turn around and skewer a local politico before the groans from his pun die down. He’s a recent heart-attack survivor who also supports various charity causes … including what many consider a lost cause: the Jaguars. Clearly, Folio Weekly readers love Bruce SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 15
news & media Hamilton because of his genuine positive attitude, not in spite of it, voting him Best Local TV Anchor for the third year in a row.
BEST LOCAL TV WEATHER FORECASTER Richard Nunn
Finalists: Tim Deegan (First Coast News 12 & 25), Mike Buresh (WJAX Action News)
This Best of Jax category is as changeable as the weather in Northeast Florida; it’s been tossed back and forth ever since George Winterling retired. This year, FW readers settled on Richard Nunn, of THE Local Station fame, as the best local climate fortuneteller. Nunn is never too timid to act the fool on camera, performing little dances and what can only be described as cartoony grins and grimaces. Off camera, he cracks wise as fellow Morning Show pro Bruce Hamilton struggles to keep a straight face while he delivers the news. Nunn also hosts a cooking segment, Culinary Nunnsense, wherein he takes viewers on a gastronomical journey that’s timed for the season, like perfect tailgating fare or what goes into a cool-weather soup. The race for BOJ Weather Forecaster is ongoing, and FW readers are always watching (yeah, we’re looking at you, Tim Deegan!).
BEST LOCAL SPORTSCASTER Sam Kouvaris
Finalists: Dan Hicken, Brent Martineau
Last year, Dan Hicken took this honor. But, like the NFL’s Patriots or MLB’s Giants, you can’t count Kouvaris out. I once attended a presser in the belly of EverBank Field where high-priced free agents were being introduced for the first time. With NFL Network camera lights shining upon the Jag’s newest acquisition, the door to the room swung open and a relatively tall, relatively-everymankinda guy entered the room, walked within sight of the athlete and casually leaned against the wall behind him, never once diverting his eyes from his smartphone. It was Kouvaris. The minute he completed his tweet, in a voice that boomed like the cannon thunder of Raymond James Stadium, he effectively outmuscled the other, more meek reporters in the room. Classic Kouvaris! The man’s been Sports Director at WJXT News4Jax since before this editor was born. He’s been honored with this award a few times (OK, more than 20) and according to his Wikipedia page, the proud U of Maryland Terp gets to vote for NFL Hall of Fame and Heisman Trophy candidates. I wonder which is the biggest honor?
BEST LOCAL TV NEWSCAST News4Jax/WJXT
Finalists: First Coast News, Action News Jax
Northeast Floridians turn to News4Jax on WJXT to give it to ’em straight. Every day, News4Jax’s crackerjack team braves dangerous neighborhoods, inclement weather, reluctant sources and even — gasp! — politicians, to report from angles that are always fresh and never regurgitated from the newswires. That fearlessness and tenacity makes News4Jax your Best Local TV Newscast.
BEST LOCAL RADIO SHOW
First Coast Connect/WJCT Finalists: Big Ape Morning Mess, Gator Country Morning Show
WJCT’s First Coast Connect on 89.9 FM has become a staple for Northeast Floridians who want to stay in the know about the news of the day, be it weird, wacky or, most likely, the unfiltered truth. Every weekday morning from 9-10 a.m., First Coast Connect host Melissa Ross has us tuning in and staying engaged. Listen on the regular and you will dazzle the watercooler circuit with your wit. 16 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
WJXT’s Bruce Hamilton was voted FW readers’ favorite morning show anchor.
BEST LOCAL RADIO STATION WJCT 89.9
Finalists: WAPE, Gator Country
Public radio is calling the audible in Northeast Florida. The mere fact that the local NPR affiliate, WJCT on 89.9 FM, has secured the title of Best Local Radio Station says something very flattering about Jacksonvillians: We’re down with book smarts in a big way. So give yourselves a very dignified and intellectual pat on the back, brainiacs, while the gang at WJCT tickles your prefrontal cortex.
BEST LOCAL TV MORNING SHOW News4Jax/WJXT
Finalists: Good Morning Jacksonville, Fox 30 Morning News
As sung by Nina Simone, “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new[scast] and I’m feeling good!” Again this year, News4Jax has garnered the honor of being named Best of Jax TV Morning Show by our readers. Every day, The Morning Show staff keep it fresh, entertaining and informative with their unique brand of local flavor.
BEST LOCAL COLUMNIST Ron Littlepage
Finalists: Mark Woods, AG Gancarski
The Florida Times-Union’s Ron Littlepage is both Northeast Florida’s moral compass and gentle scold. He’s for the St. Johns River and mayors who bury the hatchet and bring everyone to the table (Listen up, Mayor Curry!), buying preservation land and conserving water. The conscientious Littlepage writes with an everyman’s common touch backed by a policy wonk’s attention to the details. Finalist and fellow T-U columnist Mark Woods writes with great heart. And our own AG Gancarski kicks local politico ass.
BEST LOCAL VOLUNTEER EFFORT
Habitat for Humanity, HabiJax
Finalists: St. Johns Riverkeeper, Jacksonville Humane Society
Even in the richest country in the modern world, affordable housing lies just beyond the reach of a large portion of the population. Habijax, the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, has played a big role making the dream of home ownership a reality for people who never thought it possible. In 2015, Habijax continued its mission of bringing people together to build homes and communities, recently receiving a 4star rating from Charity Navigator, for the non-profit’s transparency, fiscal responsibility, and good governance.
BEST LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman
Finalists: Cindy Mosling (B.E.A.K.S.),
Barbara Tidwell (Wildlife Rescue Coalition of Northeast Florida)
Lisa Rinaman will fight for the mighty river that flows northward through the region. The Riverkeeper organization will sue to stop JaxPort’s expansion because there’s not enough good to offset the harm that deepening the shipping channel might bring. When Rinaman takes on power, she’s about seeking consensus. She’s not the firebrand of her predecessor and now Matanzas Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon, but make no mistake about it — her heart is in her job, to represent the St. Johns River, restoring it to its pinnacle within the unique ecology that is Florida.
BEST LOCAL HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST Chevara Orrin
Finalists: John Phillips, Jimmy Midyette
Second-generation activist Chevara Orrin has the perfect balance of moxie and willpower that makes her the top choice of our readers for Best Local Human Rights Activist. Poised, passionate and determined, Orrin isn’t afraid to kick ass with We Are Straight Allies; nor is she afraid to kick up her heels with “First Coast Dancing with the Stars.”
BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY
Melissa Ross (WJCT 89.9) Finalists: Mark Kaye, Al Letson
Ain’t nobody as fabulous on the radio as WJCT’s Melissa Ross of First Coast Connect, a repeat winner in our Best of Jax readers’ poll. Ross earned and keeps our trust for giving it to us straight and not being afraid to ask tough questions on the air. Smart, funny and compassionate as the story or guest requires, Ross gives airtime to important topics that others are often too timid to tackle.
BEST REASON TO LOVE NORTHEAST FLORIDA The Beaches
Finalists: The Weather, Art Walk
From Ft. Clinch to Matanzas Bay (as Folio Weekly’s blurb affectionately describes the area that constitutes Northeast Florida) you’ll find more than 70 miles of some of the most beautiful beaches on the entire East Coast. Much of it is white sand, some of it’s loaded with coquina and orange-hued. Much of the coastline is accessible to all, some of it is obstructed by private boardwalked McMansions. There are state and national parks and four inlets. In any event, there is not nearly enough space for all the FW readers who voted for the beaches as the Best Reason to Love Northeast Florida to have their own little slices of paradise amid the region’s long stretch of shores. So it’s important to treat well the land upon which the mighty Atlantic crashes. Pick up after yourself, cut down on single-use plastics that could end up in the ocean, and bring your own damn bags when you go grocery shopping. Got it? Good.
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BEST LOCAL COMMUNITY THEATER
BEST GALLERY
Southlight Gallery
Players by the Sea
Finalists: CoRK Arts District, Florida Mining Gallery
If you’ve never been, it’s easy to miss Players by the Sea in Jax Beach. But you’ll never forget FW readers’ selection of Best Local Community Theater after you sit in the dark and storied space, which this year celebrates its 50th season. Before your very eyes, the unassuming stage becomes a desert island, a street corner in NYC, even the 1963 presidential campaign trail. All the world may be a stage, but Players by the Sea is theater.
Showcasing more than two dozen artists, with a goal to “present a diverse selection of local artwork through ongoing exhibitions,” Southlight Gallery is the apex of display venues, according to FW readers. Located on North Hogan Street in Downtown Jacksonville, Southlight features such artists as
Finalists: Theatre Jax, 5 & Dime
pregnant woman to “porn.” The photo, taken by artist Angela Strassheim, was hung as part of MOCA’s popular Project Atrium series. Now in its fifth year, Project Atrium has received mostly favorable support from the community, save a few close-minded Bible-thumpers. “We are delighted to present such wide-ranging, monumental works from photographs to sculpture to painting over the past year,” Jaime DeSimone, assistant curator of exhibitions at MOCA Jacksonville, says of the
BEST LOCAL THEATER PRODUCTION OF 2015
“Hairspray” (Theatre Jacksonville)
Finalists: “Aida,” “The Coming Out Monologues” (Players by the Sea)
In a year where our country – and our community – was rocked by the real world pain and confusion of racial inequality and intolerance, it’s no surprise that a show like Theatre Jacksonville’s “Hairspray” finds its way to the top of our readers’ playbill. Inspired and poignant direction and choreography by the fabulous Curtis J. Williams breathed life and relevance into this hit Jon Waters property and sent viewers home thinking about equality and tapping their toes at the same time. And because it’s always an honor just to be nominated, it’s worth noting that PBTS’ gorgeous, textured “Aida” also made a splash with area theatergoers, as did the powerful, community-driven project “The Coming Out Monologues.”
BEST MUSEUM
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Finalists: Museum of Science & History, Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville
A few weeks ago, the Cummer raised enough funds to purchase “Pago, Pago,” a multimedia piece by artist Whitfield Lovell. The work consists of a portrait of an African-American soldier with vintage radios stacked underneath. It’s a highly unusual move for the museum, but one that doesn’t elicit shock among its loyal supporters. Year after year, the Cummer and its experienced, knowledgeable staff prove invaluable to the Northeast Florida arts community, displaying thought-provoking traveling exhibitions as well as nearly 5,000 works of art in the museum’s permanent collection. 18 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
Folio Weekly readers’ favorite theater, Sun-Ray Cinema in 5 Points, shows both current mainstream blockbusters and independent features not shown anywhere else.
Enzo Torcoletti, Grant Ward and Julianne French. The gallery’s monthly exhibit openings coincide with First Wednesday ArtWalk.
BOJ win. “We are grateful to the community for distinguishing the artists’ colossal efforts to mount these extraordinary projects.”
BEST ART EXHIBIT OF 2015
BEST LOCAL ARTIST
Project Atrium (Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville) Finalists: White (MOCA), Southern Exposure (MOCA)
You may remember back to the end of last year when Jacksonville City Councilman Clay Yarborough compared the photograph of a naked
Shaun Thurston
Finalists: Chip Southworth, Jim Draper
Arguably the most well-known visual artist in Northeast Florida, Shaun Thurston is always up to something. His artwork is literally splattered all over the First Coast, from restaurants to doctors’ offices to abandoned buildings around Downtown. And, according to Thurston’s Facebook page, he’s got
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arts &entertainment sports & outdoors a few more tricks up his sleeve. Be sure to check out his new ink on Bristol paper series and the self-portrait of him and his daughter he created for Haskell Gallery.
BEST PUBLIC ART
The Shark in Hemming Park
Finalists: Yates Parking Garage Mural, Shaun Thurston Murals
Did you know that having an extreme and persistent fear of sharks is called galeophobia? You do now. If you watched Jaws (or one of its three lame sequels) too often as a kid, not to worry, this public art piece will refrain from sneak oceanic attacks. “Spark Attack,” created by University of North Florida sculpture students for One Spark, is an eight-foot-tall breaching great white shark’s head that, to this day, floats in a Hemming Park fountain. We’re gonna need a bigger fountain …
BEST LOCAL ACTOR/ACTRESS
Steve Anderson
Finalists: Daniel N. Austin, Sadie LaManna
In a community so packed with local theatrical talent, it must be daunting for our readers to choose just one of the 904’s actors as Best of Jax. This year, the community has decided that – the
incredibly brave in a world filled with smallminded critics.
BEST LOCAL COSPLAYER
Candy Keane
Finalists: Jenna Esposito, Envy Inferno
Whether she’s dressed as Maleficent, female Freddy Krueger, Æon Flux or Leeloo from The Fifth Element, Candy Keane’s dress-up game is strong. “I really enjoy supporting local events like GAAM, WasabiCon and CollectiveCon,” says Keane. “Jacksonville has a lot to offer the cosplay scene and I’m happy to be a part of it.” Keane is the owner of Three Muses Inspired Clothing, which opened in 2009 in Mandarin. She also has more than 190,000 Facebook fans and is a new mom. Talk about Wonder Woman!
BEST LOCAL COMEDIAN
Mark Alan
Finalists: Jim Thomas, Duane Fletcher
Any comedian can pull out enough one-liners to get a chuckle or two, but Mark Alan delivers more — much more. He’s a magician and a mentalist, who performs daring escapes while sending audiences into fits of hysterical laughter. Alan also creates and performs routines specifically tailored for school curricula, “Take a S.T.A.N.D. Against Bullying.”
Southlight Gallery, located off Hogan Street near Hemming Park downtown, exhibits the work of some of the city’s most prominent Jacksonville artists as well as up-and-comers from UNF.
envelope, please – Steven Anderson is tops in the local thespian scene. Steve’s no stranger to Northeast Florida audiences, having shared memorable and award-winning performances for years. This year, his portrayal of Bagger Vance in The 5 & Dime’s production of Al Letson’s original play “John Coffey Refuses to Save the World” at MOSH caught the attention of our readers, and the rest, as they say, is history. And in a scene proud to tout the likes of finalists Daniel N. Austin (clearly no slouch, as he won this BOJ category last year) and gorgeous, effervescent Sadie LaManna, that’s really saying something.
BEST LOCAL AUTHOR
Alan Parker
Finalists: Annette Myers, Ben Walker
For the second year in a row, Alan Parker has risen to the top of the readers’ list as Best Local Author. The pen behind 2012’s “Daydream Believer,” a story of survival and ADHD, Parker slays us with honest humor that’s refreshingly unfiltered and 20 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
Alan’s website is worth a visit if only to check out the mean-mugging he enthusiastically displays on the landing page.
BEST COMEDY CLUB
The Comedy Zone
Finalists: The Comedy Club of Jacksonville, Latitude 360
For as long as we’ve had this category, The Comedy Zone has ruled — until last year, when upstart Comedy Club of Jacksonville snatched the title from the Zone. This year, our readers have rallied around the club that’s been making Northeast Floridians guffaw for a quarter-century. It’s conveniently located within the Ramada Inn in Mandarin, so if the hilarity renders you unable to drive — and the nationally known comics gigging there have been known to do just that — just get a room. Upcoming performers include John Witherspoon and Aries Spears as well as local comedians showcasing their skills every Tuesday and Wednesday.
BEST PLACE TO ATTEND A CONCERT
St. Augustine Amphitheatre Finalists: The Florida Theatre, Freebird Live
Reggae legend Bob Marley sang, “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” Whether it’s a bad breakup, bad hair day or just a case of the blues, Northeast Floridians prefer to check into the St. Augustine Amphitheatre for a dose of music medicine. And with good reason. Situated within Anastasia State Park, the Amp is consistently recognized as one of the top outdoor venues in the country by Pollstar and has a hefty résumé of past performers including My Morning Jacket, James Taylor and Stevie “Welsh Witch” Nicks.
BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN/BAND Whiskey Dogs
Finalists: Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, The Band Be Easy
Lesbian Club in Jacksonville. Girlfriends, Metro may have three fabulous snaps, but not far off from rhythmic heaven is Hamburger Mary’s on the Southbank of the river and Park Place on the Northbank.
Best Karaoke Place Austin Karaoke
Finalists: Monkey’s Uncle Tavern, Ginger’s Place
For nearly a decade, this Karaoke room has been accommodating the warbler within us all — we who just know we can belt out “American Girl” as well as TP or “Pony” better than Ginuwine. Karaoke can ramp up your self-esteem to Trump levels or tear it down to nothing — but you’ll never know until you try. Our readers, who clearly check their inhibitions at the door when they book a music room at Austin Karaoke on the Southside, have deemed the venue the Best Karaoke Place for the fourth year in a row.
Best Movie Theater Sun-Ray Cinema
Finalists: Cinemark Tinseltown, AMC Regency 24
Housed in a historic building on Park Street in Five Points, Sun-Ray Cinema is a two-screen movie theater serving everything from spicy Portobello sandwiches and Sweet Pete’s candy to Bold City and Intuition brews and select wines. Open every day for matinee and evening shows, Sun-Ray is the brainchild of husband-and-wife team, Shana DavidMassett and Tim Massett. “We met working behind the concession stand at another historic theater where Tim was also programming films,” says Shana. “We are excited to share new upgrades and raise the bar for movie-going in Jacksonville.”
BEST OPEN MIC NIGHT Rain Dogs
Finalists: Underbelly, The Wine Bar
You’ve spent weeks toiling over GarageBand, forgone
sleeping, lost weight, gained body odor, alarmed your loved ones, alienated your imaginary dogs, and for what?! Why, for this very moment, friend, standing onstage at open mic night, ready to debut your new original composition, “(Artisanal Tears 4 Peace) Jamericana Song for the Universe.” When Folio Weekly readers want to fire up the Looper Pedal and burn down the place (figuratively), they hit the open mic night at Rain Dogs in Riverside. Plus, if you totally bomb, the bar has a great selection of beers that will help you segue into the next phase of your blossoming career: “stumbling, crying drunk holding a Looper Pedal.”
BEST FESTIVAL One Spark
Finalists: Jazz Fest, Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
The Peter Rummell-funded One Spark is Jacksonville’s largest venture to take hold in years. You’ve been napping if you don’t know One Spark
A self-described “super group,” Whiskey Dogs come from a long line of well-known Northeast Florida musical ensembles, including The Attitudes, Radio Berlin and The Have Nots. Musicians Matt Morris, Frankie Phillips, Lorne Mays and Neal Karrer comprise this rock quartet, at it since May 2012, and likely it was the combining of fan bases from past projects that pushed them over the top with Best of Jax voters. That, and Whiskey Dogs seemed to be playing everywhere over the past year, from Rain Dogs and the now-defunct Landshark Café to Tom & Betty’s and Jack Rabbits.
BEST LOCAL DANCE CLUB
Mavericks at The Landing Finalists: The Loft, Eclipse Jax
Afraid to dance in public because you haven’t since the Macarena? Then get your clumsy ass to the massive live music (all genres, not just country) venue nonpareil, Mavericks at the Landing, where competent instructors will guide you through the latest line dances so that new honey of yours won’t dump you before that all-important third date. Watermelon Crawl? Check. Tush Push? Check. Footloose? Checkity-check-check. And on Thursdays, the lessons are free from 8-10 p.m. Just in time to two-step your way into his/her heart. Whew!
BEST CONCERT OF 2015
Florida Country Superfest Finalists: Welcome to Rockville, Shania Twain
“Yee, doggies!” Once again, this two-day, bootscootin’-boogie-bacchanal brings home the Best of Jax honky tonk hosannas. Not unlike Woodstock, only with less brown acid and more gigantic trucks and cowboy hats, Florida Country Superfest continues to “wow,” “Shock’n Y’all,” and simply delight Folio Weekly readers with its continued primo line-ups of established and up-and-coming country performers. And this year was no exception, as Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban, Brantley Gilbert, Cole Swindell, Tyler Farr, David Nail, Colt Ford, Danielle Bradbery, and the Swon Brothers rocked EverBank Field, with tunes (possibly, we’re not sure) about weekend parties, hating your boss, hot-and-heavy barn-loft lovin’, cornpone cannibalism, gigantic trucks, and even more cowboy hats.
BEST DANCE STUDIO Dance Trance
Finalists: Nancy Dance, Studio K
Dance Trance posters can be found next to posters for punk shows, the symphony, and miscellaneous fundraisers. They’ve taken the DIY ethos to heart, creating a strong community around those just want to DANCE! DANCE! DANCE!!! Break a sweat and feel the burn. Nancy Dance and Studio K: Simon Cowell says you were close ... but no cigar.
BEST GAY/LESBIAN CLUB The Metro
Finalists: Hamburger Mary’s, Park Place
The Metro is more than a gay/lesbian club – it is a complex of different themed clubs and performance venues for one of the most unique forms of entertainment in Jacksonville (Did we mention one of the largest in Florida?). This Metro’s 13th year in a row to be named Best Gay/ SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 21
arts &entertainment sports & outdoors by now. Where else can you hear new tech ideas, nonprofit pitches, musicians ripping their hearts from their chests, and drink yourself into a stupor until the wee hours of the morning in Downtown Jacksonville over the course of a week(ish)? One Spark has emerged as the place to be in the Spring.
BEST TRIVIA EMCEE Sam Mitchell
Finalists: Jamie Covert, Brandon Tomasello
For the past two and a half years, Sam Mitchell has been dropping knowledge at Harpoon Louie’s and O’Brothers Irish Pub in Riverside. Voted as Jacksonville’s best Trivia Emcee, Mitchell is driven to inspire others to get their trivia game faces on. For whatever reason, he is also inspired to toss more than 400 donuts to runners during the annual Gate River Run from his apartment in San Marco. He also wanted to let female readers know that he is very single.
BEST LIVE MUSIC CLUB
Mavericks at the Landing
Finalists: Underbelly, Freebird Live
While there’s been much talk (about 20 years’ worth, but who’s counting?) about making The Jacksonville Landing an exciting place to go, the music hall Mavericks has been diligently bringing in a variety of noteworthy musical artists. And while the venue generally focuses on up-and-coming country acts, they’ve also featured rock, rap, and reggae, including 2014 shows by Tyler the Creator, Craig Morgan, Howard Jones, Shooter Jennings, The Lacs, Earl Sweatshirt, and Tribal Seeds. With a capacity of 1,700, you have plenty of room to move, while sipping on your libation of choice. Upcoming shows include Buddy Brown, Josh Abbott Band, Clay Walker, Newfound Glory with Yellowcard and Tigers Jaw, and The Dead Presidents Tour featuring Gent & Jawns, Meaux Green, and Valentino Khan.
BEST LOCAL DRAG SHOW Hamburger Mary’s
Finalists: Bo’s Coral Reef, The Metro
There’s no party like a drag show party at Hamburger Mary’s! The “open-air bar and grille for open-minded people” might have started on 22 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
the West Coast, but “Mary’s Girls Drag Revue” has become a Jacksonville institution. Whether it’s a bachelor/bachelorette party, a mid-week pick-me-up or wild weekend, our readers’ choice for Best Local Drag Show is never a ‘drag.’
BEST BEACH
Atlantic Beach
Finalists: Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach
Between the natural forces of erosion and the meddling of man, Northeast Florida’s beaches are in a constant state of flux. Though it needs dredging every few years to ensure some of the the region’s wealthiest don’t lose their oceanfront assets to Davey Jones’ Locker, the white sands of Atlantic Beach — which begin parallel to where Atlantic Boulevard meets S.R. A1A and runs north to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park — are consistent in their ability to provide solitude, unmatched beauty, and communion with nature.
BEST PLACE TO BIKE
Baldwin Trail
Finalists: K.A. Hanna Park, Riverside
A stretch of 15 miles of paved, environmentallystimulating trails covering a wide terrain — uplands, wetlands, and pine flatwoods. It doesn’t get much better than this. Baldwin, just west of Downtown Jacksonville, is an animal-lovers dream, a spot known for bird, reptile, and other critter habitats. Perfect for an out-and-back journey along this converted railway line with plenty of places to stop like the Camp Milton Historic Preserve rest area.
BEST SURF SPOT
The Pier
Bradley, Sadie and Joe at Players by the Sea celebrate being voted best community theater in Jacksonville.
punchiest waves anywhere in Northeast Florida. It’s fun there. And everybody knows it. The silver lining: Fight through the crowds and catch a good one, and show your friends how bitchin’ you are courtesy of the photogs from the local surf report always lurking about.
BEST PLACE FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING
Jacksonville Beach
Finalists: St. Johns Town Center, 5 Points
Looks like it came down to specific criteria: Our readers prefer to watch people strolling by clad in swimsuits of all styles, colors, coverage and noncoverage rather than watch people scurrying by with arms full of bags and packages emblazoned with high-end stores or people shuffling by in porkpie hats and funky faded black T-shirts, vaping to their hearts’ and lungs’ content. Once again, Jax Beach takes the Best People-Watching category.
BEST ATHLETE IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA Blake Bortles
Finalists: Tim Tebow, Josh Scobee
Really, Jacksonville? We have to respect the readers’ votes, but, as of writing, after the example he set in year one and in the Jags opening loss to Carolina, surely we can do better than hold Bortles up as our best example of athletic prowess in Northeast Florida. His future may be bright, but then again, the QB for Lee High School looks fairly promising. There’s also the swim team captain at Episcopal High School or the point guard for Raines’ JV squad.
BEST PLACE TO KAYAK/CANOE Kayak Amelia
Finalists: The Poles, The Jetties
Finalists: Black Creek Outfitters, St. Johns River
You didn’t hear? Surfing’s no fun. It’s not cool. You shouldn’t try it. The Pier: not good there bro. Sorry. Ditto The Poles and The Jetties. Alas, it’s no use. The pier (aka Jacksonville Beach Pier), in its newest incarnation on First Street and Fourth Avenue North — its concrete pillars providing the optimum catalyst for sand to pile up and harden — it still produces some of the wedgiest,
Sure, we have nice beaches, a growing Downtown center, and a real live NFL football team, but the clincher for visitors to Northeast Florida is the natural landscape, which falls effortlessly into a bevy of waterways. And the best way to experience it all is up close and personal — in a kayak. Kayak Amelia is perfectly situated in the marshlands between Amelia/Fernandina and Jacksonville for some of the best ecotourism this side of the Mississippi.
SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 23
BEST B&B IN JACKSONVILLE Riverdale Inn
Finalists: Dickert House, St. Johns House
The Riverdale Inn is a historically significant mansion in Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood. Built in 1901, the house still has late-Victorian design elements and flourishes from the style reminiscent of its heyday around the turn of the 20th Century. The 10-room Inn is a home away from home for visitors to the area, providing a central location from which folks can explore all over, giving them one of the few walkable experiences available in Jax.
Hamilton have gone to great lengths to create the most environmentally sustainable operation possible — including the installation of two electric car-charging stations featuring Tesla and Universal Chargers.
BEST B&B IN ST. AUGUSTINE
Victorian House
Finalists: Casablanca Inn, Westcott House
It’s all about location in historic St. Augustine. From the Victorian House Bed & Breakfast, situated in the heart of Downtown’s historic district, guests can experience the many amenities and activities of the
More than just a bike shop, ZenCog on Stockton Street in Riverside is a community center, inspiring people to get on all kinds of bicycles and explore the beauty of the neighborhoods and streets of Northeast Florida. ZenCog hosts a number of community rides, bringing young and old together with the common bond of pedal power. It remains the area’s No. 1 spot for all things spoke and tire, according to readers of Folio Weekly.
BEST CLOTHING STORE Grease Rags Clothing Company
Finalists: Wolfgang, Forever 21
Two years in business and two years scoring the Best Clothing Store from our readers has Grease Rags’ owner Cindy Platt tickled hot pink all the way to the tips of her hair. The Downtown spot on Monroe Street is the place to get funky, artsy and rockabilly-y. OK, we made that last word up. But seriously, this place is too cool to be called Old School, too hip to be hipster, too damn awesome to be missed. And, better still, 100 percent local.
BEST DOCTOR
Dr. Loren Clayman
BEST PLASTIC SURGEON Dr. Loren Clayman
BEST DAY SPA
Dr. Clayman’s Miracle Spa
Black Hive Comics, located on Park Street in Riverside, is stocked with comics, toys and cosplay accessories for everyone’s inner geek.
