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BIG
in Northeast Florida p. 17. WEED & WEASELS – PAGE 9
GROWING UP WITH ALICE COOPER – PAGE 12
JACKSONVILLE’S ROCK OPERA – PAGE 54
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OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 3
CONTENTS //
OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 • VOLUME 28 • NUMBER 29
12
54 MAIL FIGHTIN’ WORDS 2 MINUTES WITH NEWS
5 7 8 9
OUR PICKS MUSIC BEST OF JAX THE KNIFE
10 12 17 49
MOVIES MAGIC LANTERNS ARTS DINING
49 50 52 54 57
BITE-SIZED ASTROLOGY I SAW U CLASSIFIEDS
60 61 62 63
Cover Design by Shan Stumpf
PUBLISHER • Sam Taylor
staylor@folioweekly.com / 904.260.9770 ext. 111
EDITORIAL
EDITOR • Jeffrey C. Billman jbillman@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 seastman@folioweekly.com Derek Kinner dkinner@folioweekly.com CARTOONIST • Tom Tomorrow CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rob Brezsny, Daniel A. Brown, John E. Citrone, Julie Delegal, AG Gancarski, Nicholas Garnett, Claire Goforth, Dan Hudak, Shelton Hull, MaryAnn Johanson, Amanda Long, Heather Lovejoy, Nick McGregor, Cameron Meier, Jeff Meyers, Kara Pound, Merl Reagle, Scott Renshaw, Carley Robinson, Chuck Shepherd, Melody Taylor and Abigail Wright
VIDEOGRAPHER • Doug Lewis
ADVERTISING
DESIGN
PUBLISHER Sam Taylor staylor@folioweekly.com / ext. 111
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BUSINESS & ADMINISTRATION
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Folio Weekly is published every Wednesday throughout Northeast Florida. It contains opinions of contributing writers that are not necessarily the opinion of this publication. Folio Weekly welcomes both editorial and photographic contributions. Calendar information must be received two weeks in advance of event date. Copyright © Folio Publishing, Inc. 2014. All rights reserved. Advertising rates and information are available on request. An advertiser purchases right of publication only. One free issue copy per person. Additional copies and back issues are $1 each at the office or $4 by U.S. mail, based on availability. First Class mail subscriptions are $48 for 13 weeks, $96 for 26 weeks and $189 for 52 weeks. Please recycle Folio Weekly. Folio Weekly is printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks. 27,000 press run. Audited weekly readership 105,315.
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4 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
THE BEST OF
COASTAL
LIVING
Fan Experience
When a longtime friend and Steeler fan visited for the game [The Jag-Off, “The Arrow Points Up,” AG Gancarski, Oct. 8], he and I had the opportunity to experience the new “fan experience” at EverBank Field. My friend Mark decided to make the trek from the second row from the field to the go-go lounge at the top of the north end zone to see what all the fuss was about. Ironically enough, there was a Caddy in the parking lot with the license plate “Implants.” There were fine examples of his work in the Clevelander section. When Mark returned he asked me when the elephant parade was going to start. As he and I discussed, neither the Packers nor the Bears nor the Giants nor the Niners nor the Steelers have dancing girls or swimming pools. They do, however, have over a dozen Super Bowl trophies combined, and, in many cases, waiting lists for season tickets and families who pass their tickets down for generations. For these teams and their fans, it’s all about winning games and championships. Isn’t that what it’s all about? The Jaguars, over their 20year history, have only gotten worse. I guess Mr. Kahn has decided that enhanced women in bikinis and swimming pools will take the sting off a perennially losing football team. The late-night talk show hosts and sportswriters thank you for the endless copy. It looked as if about one-third of the seats were occupied by Steelers fans; keep in mind that at the next home game, those seats will be empty. Will the overpriced drinks in the go-gogo section make up for the lost revenue? Rick Mansfield
Sure Thing, Pal
Somebody publish this letter. Saturday, coming east on I-10, I inadvertently missed my turn and ended up going north on I-95. I said, “I’ll just take the Monroe Street cutoff and look over my favorite city.” As I came upon our $350 million courthouse, I looked at the surroundings. Empty, ragged, discolored buildings and tornup lots, some surrounded by fences, buildings with concertina wire on the roofs. Jacksonville looks like Detroit South. No excuses; city regulations, condemn these buildings and level them, [they’ve] been empty for 10-15 years. Then I tried to go south on Main Street Bridge; no go. Have to use the Acosta Bridge, a few more blocked streets, up over the bridge,
tried for I-95 South. That’s a mess; ended up on Hendricks Avenue. Tried to get on U.S. 1 South, blocked by fences. Right, up two blocks. Down left to U.S. 1 to Philips Highway; it’s also a mess. Finally got home. No one was Downtown but me. On a Saturday afternoon. Not like it used to be. Even the vagrant bums stay away — no fish to beg from. Well, I’ve seen Detroit South. What worries me is that we are season ticket holders to the Jacksonville Symphony attractions; how do we get back home to the Southside? If you cross the Main Street Bridge, once over the bridge, U.S. 1 and U.S. 90 are blocked off and you’re routed through unlit backstreets to Philips Highway or maybe you can figure out how to get on I-95. I wish one reporter would try the journey from the Omni parking lot to the Southside, either way. M.Sgt. Thomas Kaye (Ret.)
Sounds Reasonable
Much discussion on how to get rid of ISIS [Editor’s Note, “The ‘Not Our Problem’ Problem,” Jeffrey C. Billman, Sept. 17]. Easy! They scoff at us killing them — “We shall go to Paradise if you kill us,” etc., etc. Response: Send thousands of fliers in their dialect saying: “Your book says Allah commands to kill all non-believers. You have failed Allah — now go to your judgment!” Then nuke them and Mecca and the Kabba. Period. Anacharsis Cloots
See Something, Say Something
I think one of the problems is folks in Murray Hill stay inside and just peer out their windows [Fightin’ Words, “Gentrify or Die,” AG Gancarski, Oct. 8]. They hate what the place is coming to but most just stay inside and ignore what is going on. Now, the folks in Ortega and Avondale will drop a dime real quick if anything slightly suspicious goes down or walks down their street. Another problem is those other areas mentioned would not accept HUD in their neighborhoods like Murray Hill has. Hung Lo, via Facebook If you would like to respond to something that appeared in the pages of Folio Weekly, please send an email with your address and phone number (for verification purposes only) to mail@folioweekly.com.
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OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 5
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FIGHTIN’ WORDS
THREE TO TANGO T
It’s Khan vs. Rummell, with City Hall in the balance he Jacksonville mayoral race looks to be casting its shadow over things seemingly unrelated, if the recent news of Shad Khan backing out of investments in an organization closely associated to One Spark matters. Last week, Stache Investments released a statement describing Khan’s “commitment to the Jacksonville community” and “appreciation for entrepreneurship,” before dropping a bomb on KYN, saying that “Stache Investments specifically targeted support for Jacksonville entrepreneurs,” but that the more than $1 million invested provided a “disappointing level of financial support to the intended startups.” The statement went on to express that Stache and Khan are “fully committed” to Jacksonville entrepreneurs and the startup community, and that they “welcome the opportunity” to fund entrepreneurs and startups with “efficient business plans which justify their support.” Epic burn, there. The takeaway: KYN, in Khan’s eyes, is amateur hour. (Or was. KYN is now done.) Peter Rummell, the impresario behind both One Spark and the Lenny Curry mayoral campaign, was quick to offer damage control, dropping a statement via Meredith O’Malley Johnson, the One Spark community and public relations director: “Mr. Khan has had no direct investment in One Spark and we are confused that he does not seem to understand or appreciate that detail.” Rummell added that Khan’s investments needed sufficient time to “mature into a position to provide the opportunity for significant rates of return, that is what investing in early-stage startups is all about. … For Mr. Khan to exit this early in the process from his investments, while disappointing for the companies, does not affect any aspect of One Spark. Jacksonville entrepreneurs and the startup community will continue to benefit from One Spark with or without Stache Investments.” This column, like much local media, has amply documented the falling out between Rummell and Mayor Brown this year. Recall that Rummell’s support was pivotal in pushing Brown over the hump toward election in 2011 — as insiders from both parties say, Rummell took serious issue with the Republican in the general election, Mike Hogan, for social-issue
gaffes and for taking a “city manager” approach to his election-year spiel. Rummell has since become disenchanted with Brown’s leadership style, going to great lengths to ensure that Lenny Curry is wellpositioned for the upcoming election, which, as we know, is a direct shot across the bow of the current mayor and Khan, his highestprofile supporter. Despite the erosion of support on his right flank, Brown still seems confident — confident enough to wear seersucker to a recent Jags game … after Labor Day … and confident enough to blow off the bloviating Council for a Bill Cosby fundraiser in the Big Apple. A big source of that confidence may well be the knowledge that Mike Hogan is waiting in the wings to bloody Curry in the mayoral primary to be held in March 2015. A mustfollow Twitter feed is that of Joseph Hogan (@hoganjoseph), Mike’s son, who is not averse to the political scrum, and has been agitating for months for his dad to jump in, claiming that anti-Hogan articles are evidence of “the Curry camp working hard to make sure Hogan doesn’t run” and promoting the We Want Mike Hogan for Jacksonville Mayor Facebook page, which at this writing has 369 likes. I’ve already touched on the deterioration of support for Hogan from the developers and good ol’ boys who backed him last time [“Hogan, Hero?” Aug. 27]. That being said, it’s entirely in Brown’s interest to ensure that Curry doesn’t have a smooth path to the runoff. Could some of Khan’s investment capital make its way to Hogan’s potential campaign? Probably not in an overt way, but stranger things have happened. On the other hand, with Curry having introduced Khan at a recent GOP fundraiser, and with rumors of Khan being less than thrilled with the current mayor, it’s clear this situation is in flux. What is known, however, is that Rummell and Khan have the biggest feud in Jacksonville politics right now, and every candidate in the mayoral race is a pawn in their game. Serious doubts remain about Hogan’s viability as a candidate, but as a spoiler and a fly in the establishment GOP ointment, he is top-shelf. AG Gancarski twitter/aggancarski mail@folioweekly.com OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 7
The JAG-OFF
2 MINUTES WITH … // DENNIS HO
TALK ABOUT THE PASSION: WEEK 6, JAGS VS. TITANS
There’s a recurring theme for Jags fans: watching ex-Jags leave to become the players the Jags powers-that-be hoped they were when they picked them up. Reggie “The Eraser” Nelson. Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton. Jeremy Mincey. These guys moved on, becoming integral to winning operations. Did they just suck when they were here? Did they just dog it, like Aaron Ross and Hugh Douglas? Not necessarily, says Mincey, now a member of the Dallas Cowboys, now 5-1 after upsetting the Seahawks this week. He says the problems former Jags had here had a lot to do with the organization itself. “The organization will do you wrong,” Mincey told me recently. The biggest issue is that the Jags destroy their players’ passion. “Some people’s ability makes a team better, but the man with the passion makes you a winner.” Manufacturing passion has been an issue for the Jags in recent years, and the solution of the current regime has been to go young. This week’s game pitted two rookie running backs against each other — the Jags’ Storm Johnson and the Titans’ Bishop Sankey. Both of these guys waited their turn behind plowhorses, with coaches taking their time putting them in. Going into this game, a reasonable expectation was that the team with the best running game would win. The local media hyped Storm, who found time to follow seemingly everyone in Jacksonville on Twitter over the last couple of weeks. Too bad Storm’s Twitter followers couldn’t block for him. He could’ve used the help. The game started out, improbably, with the best five minutes of Jaguar football this year. Bortles marched the men down the field, using Harbor and Hurns on key plays, drawing a pass interference with A-Rob in the end zone, and Johnson got the score on a one-yard plunge. The defense stepped up on the next drive, and it looked real out there. Like 1999, back when we believed. The rest of the first half was a defensive struggle. Storm was quiet and Bishop looked like a knave. The Jags were losing the game, again, on the offensive line and the defensive secondary at halftime. A familiar script. Down by three at the half, the Jags stared 0-6 into the face. As is so often the case, the Jacksonville Jaguars came out flatter than yesterday’s Korbel for the second half. The rule of thumb since Coughlin left: Let the other team make halftime adjustments, and we’ll just do the same crap we found diminishing returns with in the first half. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, we saw yet another backbreaking Bortles pick, weird ball control offense down two scores, and a Cecil Shorts meltdown in the red zone. It looked as if all was lost until the absolute end, when hope sprang anew, like a weed through a crack in the concrete. An absolutely clutch Bortles drive, an onside kick, and a frenetic 36-second drill from Bortles, setting up a 55-yard field goal attempt from Scobee with 12 ticks on the clock. It was blocked. If the Jags could be the team they were at the start and at the end of this game all through the games to come, they well might make perspectives like Mincey’s a distant memory. Alas, professional football is a job that requires 60 minutes of passion every week. AG Gancarski twitter/aggancarski mail@folioweekly.com
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JASON KVEEN LYFT DRIVER
Folio Weekly: How long have you been with Lyft? Jason Kveen: I’ve been driving since April, though I’ve been working with Lyft to get them to Jacksonville since last September, so over a year. For the uninitiated, what exactly is Lyft? Lyft is a ridesharing platform made possible through an app. It’s taking people who have their own cars and their own free time and letting them drive other people around. The goal is to have a friendlier, more convenient way to get around town, while at the same time taking cars off the road to reduce the carbon footprint. Instead of buying an entire fleet of taxicabs, you can just use someone else’s car. It’s an amazing organization. It’s a startup out of San Francisco that began four years ago. How many drivers does Lyft have here? I don’t know the exact set number. I know that we have approximately 170 drivers on our Facebook page, and there’s probably 40 more that are not on there. We’re operating pretty well around here. Do the drivers know each other? We have driver hangouts where we get together and have fun and talk and discuss what things we could do, where we’re going to flier, ideas for marketing. Lyft is really driverbased. The corporate headquarters help us a lot, but it’s really the drivers’ responsibility to facilitate getting new riders. How are drivers paid? Weekly, through direct deposit. Our drivers are not allowed to take cash. The riders prepay from the card they’ve stored on the app, so a driver never sees the amount they make until the next day. Lyft gets 20 percent of the suggested amount and the driver gets the rest. Are drivers responsible for their own gas? Yes. Gas, maintenance, taking care of their car. All of that stuff you can write off on your taxes, same with mileage. If you get pulled over, Lyft pays for those tickets. We’ve only had one person cited since we started driving in April,
and that was for dropping somebody off at a bad spot at a Jags game. They’re not going to cover speeding tickets or not wearing a seatbelt or anything like that, but Lyft will cover most issues. What kind of car requirements are there to be a driver? Your car has to be newer than 2002, can’t smell like cigarettes, has to be clean and nice all the time. When I’m doing a mentor ride, I’m not looking for people to make the car spotless for the inspection, what I’m looking for is does it smell like smoke, does it look the person takes care of their car, does the person live in there where they’re sitting there hours at a time and leaving coffee cups everywhere? Is there major body damage? Small dings and dents are OK, but is there a bumper falling off ? I make sure all the doors lock, the seatbelts have to work, the AC has to work, the car can’t rattle, it has to be in decent shape. But the one thing is it can’t smell like cigarettes, that’s a big thing. Our cars are 100-percent smoke-free. What’s the average driver like? There’s no such thing. You’ve got kids like me who live and hang out in Riverside, you’ve got older people who are retired. We’ve got people who work full-time jobs and drive right when they get off work, we have people who drive fulltime. One of our best drivers — I can’t speculate — but he’s retirement age. He does this full-time. He had trouble at first because he had a few low ratings and he wasn’t getting many requests, but now he’s our top-producing driver. What do you mean by top-producing? He reached 800 rides this week. He has 300 rides over the closest other driver to him. He wakes up at like 5:30 in the morning, turns on his driver [signal] and eats his breakfast and by 7 a.m., he’s already driving somebody somewhere. Do drivers do things to get good ratings and attract more riders? We’ve got drivers who put in computer screens in the back of their cars and upgraded their stereo system so riders can play their music as loud as they want. I imagine you meet a lot of new people this way. Since doing this, I’ve been to three concerts this year with passengers who are now my friends. What happens if you get into some sort of
accident while you’re driving? While I have a passenger in the car, I have a million dollars of coverage. It’s a $2,500 deductible, but if I get into an accident with a passenger in the car, Lyft will cover it for $1 million. How long is an average drive for you? Here in Riverside, you generally don’t go far. There are rides where you go further, of course. I’ll drive from King Street to 5 Points, or Avondale to Murray Hill. Around here when the bars are closing, you get longdistance drives. Kids going back to UNF, people going back to the Southside or the Beaches. The average ride varies. Do you have your own stand at the airport? The airport doesn’t really want us operating there. They said it’s fine for drop-offs, but they don’t really want pick-ups. They’re a private entity not owned by the city, so they’re allowed to do that. Companies pay them lots of money to have their own stands. What do you think about the Jacksonville City Council coming out recently in opposition to rideshare programs like Lyft and Uber? I’m not an official spokesperson. I can only tell you the way that I see it. The city is going about it the wrong way. Citing and impounding the drivers themselves will only hurt the local community and local economy. People really love this service. By impounding cars, the city is going to use that as an alternate revenue service to make up the money that they’re not making by us not having medallions. What do you think should happen? What they need to do is sit down in talks with Lyft and Uber like other cities have done and find out a way to regulate it. If they’re worried about not making money, sit down with [these services] and come up with terms. If it comes up that every driver has to come up with $100, then in the long run they’ll still make money off us and not having the officers citing vehicles when they could be doing other things. Are you afraid of having your car impounded? I’m going to keep driving. If I get my car impounded, I’ll send my fees to Lyft, I’ll get my car out and I’ll keep driving. dho@folioweekly.com
NEWS
WATER, WEED & WEASELS! A guide to the proposed constitutional amendments that will grace your ballot Nov. 4 By Dave Plotkin
Amendment 1
Dedicated Funding to Acquire and Restore Florida Conservation and Recreation Lands
Verdict: GOOD This one is a no-brainer. It would take 33 percent of an existing tax and dedicate the money to conservation of land, drinking water and wildlife habitats. It would use an existing real estate tax, so it wouldn’t create a new tax or tax increase. If passed, it would allocate an estimated $500 million a year to preserving natural Florida.
Amendment 1 Water & Land Conservation
Amendment 2
Use of Marijuana for Certain Medical Conditions
Verdict: GOOD
Amendment 2 Medical Marijuana
Sure, it would allow licensed Florida physicians to determine if individuals with debilitating diseases may purchase and use medical marijuana. But it also has the non-medical side effect of bringing young and minority voters out to the polls, probably to vote for Charlie Crist.
Amendment 3
Prospective Appointment of Certain Judicial Vacancies
Verdict: EVIL Just as Rick Scott risks getting tossed out, Amendment 3 would conveniently give an exiting governor the power to fill Supreme Court and other vacancies, if the justices’ terms end at the same time as the governor’s. It’s a fi x to a nonexistent problem, and that gives it away as nothing more than an attempted power grab by Republicans.
Amendment 3
Judicial Appointments
mail@folioweekly.com OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 9
Our Picks Reasons to leave the house this week
STORYTELLERS DEREK COGHLAN
The Irish tradition of storytelling traces its roots to The Emerald Isle’s earliest days, when the clan’s seanchaí, or bearer of “old lore,” would regale folks with tales told in lyrical poem form. Local Irish storyteller Derek Coghlan’s latest one-man show, I’ll Give You a Day, continues his own tradition of delivering humorous and poignant vignettes on topics ranging from his experiences emigrating to the United States to his current life experiences in small Southern American towns. 8 p.m. Oct. 17 and 18 at Players By the Sea, Jax Beach, $18; $15 for seniors and military, playersbythesea.org.
AUTUMN DAYS FALL FESTIVAL
Summer has ended, and like Peter Dinklage and Verne Troyer conspiring in a gumdrop factory, our fall season is short and sweet. Get your autumn fix of fun, food and more at the 32nd annual Orange Park Fall Festival, a two-day celebration featuring live music – Kenny Holiday, Bootleg Creek Band, Atlantic City Boys, Houston Keen, The Roys, Tone Revival and Shawn Pfaffman – on two stages, performances by local dance groups, a kids’ zone, pet adoptions and 250 vendors offering all manner of goodies, from arts and crafts to food. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oct. 18 and 19 at Town Hall Park, townoforangepark.com/fallfestival.
ENVIRONMENTAL FEST SEA TURTLE FESTIVAL
LEGENDS RINGO STARR & HIS ALL STARR BAND
What can we say about a man who virtually invented rock drumming with The Beatles and starred in the 1981 cult classic comedy, Caveman? Rock fans will see an absolute musical icon when Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band return to Northeast Florida, playing classic Beatles tunes and gems from Ringo’s estimable solo career. The current All Starr line-up joining Mr. Starkey onstage includes Steve Lukather (Toto), Gregg Rolie (Santana, Journey), Todd Rundgren (Nazz, Utopia, The New Cars), Richard Page (Mr. Mister), Warren Ham (Bloodrock) and Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth). 8 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, Downtown, $60-$165, ticketmaster.com.
We’re lucky to live in an area with such beautiful shorelines, but the ongoing threat to native species living on those shorelines, sadly, still remains. The local nonprofit organization Keepers of the Coast has remained diligent in its involvement with wildlife education and conservation efforts to protect sea turtles and other critters. The eighth annual Sea Turtle Festival features information tables, live music by Aslyn & the Naysayers and Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, arts and crafts vendors, a silent auction, and food and drink. Noon-5 p.m., Oct. 19, St. Augustine Municipal Marina, keepersofthecoast.org.
BOOK ’EM LAURA LEE SMITH AND MICHAEL CARROLL
There’s been a flurry of interesting literary events in Northeast Florida in the past few weeks, and this one is no exception. Sponsored by Swamp Radio and Flagler College, Embracing the Swamp is a series of conversations and book signings featuring Laura Lee Smith (pictured), author of Heart of Palm and Michael Carroll (Little Reef). The writers discuss why Northeast Florida is an ideal place for the setting of a novel. Oct. 16, 5:30 p.m. Barnett Bank Building, Downtown; 7:30 p.m. University of North Florida’s Gallery of Art, Southside; 7 p.m. Oct. 17, Ponce Hall, Flagler College, St. Augustine, flagler.edu., culturalcouncil.org. 10 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
ALL THAT JAZZ AMELIA ISLAND JAZZ FEST
While locals can only hope to get a glimpse of “Autumn Leaves” this fall, jazz fans can enjoy four days of good music at various venues throughout Fernandina Beach. The Amelia Island Jazz Festival features performances by El Niño & the Latin Jazz Kings, The Next Generation Jazz Band, The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band with Bonnie Eisele, Tony Monaco, and Randy Brecker (pictured), as well as Late Night Jazz Jams and a Dixie to Swing Jazz Brunch with The All-Star Swingtet. Oct. 16-19; for a full schedule and to purchase tickets, go to ameliaislandjazzfestival.org.
Fall
festival
TOWN OF ORANGE PARK Saturday & Sunday
Oct. 18 &19 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
250 Vendors » Kid’s Zone » Pet Adoptions 2 Entertainment Stages » Food » & More! Town Hall Park 2042 Park Ave. (US 17 / Kingsley Ave.) Park at Moosehaven & ride the shuttle!
www.townoforangepark.com/fallfestival 904.264.2635 | thyder@townop.com
#OPFF14
OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 11
A&E // MUSIC
SICK
THINGS Celebrating the corruptive influence of Alice Cooper
S
ome local hard rock fans will probably check out Mötley Crüe at Sunday’s concert promoting their “The Final Tour” (yeah, right), but the real deal starts the show — the venerable Alice Cooper. The now-66-year-old is surely best known for his de facto rock classics like 1971’s “I’m Eighteen” and the following year’s “School’s Out,” but the dark prince of ’70s shock rock boasts a full career that rivals, if not wallops, many of his contemporaries. Admittedly, my genuflection toward Cooper is highly biased. As a child of the ’70s and the following decade’s Ronnie Raygun era, I grew up in a time of increasing repression, suppression, depression and nuclear war-fueled-doom that now seems almost quaint. My antidote to this pervasive nonsense was a devotional love of loud-ass rock. I had the benefit of having that classic bad influence — an older sibling — turn me on to Cooper and band’s early releases when I was but a mere child. Yet my moment of being completely infected by Cooper’s twisted vision occurred while, almost appropriately, being physically sick. In the spring of 1983, when I was 11 years old, I had a brutal case of gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that was possibly a result of my creepy childhood eating habits, i.e., mustard-and-onion sandwiches, mustard-and-banana-pepper-ring sandwiches, anything on bread slathered with mustard, etc. Two things occurred during my gradual convalescence that ultimately affected my development: my mom (reluctantly) let me stay home alone, as she had to go to work for a few hours, and my pediatrician prescribed paregoric. The “medicine” is an opiate-based liquid used to quell, ahem, malevolent diarrhea. My mom would give me the bitter, smokedbanana-flavored stuff as prescribed (over the years a Calvinist habit that I eventually broke) and, miraculously, the roiling storm in my innards settled. Yet let’s not bullshit ourselves — it also got me completely high. While in this languid state, I grew bored
with the daytime TV offerings, so I sleepwalked toward the turntable. I pulled out my brother’s Cooper albums, which included 1971’s Love It to Death, and Killers, as well as Billion Dollar Babies (1973). I had heard some of these tracks before, but in my drug-modified condition I was completely leveled by the music that seemed to slither out of the speakers. Tunes like “Second Coming/The Ballad of Dwight Frye,” “Halo of Flies,” and “Generation Landslide” were completely unlike the drivel of the thencurrent pop music (for further study, listen to Laura Branigan’s “Gloria”). Over the course of their songs and albums, Cooper and his mighty band — lead guitarist Glen Buxton, rhythm guitarist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway and drummer Neal Smith — both created and helped codify hard rock and metal, while traveling along
milestone age of reluctant adulthood. I confess I didn’t spend the remainder of my teen years (or even adulthood, for that matter) at choir practice or volunteering at the leper colony. Yet like many others before and after me, rock music like Alice Cooper’s gave me guidance, meaning and solace, while possibly keeping me somewhat on track. And since my eventual paregoric-celebrating lifestyle is far behind me, I’m surely not condoning the use of dope to enjoy this dude’s legacy of primo music — it’s simply unnecessary. This is admittedly just my sappy acknowledgement of a weird convergence of rock, illness and childhood that collided with one artist’s tunes, eventually helping calibrate my musical mindset. While going through all of my eventual genre-shifting, seguing through metal, punk and underground rock, those Cooper albums surely directly infiltrated my subsequent tastes. Even when I hid my clandestine love of artists like The Grateful Dead or Joni Mitchell, I always owned up for my undeniable affections for Cooper and his dastardly crew. And I’m not alone in my love for the dude with the ebony-black snake eyes. In addition to countless post’70s hard rock and metal bands, his fans have included such disparate notables as Groucho Marx, Mae West and Salvador Dali. In 2011, the original Alice Cooper and the classic line-up of his band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — and rightfully so. I eventually saw Alice Cooper in 1986 and, in hindsight, the show kind of sucked. But quite frankly, he could have come onstage and read Hints from Heloise and I still would have been ecstatic. If you want to genuflect before a true pioneer and elder statesman of rock, Alice Cooper’s appearance this week gives you a chance to experience greatness “live and in person” — regardless of age, illness or medications.
Cooper and his mighty band created and helped codify hard rock and metal.
12 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
a current of absolute weirdness. What other bands of their day composed such eloquent works about mental institutions, necrophilia and dead babies? Of course, as a suddenly mood-altered sixth-grader, I didn’t have an understanding of the band’s already-established impact; in my drugged stupor, I just tapped into the relentless rock slammage stirred thoroughly with hints of morbid menace. The album covers of those early releases, featuring images of the band resembling a gang of greasy longhairs that looked more like hoodlums than peaceloving hippies, only reinforced my fascination. Considering this was the same period in my life when I discovered proto-horror writers like Edgar Allen Poe and H.P. Lovecraft, Cooper’s music soon provided a fitting soundtrack to my newfound sinister literary delights. Naturally, seven years after this hard rock awakening, I honored a longtime rite of passage by blasting “I’m Eighteen” when I finally reached that
Daniel A. Brown dbrown@folioweekly.com
MÖTLEY CRÜE with ALICE COOPER 7 p.m. Oct. 19, Veterans Memorial Arena, Downtown, $35
A&E // MUSIC
BORN ON THE BAYOU
Louisiana indie pop rockers Givers bring their singular, Cajun-infused sound to San Marco
W
hen Louisiana-born-and-bred band Givers were ready to start work on their upcoming album, the group rented a big vacation home on Beech Mountain in Banner Elk, North Carolina. “We all got together, set up a bunch of gear and started playing through ideas and let it be a very collective kind of thing,” says Taylor Guarisco (vocals/guitar). “Some things on the record date back as far as that first session. We took those ideas and kept working on them, adding new things along the way.” The indie pop quintet’s sophomore attempt is slated for release early next year, coming four years after their debut full-length, In Light (Glassnote Records, 2011), which earned them a chance to perform their single “Up Up Up” on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. “I feel like it’s a good step away from the last record. At the same time, it feels connected to what we are — what we’ve done so far,” Guarisco says, without revealing the new record’s title. “That’s the sound of it. You know, how it feels in the context.” Formed in Lafayette in 2008, Givers comprises Guarisco, Tiffany Lamson (vocals/ percussion), Kirby Campbell (drums/vocals), Josh LeBlanc (bass/guitar) and Nick Stephan (flute/sax/keys). Modern musical comparisons include Vampire Weekend, Neon Indian and Local Natives. All but one member of Givers went to high school together in Lafayette. And they were all exposed to the regional culture of Cajun, jazz and zydeco (a blend of regional blues and rhythm) music. “Lafayette definitely has a musical scene. It’s very rich in a lot of different flavors — unique flavors,” says Guarisco. “My senior year of high school, I got asked to join a Cajun group and I just sort of fell in love with everything about it — the groove, the rhythmic elements of the music and how universal they are.” In 2008, a few years after graduating from high school, Givers came together as a lucky happenstance. “We just all played in a couple different groups and got to know each other throughout the years,” Guarisco says.
This is how it went down: Tiffany Lamson, the band’s only female member, was asked to play a solo gig at a venue in Lafayette. She had performed with the band a few days earlier and thought it would be a nice change of pace to bring along some friends this time. “So she called me and I called the boys and we played a bunch of music together for an hour and 10 minutes and Tiffany secretly recorded it — she put a little digital recorder in the back of the bar,” Guarisco remembers. “Eventually, I went back to the recording and listened to it and I was, like, ‘Oh, wow!’ It was special.” He adds, “We ended up sitting and just picking out what ended up being three songs — just little ideas — and that’s kind of how the band was born.” Fast-forward to the band’s 2011 release In Light, which earned favorable reviews and led to the band playing in spots on television’s Glee, Big Brother and commercials for Windows 8 and the Nokia Lumia phone. The band was also asked to cover a tune from Paul Simon’s classic Graceland album. They killed it with a Cajun-inspired rendition of That Was Your Mother accompanied by saxophonistflutist Dickie Landry. Whether the five members of Givers are covering a music legend or creating a sound of their own, it’s very much a democracy. “If someone brings a song to the table, they may have a strong vision for it to a certain regard and then other people [in the band] help fulfill that collective vision,” Guarisco explains. “The songs kind of have a collective vision.” It’s been only about a year since the five bandmates set up their gear in the living room of a North Carolina mountain retreat. And with their second album currently in postproduction at Dockside Studios in Maurice, Louisiana, this Cajun-inspired indie pop outfit is destined to continue along the unique path it’s charted. Kara Pound mail@folioweekly.com GIVERS with KIND COUSIN 8 p.m. Oct. 16 at Jack Rabbits, San Marco $13 in advance; $15 at the door OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 13
A&E // MUSIC CONCERTS THIS WEEK
RICHARD SMITH 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at Ragtime Tavern, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 241-7877. DR. FAMEUS, LUCKY COSTELLO 8 p.m. Oct. 15 at 1904 Music Hall, 19 Ocean St., Downtown, advance tickets are $10; $13 day of show. EMMA MOSELEY BAND 8 p.m. Oct. 15 at Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., Downtown, 699-8186, $5. Magnolia Fest: LYLE LOVETT, BELA FLECK, JASON ISBELL, INDIGO GIRLS, DONNA THE BUFFALO, DR. JOHN, THE WAILERS, JIM LAUDERDALE, THE LEE BOYS, GRANDPA’S COUGH MEDICINE, FLAGSHIP ROMANCE, PARKER URBAN BAND, CHELSEA SADDLER Oct. 16-19 at Suwannee Music Park, 3075 95th Drive, Live Oak, 386-364-1683, $185-$300; $150 student and military weekend pass. MARK WILLIAMS 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at Ragtime Tavern. LARRY MANGUM’S SONGWRITERS’ CIRCLE, MINDY SIMMONS, BRIAN SMALLEY 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Mudville Music Room, 3104 Atlantic Blvd., San Marco, 352-7008. WILLY PORTER, BRENT BYRD 8 p.m. Oct. 16 at Café Eleven, 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, 460-9311, $12. HEAVY DRAG 8 p.m. Oct. 16 at Burro Bar, 100 E. Adams St., Downtown, 353-6067, $5. GIVERS, KIND COUSIN 8 p.m. Oct. 16 at Jack Rabbits, 1528 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, 398-7496, advance tickets are $13; $15 at the door. DAVID NAIL 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at Mavericks at The Landing, 2 Independent Drive, Downtown, 356-1110, $20-$25. THE ACACIA STRAIN, THE PLOT IN YOU, CANE HILL, DIG DEEP 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at 1904 Music Hall, $15. Blues Fest: MURPHY ESSERY BAND, WAREHOUSE BLUES BAND, BILLY BUCHANAN 4 p.m. Oct. 17, St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, 86 Martin Luther King Ave., St. Augustine UNDERHILL ROSE 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Mudville Music Room. LACUNA COIL, CILVER, MARION CRANE, SYLENT VYLENTZ 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at Freebird Live, 200 N. First St., Jax Beach, 246-2473, advance tickets are $20; $25 day of show. CLOUD 9 VIBES, CHASING JONAH 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at Jack Rabbits, $8. ADJY, GREYMARKET 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at Burro Bar, $5. DISCIPLE, PROJECT 86 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at Murray Hill Theatre, 932 Edgewood Ave. S., Murray Hill, 388-3179, $12-$30. TWINKI, MF GOON, DJ BIG BREEZY 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at Shanghai Nobby’s, 10 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, 547-2188. SOMETHING DISTANT 9 p.m. Oct. 17 & 18 at Ragtime Tavern.
Local jazz-influenced sextet SQUEEDLEPUSS performs with THE NTH POWER and SAM SANDERS at Freebird Live on Oct. 21.
GINORMOUS J 10 p.m. Oct. 17 & 18 at Flying Iguana, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 853-5680. Blues Fest: AMY HENDRICKSON, CAPT. JACK & THE RHYTHM CRIMINALS, LEE ALLEN BAND, AFTER MIDNIGHT, PATRICK HAGGERTY & MOJO CHILLEN Starts at noon Oct. 18, St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, St. Augustine SOMER THOMPSON FOUNDATION BENEFIT with MOLLY HATCHET, BIG ENGINE 5 p.m. Oct. 18 at River City Brewing Company, 835 Museum Circle, Southbank, 398-2299, advance tickets $25; $30 at the door. THE ANIMAL IN ME, THE NEARLY DEADS, IT LIVES IT BREATHES, GIVE UP GHOST 7 p.m. Oct. 18, Jack Rabbits, $8. BEACH DAY, THE LIFEFORMS 8 p.m. Oct. 18 at Nobby’s. MEREDITH RAE, MADISON CARR, UNDERHILL ROSE, ALTERNATE COAST Starting at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 18 at Riverside Arts Market, 715 Riverside Ave., free, 389-2449. IMPURITY, NEVERBAPTIZED, SATURNINE, CUTE & CUDDLY KITTENS 8 p.m. Oct. 18 at Burro Bar, $5. PARADIME, CAPTIVE, CLC, LEAH SYKES 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Murray Hill Theatre, $8-$10. TREEHOUSE, DALTON STANLEY BAND, ROOTS OF A REBELLION
8 p.m. Oct. 18, Freebird Live, advance tix $8; $10 day of show. PERSONA NON GRATA 8 p.m. Oct. 18, Riverfront Stage, The Landing, 2 Independent Dr., Downtown, 356-1110, free. RINGO STARR & HIS ALL STARR BAND 8 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts’ Moran Theater, 300 Water St., Downtown, 633-6110, $60-$165. MOTLEY CRUE, ALICE COOPER 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 Randolph Blvd., 633-6110, $35-$120. IN THE LOOP SESSIONS 9 p.m. Oct. 18 at Underbelly. ZIGGY MARLEY 8 p.m. Oct. 19 at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., 209-0367, advance tickets $38.50; $43 day of. BLOCKHEAD, ELAQUENT, MUNSHINE 8 p.m. Oct. 19 at Underbelly, advance tickets $10; $15 at the door. DANIEL AND THE LION, TELEKINETIC WALRUS, MICHAELA THOMAS, JEREMIAH DALY 8 p.m. Oct. 19 at Jack Rabbits, $8. HEAVY GLOW 8 p.m. Oct. 20 at Underbelly, $5. THE U.S. AIR FORCE CONCERT BAND & SINGING SERGEANTS Oct. 20, St. Augustine Amphitheatre AUTHORITY ZERO, BASTARD SUNS, PRIDELESS, KOUP DE TAT 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Jack Rabbits, $15. THE NTH POWER, SQUEEDLEPUSS, SAM SANDERS 8 p.m. Oct. 21 at Freebird Live, advance tickets are $12; $15 day of. LOS LONELY BOYS 8 p.m. Oct. 21 at The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, 355-2787, $35-$50. SPADE McQUADE 6 p.m. Oct. 22 at Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub, Jax Landing, Ste. 176, Downtown, 374-1247. STRAY FROM THE PATH, COUNTERPARTS, EXPIRE, MY TICKET HOME 6 p.m. Oct. 22 at 1904 Music Hall, $13. HUMAN BEHAVIOR, A SELFLESS LOT 7 p.m. Oct. 22, Burro Bar. PAT ROSE 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at Ragtime Tavern. MIKE SHACKELFORD, JULIE DURDEN, ERNIE EVANS, STEVE STANHOLTZER 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Mudville Music Room. THE DEVIL MAKES THREE, CAVE SINGERS 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Freebird Live, $17.50. SECRET KEEPER, CONVALESCE, WHISKY THROTTLE, SEARCHING SERENITY 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at Jack Rabbits, $8. JUSTIN HAYWARD 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at Florida Theatre, $35-$65.