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BEST HAIR SALON Hawthorn Salon
BEST B&B ON AMELIA ISLAND
The Fairbanks House
Finalists: Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, Addison House
Reviews for The Fairbanks House represent a who’s who of prestigious travel publications, most of which have noted the sheer beauty of Amelia Island’s best Bed & Breakfast. In addition, owners Bill and Theresa 24 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
celebrated Ancient City. Just want to relax? Victorian House is perfect for that, too: Sit on the porch or a private balcony and imagine life like it was when the house was built in 1895 — just a touch more simple.
BEST BIKE SHOP
ZenCog Bicycle Company Finalists: Open Road, Champion Cycling
Finalists: Verde Eco-Salon, Cortello Salon
Where to get that fade, that do, that cut? Hawthorn Salon, opened by stylists Jim Stracke and Lea Laskowitz, is smackdab in the middle of Riverside’s 5 Points shopping district. The experienced staff focuses on up-to-the-minute cuts and styles, thanks to continuing education for all the stylists. In addition to offering top-of-the-line hair products, the now-awardwinning salon hosts openings for in-house art exhibits.
SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 25
shopping health & beauty education BEST HAIRSTYLIST
Emily Fletcher, Miko Salon Finalists: Anthony (Anthony’s et al), Ronnie King (Verde Eco-Salon)
Very much like The Highlander (except for the chopping off heads bit), there can be only one. Many can shampoo, cut, comb, and crimp with the best of them, but only one stylist rises to the top of the gel. Emily Fletcher, stylist extraordinaire the fashionforward, Miko Salon represents the best of the bunch. Congratulations, Emily on being chosen Best Hairstylist by Folio Weekly readers. May your blades stay sharp!
BEST HEALTH CLUB/GYM Planet Fitness
Finalists: LA Fitness, Anytime Fitness
If you’re not an everyday sadist, you may have discovered a natural aversion to mantras like “No pain, no gain,” or, more darkly, “pain is weakness leaving the body,” and the clanging and guttural groans of most weight rooms are likely a deterrent. If this sounds like you, Best of Jax voters suggest you look into one of Planet Fitness’ Northeast Florida locations where, aside from disavowing what they call “gymtimidation” and espousing their trademarked “Judgement Free Zones” (not to be confused with Folio Weekly’s Free Judgment Zones, where our staffers gleefully assess and degrade your looks, for free; at least we spell “judgment” correctly), they keep prices low and offer classes for members of varying builds and cardiovascular health.
BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE Grassroots Natural Market
Finalists: Native Sun Natural Foods, Whole Foods Market
Since 2006, Grassroots Natural Market on Park Street in Riverside has been enriching lives by encouraging healthy eating and living. Started by two local brothers, this ever-expanding shop offers herbal supplements, organic produce, organic wines and craft beers, cheeses, supplements, skin-care products, and even organic pet food for conscientious cat and dog owners. The deli and juice bar serves fresh items for folks who want to snag a good-for-you nosh and/or beverage as they load up their carts with some of the 11,000 carefully sourced natural goods.
BEST HOOKAH LOUNGE Casbah Café
Finalists: Taverna Yamas, Habibi Bar & Cafe
This region boasts many restaurants and lounges that serve Middle Eastern cuisine and culture, thanks to the large intergenerational Arabic community here, but Casbah Café is consistently one of our readers’ BOJ favorites. The Avondale restaurant combines the relaxation of a neighborhood hangout with the flavor and mystery of the Middle East hookah culture. The experience is communal and private, convivial and intimate, amply aided by hookah pipes, the belly dancers and plate upon plate of earthy hummus, tastebud-happy baba ghanoush, fried kebbe and other exotic soul-satisfactions.
BEST E-CIG/VAPOR SHOP New Leaf Vapor Company Finalists: Blackhat Vapor Company, CloudLife Vapor
New Leaf’s slogan is “Made for Picky Vapors,” and the Five Points vape shop has built its smoking customer base on decoding just what blends will satisfy each one. The staff at the shop are customer-focused, whether helping the novice or the experienced vaper. The shop sells fruity smokes, like Florida Orange and Grape Escape, as well as more savory pulls, like Classic Carolina Tobacco or the raunchy-sounding Ranch Hand. Its juices are customizable and the shop prides itself on mixing 26 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
Clayton Bromberg and his staff at Underwood’s in San Marco are proud to be voted the region’s best jewelers. Other locations are in Avondale, Ponte Vedra and inside the Avenues Mall.
flavors, varying the nicotine level or putting together a blend with no nicotine at all.
BEST HOSPITAL
Baptist Medical Center
from San Jose to St. Augustine and Beachside to Baymeadows and Jax/Atlantic/Ponte Vedra beaches.
BEST LAWYER
Finalists: St. Vincent’s Healthcare, Mayo Clinic
John M. Phillips (Law Offices of John M. Phillips)
The very wise Mahatma Gandhi once said, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” With nearly two dozen locations around Northeast Florida including hospitals, outpatient clinics and imaging centers, Baptist Health is the preferred entity for real wealth in the region. After all, they’ve got value-added lifesaving locales like Baptist Medical Center South, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Hill Breast Center and Baptist Center for Bariatric Surgery.
Five years, five Best Lawyer wins for John M. Phillips. The champion for underdogs is known to Folio Weekly readers for his fearlessness in both the courtroom and the court of public opinion. Accessible, sharp and down-to-earth in a way you wouldn’t believe unless you’ve been on the receiving end of one of his warm and hearty handshakes, Phillips takes it to the (court)house again and again and again. And he usually wins.
BEST JEWELRY STORE
Underwood’s Jewelers Finalists: Beard’s Jewelry, Miriam’s Jewelry
For more than 80 years, Underwood’s has been supplying Northeast Floridians with the highest quality of engagement rings, wedding sets, watches, earrings and bridal gifts. Founded in 1928 in Palatka by H.F. Underwood, the now-local multi-location (San Marco, Ponte Vedra Beach, Avondale and Avenues Mall) jeweler claims the largest American Gem Society-credentialed staff east of the Mississippi River. The award-winning company offers fine jewelry by designers David Yurman, Belle Etoile, Benchmark, DiModolo, Mikimoto, Roberto Coin and Marco Bicego, among others. Underwood’s has been crowned once again our readers’ favorite bling headquarters — every year since our the annual arts awards morphed into what is now Best of Jax readers’ poll in 1991. We should consider changing that, since it covers St. Augustine, Fernandina and Orange Park — how does Best of Four Counties sound? Right; sucks.
Finalists: Nick James, Eddie Farah
BEST PLACE TO BUY A CAR
Tom Bush Family of Dealerships Finalists: Autoline, Carmax
When it comes to buying a car, whether it’s a Volkswagen, BMW, Mazda, or Mini, the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships are great. With six locations (most of the 9800 blocks of Atlantic Boulevard and a place out on Blanding), they’ve got big cars, small cars, medium-sized cars — all of which have wheels — and he’s got a two-syllable name and … OK, you caught us. No one at Folio Weekly can afford a new car. And even if we could, we’ve got too many points on our individual licenses to get behind the wheel. That’s why we hire Pedi-cabs to take us everywhere (great gas mileage, too). But if we could buy a shiny new Beemer, we would take a recommendation from our readers, who’ve voted Tom Bush – familyowned-and-operated for 45 years – the best place to buy a car four years in a row.
the advancement of the distinct skate culture that’s spreading in NEFla — thanks in no small part to the Block’s loyal customers, as well as FW’s Best of Jax voters, who have the sense to reward them for that.
BEST TATTOO SHOP
Black Hive Tattoo
Finalists: Inksmith & Rogers, 8th Day Tattoo
If you’re three sheets to the wind, with a gaggle of girlfriends, and looking to get a butterfly tramp stamp, then Black Hive Tattoo is not the place for you. Rather, Black Hive is a custom studio comprising artists Nick Wagner, Selina Medina, Colbey Joyce and Sole Del Real, who specialize in traditional flash and out-of-the-box artistry. Located on Gilmore Street in Riverside and established in November 2008, Black Hive is the obvious choice for any (sober) discerning ink connoisseur.
BEST VETERINARIAN
Dr. Susan Shelton (St. Francis Animal Hospital) Finalists: Dr. Mark Chick (San Juan Animal Hospital), Jacksonville Humane Society
St. Francis Animal Hospital is a not-for-profit animal clinic founded by Dr. Susan Shelton in 2003 to provide affordable health care for the region’s pets. That’s a mission Folio Weekly readers believe in. The clinic offers reasonably priced care for all owned pets, with a base rate of $33 for a standard office visit. The experienced, compassionate staff often finds ways to help individual animals in need. The Family Pet Fair & Blessing of the Pets, an annual fundraiser for St. Francis, is held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 3 at Fletcher Park, 1652 Atlantic Blvd., San Marco.
BEST DIVE SHOP
BEST SKATE SHOP
Diver’s Supply
ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
Finalists: Skate Bomb The SB Skate Co., Sunrise Surf Shop
From bitter herbal liqueurs like Fernet-Branca to local brews from Aardwolf Brewing Company and Bold City Brewery, there’s a bit of something for everyone at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits. Founded in 1936 in Orlando by Jack Holloway, ABC now spans the state, with 18 stores in and around Northeast Florida,
Northeast Florida has been an incubator for skateboard culture since well before the opening of Kona SkatePark in 1977. Though The Block Skate Shop on Park Street in Riverside is the newest addition to the region’s skate scene, the shop’s owners have serious street (course) cred. Local boys James Smith (founder of Meros Academy) and professional skateboarder Mike Peterson have each contributed to
In “Along Came Polly,” a ripped Hank Azaria commanded our attention with his huge … acting ability as he quipped, “So, tell me true. Are you guys for SCUBA?” For Northeast Floridians who answered with a resounding “YES! OH YES!” Diver’s Supply on St. Johns Bluff Road South has everything you’d need to safely swim with the fishes. And if you’re not ready to strap on neoprene and a tank and jump in the deep drink, this year’s Best Dive Shop also offers onsite SCUBA certification courses.
BEST LIQUOR STORE
Finalists: Total Wine & More, Riverside Liquors & Village Wine Shop
The Block Skate Supply Shop
Finalists: Atlantic Pro Dive, Scuba Tiger
BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE
That Poor Girl Vintage & OLD.SKOOL.JUNK
Finalists: Grease Rags Clothing Co., Goodwill North Florida
Looking for a 1960s lavender chiffon prom dress? On the hunt for some Daisy Dukes from the ’80s? Check out That Poor Girl Vintage. Established in September 2011 by Tori Poor and Linda Blake, the eclectic boutique is located on King Street in Riverside and has recently partnered with OLD. SKOOL.JUNK to “give you a well-rounded and even more unique vintage experience,” says Poor. “That Poor Girl is an ever-evolving creative space/shop in the name of vintage weirdness!”
BEST RECORD STORE
Deep Search Records
Finalists: Young, Loud & Snotty, Yesterday & Today
Established at the end of 2012 by twentysomething Rich Rapp, Deep Search offers vinyl by everyone from Buddy Guy and Bob Dylan to Jimi Hendrix and J Dilla. Besides new and very gently used 33rpm music recordings (in case you don’t know what ”vinyl” means), Deep Search stocks books, generally ones of poetry, philosophy, literature and the arts. They’ve got an online store, too, for those of you who don’t get out much.
BEST FARMERS MARKET Riverside Arts Market
Finalists: Jacksonville Farmer’s Market, Beaches Green Market
Jacksonville’s RAM has been pulling people from all over the region to its Farmer’s Row, which offers local produce from Congaree and Penn, Eat Your Yard Jax, Maggie’s Herb Farm, and more. Every Saturday, the row is full of produce, cheeses, breads, truffles, and meats. The local crafters and artisans market has certainly made its impact on Northeast Florida after its six years in operation, expanding to include more than 100 vendors. Just recently, RAM stepped up its commitment to offer only locally produced food, expanding consumer consciousness in the process.
BEST SURF SHOP
Sunrise Surf Shop
Finalists: Aqua East Surf Shop, Surf Station
Can’t get the local surf report to snap your pic, brah? You may want to stop into perennial Best of Jax winner Sunrise Surf Shop on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach. Sunrise has been helping customers step up their schwacking with new surf sleds and rad threads since 1976. Adding to the shop’s street-cred (wave-cred?), Sunrise boasts the most badass surf team in the whole country — they brought home their third National Surf Shop Challenge Championship last fall. While you’re in the shop on your way to the deep blue, pick up a surfboard mount for your GoPro camera. You can shoot surf selfies and show those photogs once and for all just how bitchin’ you truly are.
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Big Fish Power Yoga
Finalists: MBody Yoga, Yoga Den
Promising a more rapid entree through the doors of enlightenment, Big Fish Power Yoga in Jacksonville Beach has nabbed recognition among those in the know, to wit, Folio Weekly readers. Mary Lyn Jenkins opened Big Fish in 2010, with a studio staff that focuses on heated Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga, as well as slow flow, power, deep stretch and kids’ classes. Part of its appeal is that Big Fish caters to practitioners and teachers of all levels. The programs include classes, workshops and other training opportunities, earning Big Fish a loyal following. Namaste.
(both the bookmine on Roosevelt Boulevard and the uptown location on Laura Street) runs deep among area bibliophiles. With 55,000 square feet of books, providing ample opportunity to unearth used/rare treasures covering topics from Jacksonville history to the black arts, and the intersections in between (of which there are many), it’s one of the city’s finest homegrown cultural institutions.
BEST HOTEL IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA
One Ocean Resort & Spa Finalists: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island; Omni Hotel
TripAdvisor contributor (hey, give us a break, this one’s out of our staff’s price range) GoldenMermaid57 had this to say about One Ocean Resort & Spa: “If you are looking for luxury bedding, clean rooms and a romantic getaway, then One Ocean is your place to be. Beautiful aqua colors, modern rooms with all of your needs in mind.” With 193 rooms and suites and floor-toceiling vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no wonder Northeast Floridians prefer this beachfront resort above all others.
BEST DENTIST
Dr. Ronald Roessler, 5 Points Dental Finalists: Dr. Kevin Neal (Ponte Vedra Cosmetic Dentistry), Dr. Tiffany Shields
Dr. Roessler: Folio Weekly’s readers have anointed you best dentist. We’re frantically sweeping the candy wrappers off our desks and feeling mildly guilty since our last cleaning! Dr. Roessler’s office, in the 5 Points shopping district in Riverside, offers general and cosmetic dentistry. Patients praise Roessler for his laid-back demeanor, and Yelp reviewers (no, people don’t actually have anything better to do) rave about the fancy digs of 5 Points Dental.
BEST LOCAL SPIRITUAL LEADER
Pastor Joby Martin (The Church of Eleven22) Finalists: Stovall Weems (Celebration), Spike Hogan (Chet’s Creek Church)
Located in the gargantuan space that formerly featured the southern half of a Walmart (or, as we call it, “The Third Most Spiritual Place on Earth”), since 2012 Joby Martin and his The Church of Eleven22 have been attracting a twentysomething, millennial flock (along with older folks) to hear his spin on the Gospel. Folio Weekly readers hath blessed Pastor Joby with our first-ever Best Local Spiritual Leader win! Hallelujah! However, we at Folio Weekly, forever the heretics, were disturbed by a video that came to light featuring a young woman testifying on behalf of Martin’s powers of persuasion and his efforts to De-gay-ify her. According to the video, posted to the Church’s Facebook page in March, Joby told the young woman, “You can’t be gay. You can’t be homosexual anymore. It’s not what god wants from you.” The video invokes a discredited church practice called conversion therapy which virtually all reputable medical professionals – including those from the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians – say is harmful and destructive as it, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “provoke[s] guilt and anxiety while having little or no potential for achieving changes in orientation.” Yo Joby, God don’t make no junk.
BEST LOCAL BOOKSTORE
BEST PSYCHIATRIST/ THERAPIST/COUNSELOR/ SOCIAL WORKER
Finalists: The BookMark, San Marco Book Store
Finalists: Dr. Jessica Anderton, Psy.D. (New Paths), Bill Hughes, M.A. LMHC (Community Behavioral Specialists)
For the Luddites among us, nothing beats the thrill of scoring a classic novel, anciently dog-eared, foolishly annotated with notes to someone’s long lost love, reeking of that same person’s study, a person who’s been dead and gone for decades. Wow, that took a dark turn. But honestly, the love for Chamblin’s
Walter Brennan once said, “There’s two types of people in this world: bathed, clean-smellin’ folks with their head screwed on tight, and the rest of us.” As a feller who’s personally wrassled with the mental health varmints of bipolar disorder and drug addiction for nigh on 30 years (true), I know firsthand
Chamblin BookMine, Chamblin’s Uptown
Etta Ettlinger, LCSW, PA
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shopping health & beauty education coastal biology to nursing and nutrition. Folio Weekly readers agree that it’s great … to be … a UNF Osprey — I mean, c’mon, it’s a LOCAL university so how about giving it some LOCAL love?
that a nutty person needs a good psychiatrist like a cowboy needs a reliable saddle: to carry them onward down the cactus-and-rattlesnake-riddled trail of invasive thoughts, web-like depressions, and hopeful wellness. It’s a wobbly ride, friend, no matter how tight the girth. Why travel alone? When looking for a place to hang their glitter-caked spurs and needlessly ass-less chaps, Folio Weekly readers give a tip of their shared, odorous Stetson to Etta Ettilinger, our first ever Best Psychiatrist/Therapist/ Counselor/Social Worker readers’ poll winner. So when your brain feels like a roiling spittoon full of turpentine and red eye, mosey on over to Psychotherapist Ettlinger’s down Ponte Vedra way – you’ll be glad you did.
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT Mark Fagan
Finalists: Shelton Scaife (Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty), Crissie Cudd (Watson Realty)
“Best Real Estate Agent” is one of Best of Jax’s most hotly disputed categories every year. This year, proud Neptune Beach resident Marc Fagan has been voted the guy you want in your corner if you’re buying or selling a home. Powered by both
broader demographic than the 40-year-old manchild. Yes, you might actually see a real, live girl in there! The dedicated, friendly staff stocks a crosssection of old standbys, new favorites and children’s comics that will have you happily lost in the glossy pages. Bonus: there’s a second location, Superhero Beach, in Jax Beach.
BEST GROCERY STORE
Publix Super Markets Finalists: Trader Joe’s, The Fresh Market
Publix’s slogan is, “Where shopping is a pleasure.” And all y’all seem to agree. Founded in September 1930 in Winter Haven by George W. Jenkins, Publix
BEST ORTHOPEDIC PRACTICE
Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute (JOI) Finalists: Heekin Orthopedics, Southeast Orthopedics
When it comes to taking care of Northeast Florida’s musculoskeletal health, our readers say that it’s Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute (JOI) that gets right down to the bone. Powered by a huge team of top-flight physicians and medical support professionals, JOI’s seven locations across Northeast Florida provide a level of convenience and care that’s made them the darling of our local readers. If that’s not enough to show their high quality and effective results, keep this in mind: JOI has been the exclusive provider of sports medicine for the Jaguars since 1995.
BEST CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Hugo Orozco (Align Chiropractic
Finalists: Dr. Shane Silver (Silver Chiropractic & Wellness), Dr. Robert DeVincentis (Intracoastal Chiropractic Clinic)
Neck and back pain is no laughing matter, and when Folio Weekly readers need help getting relief from their spinal issues, they turn to the professional services of Align Clinic’s Dr. Hugo Orozco more than anyone else. Since 2009, when he joined the Align practice, Dr. Orozco has provided the utmost in neurostructural correction of the spine for adults, children, and pregnancy patients based on a complete, precise, and thoroughly up-to-date approach to the highest functioning of the body in a comfortable, family-centered environment.
BEST LOCAL TEACHER
Karen Holsey, Ed White High School Finalists: Nick Martino-FSCJ, Theresa Levy-Raines
Karen Holsey’s ninth and 10th grade students at Edward White High School might never love math as much as she does, but they will at least understand it. An alumnus and former instructor at Raines High School, our readers’ choice for Best Local Teacher identifies with students in a way that can’t be taught. And, like all great teachers, she’s invested in their futures even after they’re long gone from her classroom. “That’s typically the highlight of my career, when they’re able to come back and tell me I made a difference in their lives,” Holsey says.
BEST LOCAL COLLEGE University of North Florida
Finalists: Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville University
As Nelson Mandela told us, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” And for those wanting to at least leave this planet a little better than how they found it, the University of North Florida is the place to start. Established in 1972, UNF serves approximately 16,000 undergrad and graduate students, studying a diverse variety of coursework from business and 28 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
Find Garf and his crew at ZenCog in Riverside, voted Best Bicycle Shop.
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and Florida Realty Network, Marc provides a level of care and service that has brought him not only the attention of our readers, but, according to his website, he was also named 2015 Best Realtor of the Year by the LGBT Community. Clearly, Marc’s services are much in demand, so if he’s not available, you can feel comfortable giving a holla at Shelton Scaife or Cassie Cudd, your chosen finalists.
BEST BUILDER/ CONTRACTOR
The Pineapple Corporation Finalists: Tom Trout, Bosco
The pineapple isn’t indigenous to Northeast Florida but this year’s readers’ choice for Best Builder/ Contractor, The Pineapple Corporation, is totally local. The custom homebuilder brings a personalized touch and attention to detail that creates luxurious, inviting getaways guaranteed to impress even the most discriminating connoisseur. “From the blueprint to the block,” nothing is overlooked.
BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER Gary Adler (Adler Interior Design Associates Inc.)
Finalists: Amanda Webster (Amanda Webster Design), Bianca Beattie (Just B Interiors)
For more than 25 years, Jacksonville interior designer Gary Adler has created elegant, stately and restful interiors for his Northeast Florida clientele. His subtle color palette soothes the eye and the way he assembles furnishings, fabric and objects turns a house into a home with the art, artifacts and architecture that together contribute to the well-lived life.
BEST COMIC BOOK STORE Superhero Hive
Finalists: Black Hive, Cosmic Comics
Friendly neighborhood comic shop Superhero Hive specializes in a range of interests appealing to a
now boasts more than 1,100 locations throughout the Southeast. So whether you’re looking for canned crushed tomatoes, frozen pepperoni pizza, fresh bakery items, some semi-soft Stilton (that’s cheese), or a famous Pub Sub, then Publix is the place to be. And if that’s not enough, the clean, courteous folks at the grocery chain always have some awesome BOGO (buy-one, get-one) deals.
BEST LOCAL GROCERY STORE
Grassroots Natural Market
Finalists: Native Sun Natural Foods Market, Freshfields Farm
“There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” That bon mot was uttered by none other than Nobelist George Bernard Shaw, the wise and witty socialist playwright. With everything from freshly squeezed juices and homemade take-away items to craft beers and organic wines, Grassroots, on Park Street in Riverside, has stolen the collective hearts of Best of Jax voters. Established in 2006 by brothers James and Jack Robison, Grassroots is all about offering regional, organic and sustainable edibles, like tempeh from Gainesville, coffee from Jacksonville and eggs from South Georgia.
BEST ANTIQUE SHOP
Southern Crossing Antique Mall
Finalists: Fans & Stoves Antique Mall, Avonlea Antiques & Design Gallery
“SCAM is a very large antique mall, and so it is inevitable that you’ll find a few things that strike your fancy,” Yelp user Stewart P. has written of Southern Crossing Antique Mall. “It’s one of the few places that I occasionally find things that satisfy my nerd passion of fountain pen collecting.” Located on Park Street in Riverside, SCAM (not the most flattering acronym for a proprietorship) features more than 5,000 square feet of everything from vintage piggy banks to antique telephones. And a few fountain pens, too.
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BEST BARTENDER/ MIXOLOGIST
Tyler Mathes (Suite)
Finalists: Chris LaNiese (Volstead), Kurt Rogers (Sidecar)
What’s it take to make a fantastic drink? Whatever is involved, Tyler Mathes has perfected the science and craftsmanship. The University of North Florida graphic design student spends his nights crafting drinks at Suite, the sophisticated lounge in the St. Johns Town Center. Mathes has a keen eye for detail, a laudable quality since he has to handle liquid nitrogen as the Magic Mike Revue dance troupe (an actual event that happens at Suite) has the rapt attention of nearly everyone else in the place.
BEST SEAFOOD
Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant
Finalists: Singleton’s Seafood Shack, Salt Life Food Shack
It’s no secret the best seafood in the region first lands on the docks of the sleepy fishing village of Mayport. And a huge amount of that seafood — flounder, grouper, oysters, shrimp, scallops, snapper — is from Safe Harbor Seafood, which our readers deem No. 1. After 25 years of wholesale distribution, the Pack Family opened a restaurant in 2013, and has continued to serve fresh seafood locally caught on Safe Harbor’s own boats. Pick up the market’s freshest fish, eyeballs and all, or sit out on the deck with just-prepared delicacies of the deep and watch the shrimp boats dodge the pelicans and otters.
BEST NEW RESTAURANT Kitchen on San Marco
Finalists: Hawkers Asian Street Fare, 904 Restaurant
Adopting current culinary trends like farmto-table and elevated Southern cuisine, then executing them well have made Kitchen on San Marco a no-brainer for this year’s Best New Restaurant, so say FW readers. Executive Chef Ryan Randolph takes the farm-to-table movement seriously, and has crafted a menu that aligns with the area’s growing season, serving innovative regional fare in a casual, welcoming environment. In addition to supporting local craft breweries, Kitchen on San Marco welcomes the culinary students of Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College.
BEST PIZZA ON AMELIA ISLAND BEST PIZZA IN JACKSONVILLE
Moon River Pizza
Bold Bean Coffee Roasters
Amelia Island Finalists: Townies, Pi Infinite Combinations Jacksonville Finalists: Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers, Al’s Pizza
Drinking a cup of joe has become one of the
Perhaps no Best of Jax category is as hotly challenged as that of Best Pizza. Just as the cheese is cooling
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nation’s most serious rituals, right behind end zone dances and holy communion. And since 2011, Bold Bean’s Riverside location has been hallowed ground for this sacred act. Now with two locations and a roaster, Bold Bean continues to advance the art of coffee creations with meticulously sourced and locally roasted beans. As their motto says, “It’s all about the process.” Bold Bean knows how to get that process right with every pour.
on this one, a winner has emerged. Jacksonville and Amelia Island’s Moon River serves New York-style pizza made from scratch with fresh dough and a variety of toppings. With an emphasis on traditionally crafted pizzas, both Moon River spots (Murray Hill and Fernandina) have become faves of vegans and glutenfree fans, though the most popular pizza is probably the T-Rex, a meat lover’s treasure — not as scary as it sounds. Unless you’re a vegetarian.
BEST PIZZA IN ORANGE PARK/FLEMING ISLAND Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers
Finalists: Al’s Pizza, Brewer’s Pizza
Orange Park and Fleming Island are small, familyoriented communities, but their denizens’ love for and admiration of a great pizza pie is nothing to underestimate. When you visit that neck of the woods, make sure to grab a slice at Mellow Mushroom, the spot the locals have voted as the Best Pizza in their neighborhood. Well-known for the many locations in Northeast Florida, the MM in OP/FI offers a wide variety of pizzas that’s 2D4, inventive salads, thick, rich calzones, and piled-high hoagies, as well as a great assortment of adult libations to compliment the fare. And make no mistake about it, the fun and funky atmosphere at MM creates a one-of-a-kind pizza night experience.
Watch your favorite football team and Folio Weekly readers’ favorite sports bar, Sneakers, in Jax Beach.
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drinking BEST PIZZA IN ST. AUGUSTINE Al’s Pizza
Finalists: Pizzalley’s, Pizza Time
Unless you just moved to the area a hot minute ago, there’s no excuse for not knowing the legendary taste and appeal of Al’s Pizza. A perennial winner and finalist in our Best of Jax contest, Al’s is locally founded, locally owned, and powered by some of the most die-hard fans a pizza joint can have. Whether they’re down for a quick and delicious lunch slice or taking the whole family out for a great pizza-centric dinner, our readers have elected Al’s St. Augustine location as the best pizza joint in town. In a city – the nation’s oldest, BTW – that also has pizza choices
itself as the “Ultimate Sushi Grill,” Fuji offers a lot more than just sushi that’ll curl your toes; the full menu includes a wide variety of fare from the Orient, and the all-you-can-eat lunch special will fill your belly. And for a change of pace, sample the finalists’ cuisine at Sushi Café and Sake House.
BEST LOCAL CRAFT BREWERY
Intuition Ale Works
Finalists: Aardwolf Brewing Company, Bold City Brewery
Jack Nicholson once said, “Beer … it’s the best damn drink in the world.” Concocting everything from pale ales to porters, Northeast Florida boasts some rather impressive breweries. But when it comes to local craft suds, Intuition Ale Works has proved to be the preferred place to browse, buy or imbibe. Established in 2010 by owner and brewer Ben Davis, Intuition specializes in flavorful and creative beers, ales, stouts and IPAS, in a wide range of styles, alcohol content and IBUs. Check out their popular brewskis like Jon Boat, People’s Pale Ale, King Street Stout and I-10 IPA — all of which are also sold in cans in actual stores. Intuition makes it easy.
With its delicious pastries and highly caffeinated beverages, Bold Bean’s original location on Stockton Street (pictured) has won the hearts of Folio Weekly’s Riverside readers, while their newest space on Third Street has won over the beaches.
like finalists Pizzalley’s and Pizza Time (both legends in their own way), that’s high praise indeed.
BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar Finalists: Daruma Japanese Steakhouse, Tomo Japanese Restaurant
For lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine in Northeast Florida, “wasabi” means more than just the popular Japanese horseradish. This year, our readers have voted Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar in St. Johns Town Center as the very definition of their go-to hot spot for a meal of Far East delight. Whether you’re feasting on the well-cured Kobe beef steaks or keeping it light with great-tasting sashimi, you’ll be delighted by the entertaining chefs and the engaging atmosphere.
BEST SUSHI Fuji Sushi
Finalists: Sushi Café, Sake House
Some local epicureans call it the finest of allnatural delicacies, and other Northeast Floridians call it “bait,” but without a doubt, the 904 is absolutely in love with sushi. Our readers have voted Fuji Sushi as their favorite spot to feast on this traditional delight. Whether you choose to visit them at their San Marco, West Beaches, or Mandarin location, you’ll discover creative and fresh hand-made offerings that have caught the full attention of Folio Weekly readers. Billing 34 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
BEST RESTAURANT ON AMELIA ISLAND
Salt, The Ritz-Carlton
Finalists: 29 South, The Salty Pelican
There’s a lot in a name at the venue readers chose as this year’s Best Restaurant on Amelia Island. The dinner-only destination in The Ritz-Carlton gets its identity from sea creatures frolicking in salty waterways that abut the resort. The high-end dining experience features more than 40 varieties of sodium chloride (that’s salt for those of you who failed chemistry), some millions of years old, harvested from exotic, remote locations and infused with flavors and spices to give its delectable seasonal menu a distinct, flavorful edge.
BEST RESTAURANT IN JACKSONVILLE
Restaurant Orsay
Finalists: Black Sheep Restaurant, Taverna Yamas
Orsay marries French knowhow with Southern homecooking and hospitality. Hankering for simple fare prepared with a steady hand or a complex layering of flavors? Orsay can deliver both. The seafood in the bouillabaisse is suffused with Pernod-flavored saffron tomato broth. The golden beet terrine includes orange blossom honey, goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes, pickled radish, arugula and pistachios. The hamburgers don’t need a lot of fancy fixings when they’re made from top-quality, grassfed beef, and the trout has a simple lemon brown butter vinaigrette. Taken together, the offerings at Orsay make up some of Jacksonville’s best eating. It’s definitely bon appetit.
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drinking BEST RESTAURANT IN ORANGE PARK/FLEMING ISLAND Texas Roadhouse
Finalists: Urban Bean Coffeehouse Cafe, Mojo Smokehouse BBQ & Blues
Good ol’ hearty American eats like Grandma might have made, if she wasn’t a radical Episcopalian vegetarian: The steaks are hand-cut and grilled just right, ribs are falling-off-the-bone good. Plus, there are sides like loaded baked potato and green beans flavored with bacon. Damn right. Margaritas and other mixed drinks and a passel of beers on tap complete the experience. Texas Roadhouse feeds the hunger within, keeping its customers filled up and satisfi ed.
BEST RESTAURANT IN ST. AUGUSTINE The Floridian
Finalists: Columbia Restaurant, Ice Plant Bar
With a brand-spankin’-new location on Spanish Street, The Floridian is the Nation’s Oldest City’s place for house-pickled veggies, fried polenta cakes, rémoulade shrimp and local pork sausage simmered in a Datil-tomato broth. Drooling yet? It’s not just the food that keeps locals coming back. The Floridian, with owners Jeff and Genie McNally at the helm, has an eclectic aesthetic (think alligator art and vintage state souvenirs) reminiscent of the charm and simplicity that only Old Florida can display. “We are flattered and honored,” Genie told us about the FW Best of Jax readers’ poll win. “We couldn’t do it without our local supporters and incredible staff.”
BEST STEAK
Ruth’s Chris Steak House Finalists: The Capital Grille, LongHorn Steakhouse
When the Beast in Thee needs to eat from the
Avondale’s Bagel Love serves Folio Weekly readers’ favorite bagels until 2 p.m. seven days a week.
BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT La Nopalera
Finalists: TacoLu Baja Mexicana, Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar
According to zipwise.com, there are at least six La Nopaleras in this region. The popular spot has won Best Margarita and Best Mexican several times; this year, our readers concentrated on the authentic fare served there, like fajitas, tostadas, chimichangas, enchiladas and tacos. Many of the staff are actual Mexicans themselves (take that, DT!), so they
It’s all about love of the bagel at the corner of Herschel Street and St. Johns Avenue. Satisfy your bagel urge with more than 400 variations of bagels, cream cheeses, and other spreads. Bagel Love unites herbivores and carnivores alike with the menu’s veggie and meaty options. And there are lunch salads, coffee, and muffins — but, most important, the bagel. These fresh, warm circles of dough entice even the toughest bagel-naysayer. Our readers agree: Get thee to Avondale and get you some Bagel Love.
dates but, dahhhling, brunch is quite simply the most sophisticated of all the meals. Thank your lucky stars: At Metro Diner, check the bad Betty Grable impressions at the door – unless that’s your thing, of course – and settle in for a delicious meal in a casual, welcoming environment. At Metro Diner’s seven Northeast Florida locations, brunch is a feast of scrumptious savories and sweets.
BEST BAKERY
Finalists: The Blind Rabbit, Poe’s Tavern
Sweet Theory Baking Co. Finalists: Edgewood Bakery, Cinotti’s Bakery
It’s certainly sweet on Edgewood Avenue, where owner Katie Riehm has been pouring her love for creative baking into cakes, cookies, doughnuts, and everything in between. Sweet Theory accommodates everyone, and we mean everyone. Not only is it Riverside’s allergy-friendly bakery, Sweet Theory is a vegan bakery, so that means no dairy, eggs, soy or peanuts. They even offer gluten-free options, ensuring that they are all things to all people who like sweets (so, basically, all truthful people). And obviously our loyal readers, who chose the newish spot as the Best Bakery for 2015.
BEST BREAKFAST
top of the food chain, Ruth’s Chris delivers. The cowboy ribeye is charred on the outside to a satisfying crisp, with the bone in, as though thrown over a hot open campfire … and so rare on the inside that the steer is still telling stories. Our readers have chosen Ruth’s Chris 15 times as having the Best Steak, so there’s that. 36 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
recognize the real deal when they see it. The colors, the flavors, the aromas, the décor — everything about the restaurant is auténtico.
BEST BAGEL Bagel Love
Finalists: Bagel World, Bagels R Us
M Shack Burgers
The burger game is a competitive one, but it’s not hard to see why M Shack is Jacksonville’s favorite, at least as voted by FW readers. M Shack’s burgers are hormone-free, 100 percent beef, and specialty creations allow plenty of customizable options. Also serving, sammys, salads and dogs — and shakes! — M Shack has sprouted in all corners of Jacksonville, with locations in Riverside, San Marco, St. Johns Town Center, and Atlantic Beach. No matter which area of town you’re jonesin’ for the beef, the burgers are consistently juicy and flavorful all around. Plus, there are the taco fries, which we can only imagine swung the vote the M Shack way.
BEST BURGER ON AMELIA ISLAND
Metro Diner
T-Rays Burger Station
With the down-home feel of the best greasy spoon and an old-school-meets-new-school menu guaranteed to please even the pickiest palate – um, why haven’t we been eating croissant French toast since childhood? – Metro Diner is always the right call for breakfast, as our readers see it. It’s the perfect place to gather for Grandma’s 80th birthday pancakes, a pre-church benedict-ine feast or a morning-after dish of huevos rancheros and yo hala on San Marco Square. Metro Diner also knocks out Best Breakfast at locations in Mandarin, Southside, Ortega, Orange Park, St. Augustine and Jax Beach.
Driving past this former Exxon filling station in Fernandina Beach, you might feel its magnetic pull. When you stop in just once, chances are you’ll probably become a regular, and not just because T-Rays serves a tasty handmade burger. Seated together at one of the mismatched dining tables, served on shabby chic mismatched china, are tourists and locals, elbow-toelbow with shrimpers and fancy attorneys, Amelia Island golfing aficionados and local artists — all of whom T-Ray and the rest of the Mullis family seem to know and count as friends.
Finalists: Maple Street Biscuit Company, The Fox
The Bajalia brothers offer new menu items and dry-aged meats at Pinegrove Market & Deli, in Avondale, voted Best Deli in Jax.
BEST BURGER IN JACKSONVILLE
BEST BRUNCH
Finalists: Tasty’s Fresh Burgers & Fries, The Salty Pelican
BEST BURGER IN ORANGE PARK/FLEMING ISLAND
Metro Diner
Five Guys
OK, it’s déjà vu all over again. Dinner might be for
Five Guys could very well be the dominator in a
Finalists: Casa Marina, Orsay
Finalists: The Loop, Ted’s Montana Grill
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delectable, affordable, and enjoyable American hamburger experience. At least that’s what Folio Weekly readers apparently think about the franchise eatery’s Orange Park/Fleming Island location. A regular Best of Jax winner, Five Guys has a no muss, no fuss menu that offers up juicy burgers, whopping orders of fries, along with bodacious hot dogs, veggie sandwiches, BLTs, and 15 free toppings so you can customize your gourmet gut bomb.
BEST BURGER IN ST. AUGUSTINE BEST FRENCH FRIES
Cruisers Grill
Finalists Burger: Gas Full Service Restaurant, The Floridian Finalists Fries: M Shack, Five Guys
For nearly 20 years, Cruisers Grill has been serving fresh fare in generous portions. Wait … that doesn’t sound appetizing. OK here goes, my honest opinion of Cruisers food … when you order a burger, cheeseburger, chipotle black bean burger or turkey burger, you get a huge burger with all kinds of stuff on it (if you wish) or just a huge patty, a bit greasy but that’s a good thing. However they grill it, it’s incredibly satisfying. Yeah, they got sandwiches and tacos and other extraneous items, but my God the burgers. Add a very cold beer and some beyondbelief award-winning cheese fries, and you’ll see why FW readers chose Cruisers for the sixth time as having the Best Burger in St. Augustine.
BEST BURRITO
Burrito Gallery, Burrito Gallery Express Finalists: Lola’s, Chipotle
Is any bread product more diverse than the humble tortilla? It can be rolled, stuffed, fried, steamed, sautéed, baked, or toasted, filled with breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert, made into chips, saucers, tacos, strips … OK, enough of stealing Bubba Blue’s litany about shrimp to Forrest Gump. Locally, the burrito reigns supreme, and of all the Latin-styled flatbreads, Burrito Gallery’s are our readers’ handsdown favorites. They love the tasty stuffed treats so much, this is the seventh year in a row they’ve chosen Burrito Gallery as serving the Best Burrito!
BEST CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT
Pusser’s Caribbean Grille Finalists: Bahama Breeze Island Grille, Island Tropics Restaurant
Chef Chris DeLay has developed the menu at this Ponte Vedra favorite, based on both the flavors of the British Virgin Islands and those of his native Northeast Florida. With entrées like char-grilled salmon topped with mango corn relish and cilantro and Key lime chicken breast, the selections have a distinct island flair. There’s fish and chips by way of the Brits and Southern comfort food, like fried green tomatoes layered with pimento cheese appetizer. When our readers are there, they order a Ginger Sea Dog or Pusser’s Painkiller by the shipload, both created from the restaurant’s namesake, Pusser’s Rum.
BEST CHICKEN WINGS Dick’s Wings & Grill Finalists: V Pizza, Hurricane Grill & Wings
Our readers have voted, despite sticky hands, and have selected Dick’s Wings & Grill as their go-to joint for chicken wings (365 varieties!). It wasn’t a choice made cavalierly. Much research was involved, slogging from place to place, forcing poultry down their gullets, washing it down with icy-cold drafts — but they survived to reach a keyboard on phone or desktop, struggled to type in folioweekly.com, and get to the online ballot. Once there, it was straight to the Best Chicken Wings category (after having to vote for a bunch of other crap) and tapped in DICK’S WINGS, over and over (yes, one vote per person — but obviously a lot of persons).
BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT Hawkers Asian Street Fare Finalists: China Joy, P.F. Chang’s
While not technically a “Chinese” restaurant, it is true, folks, that Hawkers does serve Asian fare. Located in the 5 Points shopping district, this relative newcomer to the dining scene in the region has made quite an impact. Getting a table on a Friday or Saturday night is a precarious endeavor, but all the more reason to walk 5 Points and check out the rest of the scene.
BEST DELI
Pinegrove Market & Deli Finalists: Sun Deli, Akel’s Delicatessen
They’ve got beef that’s dry-aged for about three weeks, which gives patrons just enough time to try everything on the menu, before returning for more of that delicious beef. Pinegrove Deli is easy to love; the family-owned butcher shop has been selling primo
Like your latte to look like a Rembrandt? Mike Ricci, voted Northeast Florida’s Best Barista, has mastered the art of espresso at Brew Five Points in Riverside. 38 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
The historical Fairbanks House was voted Best Bed and Breakfast on Amelia Island.
USDA Choice cuts of beef for nearly a half-century, and the addition of a deli makes it that much better. Choose from soups, salads, and sandwiches — especially the Cuban, the one that started all the excitement in the first place. Our readers chose Pinegrove as Best Deli for the third year in a row.
BEST DESSERT Biscottis
Finalists: Cheesecake Factory, Sweet Theory
Biscottis isn’t too shy to smack customers in the face as soon as they walk inside. No violence here, but cakes upon pies upon tarts, even from behind the glass counter, assault the senses with their sweet smells and well-crafted appearances. Warming the hearts and bellies of Northeast Floridians with made-from-scratch goodies, such as bread pudding, brownies, macaroons, Rocky Road cake, and, of course, the biscotti. The cozy Avondale spot is in the business of great food, as well; try an entrée and save room for a colossal slice of moist, fluffy cake.
BEST FOOD TRUCK
The Happy Grilled Cheese Finalists: On the Fly, Funkadelic
What do we want? CHEESE! When do we want it? ALWAYS! Clearly, Northeast Floridians can’t get enough of entrepreneur and self-described “sultan of all things cheesy” Anthony Hashem’s culinary creations, because they’ve once again crowned Happy Grilled Cheese as the Best Food Truck in all the land. With an ever-changing menu and an inspiring dedication to fresh, flavorful ingredients coupled with cheese-cheese-cheese, Happy Food Truck continues to win the race into happy bellies.
BEST FISH CAMP
Clark’s Fish Camp
Finalists: Whitey’s Fish Camp, North Beach Fish Camp
In this part of the world, the most assured way to eat locally may be the fish camp. What could enhance an already uniquely local pescatarian experience? Well, wild game and an extensive taxidermy collection, duh. Clark’s Fish Camp on Julington Creek in Mandarin serves up the local aquatic staples — St. Augustine oysters, shrimp, and fried gator tail — with a side (or a whole meal) of exotic game meats like ostrich, yak, or camel (charred or fried to your preference). Clark’s is the self-proclaimed “people’s place” and Best of Jax voters agree.
BEST CHEF
Tom Gray (Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails)
Finalists: Josh Agan (Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar), Ian Lynch (Ovinte, Bistro AIX)
Tom Gray’s culinary inspirations spring from his Southern roots in Jacksonville. After traveling and cooking throughout New York, Napa Valley, and
more, he returned to his hometown, where he mixes his traveling experiences with his childhood favorites to create the menu at his St. Johns Town Center restaurant. Moxie’s choices range from chicken and waffles to crispy chicken livers, to seared octopus, proving that Chef Gray isn’t afraid to add an innovative twist on Southern cuisine. Since opening a few years back, Moxie has spawned a media buzz that’s been unwavering; whatever Chef Gray’s doing, it’s working. Our readers agree.
BEST SERVER
Johnny Miller (European Street Café)
Finalists: Hugo Grenada (Picasso’s), Kevin Jackson (Blind Rabbit)
Johnny Miller’s loyal admirers have again made the 2013 champion rise to the top as Best Server in Northeast Florida. A fixture at the Riverside European Street Café (E-Street to locals) for nearly a decade, Miller can credit his continued success to his regulars, his winning personality and the smiling ease with which he serves vittles and drinks. As he says, “I have a lot of fun doing my job. I really enjoy it. It’s not work to me.” Sounds like he’s not just winning at work, he’s winning at life.
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT India’s Restaurant
Finalists: 5th Element, Masala
The name is proof positive of the restaurant’s commitment to keep things simple. That being said, India’s, off Baymeadows, a favorite since the late ’90s, is a small and unassuming place that knows it rocks. You can tell by the way they roll out the lunch buffet, which is simply awesome, according to our readers. Then there’s the naan, which turns an otherwise moderate diner into an unabashed glutton. Many have succumbed to depression upon arriving 20 minutes too late, so be sure to get there between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. during the week for one of the best lunch buffets around.
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT Enza’s Italian Restaurant Finalists: Picasso’s, Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Based in Mandarin, Enza’s was opened by Enza and Mike Huff in 2004 with a menu steeped in the traditions of Palermo, Sicily (Enza’s hometown). After immigrating to America at the age of 10, she worked in the family bakery. Mike went on to become a chef and the two have created a welcoming, warm environment. Enza’s website offers, “you’re here to eat with us, drink with us, relax with us and enjoy authentic, Italian cuisine.” Sounds good to us.
BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT The Casbah Café
Finalists: Hala Café & Bakery, Mandaloun Mediterranean Restaurant
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a mound of baba ganoush? Well, hummus and hookah, of course. Casbah Café takes top honors, yet again, for FW readers’ favorite Middle Eastern restaurant. It’s open in the heart of Avondale from 11 a.m.-2 a.m., perfect for a midday pit stop or a late-night gathering. Check out the local artwork on the walls and kick back with some chocolate shisha, as beautiful talented women skillfully tell age-old stories without speaking a word.
BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT Hovan Gourmet Mediterranean
Finalists: The Olive Tree Mediterranean Grille, Taverna Yamas
more than a dozen Northeast Florida locations, Tropical Smoothie Café also offers natural, nutritious options like sandwiches, wraps, and tacos for those looking for more than just a fruit puree.
BEST TAPAS
13 Gypsies
Finalists: Tapa That, Ovinte
First come, first eat! A true gem of Jacksonville dining culture, 13 Gypsies is a family-owned-andoperated tapas restaurant in the Mediterranean tradition. While other chefs are scouring new lands of culinary passion, Chef Howard runs his kitchen with a passion for the simple and elegant — food of the Old World (They don’t even own electric mixers. All the work is done by hand every morning!). And they make their own sausage, cheese, cured meats, pickled veggies, spice blends, and fresh pastas.
BEST THAI RESTAURANT
Indochine
Finalists: Pattaya Thai, Tuptim Thai
The people want fusion. So give the people what they want. Indochine’s blend of Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine gives it an edge over the region’s many other Thai restaurants. Head to San Marco’s swanky Buddha Lounge for drinks, then mosey on upstairs for some of Indochine’s calamari and pad see ew.
Unique mixes like blood-orange and prickly pear, along with a vast variety of tequila, make The Flying Iguana in Neptune Beach Folio Weekly readers’ go-to for margaritas.
The white restaurant with the blue awning in 5 Points is Hovan, a Riverside favorite. Hovaness Kabbenjian opened the first Hovan in the ’80s for lovers of all things Mediterranean and delicious, and readers of Folio Weekly have responded with another Best of Jax award. Hovan’s authentic cuisine features spinakopeta, bourek, falafel, and the famous Hovan rolls — Armenian unleavened bread rolled around meats, cheeses, or veggies. Or all three.
BEST SANDWICH SHOP Angie’s Subs
Finalists: Surfwiches Sandwiches, European Street Café
A beaches institution for years (no, owner Ed Malin has not been institutionalized for years, despite that pesky lawsuit), Angie’s has a knack for creating great big satisfying subs to sate all appetites, from soccer moms and kids, Fletcher High students on lunch, surfers just done with their morning fun, businesspersons seeking a little unbuttoned-down time. Choose from standard sub fare, or order the No. 1 seller, The Peruvian.
BEST SMOOTHIE
Tropical Smoothie Café
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If you’re on Adams Street Downtown (and we are!), check out the exposed brick at Indochine digs there, above Burrito Gallery. Both locations offer a great view and even better food. So say all FW readers.
BEST VEGAN/VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT
Southern Roots Filling Station Finalists: Green Erth Bistro, Garden Truck
Southern Roots was a dream shared between owners JP and Mariah Salvat that became an awesome reality. With healthful living as a primary concern, this Riverside coffeeshop/vegan café/bulk foods store/apothecary has brought even more hungry lunch-hour office types to King Street. Southern Roots serves a fresh menu using organic and locally sourced ingredients. The selections vary according to seasonal availability, so keep up with Southern Root’s social media (@ mysouthernroots on Instagram) to see what the daily special is.
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR ON AMELIA ISLAND
The Salty Pelican
Finalists: Smoothie King, Pulp
Finalists: Green Turtle, The Palace Saloon
Florida heat is often oppressive. Sometimes, in the middle of a scorcher, you just need icy, blended fruit. Northeast Floridians have their pick when it comes to delicious smoothies. Tropical Smoothie has the support of this year’s Best of Jax readers poll. With
The Salty Pelican is like Boston’s Cheers bar for Floridian beach towns: flipflops are part of the uniform and everybody knows your name — or they will by the shank of the evening. With two stories of that quintessential Fernandina Beach charm, it’s the
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drinking kind of place Toby Keith would write songs about (and probably has).
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR IN JAX rain dogs
Finalists: Kickbacks Gastropub, Sidecar
Perhaps Five Points’ rain dogs is so popular for the many, many options the bar presents those in search of a night of debauchery and lively conversation. The back portion hosts live music of most genres (maybe not polka) nightly — usually for $5 — while the bar presents a casual place to play a game of Connect Four and sip wine, craft beer, or 12-ounce cans of Busch ($2). The front entryway is often a magnet for those folks who want to bring their drinks, lively conversation, and cigarettes out into the dank Florida air. No matter which section of the joint they choose, it’s clear that rain dogs is the spot FW Best of Jax voters like the most.
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR IN ORANGE PARK/ FLEMING ISLAND CHEERS
Finalists: Brewer’s Pizza, Taps Bar & Grill
You know what they say: “There ain’t no party like an Orange Park Party at Cheers on Park Avenue, featuring Tuesday night ladies drink free wells, wines, and drafts, as well as Wednesday night Karaoke and DJs.” At least that’s what FW readers might say about their favorite Orange Park joint. Aside from the stuff everybody knows about, Cheers books some hard-rocking local bands and talented DJs spinning fan favorites. And the bar’s sprawling dance floor offers patrons the opportunity to get down after they’ve picked their poison from Cheers’
drink specials ($5 Jagerbombs, $3 fireball shots, $13 buckets of beer, to name a few).
and have a massive party. Way fun, unless you run into one of those ex-hookups. Yikes.
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR IN ST. AUGUSTINE
BEST BEER SELECTION
Ice Plant Bar
Finalists: Dos Gatos, Tradewinds Lounge
With one of the best craft cocktail programs in the country, it’s no surprise that Ice Plant Bar has become the go-to watering hole for most of St. Augustine and surrounding areas. Opening its doors just two short years ago, and housed inside a renovated commercial ice plant dating to the early 1900s, IPB caters to the discerning palate. The bartending staff creates some fairly thirst-quenching concoctions such as Wet Hot American Summer and Day Tripper, as well as classic cocktails, including a killer Old Fashioned and one helluva Sazerac.
BEST BARBECUE
Mojo BBQ
Finalists: 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q
Maurice Jones Drew is long gone, but Northeast Florida’s mojo keeps rising, thanks in no small part to five area Mojo Barbecue locations. Voters praise Mojo for its slow-cooked barbecue, as well as its distinct restaurant concepts, which differ at each location. While the Avondale spot is popular for its whiskey selection, Jax Beach’s Mojo Kitchen & Blues Bar features some of the hottest authentic blues acts currently touring the country.
BEST DIVE BAR
Pete’s Bar
Finalists: Wall Street Deli & Lounge, Birdies Five Points
Full disclosure: Some Folio Weekly staffers have met some historical hookups at Pete’s Bar in Neptune Beach. Founded in 1933 on the day after Prohibition was repealed, Pete’s has been going strong ever since, pouring inexpensive drafts, liquors and wine (but DO NOT order wine spritzer or crap of that ilk) to thirsty locals and tourists, some of whom like it so much they become locals. There are pool tables, ping pong tables, foosball and a 21st-century jukebox which, IMHO, is far inferior to the one on the Hut side in 1975. Every Thanksgiving, whether the NB cops like it or not, they rope off the street in front
Kickbacks Gastropub Finalists: World of Beer, European Street Café
If a little is good, more is better. And most will win you Best of Jax! Nestled among King Street’s slew of watering holes and a couple of breweries Kickbacks Gastropub has conquered them all. They’ve got over 180 taps (connected to real kegs of beer) and 600 bottles to choose from. If you tried one new beer a day, you wouldn’t even be ready to offer what you learned prior to Best of Jax 2017. Get to work!
BEST LATE NIGHT SPOT Kickbacks Gastropub
Finalists: Mavericks, The Garage
After sweating out all those vodka Redbulls at any of the jillion King Street and/or Five Points watering holes, nothing says bedtime like a Double IPA! But you know what they say: “liquor before beer,” and until this old adage is disproved (and we here at Folio Weekly are hard at work testing it out), Kickbacks Gastropub on King Street – with more than 180 draft beers from which to choose – remains the go-to spot for a nightcap.
BEST HAPPY HOUR
European Street Café
Finalists: Orsay, Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers
When it came to categories involving boozing, it was somewhat surprising to see beer spots dominating this year’s Best of Jax results of the readers’ poll. But, given its history, it’s no surprise that perennial happy hour fave European Street emerged victorious once again. Challengers can get cute with their specials if they so choose, but European Street keeps ’em coming back for more, with 2-for-1 drafts and $1.50 off bottles from 2-7 p.m. every single day of the week.
BEST MARGARITA
Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar Finalists: La Napolera, Taco Lu
A long-time espouser of the margarita, Jimmy Buffett no longer, to the horror of many, combines sour mix with his tequila. He says the sugar
Rain dogs, located in 5 Points and voted Best Neighborhood Bar in Jacksonville, offers a large variety of beers, tasty grub, and local music, in a convivial atmosphere.
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gives you a hangover. Well, if you’re not a quitter like that Buffett guy, the Beaches Town Center’s Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar should be in your future. For starters, the cocktail menu features more than 100 variations of the distilled agave spirit, from the cheap (Cuervo Gold) to the reasonable (1800 Reserva) to the you’re-eitherShad-Khan-or-you’ve-had-too-much-tequila (Don Julio Real Anejo). All of these taste better, it could be argued, when combined with inventive mixers like blood orange, or cactus juice, or just a few squeezes of lime.