UPCOMING CONCERTS
IL SOGNO DEL MARINAIO, MEMPHIBIANS Oct. 23, Jack Rabbits ANDY McKEE Oct. 23, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall COLTON DIXON, SUMERLIN Oct. 23, Murray Hill Theatre THE CHRISTOPHER DEAN BAND Oct. 23, Ragtime Tavern URBAN PIONEERS Oct. 23, Underbelly JOSHUA SCOTT JONES Oct. 24, Mavericks ANJELAH JOHNSON Oct. 24, The Florida Theatre J. DASH & FRIENDS Oct. 24, The Ritz Theatre FINCH, MAPS & ATLASES, WEATHERBOX Oct. 24, Freebird Live DROWNING POOL, A BREACH OF SILENCE, RED TIDE RISING, MANNA ZEN Oct. 24, Jack Rabbits MIKEY CLAMS BAND Oct. 24, Fionn MacCool’s THIS WILD LIFE Oct. 24, 1904 Music Hall FRIGHT FEST: TWIZTID, KUNG FU VAMPIRE, NEUROTIC NOVEMBER, PWD Oct. 24, Underbelly 3 THE BAND Oct. 24, Flying Iguana BOOGIE FREAKS Oct. 24 & 25, Ragtime Tavern ICED EARTH, REVAMP, AMON AMARTH, SABATON, SKELETONWITCH Oct. 25, Freebird Live PAUL McCARTNEY Oct. 25, Veterans Memorial Arena WORLD GONE, ASKMEIFICARE, DENIED TIL DEATH, PRIDELESS Oct. 25, Jack Rabbits BETTY LAVETTE Oct. 25, The Ritz Theatre Monsters of Music ROCK OPERA Oct. 25, Murray Hill Theatre BLEEDING IN STEREO Oct. 25, Underbelly DIRTY GRINGOS Oct. 25, Flying Iguana MARK JOHNSON & EMORY LESTER Oct. 26, Café Eleven RONNIE DOZIER Oct. 26, Club Aqua HODERA, WAIGHTSTILL Oct. 26, Burro Bar ART UNBARRED Oct. 26, Underbelly PEELANDER-Z, THIS LEGEND, FLAG ON FIRE Oct. 28, Jack Rabbits TONY SMOTHERMAN PROJECT, TRAVIS LARSON BAND, GARY SCHUTT BAND Oct. 28, Underbelly PAINT FUMES Oct. 29, Underbelly THE POLISH AMBASSADOR, LIMINUS, MR. LIF, AYLE NEREO, WILDLIGHT Oct. 29, Freebird Live
14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
A&E // MUSIC MIKE DOUGHTY Oct. 29, Café Eleven RED BEARD & STINKY E Oct. 29, Ragtime Tavern RONNIE DOZIER, JASMINE RHEY Oct. 29, The Ritz Theatre BILL KIRCHEN, FAUXGRASS, BRYCE ALASTAIR BAND Oct. 30, Jack Rabbits THE DRUIDS Oct. 30, Ragtime Tavern JACK RUSSELL’S GREAT WHITE Oct. 30, Mavericks PAUL & KAY GARFINKEL, MARK MANDEVILLE, RAIANNE RICHARDS Oct. 30 Mudville Music Room OBN III, GOLDEN PELICANS, THE LIFEFORMS Oct. 30, rain dogs SUPERVILLAINS, THROUGH THE ROOTS, SIDEREAL, CLOUD 9 Oct. 31, Freebird Live Suwannee Hulaween: THIEVERY CORPORATION, BIG GIGANTIC, BEATS ANTIQUE, THE NEW DEAL, JOE RUSSO’S ALMOST DEAD, GREENSKY BLUEGRASS, RISING APPALACHIA, GREENHOUSE LOUNGE, MICHAEL TRAVIS, JASON HANN, EOTO Oct. 31-Nov. 2, Spirit of the Suwannee DAVID COOK, CLAYTON BUSH Oct. 31, Jack Rabbits FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE, COLE SWINDELL, THE CADILLAC THREE, CLARE DUNN, JOHN KING, MICHAEL RAY Oct. 31, Jacksonville Shipyards DARYL HANCE Oct. 31, Dog Star Tavern SUNBEARS! Oct. 31, Underbelly CARL & THE BLACK LUNGS Oct. 31 & Nov. 1, Flying Iguana BAY STREET Oct. 31 & Nov. 1, Ragtime Tavern ANGEL OLSEN, LIONLIMB Nov. 1, Jack Rabbits STEVE POLTZ, DONNY BRAZILE Nov. 1, Café Eleven ANTIC Nov. 1, Freebird Live STURGILL SIMPSON, CRIS JACOBS Nov. 2, Jack Rabbits NEW KINGSTON, I RESOLUTION, MYSTIC DINO & THE KIDS, DJ RAGGAMUFFIN Nov. 2, Freebird Live SELF DEFENSE FAMILY, GOODTIME BOYS Nov. 2, 1904 Music Hall MELVINS, LES BUTCHERETTES Nov. 3, Jack Rabbits PAUL COLLINS BEAT, THE LIFEFORMS Nov. 3, Underbelly VATTNET VISKAR Nov. 3, Burro Bar 7 SECONDS, THE INTERRUPTERS, POOR RICHARDS Nov. 4, Jack Rabbits CHARLEY SIMMONS Nov. 5, Mudville Music Room WHETHERMAN Nov. 5, Underbelly CHARLIE & THE FOXTROTS Nov. 5, Burro Bar CASTING CROWNS Nov. 6, Veterans Memorial Arena CHERYL WHEELER Nov. 6, Café Eleven TONY LUCCA Nov. 6, Jack Rabbits DESTROYER OF LIGHT Nov. 6, Burro Bar MALCOLM HOLCOMBE Nov. 6, Mudville Music Room DAVE ROSS COMEDY TOUR Nov. 6, Underbelly Old City Music Fest: OLD DOMINION, JASON D. WILLIAMS Nov. 7, St. Augustine START MAKING SENSE, GOV CLUB, LAKE DISNEY Nov. 7, Jack Rabbits BLACK LILLIES Nov. 7, Colonial Quarter, St. Augustine GUANTANAMO BAYWATCH, WET NURSES, THE GUN HOES Nov. 7, Shanghai Nobby’s THE HAPPY FACED MISTAKES, ASKMEIFICARE Nov. 7, Freebird SAM PACETTI Nov. 7, Mudville Music Room Old City Music Fest: JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS, WILL HOGE Nov. 8, St. Augustine HEART Nov. 8, St. Augustine Amphitheatre PRIME TREES, PRIDELESS, SWEET HAYAH Nov. 8, Freebird PROFESSOR WHISKEY’S TRAVELING BIZARRE BAZAAR Nov. 8, Underbelly TAMAR BRAXTON, NEPHEW TOMMY, RICKY SMILEY, SPECIAL K, LYFE JENNINGS Nov. 8, Veterans Memorial Arena THE WILDTONES Nov. 8, Shanghai Nobby’s RANDY NEWMAN Nov. 9, Flagler College PHILLIP PHILLIPS Nov. 9, St. Augustine Amphitheatre MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER, TIFT MERRITT Nov. 9, Florida Theatre THE LONE BELLOW Nov. 10, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall TAB BENOIT, DEVON ALLMAN BAND Nov. 12, P.V. Concert Hall MATISYAHU Nov. 12, The Florida Theatre REVEREND HORTON HEAT, GRANDPA’S COUGH MEDICINE Nov. 12, Jack Rabbits SEVENDUST Nov. 12, Underbelly Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival: DUMPSTAPHUNK, UMPHREY’S McGEE, ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES, OTEIL BURBRIDGE, ZACH DEPUTY, MINGO FISHTRAP, THE FRITZ, CATFISH ALLIANCE Nov. 13-16, Suwannee Music Park ROD PICOTT, TRACY GRAMMER Nov. 13, Mudville Music Room TRIBAL SEEDS, BALLYHOO, GONZO, BEYOND I SIGHT Nov. 13, Freebird Live LECRAE Nov. 13, The Florida Theatre SAINTSENECA Nov. 13, Jack Rabbits NONPOINT, GEMINI SYNDROME, ISLANDER, 3 YEARS HOLLOW Nov. 13, 1904 Music Hall O.A.R., ANDY GRAMMER Nov. 14, St. Augustine Amphitheatre LOCAL HONEY ARTIST SHOWCASE Nov. 14, Colonial Quarters, St. Augustine MATTHEW & GUNNAR NELSON Nov. 14, P.V. Concert Hall DIRTY HEADS, ROME Nov. 14, Mavericks THE CURT TOWNE BAND, FIREROAD, JAKE CALHOUN & THE CHASERS Nov. 14, Freebird Live CLARENCE CARTER Nov. 14, The Ritz Theatre GYPSY STAR, REBECCA ZAPEN Nov. 14, Mudville Music Room EX CULT, GOLDEN PELICANS, BROWN PALACE, THE MOLD Nov. 14, Shanghai Nobby’s JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE, CORY BRANAN Nov. 15, Colonial Quarters, St. Augustine SICK OF IT ALL, NEGATIVE APPROACH, RHYTHM OF FEAR Nov. 15, Jack Rabbits
Death metal heavy-hitters IMPURITY throw down with NEVERBAPTIZED, SATURNINE, CUTE & CUDDLY KITTENS and USED BUTT LUBE (there’s a name for you) at Burro Bar on Oct. 18. MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS Nov. 15, T-U Center THE DELUSIONAIRES, TIGER! TIGER! Nov. 15, Shanghai Nobby’s SUNSPOTS, WHAT HEART, RANDY LANE Nov. 15, Freebird Live COURAGE MY LOVE, BUTTONS, EVERSAY Nov. 18, Jack Rabbits WHITECHAPEL, GLASS CLOUD, OF TRIBE & TRUTH Nov. 18, Freebird Live JAMES TAYLOR & HIS ALL-STAR BAND: LOU MARINI, WALT FOWLER, LARRY GOLDINGS, LUIS CONTE, STEVE GADD, ANDREA ZONN, KATE MARKOWITZ, ARNOLD McCULLER, DAVID LASLEY, JIMMY JOHNSON, MICHAEL LANDAU Nov. 19, Veterans Memorial Arena ERIC LINDELL Nov. 20, Mojo Kitchen TOMBOI, BOYFRIEND, HEAVY FLOW Nov. 20, Nobby’s THE WORD ALIVE, COLOR MORALE, OUR LAST NIGHT, THE DEAD RABBITS, MISS FORTUNE Nov. 20, Underbelly MELISSA ETHERIDGE, ALEXANDER CARDINALE Nov. 21, The Florida Theatre LIGHT YEARS, DRIVER FRIENDLY Nov. 21, Burro Bar THIRD DAY Nov. 21, Times-Union Center NATALIE STOVALL & THE DRIVE Nov. 21, Mavericks
CATCH THE GROOVE Nov. 21, Mudville Music Room THE JACKSONVILLE OLD TIME JAM Nov. 21, Underbelly SEVEN NATIONS Nov. 22, Lynch’s Irish Pub OTIS CLAY Nov. 22, The Ritz Theatre I-VIBES Nov. 22, Freebird Live FLATBUSH ZOMBIES, UNDERACHIEVERS Nov. 22, Underbelly TENTH AVENUE NORTH, KB, ROYAL TAILOR Nov. 22, Murray Hill Theatre RELIENT K, BLONDFIRE, FROM INDIAN LAKES Nov. 24, Freebird Live PASSAFIRE, THE HIP ABDUCTION Nov. 28, Freebird Live COSBY SWEATER Nov. 29, 1904 Music Hall I-WAYNE, BLACK AM I Nov. 29, Freebird Live MATTHEW ELLIS Nov. 29, Burro Bar PRIMER 55, RAZORZ EDGE Nov. 30, Jack Rabbits EVERYTIME I DIE, THE GHOST INSIDE, ARCHITECTS, HUNDREDTH, BACKTRACK Dec. 1, Underbelly The Big Ticket: FALL OUT BOY, WEEZER, ALT-J, YOUNG THE GIANT, CHEVELLE, NEW POLITICS, J RODDY, BIG DATA, BEAR HANDS, YOUNG RISING SONS, ISLANDER Dec. 5, Metro Park
OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 15
A&E // MUSIC HUNTER HAYES Dec. 5, Veterans Memorial Arena WHO RESCUED WHO Dec. 5, Lynch’s Irish Pub URBAN JAZZ COALITION Dec. 6, The Ritz Theatre JUBILEE RIOTS Dec. 6, Café Eleven DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES Dec. 6, St. Augustine Amphitheatre THE MISFITS Dec. 6, Underbelly THE TRAVELIN’ McCOURYS, BILLY NERSHI Dec. 6, Freebird Live DIANA KRALL Dec. 9, Times-Union Center PIERCE PETTIS Dec. 11, Mudville Music Room TRAMPLED BY TURTLES, NIKKI LANE Dec. 12, P.V. Concert Hall Society for the Prevention of Suicide Benefit with JULIE DURDEN and GUESTS Dec. 12, Mudville Music Room ALLEN TOUSSAINT Dec. 13, The Ritz Theatre JACK MENTZEL Dec. 13, Mudville Music Room BRIAN POSEHN Dec. 13, Underbelly DIERKS BENTLEY Dec. 13, Glynn County Football Stadium WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE Dec. 14, The Florida Theatre JOE BONAMASSA Dec. 17, The Florida Theatre BAD SANTA, GRANT PEEPLES Dec. 17, Mudville Music Room BOWSER & THE STINGRAYS, HERMAN’S HERMITS & PETER NOONE, GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP Dec. 18, Florida Theatre TRACE ADKINS Dec. 19, The Florida Theatre STRANGLED DARLINGS Dec. 20, Burro Bar BOBBY LEE RODGERS Dec. 20, Freebird Live A SWAMP RADIO CHRISTMAS Dec. 21, The Florida Theatre FORSAKEN PROFITS Dec. 30, Burro Bar DARYL HANCE Jan. 3, Underbelly DON WILLIAMS Jan. 7, The Florida Theatre ’70s Soul Jam: THE SPINNERS, THE STYLISTICS, THE MAIN INGREDIENT Jan. 8, The Florida Theatre FRED EAGLESMITH Jan. 9, Café Eleven MISERY HEAD, CRASHMIR, THE EMBRACED Jan. 10, Freebird MIRANDA SINGS Jan. 14, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall TIM EASTON, HEATHER PIERSON Jan. 14, Mudville Music Room TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND Jan. 16, The Florida Theatre THE BOTH (AIMEE MANN, TED LEO) Jan. 16, P.V. Concert Hall CASE Jan. 16, The Ritz Theatre SANDY HACKETT’S RAT PACK SHOW Jan. 16, Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts’ Moran Theater MONROE CROSSING Jan. 16, Mudville Music Room DIANE SCHUUR Jan. 17, The Ritz Theatre HARDIN & BURNS Jan. 17, Mudville Music Room THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA Jan. 18, FSCJ Wilson Center GAELIC STORM Jan 21, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall KATHLEEN MADIGAN Jan. 22, The Florida Theatre IRIS DEMENT Jan. 23, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall NOTHIN’ FANCY Jan. 24, Mudville Music Room ARLO GUTHRIE Jan. 29, The Florida Theatre GALACTIC Jan. 29, Freebird Live DAVID WILCOX Jan. 29, Café Eleven URSAMINOR, SURVIVING SEPTEMBER, THE HEALING PROCESS, NOCTURNAL STATE OF MIND Jan. 31, Freebird Live TRAVIS TRITT Feb. 6, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall VINCE GILL & TIME JUMPERS Feb. 7, The Florida Theatre JON SHAIN, RUPERT WATES Feb. 12, Mudville Music Room CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES Feb. 13, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall JOHN HAMMOND Feb. 20, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall MARCUS ROBERTS TRIO Feb. 20, The Florida Theatre THE MIDTOWN MEN Feb. 26, The Florida Theatre STRINGFEVER March 5, Café Eleven Aura Music & Arts Festival: MOE, THE DISCO BISCUITS, PAPADOSIO, SNARKY PUPPY, THE MAIN SQUEEZE, PIGEONS PLAYING PING PONG, McLOVINS, GHOST OWL March 6-8, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park THREE DOG NIGHT March 10, The Florida Theatre JOHN MELLENCAMP March 15, Times-Union Center JACKIE EVANCHE March 22, The Florida Theatre BRONX WANDERERS March 29, The Florida Theatre JANIS IAN, TOM PAXTON April 9, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall THE ORCHESTRA April 11, The Florida Theatre THE WHO HITS 50! TOUR April 19, Veterans Memorial Arena RAIN April 24, The Florida Theatre CHRIS BOTTI April 30, The Florida Theatre ZZ TOP, JEFF BECK May 9, St. Augustine Amphitheatre
LIVE MUSIC CLUBS
AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA BEACH
DAVID’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, 802 Ash St., 310-6049 John Springer every Tue.-Wed. Aaron Bing 6 p.m. every Fri. & Sat. GREEN TURTLE, 14 S. Third St., 321-2324 Buck Smith every Thur. Yancy Clegg every Sun. Vinyl Record Nite every Tue. HAMMERHEADS, 2045 S. Fletcher Ave., 491-7783 DJ Refresh 9 p.m. every Sun.
AVONDALE, ORTEGA
CASBAH CAFE, 3628 St. Johns Ave., 981-9966 Goliath Flores 9 p.m. every Wed. Live jazz every Sun. Live music every Mon. ECLIPSE, 4219 St. Johns Ave. KJ Free 9 p.m. every Tue. & Thur. Indie dance 9 p.m. Wed. ’80s & ’90s dance 9 p.m. every Fri. Music every Sat. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 3611 St. Johns Ave., 388-0200 Mark O’Quinn Oct. 16. Yankee Slickers Oct. 17. Ryan Campbell Oct. 18
BEACHES (Venues in Jax Beach unless noted)
BRASS ANCHOR PUB, 2292 Mayport Rd., Ste. 35, Atlantic Beach, 249-0301 Joe Oliff 8 p.m. Oct. 15 & 22
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CULHANE’S IRISH PUB, 967 Atlantic Blvd., AB, 249-9595 Irish music 6:30 p.m. every Sun. DJ Hal every Sat. FLYING IGUANA, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 853-5680 Ginormous J 10 p.m. Oct. 17 & 18. Darren Corlew 8:30 p.m. Oct. 19. Red Beard & Stinky E 10 p.m. every Thur. FREEBIRD LIVE, 200 N. First St., 246-2473 Lacuna Coil, Cilver, Marion Crane, Sylent Vylentz 8 p.m. Oct. 17. Treehouse, Dalton Stanley Band, Roots of a Rebellion 8 p.m. Oct. 18. The Nth Power, Squeedlepuss, Sam Sanders 8 p.m. Oct. 21. The Devil Makes Three, Cave Singers 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 HARMONIOUS MONKS, 320 First St. N., 372-0815 Live music 9 p.m. every Fri. & Sat. Dan Evans, Spade McQuade 6 p.m. every Sun. Back From the Brink 9 p.m. every Mon. LILLIE’S COFFEE BAR, 200 First St., NB, 249-2922 Decoy Oct. 17. Code Blue Oct. 18. Live music every Fri. & Sat. LYNCH’S IRISH PUB, 514 N. First St., 249-5181 Roger That Oct. 17 & 18. Dirty Pete every Wed. Split Tone every Thur. Live music every Fri. & Sat. Who Rescued Who every Sun. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1018 N. Third St., 246-1500 Jazz Oct. 15. Legacy Orchestra Collective Oct. 16. Wes Cobb Oct. 17 MEZZA RESTAURANT & BAR, 110 First St., NB, 249-5573 Neil Dixon 6 p.m. every Tue. Gypsies Ginger 6 p.m. every Wed. Mike Shackelford & Steve Shanholtzer 6 p.m. every Thur. MONKEY’S UNCLE TAVERN, 1850 S. Third St., 246-1070 Lisa & the Mad Hatters at 10 p.m. on Oct. 17 NIPPERS BEACH GRILLE, 2309 Beach Blvd., 247-3300 Cloud 9 Oct. 15. King Eddie & Pili Pili 6 p.m. Oct. 16. Last 2 Leave Oct. 17. Monkey Wrench Oct. 18. Houston Keen Oct. 20. Kevin Ski Oct. 21 NORTH BEACH BISTRO, 725 Atlantic Blvd., AB, 372-4105 Gary Lee Wingard 7 p.m. Oct. 16. Crazy Daysies 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17. Sidetrack 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 RAGTIME TAVERN, 207 Atlantic Blvd., AB, 241-7877 Richard Smith Oct. 15. Mark Williams 7 p.m. Oct. 16. Something Distant 9 p.m. Oct. 17 & 18. Pat RoseOct. 22. Live music Thur.-Sun. WIPEOUTS GRILL, 1589 Atlantic Blvd., NB, 247-4508 Billy Bowers 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16. Live music every Thur. and Fri.
DOWNTOWN
1904 MUSIC HALL, 19 Ocean St. N. Dr. Fameus, Lucky Costello 8 p.m. Oct. 15. The Acacia Strain, The Plot in You, Cane Hill, Dig Deep 7 p.m. Oct. 17. Stray from the Path, Counterparts, Expire, My Ticket Home 6 p.m. Oct. 22. Open mic every Mon. BURRO BAR, 100 E. Adams St., 353-4686 Heavy Drag 8 p.m. Oct. 16. ADJY, Greymarket 8 p.m. Oct. 17. Impurity, Saturnine, Neverbaptized, Cute & Cuddly Kittens 8 p.m. Oct. 18. Human Behavior, A Selfless Lot 7 p.m. Oct. 22 FIONN MacCOOL’S, Jax Landing, Ste. 176, 374-1247 Spade McQuade 6-9 p.m. Oct. 15 & 22. Jig to a Milestone 8 p.m. Oct. 17 JACKSONVILLE LANDING, 2 Independent Dr., 353-1188 Persona Non Grata 8 p.m. Oct. 18. 418 Band 4 p.m. Oct. 19 MARK’S DOWNTOWN, 315 E. Bay St., 355-5099 DJ Roy Luis every Wed. DJ Vinn every Thur. DJ 007 every Fri. Bay Street every Sat. MAVERICKS, Jax Landing, 2 Independent Dr., 356-1110 David Nail 6 p.m. Oct. 17. Joe Buck, Big Tasty every Thur.-Sat. UNDERBELLY, 113 E. Bay St., 699-8186 Emma Moseley Band 8 p.m. Oct. 15. In the Loop 9 p.m. Oct. 18. Blockhead, Elaquent, Munshine 8 p.m. Oct. 19. Heavy Glow 8 p.m. Oct. 20
FLEMING ISLAND
MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1800 Town Center Blvd., 541-1999 Cameron One Man Band 9 p.m. Oct. 16. Lyons 9 p.m. Oct. 17 WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198 Chrome Heart 9 p.m. Oct. 18. Open mic 9 p.m. every Thur. Deck music 5 p.m. every Fri. & Sat., 4:30 p.m. every Sun.
INTRACOASTAL WEST
CLIFF’S BAR & GRILL, 3033 Monument Rd., Ste. 2, 645-5162 Blistur 8 p.m. Oct. 15. DJ Big Rob every Thur., Sun. & Tue. YOUR PLACE, 13245 Atlantic, 221-9994 Clayton Bush Oct. 15
MANDARIN, JULINGTON
HARMONIOUS MONKS, 10550 Old St. Augustine Rd., 880-3040 Retro Kats Oct. 19. Open mic: Synergy 8 p.m. every Wed. World’s Most Talented Waitstaff at 9 p.m. every Fri.
ORANGE PARK, MIDDLEBURG
THE HILLTOP, 2030 Wells, 272-5959 John Michael Wed.-Sat. THE ROADHOUSE, 231 Blanding Blvd., 264-0611 Contraband 10 p.m. Oct. 17 & 18. DJ Corey B every Wed.
PONTE VEDRA, PALM VALLEY
TABLE 1, 330 A1A N., Ste. 208, 280-5515 Ryan Crary Oct. 15. Gary Starling Jazz Band 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16. Deron Baker 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17. Quimby Duo Oct. 18 & 22. Live music every Thur.-Sun.
Asheville Americana darlings UNDERHILL ROSE hit Mudville Music Room Oct. 17.
RIVERSIDE, WESTSIDE
EUROPEAN STREET CAFE, 2753 Park St., 384-9999 The Groove Coalition 6 p.m. Oct. 18 MURRAY HILL THEATRE, 932 Edgewood Ave. S., 388-7807 Disciple, Project 86 8 p.m. Oct. 17. Paradime, Captive, Leah Sykes 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 rain dogs., 1045 Park St., 379-4969 Flossie & the Fox, Renee is a Zombie 9 p.m. Oct. 17 RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET, 715 Riverside Ave., 389-2449 Meredith Rae, Madison Carr, Underhill Rose, Alternate Coast starting 10:30 a.m. Oct. 18
ST. AUGUSTINE
ANN O’MALLEY’S, 23 Orange St., 825-4040 Tony Paul Neal Oct. 17. Strumstick Oct. 18. Open mic with Smokey Joe Tue. CAFE ELEVEN, 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, 460-9311 Willy Porter and Brent Byrd 8 p.m. Oct. 16 THE CELLAR UPSTAIRS, 157 King St., 826-1594 Midlife Crisis 7 p.m. Oct. 17. Gary Douglas Campbell 2 p.m., Ain’t Too Proud To Beg 7 p.m. Oct. 18. Vinny Jacobs 2 p.m. Oct. 19 HARRY’S, 46 Avenida Menendez, 824-7765 Billy Bowers 6 p.m. Oct. 8 MILL TOP TAVERN & LISTENING ROOM, 19-1/2 St. George St., 829-2329 Adam Lee Oct. 15. The Impediments Oct. 17. Go Get Gone Oct. 18. John Winters 1 p.m. Oct. 19 PIZZALLEY’S CHIANTI ROOM, 60 Charlotte St., 825-4100 Billy Bowers 4 p.m. Oct. 21 SHANGHAI NOBBY’S, 10 Anastasia Blvd., 547-2188 Twinki, DJ Big Breezy 8 p.m. Oct. 17. Beach Day, The Lifeforms Oct. 18 TEMPO, 16 Cathedral Place, 342-0286 Open mic 7 p.m. every Wed. Live music every Fri. & Sat. TRADEWINDS, 124 Charlotte St., 829-9336 Spanky 9 p.m. Oct. 17 & 18. Matanzas Sun.-Thur. Elizabeth Roth 1 p.m. Sat.
SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK
INDOCHINE San Marco & Buddha Lounge, 1974 San Marco Blvd., 503-7013 Dance Radio Underground, Sugar & Cream, Black Hoodie, Bass Therapy Sessions 10 p.m.-mid. Allan GIzRoc Oteyza, Scott Perry aka TrapNasty and Cry Havoc rotate, mid.-3 a.m. for Fever Saturdays JACK RABBITS, 1528 Hendricks Ave., 398-7496 Flintface, Alexis Rhode 7 p.m. Oct. 15. Givers, Kind Cousin 8 p.m. Oct. 16. Cloud 9 Vibes, Chasing Jonah Oct. 17. The Animal in Me, The Nearly Deads, It Lives It Breathes, Give Up Ghost Oct. 18. Daniel and the Lion, Jeremiah Daly Oct. 19. Authority Zero, Prideless, Koup De Tat Oct. 21. Secret Keeper, Searching Serenity Oct. 22 MUDVILLE MUSIC ROOM, 3104 Atlantic Blvd., 352-7008 Larry Mangum, Mindy Simmons, Brian Smalley 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16. Underhill Rose Oct. 17. Mike Shackelford, Julie Durden, Ernie Evans, Steve Stanholtzer Oct. 22 RIVER CITY BREWING COMPANY, 835 Museum Circle, Southbank, 398-2299 Molly Hatchet, Big Engine 5 p.m. Oct. 18
SOUTHSIDE, BAYMEADOWS
COMEDY CLUB, 11000 Beach Blvd., Ste. 8, 646-4277 Fascinating Rhythm Orchestra 7 p.m. 1st & 3rd Wed. COPPER TAP HOUSE, 13500 Beach Blvd., 647-6595 Live music 9 p.m. every Fri. & Sat. DANCIN DRAGON, 9041 Southside Blvd., Ste. 138D, 3639888 A DJ spins every Fri. & Sat. LATITUDE 360, 10370 Philips Hwy., 365-5555 Be Easy, VJ Fellin on Oct. 16 MELLOW MUSHROOM, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 997-1955 Aaron Koerner on Oct. 16. Coalition on Oct. 17. Live music every Thur. & Fri. MY PLACE BAR & GRILL, 9550 Baymeadows, 737-5299 Aaron Sheeks on Oct. 15. Fat Cactus on Oct. 17 & 18. Chuck Nash every Tue. WILD WING CAFE, 4555 Southside Blvd., 998-9464 Chris Brinkley on Oct. 15. Black Creek Rizin on Oct. 17 WORLD OF BEER, 9700 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 551-5929 A Nickel Bag of Funk at 9 p.m. on Oct. 18. Who Rescued Who on Oct. 25. Live music every Fri. & Sat.
SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE
THREE LAYERS COFFEEHOUSE, 1602 Walnut St., 355-9791 This Frontier Needs Heroes at 6 p.m. on Oct. 17. Mama Blue at 6 p.m. on Oct. 21. Open mic every Thur.
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“Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like, your
opinion, man.”
Often imitated, never duplicated — the original is still the best. Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax is the real deal, your quintessential guide to the very best stuff throughout Northeast Florida, as judged by you, the thousands upon thousands of readers who voted in more than 160 categories. From politicians to celebrities, arts to entertainment, restaurants to bars, shops to services, this is your source for, well, everything you need to know about making the most of life on the First Coast, and we’re proud to be the ones to bring it to you. Now you, being a clever and discerning reader, will likely notice something of a theme throughout these pages. This theme will go unspoken so as not to offend the copyright gods (and their lawyers). But we would like to take a moment to thank our friend and cover model Chaz Bäck, who is mostly certainly a righteous Dude.
Abide,
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LOCAL COLOR “Sometimes, there’s a man, well, he’s the man for his time and place. He fits right in there.” LOCAL HERO Shad Khan Shad Khan is an amazing man, if only because you people keep voting him Local Hero in our Best of Jax readers’ poll (third year in a row!) even though the football team he owns sucks so very, very much, and has for so very, very long. Of course, there’s much more to Shad Khan than Jaguars owner. He’s invested millions of dollars into local entrepreneurs, and is currently eyeing a potentially game-changing redevelopment of The Shipyards property. He also delivered what has to be the quote of the year on the city’s slow-plodding progress: “A homeless guy in Detroit has more mojo than a millionaire in Jacksonville.” Oh, and not for nothing, he is also far and away the possessor of the city’s best ’stache. FINALISTS: Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department, Tim Tebow
LOCAL ZERO/ BEST LOCAL WACKO U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown There are few politicians who get people’s dander up the way Corrine Brown does, both Republicans (who gleefully point out anytime she sounds less than literate, which is often) and Democrats (who roll their eyes and look away and pretend not to know her given same) — at least, few politicians who, thanks to a ridiculous gerrymander of a congressional district, never really have to worry about reelection. Brown is understandably protective of her district, which is rather protective of her; earlier this year, after a judge ruled its composition unconstitutional, she cried racism and sided with the Republicans who drew it — specifically to pack as many black voters as humanly possible into her district, thus BOJ4 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
draining them from other districts and giving surrounding Republicans an edge — issuing a blistering statement condemning the ruling. Then, after the judge approved new boundaries that only marginally altered the old ones, she complained again, even though, let’s be honest, it’s not like she’s going to lose. LOCAL ZERO FINALISTS: State Attorney Angela Corey, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown BEST LOCAL WACKO FINALISTS: Andy Johnson, Denise Lee
BEST THING TO HAPPEN IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA IN 2014 EverBank Field Scoreboards If you buy into the adage “go big or go home” — and, judging by the voting tallies, you do — then you’re probably quite thrilled about the two new videoboards adorning EverBank Field, which came as part of a $63 million renovation paid for primarily by tourism taxes. They are the biggest such screens in the world, bigger than the one Jerry Jones built in Dallas, bigger than a freakin’ jumbo jet, as the billboards told us. If only they somehow translated to on-thefield success. FINALISTS: One Spark, Shad Khan
The Jacksonville Sheriff ’s Office has responded with something it calls Operation Ceasefire, an army of officers descending on 18,000 homes in troubled Northwest Jacksonville neighborhoods. Crime went down in that area — a little. FINALISTS: EverBank Field Scoreboards, Bridge Closings
your tan, soaking in the rays, reading a trashy novel. The cool breeze coming off the water, the hint of salt in the air, the blue, cloudless sky above — what else could you possibly want? FINALISTS: Weather, People
BEST REASON TO LOVE NORTHEAST FLORIDA
The Weather It’s summer and it’s hot as hell, so hot that stepping outside feels like walking head-first into a blast furnace, so humid your clothes cling to your body and sweat pours down your face. Or maybe it’s the fall, and it rains every day for a week, the slow, constant, depressing, ever-
Beaches There are, for our money, few better ways to pass a sunny Saturday afternoon than on one of the many gorgeous beaches in Northeast Florida, lying on a really big towel, working on
BEST REASON TO HATE NORTHEAST FLORIDA
WORST THING TO HAPPEN IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA IN 2014 Crime There was a period there, back in the spring, when you couldn’t turn on the evening news or look at the paper without seeing crime scene tape and victims’ sobbing family members and grim-faced cops relaying the details of the latest gun-related fatality. In April alone, the city of Jacksonville saw 33 shootings, seven of them fatal, most of them related to the city’s drug trade.
BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY/LOCAL RADIO SHOW: MELISSA ROSS, FIRST COAST CONNECT, WJCT
BEST OF JAX 2014 present drizzle punctuated by bouts of driving downpours that inevitably cause I-95 to grind to a halt. Or maybe it’s the winter, when it just gets too damn cold and windy (we live in Florida for a reason, Mother Nature). Or maybe it’s spring … well, we can’t really find much to complain about in the spring, but still, that’s only three months. Long story short: You don’t like the weather, and we don’t blame you. FINALISTS: Crime, Traffic
BEST LOCAL COLUMNIST/ WORST LOCAL COLUMNIST Ron Littlepage Ron Littlepage has been opining for The Florida Times-Union for 25 years, and for 25 years, depending on your perspective, which apparently varies, he’s been either incisive or ignorant, a necessary thorn in the side of the powers that be or a bloviating blowhard who doesn’t let the facts get in the way of a good column. But as both Northeast Florida’s Best and Worst Local Columnist, as judged by you, dear readers, Littlepage has made himself someone you love, or someone you love to hate. But either way, you read him. BEST LOCAL COLUMNIST FINALISTS: Mark Woods, Jeffrey C. Billman WORST LOCAL COLUMNIST FINALISTS: Gene Frenette, Jeffrey C. Billman
BEST LOCAL USE OF PUBLIC MONEY Public Libraries OK, well, the general public (at least the general public in Duval County) didn’t love the libraries enough to support a straw ballot in August that would have asked the Legislature to allow another referendum to create an independent library board with its own taxing authority — thereby removing the libraries from the whims of the local politicians who, since 2005, have cut the library budget by more than 40 percent (!) — but Folio Weekly readers are an educated, literate lot who recognize the value these institutions have in our community, and who helped convince the Jacksonville City Council to back off making even more cuts to our underfunded library system earlier this year. (Pat yourselves on the back, guys.) FINALISTS: Parks, One Spark
BEST LOCAL WASTE OF PUBLIC MONEY Duval County Courthouse It’s been more than two years since the Duval County Courthouse, that problemplagued $350 million behemoth spawned by the Better Jacksonville Plan, opened its doors, but it hasn’t become any more popular with age. For the second straight year, you’ve named it the Best Local Waste of Public Money, and it seems quite unlikely you’ll be willing to let it go anytime soon. FINALISTS: EverBank Scoreboards, Automated Skyway Express
BEST LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST Lisa Rinaman, St. Johns Riverkeeper This is the third straight year the St. Johns Riverkeeper has taken the prize as Best Environmental Activist, and Lisa Rinamin continues to deserve each and every accolade thrown her way. A tireless, fearless advocate for the St. Johns River, Rinamin fights day and night to right decades-old wrongs and educate the public on the many toxins and pollutants that imperil the river’s health. The St. Johns is a local
treasure, and so too is its protector. FINALISTS: Barbara Tidwell, Cindy Mosely
BEST LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ABOMINATION Paper Mills Back in the ’70s and ’80s, Jacksonville was famous, or maybe infamous, for the rotten-egg smell that greeted travelers driving through the city on Interstate 95, caused by a paper mill near the thoroughfare. Residents got so used to it they rarely noticed after a while, but were constantly reminded by visitors. Times have changed, and there are only occasional incidents of that nauseous odor. Paper mills on Amelia Island also had the same problem, and they also released airborne byproducts that sometimes left vehicles covered in soot-like film. But times have changed there as well, and those emissions have been vastly reduced. Still, Folio Weekly readers apparently do not forget. FINALISTS: St. Johns River Pollution, St. Johns River Dredging
BEST LOCAL SCANDAL Public Defender Matt Shirk Accusations involving power, sex and mismanagement add up to a pretty good scandal, and the controversy surrounding Fourth Judicial Circuit Public Defender Matt Shirk’s alleged shenanigans has all of those. Shirk is accused of numerous indiscretions, including having an, um, unusually close relationship with one of his employees and asking another female employee to shower with him. (That’s normal, right?) Shirk is the subject of a grand jury investigation. His wife of 10 years recently filed for divorce. FINALISTS: WTLV-Channel 12 meteorologist Tim Deegan, Mayor Alvin Brown
HOTTEST LOCAL CELEBRITY Tim Tebow Te-bow! Te-bow! Te-bow! Might not be what Jags fans are cheering this year, but Tim Tebow, Jax native son, college football legend, bestselling author, Heisman Trophy winner (the first sophomore to ever win the award), relentless do-gooder and ESPN college football analyst, doesn’t seem to mind, topping our list this year as the hottest local celebrity. With deeds so impressive that last year Gov. Rick Scott named the 27-year-old a Great Floridian, it’s easy to see why our readers just can’t get enough Tebow. FINALISTS: Ashley Greene, Shad Khan
BEST LOCAL RIGHTEOUS CRUSADER Jesse Wilson Jacksonville native Jesse Wilson is one busy man. Wilson works in child welfare for Family Support Services of North Florida, has helped create Downtown advocacy events such as #WELOVEJAX, and is currently running for Jacksonville City Council At-Large Group 3. He’s also a tireless advocate on behalf of children in the Florida foster care system. On top of everything else, the 26-year-old is a father, avid Jaguars fan and host of Boomerang, a new local television show on MeeMee TV JAX 18.1. It’s no wonder Wilson was named Best Local Righteous Crusader. FINALISTS: Tim Tebow, Ken Amaro
BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY/ BEST LOCAL RADIO SHOW Melissa Ross, First Coast Connect If you have the slightest interest in Northeast Florida public affairs, then Melissa
OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | BOJ5
BEST OF JAX 2014
BEST LOCAL TV WEATHER FORECASTER: TIM DEEGAN, FIRST COAST NEWS Ross’ morning program on 89.9 WJCT-FM, First Coast Connect, Monday through Friday from 9 to 10 a.m., is indispensable listening. Whether she’s grilling Alvin Brown over his refusal to endorse the human rights ordinance or pressing City Council members on budgetary specifics or touting any number of arts and entertainment events across the area, Ross has an easy way about her, a friendliness and plain-spokenness that gets people to open up when they otherwise might not. She is a hell of an interviewer, always engaging, always knowledgeable, always eliciting the very best from her guests. BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY FINALISTS: Mark Kaye, Robbie Rose BEST LOCAL RADIO SHOW FINALISTS: The Drill, The Big Show
BEST LOCAL SPORTS RADIO PERSONALITY Dan Hicken Dan Hicken, along with co-host Jeff Prosser, helps Northeast Florida sports fans stay ahead of the curve from 6 to 10 a.m. on 92.5 FM and 1010XL’s The Drill (formerly known as Sports Final Radio). Known for insightful analysis and commentary about sports, sports and more sports, Hicken tells it like it is with a style that’s charming, honest and highly entertaining. You’ll find yourself nodding, singing, laughing, learning and listening in the driveway until it’s hot enough to cook an egg on the dashboard. YOU KNOW IT! FINALISTS: Sam Kouvaris, Cole Pepper
BEST LOCAL RADIO STATION The Promise Are you looking for some spirituality with your rush hour commute? You’re in luck. According to Folio Weekly readers, The Promise offers the best local bumper-to-bumper radio entertainment. What was once 88.1 on the FM dial has since moved to 91.7 Jacksonville and 91.9 St. Augustine. The Promise, a Christian radio station based in Jacksonville and founded in 1984, offers everything from Merry Rachel’s lunchtime request show to the drive home with Roger, with some contemporary Christian music and gospel tunes peppered in between. FINALISTS: 1010 XL Sports, 95.1 WAPE-FM
BEST LOCAL BLOG The Specktator A professional writer for 20 years, Kerry Speckman is the brains behind The Specktator, a local blog examining everything Jacksonville. From little-known connections between actor BOJ6 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
Robin Williams and The River City to local politics and the public school system, her twisted commentary has become a media mainstay. (And her campaign to get Mayor Alvin Brown to take a selfie with her made us chuckle.) Speckman, who’s written on-and-off for Folio Weekly for the past two years, says of her win, “When I first started blogging seven years ago, I did it for my own amusement. But now realizing that there are people out there who also appreciate my quirky thoughts and observations is pretty — for lack of a better word — spectacular.” FINALISTS: metrojacksonville.com, udontknowjax.com
BEST LOCAL FACEBOOK PACE Jax Truckies In two-and-a-half years, Jax Truckies has gone from the newest kid on the Face-block to a formidable force in the local scheme of lunch. As the food truck following grows, so does our appetite for the Jax Truckies Facebook page, which provides locations of trucks and events on the daily for the food truck aficionados of Northeast Florida. It’s the grownup version of the ice cream truck. There may not be annoying music playing, but we hear your siren song, Jax Truckies, loud and clear. FINALISTS: 904 Happy Hour, Jacksonville Sheriff ’s Office
BEST LOCAL TWITTER ACCOUNT @cityofjax It says something about the denizens of Northeast Florida that the city of Jacksonville’s official propaganda outlet, er, Twitter account, was rated the best in the entire region. (What that is we’ll leave to you to decide.) In any event, @cityofjax has amassed nearly 16,000 followers who rely on the account to stay abreast of things like press releases from the mayor’s office. FINALISTS: @jax_justin, @jaxmayorbrown
BEST LOCAL INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT IgersJax More than 14,000 people follow the IgersJax (that’s short for Instagrammers Jacksonville) account, which features everything from scenic skylines to artsy graffiti inside abandoned buildings to cuddly puppies. Photos are shared from residents of the First Coast and show off what makes our region thrive and shine. FINALISTS: 904happyhour, OnlyInDuval
BEST LOCAL INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER Ken Amaro (First Coast News)
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BEST OF JAX 2014
BEST/WORST LOCAL COLUMNIST: RON LITTLEPAGE, FLORIDA TIMES-UNION This is Ken Amaro’s 11th trip to the winner’s circle, having been picked yet again by Folio Weekly readers as the area’s best investigative reporter. His allure lies in his almost-daily fight for regular people in tough situations, which a lot of folks can relate to. He often goes to bat for those who have been wronged by businesses, contractors or other entities. Kudos, Ken, for standing up for the little guy. FINALISTS: Jim Piggott (WJXT), Vic Micolucci (WJXT)
BEST LOCAL TV SPORTS ANCHOR Sam Kouvaris (WJXT) Has there ever been a time when Sam Kouvaris wasn’t on Channel 4 dishing out the daily sports news? He’s expanded to covering the Jaguars, even doing announcing during their games and hosting a weekly talk show. Kouvaris is one of the most familiar living room fixtures in Northeast Florida and keeps on plugging away, showing no lack of enthusiasm. Folio Weekly readers haven’t missed that. FINALISTS: Dan Hicken (WJAX), Chris Porter (First Coast News)
BEST LOCAL TV NEWSCAST/ BEST LOCAL NEWS WEBSITE
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pretty large pool of adoring fans. FINALISTS: Shannon Ogden (First Coast News), Donna Deegan (First Coast News)
BEST LOCAL TV MORNING SHOW WJXT TV-4 The Morning Show Tune in to Channel 4’s The Morning Show and you’ll just about always see someone cutting up — unless there is serious news, in which case they effortlessly switch gears and work hard to bring viewers the latest information. That diversity has not gone unnoticed by Folio Weekly readers, who picked the show as the best pick-me-up and a.m. news provider. Anchors Bruce Hamilton and Nikki Kimbleton lead viewers through the morning reports, along with the requisite traffic (Ashley Mitchem) and weather (meteorologist Richard Nunn). Staci Spanos, a Jacksonville news fixture since the late ’90s, produces special reports and other material to round out the morning editions. FINALIST: First Coast News’ Good Morning Jacksonville
BEST LOCAL TV WEATHER FORECASTER
WJXT, news4jax.com Constantly topping the ratings for decades, News4Jax is the 800-pound gorilla in the local TV news market, and the outlet Folio Weekly readers have deemed the best around. With a staff that includes numerous longtime familiar anchors like Tom Wills, Rob Sweeting, Mary Baer and Sam Kouvaris, it’s a tough act to beat. The station also has been focusing on a lot of investigative reporting and heavy weather coverage led by meteorologist John Gaughan. BEST LOCAL TV NEWSCAST FINALISTS: First Coast News, Action News BEST LOCAL NEWS WEBSITE FINALISTS: FirstCoastNews.com, Jacksonville.com
Tim Deegan As the chief meteorologist for First Coast News, the loveable and oh-so-orange Tim Deegan has amassed quite the following throughout Northeast Florida. Whether he’s reporting on the latest storm surge, recapping a wildfire or just wishing us all a sunny and happy weekend, Deegan is the best. He’s a hard worker — bringing us the weather every weeknight at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and again at 11 p.m. (He’s also an avid surfer, marathoner and skygazer, and we’re guessing he doesn’t sleep much.) Who says they’re not looking forward to a Category 4? More Tim Deegan, please. FINALISTS: Richard Nunn (News4Jax), Mike Buresh (Action News)
BEST LOCAL TV ANCHOR
BEST LOCAL NONPROFIT
Bruce Hamilton (News4Jax) As co-anchor of The Morning Show on WJXT-TV 4, that Bruce Hamilton could not be any more full of spunk and charisma. He’s also pretty easy on the eyes, if you don’t mind us saying. Hamilton got his start while in high school in Philadelphia, working for a local radio station. Today, he’s an Emmy Award winner who’s in his element hobnobbing with former Jags great Marcus Stroud or on-air surrounded by Miss Florida contestants. Whatever the daily beat, Hamilton’s proved he has longevity and a
First Coast No More Homeless Pets In 2002, when First Coast No More Homeless Pets got started, some 23,000 animals were being euthanized in Northeast Florida each and every year. Today, that number is down by nearly 90 percent, and FCNMHP is leading the charge to make Duval a nokill county. They focus both on keeping dogs and cats from entering shelters — notably, by operating the country’s largest spay and neuter clinic (more than 25,000 surgeries a year!) — and helping find shelter animals forever
BEST BEST OF OF JAX JAX 2014 2014 progress, according to Folio Weekly readers. progress, according Weekly readers. In the 42 years since to theFolio school first admitted In the 42 years since the school fi rst admitted students, UNF has grown into a vibrant, students, UNF has rigorous grown into a vibrant, diverse, academically institution with diverse, academically rigorous institution with an active and growing influence on the region an activethe andthousands growing infl the region who through of uence Ospreyonalumni who through thousands make thethe city brighter of andOsprey more alumni enlightened make the city brighter and more enlightened every year. every year. Florida State College at FINALISTS: FINALISTS: StateUniversity College at Jacksonville, Florida Jacksonville Jacksonville, Jacksonville University
BEST LOCAL TEACHER
BEST NONPROFIT: FIRST COAST NO MORE HOMELESS PETS BEST NONPROFIT: FIRST COAST NO MORE HOMELESS PETS homes. If our greatness, to paraphrase Gandhi, homes. our greatness, Gandhi, can be If judged by how to weparaphrase treat our animals, can be judged by how treat ourjust animals, FCNMHP is making thewe First Coast a little FCNMHP is making the First Coast just a little greater every day. greater everyWounded day. FINALISTS: Warrior Project, FINALISTS: Wounded Project, Family Support ServicesWarrior of North Florida Family Support Services of North Florida
building homes. HabiJax is also one of the building homes. HabiJax is also eff one the area’s most popular volunteer ortsof and area’s mostin popular volunteer efforts and considered the top tier of successful Habitat considered in the top tier of successful Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the U.S. for Humanity affi liates in the U.S. FINALISTS: Jacksonville Humane Society, FINALISTS: Jax Mud FestJacksonville Humane Society, Jax Mud Fest
BEST LOCAL BEST LOCAL EFFORT VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER EFFORT HabiJax
BEST LOCAL COLLEGE BEST LOCAL COLLEGE University of North Florida
HabiJax Since March 1988, Habitat for Humanity Since March 1988, Habitat Humanity Jacksonville (better known as for HabiJax) has Jacksonville known HabiJax) has helped more (better than 1,900 localasfamilies realize helped more than 1,900 local families realize their dream of homeownership. Theirs is a their of homeownership. Theirs isbya simpledream mission: to bring people together simple mission: to bring people together by
University of North Florida Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” In which you Florida, can use the to change the world.” In Northeast University of North Northeast Florida, the University of North Florida is the best place for such warriors to Florida is the besttheir place for such to acquire and hone weapons of warriors change and acquire and hone their weapons of change and
BEST LOCAL Karen Holsey TEACHER Karen Holsey (Edward White High School) (Edward School) MoldingWhite youngHigh minds is not for the Molding minds ifisyou’re not teaching for the faint of heartyoung — especially faint of heart — especially if you’re teaching geometry to a bunch of high school students. geometry to a bunch and of high students. But it’s rewarding, for school teacher Karen But it’s it’s rewarding, and atforwhich teacher Karen Holsey, clearly a skill she excels. Holsey, it’s clearly a skill at which she excels. Holsey recently transitioned from her post at Holsey recently transitioned fromtoherstart postthe at Northside’s Raines High School Northside’s Raines High School to start the new school year off at Westside’s Ed White new High school School.year off at Westside’s Ed White High School. FINALIST: Shirley Sacks (Stanton College FINALIST: PreparatoryShirley School)Sacks (Stanton College Preparatory School)
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD Riverside Riverside With its older mansions mixed with stylish Withhomes, its older mixed withhistoric stylish smaller andmansions the neighborhood’s smaller homes, and the neighborhood’s historic values that keep its Southern charm, Riverside values thatnumerous keep its Southern charm, including Riverside features attractions, features sprawling numerous parks, greatattractions, restaurants, including bars and sprawling parks, great restaurants, barsshops and cafés, as well as a plethora of boutiques, cafés, as well as a plethora of boutiques, shops and riverfront access. Five Points, within and riverfront access. Five Points, hipster within Riverside, is Jacksonville’s undisputed Riverside, is Jacksonville’s undisputed hipster mecca, and the ’hood doubles as the city’s most mecca, and the ’hood doubles as the city’s most LGBT-friendly area, too. Willow Branch Park LGBT-friendly area, too. Willow Branch Park
might be its crown jewel, with sprawling acres might its crown jewel, with sprawling of lushbegrass and oak trees, a creek that acres runs of lush grass and oak trees, a creek thatsports runs from one side to the other, a playground, from one side to the other, a playground, sports field and library. field and library. FINALISTS: Avondale, San Marco FINALISTS: Avondale, San Marco
BEST STAYCATION
BEST STAYCATION St. Augustine St.Th Augustine ere’s something about The Ancient City, There’s something The Ancient City, something charming,about something historic, something charming, something historic, something artsy, something quaint — actually, something artsy, something quaint — keep actually, lot of somethings, somethings that us lot of somethings, somethings thatto keep us coming back time and time again, eat and coming back time and time again, to eat and drink, to shop and hang out on the white-sand drink, hangand outbask on the white-sand beach, to to shop walk and around in the history. beach, to walk aroundFolio and Weekly bask inreaders the history. And we’re not alone. love And Folioand Weekly readers love themwe’re somenot St. alone. Augustine, we think they’re them some St. Augustine, and we think they’re onto something. onto something. FINALISTS: Amelia Island, One Ocean FINALISTS: Amelia Island, One Ocean
BEST LOCAL TREND
BESTTrucks LOCAL TREND Food Food Trucks If you prefer your edibles hawked from a If you prefer yourinedibles hawked Florida from a moving entity, you’re luck. Northeast moving entity, you’re in luck. Northeast Florida has dozens upon dozens of excellent food trucks has dozens upon dozens Check of excellent food trucks to whet your appetite. out Th e Happy to whet your appetite. Check out Th e Happy Grilled Cheese (which won honors for Best Food Grilled (which won honors Best Food Truck), Cheese a Jacksonville-based truckiefor specializing Truck), Jacksonville-based truckie specializing in (youa guessed it!) gourmet grilled cheese. in (youalso guessed it!) 2gourmet grilled kitchen cheese. There’s 5 Loaves Fish, a mobile Th ere’s also 5 Loaves 2 Fish, a mobile kitchen that uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients for that uses fresh, locally ingredients for its ever-changing menu sourced items. And don’t forget its ever-changing items. forget Dirty Birds Wingsmenu On Th e Fly, And a St. don’t AugustineDirty Onsome The Fly, St. Augustinebased Birds truckWings serving 34 flaavors of wings based truck serving some 34 fl avors wings as well as sweet tater tots and choppedofchicken as well as sweet tater tots chicken sandwiches. So when will and this chopped food truck craze sandwiches. So vote when this food truck craze die down? Our is will for never. die down? Our vote is forArt never. FINALISTS: Breweries, Walk FINALISTS: Breweries, Art Walk
With your votes, you’ve inspired more passion in our ght. Thank you, Jacksonville!