BEST CRAFT COCKTAIL SPOT
BEST WINE LIST Ovinté
Finalists: Orsay, The Wine Bar
As far as we’re concerned, wine is the eighth wonder of the world. That’s why the words “champagne brunch” are enough to get even the laziest couch potato dressed and out the door in five seconds flat. With more than 240 varieties from which to choose, Ovinté has a wine for every occasion: Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays. Oh, and even Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays! Did we miss any?
BEST BARISTA
Mike Ricci, Brew Five Points
The Volstead Jax
Finalists: Erin Lee (Bold Bean), Brandon Hutchinson (Urban Bean)
Aside from its inherent urban appeal, The Volstead on West Adams Street has become a favorite among Best of Jax voters for using expertly crafted traditional cocktails like Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and Sazeracs, along with most of the trappings of similar bars across the country involved in the current craft cocktail movement — dim lighting, communal tables, reclaimed wood, exposed brick, bartenders dressed like they’re in the Avett Brothers — to take customers off the streets of
For some, the interaction with a barista is the first human contact of each day, setting the mood, pace and, in some cases, the inspiration for the hours that lie ahead. The effect Brew’s Mike Ricci may have on the multi-roaster espresso/beer bar’s patrons may best be summed up by a submission to Folio Weekly’s ever-popular “ISU” section less than a month ago, that carried the subject line “Long-Haired, beautiful Brew Barista.” The customer crooned, “ISU pulling shots, serving beer, and grinding coffee with that beautiful smile on your
Finalists: Sidecar, Dos Gatos
The Floridian, voted best restaurant in St. Augustine, added a full bar, but kept the same southern fare as they celebrate the grand re-opening at their new location at 72 Spanish Street.
an often-sleepy Downtown and transport them to a happening spot in the center of what was, as Volstead’s website claims, the place to be during the Jazz Age.
BEST PUB
face. Hoping we can do some grinding of our own soon.” Word is that slow-roasted Romeo was talking about grinding with Ricci. As for the rest of the Best of Jax voters, it’s clear they share a preference for Ricci’s shots, beers, and coffee grinding.
Lynch’s Irish Pub
BEST BREWMASTER
The website has a countdown to St. Patrick’s Day (177 days, 20 hours, 15 minutes, 14 seconds … 9 seconds … 14 minutes …) so you can see Lynch’s is rabid about its authenticity. Our readers have chosen this Jax Beach place for the 14th time as the Best Pub, and you know why: Live music every night, often local bands, weekday happy hour, bingo every Wednesday — OK, not so much bingo Must be the 50 beers on tap, very cool beer flights, all manner of Irish-y cocktails, and a variety of shooters, since you’re there to HAVE FUN.
Finalists: Sean Bielman (Engine 15), Luciano Scremin (Engine 15)
Finalists: Culhane’s Irish Pub, O’Brothers Irish Pub
BEST SPORTS BAR
Sneakers Sports Grille Finalists: Ale House, Time Out Sports Grill
Smackdab in the heart of Jax Beach, Sneakers has scored (haha get it? sports reference) its 17th win as FW readers’ favorite sports bar. It’s been in JB since 2001, with TVs all over the place, athletic-type memorabilia (some signed by the actual athletes, some for sale) in every corner, an arcade and trivia. The menu is hearty and diverse, and the friendly, competent waitstaff is easily recognizable, in shorts, jerseys and … yup, sneakers.
Michael Payne, Aardwolf Brewing Company Michael Payne and the Aardwolf crew have created one of the area’s most beautiful tap rooms connected to one of the best breweries in town. Payne doesn’t cut any corners and uses the best ingredients he can find to produce a wide range of flavors and tastes. Aardwolf has come on strong in the local craft beer scene, and it doesn’t look like they’re slowing down any time soon. Both Sean Bielman and Luciano Scremin from Engine 15 were a close runners-up and deserve to be mentioned for Engine 15’s success and impact at the beaches.
BEST SOUL FOOD Potter’s House
Finalists: Hip Hop Fish & Chips, Soul Food Express
Potter’s House Ministries may have a large, devout following, but since moving into their sprawling 5,000-plus-square-foot space off Atlantic Boulevard, their Soul Food Kitchen has been responsible for converting countless Northeast Floridians into believing in the healing power of delicious Southernstyle home cooking. Indeed, we’ve heard many SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 43
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drinking compare partaking of the country-fried chicken, as well as the cheesy mac ’n’ cheese, to a religious experience.
BEST CUPCAKE
Sweet by Holly
Finalists: CamiCakes, Sweet Theory Baking Co.
Some may believe a cupcake is a cupcake is a cupcake, be it Sara Lee or Betty Crocker. Then they try a confection at Sweet by Holly, where the humble cupcake is so much more than flour and sugar. Hollis Wilder brought her baking love to the St. Johns Town Center, where her shop has had a steady flow of customers, both new and repeat. Offering 50-plus flavors of cupcakes, the bakery’s ambitions are a lot bigger than a single pleated-paper-wrapped treat. The menu has now expanded to include cookie cakes and more vegan and gluten-free options, because no one should be denied a cupcake. That would just be wrong.
BEST KOREAN RESTAURANT
Sam Won Garden
Finalists: Hon Korean, Hawkers Asian Street Fare
Korean food is an emerging taste for Jacksonville’s palate. Sam Won Garden on University Boulevard is
what most people think of when they set their sights on a Korean dinner. Seasoned beef dishes, spicy soups, fermented vegetables, and a powerful punch of flavor in every bite, Sam Won Garden adds its own unique set of flavors to the Korean taste profile. It’s worth noting that finalist Hon Korean on Beach Boulevard is no slouch, either.
BEST MEAL UNDER $10 TacoLu Baja Mexicana Finalists: Chomp Chomp, Steak ’n’ Shake
The wildly popular restaurant (you can tell by the lack of parking) has won its third Best of Jax in this revived category of Best Meal Under $10. From its semi-humble (semi because we know Don) beginnings, TacoLu Baja Mexicana offered tasty tacos for practically nothing in a small spot on Beach Boulevard. Now spread out at the former Homestead, Lu still serves tacos — bangin’ shrimp, Baja fish, brisket (our favorite) Deb’s verde and more, each for less than $5, so get two. Don’t forget Lu’s other top-seller: tequila. Buckets of tequila.
BEST FROZEN YOGURT Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt
FINALISTS: Mochi, Yobe Frozen Yogurt
Folio Weekly readers might have picked Sweet Frog strictly by the numbers: a half-dozen locations in Northeast Florida, more than 70 regular, low-fat, nonfat, no-sugar-added flavors, as well as sorbet offerings, and 60-plus toppings to choose. Add it all together and you’ve got your own ultimate frozen yogurt concoction. Did we mention that Sweet Frog sells both Maple Donut Bacon and Very Strawberry flavors? Combine them in one cup? Ka-boom! They cancel each other out! It’s like a 21st-century diet in your mouth! Gorge onward.
Johnny Miller, a familiar, smiling face at European Street Cafe’s Riverside location, was voted Jacksonville’s Best Server. 44 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
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A&E // FILM JOHNNY DEPP hits a career high mark as the real-life, brutal gangster James “Whitey” Bulger
THE DARK STUFF
J
ohnny Depp needed this. After the critical There’s Oscar buzz about Depp’s acting, and box office failures of The Lone Ranger, and understandably so. His Jimmy is equal Transcendence and Mortdecai, Depp had to parts likeable, stubborn, and absolute get a win. He does with “Black Mass,” a solid monster. Depp captures the Beantown accent, drama in which he gives arguably the best walk and mannerisms we expect of someone performance of his career (the first Pirates in Jimmy’s position, but what we remember of the Caribbean is still my favorite, though). when we leave the movie are his eyes — steely Considering the work he’s done for the last 25 blue beads of demonism. They suggest an years, this is praise indeed. omnipresent hardness about the man that Depp plays infamous Boston Mafioso James meshes unnervingly with his cryptic smile “Whitey” Bulger, an Irishman who rose from and sallow complexion. On more than one occasion, Jimmy acts friendly petty street thug to No. 2 on the with someone — moments FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list, right BLACK MASS later, he murders the guy. It’s behind Osama Bin Laden. What’s ***@ fascinating about the movie, frightening because it’s the worst Rated R which is based on Dick Lehr and kind of menace: the kind that keeps you on high alert. I don’t think we’ve Gerard O’Neill’s book Black Mass: The Irish ever seen Depp this cold and dangerous. Mob, The FBI and a Devil’s Deal, is the way The rest of the considerable ensemble is the FBI allows Jimmy (as he was called by also strong. Joel Edgerton plays FBI agent family and friends) to commit drug trafficking, John Connolly, from Jimmy’s old Southie racketeering and murder in exchange for neighborhood, who offers Jimmy protection information about Boston’s vast criminal in exchange for dirt (it’s debatable if this underground. The idea was that it would makes Jimmy a rat; the 2014 documentary be mutually beneficial (Jimmy gets federal Whitey: The United States of America v. James J. protection, the FBI takes down Boston’s other criminals), but as soon as Jimmy starts taking Bulger covers this in great detail). Kevin Bacon, advantage of the situation, breaking every Adam Scott, and David Harbour also play law with impunity, it becomes an ethical FBI agents with varying degrees of culpability. abomination for the feds. Jimmy is supported by the loyalty of his crew,
MAESTRO OF THE MACABRE
PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES (1965) WAS RECENTLY released on Blu-ray, which it sent me on a nostalgia trip of sorts back to the movies of the Swinging (and Silly) ’60s – as seen through the lens of Mario Bava, that era’s Grand Master of Italian genre films. Bava wasn’t considered a serious filmmaker at the time, unlike his contemporary Federico Fellini (also a master of the fantastic), even though Bava got his start working as a cinematographer for Roberto Rossellini, a heavyweight if there ever was one. From 1943 to 1959, Mario Bava was responsible for the special effects and cinematography in some 39 films, few of which ever reached the United States or wide international release. Among those that did were the 1955 Ulysses starring Kirk Douglas and Anthony Quinn (the movie which introduced a very young me to Greek mythology) and 1957’s Hercules with Steve Reeves, which spawned a seemingly endless chain of imitations and sequels. For the next 20 years until he died in 1979, Bava helmed more than 30 fi lms, most of them as writer, director, and cinematographer. Though Bava made his mark in many genres, his fame and reputation was (and is) mostly associated with horror and suspense films. Planet of the Vampires (1965) is an unusual effort for the filmmaker – it’s more sci-fi than anything else. Its original Italian title was Terrore
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nello Spazio, but it was also called The Demon Planet, Haunted Planet, Terror in Outer Space, and others. The “Vampires” one was the most popular, despite the fact that the aliens are like vegetarian zombies. Made with a minimal budget and hokey special effects on a sound stage, which doubles as a spaceship’s interior and an alien world, Planet of the Vampires profits from Bava’s imaginative color schemes, set designs, and spooky atmosphere. Its mostly Italian cast, saddled with American stage names and awkward post-production dubbing, sound and look silly most of the time in their outrageous “spacesuits.” Barry Sullivan, the top-billed token American, doesn’t fare much better. Still, the movie works, almost solely on atmosphere and concept. Though Ridley Scott vehemently denied ever seeing Planet of the Vampires, that film’s influence on Alien (1979) is patently obvious, both in design and plot. Highly original for its time, Planet of the Vampires is still a lot of fun to watch and admire, its craftsmanship transcending budget limitations. In 1968, with Dino DeLaurentis as producer and consequently more money to spare, Bava turned his hand to a comic book adaptation with Danger: Diabolik. Adapted from a series of Italian comics featuring anarchist villain Diabolik, Bava’s film stars John Philip Law as the leather-clad anti-hero, creating havoc for civil authorities and organized
including Stevie (Rory Cochrane), Johnny (W. Early Brown) and Kevin (Jesse Plemons), as well as girlfriend Lindsey (Dakota Johnson). Caught between Jimmy and the feds is his brother Billy, a state senator, played adeptly by British superstar Benedict Cumberbatch. Peter Sarsgaard, Julianne Nicholson and Corey Stoll, in supporting roles, serve the story well. For as stellar as the performances are, the movie is noticeably void of filmmaking technique. The visuals are dry and staid — the production design and costumes, while authentic, do little to feed “life” into the story. A more dynamic visual style, quicker edits, an engaging musical score, something other than an objective point of view, and creative camera angles would’ve easily added dramatic punch and made the film more captivating. This is director Scott Cooper’s (Crazy Heart) fault, and will probably be the reason Black Mass isn’t considered more seriously when awards season rolls around. Still, Depp’s performance alone is enough to make it worth watching. Black Mass is palatable entertainment drawn from real-life headlines, and in that limited capacity, it successfully serves its purpose. Dan Hudak mail@folioweekly.com
MAGIC LANTERNS
crime bosses mostly as a way of wooing his sidekick, a luscious leggy blonde (Marisa Mell). Obviously influenced by the ’60s James Bond and Matt Helm craze (Adolfo Celli, Thunderball villain, is also one of Diabolik’s antagonists), Bava’s movie is a whirlwind of kaleidoscopic colors and design. The plot and characters are beside the point, fun though they may be. The heart of the film is really the filmmaker’s vision and imagination. To appreciate how well Danger: Diabolik holds up, compare it to Roger Vadim’s space comedy Barbarella, also funded by DeLaurentis in 1968 and also based on a comic book character. More popular and notorious at the time (largely because of Jane Fonda’s stellar physique and pout), Barbarella today plays like kitsch. Danger: Diabolik, on the other hand, looks like pop art. Next week, we’ll look at two infl uential horror films that made Mario Bava’s reputation: Black Sunday and Black Sabbath. Pat McLeod mail@folioweekly.com
FILM LISTINGS FILM RATINGS
CARRIE NATION **** CARRIE FISHER ***@ CARRIE BROWNSTEIN **@@ CARRIE UNDERWOOD *@@@
SCREENINGS AROUND TOWN
SUN-RAY CINEMA Grandma and Black Mass screen at 1028 Park St., 5 Points, 359-0049, sunraycinema.com. Arcade Fire: The Reflektor Tapes screens Sept. 23. Digging for Fire and Mistress America start Sept. 25. Writers Workshop is Sept. 26. Director Penelope Spheeris screens The Decline of Western Civilization and Suburbia Sept. 26. THE CORAZON CINEMA & CAFÉ The Secret in Their Eyes, Love & Mercy and Wild Canaries screen at 36 Granada St., St. Augustine, 679-5736, corazoncinemaandcafe.com. Les Garcons Et Guillaume à Table screens noon Sept. 26. LATITUDE 360 MOVIES San Andreas and TomorrowLand screen at Latitude 360’s CineGrille, 10370 Philips Hwy., Southside, 365-5555. IMAX THEATER Living in the Age of Airplanes, The Transporter Refueled, Galapagos 3D and Humpback Whales screen at World Golf Village Hall of Fame IMAX Theater, St. Augustine, 940-4133, worldgolfimax.com.
NOW SHOWING
ANT-MAN ***@ Rated PG-13 Marvel Studios’ super-hero feature stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang, whose alter-ego is the teeny crusader against evil … sort of. Costars Michael Douglas as scientist Hank Pym and Abby Ryder Fortson as Scott’s daughter Cassie, plus Corey Stoll, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña and Judy Greer. — Scott Renshaw BEST OF ENEMIES ***@ Rated R William F. Buckley Jr. and Gore Vidal were stellar political and social pundits in the late ’60s who were – literally – at each others’ throats. ABC News hired them to debate one another during the Republican and Democratic national conventions in the summer of 1968, with snippets of the conventions and the Buckley/Vidal debates. In doing so and finding great success, ABC created the “talking head” punditry pervasive in TV news programming today. Buckley was a Republican – monotone, droll, intellectual and razor-sharp, editor of the National Review and forerunner of
cultural conservatism. He felt Vidal represented everything wrong with America, and didn’t hide his disdain. In contrast, Vidal was a Democrat, Jackie O’s cousin, more animated, a novelist, thinker, and brilliant wordsmith who felt the intellectual with the Boston Brahmin accent was antiDemocratic, and feared if he didn’t take Buckley down, Buckley’s ideas would ruin the country. Who won? ABC and TV news, which created a new, popular format. — Dan Hudak BLACK MASS ***@ Rated R Reviewed in this issue. THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL Rated R The arthouse flick casts Kristen Wiig as a negligent mother in ’70s San Francisco and Bel Powley as her daughter Minnie, a 15-yearold who is sexually active. Costars Alexander Skarsgård, Christopher Meloni and Domino the Cat. DIGGING FOR FIRE Rated R Writer-director Joe Swanberg’s latest is the story of a husband and wife (Jake Johnson, Rosemarie DeWitt) housesitting in L.A. When they stumble upon a piece of bone and a gun, they disagree as to what do about this ghoulish discovery. The ensemble cast includes Orlando Bloom, Brie Larson, Sam Rockwell, Anna Kendrick, Mike Birbiglia, and Sam “Don’t Call Me Gar” Elliot. GRANDMA ***@ Rated R Lily Tomlin knocks one out of the park in the latest from writer-director Paul Weitz (About a Boy, Admission). Not long after the death of her long-term life partner, Elle (Tomlin) gets a surprise from her teenage granddaughter Sage (Julia Garner,) who’s in need of cash and quick. Remarkably, Tomlin hasn’t had a starring role in 27 years and the critical praise she’s receiving for Grandma will put this comedic genius back where she belongs: squarely in front of the camera. THE GREEN INFERNO Rated R The “Larry Flynt of Gore Porn,” Eli Roth returns to the big screen with this surprising offering about a boy, his broken shoelace, and a kind old man who holds the secret of eternal life. WRONG! This time around, Roth sends a crew of young do-gooders into the Amazon jungle. Hoping to help local indigenous tribes become self-sufficient, imagine the kids’ surprise when their plane crashes and they wake up in bamboo cages, only to discover something’s getting prepped for dinner, and … spoiler alert … it’s them! HITMAN: AGENT 47 Rated R A genetically engineered assassin with a barcode on his neck (Rupert Friend) teams with a woman to destroy an evil megacorporation. Costars Zachary Quinto, Angelababy and Dan Bakkedahl. JIMMY’S HALL Rated PG-13 Depression-era Irish upheaval gives way to violence and the reemergence of a
dance hall that’s apparently frowned upon. Costars Barry Ward, Francis Magee and Aileen Henry. They shoot lame dramas, don’t they? MISTRESS AMERICA ***@ Rated R Two people dream of wild success but have no idea how to achieve it. They lack the discipline to dedicate themselves, and as such, writer/director Noah Baumbach’s film becomes a fascinating look at today’s young adults and why many can’t seem to navigate their way to success. Costars Lola Kirke, Matthew Shear, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Greta Gerwig. — D.H. 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN Rated PG-13 No, not that closet makeout game you played in middle school (and you secretly believe that JTT-looking dude still waits there for you) – this is about a man who dies in a car crash and then comes back to life with tales of you-know-where. Costars Kate Bosworth, Hayden Christensen and Hudson Meek.
Gramps are nuttier than a Brittle Eating Contest at Donald Trump’s Aspen Hideaway. The Visit is getting raves for its clever use of found footage, unnerving atmospherics, and scenes of the elderly (rightfully) terrorizing the youth. A WALK IN THE WOODS Rated R Based on Bill Bryson’s bestseller. Two friends hike the Appalachian Trail. Costars Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson. WOLF TOTEM Rated PG-13 A big city student is sent to Mongolia to live with rugged ranchers. He finds a wolf pup and tries to keep the little fella alive. In Mandarin and Mongolian.
THE PERFECT GUY Rated PG-13 If the man seems almost too good to be true, GET A CLUE. He’s a lifetime mistake just waiting for you to make a scrapbook about him. Costars Sanaa Latham, Michael Ealy, Morris Chestnut and Charles S. Dutton. SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE Rated PG The Wallace & Gromit scene-stealer has to find his way out of the city. — S.S. STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON ***@ Rated R This film is the story of rap group N.W.A., from wild success to internal dissension to heartbreak. In 1986, N.W.A.’s breakthrough album Straight Outta Compton dropped. “Our art is a reflection of our reality,” founding member Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson) says and the group’s lives amid by gangs, drugs, abusive cops, and other dangers are inspiration for the music. After the hit song “Boyz-n-the-Hood” drops, the group – Ice Cube, Dr. Dre (Corey Hawkins), Eazy-E (Jason Mitchell), DJ Yella (Neil Brown Jr.) and MC Ren (Aldis Hodge) – is signed by Jerry Heller (Paul Giamatti). — D.H. THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED Rated PG-13 Ed Skrein plays Frank Martin, ex-special ops mercenary who delivers packages. Beautiful women, high-stakes chess games with more beautiful women, and a bank heist, Russian bad guys and Frank’s dad comingle in this confusing crime thriller. THE VISIT ***@ Rated PG-13 M. Night Shyamalan redeems his recent string of cinematic stinkers with this top-notch chiller. When two young siblings (Olivia DeJonge, Ed Oxenbould) are sent to their maternal grandparents, the lil’ scamps experience the generation gap firsthand, because Granny and
“You talkin’ to me? You talkin’ to me? You must be talkin’ to me…about my new exciting internship at your company.” Robert De Niro hits a career high in the new must-see comedy, The Intern.
SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 47
A&E // FILM ST. AUGUSTINE’S hard-won victory for civil rights is chronicled in awardwinning new documentary
THE RIGHT STRUGGLE
C
was exciting to beat up demonstrators. lennon L. King’s film opens with views of “Imagine if there was a film that included St. Augustine as a tourist town packaged people who fought on both sides of the Battle to the world as white sandy beaches, where of Gettysburg?” King suggests. “I had this women in bathing suits run gaily to the ocean, very important battle to document.” where a child in plaid swim trunks creates a Among the film’s most remarkable and drip sand castle on the beach and a chic ingénue disturbing segments are firsthand accounts of lolls in a one-piece suit against the railing of a a Ku Klux Klan rally that took place south of kidney-shaped pool at the new Monson Motor St. Augustine in September 1963. Lodge. It’s America circa 1964 — modern, stylish, wholesome, and so wonderfully carefree. With his wife and children in his pickup What’s not to love if you’re white? truck, the Rev. Ronald Wilson went at his father’s behest. He describes seeing the A Passage at St. Augustine shows that world disrupted. After lunch-counter sit-ins American and Confederate flags on display and night marches through downtown, on and hearing the crackle of large crosses ablaze the eve of the 400th anniversary of the city’s in the field where the Klan gathered. “It was founding, the walls that kept St. Augustine something,” he says, still quaking at the memory. segregated began to tumble. That June, some Dentist Hayling and James Jackson also recall that night. They’d driven with two 75 African-American youths waged a wade-in other African-American men to spy on the at the segregated beach. The newsreel shows proceedings. When they were discovered, the them walking two and three abreast toward the Klansmen beat them viciously. “I didn’t know ocean in the same close-fitting swim trunks and white people could be so barbaric,” Jackson one-piece styles of the promotional footage. says. It stopped, according to Jackson, only As they walk across the sand to the water, when St. Johns County Sheriff L.O. Davis the film erupts as whites leap from a crowd, stepped out from the crowd. Wilson describes attacking the demonstrators, flailing at them how sheriff ’s deputies arrested Hayling and with axe handles and fists and insults. Police the others. As the police try to intervene, grabbing at cars left, Wilson says, the people, but it’s a mob scene. A PASSAGE AT crowd joined together “This is what the ST. AUGUSTINE in singing, “God Bless American people sat Part of Florida Heritage Book Festival, America.” down to in the spring and screens 7 p.m. Sept. 24; local The film’s climax is an summer of 1964,” explains historian David Nolan’s interview with filmmaker Clennon L. King follows. indelible moment in St. St. Augustine historian Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium, Augustine history — The David Nolan in the film. 14 Granada St., St. Augustine; free, Monson Motor Lodge “They turned on their TV fhbookfest.com, flagler.edu. swim-in on June 18, news, and they wanted to 1964. News photos of throw up.” the scene went international. A small group Clennon L. King first began collecting interviews for his documentary 13 years of African-American youths are gathered in ago. He’d moved to Jacksonville in 1996 for the middle of the pool, horrified, as Monson a job as a television reporter for First Coast owner James Brock pours a gallon of muriatic News. When Nolan contacted him because acid into the water. he feared the city would allow the landmarks We can hear audio of President Lyndon B. of the Civil Rights Era to be destroyed, King Johnson, in a phone call from the Oval Office. understood the importance of the story. At the “Our whole foreign policy and everything else time, both the Monson Motor Lodge and the will go to hell over this,” Johnson complains. Ponce de Leon Hotel faced demolition. (Both The day after Monson’s hellish act, the have since been torn down and replaced). shocking pictures were seen worldwide, and the U.S. Senate voted to approve the Civil King did a story about Nolan, and he started thinking about how the witnesses to the city’s Rights Act. Senators ended a filibuster that had civil rights history were endangered, too. When prevented the vote 10 days earlier. King ties the King left First Coast News in 2000, he bought a victory directly to the events in St. Augustine. cheap movie camera, taught himself how to use A Passage at St. Augustine is the third it and went about the area, seeking interviews documentary about St. Augustine during the from anyone who would talk. civil rights struggle. Filmmaker King is the son of the attorney who represented the Rev. “I knew then I had to do something to get Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a landmark these guys before they disappeared, just like case in Albany, Georgia. In part, family the landmarks,” says King. history compelled him to finish the film, but King sought out people from both sides of something about it stayed with him. the struggle. He interviewed the St. Augustine “I really wanted not to die with my song police chief, who blamed the trouble on still inside me,” Clennon King says. “For me, outsiders. He interviewed St. Augustine that song has been St. Augustine.” dentist Robert B. Hayling, who was a force Susan Cooper Eastman behind much of the movement locally. And sceastman@folioweekly.com he interviewed a young white thug who says it
48 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
A&E //ARTS
DOWN ON THE STREET W
hen filmmaker Penelope Spheeris set her sights on the Los Angeles punk rock scene, she brought to light a subterranean community essentially unheard of by a larger audience. The result was two films: one a documentary, the other a feature film, and both blasted American punk rock music straight between the eyes of pop culture. Shot between 1979 and 1980, The Decline of Western Civilization (1981) features concert footage of Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline, Circle Jerks, Fear, Germs, and X. Live performances are interspersed with interviews with band members, fans, and fanzine writers that are in turns heartfelt and humorous. As Spheeris was already a part of the community she was filming, her interviews with denizens of the scene are more amicable than clinical, though she isn’t afraid to ask blunt questions or call them out. Spheeris explored the same scene with 1983’s Suburbia, her fictionalized tale of a group of runaway punk-kids-turned-squatters. The film featured more performances by LA bands, including T.S.O.L. and Vandals, as well as Flea’s big screen acting debut. Spheeris went on to make two more films in the Decline series. In 1988’s The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years, Spheeris gave the preening mid-’80s metal bands the chance to plume their feathers onscreen. The Decline of Western Civilization Part III (1998) follows a group of homeless, LA gutter-punks as they live a literal “hardcore” existence. The music and video imprint Shout! Factory has just released all three Decline films with the Blu-ray box set The Decline of Western Civilization Collection. Spheeris was reticent to reissue her works until her daughter, Anna Fox, took the wheel. Local Decline heads can celebrate firsthand, when Spheeris screens The Decline of Western Civilization and Suburbia at Sun-Ray Cinema on Sept. 26; a Q&A follows the screenings. Folio Weekly spoke with Spheeris at her home in Los Angeles, talking about her love of edgy music, the art of documentaries, and rising above.