FloridaJustice.com
904.444.4444 OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | BOJ9
“Uh, is that what this is a picture of?”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BEST GALLERY/BEST MUSEUM The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens Located on the St. Johns River, The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens combines a bucolic setting, history and engaging artwork. The Cummer is equally renowned for its permanent collection of nearly 5,000 works and regular exhibits of contemporary art that celebrate both international and regional artists. This Northeast Florida institution is well-served by a staff with a perceptive vision and a strong sense of community. The museum offers educational and inclusive programs that foster an awareness of, and appreciation for, the arts in its many and magnificent forms. Current exhibits include A Commemoration of the Civil Rights Movement: Photography of the High Museum of Art and 450 Years of French History in Florida. BEST GALLERY FINALISTS: Southlight Gallery, CoRK Arts District BEST MUSEUM FINALISTS: Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, Museum of Science & History
BEST COMMUNITY THEATER GROUP Players By the Sea Local theater lovers chose this Northeast Florida institution for the best in area stage productions. In continuous operation since 1966, Players By the Sea has been a long-established force in the area theatrical scene, presenting both well-known and cutting-edge dramatic, comedic and musical works, as well as fostering future local talent with educational programs. This current season includes Andrew Lloyd Webber’s holy hippie musical Jesus Christ Superstar, the edgy The Red Line and A Lesson Before Dying. FINALISTS: Theatre Jax, The 5 & Dime BOJ10 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
BEST COMEDY CLUB: THE COMEDY ZONE
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BEST OF JAX 2014
BEST KARAOKE PLACE: AUSTIN KARAOKE
BEST THEATER PRODUCTION OF 2014 Rent Loosely based on Puccini’s La Bohème, the multiple-award-winning musical Rent chronicles the lives of bohemians living in Manhattan’s gritty but vibrant East Village, dealing with the ever-present specter of HIV/ AIDS. Written by Jonathan Larson, the story and music of this international hit have made it a milestone in contemporary theater. Players By the Sea staged the much-loved work this past July to appreciative crowds, on the strength of solid direction and a worthy cast that included Elias Hionides, Rachel Romo, Joseph Lorenzo Sykes-Burns and Jordan Leggett. FINALISTS: Les Miserables, Angels in America
BEST ART EXHIBIT OF 2014/ BEST LOCAL ARTIST Shaun Thurston at MOCAJax, Shaun Thurston In the past year, the inventive work of painter/muralist Shaun Thurston earned a greater audience, and rightfully so. Known for his imaginative use of flora and fauna on both studio pieces and large-scale mural BOJ12 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
work, Thurston has the skills of an astute technician and the visionary savvy of a kind of neo-surrealist. The culmination of a series of “anonymous” paintings featuring crystallike shapes that peppered the city, Thurston’s Project Atrium piece was a zenith stroke of the artist’s talents, the tasteful curatorial choices by MOCA, and an influx of money from One Spark’s crowdfunding concept. BEST ART EXHIBIT FINALISTS: The New York Times Magazine Photographs at MOCA, GAAM BEST LOCAL ARTIST FINALISTS: Jim Draper, Chip Southworth
BEST ART WALK Downtown Jacksonville Art Walk Let’s face it: Downtown Jacksonville doesn’t always facilitate a happening nightlife. But events like the Jacksonville Downtown Art Walk, which takes place every first Wednesday each month, have become a big draw. See the artists and craftspeople showing off their wares in Hemming Park, visit MOCA (which usually has an event going on that night), and galleryhop and eat your way through the streets from 5 to 9 p.m. Afterward, stick around for music and drinking in various venues capitalizing
on the crowd. Just don’t blame us for your Thursday morning hangover. FINALISTS: Jax Beach Art Walk, First Friday St. Augustine
BEST MOVIE THEATER Cinemark Tinseltown When it comes to digging the latest offerings on the big screen, Folio Weekly readers like their movie experiences presented in a big way. Located on Jacksonville’s Southside, Cinemark Tinseltown offers film fans 20 screening areas with comfortable stadium-style seating so your view is never obstructed by someone’s questionable hairstyle decision. State-of-theart sound and IMAX 3D technology ensure you experience the newest Hollywood blockbusters in all their glitzy glory, and of course the snack bars offer the necessary wide selection of sweet and savory snacks. FINALISTS: Sun-Ray Cinema, San Marco Theatre
BEST GENTLEMEN’S CLUB The Gold Club While it surely sets feminism back a hundred years, the strip, uh, gentlemen’s club is still a certain destination for folks looking for a night of adults-only entertainment. Open seven days a week, this nightspot is ideal for your next bachelor/bachelorette, graduation, work promotion or divorce party. Three stages feature a bevy of beauties, and full bars pour all of your favorite libations. What’s more, the Gold Club has a full kitchen and steakhousestyle fare, and every Sunday night is a footballthemed party devoted to the Jags. Not that you’re going to watch the game. FINALISTS: Wacko’s, Silver Fox
BEST OUTDOOR FESTIVAL The Jacksonville Jazz Festival This annual favorite takes top honors with readers who dig their music while enjoying a sunny (or rainy) day outside. The secondlargest jazz festival in the United States, this decades-old event draws thousands of fans to our area for a four-day celebration of a variety of local, up-and-coming and legendary jazz performers. This year’s fest included performances by Al Jarreau, Boney James, Average White Band, and area favorites Linda Cole & The Joshua Bowlus Quartet and Tropic of Cancer. Late-night music lovers had a chance to hear even more sounds with the well-received Jazz After Dark, which featured an array of different performers at various clubs Downtown. FINALISTS: One Spark, Welcome to Rockville
BEST CONCERT OF 2014 Florida Country Superfest Here at the border of Florida and Georgia, country is king, and the best get-together for Folio Weekly readers this year was the Florida Country Superfest at EverBank Field, held in mid-June. Our readers and country music fans from all over Northeast Florida and South Georgia crammed onto the field and into the stands throughout the two-day event, which featured performances by Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and many others. FINALISTS: Dave Matthews Band, Carrie Underwood
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BEST OF JAX 2014
BEST LOCAL ACTOR/ACTRESS: DANIEL N. AUSTIN
BEST NEW LOCAL MUSICIAN/BAND Stayne Thee Angel These aggro Jax rockers won the hearts and ears of Folio Weekly readers with their hardhitting blend of neometal and melodic hardrock stylings. The five-piece line-up has opened for such national headliners as Mushroomhead and Drowning Pool (to name two) and boasts a local following of headbangers on the strength of their gigs at area venues and festivals. FINALISTS: Flagship Romance, Fjord Explorer
BEST DJ Gordo (The Shim Sham Room) On the dance floor, the DJs are king. Whether they’re mixing up deep cuts, oldschool hip-hop, house or — our favorite — Swedish reggae, savvy mixologists need to have the hard-earned, funky skills that make the difference between tearing the roof off the sucka and turning the club into a wallflower convention. Folio Weekly readers have crowned DJ Gordo as the best spin doctor in Northeast Florida for his mad skills at Jacksonville Beach’s The Shim Sham Room. FINALISTS: Nick Fresh (Dos Gatos), Wes Reed (Loft)
BEST KARAOKE PLACE Austin Karaoke The crowd is quite possibly drunk, the spotlight is in your eyes, and the mic is in your hand. No, this isn’t the reception at Grandma Snert’s third wedding — it’s no-holds-barred Karaoke at Austin’s! Tap into that inner rocker, rapper or honky-tonk hero in Austin’s nine private rooms that feature boss sound systems in a classy setting. Austin Karaoke can accommodate anywhere from three to 30 fans of sing-alongs comfortably. To add to this superstar treatment, the venue features a food menu, allows BYOB and keeps their song lists updated with all of the current hits in more than a half-dozen languages. FINALISTS: Monkey’s Uncle Tavern, Ginger’s Place BOJ14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
BEST OPEN MIC NIGHT Underbelly Traversing the stage during an open mic night can combine dedication, preparation and, at times, felony intoxication. It takes a certain type to have the innate, amateur-level skills to lead the in-house band and hold a bar full of drunk people hostage with an extended and agonizing rendition of Gordon Lightfoot’s “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” Folio Weekly readers choose Underbelly as the place to let their musical star shine — even though the live music venue hosts these nights, shall we say, infrequently — and since there’s no cover, that means no refunds on enjoying the locals delivering their own weird and shaky versions of their favorite ditties. FINALISTS: rain dogs., Three Layers Coffee House
BEST COMEDY CLUB The Comedy Zone Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and possiblemood-disorder sufferer Robert Frost once remarked, “If we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane.” Old Bob could have surely kept his sanity in check if he’d spent an evening laughing his ass off at Northeast Florida’s oldest comedy club. The Comedy Zone has been providing “laugh therapy” to locals for decades with weekly performances featuring renowned and up-and-coming mirth merchants, while also offering workshops for wannabe wisecrackers. Upcoming comics include Iliza Shlesinger, Wendy Liebman, David Alan Grier and local legend Grandma Lee. FINALISTS: The Comedy Club of Jacksonville, Latitude 360
BEST LIVE MUSIC CLUB Freebird Live When it comes to experiencing live music, the right venue can make the difference between an emotionally charged, life-altering night and a lifelong resentment against organized sound in general. Located on the main drag in Jacksonville Beach, Freebird Live boasts a decade-plus of providing locals with high-quality touring acts while also being a
BEST OF JAX 2014 crucial starting stage for countless local bands. Featuring a schedule that represents every possible genre (with a heavy emphasis on the reggae and jam band tip), upcoming concerts include roots rockers Devil Makes Three, British singer-songwriter Charli XCX and Norse metalheads Amon Amarth. FINALISTS: Underbelly, Mavericks
BEST PLACE TO ATTEND A CONCERT The Florida Theatre If you’ve seen a show at The Florida Theatre, there’s really no reason to read on: You get why the venerable almost-90-year-old venue is considered the cream of the local crop. Established in 1927, The Florida Theatre in Downtown Jacksonville hosts some 200 events in a given year, including killer concerts from the likes of Merle Haggard, Bonnie Raitt, BB King, Iron & Wine and Alice Cooper, to name just a very few, all with beautiful acoustics and a first-rate sound system. The venue, which has room for 1,900 concertgoers, has history on its side: It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and even lent its stage to Elvis Presley’s 1956 performance — his first indoor headlining concert, where a local judge sat among the screaming bobbysoxers to ensure the King wouldn’t over-swivel. FINALISTS: St. Augustine Amphitheatre, Veterans Memorial Arena
BEST LOCAL COMEDIAN
BEST LOCAL ACTOR/ACTRESS
Brian Thomas Local comedian Brian Thomas describes his humor as “sarcastic with a smattering of silliness.” And if you’re a fan of laughing, you’ve probably come across Thomas’ work at The Comedy Zone or one of his gigs at Jackie Knight’s Comedy Club in St. Augustine. That is, unless he’s on tour at one of the many venues throughout the Southeast. “I talk about my size, living with my folks and grandmother, dating and some of my observations as I become more mature,” he says. “Though I fight that.” FINALISTS: Jim Thomas, Mark Alan
Daniel N. Austin Daniel N. Austin caught the acting bug young — starring in his preschool’s production of The Man With Many Hats. Today, the California native and Jacksonville resident is one of the most easily recognizable local actors, with performances at Players By the Sea, Theatre Jacksonville and The 5 & Dime A Theatre Company. One of his more recent roles was Prior Walter, a character dying of AIDS in the controversial play Angels in America, in which he had a fully nude scene. “I love entertaining, telling stories and creating,”
Austin explains. “It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning and what I dream about at night.” FINALISTS: Angela Robinson, Ashley Greene
BEST LOCAL AUTHOR Alan Parker This former art director published a “heavily illustrated 48-page book” called Daydream Believer, described as a help book for those with ADHD, which Parker regards as a blessing rather than a curse. We concur. FINALISTS: Bill Reynolds, Ben Walker
BEST DANCE CLUB the Loft Party people from all over Jax head to King Street to get their groove thing going to a good mix of top 40, hip-hop, indie-pop and soul. Named after its second-floor bar and lounge loft space that overlooks the dance floor, the Loft, along with its sister bars The Garage and Rogue, draws huge weekend crowds of young bar-hopping hopefuls looking to hook up, hang out and have a good time. If you’re seeking a club packed to the rafters with hot young revelers, it’s worth the wait in line. FINALISTS: Suite, Mavericks
BEST GAY/LESBIAN CLUB Metro Entertainment Complex A lot has changed since this Riverside staple opened more than 20 years ago. Once one of the few gay clubs in Florida, this reformed warehouse remains one of the largest LGBT venues in Florida, a giant complex housing seven distinct entertainment rooms, including a pool room, martini lounge, massive dance floor and lesbian club. It’s also the best spot in Jax to catch a world-class drag show, with a dedicated theater-style performance space and some of the best talent in the Southeast. FINALISTS: Bo’s Coral Reef, Park Place
BEST NEW CLUB The Tavern on 1st Street The Tavern on 1st Street prides itself on being a place where the drinks are strong and the faces are friendly, but there’s more to it than that. First, The Tavern (as it’s known by locals) is open until 2 a.m. every damn night of the week. Second, there are some spectacular drink specials, such as Monday all-day happy hour and Sunday’s $2 Bud Light drafts. And finally … corn hole, dancing, live music, pool tables, DJs and anything else you want on a Friday night. No wonder this Jax Beach newbie has risen so fast to the top of the heap. FINALISTS: Ocean Grill, Voodoo Lounge, The Volstead
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“Obviously, you’re not a golfer.”
SPORTS & OUTDOORS BEST BOWLING ALLEY Beach Bowl Tracing its roots to Ancient Egypt, today the sport of bowling — the sport of kings, screw golf — is played by an estimated 95 million people in more than 90 countries worldwide. That’s a whole lotta gutterballs! And whether you enjoy playing this family-friendly game or just like wearing some different shows for a couple of hours (and who doesn’t?), locals pick Beach Bowl as their one spot to knock down some 10-pins. In business for more than 50 years, this Jax Beach landmark features adult and youth leagues, Cosmic Bowling, a pro shop, game room, food and a full service lounge, and is the perfect spot for your kid’s next birthday party. As a wise man once said, “Let’s go bowling.” FINALIST: Latitude 360
BEST VIEW
BEST BOWLING ALLEY: BEACH BOWL BOJ16 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
Casa Marina Rooftop American abolitionist Henry Ward Beecher once said, “It’s easier to go down a hill than up it, but the view is much better at the top.” And so is the case of the rooftop view at Casa Marina. For nearly a century, the Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant (established 1925) has remained one of Jacksonville Beach’s grandest and most alluring oceanfront destinations.
Today, it’s the perfect place to grab a drink in the restaurant’s Penthouse Lounge and claim your own square of roof for eye-opening panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the towns along the coast. FINALISTS: Jacksonville Beach Pier, The Jacksonville Landing
BEST BEACH Jacksonville Beach Boasting miles of scenic shoreline, the coastal destination of Jax Beach wins top prize from Folio Weekly readers for Best Beach. Locals, townies and tourists all enjoy a day in the sun and sand while hanging at the pier, catching some rays or cooling off with a dip in the ocean. Beachside happenings like surf competitions, sporting events, music festivals and various family-friendly activities draw thousands of visitors each year; what’s more, residents have the patience and tolerance to put up with the invading hordes. FINALISTS: Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach
BEST FISHING SPOT Jacksonville Beach Pier If it swims in salt water, odds are it’s been caught at the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Folio Weekly readers voted the pier the best for good reason — it’s your best
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EXPERIENCE
BE PART OF THE ARTS COMMUNITY AT THE CUMMER MUSEUM There’s always something happening at the Cummer Museum. From lectures and concerts to exhibition-related programs and parties, the Cummer Museum offers unique opportunities to connect with artists and art enthusiasts of all ages. Become engaged with the arts in a whole new way.
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cummermuseum.org
BEST OF JAX 2014
BEST VIEW: CASA MARINA ROOFTOP
bet to catch something, anything. Fishing off the rebuilt pier, which was partly destroyed several years ago by high wind and waves from a passing hurricane, is cheap, just $4 a day to fish and just a buck to watch, and the pier offers many amenities, including a bait shop and fish-cleaning tables, not to mention absolutely resplendent people-watching. FINALISTS: The Jetties, Browns Creek
BEST SURF SPOT Jacksonville Beach Pier Northeast Florida surfers know that the best consistent break on the First Coast is next to the Jax Beach Pier. Through the years, there have been conflicts between fishermen trying to cast out and surfers trying to avoid the hooks and weights, but of late they seem to have come to an accord. The ocean bottom around the pier helps make waves cleaner with longer faces, so it’s definitely a great spot to paddle out during a big, or even a small, swell. FINALISTS: Poles at Hanna Park, Jacksonville Beach
BEST SURF SHOP Sunrise Surf Shop Since 1976, this beaches surf shrine has been providing area surfers of all skill levels with the best variety of quality surfboards (and skateboards), and an array of accessories and fashionable beachwear. Folio Weekly readers know that Sunrise Surf Shop backs up its house motto, “Surf & Skate With The Best,” with a staff that knows how to suit up both the amateur and seasoned pro with great gear to fit every budget. The shop is also known for sponsoring boss surfing competitions and hailed for its altruistic side, which includes clothing drives and surf camps for children with autism. FINALISTS: Aqua East, Jax Beach Surf Shop
BEST PLACE TO BIKE Baldwin Trails Formally known as Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, Baldwin Trails is a multi-use path that extends from Northwest Jacksonville to the town of Baldwin. It’s a pretty gnarly place to bike throughout its 15 miles of paved path, whether you’re still rocking the training wheels or ready to try out your new Yeti SB-95 Carbon Pro XTR. The trail is also a habitat for everything
from turkeys to alligators to hawks to wood storks. Oh, and beware the coral snakes. FINALISTS: Hanna Park, Riverside
BEST BIKE SHOP Open Road Bicycles With six locations peppered throughout two counties, it’s no surprise that Open Road Bicycles is the go-to place for Northeast Florida’s cycling needs. Whether you’re looking for a new Shiv for the upcoming triathlon, just need a tune-up for your sick Bianchi road bike, or prefer the laidback vibe of a Jamis Earth Cruiser, Open Road’s got something for everyone. Or, if you’re simply seeking camaraderie for the open road, check out the almost daily group rides leaving from the San Marco location. FINALISTS: ZenCog Bicycle Co., Champion Cycling
BEST SKATE SHOP The SB Skate Co. (formerly Skate Bomb) Hit the deck! Skateboarding might not be a crime, but there’s no excuse to have shabby, lame-ass gear. Once again, this shop won our readers’ hearts as the premier place to score the dankest skateboards and skate accessories. Featuring a veritable arsenal of decks, inline and roller skates, and various street-ready paraphernalia, The SB Skate Co. has enough skating schwag to keep the most discerning shredder stocked up. Reasonable prices, a knowledgeable and friendly staff (who skate themselves, man!), and two locations make The SB Skate Co. Folio Weekly readers’ onestop skate shop. FINALISTS: Kona SK8 Shop, Sunrise Surf Shop
BEST DIVE SHOP Scuba Tiger Scuba Tiger makes no bones about it: They leave other dive shops in their wake, and Folio Weekly readers agree. Located on Wells Road in Orange Park, Scuba Tiger offers four-part open water diving classes and, of course, all the equipment you’ll need to submerge and enjoy the beauty beneath the surface. FINALISTS: Atlantic Pro Divers, Aqua East OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | BOJ19
“So if you could just write me my check for 10 percent of a half a million — five grand — I’ll go out and mingle.”
SHOPPING HEALTH & BEAUTY BEST B&B ON AMELIA ISLAND Elizabeth Pointe Lodge Luxurious beds, breakfast and the beach. What more could you ask for when planning a great vacation? Elizabeth Pointe Lodge offers it all, as well as a round-the-house porch for relaxing with a good book, delicious drink and awesome ocean view. Throw in free wine and hors d’oeuvres in the early evening and a chance to mingle with other guests, and you have a fantasy getaway worthy of our readers’ Best B&B honors. And there are many nearby boutiques, historical landmarks and fine-dining establishments, if you feel the need to venture out, though you might not. FINALISTS: The Fairbanks House, The Addison on Amelia Island
BEST B&B IN JACKSONVILLE Riverdale Inn This historic inn got its start as one of several mansions built along Riverside Avenue in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and is one of the last still standing today. When it was restored to its former glory and converted to an inn only a decade ago, many of the original fixtures were preserved, including the wood flooring and grand marble fireplaces. Each of the inn’s 10 rooms, some quaint, some spacious, have their own unique style, and were designed with individual architectural touches. The inn also features a large dining room where you can enjoy a continental breakfast with Southern flair and an afternoon tea, as well as a comfy bar and lounge. FINALISTS: The Jenks House Bed and Breakfast, Fig Tree House
BEST B&B IN ST. AUGUSTINE St. George Inn Nestled along the pedestrian-only St. George Street in The Ancient City, St. George Inn is a refuge from the overhead fluorescent and market-report décor of its chain hotel competition. With 25 rooms and suites, many overlooking local attractions like Castillo de San BOJ20 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
BEST B&B IN JACKSONVILLE: RIVERDALE INN
Marcos, the City Gate and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, the inn has plenty of space and modern appointments to make for a relaxing, pampered stay for a weekend or a month. Check your stress at the front desk, unpack your worries and decompress in style. FINALISTS: Casablanca Inn, St. Francis Inn
BEST BOOKSTORE Chamblin’s Uptown and Chamblin Bookmine It’s heartwarming to see a local bookstore still making it in the villainous shadow of Amazon’s Orwellian-robot silhouette. Chamblin’s tall shelves have been a resource for book hounds since the Ford Administration, specializing in new, used and rare volumes you just don’t see everywhere. For those who have moved past print into the digital age, there’s a great little café at the Uptown location where you can surf the interwebs and read the latest David Sedaris brain-droppings on your tablet. There’s nothing like a fresh, hot cup of irony. FINALISTS: Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million
BEST CLOTHING STORE Grease Rags Greasers and punks haven’t had an easy time finding rad duds in Jax in the past few years, outside of maybe a rare cool find at a mall chain store or a very limited selection at a head shop or record store. Since opening Downtown a year ago, though, this little alternative clothing store that could has thrived on its reputation for carrying a unique collection of alt apparel, including rockabilly, retro and punk styles of clothing and accessories for guys and gals. Despite its somewhat awkward location (it’s one of the few clothing stores operating Downtown), the store has attracted a large, loyal fan base of customers from all over Northeast Florida and South Georgia to its digs next to the Main Library. FINALISTS: Dillard’s, Wolfgang
BEST VINTAGE/CONSIGNMENT/ THRIFT STORE Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel Looking wealthy ain’t cheap, but upscale consignment stores give the rest of us a chance to own name-brand bags and designer duds on the low-low without anyone the wiser. Fifi’s has cornered the market in upscale consignment in a wide swath of the First Coast, with its four locations in Ponte Vedra Beach, San Marco, Intracoastal West and Mandarin — spacious stores full of high-end designer clothing, men’s styles, fun vintage finds, accessories and preloved wedding dresses. Bonus: Shop used and you can pat yourself on the back for saving green and living green. FINALISTS: Eco Relics, Goodwill
BEST HEALTH CLUB/GYM Bailey’s Health & Fitness Featuring 15 locations in Northeast Florida, Bailey’s keeps Folio Weekly readers fit and trim with a variety of top-gear workout equipment and gym amenities. Spin your way into cardio health with an indoor cycling class, bow up on those weights, or chill out after a workout in Bailey’s spa or sauna rooms. Knowing that the key to fitness is more than lunges and crunches, Bailey’s also offers newbies informative orientation classes so you can get in shape safely while avoiding injury. FINALISTS: YMCA, Planet Fitness OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | BOJ21
BEST OF JAX 2014 skill levels and ages, set to original music — jazz, funk, Latin, reggae, street, hip-hop, house, pop, rock, whatever gets you moving. FINALISTS: Nancy Dance, Studio K
BEST RECORD OR MUSIC STORE Deep Search Records While the influx of file-sharing and available online downloads has put a dent in the independent record store industry, Riverside’s Deep Search Records is a testament to the personal flavor provided only by a neighborhood record joint. Specializing in new and used vinyl, this 5 Points favorite offers stacks of wax, with genres ranging from noise and reggae to free jazz and indie rock. A friendly and highly knowledgeable staff ensures that you can fulfill Cousin Bubba’s birthday wish for those Sun Ra and Sufjan Stevens platters he’s been crowing about. FINALISTS: George’s Music, Young, Loud & Snotty
BEST TATTOO STUDIO
BEST DANCE STUDIO: DANCE TRANCE
BEST YOGA STUDIO Big Fish Power Yoga If they weren’t so zenned out, the crew at Big Fish Power Yoga might get a little gloat-y over making the Best of Jax list again this year. Owner Mary Lyn Jenkins’ Baptiste-inspired studio offers classes for every variety of aspiring yogi: lean sweating machines who want to contort like circus performers, beginners who just want a little kiss from the bliss, multiple sclerosis patients and Wounded Warriors. With classes starting as early at 6 a.m. and as late as 7:15 p.m., Big Fish makes sure anyone can fit some Namaste into their day. FINALISTS: Bikram, M Body Yoga
ditch cancer sticks in favor of these newfangled contraptions, and we figured maybe they were onto something. At New Leaf Vapor Co., the friendly staff will help guide you through a dizzying array of options — flavors, nicotine levels, chargers, batteries, filters, etc. — and help you find the e-cig that works best for you. FINALISTS: Black Hat, Real Vapors
BEST DANCE STUDIO Dance Trance Founded in 1994 by Jacksonville residents Jay and Beth Handline, Dance Trance now boasts more than 50 locations around the world. Locally, there are DT studios from Neptune Beach to San Marco to Fernandina Beach. A dance-fitness program, Dance Trance is a choreographed workout program for different
Inksmith & Rogers Now in its 30th year, Inksmith & Rogers has been beautifying the hides of locals and visitors with the best in tattoo work that combines history, creative talent and, just as important, surgical-quality hygiene standards. Locals have the choice of five locations to visit and more than a dozen top-notch artists to choose from, each of whom has the wherewithal and imagination to turn your pale, flabby epidermis into a veritable work of art! Free Folio Weekly tattoo suggestion? Adorn your back with a giant wide-mouthed bass bearing the inscription “Twerkin’ On It!” C’mon! Live a little! FINALISTS: Black Hive Tattoo, 8th Day Tattoo
BEST LIQUOR STORE ABC Fine Wine & Spirits There are two main things you look for in a liquor store: selection and simplicity. You want to get in, find what you’re looking for, and get out and get to it. ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, with
BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE Grassroots Natural Market “If you ignore your health, it will go away,” threatens some social media meme. Yet there is truth in this particular coercion, and Folio Weekly readers make sure that they’re getting the healthiest food items by shopping at Grassroots. Located in Riverside, this neighborhood favorite features healthful and organic produce, veggie fare and meats. The store deals with more than three-dozen area vendors to keep its business local and ensure the freshest products. What’s more, the 4,500-square-foot market has a great juice bar and deli, a killer selection of beer and wine, and a wide array of health and beauty products. FINALISTS: Native Sun, Whole Foods Market
BEST E-CIG/VAPOR STORE New Leaf Vapor Co. The first time we saw an e-cig, we thought they looked like an ’80s conception of what future vice would look like, sort of like the way the kids in Back to the Future II wore their clothes inside out. But then we saw our friends BOJ22 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
BEST CLOTHING STORE: GREASE RAGS
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BEST OF JAX 2014 locations throughout Northeast Florida, has you covered and then some — the “and then some” being knowledgeable, friendly service — which has made ABC the reigning Best Liquor champion for 12 years running. FINALISTS: Total Wine & More, Riverside Liquors & Village Wine Shop
BEST WINE STORE Total Wine & More You can, quite literally, get lost in the seemingly endless maze that is Total Wine & More’s wine selection. (We have.) Here, the Spanish wines, over there the Argentinians. Oh, hey, there’s a French red, and, look, a Napa chardonnay. And on (and on) it goes; no matter what style of wine you’re after, or where it came from, there’s a good chance that Total Wine has it. And if you’re not sure, they’ll be happy to help you find one to suit any occasion, or just to experiment. (We do.) FINALISTS: Riverside Liquors & Village Wine Shop, W90+
BEST FARMERS MARKET Riverside Arts Market Saturdays under the bridge are made for loading up on fresh produce, homemade beef jerky, honey, cheese curds, kettle corn and locally made ice cream while listening to live music, walking your dog, and chowing down on Filipino pancit and lumpia at this Riverside destination beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge. With myriad arrays of jewelry, clothing, crafts and specialty food items from which to choose, RAM is truly a family affair. FINALISTS: Jacksonville Farmers Market (Beaver Street), Freshfields Farm
BEST HAIR SALON Hawthorn Salon When owners Jim Stracke and Lea Laskowitz started Hawthorn Salon in 5 Points, their vision was to offer high-quality services in a relaxed and fun environment. Clearly, they’ve succeeded. Open five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday, Hawthorn has become the essential place to get your coif cut and mane moussed. And they give you a cold beer while
BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE: GRASSROOTS you get your hair cut. FINALISTS: Cortello Salon, Theresa and Co. Hair Salon
love always being a listening ear!” FINALISTS: Carolina Sherman (Cut-N-Edge Salon), Ron Nepa (Ron’s at Arcadia Place)
BEST HAIRSTYLIST
BEST LAWYER
Brooke Travis (Theresa and Co. Hair Salon) A hairstylist with more than eight years’ experience, Brooke Travis at Theresa and Co. Hair Salon in Argyle is a popular go-to for most anything hair-related. The salon, a relative newcomer to the local beauty industry, offers everything from wash and styles to mani/pedis to massages. “I enjoy making people feel better about themselves by giving them a great cut, color and extra confidence,” Travis says. “I also
John M. Phillips This year marks the fourth in a row that John Phillips has been your choice for Best Lawyer. Maybe it’s because he effusively campaigns for your vote on Facebook and Twitter; maybe it’s because of his work on behalf of Jordan Davis’ family and in other high-profile cases; or maybe it’s because Phillips is a smart and principled champion of righteous causes — and for a lawyer, he’s kind of a cool guy, too. FINALISTS: Nick James, Bill Sheppard
BEST DOCTOR Dr. Loren Z. Clayman (Dr. Clayman’s Plastic Surgery Center) Board-certified in otolaryngology (that’s a big word for ear, nose and throat docs), head and neck surgery, and plastic surgery, Dr. Loren Z. Clayman specializes in breast enhancement, facelifts, tummy tucks and a laundry list of other surgical procedures. He’s the founder of Dr. Clayman’s Plastic Surgery Center, next to St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Riverside, as well as past president of the Jacksonville Society of Plastic Surgeons. Clayman completed his undergrad work at Harvard and earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. Now that’s an impressive résumé. FINALISTS: Arpitha Ketty (Baptist Ponte Vedra Beach), Bonnie White (Ponte Vedra Medical Center)
BEST PLASTIC SURGEON Dr. Mark A. Clayman (Dr. Clayman’s Plastic Surgery Center) Now that Joan Rivers has passed on, there’s plenty of plastic surgery to go around. So if you’re in the market for a nose job, boob job or any other job, Dr. Mark A. Clayman is pretty handy with the knife. Dr. Clayman earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University, graduated from Jefferson Medical College and completed his surgical and plastic surgery training at the University of Florida. Today, Dr. Clayman’s part of Dr. Clayman’s Plastic Surgery Center, where he also specializes in breast reduction, nasal reconstruction and facial trauma. FINALISTS: Dr. Hollie J. Hickman (Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery), Dr. Lewis J. Obi (Jacksonville Plastic Surgery & Medspa)
BEST NURSE OR PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT
BEST HAIR SALON: HAWTHORN SALON BOJ24 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
Brianne Pla Pitts, ARNP Brianne Pla Pitts knows a thing or two about the circulatory system. As a board-certified nurse practitioner at Ellison Vein Institute, located at Baptist Hospital Downtown, Pitts
BEST OF JAX 2014 works one-on-one with her patients in the treatment of varicose veins and venous disorders. Pitts received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Florida State University and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Florida, and has extensive experience in sclerotherapy, endovenous procedures, ambulatory phlebectomy, sonography and management of venous disorders. FINALISTS: Jennifer Solano (Clayman & Associates), Tina Campla (Clayman & Associates)
check-ups for Northeast Florida’s beloved pets. The not-for-profit animal hospital was named for Saint Francis of Assisi, an Italian Catholic friar known as the patron saint of animals, and provides affordable veterinary care seven days a week. Check out the office’s “Healthy Pet Happy Hour,” reasonably priced vaccination packages for cats and dogs, and its annual fundraising events like the Chariots of Fur. FINALISTS: Will Daniels (Beaches Animal Hospital), Greg Bennett (San Juan Animal Hospital)
BEST HOSPITAL
BEST PLACE TO BUY A CAR
Baptist Health When our readers are seeking the best in medical attention and overall healthcare, they look no further than Baptist Health. With six main locations in Northeast Florida, including the heart center and Wolfson Children’s Hospital, and more than a dozen outpatient centers, Baptist offers local residents stateof-the-art medical care delivered by a highly trained and reputable staff. Whether you need emergency or primary care, health screenings, surgery or (like the entire staff of this esteemed publication) extensive mental health care, this area landmark is the place to go for the best in all-around medical knowhow. FINALISTS: St. Vincent’s, Mayo Clinic
Tom Bush Family Maybe the radiator blew in your 1997 cherry-red Geo Tracker, or your grandmother’s Chrysler LeBaron convertible hand-me-down finally bit the dust. Either way, the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships on Atlantic Boulevard is Jacksonville’s go-to when trading in the jalopy for a sweet new set of wheels. From BMW and Volkswagen to Mazda and MINI, the Bush Family has been wheelin’ and dealin’ since 1970. Not in the market for a new car? That’s cool. Tom Bush also offers a certified collision center and online parts store so you can fix up your current ride. FINALISTS: Carmax, Autoline Mayport
BEST DAY SPA
Underwood’s Jewelers With more than eight decades serving Northeast Florida’s fine jewelry needs, it’s no surprise that Underwood’s has once again been chosen as the favorite place to score some bling (Seriously. Underwood’s has taken this prize every one of the 15 years Folio Weekly readers have voted on it.) Founded in 1928 by Herbert F. Underwood, Underwood’s started as a diamond and watch store in Palatka. Today, with locations in San Marco, Ponte Vedra Beach, Avondale and The Avenues Mall, Underwood’s hawks everything from Raymond Weil watches to the Ritani Collection of diamond rings. In the market for a classic 18-karat white gold semi-mount with a brilliant cushion-shaped diamond halo? Underwood’s has got you covered. FINALISTS: Beard’s Jewelry, Faith Jewelers
Dr. Clayman’s Miracle Spa Located in Riverside, Dr. Clayman’s Miracle Spa offers a total hodgepodge of spa services. Sure, there are the standards — facials, massages, manicures and pedicures — but staff members pride themselves on staying up-to-date on cutting-edge treatments such as chemical peels, endermologie (cell stimulation) and something called the Hyperbaric 02 Chamber. Check out one of the many spa packages, too, including the Fabulous Escape, Pamper Me Monthly and Make Over Magic. FINALISTS: Ponte Vedra Inn, One Ocean
BEST VETERINARIAN Saint Francis Animal Hospital Founded in 2003 by Susan Shelton, DVM, Saint Francis Animal Hospital offers emergency care, surgery, dentistry, vaccinations and routine
BEFORE
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AFTER
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BEST JEWELRY STORE
BEST TATTOO STUDIO: INKSMITH & ROGERS
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“Those are good burgers, Walter.”