Folio Weekly: How was your daughter, Anna Fox, instrumental in convincing you to release this box set? Penelope Spheeris: Oh, yeah. She’s the one that actually made it happen and I couldn’t run around going “Aren’t I cool? I finally did this!” because I didn’t. She did it. She initiated it because I’d asked her to come work for me about four years ago. And she said she would only if the first thing we did were the Decline movies. So I said, “Fine. But you kind of need to do the work; because I can’t face it.” And she did it. When you say, “face it,” how do you mean? For years I would get emails and calls and letters and just so many communications about how people wanted to see the movies, but it wasn’t like I didn’t want them to have the movies. It’s just that I knew how much work it was going to be and I knew how complex it was going to be because of all of the different formats it was going to be, over the years. And it took us a year-and-a-half to find a distributor that worked and thank god we found Shout! Factory.
When did you first stumble upon that LA punk scene? Was it early on? The first wave had artier bands like The Screamers but most of those bands in Decline were that second wave of aggressive, hardcore groups. Well, here’s the thing and my daughter pointed it out because I’ve never really thought of it before. In the first Decline, there are the more hardcore bands. There’s Black Flag, Circle Jerks, and Fear. But you’re right. There was also that art factor. But that was just what was around at the time. So how did I find that scene? In my life of loving music, I always sided toward the more hard-edged music.
photo by Suzanne Allison
PENELOPE SPHEERIS screens two of her pioneering films of punk rock cinema
What were you into prior to that? Like heavy acid rock? Oh, yeah. Back in the day … I’m so old [laughs] I saw Dick Dale & The Deltones live. But the one that really changed me was when I saw Blue Cheer. I was there and it was just like, “Take a look around at this.” [Laughs.]
to shoot a camera. In the past you’ve acknowledged the influence of Frederick Wiseman [Titicut Follies] and that highly objective style of documentary filmmaking. Since the punks were your friends, how did you keep that neutrality? Since they were my friends, I had empathy, and sometimes sympathy for them, depending on their condition; especially with the third film. You studied film at UCLA in the ’60s. Were And those people in Decline III are still my you ever drawn to underground, experimental friends to this day. You know, I didn’t really filmmakers like Maya Deren or Kenneth Anger, or were you always into documentaries? know this, until lately, because I say Wiseman’s name so many times, but I thought, “You know About four years ago, simultaneous with Anna what? I’m going to see if I can find anything coming to work here, the Academy of Motion on YouTube where he’s talking and telling Pictures Arts & Sciences called me up and what his style really is.” Because I remember asked me if they could restore my old student in school, watching his movies and being so films and they found films, honestly, Dan, that affected by them and wanting to do that. And I forgot I made. They made a program out I recently heard him describe it as, “making of my short films. And they’re very different the film is doing the research.” And this is from each other and there are about an hour’s what I do; I didn’t know it until the other day. worth of short films. Music was always a really People always say that important part of the when they’re going to do films but mostly I was a documentary, they’re interested in the human PENELOPE SPHEERIS screens THE DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION “going to do all this behavior aspect because and SUBURBIA (35mm) research first.” Well, if you I studied … they called 7 p.m. Sept. 26, Sun-Ray Cinema, want it pure and clean, let it Psychobiology back in 5 Points, $12 for double feature; the film do the research. the day, which is funny single features $9.50; $8 teachers, Whatever you’re shooting because that’s what [Black students, military; $7 seniors. Q&A after screenings, sunraycinema.com is your research. And I Flag bassist] Dukowski know that’s a little bit calls it in Decline. For twisted but that’s exactly me, it was always about why his films seem so objective. human behavior, just trying to figure people out, especially young people. You know, Suburbia was a fictional film but, like Decline, you seem protective of them. As far as the psychobiology of the punks, when When you made that film, were you mindful of you were filming you knew the bands and not making a caricature of this subculture and were really deep inside their world. But since the kids? you had a camera, did you ever feel like they “ramped up the attitude” once they knew the See, the thing is, if you don’t truly understand cameras were rolling? the philosophy and ethic of punk rock, you cannot portray it. That’s why I think it’s Well, it’s always hard to tell. But again, nobody so misrepresented all the time and still to was really shooting this. There was Don Letts this day. But definitely back in the day, it and Julien Temple in London. I don’t know who else. Maybe there were others shooting here. But was extremely, poorly represented because I did put it all together and made a film out of people just didn’t understand it. You have it. But the subjects I was dealing with were, for to understand it from the ground up and the most part, my friends already. I was in the I do, I believe. You have to come from a scene before I made the movie, let’s put it that certain depravity, you know, to get it. And I way. We’re doing these theatrical screenings all do. [Laughs.] And you have to have suffered over the country and I was in Portland, Oregon through a lot of shit and then risen above it. a while back and the first thing a guy asked me It’s like I never knew why Drew Bernstein on during the Q&A was [in a haughty academic the Suburbia poster has rise written on his tone], “How did a professional filmmaker like pants. And I was like, “Why does he have ‘rise’ written on his pants?” And I understand what you get access to these people who seemed to be that means now. It means rise above all of the very private?” [Laughs.] And I said, “They were pain you’ve been through. my friends already.” And he just couldn’t get it Daniel A. Brown in his head that I could do both. I could be a dbrown@folioweekly.com punk, be a friend of punks, and still know how SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 49
ARTS + EVENTS
The opening reception for Figuration, new figurative works by Nina Avis, Dimelza Broche (pictured), Cody Rose, and Franklin Ratliff, is held 6-8 p.m. Sept. 29 at FSCJ Kent Campus Gallery.
PERFORMANCE
Theater of the Mind: Storytelling TaleTellers of St. Augustine tell stories, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29, Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., 471-0179, 825-1164, $10, limelight-theatre.org. La Cage Aux Folles Players by the Sea stages a musical comedy about a man hoping to convince conservative future in-laws his LGBT parents are straight; 8 p.m. Sept. 24, 25, 26; 2 p.m. Sept. 27, 106 Sixth St. N., Jax Beach, 249-0289, $28; through Oct. 10, playersbythesea.org. The Screwtape Letters A stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ novel, about Satan’s shrink training his apprentice on tormenting humans, is presented at 8 p.m. Sept. 29, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, 355-2787, $45-$65, floridatheatre.com. Click Clack Moo For grades K-4; barnyard friends go on strike, 10:15 a.m. Sept. 30 at Thrasher-Horne Center, 283 College Dr., Orange Park, 276-6750, $12, thcenter.org. Ring of Fire Johnny Cash is featured in Limelight Theatre’s production, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24, 25, 26; 2 p.m. Sept. 27, Raintree Restaurant, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine, 825-1164, $26; through Oct. 18, limelight-theatre.org. The Mousetrap The world’s longest continuously running show, Agatha Christie’s mystery-play about strangers (one’s a murderer) in a snowstorm, 8 p.m. Sept. 25, 26; 2 p.m. Sept. 27, Theatre Jacksonville, 2032 San Marco Blvd., 396-4425, $25; $20 seniors, military, students; through Oct. 4, theatrejax.com. Mark Twain Remembers Don Maley showcases wit and wisdom of Samuel Clemons, 8 p.m. Sept. 24, 25, 26; 2 p.m. Sept. 27, Amelia Community Theatre’s Studio 209, 207/209 Cedar St., Fernandina, 261-6749, $20; $10 students; through Oct. 3, ameliacommunitytheatre.org. Lucky Stiff Orange Park Community Theatre stages a murdermystery musical, about a shoe clerk, a dead body, a mistress, her brother and dogs, 8 p.m. Sept. 25, 26; 3 p.m. Sept. 27, 2900 Moody Ave., 276-2599, $25; through Oct. 4, opct.org. 9 to 5: The Musical Alhambra Theatre & Dining stages an adaptation of the 1980 film about an office manager, a jilted wife, and a sexually harassed secretary who pay back a sexist boss, through Oct. 10; 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside, $38-$75 plus tax, 641-1212, alhambrajax.com. A Heart That Forgives Ritz Theatre & Museum presents a drama about people affected by those closest to them, 7 p.m. Sept. 26, 829 N. Davis St., Downtown, 807-2010, $25 advance; $30 at the door, ticketmaster.com.
CLASSICAL, CHOIR & JAZZ
Chinese Folk Music Concert The Chinese Folk Ensemble, featuring Nanjing University Traditional Instruments Orchestra, performs 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25, University of North Florida’s Lazzara Performance Hall, 1 UNF Dr., Southside, 620-2878, unf. edu/coas/music/calendar.aspx. Boney James Grammy-nominated saxophonist plays 8 p.m. Sept. 25, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, 3552787, $35-$65, floridatheatre.com. Jamison Ross Jacksonville drummer-composer Ross, who’s performed with Dr. John and Christian McBride, leads his band, Ritz Theatre & Museum, Downtown, 807-2010, $19, ritzjacksonville.com. The Lawson Ensemble Concert Cellist Dr. Nick Curry, violist Clinton Dewing, and violinist Aurica Duca perform Beethoven works for string trios, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26, UNF’s Recital Hall, 620-2878, unf.edu/coas/music/calendar.aspx.
COMEDY
Josh Rabinowitz Fresh-faced Rabinowitz, of “Comics to Watch,” 8 p.m. Sept. 24; 8 and 10 p.m. Sept. 25 and 26, The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Rd., Mandarin, 292-4242, $20, comedyzone.com. Dustin Ybarra Comedian Ybarra, of Ted 2, We Bought a Zoo, and The Player, 8 p.m. Sept. 25; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Sept. 26, Comedy Club of Jacksonville, 11000 Beach Blvd., 646-4277, $17-$20, jacksonvillecomedy.com Awkward Silence Jax: Mein Trump Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre presents local comedy troupe parodying world news, pop culture, more, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 and 26, Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., 249-7177, $15, abettheatre.com. Mike McCarthy Kilt-clad comic McCarthy performs 7:30 and 10 p.m. Sept. 25 and Sept. 26, Latitude 360, 10370 Philips Hwy., Southside, 365-5555, $15, latitude360.com. Whoopi Goldberg Comedy superstar Goldberg, 8 p.m. Sept. 26 at The Florida Theatre, Downtown, 355-2787, $59-$89, floridatheatre.com.
ART WALKS & MARKETS
Riverside Arts Market Local/regional art, free yoga 9 a.m., Chris Thomas, Taylor Roberts, Blue Muse, Scott Jones Dancers, food, farmers’ row, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 26 under Fuller Warren Bridge, 715 Riverside Ave., free admission, 389-2449, riversideartsmarket.com.
MUSEUMS
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens 829 Riverside Ave., 3566857, cummermuseum.org. Reflections: Artful Perspectives on the St. Johns River, through Oct. 18. All Together: The Sculpture of Chaim Gross, through Oct. 4. British Watercolors exhibits through Nov. 29. Karpeles Manuscript Museum 101 W. First St., Springfield, 356-2992. Drew Edward Hunter’s Spectrum II, through Oct. Baseball: Origins and Early History, through Dec. Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville 333 N. Laura St., Downtown, 366-6911, mocajacksonville.com. Avery Lawrence: Live in Jacksonville, through Nov. 22. Smoke And Mirrors: Sculpture & The Imaginary, illusion-inspired 3D and installation works by sculptors Chul Hyun Ahn, James Clar, Patrick Jacobs,
50 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
Ken Matsubara, Daniel Rozin, and Kathleen Vance, through Jan. 24. Unmasked: Art with a Heart in Healthcare, through Dec. 6. Project Atrium: Joelle Dietrick, through Oct. 25. Ritz Theatre & Museum 829 N. Davis St., 807-2010, ritzjack sonville.com. American Beach: A Moment in Time, photos by Stephan Leimberg and Marsha Phelts, through Oct. 11.
GALLERIES
Art Institute of Jacksonville 8775 Baypine Rd., 486-3000, aiportfolioshow.com/jacksonville. Portfolio Show, 6-8 p.m. (5-6 p.m. for industry professionals and employers) Sept. 24. C.A.S.K. Wine Shop & Bar 1049 Park St., Riverside, 568-1828. The closing reception for Margete Griffin’s screen print exhibit, Symbols 6-10 p.m. Sept. 30. CoRK Arts District 2689 Rosselle St., Riverside, corkarts district.tumblr.com. A preview of Face Forward, self-portraits by Adrian Pickett, Bill Yates, Chip Southworth, Christie Holechek, Daniel Wynn, David Engdahl, Doug Eng, Dustin Harewood, Enzo Torcoletti, Franklin Ratliff, Hiromi Moneyhun, Jason John, Jim Benedict, Jim Draper, John Bunker, Kevin Arthur, Larry Wilson, Laurie Hitzig, Louise Freshman Brown, Mary St. Germain, Mindy Hawkins, Overstreet Ducasse, Paul Ladnier, Robin Shepherd, Sara Pedigo, Shaun Thurston, Steve Williams, Susan Ober, Thony Aiuppy, and Tony Wood, 5-9 p.m. Sept. 24. The exhibit then displays Oct. 1-Dec. 28 at Haskell Gallery, JIA Central Courtyard, 2400 Yankee Clipper Dr., 741-3546. FSCJ Kent Campus Gallery 3939 Roosevelt Blvd., Westside, 646-2300, fscj.edu. Opening reception for Figuration, new figurative works by Nina Avis, Dimelza Broche, Cody Rose, and Franklin Ratliff, 6-8 p.m. Sept. 29; through Oct. 20. FSCJ South Campus Gallery Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd., 646-2023, fscj.edu. Opening reception for Visual Arts & Digital Media Faculty Exhibit, works by Liz Bryant, Byron Caplan, Mark Creegan, Julia Dearriba-Montgomery, Dustin Harewood, Dr. Mary Joan Hinson, Dr. Troy Johnson, Patrick Miko, Ali Mitchell, Michael Nuetzel, Mark Sablow, and Liz Murphy Thomas, 5-7:30 p.m. Sept. 24; through Oct. 16. Hawthorn Salon 1011 Park St., 619-3092, hawthornsalon.com. Lily Kuonen’s Playntings [Un]Covered through Nov. 21. Southlight Gallery 201 N. Hogan St., Downtown, 553-6361, southlightgallery.com. Sum Total, works of UNF Photography faculty Alex Diaz, Paul Karabinis, Kelly Malcom, and Christopher Trice, is on display in UNF ArtSPACE. Dee Roberts, Princess Rashid and Overstreet Ducasse are Sept.’s featured artists. space:eight 228 W. King St., St. Augustine, 829-2838, spaceeight.com. Extended Playbook, a collaborative art exhibit of works of Atlanta artists George Long, Jessica Caldas, Mario Schambon, William Downs, Adrian Barzaga, Mike Stasny, and Erin Michelle Vaiskauckas, displays through Dec. 3. St. Augustine Art Association 22 Marine St., 824-2310, staaa. org. Celebrate St. Augustine, through Sept. 28. Lisa O’Neil’s large-scale painting Restless Hearts, through Sept. 27.
EVENTS
Florida Heritage Book Festival The eighth annual Florida Heritage Book Festival & Writers Conference, with author presentations, luncheons, panel discussions, more than 50 vendors, book signings, critiques and workshops by authors and agents including Sohrab Homi Fracis, Elizabeth Sims, Mark Powell, Joan Leggitt, Darlyn Finch Kuhn, Jane R. Wood, Robert Macomber, Jeff Herman and Deborah Herman, Harrison Scott Key, and Bob Shacochis, is held Sept. 24, 25 and 26 at Flagler College’s Ringhaver Student Center, 50 Sevilla St., St. Augustine; registration fees vary; fhbookfest.com. Run For The Arts 5K Riverside Fine Arts Association (RFAA) holds its 5K run at 6:30 p.m. (5 p.m. onsite registration) Sept. 26 at Bold City Brewery, 2670 Rosselle St., Ste. 7, Riverside. A 1-Mile Kids Fun Run, post-race party with food, one free beer, live music, DJ, one free T-shirt, silent auction, awards and prizes are featured. $35 early registration (ends 4 p.m. Sept. 25); $40 at the race (cash/check only), $10 for 1-Mile Kids Fun Run; funds help RFAA music programming and local youth outreach program Project Listen. Puttin’ On The Ritz The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus (JCC) presents its 20th anniversary gala, with live music by Freudian Slip, live and silent auctions, “bubbles and baubles,” dancing, and more, 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at the home of Gary McCalla. Tickets $75; for details, call 353-1636 ext. 4; proceeds benefit JCC’s scholarships and operating funds. jaxchildrenschorus.org. Folio Weekly’s Foliofest This music, art, comedy, and beer extravaganza features live music by Tomboi, The Daygos, LPT, and Fjord Explorer, performance art by Liz Gibson and live painting by Shaun Thurston, comedy by Dustin Ybarra, more than 60 craft beers, dragonboats, glassblowing, freak bikes, fine art screen painting, and other fun creative stuff, 4-9 p.m. Sept. 27 under the Fuller Warren Bridge, 715 Riverside Ave.; unlimited beer sampling is $30 in advance; $35 day of, discount tickets at folioweekly.com.
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DANCING IN YOUR HEAD
A&E // MUSIC
Empowerment, activism and LGBTQ identity drive the electro-pop sounds of TOMBOI
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or a local band that’s released only three recordings, one music video and a cassette with three because we have been in the music industry remixes of their first release by three all of our adult lives, we saw all the things, musical peers, TOMBOI has quite a résumé. In we’ve already done all the things we know we less than two years, they’ve played at Austin’s shouldn’t do anymore, and we wanted to try SXSW and in New Orleans twice, including a this really specific approach to making music. stint with Macaulay Culkin’s Velvet Underground We sought the wisdom of our elders, and took parody band, The Pizza Underground. the advice to heart, and the advice paid off. Our But more important to members Paige friend Lisa Thomas was basically, like, “Make McMullen (guitar), Alex E (keys, vocals), and a single, make a music video, and if anybody is Summer Wood (drums), the group is deeply really into it, then fund that project more.” And involved with Girls Rock Jacksonville, we did that, and we got a response. volunteering time and expertise, including putting on occasional workshops to help young girls find Why are you involved in Girls Rock Jacksonville? community and empowerment through music. A.E.: We care about the people that are going Even their shows, in a sense, are an to give us their time to come and listen to the extension of their effort to create safe, things we do. It’s a mutual empowering, positive spaces for respect. I think that’s the homosexual and genderFolioFest: TOMBOI, something that’s disappeared neutral community. They don’t THE DAYGOS, LPT, FJORD from a lot of music culture book shows at venues that allow EXPLORER, LIZ GIBSON because people are, like, smoking inside, out of respect performance art, SHAUN “You’re welcome” — artists for fans who don’t smoke. THURSTON live painting, who had the ability to be an Alex E is working on a banner DUSTIN YBARRA comedy, artist in your life. 60-plus craft beers, for upcoming shows that will dragonboats, glassblowing, That’s why we’re so encourage fans to be positive more. 4-9 p.m. Sept. 27 involved with Girls Rock and communal with others. under Fuller Warren Bridge, Jacksonville. No matter what Folio Weekly sat down with unlimited beer sampling, $30 happens to TOMBOI, or us in two of the three members of the advance; $35 day of; discount our future, it’s important the outspoken, all-female electrotix at folioweekly.com. community we leave behind pop band — Paige and Alex — is a safer place for females at their practice space, ahead of and female-identified people; that this is a their appearance this week at FolioFest, to talk community that will assist you in that way instead about the importance for safe, accepting places of being so belittling and male-dominated and where LGBTQ people can be themselves, and validating for males and whatever. what TOMBOI hopes to add to the Northeast Florida community. What do you stand for as a band? P.M.: Empowerment for queer-identified people Folio Weekly: How did TOMBOI get started? and females. Paige McMullen: We actually met here, at A.E.: And for hetero-normal people who want Warehouse Studios, which is where we practice. to understand queer culture better and they We met when we were in different bands, and need a space to do that themselves. Creating those bands dissipated for whatever reason. an all-inclusive environment centered around Alex was in a solo project, and got invited to go positivism. All the songs we have are something to SXSW and we were just friends. And she was about empowerment or queer-centric love telling me about it the day after my birthday songs. Aren’t you tired of hearing another white party, where we learned ’90s songs together. hetero male love opinion? Don’t you want to Alex E: It was this silly night of friends hanging hear something else, too? Are we really alone out late at night, being silly. in this concept? Making pop music that is P.M.: Basically, Alex was, like, “How do I get to accessible to everyone so that everyone knows Texas because I don’t have a car?” I was, like, that queer culture is not subversive. “Well, I have a car.” I had just gotten a car a couple months before, so I said I would drive. What’s your goal as a Northeast Florida band? You were going to say no. A.E.: She was, like, “You’re an idiot. How do you A.E.: We can get on stage and write these songs for a queer dialogue that are being presented not go?” in pop music so it’s able to be swallowed in P.M.: I bullied you into letting me drive you to a hetero normal community so that no one Texas. is uncomfortable by it, but then it has to go A.E.: I was, like, if I’m going to go, you might the step farther, it’s like being an active ally to as well play guitar or something. Literally, after brunch the next day, we walked over to Summer’s the situation. I think that whole concept for TOMBOI is constantly evolving, because the house, and Summer’s, like, “I’m down.” dialogue in our culture is constantly evolving and making it more accessible for everyone to After your whirlwind start as a band, what be more considerate toward each other. happened when you got back to Jacksonville? Greg Parlier P.M.: We were definitely motivated. mail@folioweekly.com A.E.: Because we’d been in so many bands and
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A&E // MUSIC
HOMETOWN HEROES
Indiana folk-rockers HOUNDMOUTH rocket to success without sacrificing their small-town roots or restless creativity
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et’s get one thing out of the way up front: him if he wanted to make a record with us,” Just because Houndmouth stylistically Myers remembers. “And he said, ‘Yes, but I’m resembles all those “Hey ho!” neo-folk not gonna make another fucking Americana bands, one thing is not necessarily like the other. album. Let’s put our hats on and get weird.’ ” First, Matt Myers, Katie Toupin, Shane “Weird” might be a bit of an exaggeration, Cody, and Zak Appleby are actually from smallbut “diverse” isn’t. Songs like “Otis” hit town Middle America — New Albany, Indiana impassioned soul heights, and big hit “Sedona” to be exact. Second, their expansive harmonies packs a dusty, desert-rock punch that skewers and symphonic arrangements don’t tell boring, the California dream but will still lodge itself narrowly individualistic stories about romance in your subconscious for weeks. And there’s and nostalgia; instead, as all four Houndmouth no denying how well Houndmouth does gritty, members trade off lead vocal duties, narratives dirt-road folk on “For No One” and “Black shift from junkies and convicts to grad school Gold.” “Nothing is conscious,” Myers says. “It superstars and oil titans to gadfly cousins and all just comes out — we absolutely have no lascivious ladies’ men. Third, you won’t find a plans for anything. No set time to sit down and banjo, mandolin, or well-groomed beard within write songs. They happen when they happen. a 10-mile radius of the band. And fourth, while All four of us are constantly recording on most Americana stars embrace antiquated 19thour own, throwing ideas around, gathering century getups, Houndmouth has gravitated to information when we’re on the road, and then fur coats, sequined jumpsuits, capes and similar hopefully putting it all together when we’re glamorous attire. back home. The whole [writing process] is just up in the air.” “I always felt more HOUNDMOUTH with comfortable writing and What’s not up in the air is BASIA BULAT hiding behind a persona or a how much success the band 8 p.m. Sept. 30, character,” guitarist Myers tells has achieved in such a short Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Folio Weekly. “And that extended amount of time — or how little $26.50, pvconcerthall.com to onstage, where we started it seems to have changed its wearing bellbottom jeans and four members. Myers says they weird shit to disconnect ourselves from the still look back fondly on playing “really shitty, whole Americana thing. Like, suspenders and divey 200-capacity clubs” while relishing the top hats? What kind of bullshit is that?” opportunity to headline at more dignified That no-nonsense attitude mirrors spaces like Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. And he Houndmouth’s start. Though Toupin, Myers, describes the band and its immediate orbit and Appleby knew each other in high school, of hangers-on as like a little commune. “Our they pursued music individually before manager is a buddy who was sitting on the randomly coming together in 2011 with couch with us at our first practice,” Myers Cody, who’d recently returned to Indiana says, “and our tour manager started out with after a spell in New York. Four months later, us, too. Everything is still close-knit, with a against all rational logic, they traveled to good family vibe.” South by Southwest in Austin, on their own Myers says that vibe extends off the road, dime and with no plan. Booking agent Matt too, when the band has a chance to return to Hickey convinced Rough Trade Records normal life in between tours. “Home’s like a founder Geoff Travis to attend one of vacuum, and I love it,” he says. “Especially Houndmouth’s shows, Geoff liked what he on our side of the river in Indiana. Louisville saw and signed the band, and by the following is super-artsy and creative, but there isn’t year, they were touring relentlessly and much of a scene here in New Albany. But headlining festivals on the strength of debut I could never live in LA, New York, or any album From the Hills Below the City. major city. There’s too much noise going on. I prefer to see the world from a tiny town — all The group’s 2015 album, Little Neon the relentless touring has instilled my faith Limelight, broke Houndmouth even bigger. in being an Indianan. Even if I can’t walk to Producer Dave Cobb, who’s worked magic on the convenience store wearing skinny jeans recent alt-country masterpieces by Jason Isbell without getting my ass kicked.” and Sturgill Simpson, convinced the band to Nick McGregor record everything live and break out of its own mail@folioweekly.com self-reinforced box. “We called him and asked
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Nineties rock heavy hitters HELMET perform at Jack Rabbits Sept. 25.
LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC CONCERTS THIS WEEK
SPADE McQUADE 6 p.m. Sept. 23 at Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub, Jacksonville Landing, Ste. 176, Downtown, 374-1247. Music by the Sea: GO GET GONE Dinner by Ripe Bistro 6 p.m.; concert 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at St. Augustine Beach Pier & Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., free, 347-8007, thecivicassociation.org. RYAN CRARY 6 p.m. Sept. 23 at Pusser’s Bar & Grille, 816 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach, 280-7766. DENNY BLUE 6 p.m. Sept 23 & 30 at Paula’s Beachside Grill, 6896 A1A S., Crescent Beach, 471-3463. BILLY BOWERS 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Ragtime Tavern, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach. 241-7877. CHIEF SCOUT 8 p.m. Sept. 23 at Jack Rabbits, 1528 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, 398-7496, $8 advance; $10 day of. AARON KOERNER 6 p.m. Sept. 24, Pusser’s Bar & Grille. LYDIA, SEAHAVEN, The TECHNICOLOR 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at 1904 Music Hall, 19 Ocean St., Downtown, $15. “3” the BAND 7 p.m. Sept. 24, Ragtime Tavern. SWAMP CABBAGE, WALTER PARKS 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Mudville Music Room, 3104 Atlantic Blvd., San Marco, 352-7008, $10. REO SPEEDWAGON 8 p.m. Sept. 24 at The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, 355-2787, $35-$69. The BAND BE EASY 8 p.m. Sept. 24 at Latitude 360, 10370 Philips Hwy., Southside, 365-5555. BRITTANY SHANE 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25, Mudville Music Room, $10. JOE NICHOLS, WATERLOO REVIVAL 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at Mavericks at The Landing, 2 Independent Dr., Downtown, 356-1110. The WINTER SOUNDS, COEDS 8 p.m. Sept. 25 at Burro Bar, 100 E. Adams St, Downtown. KING EDDIE & PILI PILI 8 p.m. Sept. 25, Pusser’s Bar & Grille. DELBERT McCLINTON 8 p.m. Sept. 25 at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach, 209-0399, $49.50-$65. HELMET 8 p.m. Sept. 25, Jack Rabbits, $17 advance; $20 day of. RAYDIO BAND 8:30 p.m. Sept. 25, Latitude 360. OZONE BABY 9:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at Whiskey Jax, 10915 Baymeadows Rd., Southside, 634-7208. BARRETT JOCKERS TRIO 10 p.m. Sept. 25 & 26 at Flying Iguana, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 853-5680. CHILLY RHINO 10 p.m. Sept. 25 & 26 at The Roadhouse, 231 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, 264-0611. CLOUD 9 10 p.m. Sept. 25 & 26, Ragtime Tavern. Riverside Arts Market: CHRIS THOMAS, TAYLOR ROBERTS, BLUE MUSE, SCOTT JONES DANCER 10:30 a.m. Sept. 26 at 715 Riverside Ave., 389-2449. Fourth Annual Clean Water Music Festival: The BRIGHT LIGHT SOCIAL HOUR, ISRAEL NASH, LARKIN POE, FLAGSHIP ROMANCE, CHICO LOBOS BAND, BE EASY, SIDEREAL, DALTON CYR, FORT STORIES, The WILLOW WACKS, The RUBIES, ADAM SAMS, OSCAR MIKE, SAM PACETTI, SPICE & the PO’ BOYS, RACHAEL WARFIELD, MICHAEL JORDAN, MATTHEW FOWLER Noon-11 p.m. Sept. 26, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, admission is a suggested donation of $15; proceeds benefit global-wide programs to provide clean drinking water, cleanwatermusicfest.org.