FOOD & DRINK BEST RESTAURANT IN JACKSONVILLE/ BEST SLOW FOOD RESTAURANT/ BEST RESTAURANT TO IMPRESS A DATE/BEST WINE LIST Restaurant Orsay Jacksonville is blessed with a surfeit of excellent date-night-worthy restaurants, but one sits at the top of the heap, at least in the eyes of Folio Weekly readers, and with good reason: Restaurant Orsay offers smart, inventive dishes in a setting that works just as well for wine-anddine business meetings as nights out with your best gal (we’ve done both). There’s an extensive, impressive wine list, solid cocktail offerings and a killer dessert menu, but what really makes Orsay stand head and shoulders above its peers is its commitment to fresh, local ingredients and farm-to-table quality that shines through in every single entrée. BEST RESTAURANT IN JACKSONVILLE/ RESTAURANT TO IMPRESS A DATE FINALISTS: Black Sheep, Ruth’s Chris Steak House BEST SLOW FOOD FINALISTS: Black Sheep, Corner Taco BEST WINE LIST FINALISTS: Ovinte, Wine Cellar
BEST RESTAURANT IN ORANGE PARK/FLEMING ISLAND BEST PIZZA IN ORANGE PARK/ FLEMING ISLAND BEST PIZZA IN JACKSONVILLE/ BEST TRIVIA NIGHT Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers According to some of those cranks we call historians, Italians may have allegedly invented pizza, but clearly pizza is an American food group. While those boring Italian purists prefer the Margherita or the Marina — yawn — the crust wunderkinds and topping virtuosos at Mellow Mushroom are constantly inventing new ways to enjoy this breakfast, lunch and dinner treat. Take a bite of the Red Skin Potato Pie, Thai Dye or Mellowterranean and you’ll see BOJ26 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
that purity, clearly, is highly overrated. Offering more than just pizza — salads, calzones, hoagies, etc. — the Atlanta-based chain celebrates its 40th delectable anniversary this year. If the pies and other eats aren’t convincing enough — and they are, trust us — our readers also voted MM’s trivia night, a righteous, beer-soaked celebration of geek knowledge, the best around. BEST RESTAURANT IN ORANGE PARK/ FLEMING ISLAND FINALISTS: Brewer’s Pizza, Hurricane Grill & Wings BEST PIZZA IN ORANGE PARK/FLEMING ISLAND FINALISTS: Brewer’s Pizza, Renna’s Pizza BEST RESTAURANT IN JACKSONVILLE FINALISTS: Moon River Pizza, Al’s Pizza BEST TRIVIA NIGHT FINALISTS: Dick’s Wings & Grill, Mangia! La Pizza Italian Bistro & Bar
BEST RESTAURANT ON AMELIA ISLAND/ BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR ON AMELIA ISLAND
Tampa’s Ybor City, has been serving traditional Spanish and Cuban fare in Florida for more than 100 years, and in its St. Augustine location for more than 30. Its location on downtown St. Augustine’s bustling St. George Street is almost always packed, especially on weekends when the weather’s nice and tourist season is in full swing. The food and service are excellent, but the atmosphere is what really puts this place at the top of the list. Dining at Columbia Restaurant is a real treat, from the main dining room to the moody wine cellar to the enclosed palm-tree-filled patio. FINALISTS: Cap’s on the Water, The Floridian
BEST RESTAURANT WHEN YOU’RE PAYING TacoLu Baja Mexicana Cheap is good. Cheap and good is even better. And if you’re treating but still want to impress, TacoLu Baja Mexicana is your spot. Festive, high-energy, affordable and, above all else, very tasty, TacoLu is where the locals
go for a great night out. Pro tip: The shrimp and scallop tacos are to die for. There’s a great tequila selection, too, if you’re into that sort of thing (and you are). FINALISTS: Hawkers Asian Street Fare, Chomp Chomp
BEST RESTAURANT WHEN SOMEONE ELSE IS PAYING BEST STEAK Ruth’s Chris Steak House Founded in 1965 by Ruth Fertel, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is a high-end chain boasting two Northeast Florida locations in Ponte Vedra Beach and riverfront in Downtown Jacksonville (inside the Crowne Plaza Hotel). Whether you’re in the mood for a petite filet, a thick T-bone or a New York strip, these guys know how to grill a mean slab of beef. There are also some pretty tasty sides, like tempura onion rings, sweet potato casserole and broccoli au gratin. BEST RESTAURANT WHEN SOMEONE ELSE
Salty Pelican Bar & Grill Some restaurants just have that ish on lock. Salty Pelican is one of them. Attracting a diverse crowd of locals, seafarers, tourists and tarts, it’s the kind of place where you stop in for a drink, a snack and a sunset view of the river, wind up ordering dinner — more oysters! Sweet potato fries all around! — and staying ’til the closing bell rings. Or was that ringing only in your ears? You may not remember why or when you came, but you’ll be glad you did. BEST RESTAURANT ON AMELIA ISLAND FINALISTS: Salt at The Ritz-Carlton, 29 South BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR ON AMELIA ISLAND FINALISTS: Green Turtle Tavern, The Palace Saloon
BEST RESTAURANT IN ST. AUGUSTINE Columbia Restaurant Columbia Restaurant, which got its start in
BEST BURRITO: BURRITO GALLERY
BEST OF JAX 2014 BEST BURGER IN ST. AUGUSTINE Cruisers Grill The origin of the hamburger is steeped in mystery and intrigue. The only thing that’s clear is that after more than a century — experts can at least agree that the American fave dates back to the turn of the 20th century — the hamburger still dominates all things sandwich. When St. Augustinians crave America’s favorite meatand-bread medley, their taste buds lead them to Cruisers Grill. Make it a showstopper with cheddar fries and a malt milkshake. Calories don’t count that close to the beach. FINALISTS: Ice Plant Bar, Gas Full Service Restaurant
BEST ALL YOU CAN EAT BEST BURGER IN JACKSONVILLE: MSHACK IS PAYING FINALISTS: Restaurant Orsay, Capital Grille BEST STEAK FINALISTS: Capital Grille, Longhorn Steakhouse
BEST CHEF Tom Gray (Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails) Even after earning national acclaim with two James Beard nominations, being recognized as the best chef in Jacksonville by the community he serves is perhaps Tom Gray’s most humbling honor. Moxie’s menu offers sophisticated twists on familiar flavors found throughout the Southeast. The best seat in the house at Moxie is the chef ’s table, where you can watch Gray as he delightfully conducts a symphony of culinary harmony. Watching the smile on his face as each beautifully plated dish leaves his hand, it’s easy to see why Folio Weekly readers adore his genius. FINALISTS: Dennis Chan (Blue Bamboo), Josh Agan (Flying Iguana)
BEST SERVER Destiney Cassano (Charlie’s Diner) There’s nothing quite like grabbing some grub at a greasy spoon. That is, unless your chili cheeseburger is served with the warmth and smile of a good waitress. In steps Destiney Cassano, a server and manager at Charlie’s Diner on Philips Highway. Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch, Charlie’s is a relative newcomer to the diner circuit, having just opened this past summer. But it’s quickly gaining momentum. From Charlie’s country-fried steak with gravy to an extensive omelet menu and the popular Country Boy Breakfast, Cassano and the rest of the staff offer traditional diner fare with a Southern flair — all with a larger-than-life smile. FINALISTS: Ryan Young (Metro Diner), Jennifer Williams (What’s Cookin’)
BEST NEW RESTAURANT/ BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT Hawkers Asian Street Fare Until recently, 5 Points lacked a hip Asian spot. Hawkers fills that void fabulously. Reasonably priced, sharable small plates like roast duck, cod fillet with black bean sauce and wok-fired lettuce meet a great sake and craft beer selection, addictive noodle bowls, and an assortment of fried rice options, plus soups and skewers. Don’t miss the awesome roti canai to start — a bowl of spicy curry dipping sauce and the most buttery, pillowy warm flatbreads known to man. BEST NEW RESTAURANT FINALISTS: Flying Iguana, Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT FINALISTS: Mr. Chan, P.F. Chang’s
BEST BURGER ON AMELIA ISLAND T-Ray’s Burger Station Who would have thought a gas station would be the site of some of the most delicious hamburgers in Fernandina Beach? A whole lot of people, right from the beginning, in 1998. T-Ray Mullis, the son of the gas station’s owner, went to work for his father, but secretly wanted to do something else — make great food. T-Ray’s initially served only takeout, and people flocked in as word spread about how good his burgers were. T-Ray then built a small eat-in restaurant connected to the gas station. The motto was “EAT HERE AND GET GAS.” The station is still there, but it’s now a full restaurant. And 16 years later, people still flock there for food, giving T-Ray’s the biggest thumbs-up for burgers on Amelia Island. FINALISTS: Tasty’s Fresh Burgers & Fries, Salty Pelican Bar & Grill
BEST BURGER IN JACKSONVILLE MShack The Medure brothers may have begun their Jacksonville festivus in fine dining, but with MShack, they’ve made their mark on the mouthbreathing masses. With three delicious locations serving classic combinations like the “M” Burger (American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle and shack sauce) alongside whimsical amalgamations like the Portobello Truffle Burger (smoked gouda, bacon, truffle-flavored portobello mushroom and sherry glaze), the dynamic restaurateur duo offers a little sumpin’-sumpin’ for all, from chubby checkers (Insanity Challenged) to vegetarians (Veggie Burger) to those freaks who toss tires around warehouses (Cross Fit Burger). FINALISTS: Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Cruisers Grill
BEST BURGER IN ORANGE PARK/ FLEMING ISLAND Five Guys Burgers and Fries Others can imitate, but there’s only one Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Voted Best Burger in Orange Park/Fleming Island, Five Guys serves ’em up hot, fresh and made-to-order with your choice of yummy toppings. It’s the kind of burger that makes long-married couples fall in love all over again, the burger of which angels trumpet and choirs sing. Never frozen, always juicy, with more than 250,000 possible topping combinations, if you’re in the mood for a honking good hunk of meat, Five Guys is the way to go. FINALISTS: Ted’s Montana Grill, The Loop Pizza Grill
Arden’s Kafé & Katering Nestled in a little Westside strip mall that is too easily overlooked, Arden’s Kafe’s buffet is the place to consume mass quantities. Your cholesterol may not like it, but your taste buds surely will: chicken wings, pork chops, homemade mac ’n’ cheese, liver and onions, biscuits and cornbread, seafood gumbo — on and on, and that’s not even counting the Saturday morning breakfast buffet, which is similarly sublime and food-comainducing. Think corned beef hash, country-fried steak, ham, grits, biscuits — a gluttonous orgy of the very best kind. FINALISTS: Sweet Tomatoes, Fuji Sushi
BEST BAGEL Bagel Love Jacksonville isn’t the first city that comes to mind when you think of bagels, but Bagel Love in Avondale has you covered when it comes to the boiled-and-then-baked kosher specialty. Sweet or savory bagel variations such as spinach garlic and cinnamon crunch accompany classic standbys like pumpernickel and egg. Together with a wide variety of spreads, including pesto and Nutella, the mind-boggling array of possible flavor combinations is truly overwhelming. Oy vey! OK. Enough. We’re keeping it real with an untoasted salt bagel with lox and a cream cheese spread. FINALISTS: Panera Bread, Bagel World
BEST BARBECUE Mojo The delightful smell emanating from the pit at any one of the five Mojo locations around Northeast Florida entices pork-crazed disciples of barbecue from far and wide. Mojo focuses on Southern cooking, and has a menu chockfull of a wide cross-section of barbecue styles. For those with big appetites, the Big Mojo platter includes a sampling of ribs, chicken, brisket, sausage and pulled pork. Order the Kansas City Burnt Ends as an appetizer. This glorious dish of juicy smoked brisket is so sinfully delicious that our City Council might try to outlaw it. FINALISTS: Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q, 4 Rivers Smokehouse
BEST BURRITO Burrito Gallery Wet or dry, loaded with veggies or filled with seasoned meat, you can’t beat a burrito to kill even the most intense hunger pangs. When it comes to this tubular taste sensation, Folio Weekly readers know that Burrito Gallery supplies the goods and then some. Featuring a Downtown and beaches location (and a forthcoming two-story spot in Riverside), BG combines a laid-back atmosphere, cool local art on the walls, and a great selection of items like burritos, tacos, wraps and salads. FINALISTS: Lola’s, Chipotle OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | BOJ27
BEST OF JAX 2014 to satisfy their jones for a nutritional fix. With more than a dozen locations in Northeast Florida, Tropical Smoothie reigns supreme. Stay fit and trim with one of their low-fat selections, flex those pecs with a Muscle Blaster, or get a caffeine boost with the Mocha Madness. Tropical Smoothie also has a great selection of wraps, sandwiches, plenty of veggie options and a kids’ menu. FINALISTS: Smoothie King, Pulp
BEST SOUP
BEST COFFEE HOUSE: BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS BEST CHICKEN WINGS Dick’s Wings & Grill With its rustic NASCAR theme, ice-cold beer and tons of flatscreens showing the big game, Dick’s Wings & Grill is Folio Weekly readers’ favorite joint for wings. It makes sense. The Americana eatery, whose tagline is “Our wings are HOT!,” offers 365 flavor and spice combinations of wings (check out Cajun Ranch and Caribbean Jerk) as well as salads, flatbreads and burgers. And with a brand new storefront off U.S. 1 in St. Augustine, Dick’s now boasts more than a dozen locations in the area. You may now proceed with the chicken dance. FINALISTS: Hurricane Grill & Wings, Buffalo Wild Wings
BEST COFFEEHOUSE Bold Bean Coffee Roasters The folks at Bold Bean don’t think about coffee the way you do. It’s not just a pick-me-up, not just part of the morning routine. It’s an art form, worthy of care and attention to detail, artisanal in every sense of the word. And the coffee — skip the cream and sugar, and take the pour-over if you’ve got time — speaks for itself, with fresh-roasted, organic beans brewed in a variety of methods, including French press and Chemex. Or if that doesn’t convince you, consider this: Bold Bean’s been open almost three years, and has racked up three Best of Jax awards. FINALISTS: Starbucks, Lillie’s Coffee Bar
BEST DESSERT Biscottis Dessert and Biscottis are one and the same. Whether you’re hungry or not, there’s always room for a towering slice of Oreo mousse cake or a ramekin of silky crème brûlée or the signature warmed bread pudding (don’t forget the scoop of ice cream on top!) at this Avondale eatery. With at least a dozen varieties of sweet oversized treats available daily, there’s surely something to please all palates. Sharing is not required. FINALISTS: Cheesecake Factory, bb’s restaurant and bar
BEST FROZEN YOGURT sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt If you’re looking for a little religion mixed with your frozen dessert treats, head to one of the three sweetFrog franchise locations in Northeast Florida (Ponte Vedra Beach, Baymeadows and
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Panera Bread Perfect as a meal or side, soup is one of the oldest known dishes, tracing its savory origins to 20,000 B.C. For flavor and variety, Folio Weekly readers tout Panera Bread as the premier place to satisfy their cravings for a warm bowl or cup of this universal mealtime favorite and ultimate comfort food. Offering daily specials like Bistro French Onion, Low-Fat All-Natural Chicken Noodle, New England Clam Chowder and tasty veggie options, Panera also quells your carb cravings with its popular soup-and-bread bowl. FINALISTS: Soup’s On, Sweet Tomatoes
BEST SUB San Jose). According to sweetFrog’s website, the Frog stands for “Fully Rely On God.” If the Almighty isn’t your thing, you can still chow down on one of thousands of fro-yo combos, like nonfat angel food cake frozen yogurt topped with fresh kiwi chunks or maple bacon donut drizzled in marshmallow sauce. With so many tasty offerings, WWJD? FINALISTS: Yobe Frozen Yogurt, myMochi Frozen Yogurt
BEST HOT DOG Hot Dog Hut Honoring the Teutonic-tinged roots of the Bavarian-born bratwurst — including such linkshaped ancestors as the Wiener, the Blutwurst and the Schwarzwurst — when locals want to “follow the wieners” (oh, the puns) they head to Jax Beach’s Hot Dog Hut. This repeat winner and fan favorite in our Best of Jax readers’ poll offers more than a dozen flavorful frankfurter specialty dishes, including pepper-and-onion-slathered Arizona Dog, tangy Onion Sauce Dog and classic Slaw Dog. In addition to these savory delights, the neighborhood fave serves spicy sausages, an extensive sandwich menu, kid-sized portions and gut-pleasing sides like fries and onion rings. FINALISTS: Orange Tree Hot Dogs, Sonic Drive-in
BEST SEAFOOD
Angie’s Subs It looks like just another sub shop, but the crowds at Angie’s in Jax Beach immediately disavow you of that notion. Angie’s has too many varieties (The Peruvian!) of subs to mention here, but if you’ve never been, ask around, and you’ll soon learn that everything is delicious. There’s a reason Folio Weekly readers have granted Angie’s Best Sub honors two years in a row. FINALISTS: Firehouse Subs, Publix, Larry’s Giant Subs
BEST SUSHI Kazu Japanese Restaurant If you dream of uni, bluefin tuna, tilefish, sea bream and live scallops, you’ll be happy to know they arrive often to this Mandarin strip-mall spot, because here, freshness is king. Enjoy a lengthy sushi menu in the modern eatery, which is a perfect place to kick back with a plate of colorful raw sashimi and rice and a cold bottle of Sapporo. There are oodles of standard and specialty rolls, including the Spicy Scallop Roll with fresh scallop, avocado and tobiko and a spicy sauce. And feel free to request brown rice instead of white. FINALISTS: Fuji Sushi, Crazy Sushi
BEST TAPAS 13 Gypsies Where else can you find curried cauliflower,
chorizo with honey-sautéed pears and spiced dates, crêpes stuffed with Black Forest ham and melted Swiss, and shrimp piri-piri with Portuguese ginger and a lemony sauce? With an ever-changing, perfectly cooked risotto of the day, it’s evident Chef Howard Kirk lets his creativity run wild in the kitchen. With just a few tables, reservations are a must at this Riverside gem. Save room for spongy, sweet très leches cake for dessert. FINALISTS: Tapa That, Ovinte
BEST MICROBREWERY Intuition Ale Works Intuition makes some damn fine beers — the I-10 IPA is a particular favorite, as is King Street Stout — which is why our readers named it Best Microbrewery, a well-deserved honor. We’d like to take a second to recognize Intuition for the service it performed earlier this year on behalf of all Florida beer-lovers lobbying against odious legislation proffered in the state Legislature that would have, in essence, restricted craft breweries into oblivion at the behest of Big Beer. Intuition led the fight, and the status quo prevailed in Tallahassee — and for that alone, they deserve kudos, and our gratitude. Cheers to you, Intuition. FINALISTS: Bold City Brewery, Aardwolf Brewery
BEST PUB OR BREWPUB Engine 15 Brewing Co. It’s five o’clock somewhere, and if you’re in the mood for sudsy refreshment — and really, when are you not? — Engine 15 in Jax Beach has tons and tons of options to quench your thirst. Drawing both on Engine 15’s extensive line of hopsy concoctions and the best offerings from other brewers all over, the Beach Boulevard pub has something for every beer drinker. Whether you crave a stiff-and-biting double IPA or an alcohol-heavy barley wine, Engine 15 more than likely has what you seek, served in a friendly casual atmosphere. FINALISTS: Lynch’s Irish Pub, Culhane’s Irish Pub
BEST BAR FOOD/BEST BEER SELECTION/ BEST LATE-NIGHT SPOT Kickbacks Gastropub Some bars get into the food business to keep their clientele from wandering out the door for Taco Bell or, cringe, Krystal, when the drunchies kick in (that’s drunk munchies, kiddos). Not Kickbacks Gastropub. They’re in the food
Salt Life Food Shack And here we thought those Salt Life stickers on the backs of cars had something to do with ocean living. Well, maybe they do, but according to our readers, there should be a sticker for Salt Life Food Shack (in Jax Beach and St. Augustine), which they voted the best seafood restaurant in all of Northeast Florida. The restaurants offer appetizers, sushi, a raw bar, seafood entrées and fish tacos (and chicken and steak tacos, too, but those are unnecessary). Do yourself a favor and check out the Beach Boil — shrimp, crab legs, sausage, corn, onions and potatoes, all boiled together. You can thank us later. FINALISTS: Singleton’s Seafood Shack, North Beach Fish Camp
BEST SMOOTHIE Tropical Smoothie Suck it up! What started out as a drink for health nuts has become the ultimate beverage for folks looking for a healthy, delicious and cool way
BEST PIZZA ON AMELIA ISLAND: MOON RIVER PIZZA
BEST OF JAX 2014
BEST PIZZA IN JACKSONVILLE: MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS business just as much as they’re in the drinks business: all the way, baby. Kickbacks’ vast and ever-changing beer selection is guaranteed to dazzle the gustatory perception of man, woman or beast (read: PBR drinkers). Open a dizzying 20 hours a day, Kickbacks is well worth surfing the hipster wave that crashes on its doorstep. And the recent addition of the Goozlepipe & Guttyworks dining area, as well as the dozens and dozens of new menu items that are rolling out in the weeks ahead, offer even more reasons to stop in. BEST BAR FOOD FINALISTS: The Garage, Engine 15 BEST BEER SELECTION FINALISTS: Engine 15, World of Beer BEST LATE-NIGHT SPOT FINALISTS: Mellow Mushroom, The Garage
BEST HAPPY HOUR European Street Café Getting your drink on can be an expensive habit, especially when you have a hankering for a quality beer (or five.) That’s where German-style bistro European Street Café comes in. Drafts are two-for-one, bottles are $1.50, and wine is $1 off per glass from 2-7 p.m. every day. Even better: They manage to score hard-to-find kegs issued from The Fatherland and have a nice selection of microbrews. Eat some sausages, beer cheese soup or pretzels to sop up the alcohol. FINALISTS: Pele’s Wood Fire, Restaurant Orsay
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR IN JACKSONVILLE Pete’s Bar OK, well, it’s not exactly in Jacksonville proper, but the ages-old watering hole in Neptune Beach is nonetheless famous and revered throughout Duval. (And beyond: John Grisham mentioned it in a best-selling novel.) Pete’s, a bar that has been around since before you were born, this year reclaimed the crown it owned solid from 1998 to 2010 from the bar scene’s young whippersnappers. It’s a stand-by, a must-visit, a watering hole of the best kind, a place that stands out in an area rife with bars and lounges, a dive, yes, but a cozy one. And that’s why you still love it after all these years. FINALISTS: rain dogs., Kickbacks Gastropub
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR IN ST. AUGUSTINE Scarlett O’Hara’s Folks just can’t get enough of Miss Scarlett.
This year, Scarlett O’Hara’s tops our readers’ list as the best damn watering hole in St. Augustine for the eighth time. The iconic spot crams three distinct bar vibes into one address: a chill outdoor bar where sports fans congregate to cheer and swill beer, a club-kid zone inside for twerking and buying shots of Fireball for that hottie you just met, and a Ghost Bar upstairs where legend has it at least one of the patrons isn’t of the flesh-and-blood variety. Spoookkky. FINALISTS: Ice Plant Bar, Milltop Tavern
BEST MARGARITA/ BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT La Nopalera Because each La Nopalera (or La Nop as the locals call it) has different ownership, each restaurant has its own vibe, with its own unique décor, recipes and specials. One thing they all have in common, however, is large portions on the cheap, and that’s not just the food. On top of draft beer specials, most La Nop locations have cheaper-than-most deals on margaritas. The chain’s Mandarin spot has Margarita Mondays with $3 12-ounce house margaritas, and in Arlington you can order a fish-bowl-sized 16-ounce pour for only $2.50. It’s the popular San Marco location that takes the cake, though, serving up two-for-one margaritas all day, every day. And while you’re at it, the steak fajitas are pretty spectacular. BEST MARGARITA FINALISTS: Flying Iguana, TacoLu BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT FINALISTS: TacoLu, Cantina Laredo
BEST MARTINI Ocean 60 Journalist and satirist H.L. Mencken called the martini “the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet.” And while the classic version of this cocktail includes gin and vermouth, garnished with an olive or lemon twist, the martini has undergone a serious metamorphosis over the past decade. At Ocean 60, a fine-dining restaurant in Atlantic Beach, the martini menu is extensive, featuring creative and delectable concoctions like the Cucumbertini (gin or vodka with pressed cucumber), the French Martini (vodka, raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice), and the Elegance Martini (gin, Cointreau and a splash of dry vermouth). FINALISTS: Dos Gatos, Bonefish Grill
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BEST OF JAX 2014 BEST BARTENDER Casey Shelton (Dos Gatos) There are two things that all bartenders must possess in order to be successful. First, a heavy hand. Second, the gift of gab. When it comes to Casey Shelton, bar manager and bartender at Dos Gatos in Downtown Jacksonville, he’s considered “the best goddamn bartender from Timbuktu to Portland, Maine or Portland, Oregon for that matter,” at least according to the watering hole’s website, which, yes, may be biased, but at least here in Northeast Florida, Folio Weekly readers seem to agree. So whether you’re looking for a beer or one of the bar’s signature cocktails, visit Shelton. He’s got you covered. FINALISTS: Fernando Mesa (Brix), Bri Smith (Gold Club)
BEST SPORTS BAR Sneakers Jacksonville’s a sports-obsessed town, and if you can’t (or can’t afford to) snag a seat at the stadium, your second-best bet is to catch the game at one of Sneakers’ two area locations. The one-story-high screens that cover several of the sports bars’ walls may not be as big as the stadium’s videoboards, but you might not mind so much with a scantily clad cheerlead … er, waitress dropping off your wings and beers at a fraction of the stadium price. The Baymeadows location even offers ping-pong tables (or flip cup tables, as they’re often used) on its deck to keep you occupied during game downtimes, or in the third quarter, by which time the whole affair has usually gotten depressing. FINALISTS: Ale House, Buffalo Wild Wings
BEST BARTENDER: CASEY SHELTON (DOS GATOS) toppings. Jacksonville native Anthony Hashem’s cheerfully painted food India’s truck is slated to also become a brick-and-mortar in 5 Points by the end of the year. For now, the Jax Truckies Facebook page lets you know how to chase down the big cheese for lunch or dinner. Keep it cheesy, Jacksonville. FINALISTS: On the Fly, Funkadelic
BEST BREAKFAST
Pinegrove Market & Deli Situated on Pinegrove Avenue in Avondale, the fittingly named Pinegrove Market & Deli offers everything from homemade soups and handcrafted sandwiches to fresh-ground burgers and custom-cut aged steaks. Started by the Bajalia family, Pinegrove Deli has grown into an undisputed Jacksonville institution. Get the Camel Ryder and find out why. FINALISTS: Publix, Sun Deli
Metro Diner A place that serves chocolate chip pancakes bigger than your head is a keeper. Metro Diner has become so wildly popular locally that it has expanded — now to four area locations, with perhaps national domination on the way. Each restaurant serves breakfast favorites like the towering Yo Hala on the Square, a thick slab of challah bread stuffed with bananas, brown sugar, cream cheese and hazelnut syrup, then topped with a blueberry compote, and the massive Fried Chicken and Waffle — half a fried chicken, an entire Belgian waffle, a scoop of strawberry butter, and a side of sweet and spicy hot sauce. FINALISTS: Maple Street Biscuit Co., Fox Restaurant
BEST FOOD TRUCK
BEST BAKERY
The Happy Grilled Cheese With menu-board items like the best-selling Daddy of the Mac Melt (American, cheddar, mozzarella, homemade mac ‘n’ cheese, pulled pork, caramelized onion and sweet BBQ sauce drizzle), you’ll be up to your eyeballs in ooey-gooey-melty cheese and all the requisite
Edgewood Bakery It’s the longest-running bakery in Jacksonville — this local landmark has been creating delicious baked goods in the heart of Murray Hill for more than 60 years. Edgewood Bakery not only offers yummy homemade-style donuts and desserts, but also a full lunch menu every day, with thick
BEST DELI
sandwiches served on fresh-baked bread. Just the delectable smells alone make the trip to Edgewood worth it, and the rest is icing on the cake. (Get it? Icing. Cake.) Order the Homer donut (a huge pink-frosted glazed donut with sprinkles … Mmmm … donuts) or a signature red velvet cookie, and you’ll swear you’ve died and gone to sugar-high heaven. FINALISTS: Cinotti’s Bakery, Sweet Theory Baking Co.