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DENNY BLUE 5 p.m. Sept. 26 at Milltop Tavern & Listening Room, 19 1/2 St. George St., St. Augustine, 829-2329. CLAY WALKER, TIM DUGGER 6 p.m. Sept. 26, Mavericks at The Landing, $25-$35. MELISSA SMITH 7 p.m. Sept. 26, Pusser’s Bar & Grille. JAY GARRETT 8 p.m. Sept. 26 at Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Dr., Downtown, 353-1188. STAYNE THEE ANGEL, EVICTION, EMMA MOSELEY BAND 8 p.m. Sept. 26 at Freebird Live, 200 N. First St., Jax Beach, 246-2473, $8 advance; $10 day of. IT’S WAR (LENNON), I WOKE UP EARLY for MY FUNERAL, OUTEREDGE 8 p.m. Sept. 26, Jack Rabbits, $8 advance; $10 day of. BIG ENGINE 8:30 p.m. Sept. 26, Latitude 360. DJs DAVE CANNALTE, LARRY BANKS, JON KINESIS 10 p.m. Sept. 26 at Club TSI, 333 E. Bay St., Downtown. I-VIBES 4 p.m. Sept. 27 at Nippers Beach Grille, 2309 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach, 247-3300. FolioFest: TOMBOI, The DAYGOS, LPT, FJORD EXPLORER 4-9 p.m. Sept. 27, under the Fuller Warren Bridge, 715 Riverside Ave., folioweekly.com. NAPPY ROOTS 8 p.m. Sept. 27, 1904 Music Hall, $20 advance; $25 at the door. RYAN CRARY 8:30 p.m. Sept. 27, Flying Iguana. I_LIKE_DOG_FACE, BURNT HAIR, HEAVY FLOW, AG DAVIS 9 p.m. Sept. 27 at Shanghai Nobby’s, 10 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, 547-2188, $5. NOTHING MORE, The COLOR MORALE, TURBOWOLF, SEPERATIONS 7 p.m. Sept. 28, Jack Rabbits, $20. DR. DOG, SWIMM 8 p.m. Sept. 29, Freebird Live, $22. The JUKEBOX ROMANTICS 8 p.m. Sept. 29, Burro Bar. RECKLESS SERENADE, The ARGONAUTS, JESSE MONTOYA 8 p.m. Sept. 29, Jack Rabbits, $8 advance; $10 day of. RYAN CRARY 6 p.m. Sept. 30, Pusser’s Bar & Grille. Music by the Sea: RON NORRIS & FRIENDS Dinner by Smokin’ D’s BBQ 6 p.m.; concert 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at St. Augustine Beach Pier & Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., free, 347-8007, thecivicassociation.org. CONSIDER the SOURCE 8 p.m. Sept. 30, 1904 Music Hall, $12 advance; $15 day of. HOUNDMOUTH, BASIA BULAT 8 p.m. Sept. 30, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, $26.50. The KARMA KILLERS, LITTLE WAR TWINS 8 p.m. Sept. 30, Burro Bar, $7.
UPCOMING CONCERTS
JERROD NIEMANN Oct. 3, Mavericks at the Landing DR. JOHN & the NITE TRIPPERS, WALTER PARKS Oct. 4, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Amelia Island Jazz Fest: NAVY BAND SOUTHEAST’S TGIF, TRIO CALIENTE, LES DEMERLE, BONNIE EISELE, KEVIN MAHOGANY, LARRY CORYELL, AL WATERS, MIKE LEVINE, DENNIS MARKS, STEVE STAWLEY, CLARENCE HINES, DON ZENTZ, DOUG MATTHEWS, ERNIE EALUM Oct. 4-11, Fernandina Beach SCHATZI, THE STRING BOFFIN Oct. 4, Burro Bar POPULATION, BURNT HAIR, WORSEN Oct. 5, Burro Bar TORO Y MOI, ASTRONAUTS Oct. 8, Freebird Live CANNIBAL CORPSE, CATTLE DECAPITATION, SOREPTION
Oct. 8, Underbelly SALAD BOYS Oct. 8, rain dogs KEVIN GREENSPOON Oct. 8, Sun-Ray Cinema The MOUNTAIN GOATS, BLANK RANGE Oct. 9, Colonial Quarter ANI DiFRANCO, ANA EGGE Oct. 9, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall LAVELL CRAWFORD Oct. 9, The Florida Theatre RANDY WESTON’S AFRICAN RHYTHMS Oct. 10, Ritz Theatre BONZ (Stuck Mojo), A.M.M. Oct. 10, Jack Rabbits That’s What She Said Musical Showcase: GHOST TROPIC, LAUREN GILLIAM, BEAVER TRAP, RAMONA QUIMBY, AMY HENDRICKSON BAND, EMA & the OLD KINGS, AMY VICKERY, CHELSEA SADDLER, KATHERINE ARCHER, The AFTERWHILE, ELIZABETH ROTH BAND, WENDY KISSINGER, LAUREL NORRIS, KENNY & the JETS Oct. 11, Planet! Sarbez! INSANE CLOWN POSSE Oct. 11, Crazy Horse Complex ST. AUGUSTINE RECORD FAIR Oct. 11, St. Augustine Amphitheatre The VIBRATORS, CONCRETE ANIMALS, The WASTEDIST Oct. 11, Jack Rabbits FRED HAMMOND & DONNIE McCLURKIN Oct. 11, Veterans Memorial Arena NEW FOUND GLORY, YELLOWCARD, TIGERS JAW Oct. 13, Mavericks The WINERY DOGS Oct. 14, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall NOAH GUNDERSON, FIELD REPORT Oct. 14, Colonial Quarter Magnolia Fest: TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND, AVETT BROTHERS, DEL McCOURY BAND, STEEP CANYON RANGERS, GRANDPA’S COUGH MEDICINE, The LEE BOYS, IVEY WEST BAND, BAND of HEATHENS, PARKER URBAN BAND, The CONGRESS, The CORBITT BROTHERS, The MOTET, NIKKI TALLEY, BRYCE ALASTAIR BAND, BONNIE BLUE, MOJO GURUS, APPLEBUTTER EXPRESS, GRITS & SOUL, BERRY OAKLEY’S SKYLAB, CEDELL DAVIS, HABANERO HONEYS, COL. BRUCE HAMPTON, LOST BAYOU RAMBLERS, QUARTERMOON, The LONDON SOULS, ROOSEVELT COLLIER & the TRAVELIN’ McCOURYS, BACK FROM the BRINK, THIS FRONTIER NEEDS HEROES, FLAGSHIP ROMANCE, WHETHERMAN, JACKSONVEGAS, JERRY JOSEPH & the JACKMORONS, SLOPPY JOE, QUEBEC SISTERS, REBIRTH BRASS BAND, JEFF AUSTIN BAND, JIM LAUDERDALE, NEW ORLEANS SUSPECTS, DONNA the BUFFALO, BIG COSMO, KELLER WILLIAMS’ GRATEFUL GOSPEL, LAKE STREET DRIVE Oct. 15-18, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park STRAY from the PATH, COMEBACK KID, BEING as an OCEAN, MAJOR LEAGUE, DEEZ NUTS Oct. 15, Underbelly BEN PRESTAGE Oct. 15, Mudville Music Room CHRIS TOMLIN, REND COLLECTIVE Oct. 16, Vets Mem Arena BO BURNHAM Oct. 16, The Florida Theatre SUZANNE VEGA Oct. 16, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall The SENSES, The PHILTERS Oct. 16, Jack Rabbits DEF LEPPARD, FOREIGNER, NIGHT RANGER Oct. 17, Veterans Memorial Arena DEBORAH HENSON-CONANT Oct. 17, P.Vedra Concert Hall LITTLE BIG TOWN, DRAKE WHITE & the BIG FIRE Oct. 17, St. Augustine Amphitheatre MATT POND PA Oct. 17, 1904 Music Hall JOHN CLEESE & ERIC IDLE: Together Again at Last … for the Very Last Time Oct. 18, The Florida Theatre
XAEMORA, SATURNINE, NEVER BAPTIZED Oct. 19, Across the Street The CHARLIE DANIELS BAND Oct. 22, The Florida Theatre JASON ALDEAN, COLE SWINDELL, TYLER FARR, DEE JAY SILVER Oct. 22, Veterans Memorial Arena Gnar Stars: FREE WEED, UNKLE FUNKLE, COLLEEN GREEN Oct. 22, Shanghai Nobby’s TAB BENOIT Oct. 22, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall MARCIA BALL & her BAND, AMY SPEACE Oct. 23, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall BUDDY GUY, SHEMEKIA COPELAND Oct. 23, Florida Theatre KATT WILLIAMS Oct. 24, Veterans Memorial Arena MARK KNOPFLER Oct. 27, St. Augustine Amphitheatre CROCODILES Oct. 27, Burro Bar DESAPARECIDOS Oct. 27, Underbelly KEPI GHOULI, MEAN JEANS, LIFEFORMS (as Nirvana) Oct. 29, rain dogs TWO COW GARAGE, The MUTTS Oct. 29, Jack Rabbits THE BAND PERRY, COREY SMITH, SISTER HAZEL, JON LANGSTON Oct. 30, Metropolitan Park Suwannee Hulaween: STRING CHEESE INCIDENT, PRETTY LIGHTS, PRIMUS, CHANCE the RAPPER Oct. 30-Nov. 1, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park LEE BAINES III & the GLORY FIRES, PUJOL, ELECTRIC WATER Oct. 31, Burro Bar The UNDERACHIEVERS, POUYA, KIRK KNIGHT, BODEGA BAMZ Nov. 1, Underbelly BOZ SCAGGS Nov. 4, Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts LEFTOVER SALMON Nov. 5, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall AMERICA’S GOT TALENT LIVE Nov. 6, The Florida Theatre MARY J. BLIGE Nov. 6, Veterans Memorial Arena PRONG, APPALACHIAN DEATH TRAP Nov. 6, Jack Rabbits The BROTHERS COMATOSE Nov. 7, Jack Rabbits ALL HANDS on DECK Nov. 8, The Florida Theatre REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND, BRYCE ALASTAIR BAND Nov. 8, Jack Rabbits SLOW MAGIC Nov. 11, The Original Café Eleven TEXAS in JULY, REFLECTIONS, TO the WIND, INVENT, ANIMATE Nov. 11, Underbelly KNUCKLE PUCK, SEAWAY, SORORITY NOISE, HEAD NORTH Nov. 11, 1904 Music Hall ADRIAN LEGG, DAVID LINDLEY Nov. 12, P.Vedra Concert Hall CHASE BRYANT Nov. 12, Mavericks at the Landing BLENDED BREW Nov. 12, Jack Rabbits AMERICA Nov. 13, Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts JAKE SHIMABUKURO Nov. 13, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall GABRIEL IGLESIAS Nov. 13, The Florida Theatre KRISTIN CHENOWITH Nov. 14, T-U Center STRAIGHT NO CHASER Nov. 17, The Florida Theatre The DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND, NEW BREED BRASS BAND Nov. 21, Ritz Theatre & Museum This is Not a Test Tour: TOBYMAC, BRITT NICOLE, COLTON DIXON, HOLLYN Nov. 22, Veterans Memorial Arena SCOTT BRADLEE’S Postmodern Jukebox Nov. 28, Florida Theatre RONNIE MILSAP Nov. 29, The Florida Theatre CRAIG FERGUSON Nov. 30, The Florida Theatre DAVE KOZ CHRISTMAS TOUR Dec. 1, The Florida Theatre MAC MILLER, EARTHGANG, MICHAEL CHRISTMAS, REMEMBER MUSIC Dec. 2, The Florida Theatre LUCERO Dec. 3, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall NICHOLAS PAYTON Dec. 5, Ritz Theatre & Museum The Big Ticket: TWENTY ONE PILOTS, OF MONSTERS and MEN, WALK the MOON, The NEIGHBOURHOOD, GLASS ANIMALS, ANDREW McMAHON, MUTEMATH, X AMBASSADORS, PVRIS, ROBERT DeLONG, SAINT MOTEL, COLEMAN HELL, BORNS, BOOTS on BOOTS Dec. 6, Metropolitan Park KANSAS Dec. 6, The Florida Theatre LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III, MELISSA FERRICK Dec. 11, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Dec. 11, Veterans Mem Arena KEVIN GRIFFIN Dec. 12, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall BRIAN REGAN Dec. 13, The Florida Theatre BOWZER’S Rock ’N’ Roll Holiday Party: The TOKENS, FREDDY BOOM BOOM CANNON Dec. 17, The Florida Theatre MATISYAHU Dec. 18 & 19, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall MICHAEL McDONALD Dec. 19, Thrasher-Horne Center The TEN TENORS Dec. 22, The Florida Theatre CHRIS DUARTE Dec. 22, Mudville Music Room DONNA the BUFFALO Dec. 30, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall SOJA Jan. 1, The Florida Theatre JOHN SEBASTIAN Jan. 8, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall STEVE FORBERT TRIO Jan. 9, Mudville Music Room YO YO MA Jan. 14, Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE Jan. 15, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall CHRISTIAN McBRIDE Jan. 16, Ritz Theatre & Museum The TEMPTATIONS, The FOUR TOPS Jan. 21, Florida Theatre SHAWN COLVIN Jan. 29, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall JOHNNY MATHIS Jan. 31, The Florida Theatre COLIN HAY Jan. 31, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall 2CELLOS Feb. 2, The Florida Theatre YANNI Feb. 3, T-U Center for the Performing Arts WHO’S BAD: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Feb. 5, The Florida Theatre ALAN PARSONS PROJECT Greatest Hits Tour, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Feb. 10, The Florida Theatre ROBERT RANDOLPH & THE FAMILY BAND Feb. 11, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall PATTY GRIFFIN, SARA WATKINS, ANAIS MITCHELL Feb. 13, The Florida Theatre The JAMES HUNTER SIX Feb. 13, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall SUN RA ARKESTRA Feb. 20, Ritz Theatre & Museum
LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC
Dark Wave/Electronic artist I_LIKE_DOG_FACE (pictured) performs with BURNT HAIR, HEAVY FLOW, and AG DAVIS at Shanghai Nobby’s Sept. 27.
ADAM TRENT Feb. 21, The Florida Theatre GARY CLARK JR. Feb. 21, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall IL VOLO March 3, The Florida Theatre BLACK VIOLIN March 3, Ritz Theatre & Museum ROGER McGUINN March 4, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall HERB ALPERT & LANI HALL March 4, Florida Theatre JANET JACKSON March 8, Veterans Memorial Arena FRANK SINATRA JR. March 9, The Florida Theatre GET the LED OUT March 17, The Florida Theatre JOHNNY CLEGG & HIS BAND March 18, P. Vedra Concert Hall CECILE McLORIN SALVANT March 31, Ritz Theatre CELTIC NIGHTS: SPIRIT of FREEDOM April 6, Florida Theatre NAJEE April 9, Ritz Theatre & Museum LET IT BE: A Celebration of the Music of The Beatles April 10, The Florida Theatre THE BRONX WANDERERS April 16, Florida Theatre ELLIS PAUL May 13, The Original Café Eleven
LIVE MUSIC CLUBS
AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA BEACH
GREEN TURTLE TAVERN, 14 S. Third St., 321-2324 Buck Smith Thur. Yancy Clegg Sun. Vinyl Record Nite every Tue.
AVONDALE, ORTEGA
CASBAH CAFÉ, 3628 St. Johns Ave., 981-9966 Goliath Flores every Wed. Live jazz every Sun. Live music every Mon. ECLIPSE, 4219 St. Johns Ave. KJ Free 9 p.m. Tue. & Thur. Indie dance 9 p.m. Wed. ’80s & ’90s dance at 9 p.m. every Fri. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 3611 St. Johns, 388-0200 Live music every weekend
THE BEACHES
(All venues in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted)
CULHANE’S, 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 249-9595 Paul Lundgren 8 p.m. Sept. 25. DJ Hal every Sat. Irish music every Sun. FLYING IGUANA, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 853-5680 Barrett Jockers 10 p.m. Sept. 25 & 26. Ryan Crary Sept. 27 FREEBIRD LIVE, 200 N. First St., 246-2473 Bonnie Blue, Delta Wolf Sept. 25. Stayne Thee Angel, Eviction, Emma Moseley Band Sept. 26. Dr. Dog, Swimm Sept. 29. HARMONIOUS MONKS, 320 First St. N., 372-0815 Chrome Heart Sept. 25. Live music Fri. & Sat. Dan Evans, Spade McQuade Sun. Back From the Brink Mon. LYNCH’S IRISH PUB, 514 N. First St., 249-5181 Rachel Warfield Band 10 p.m. Sept. 25 & 26 MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1018 Third St. N., 241-5600 Wellfed Boy Sept. 23. Horizon Sept. 24. Scenic Highway Sept. 25
SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 55
LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC MEZZA Restaurant & Bar, 110 First St., NB, 249-5573 Neil Dixon every Tue. Gypsies Ginger every Wed. Mike Shackelford & Steve Shanholtzer every Thur. MONKEY’S UNCLE, 1850 S. Third St., 246-1070 Anton LaPlume Sept. 25 NIPPERS BEACH GRILLE, 2309 Beach Blvd., 247-3300 I-Vibes Sept. 27 NORTH BEACH BISTRO, 725 Atlantic Blvd., AB, 372-4105 Live music Thur.-Sun. RAGTIME TAVERN, 207 Atlantic Blvd., AB, 241-7877 Billy Bowers Sept. 23. 3 the Band Sept. 24. Cloud 9 Sept. 25 & 26. Live music Thur.-Sun. WIPEOUTS GRILL, 1589 Atlantic Blvd., NB, 247-4508 Live music 7 p.m. Sept. 25, 9:30 p.m. Sept. 26
DOWNTOWN
1904 MUSIC HALL, 19 Ocean St. N. Lydia, Seahaven, The Technicolor Sept. 24. Nappy Roots Sept. 27. Consider the Source Sept. 30 BURRO BAR, 100 E. Adams St. The Winter Sounds, Coeds Sept. 25. Jukebox Romantics Sept. 29. The Karma Killers, Little War Twins Sept. 30 DOS GATOS, 123 E. Forsyth St., 354-0666 BlackJack every Wed. DJ Brandon every Thur. DJs spin dance music every Fri. DJ NickFresh Sat. DJ Randall 9 p.m. Mon. DJ Hollywood Tue. FIONN MacCOOL’S, Jax Landing, Ste. 176, 374-1247 Spade McQuade 6 p.m. Sept. 23. Ace Winn 8 p.m.-mid. Sept. 25. Jimmy Solari 8 p.m.-mid. Sept. 26. Spade McQuade 6-9 p.m. Sept. 30 JACKSONVILLE LANDING, 353-1188 Joe Nichols 7 p.m. Sept. 25. Jay Garrett 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Sept. 26. 418 Band 4-9 p.m. Sept. 27 MARK’S DOWNTOWN, 315 E. Bay, 355-5099 DJ Roy Luis Wed. DJ Vinn every Thur. DJ Dr. Doom 10 p.m. every Fri. DJ Shotgun 10 p.m. every Sat. MAVERICKS, Jax Landing, 356-1110 Clay Walker, Tim Dugger 6 p.m. Sept. 26. Jerrod Niemann Oct. 3. Joe Buck, DJ Justin Thur.-Sat. UNDERBELLY, 113 E. Bay St., 699-8186 Wray 8 p.m. Sept. 27
FLEMING ISLAND
WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198 Conch Fritters Sept. 25. Live music Fri. & Sat. DJ Throwback 8 p.m. Thur. Deck music Fri., Sat. & Sun.
INTRACOASTAL WEST
CLIFF’S BAR & GRILL, 3033 Monument Rd., 645-5162 Live music most weekends JERRY’S SPORTS GRILLE, 13170 Atlantic Blvd., 220-6766 Boogie Freaks 9 p.m. Sept. 25
MANDARIN, JULINGTON
DAVE’S MUSIC BAR & GRILL, 9965 San Jose, 575-4935 Blues Jam Sept. 25
APOLOGIES TO MARK WILLIAMS. Not for the reasons you might expect. We’ll get to the review of the actual material on his new album, Out Past the Moon, in a moment. So if you want to get right to the music critique, fastforward a few paragraphs. My apology is in regard to the fact that I’m using Williams’ new CD as a launching point for a rant about indie artists’ product packaging. This rant could easily extend to artist websites, photos, and bio material. It’s all, for the most part, terrible. In fact, when good album art, band pics and EPKs cross my desk, I am frankly surprised. We won’t dig that deep here. We’ll keep it to CD packaging only … for now. Many say CDs (and vinyl) are dead, but they really aren’t. CD sales just this year dropped slightly below download sales and streaming for the first time. Point being, it will be a long while before the CD disappears. So I humbly request that if you’re going to release a CD, please … PLEASE … spend some money on art, design and packaging. I understand that the indie endeavor is inherently a low-dollar proposition with most of that being spent on recording and duplication. But for me, packaging is part of the experience. It always has been. Cracking open a new CD (or more viscerally, a vinyl record) is an act of commitment. The cover art, the typeface, the insert, the CD itself – it all plays a part in setting the tone for the listening experience. So goddammit, put some thought into it, spend a few extra bucks and hire an art director, pick a font other than Comic Sans or, in Williams’ case, Marker Felt (thin). You know, the one they use on all the library posters and childcare businesses to make them look chipper yet smart? Too many local musicians think they can use their factory-issue CD art maker to put this stuff 56 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
ORANGE PARK, MIDDLEBURG
CLUB RETRO, 1241 Blanding Blvd., 5794731 ’70s & ’80s dance 8 p.m. every Fri. & Sat. DJ Capone every Wed. THE HILLTOP, 2030 Wells Rd., 272-5959 John Michael Tue.-Sat. PREVATT’S SPORTS BAR, 2620 Blanding Blvd., 282-1564 Live music every Sat. DJ Tammy Wed. THE ROADHOUSE, 231 Blanding Blvd., 2640611 Chilly Rhino 10 p.m. Sept. 25 & 26. Live music 10 p.m. Wed. DJ Big Mike 10 p.m. Thur.
PONTE VEDRA
PUSSER’S Grill, 816 A1A, 280-7766 Ryan Crary 6 p.m. Sept. 23. Aaron Koerner Sept. 24. King Eddie & Pili Pili 8 p.m. Sept. 25. Melissa Smith Sept. 26. Songwriters 6-9 p.m. Sept. 29 TABLE 1, 330 A1A, 280-5515 Latin All Stars Sept. 23. Gary Starling Sept. 24. Samuel Sanders, Darren Escar Sept. 25
RIVERSIDE, WESTSIDE
Texas soul king DELBERT McCLINTON performs at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Sept. 25.
ACROSS THE STREET, 948 Edgewood Ave. S., 683-4182 J Dot O Dot, Quay Sept. 23. Bill Ricci, Honey Chamber Sept. 27. Live music most weekends MURRAY HILL THEATRE, 932 Edgewood S., 388-7807 Phil Keaggy, Jacob Hudson Sept. 25. Anonymous Sept. 26. Darkness Divided, It Lies Within Sept. 27 RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET, 715 Riverside Ave., 389-2449 Chris Thomas, Taylor Roberts, Blue Muse, Scott Jones Dancers Sept. 26. FolioFest: Tomboi, The Daygos, LPT, Fjord Explorer Sept. 27
ST. AUGUSTINE
CELLAR UPSTAIRS, 157 King St., 826-1594 Live music Sept. 25 & 26. Vinny Jacobs Sept. 27 MILL TOP TAVERN, 19 St. George St., 829-2329 Divinity Gate Sept. 25. Lonesome Bert Sept. 26. Cash Colley Sept. 27 PAULA’S GRILL, 6896 A1A S., Crescent Beach, 471-3463 Denny Blue open mic jam 6-9 p.m. Sept. 23 SHANGHAI NOBBY’S, 10 Anastasia Blvd., 547-2188 I_Like_ Dog_Face, Burnt Hair, Heavy Flow, AG Davis Sept. 27 TRADEWINDS LOUNGE, 124 Charlotte St., 829-9336 Cottonmouth Sept. 25 & 26. Live music 9 p.m. every Fri. & Sat.
SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK
JACK RABBITS, 1528 Hendricks Ave., 398-7496 Chief Scout Sept. 23. Helmet Sept. 25. It’s War (Lennon), I Woke Up
together. So inevitably they end up using free photo services and low-rent versions of Photoshop to create middle-of-the-road packaging. In Mark’s case (again, apologies, man), we are gifted with a nice-enough photograph of the moon in the upper right corner, with the words “Mark Williams with Blue Horse” and the title Out … Past the … Moon (Marker Felt font) floating in a cloudy night sky. Then, for reasons unknown, there is a superimposed concrete wall traversing the lower portion. The floating text and disconnected wall are confusing. A simple moonshot would have done the trick. Inside, more of the same: Liner notes in Marker, a clip-art horse trotting around. The photo of Williams jamming on guitar is nice enough, but the pixelated pic on the back looks very 8-bit Mario Bros. And the kooky wall is there, too. Does this really matter? I think it does, especially for an artist like Williams, whose music is moody, whose voice is raw and whose heart is exposed in his work. The packaging should reflect this. Opening track, “Quiet, Baby is Sleeping” is a perfect example. He’s creating a minor-chord atmosphere, with gypsy strings, Latin percussion and strummed electric and acoustic guitars. His upbeat mid-tempo instrumental, “When Jonathan Richman Comes to Town,” all harmonicas and lap steel, is another example, unrefined and rocking. The fade-in and premature fade-out give one the feeling of peeking in on a jam session. It’s all very personal. So should be the art. The lovely title track deepens this vibe. Joined by Amy Carlson during the chorus, Williams’ grainy, trebly voice enjoys a sort of softening, with Carlson adding a lullaby-like quality to the tune. And the memorable “What Do I Say,” floating like the lyrics suggest, is certainly the finest track on the record. It’s the kind of piece you sink into, voices moving around you as the music drifts below. “Stephanie,” too, gets all brooding and Neil Young distortion-y, with mysterious imagery
THE KNIFE
Early For My Funeral, Outeredge Sept. 26. Nothing More, The Marmozets, Turbowolf Sept. 28. Reckless Serenade Sept. 29. MUDVILLE MUSIC ROOM, 3104 Atlantic Blvd., 352-7008 Gram Parsons Songwriting Contest, Cindy Bear Sept. 23. Swamp Cabbage, Walter Parks 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24. Brittany Shane Sept. 25. Beth McKee Sept. 26
SOUTHSIDE, BAYMEADOWS, ARLINGTON
LATITUDE 360, 10370 Philips Hwy., 365-5555 Be Easy Sept. 24. Darrell Rae, Raydio Band Sept. 25. Big Engine Sept. 26 MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1800 Town Ctr. Blvd., 541-1999 Charlie Walker Sept. 24. Robbie Lit Sept. 25. Samuel Sanders Sept. 26 WHISKEY JAX, 10915 Baymeadows, 634-7208 Ozone Baby 9:30 p.m. Sept. 25. Seizure 10 p.m. Sept. 26. Melissa Smith open mic Thur. Mojo Roux Blues every Sun. Kassyli country jam every Wed.
SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE
SHANTYTOWN, 22 W. Sixth St., 798-8222 Live music most weekends THREE LAYERS CAFE, 1602 Walnut St., 355-9791 CJ Fluharty 8 p.m. Sept. 25
THE KNIFE
WHILE YOU WERE ART
HARMONIOUS MONKS, 10550 Old St. Augustine, 880-3040 Smooth McFlea Sept. 23. Open jam 7 p.m. every Mon.
embedded in the lyrics and nasty, nasty guitar soloing. The lyrics are personal. Why isn’t the packaging? This production throughout is bleak and twangy. Why isn’t the packaging? Again, and for the third time, I feel the need to temper this criticism with an apology to Williams. In truth, though, it’s an industry-wide phenomenon. Musicians, engineers, songwriters – so few of us are visual artists and art directors. Some of us want to be, but most of us fail, convinced by computerbased software makers that “You can do it, too!” We can’t. That’s why I hired a local artist for my latest album. Being a fellow musician (one of those rare combinations of solid visual artist and songwriter), he gave me a price cut. Most local artists will do the same since 1. They understand your financial plight and 2. They want the work, a chance to do something artistic and not entirely crass and commercial. If all else fails, and you can’t afford an artist, go DIY punk. Use a real Magic Marker and hand-draw your CD covers. Your audience – and I – will appreciate it. John E. Citrone theknife@folioweekly.com
AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA BEACH
29 SOUTH EATS, 29 S. Third St., 277-7919, 29south restaurant.com. F In historic downtown, Chef Scotty Schwartz serves traditional regional cuisine with a modern twist. $$ L Tue.-Sat.; D Mon.-Sat.; R Sun. BARBERITOS, 1519 Sadler Rd., 277-2505. 463867 S.R. 200, Ste. 5, Yulee, 321-2240, barberitos.com. F Southwestern fare made-to-order fresh; burritos, tacos, quesadillas, salsa. $$ BW K TO L D Daily BRETT’S WATERWAY CAFÉ, 1 S. Front St., 261-2660. F Southern hospitality, upscale waterfront spot; daily specials, fresh local seafood, aged beef. $$$ FB K L D Daily CAFÉ KARIBO, 27 N. Third St., 277-5269, cafekaribo.com. F Family-owned spot in historic building. Veggie burgers, seafood, made-from-scratch desserts. Dine in or on oakshaded patio. Karibrew Pub next door. $$ FB K TO R, Sun.; L D Daily CHEZ LEZAN BAKERY CO., 1014 Atlantic Ave., 491-4663, chezlezanbakery.com. Fresh European-style breads, pastries: croissants, muffins, cakes, pies. $ TO B R L Daily DAVID’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, 802 Ash St., 310-6049, ameliaislanddavids.com. Fine dining in historic district. Fresh seafood, prime aged meats, rack of lamb. $$$$ FB D Wed.-Mon. DICK’S Wings & Grill, 474313 E. S.R. 200, 491-3469. 450077 S.R. 200, Callahan, 879-0993. 2015 BOJ winner. SEE ORANGE PARK.
ELIZABETH POINTE LODGE, 98 S. Fletcher Ave., 277-4851, elizabethpointelodge.com. F Award-winning B&B. Seaside dining, inside or out. Hot buffet breakfast daily. Homestyle soups, sandwiches, desserts. $$$ BW B L D Daily JACK & DIANE’S, 708 Centre St., 321-1444, jackanddianescafe.com. F In renovated 1887 shotgun house. Jambalaya, French toast, mac-n-cheese, vegan/ vegetarian items. Dine in or on porch. $$ FB K B L D Daily LULU’S at Thompson House, 11 S. 7th St., 432-8394, lulusamelia.com. F Po’boys, salads, local seafood, local shrimp. Reservations. $$$ BW K TO R Sun.; L D Tue.-Sat. MOON RIVER PIZZA, 925 S. 14th St., 321-3400, moon riverpizza.net. F 2015 BOJ winner. Authentic Northernstyle pizzas, 20-plus toppings, by the pie or the slice. $ BW TO L D Mon.-Sat. THE MUSTARD SEED CAFÉ, 833 TJ Courson Rd., 277-3141, nassaushealthfoods.net. Casual organic eatery, juice bar, in Nassau Health Foods. All-natural organic items, smoothies, juice, herbal tea. $$ TO B L Mon.-Sat. THE PECAN ROLL BAKERY, 122 S. Eighth St., 491-9815, thepecanrollbakery.com. F The bakery, near historic district, has sweet and savory pastries, cookies, cakes, bagels, breads, all made from scratch. $ K TO B L Wed.-Sun. PI INFINITE COMBINATIONS, 19 S. Third St., 432-8535, pi32034.wix.com/piinfinite. All bar service at New York-style pizza joint. Specialty pizzas, by pie or slice, topped with sliced truffle mushrooms, whole little neck clams, eggs or shrimp. Dine in or in courtyard, with fountain. $$ BW TO L D Wed.-Sun. PLAE, 80 Amelia Village Cir., 277-2132, plaefl.net. Bite Club. Bistro-style venue serves whole fried fish, duck breast. Outside. $$$ FB L Tue.-Sat.; D Nightly SALTY PELICAN Bar & Grill, 12 N. Front St., 277-3811, thesa ltypelicanamelia.com. F 2015 BOJ winner. Second-story outdoor bar. Owners T.J. and Al offer local seafood, Mayport shrimp, fish tacos, po’boys, cheese oysters. $$ FB K L D Daily SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL, 1998 S. Fletcher Ave., 277-6652, slidersseaside.com. F Oceanfront; handmade crab cakes, fresh seafood, fried pickles. Outdoor dining, open-air second floor, balcony. $$ FB K L D Daily T-RAY’S BURGER STATION, 202 S. Eighth St., 261-6310. F 2015 BOJ winner. In an old gas station; blue plate specials, burgers, biscuits & gravy, shrimp. $ BW TO B L Mon.-Sat.
ARLINGTON, REGENCY
DICK’S Wings & Grill, 9119 Merrill Rd., 745-9300. 2015 BOJ winner. SEE ORANGE PARK. LARRY’S Giant Subs, 1301 Monument Rd., 724-5802. F SEE ORANGE PARK.
THE STEAKHOUSE @ Gold Club, 320 Gen. Doolittle Dr., 6455500, jacksonvillegoldclub.com. Lunch and dinner specials, free happy hour buffets Thur. & Fri. $$$ FB L D Daily
AVONDALE, ORTEGA
FLORIDA CREAMERY, 3566 St. Johns Ave., 619-5386. Premium ice cream, waffle cones, milkshakes, sundaes and Nathan’s grilled hot dogs, served in a Florida-centric décor. Low-fat and sugar-free choices. $ K TO L D Daily HARPOON LOUIE’S, 4070 Herschel St., Ste. 8, 389-5631, harpoonlouies.net. F Locally owned and operated for 20-plus years, the American pub serves 1/2-pound burgers, fish sandwiches, pasta. Local beers. $$ FB K TO L D Daily MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS, 3611 St. Johns Ave., 388-0200. F Bite Club. 2015 BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. MOJO NO. 4 Urban BBQ & Whiskey Bar, 3572 St. Johns Ave., 381-6670. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. PINEGROVE Market & Deli, 1511 PineGrove Ave., 389-8655, pinegrovemarket.com. F 2015 BOJ winner. 40-plus years. Burgers, Cuban sandwiches, subs, wraps. Onsite butcher cuts USDA choice prime aged beef. Craft beers. $ BW TO B L D Mon.-Sat. RESTAURANT ORSAY, 3630 Park St., 381-0909, restaurant orsay.com. 2015 BOJ winner. French/Southern bistro; locally grown organic ingredients. Steak frites, mussels, pork
Perennial Best of Jax winner Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, a 2015 finalist for Best B&B on Amelia Island, is now open for lunch. Photo by Dennis Ho
DINING DIRECTORY chops. Snail of Approval. $$$ FB K R, Sun.; D Nightly SIMPLY SARA’S, 2902 Corinthian Ave., 387-1000, simply saras.net. F Down-home fare, from scratch: eggplant fries, pimento cheese, baked chicken, fruit cobblers, chicken & dumplings, desserts. BYOB. $$ K TO L D Mon.-Sat., B Sat.
BAYMEADOWS
AL’S PIZZA, 8060 Philips Hwy., Ste. 105, 731-4300. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. INDIA’S Restaurant, 9802 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 8, 6200777, indiajax.com. F 2015 BOJ winner. Authentic cuisine, lunch buffet. A variety of curries, vegetable dishes, lamb, chicken, shrimp, fish tandoori. $$ BW L Mon.-Sat.; D Nightly LARRY’S Giant Subs, 3928 Baymeadows Rd., 737-7740. 8616 Baymeadows Rd., 739-2498. F SEE ORANGE PARK. METRO DINER, 9802 Baymeadows Rd., 425-9142. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE SAN MARCO. NATIVE SUN Natural Foods Market & Deli, 11030 Baymeadows Rd., 260-2791. SEE MANDARIN. PATTAYA THAI GRILLE, 9551 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 1, 6469506, ptgrille.com. Family-owned Thai place serves traditional fare, vegetarian, new-Thai; curries, seafood, noodles, soups. Low-sodium, gluten-free, too. $$$ BW TO L D Tue.-Sun. TEQUILA’S Mexican Restaurant, 10915 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 101, 363-1365, tequilasjacksonville.com. F The new place has authentic Mexican fare, made daily with freshest ingredients. Vegetarian dishes; daily drink specials. Nonstop happy hour. $$ FB L D Daily THE WELL WATERING HOLE, 3928 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 9, 737-7740, thewellwateringhole.com. Local craft beers, wines by the glass or bottle, champagne cocktails. Meatloaf sandwiches, pulled Peruvian chicken, homestyle vegan black bean burgers. $$ BW K TO D Tue.-Sat. WHISKEY JAX, 10915 Baymeadows, Ste. 135, 634-7208, whiskeyjax.com. New gastropub has craft beers, burgers, handhelds, tacos, whiskey. $$ FB L D Sat. & Sun.; D Daily.
BEACHES
(Locations are in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted.)
AL’S PIZZA, 303 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 249-0002, alspizza.com. F 2015 BOJ winner. New York-style, gourmet pizzas, baked dishes. All-day happy hour Mon.-Thur. $ FB K TO L D Daily ANGIE’S SUBS, 1436 Beach Blvd., 246-2519. ANGIE’S GROM, 204 Third Ave. S., 246-7823. F 2015 BOJ winner. Subs made with fresh ingredients for more than 25 years. One word: Peruvian. Huge salads, blue-ribbon iced tea. $ BW TO L D Daily BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS, 2400 S. Third St., Ste. 201. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. ESPETO BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE, 1396 Beach Blvd., 388-4884, espetosteakhouse.com. Just relocated, serving beef, pork, lamb, chicken, sausage; full menu, bar fare, craft cocktails, Brazilian beers. $$ FB D Daily EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ, 992 Beach Blvd., 249-3001. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. FLYING IGUANA Taqueria & Tequila Bar, 207 Atlantic
To get your restaurant listed here, just call your account manager or Sam Taylor at 904.260.9770 ext. 111 or staylor@folioweekly.com.
DINING DIRECTORY KEY
Average Entrée Cost $ = Less than $8 $$ = $8-$14 $$$ = $15-$22 $$$$ = $23 & up BW = Beer/Wine FB = Full Bar K = Kids’ Menu TO = Take Out B = Breakfast R = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner Bite Club = Hosted free FW Bite Club tasting. fwbiteclub.com. 2015 Best of Jax winner F = FW distribution spot
Blvd., Neptune Beach, 853-5680 F 2015 BOJ winner. Latin American, Southwest tacos, seafood, carnitas, Cubana sandwiches. 100-plus tequilas. $ FB L D Daily LARRY’S Subs, 657 Third St. N., 247-9620. F SEE ORANGE PARK. LILLIE’S Coffee Bar, 200 First St., Neptune Beach, 2492922, lilliescoffeebar.com. F Locally roasted coffee, eggs, bagels, flatbreads, sandwiches, desserts. Dine inside or on patio, courtyard. $$ BW TO B L D Daily MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS, 1018 Third St. N., Ste. 2, 241-5600, mellowmushroom.com. F Bite Club. 2015 BOJ winner. Hoagies, gourmet pizzas: Mighty Meaty, vegetarian, Kosmic Karma. 35 tap beers. Nonstop happy hour. $ FB K TO L D Daily METRO DINER, 1534 Third St. N., 853-6817. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE SAN MARCO. MEZZA Restaurant & Bar, 110 First St., Neptune Beach, 2495573, mezzarestaurantandbar.com. F Near-the-ocean spot, 20-plus years. Casual bistro fare: gourmet wood-fired pizzas, nightly specials. Dine inside, on patio. $$$ FB K D Mon.-Sat. MOJO KITCHEN BBQ Pit, 1500 Beach Blvd., 247-6636, mojobbq.com. F 2015 BOJ winner. Pulled pork, beef, chicken, Carolina-style barbecue, Delta fried catfish, sides. $$ FB K TO L D Daily NIPPERS BEACH GRILLE, 2309 Beach Blvd., 247-3300, nippersbeachgrille.com. The chef-driven Southern coastal cuisine has local fare and dishes with a Caribbean flavor, served in an island atmosphere on the ICW. Dine inside or on Tiki deck. $$ FB K L D Wed.-Sun.; D Mon. & Tue. POE’S TAVERN, 363 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 241-7637. Gastropub, 50-plus beers, gourmet hamburgers, ground in-house, hand-cut French fries, fish tacos, Edgar’s Drunken Chili, daily fish sandwich special. $$ FB K L D Daily RAGTIME Tavern & Seafood Grill, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 241-7877, ragtimetavern.com. F For 30-plus years, iconic seafood place has served blackened snapper, sesame tuna, Ragtime shrimp. Daily happy hour. $$ FB L D Daily SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK, 1018 Third St. N., 372-4456, saltlifefoodshack.com. Specialty items: signature tuna poke bowl, fresh sushi, Ensenada tacos, local fried shrimp, in modern open-air space. $$ FB K TO L D Daily SLIDERS Seafood Grille & Oyster Bar, 218 First St., Neptune Beach, 246-0881, slidersseafoodgrille.com. Beach-casual spot. Faves: Fresh fish tacos, gumbo. Key lime pie, ice cream sandwiches. $$ FB K L Sat. & Sun.; D Nightly SNEAKERS SPORTS GRILLE, 111 Beach Blvd., 482-1000, sneakerssportsgrille.com. 2015 BOJ winner. 20-plus tap beers, TVs, sporty waitstaff. Happy hour Mon.-Fri. $ FB K L D Daily SURFING SOMBRERO, 222 First St. N., 834-9377. New oceanfront place serves authentic fare – like paella. Drink specials. Dine in or outside. $$ FB L D Daily SURFWICHES Sandwich Shop, 1537 Penman Rd., 241-6996, surfwiches.com. New craft sandwich shop boasts Yankee-style steaks and hoagies, all made to order. $ BW TO K L D Daily
DOWNTOWN
AKEL’S DELICATESSEN, 21 W. Church St., 665-7324, akelsdeli.com. F New York-style deli offers freshly made subs (3 Wise Guys, Champ), burgers, gyros, breakfast bowls, ranchero wrap, vegetarian dishes. $ K TO B L Mon.-Fri. THE CANDY APPLE CAFÉ & COCKTAILS, 400 N. Hogan St., 353-9717, thecandyapplecafe.com. Sandwiches, entrées, salads. $$ FB K L, Mon.; L D Tue.-Sun. CASA DORA, 108 E. Forsyth St., 356-8282. F Chef Sam Hamidi has been serving genuine Italian fare for 35-plus years: veal, seafood, gourmet pizza. The homemade salad dressing is a specialty. $ BW K L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. OLIO MARKET, 301 E. Bay St., 356-7100, oliomarket.
SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 57
DINING DIRECTORY com. F From-scratch soups, sandwiches. Duck grilled cheese, seen on Best Sandwich in America. $$ BW TO B R L Mon.-Fri. SWEET PETE’S, 400 N. Hogan St., 376-7161. F All-natural sweet shop has candy made of all natural flavors, no artificial anything. Several kinds of honey. $ TO Daily ZODIAC BAR & GRILL, 120 W. Adams St., 354-8283, thezod iacbarandgrill.com. Mediterranean cuisine, American fare, paninis, vegetarian dishes. Daily lunch buffet. Espressos, hookahs. Happy hour Wed.-Sat. $ FB L Mon.-Fri.
FLEMING ISLAND
GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET, 1915 East-West Parkway, 541-0009. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. MELLOW MUSHROOM Pizza Bakers, 1800 Town Ctr. Blvd., 541-1999. F Bite Club. 2015 BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. MOJO SMOKEHOUSE, 1810 Town Center Blvd., Ste. 8, 264-0636. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198, whiteys fishcamp.com. F Real fish camp. Gator tail, freshwater catfish, daily specials, on Swimming Pen Creek. Tiki bar. Come by boat, bike or car. $ FB K TO L Tue.-Sun.; D Nightly
INTRACOASTAL WEST
AL’S PIZZA, 14286 Beach Blvd., Ste. 31, 223-0991. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. DICK’S Wings, 14286 Beach Blvd., 223-0115. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE ORANGE PARK. LARRY’S SUBS, 10750 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 14, 642-6980. F SEE ORANGE PARK. TIME OUT SPORTS GRILL, 13799 Beach Blvd., Ste. 5, 223-6999, timeoutsportsgrill.com. F Locally-ownedand-operated. Hand-tossed pizzas, wings, wraps. Daily drink specials, HDTVs, pool tables. Late-nite menu. $$ FB L Tue.-Sun.; D Nightly
Southern-style fine dining. New Orleans shrimp, certified Black Angus prime rib, she-crab soup, desserts. Extensive bourbon selection. $$$ FB D Tue.-Sat. LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 1330 Blanding Blvd., 276-7370. 1545 C.R. 220, 278-2827. 700 Blanding, Ste. 15, 272-3553. 5733 Roosevelt Blvd., 446-9500. 1401 S. Orange Ave., Green Cove, 284-7789, larryssubs.com. F With shops all over Northeast Florida, Larry’s Giant Subs piles ’em high and serves ’em fast; 33+ years. Wide selection of hot and cold subs, soups and salads. Some Larry’s serve breakfast. A new Larry’s opens soon in Fernandina. $ K TO B L D Daily METRO DINER, 2034 Kingsley Ave., 375-8548. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE SAN MARCO. SNACSHACK, 179 College Dr., Ste. 19, 682-7622, snacshack.menu. F The new bakery and café offers bagels, muffins, breads, cookies, brownies and snack treats. $$ K BW TO B, L & D Daily
PONTE VEDRA BEACH
AL’S PIZZA, 635 A1A N., 543-1494. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES.
DICK’S Wings & Grill, 100 Marketside Ave., 829-8134, dicks wingsandgrill.com. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE ORANGE PARK. LARRY’S SUBS, 830 A1A N., 273-3993. F SEE ORANGE PARK.
RIVERSIDE, 5 POINTS, WESTSIDE
13 GYPSIES, 887 Stockton St., 389-0330, 13gypsies. com. 2015 BOJ winner. Authentic Mediterranean peasant cuisine updated for American tastes; tapas, blackened octopus, risotto of the day, coconut mango curry chicken. $$ BW L D Tue.-Sat. AKEL’S Deli, 245 Riverside Ave., 791-3336. F SEE DOWNTOWN. AL’S PIZZA, 1620 Margaret St., 388-8384. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES.
GRILL ME!
MARIAH GOELZ SALVAT
Southern Roots Filling Station, 1275 King St., Riverside BIRTHPLACE: Mill Valley, California
YEARS IN THE BIZ: 5
BEST CUISINE STYLE: Keeping it light so you can taste the individual flavors of the ingredients. GO-TO INGREDIENTS: Kale, organic olive oil, sunflower & pumpkin seeds IDEAL MEAL: Quinoa salad with local greens, kale, lettuce, sprouts, carrots & walnuts, with olive oil, vinegar & a pinch of salt WON’T CROSS MY LIPS: Foie gras. INSIDER’S SECRET: Love what you do. CELEBRITY SIGHTING HERE: Whetherman CULINARY TREAT: Eating too many “ugly” cookies.
MANDARIN, JULINGTON, NW ST. JOHNS
AKEL’S DELI, 12926 Gran Bay Pkwy. W., 880-2008. F SEE DOWNTOWN.
AL’S PIZZA, 11190 San Jose Blvd., 260-4115. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. ATHENS CAFÉ, 6271 St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 7, 733-1199. F Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), baby shoes (stuffed eggplant). Greek beers. $$ BW L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. DICK’S Wings & Grill, 10391 Old St. Augustine Rd., 880-7087. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE ORANGE PARK. FIRST COAST Deli & Grill, 6082 St. Augustine Rd., 733-7477. Traditional diner fare: oversized pancakes and bacon, sandwiches, salads and burgers. $ K TO B L Daily LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 11365 San Jose Blvd., 674-2945. F SEE ORANGE PARK. METRO DINER, 12807 San Jose Blvd., 638-6185. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE SAN MARCO. NATIVE SUN Natural Foods MArket & Deli, 10000 San Jose Blvd., 260-6950, nativesunjax.com. F Organic soups, sandwiches, wraps, baked goods, prepared foods. Juice, smoothie and coffee bar. All-natural, organic beers, wines. Indoor, outdoor dining. $ BW TO K B L D Daily THE RED ELEPHANT PIZZA & GRILL, 10131 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 12, 683-3773, redelephantpizza.com. Casual, familyfriendly eatery. Pizzas, sandwiches, grill specials, burgers, pasta, plus gluten-free-friendly items. $ FB K L D Daily
ORANGE PARK
DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 6055 Youngerman Cir., 778-1101, dickswingsandgrill.com. 1803 East West Parkway, Fleming Island, 375-2559. 2015 BOJ winner. This NASCAR-themed restaurant serves 365 varieties of wings. The menu also features half-pound burgers, ribs and salads. $ FB K TO L D Daily THE HILLTOP, 2030 Wells Rd., 272-5959, hilltop-club.com.
58 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
BLACK SHEEP RESTAURANT, 1534 Oak St., 355-3793, blacksheep5points.com. New American with a Southern twist; locally sourced ingredients. Rooftop bar. $$$ FB R Sat. & Sun.; L D Daily BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS, 869 Stockton St., Stes. 1 & 2, 855-1181. F 2015 BOJ winner. Small-batch, artisanal coffee roasting. Organic, fair trade. $ BW TO B L Daily BREW FIVE POINTS, 1024 Park St., 714-3402, brewfive points.com. F 2015 BOJ winner. Local craft beer, espresso, coffee and wine bar. Rotating drafts, 75+ canned craft beers; sodas, tea. Rotating seasonal menu of waffles, pastries, toasts, desserts to pair with specialty coffees, craft beers. $$ BW K B L Daily CORNER TACO, 818 Post St., 240-0412, cornertaco.com. Made-from-scratch “Mexclectic street food,” tacos, nachos, gluten-free, vegetarian options. $ BW L D Daily. DERBY ON PARK, 1068 Park St., 379-3343. New American cuisine, upscale retro atmosphere in historic landmark building. Shrimp & grits, lobster bites, 10-oz. gourmet burger. Dine inside or out. $$ FB TO Wknd brunch. B, L D Tue.-Sun. EDGEWOOD BAKERY, 1012 S. Edgewood Ave., Murray Hill, 389-8054, edgewoodbakery.com. For 68+ years, full-service bakery has served fresh from-scratch pastries, petit fours, pies, custom cakes. Espresso/pastry café has sandwiches, smoothies, soups. $$ K TO B L Tue.-Sat. EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ, 2753 Park St., 384-9999. 2015 BOJ winner. 130-plus imported beers, 20 on tap. NYC-style Reuben, sandwiches. Outside dining at some EStreets. $ BW K L D Daily GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET, 2007 Park St., 384-4474, thegrassrootsmarket.com. F 2015 BOJ winner. Juice bar; certified organic fruits, vegetables. 300-plus craft/import beers, 50 wines, produce, humanely raised meats, deli, raw items, vegan, vitamins, herbs. Wraps, sandwiches. $ BW TO B L D Daily HAWKERS ASIAN STREET FARE, 1001 Park St., 508-0342, hawkerstreetfare.com. 2015 BOJ winner. Authentic dishes from mobile stalls. $ BW TO L D Daily
DINING DIRECTORY mezzejax.com. Classic cocktails, fresh basil martinis, 35 draft beers, local/craft brews, Mediterranean cuisine. Hookah patio. Happy hour. $$ FB D Daily METRO DINER, 3302 Hendricks Ave., 398-3701, metro diner.com. F 2015 BOJ winner. The original upscale diner. Meatloaf, chicken pot pie, soups. $$ B R L Daily MOJO BAR-B-QUE, 1607 University Blvd. W., 732-7200. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. PIZZA PALACE, 1959 San Marco Ave., 399-8815, pizzapal acejax.com. F Family-owned; spinach pizza, chicken spinach calzones, lasagna. Outside dining. $$ BW K TO L D Daily TAVERNA, 1986 San Marco Ave., 398-3005, taverna sanmarco.com. Chef Sam Efron’s authentic Italian; local produce, meats. Craft beers, craft cocktails. $$$ FB K TO R L D Daily
JOHNNY’S DELI & GRILLE, 474 Riverside Ave., 356-8055. F Casual spot; sandwiches, classic salads, homefries. One word: Reuben. $ TO B L Daily KNEAD BAKESHOP, 1173 Edgewood Ave. S., 634-7617 Locally-owned, family-run shop; made-from-scratch pastries, artisan breads, pies, sandwiches, soups. $ TO B L Tue.-Sun. LARRY’S Subs, 1509 Margaret St., 674-2794. 7895 Normandy Blvd., 781-7600. 8102 Blanding Blvd., 779-1933. F SEE ORANGE PARK. METRO DINER, 4495 Roosevelt Blvd., 999-4600. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE SAN MARCO. MONROE’S SMOKEHOUSE BAR-B-Q, 4838 Highway Ave., 389-5551, monroessmokehousebbq.com. Wings, pulled pork, brisket, turkey, chicken, ribs. Sides: beans, baked beans, mac-n-cheese, collards. $$ K TO L Mon.-Sat.; D Fri. MOON RIVER PIZZA, 1176 Edgewood Ave. S., 389-4442. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE AMELIA ISLAND. MOSSFIRE GRILL, 1537 Margaret St., 355-4434, mossfire .com. F Southwestern fish tacos, enchiladas. Happy hour Mon.-Sat. upstairs lounge, all day Sun. $$ FB K L D Daily O’BROTHERS IRISH PUB, 1521 Margaret St., 854-9300, obrothersirishpub.com. F Traditional shepherd’s pie with Stilton crust, Guinness mac-n-cheese, fish-n-chips. Patio dining. $$ FB K TO L D Daily PATTAYA Thai Grille, 1526 King, 503-4060. SEE BAYMEADOWS. rain dogs, 1045 Park St., 379-4969. 2015 BOJ winner. Bar food. $ D SOUTHERN ROOTS FILLING STATION, 1275 King St., 513-4726, southernrootsjax.com. 2015 BOJ winner. Healthy, light vegan fare made fresh daily with local, organic ingredients. Specials, served on bread, local greens or rice, change daily. Coffees, teas. $ Tue.-Sun. SUSHI CAFÉ, 2025 Riverside Ave., Ste. 204, 384-2888, sushicafejacksonville.com. F Monster Roll, Jimmy Smith Roll; faves Rock-n-Roll, Dynamite Roll. Hibachi, tempura, katsu, teriyaki. Indoor or patio. $$ BW L D Daily
SOUTHSIDE, TINSELTOWN
ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING, 12000 Beach Blvd., 641-1212, alhambrajax.com. USA’s longest-running dinner theater; Chef DeJuan Roy’s themed menus. Reservations. $$ FB D Tue.-Sun. BARBERITOS, 4320 Deerwood Lake Pkwy., Ste. 106, 807-9060. F SEE AMELIA ISLAND. DANCIN DRAGON, 9041 Southside Blvd., Ste. 138D, 363-9888. BOGO lunches, Asian fusion menu. $$ FB K L D Daily DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 10750 Atlantic Blvd., 619-0954. 2015 BOJ winner. SEE ORANGE PARK. THE DIM SUM ROOM, 9041 Southside Blvd., Ste. 138D,
363-9888, thedimsumroom.com. Shrimp dumplings, beef tripe, sesame ball. Traditional Hong Kong noodles, barbecue. $ FB K L D Daily EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ, 5500 Beach Blvd., 398-1717. 2015 BOJ winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. LARRY’S SUBS, 3611 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S., 641-6499. 4479 Deerwood Lake Pkwy., 425-4060. F SEE ORANGE PARK. MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., 997-1955. F Bite Club. 2015 BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. MONROE’S SMOKEHOUSE BAR B-Q, 10771 Beach Blvd., 996-7900, monroessmokehousebbq.com. SEE RIVERSIDE. OVINTE, 10208 Buckhead Branch Dr., 900-7730, ovinte. com. 2015 BOJ winner. European-style dining influenced by Italy, Spain and the Mediterranean. Small plates, entréesize portions, selections from charcuterie menu. $$$ BW TO R D Daily TAVERNA YAMAS, 9753 Deer Lake Ct., 854-0426, tavernayamas.com. F Bite Club. Char-broiled kabobs, seafood, wines, desserts. Belly dancing. $$ FB K L D Daily
SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE
DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 12400 Yellow Bluff Rd., Ste. 101, 619-9828. 2015 BOJ winner. SEE ORANGE PARK. HOLA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 1001 N. Main St., 356-3100, holamexicanrestaurant.com. F Fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, daily specials. Happy hour; sangria. $ BW K TO L D Mon.-Sat. LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 12001 Lem Turner Rd., 764-9999. SEE ORANGE PARK.
BITE-SIZED
SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK
BASIL THAI & SUSHI, 1004 Hendricks Ave., 674-0190, basilthaijax.com. F Authentic Thai dishes include Pad Thai, a variety of curries, tempuras, vegetarian dishes, seafood, stir-fry and daily specials. $$ FB L D Mon.-Sat. BISTRO AIX, 1440 San Marco Blvd., 398-1949, bistrox. com. F Mediterranean/French inspired cuisine; steak frites, oak-fired pizza, new raw bar of seasonal selections. $$$ FB TO L D Daily DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 1610 University Blvd. W., 448-2110. 2015 BOJ winner. SEE ORANGE PARK. EUROPEAN STREET Café, 1704 San Marco Blvd., 398-9500. 2015 BOJ winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. $ BW K L D Daily FUSION SUSHI, 1550 University Blvd. W., 636-8688, fusionsushijax.com. F Upscale sushi spot serves a variety of fresh sushi, sashimi, hibachi, teriyaki, kiatsu. $$ K L D Daily THE GROTTO WINE & TAPAS BAR, 2012 San Marco Blvd., 398-0726. F Artisanal cheese plates, empanadas, bruschetta, cheesecake. 60-plus wines by the glass. $$$ BW Tue.-Sun. HAMBURGER MARY’S Bar & Grille, 3333 Beach Blvd., Ste. 1, 551-2048, hamburgermarys.com. F 2015 BOJ winner. Wings, sammies, nachos, entrées, specialty drinks, burgers. $$ K TO FB L D Daily KITCHEN on San Marco, 1402 San Marco Blvd., 396-2344, kitchenonsanmarco.com. 2015 BOJ winner. New gastropub. Local and national craft beers, specialty cocktails, seasonal menu of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Sunday brunch. $$ FB L D Daily MEZZE BAR & GRILL, 2016 Hendricks Ave., 683-0693,
photo by Rebecca Gibson
ST. AUGUSTINE
AL’S PIZZA, 1 St. George St., 824-4383. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. CARMELO’S Marketplace & Pizzeria, 146 King St., 494-6658, carmelosmarketplace.com. New York-style brick-oven-baked pizza, freshly baked sub rolls, Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, stromboli and garlic herb wings. Outdoor seating, Wi-Fi. $$ BW TO L D Daily DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 965 S.R. 16, 825-4540. 4010 U.S. 1 S., 547-2669. 2015 BOJ winner. SEE ORANGE PARK. THE FLORIDIAN, 39 Cordova St., 829-0655, thefloridian staug.com. 2015 BOJ winner. Updated Southern fare of fresh ingredients. Vegetarian, gluten-free. Fried green tomato bruschetta, grits with shrimp, fish or tofu. $$$ BW K TO L D Wed.-Mon. GYPSY CAB COMPANY, 828 Anastasia Blvd., 824-8244, gypsycab.com. F Local mainstay 25+ years. Varied menu changes twice daily. Signature dish: Gypsy chicken. Seafood, tofu, duck, veal. Sun. brunch. $$ FB R Sun.; L D Daily MELLOW MUSHROOM Pizza Bakers, 410 Anastasia Blvd., 826-4040. F Bite Club. 2015 BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. METRO DINER, 1000 S. Ponce de Leon Blvd., 758-3323. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE SAN MARCO. MOJO OLD CITY BBQ, 5 Cordova St., 342-5264. F 2015 BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. ONE TWENTY THREE BURGER HOUSE, 123 King St., 687-2790. New spot from owners of Carmelo’s down the street. Premium burgers, made with beef sourced from renowned NYC butcher Schweid & Sons. Wood-fired pizzas, ice cream bar with Old World milkshakes. Outdoor dining. $$ BW K TO L D Daily SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK, 321 A1A Beach Blvd., 217-3256, saltlifefoodshack.com. SEE BEACHES.
9-0-4 THE LOVE OF LOCAL New-ish N i h Penman P R Roadd spott iis a fresh take on FARM-TO-TABLE
ON THE LOCALS CUT-THROUGH THOROUGHFARE at a place that supports local farms. The Surf & connecting Beach and Atlantic boulevards sits Turf Corn Dogs ($10) were highly recommended one of Northeast Florida’s newest farm-to-table but, not being a corn dog connoisseur (is there restaurants. At the end of a strip that includes a such a person?), I ordered a plate with slight pizza joint and a Japanese place, the exterior of reservations. Fortunately, 904’s corn dogs are not 904 RESTAURANT doesn’t scream trendy. But, suspicious meat blends wrapped in cornmeal, but even among the ever-growing movement toward local Mayport shrimp fried in a minced ham, beer, fresh, local, and real, 904 Restaurant (the numerals and hot sauce batter. Gone were the ketchup and represent the region’s telephone area code, kids) mustard; a flavorful jam adorned the dog. off Penman in Jax Beach stands out as the place to For my entrée, I ordered South Georgia Chicken enjoy delicious, upscale fare at an affordable price. ($14). Tasso ham gravy, a perfect puddle over pan904’s Chef Matt Gilligan, originally from seared chicken, carried most of the robust flavor. Massachusetts, experienced a big change in The gravy spilled into red bliss mashed potatoes climate and culture when he decided to migrate that were truly blissful. Spicy collards were the south. After studying at Endicott local greens of the evening. College for Culinary Arts and My dining companion 904 RESTAURANT cooking his way around the ordered the shrimp and grits 1289 Penman Rd., Jax Beach, Northeast, Gilligan felt that ($16), which I was more than 372-7562, 904restaurant.com he could make a deeper willing to sample. The grits connection with his creations – were thick and doughy, with he just needed space to express himself. a sweetness that softened Aardwolf’s Blonde Beer broth, making a strong case that craft beer goes “Fresh” is the buzzword at 904, and the items with just about anything. Sautéed Mayport shrimp, on display throughout the place are evidence of cherry tomatoes, and more Tasso ham gave local sourcing. Wooden tables sport microgreens, texture to the dish – the whole thing was rich, and a hydroponic tower that grows herbs and creamy, and downright delicious. potential veggies. Along the edge of the booths Choosing a dessert was tough, so we told our are canned jellies and relishes, as well as Barkin’ server to surprise us. She chose the kitchen’s Biscuits dog treats from Jacksonville’s Berry Good much-favored bread pudding ($6). Just half a Farms. Diners only need to lean in to read the bite in, I knew why the 904 staff loved it. Warm labels on 904’s canned goods, all of which are bread pudding shaped like a loaf of bread, with a available to buy. custard-like consistency, was stuffed with white Farm-to-table restaurants rely on seasonality, and dark chocolate, plus cranberries, which gave so while some menu items are consistent, others it a tasty chewiness much better than the standard come and go according to availability. 904 is raisins most restaurants include. A dollop of vanilla transparent about this, and has a smaller menu on ice cream dribbled over the sides was gobbled each table that lists the daily changes, if any. The before it had time to melt. restaurant’s larger menu explains the importance Rebecca Gibson of sustainable sourcing and eating. 904 stays mail@folioweekly.com within the area code whenever possible; one of the restaurant’s biggest farm suppliers is GyoGreens, To read more of Rebecca’s dining adventures, located in on Canal Boulevard in Palm Valley. check out somewhereinthecityjax.com. As always, I was excited to eat, particularly
BITE SIZED
SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 59
FREEWILL ASTROLOGY PHYSICS, LAUGHTER, FERAL ABANDON & FLACCID AMERICANS ARIES (March 21-April 19): You’re destined to become a master of fire. It’s your birthright to become skilled in the arts of kindling, warming, illuminating and energizing. Eventually you’ll develop a fine knack for knowing when it’s appropriate to turn the heat up high, and when to simmer with a slow, steady glow. You’ll wield your flames with discernment and compassion, rarely or never with prideful rage. You’ll have a special power to accomplish creative destruction and avoid harmful destruction. You’re making progress toward these noble goals, but you can improve. In the next eight weeks, can speed up your evolution. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus-born physicist Wolfgang Pauli won a Nobel Prize for his research. His accomplishment? The Nobel Committee said he discovered “a new law of nature,” and named it after him: the Pauli Principle. And yet when he was a younger man, he testified, “Physics is much too difficult for me and I wish I were a film comedian or something like that and that I had never heard anything about physics!” You may be feeling a comparable frustration about something for which you have substantial potential. In the spirit of Pauli’s perseverance, keep at it. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In 1921, the French city Biarritz hosted an international kissing contest. After evaluating the participants’ efforts, the judges panel declared that Spanish kisses were “vampiric,” while those of Italians were “burning,” English were “tepid,” Russians were “eruptive,” French were “chaste,” and Americans were “flaccid.” Whatever nationality you are, eschew those paradigms — and all other paradigms. It’s a great time to experiment with and hone your own style of kissing. Ignore all advice — trust your intuition. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Astrological omens suggest you could get caught up in dreaming about what might have been. You might cling to outworn traditions and resuscitate wistful wishes that have little relevance for the future. You may even be tempted to wander through your memories’ labyrinth, hoping to steep in old feelings that weren’t even good for you when you first experienced them. I hope you’ll override these inclinations, and act on the aphorism, “If you don’t study the past, you will probably repeat it.” The best reason to remember the old days? Rebel against them and keep them from draining your energy. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You may laugh more in the next 14 days than you have during any comparable 14-day period since you were five years old. It’ll be the best possible tonic for your physical and mental health. Even more than usual, laughter has the power to heal wounds, alert you to secrets hiding in plain sight, and awaken dormant potentials. Life will conspire to bring about this happy development. A steady stream of antics, whimsies and amusing paradoxes is headed your way. Be alert. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It’s a favorable time to fantasize about how to suck more cash into your life. You’ve entered a phase when economic mojo is easier to conjure than usual. Ready to engage in some practical measures to take advantage of the cosmic trend? I don’t mean play the lottery or steal strangers’ wallets or scan the sidewalk for dropped coins. Get intensely real and serious about enhancing your financial fortunes. What are three specific ways you’re ignorant about getting and handling money? Educate yourself. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I feel like a wet seed wild in the hot blind earth,” wrote author William Faulkner. Some astrologers 60 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2015
would say it’s unlikely a Libra would ever say such a thing — that it’s too primal a feeling for your refined, dignified tribe; too lush and unruly. I disagree. Faulkner was a Libra! And I’m quite sure you are now or will soon be like a wet seed in the hot blind earth — fierce to sprout and grow with near feral abandon. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You and I know you can heal the sick, raise the dead and turn water into wine — or at least perform the metaphorical equivalent of those acts. Especially when the pressure is on, you have the power to attract the help of mysterious forces and unexpected interventions. Love that about you! When folks around you are rendered fuzzy and inert by life’s puzzling riddles, you’re often the best hope for activating constructive responses. According to my upcoming cosmic trend analysis, these skills are in high demand in the weeks ahead.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Some astrologers regard the planet Saturn as a sour tyrant that cramps our style and squelches our freedom. My hypothesis: Behind Saturn’s austere mask is a benevolent teacher and guide. She pressures us to focus and concentrate, pushes us to harness and discipline our unique gifts. It’s true some resist these cosmic nudges. They prefer to meander all over the place, trying out roles they’re not suited for and indulging in the perverse luxury of neglecting their deepest desires. For them, Saturn seems like a dour taskmaster, spoiling their lazy fun. You Sags will develop a dynamic relationship with Saturn as she cruises through your sign for the next 26 months. With her help, deepen your devotion to your life’s most crucial goals. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The weeks ahead will be a good time to break a spell you’ve been under, shatter an illusion you’ve been caught up in, or burst free from a trance you’ve felt powerless to escape. If you’re moved to seek help from a shaman, witch or therapist, do it. You could do it yourself, though. Trust your hunches! Tap into your primal anger and primal joy. In your mind’s eye, envision situations that tempt you to hate life and envision situations that inspire you to love life. With this volatile blend as fuel, explode the hold of the spell, illusion or trance. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Go to the edge of the cliff and jump off. Build your wings on the way down.” So advised author Ray Bradbury. That’s too nerve-wracking for a cautious person like me. I prefer to meticulously build and thoroughly test my wings before trying a quantum leap. But I’ve seen that Aquarius is one of three zodiac signs most likely to succeed this way. According to astrological calculations, your talent for building robust wings in mid-air will be more effective than usual in the weeks ahead. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You’re being tempted to make deeper commitments and give more of yourself. Should you? Is it in your interests to mingle your destiny more thoroughly with that of others? Will you benefit from trying to cultivate more engaged forms of intimacy? As is true for most big questions, there are no easy answers. Exploring stronger connections would ultimately be both messy and rewarding. This might bring clarity as you ponder merging your fortunes more closely with allies or potential allies: Will deeper commitments with them inspire you to love yourself dearly, treat yourself with impeccable kindness, and be your own ally? Rob Brezsny freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com
OK, no more Ms. Nice Copy Editor. The word limit is FORTY (40).
Many of you send ISUs with waaaay more than that, and we cut ’em down. If they lose vital info for you to connect with the target, so be it. It’s your own damn fault. Who’d hook up with a dork who can’t even count? HUNGER GAMES Hungry and got hungrier when you entered. Told me you were going east to eat genuine Asian. Wanted to talk more but you had to go because your cousin, Jimmy, owed you a quarter. Let’s eat out together? When: Sept. 14. Where: China Wok. #1562-0923 NICE SMILE You: Brown hair, thin bearded guy, nice smile, bright eyes, blue “Good” sneaker T-shirt, with friends. Me: Short, thin brunette, blue/white tank, table across yours. Caught your eye, smiled. Like to know you better. Grab a drink? When: Sept. 11. Where: World of Beer Southside. #1561-0916 ECLIPSE RIVERSIDE 9/11 Super-cute brunette, ’80s night, black romper, white sandals. With group. Me: Solo; noticed matching outfit friend telling you to ask me to dance. Wanted to approach. Group left. Second chance? I’d dance the night away with you. When: Sept. 11. Where: Eclipse Riverside. #1560-0916 FIRE BUG I saw you, late night on a Friday. You were on fire, so hot. Couldn’t tell if it was your flaming personality or that fl aming staff. Night dives, long chats, but why you didn’t you ever text me? When: Sept. 4. Where: Beach. #1559-0916 YOU WALKED IN TATTOO SHOWIN’ ISU: Black leggings, open shirt, chest tat, soft voice, boots, hopeful eyes, smooth skin. You said black don’t crack. Love to have good time with you; you said futile; keep trying. Sorry about bad night. When: Sept. 4. Where: Parental Home Road. #1558-0916 BLUE ORBS You: Jean shorts, blonde hair, biggest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. I swear they glowed; when I fi rst saw you, lights in the place went dim. Can’t remember shirt color; just passing through, mesmerized by your eyes. When: Sept. 2. Where: Bold Bean Riverside. #1557-0909 YOU LEFT ME … SPEECHLESS The Prince Party. Your purple face stopped my heart. Wanna see your moves, your lights, every night. Let’s meet again: you, me and Prince. We can be silent together. When: Aug. 28. Where: 1904 Music Hall. #1556-0909 60-YEAR-OLD HIPPIE CHICK You still believe in those 60s values, modern technology, bikinis, no money worries, meditation, humanism, being groovy. Me: Bearded, beyond cool beach bum. Us. Why wait? Let’s fall in love, live at beach. Anything’s possible. When: Aug. 20. Where: Mickler’s Landing. #1555-0909 NATURE’S OWN BY MY OWN! You: Tall, handsome Nature’s Own truck driver delivering bread to Burger King; most beautiful guy I’ve ever seen! Me: Ordering drive-thru breakfast. You smiled at me, our eyes met. Let’s meet 6:15p Sept. 5 @ BK. When: Aug. 29. Where: BK, Blanding/Kingsley. #1554-0902 EVERY SUPERWOMAN NEEDS A SUPERMAN You: Tall, dark, collared shirt buttoned to top, shorts, Jordans, drink, surrounded by ratchets. Me: Average height, slim, slacks, blouse, hair in bun, lured by lightskin man (insider); chose one another instead. 1 year, counting. Love you! When: April 30, 2014. Where: Jim’s Place. #1553-0902 TALL, DRUNK AND HANDSOME You: Hanging out in a sleeveless Budweiser shirt. I like your shitty leg tattoos. Me: Overgrown Mohawk and too many hooker shots.
Bake me some bread and get pretty with me. When: June. Where: Your lap, Birdies. #1552-0902 I FOUND YOUR RENTAL CAR CARD ISU sitting with your family; you’re so good-looking I needed to keep something to remember you by. I took your rental car company frequent renter card. I’ll probably add lots of miles to account. When: Aug. 12. Where: Mellow Mushroom. #1551-0902 CAN’T STAND THE HEAT! You made me turkey/cheese sandwich; could listen to Philly accent all night! You loved my dimple; looked as I walked away. Committed to show you how hot a kitchen can get with spicy Latina! When: Aug. 12. Where: Hospital cafeteria. #1549-0902 BLIND DATE MOVIE ROMANCE Approaching slowly; tall, dark, handsome chocolate man! Me: Hello, nice to meet you. You: You, too. What’ll we see? Me: No idea; should be interesting! 10 years later, still together! ILY, baby! Your wife. When: 2005. Where: AMC Regency. #1548-0826 SUNNY & DARK You: The most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen. Me: Yearning for you. When you walked by, it took my breath away and the thought still does. Next lifetime! When: Every day. Where: Riverside. #1547-0826 PEAR-SHAPED MAINTENANCE MAN, EQUIPMENT BELT ISU pushing a cart of light bulbs. Me: Big-boned Russian at hallway end. Your slight limp as you walk is sexy; halfcocked smiled made my knees weaken. Please come over and light up my night! When: Aug. 5. Where: Hospital hallway. #1546-0819 BRILLIANT, AMAZING BLOND WITH DOGGY You: Simply, you’re brilliant, attractive petite blond, glasses, Jackie O personality. Walking small dog. Me: International guy Brit/ South African; falling in love. You’re the mint in my Julep. Attracted by your laugh, personality, Ms. Scarlett. When: Aug. 7. Where: Downtown Jax. #1545-0819 @ KELSEA BALLERINI CONCERT You: Petite, doe-eyed, STUNNING honey blonde. 5’3”, fashionably dressed. Me: Mature, 5’7”, bronze/beige Tommy Bahama shirt. Eyes locked nearly entire concert, four feet away. Pretty red truck, begs you slide in. Forever love songs to write. When: July 11. Where: Jax Beach. #1544-0812 BLONDE AT GARAGE You: Bleached blonde hair, served my friends and me at Garage. Me: Cute brunette, too drunk to ask for your number. Flirted all night; can’t stop thinking of your smile. Hope I see it again soon. ;). When: July 22. Where: The Garage, Riverside. #1543-0812 FIRE AND ICE You: Smokin’ redhead, Moet Ice white shirt. Me: Sweaty, self-loather yearning for another obligatory laugh. Sweat disguises tears of desire. Your comforting movement made my soul blossom, erasing fears. Let’s be Adam and Eve in your enchanted garden. When: Aug. 3. Where: Riverside Liquors. #1542-0812 TALL THIN HUNK, CREWCUT, BLACK CAMARO ISU at gas pump by me. You smiled, winked; wearing blue maintenance shirt, Baptist Health logo. Me: Tall strong biker stud filling up the Harley. Contact if you want to be my submissive! When: July 23. Where: Kangaroo near Knight Boxx. #1541-0805 WEDNESDAYS, KONA, RAIN/OR NOT You: Can I talk to you? Me: Why? You: Because I like what I see! Me: I’m working … 9-1/2 years later, love you more than ever. Through it all, you had me at Kona (HELLO). When: 2006. Where: Every day. #1540-0805
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NEWS OF THE WEIRD
JONESIN’ Overset for the web THE FOLIO WEEKLY CROSSWORD by MATT JONES. Presented by
YOUR ENGLISH TEACHER WAS RIGHT TRY SAN A DAB OF COVER ON VEDRA THAT PONTE MARCO
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Path across the sky 38 Chocolate-frosted item precincts, for short 20 Dr. who treats sinus issues Chuck Shepherd 39 Word stated in a Thomas 21 B flatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equivalent weirdnews@earthlink.net Dolby song DOWN 22 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Funkytownâ&#x20AC;? group 40 Unfair treatment Lipps, ___ 1 Hairdo that may be restyled 41 In a calm manner into liberty spikes 23 THE â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aDOG yes-___ ...â&#x20AC;? OR ATEanswer HER TESTS 44 Pay, slangily 2 Oregonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth-largest city 24 Know-it-all Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notorious corruption apparently 45 Seasoned vet 3 Greet informally 25 Beatles song about making reached a new level of victimizing this summer 47 Demolition site letters noodles? 4 Doctor Frankensteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as28Mariam Malak, onetrial of the top-performing 49 Contemptible helper Kaelin of the O.J. high school students in the country, 5notQuaint only store 51 Chemical indicator 29 Rescue squad member failed all six ofcrossover her finalquartet exams but received 53 Hit the trail 6 Kept under wraps 30 Classical scores of â&#x20AC;&#x153;zeroâ&#x20AC;? in each. Her family, and a formed by Simon Cowell 58 Mixed breed 7 Football Hall-of-Famer Lynn legion of supporters on social media,8have 31 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Switched-On Bachâ&#x20AC;? 60 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go, goalie!â&#x20AC;? 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Denson accepted a lesser 54 German himself). car company 7 ( 1 2 5 6 7 $ 1 + ' 7 9 sentence is details, servingperhaps a tedious, restrictive 55 Dropand some ( self$ 6 < $ 5 , ( 6 6 2 < 6 56 Fallen Angel ingredient probation; sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also been charged with exploiting. Aft er much criticism for threatening felony charges and sex-offender registration, prosecutors offered Copening a similar tedious, restrictive probation in September.
Eat The Beatles
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
Tactical of Apopka, Florida, introduced Spikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s its version of the AR-15 assault rifle this summer â&#x20AC;&#x153;designed to never be used by Muslim terrorists.â&#x20AC;? Laser-etched on one side is a symbol of the Christian Crusades and on the other, language from Psalm 144. Spikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tactical CEO Angela Register predicted brisk sales: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Men like to accessorize their guns more than women like to accessorize their outfits.â&#x20AC;?
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In September, Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery concluded that records of an investigation need not be released to the Memphis City Council â&#x20AC;&#x201D; because there was no comma. The law requires the recordsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; release â&#x20AC;&#x153;only in compliance with a subpoena or an order of a court.â&#x20AC;? Slatery said if there had been a comma after â&#x20AC;&#x153;subpoena,â&#x20AC;? a council subpoena would get the records, but without the comma, only court subpoenas. And in July, Andrea Cammelleri prevailed on her parking ticket challenge because there was no comma. A West Jefferson, Ohio, ordinance banned parking of any â&#x20AC;&#x153;motor vehicle camper, trailer.â&#x20AC;? A state appeals judge ruled that, with a comma after â&#x20AC;&#x153;vehicle,â&#x20AC;? Cammelleriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s truck would have been banned, but without it, only campers and trailers were.
GREAT MOMENTS IN GERRYMANDERING
In April, the City Council of Columbia, Missouri, rigged a specially drawn â&#x20AC;&#x153;Community Improvement Districtâ&#x20AC;? to pass a sales tax increase. Under the law, if the District had no â&#x20AC;&#x153;residentsâ&#x20AC;? to vote, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;electionâ&#x20AC;? would be decided by tax-friendly business owners. However, the Council somehow missed that college student Jen Henderson, 23, actually lived there and had registered to vote, meaning the business owners couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t vote and that the tax increase would be decided by ... Henderson. In late August, the Council â&#x20AC;&#x153;postponedâ&#x20AC;? the election and at press time were in a quandary: Henderson is against higher taxes.
WORDS FAIL US
The Cambridge, Massachusetts, company AOBiome believes we have dangerously stripped â&#x20AC;&#x153;good bacteriaâ&#x20AC;? from our skins through â&#x20AC;&#x153;excessive cleaningâ&#x20AC;? and has introduced for sale â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mother Dirtâ&#x20AC;? spray to add it back. In September, chemical engineer and co-founder Dave Whitlock told WBZ-TV he personally has â&#x20AC;&#x153;not taken a shower in over 12 years,â&#x20AC;? but instead uses his odorless bacteriarestoring mist twice a day to cover himself with helpful â&#x20AC;&#x153;dirtâ&#x20AC;? that activates â&#x20AC;&#x153;goodâ&#x20AC;? bacteria. The company will begin clinical trials to show if Mother Dirt (also available in shampoo) can improve certain skin conditions.
PREGGERS â&#x20AC;Ś PSYCH!
A teenage girl in Wyandotte, Michigan, using $9.95 tools from a website called FakeABaby. com, pretended for months to be pregnant (with abdomen extenders and ultrasound photos of her â&#x20AC;&#x153;tripletsâ&#x20AC;?). She received gifts, had a baby shower, joined expectant mother groups and even frightened her 16-year-old boyfriend enough that he began looking for full-time work to feed the soon-due â&#x20AC;&#x153;babies.â&#x20AC;? However, the ruse fell apart in the 10th month (in August), drawing community outrage, but according to the sheriff, none of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;victimsâ&#x20AC;? who were fooled has come forward to press fraud charges.
DEAD DUDE WALKING
While â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deep Southâ&#x20AC;? statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; courts are notorious for death sentences, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;epicenterâ&#x20AC;? of capital punishment in recent years has shifted to Southern California, according to a September Slate.com analysis. None of the usuals â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia â&#x20AC;&#x201D; has issued a death sentence this year, but Riverside County, California, has recorded seven. Since 2010, Riverside and Los Angeles County have led the nation in deathrow assignments. Ironically, California rarely actually executes anyone; its death row has 748 residents, and no one has walked the last mile since 2006.
TOXIC STUPIDITY
Ten years after Hurricane Katrina left tens of thousands homeless in New Orleans and neighboring Gulf states, many of the 120,000 hastily constructed box-type trailers ordered â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and later condemned for concentrations of carcinogenic formaldehyde â&#x20AC;&#x201D; by the Federal Emergency Management Agency are still being used in the U.S., though most living in them have no clue about the risk. The most recent users were oilfield workers in North Dakota boomtowns, but shady entrepreneurs also bought trailers at FEMA auctions and sold them for tornado and flood victims â&#x20AC;&#x201D; after removing FEMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not For Human Habitationâ&#x20AC;? stickers, according to a major investigation by Grist.org, released in August. Chuck Shepherd weirdnews@earthlink.net
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