BEST PIZZA ON AMELIA ISLAND Moon River Pizza The Bottorff brothers opened their dream pizza place in Fernandina Beach more than a decade ago, and have built an almost cult-like following at the original Amelia Island location and newer Murray Hill digs. Fans keep coming back for Moon River’s huge slices and pies of Northern-style dough piled high with fresh ingredients. This is definitely not your average slice shop, and patrons love the quirky vibe only Moon River can offer, with a rotating collection of local artists’ work hanging on the walls and everything from James Brown to Tool blaring through the speakers. FINALISTS: Mellow Mushroom, Arte Pizza
BEST PIZZA IN ST. AUGUSTINE Pizzalley’s Chianti Room According to Pizza Magazine (how do we get a job there?), there are more than 70,000 pizza places in the United States. Located between historic Charlotte and St. George streets in downtown St. Augustine, Pizzalley’s Chianti Room is the locals’ place to manga on a good-a pizz-a pie-a. The Italian establishment, which is really a two-in-one pizzeria and more formal dining restaurant, offers specialty brick-oven pizzas like Chicken Tropical, Godfather’s Pizza and the popular Garbage Can (pepperoni, onions, peppers, sausage, mushrooms and olives). FINALISTS: Mellow Mushroom, Al’s Pizza
BEST CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT: INDIA’S RESTAURANT BOJ30 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
Pusser’s Caribbean Grille Restaurant While it might not be the most appetizing name for an eatery, Pusser’s Caribbean Grille Restaurant in Ponte Vedra Beach is the preferred spot to score some authentic Caribbean cuisine. Rooted in the British Virgin Islands and with a few locations in the Southeast and the Caribbean, Pusser’s is named after the restaurant’s own Pusser’s Rum, the official quaff of the British Royal Navy for the past 300 years. Check out the Jamaican Cobb Salad, St. Lucia Seafood Pasta and, if you’re thirsty, their famous 18-ounce Pusser’s
BEST OF JAX 2014
BEST DELI: PINEGROVE MARKET AND DELI Painkiller, comprising rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and cream of coconut. FINALISTS: Bahama Breeze, Nippers Beach Grill
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT Carrabba’s Italian Grill Sure, it’s not the most daring choice for Best Italian Restaurant, but Carrabba’s has a few things going for it. First, consistency. And second, there are more than a half-dozen locations throughout Northeast Florida, from San Jose to Jacksonville Beach to Orange Park. Founded in Houston in 1986 by Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola, Carrabba’s serves everything from lobster ravioli and rigatoni martino to tilapia nocciola and veal marsala. (Two words: Chicken Bryan.) There’s also a pretty killer dessert menu, including Italian classics tiramisu and mini-cannolis. FINALISTS: Enza’s Italian Restaurant, Maggiano’s Little Italy
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT India’s Restaurant Located in Baymeadows Plaza on the Southside, India’s Restaurant has been serving up traditional Indian cuisine since 1997. Started by owners Gurdev and Narinder Singh, who hail from Punjab in North India, the familyowned-and-operated eatery offers everything from tandoori shrimp and boti kabab to vegetable pakora and onion bhajia. India’s is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and nightly for dinner. Check out their popular and inexpensive lunch buffet. FINALISTS: 5th Element, Masala Indian Cuisine
BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT Daruma Japanese Steakhouse A Daruma doll is a traditional Japanese gift symbolizing perseverance and good luck. It’s also a fitting name for Folio Weekly readers’ favorite Japanese restaurant. Daruma Japanese Steakhouse, with locations in Bartram Park and on Beach Boulevard, is open seven days a week and offers a variety of teppanyaki (hibachi grill) and sushi. Expect an entertaining atmosphere and good food — and a lot of it. FINALISTS: Kazu Japanese Restaurant, Tokyo Steak House
BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT Hovan Mediterranean Gourmet It’s hard to miss the bright blue façade of Hovan Mediterranean Gourmet in 5 Points. Serving lunch and dinner, Hovan offers traditional oldworld Mediterranean dishes like baba ghanoush, fatoosh salad, kibbeh and saganaki. And, of
course, the famous Hovan rolls: assorted meats and cheeses rolled up in Armenian bread. The 5 Points location, part of a small string of franchises throughout the Southeast, has become an institution for Mediterranean cuisine. FINALISTS: Taverna Yamas, The Casbah Café
BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT/ BEST HOOKAH LOUNGE The Casbah Café A popular late-night hangout for college students and insomniacs who aren’t into the bar scene, this Mediterranean restaurant and hookah lounge, located in the heart of the historic Shoppes of Avondale, is known as much for its amazing Middle Eastern food, including the best falafel in the city, as for its hookah and drink specials. Stop in on a “Wino Wednesday” and get a hookah and bottle of wine for only $21; stay for the live entertainment. Bands rock The Casbah almost every night, and belly dancers mesmerize customers on Friday and Saturday nights. BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT FINALISTS: Hala Café, Noura Café BEST HOOKAH LOUNGE FINALISTS: Taverna Yamas, Habibi
BEST THAI RESTAURANT Indochine When the owners of Indochine decided to take over the old Square One spot in San Marco two years ago, they didn’t want to just create another restaurant like their popular Downtown eatery; they wanted to fully utilize the massive multifloor space and build the perfect venue for a night of dinner and dancing, all in one place. Offering the same lunch and dinner menu as the original location, you can chow down on Indochine’s famous duck curry, then head downstairs for live music, which they’ve got going every Friday and Saturday night. FINALISTS: Lemongrass, Tumptin Thai
BEST VEGAN RESTAURANT DIG Foods “Much like our wonderful city, DIG Foods has changed and grown a good deal over the last four years,” explains chef and owner Sean Sigmon of his farm-fresh, organic and completely meat- and dairy-free eatery. After several successful pop-up events, Sigmon moved DIG to Underbelly for a short stint, operating a lunchtime café from the music venue’s small kitchen. Today, you can find DIG’s agrarian products every Saturday at the Beaches Green Market in Jarboe Park at Florida Boulevard and Third Street in Neptune Beach, as well as at Moon River Pizza and Brew in 5 Points. FINALISTS: Present Moment, Black Sheep
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THE KNIFE
LIFE IN THE GROOVE T he way Tommy Bridgewater tells it, once a long, long time ago, he auditioned for my band. Then, his wife intervened and encouraged him not to take the gig. He didn’t. A decade-and-a-half later, he’s an in-demand bass player with his own band and his own vision. Wives are always the smart ones. The central figure in the collective funk and neo-R&B band The Groove Coalition, Bridgewater has been instrumental in keeping this kind of music alive and, more important, real. The band — keyboardist Howard Green, drummer Bryant Wesley, and vocalists Jazz Zamor, Takara Houston and Damien Lamar — are old-schoolers at heart. And that’s a good thing, as it informs their approach to the modern genre. But this didn’t come easy for Bridgewater. Initially hoping to create a collective of musicians who could perform in various configurations, he found it difficult to keep everyone on board. Leaving behind the cover circuit was also an issue, and his line-up has evolved over time. Now Bridgewater has a clear vision and a solid group of people behind him called The Groove Coalition. Having seen the band a couple of times, I have been thoroughly impressed with the band’s songwriting and level of performance, even if I’m not a huge fan of new soul. Bridgewater and I recently spoke about the struggle to keep an original band up and running in Northeast Florida, and the toll it takes on a musician’s family.
songbook. I had 12 musicians all at once in one room rehearsing. But like with anything else, when you have that many moving parts, it’s never gonna really work out. I think it was a great idea, but the execution was horrible.
What made you want to get out of the cover band racket? Eventually, we decided we didn’t want to be a juke box anymore. The cycle of bars and wedding-type things, which are pretty lucrative sometimes, but we were at a festival [recently], and we realized bands that were doing originals were so much more fulfilled than the ones that did covers. The way that they carried themselves, it was like, “This is mine. We did this.” How would you classify The Groove Coalition? We try to be a multi-genre band. I would say modern R&B, almost neo-soul. Do you have a day job? Nope, I’m a fulltime musician and father. I have four boys.
What’s the plan after you finish the recordings? We’re going to hit the festival circuit. It seems to be lucrative, and you can get in front of a lot of people. And we’ll have control of our own destiny, when it comes to merchandise. I believe in selling it yourself and making your money that way. I like taking the control away from the promoters and the Folio Weekly: You guys are working on an A&R people. … If you just play your heart out, album right now, yes? and be real, you can Tommy Bridgewater: win people over. I know THE GROOVE COALITION 6 p.m. Oct. 18 Yeah, we’re shooting for it sounds cheesy, but at European Street Café, 2753 Park St., Riverside, groovecoalition.com an early spring release. it’s true. In the meantime, we’ll probably be dropping some EPs before How taxing will that be on your family? Christmas. But we’re gonna have the whole Extremely. [Laughs.] Extremely. I know thing come out and tour with it in the spring my wife is not a big fan of having to juggle and into the summer. all of that alone, but we’re developing a pretty good support system. One of the things about my band is, I made it a point to hook up with You started as a cover band, then went people who are in the same situation, who have through some weird changes. husbands, wives and children, so we’ll all relate, I initially thought being a cover band and the support system will be there for all of was the way to go, but I’m seeing now — I’ve us. At one point, we thought about opening a had a few revelations over the past couple Groove Coalition daycare, on nights that we of months that have taken me in another had gigs. Drop the kids off and all pick ’em up direction altogether. I originally came up with at the same time. But again, the idea is greater this concept that, what if there was a coalition than the execution most of the time. of musicians that had the same name, but we could play the same night at three different John E. Citrone places? We started rehearsing the same theknife@folioweekly.com OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 49
A&E // MOVIES
BARELY LEGAL
Your brain knows this meandering courtroom drama is overwrought. That doesn’t mean you won’t feel it
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hile watching The Judge, I found myself one another and so on and so forth. considering how much the process of The fact that it works at all is almost thinking critically about a movie is entirely thanks to the men playing the roles. like being a member of a trial jury. An inner Downey could play this kind of slick fast-talker voir dire tells you that you’re supposed to be in his sleep, but he manages to find something considering the matter at hand rationally and genuinely wounded in a successful man objectively. At the same time, a filmmaker returning to the place where he was simply the — much like an effective attorney — is often local adolescent screw-up. And Duvall turns more concerned with shifting your sympathies Joseph’s moral rigidity into both a blessing and by appealing to a particular emotional a curse, invoking his hard-nosed dad character response. It’s no longer about “just the facts”; from The Great Santini without making it feel like he’s simply repeating himself. They’re they’d much rather have “just the feels.” pretty terrific together, including a wonderful Of course it’s silly to think those two scene where Joseph at last allows Hank to come elements aren’t always intertwined in our to his aid when he’s at his most vulnerable. responses to art, yet there are times when you Even when the big tearful finale between them want to resist the jerking of your strings more happens, it ends on a surprisingly edgy note. than you actually end up resisting. In a whole If The Judge had been able to keep its lot of ways, The Judge is a steaming mess of a focus on that relationship, it might have been movie, overstuffed and brimming with a sense easier simply to roll with its big “Cat’s in the of its own dramatic importance. And then Cradle” tear-jerking. But the story by director there’s that thing where simply watching two great actors wrestle with a complex father-and- David Dobkin (Wedding Crashers, Clay Pigeons) and screenwriter Nick Schenk (Gran son dynamic makes parts of it hard to resist. Torino) wanders all over It’s even more aggravating the place over the course of when The Judge opens with 140 minutes, attempting to such a bald-faced suggestion THE JUDGE involve Hank’s relationships that it understands its own **G@ with too many other manipulations. Hot-shot Rated R characters: his two brothers attorney Henry “Hank” (Vincent D’Onofrio, Jeremy Palmer (Robert Downey Jr.), Strong); his young daughter (Emma Tremblay) defending a corporate weasel, is followed into the courthouse men’s room by the prosecutor as his own marriage crumbles; his high-school (David Krumholtz), whereupon Palmer makes girlfriend, Samantha (Vera Farmiga), including note of the cliché of the prosecutor following a bizarre subplot in which Hank makes out with the defense attorney into the bathroom, and Samantha’s daughter and then has to wonder the cliché of the prosecutor asking the defense whether she’s actually his daughter. The Judge attorney how he sleeps at night knowing he’s keeps trotting out characters like witnesses, helping a guilty man escape justice. Check us never understanding how few of them are out, the filmmakers assure us; we get how you actually necessary to make the story’s case. expect this to play out, and we’re not gonna do It all builds, as one might expect, to a you like that. courtroom finale, shot by cinematographer But do us like that they do. The central and longtime Spielberg collaborator Janusz plot sends Hank traveling to his rural Indiana Kaminski, with enough radiant backlighting hometown for his mother’s funeral, where to make every major character look like a he sees his estranged father, Joseph (Robert heavenly apparition, and featuring the kind Duvall), for the first time in years. A respected of dramatic witness-stand moment that exists veteran judge, Joseph is also about to be on the only in movies of this genre. In your brain, receiving end of a murder charge — accused you know how ridiculous and overwrought it of killing a convicted murderer whose crime all is. And in your gut, it might still get to you was made possible by Joseph’s leniency from just a little bit anyway. the bench. Thus the angry son and the prickly Scott Renshaw father must work together and (maybe) respect mail@folioweekly.com
50 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
A&E // MOVIES
FAMILY IN PERIL
Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner star in this entertaining (for your kids) comedy
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the movie from indulging in it anyway, sigh) his is where we are with kids’ movies, a place where a flick that doesn’t have nonstop in front of the whole middle school student kicks to the crotch and “jokes” about poop body. He learns of a birthday party that’s in seems like a revelation, and hence something to competition with his, thrown by a kid who celebrate. If that’s how it is, fine. I hate that we’ve has a rep for hosting awesome parties (for lowered the bar so far, but we have, and this is middle-school values of awesome). And all of where we are. And despite my current abject this on a day when the entire rest of his family pessimism about Hollywood, I still love movies — Mom (Jennifer Garner), Dad (Carell), big — or the idea of movies, anyway — and still feel brother Anthony (Dylan Minnette), big sister that kids should be exposed to them and, one Emily (Kerris Dorsey) and even infant newbie hopes, grow to love them, too. intruder Trevor (Elise and Zoey Vargas) — have So if you feel the same way and want to take had a great day. some kids to the movies, this one probably won’t And so Alexander, in a sort of luck reversal make you want to kill yourself as you watch. I spin on Freaky Friday, makes a wish that his mean, Steve Carell is in this, people. (YMMV — fellow family members will experience a terrible but c’mon, who doesn’t love Steve Carell?) day so that they will know the nightmare that is his life. And the universe, apparently, complies. I didn’t hate Alexander and the ReallyOn a Friday, no less. Things go so wrong for Too-Long Title for Google News SEO Purposes. everyone — except, notably, Alexander — that I might have gotten a bigger kick out of it Emily deems the day “cursed.” if I had been accompanied by a small child Now, there is, during the course of this I cared about who was giggling deliriously terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, a little along with its grade-school antics, but I took bit of pee and a little bit of vomit, but not in a what secondhand pleasure I could from the gratuitous way — in fact, the pee bit, at least, small children unknown to me elsewhere in works in a way that adults will appreciate, the theater doing just that. There’s not much in how an infant boy-child is basically little here for adults to actively enjoy — not in the more than a tactical urine way that so many weapon. And the one animated action ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, poop joke works as a joke fantasy flicks have HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY in the same way that that catered as much to **G@ enormously popular parody the grownup-geek Rated PG picture book Go the Fuck to crowd as they do to Sleep does, i.e., by plugging the tykes. But at least in to parental exasperation. So maybe there it’s a tad more realistic than How to Train Your is a little bit of something here for parents to Frozen Videogame Character. I mean, there’s appreciate. But mostly, this is a very silly, sweet nothing wrong with out-and-out fantasy — I tale of how Alexander comes to feel bad about love those movies — but there’s also a value cursing his family, with a few unexpected in kids seeing how movies can relate to your nonconformist hand grenades tossed in for real life. good measure ... like how Dad is a stay-at-home Here we have Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) dad, or at least an out-of-work dad who is the who, on the day before his 12th birthday, primary caregiver for the baby. has the worst possible day ever for an upperThat’s not the sort of thing we see in kiddie middle-class white boy in Southern California. movies, so perhaps there is some hope for the He accidentally burns the science-lab notebook genre when it gives up crotch-kicking humor. of pretty Becky (Sidney Fullmer), on whom he’s crushing. He gets teased in a way that’s “gross MaryAnn Johanson and sexist” (sez Becky, not that that will stop mail@folioweekly.com
OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 51
A&E // MOVIES
MAGIC LANTERNS
INTO DARKNESS
Since Halloween is only about two weeks away, it’s the ideal time to hip readers to Criterion Collection’s new release on Blu-ray/DVD of The Innocents (1961), one of the very best movies about ghosts ever made. I would stress about ghosts, because one of the major achievements in the film is its fully sustained ambiguity. The ghosts might very well be real (we can see them, after all), but they might also be only a fantasized projection of the film’s neurotic, obsessive protagonist. Either view has merit. Still, regardless of one’s interpretation, the movie excels on all points — it’s literate and intelligent as well as genuinely spooky and creepy. Based on Henry James’s famous short novel, The Turn of the Screw (you can’t get more impressive literary genes than that!), The Innocents is about spinster governess Miss Giddens (Deborah Kerr), assigned to care for and educate two young orphans, Miles and Flora, at an elegant but remote country estate. At first, Miss Giddens is thoroughly charmed by the two young “innocents,” but she soon begins to suspect that there’s more to the children — and more to the estate itself — than meets the eye. Several chilling events, encounters and suspicions soon have Miss Giddens convinced that the children are being haunted by the specters of the former governess, Miss Jessel, and the nefarious Peter Quint, the deceased groundskeeper. The spirits’ intent, according to Miss Giddens, is to renew their former “abominations” and “horrors” through Flora and Miles. Miss Giddens, however, is just as determined to “save” the children from “the devils,” a struggle that will produce unexpected and tragic consequences. Practically a perfect fi lm, there is never a false note or misstep in The Innocents. Kerr, previously nominated for six Oscars, was overlooked for her marvelous performance in this film, probably because it was touted as a “horror” movie. The two children, Pamela Franklin and Martin Stephens, are equally terrific, by turns charming and eerie. The atmospheric blackand-white cinematography by Freddie Francis is stunning, and Jack Clayton’s direction is flawless. Finally, special mention needs to be made of the subtle but incisive screenplay, mostly written by Truman Capote, taking a break from his obsessive research for In Cold Blood to bring the dense prose of Henry James to life on the screen. Ten years later, in 1971, Michael Winner, another British director, returned to James’ novel in the form of a prequel. The Nightcomers makes explicit just what was going on between Miss Jessel and Peter Quint and how the two kids came under their influence. Marlon Brando, who would star in both The Godfather and Last Tango in Paris the following year, is this film’s standout, playing Peter Quint as a disenfranchised Irish laborer whose sadistic relationship with the initially repressed Miss Jessel (Stephanie Beacham) looks ahead to the controversial sexual hijinks of Last Tango. With Flora and Miles, however, Peter is more of a kindly father figure and mentor than anything else, though the snooping kids eventually extrapolate far more from his “lessons” than he ever intended. The Freudian impress is top-heavy (unlike The Innocents), the kids are more obnoxious than sympathetic or creepy, and the fates of Miss Jessel and Peter are sensational rather than credible. Nonetheless, if you like The Innocents you’ll have reward enough watching the marvelous Brando do his thing. Pat McLeod mail@folioweekly.com 52 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
Brad Pitt stars in the WWII-era flick, Fury.
**** ***@ **@@ *@@@
FILM RATINGS
JUDY COLLINS JUDY TENUTA JUDY BLUME JUDY GARLAND
SCREENINGS AROUND TOWN SUN-RAY CINEMA Harmontown is screened at 7 p.m. on Oct. 16. Gone Girl, Love is Strange and The Skeleton Twins are currently screening at Sun-Ray Cinema, 1028 Park St., 5 Points, 359-0049, sunraycinema.com. Pride starts on Oct. 17; Gmo Omg screens on Oct. 18. LATITUDE 360 MOVIES Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Maleficent and Transformers: Age of Extinction screen at Latitude 360’s CineGrille Theater, 10370 Philips Hwy., Southside, 365-5555. WGHF IMAX THEATER Dracula Untold, D-Day Normandy 1944 3D, Island of Lemurs Madagascar 3D, Journey to the South Pacific: An IMAX 3D Experience, Jerusalem, and We The People are currently screening at World Golf Village Hall of Fame IMAX Theater, 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine, 940-4133, worldgolfimax.com. ROYAL BALLET CINEMA SEASON The five ballets in the series each feature behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and rehearsals, as well as a beautiful ballet. The series kicks off with Manon, screened at 7 p.m. on Oct. 16 at Regal Avenues, 9525 Philips Highway, Southside, fathomevents.com.
NOW SHOWING ADDICTED Rated R Amazon smut artist (and federal tax cheat) Zane adapts her novel about a married black woman who develops a dangerous compulsion to sleep with other men. Sexual sister-shaming: It isn’t just for white people anymore! Costars Sharon Leal, Boris Kodjoe and John Newberg. — Steve Schneider ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY **G@ Rated PG Reviewed in this issue. ANNABELLE Rated R One of the highlights of my movie-going career was attending a midnight screening of Bride of Chucky that was attended by a splendid array of thrill-seeking reprobates. My favorites were the family of four at the very head of the line, who enthusiastically informed the ticket-taker they’d spent the night before re-watching all the previous Chucky movies, “to catch up.” (To CATCH UP.) Maybe someday, some equally dedicated clan will undertake a similar marathon to reacquaint themselves with the adventures of Annabelle, the possessed children’s doll now being spun off from the sleeper horror hit The Conjuring into her very own prequel
vehicle. Then again, maybe I shouldn’t get my hopes up: Doesn’t the Bible say that man will only receive one Chucky per generation? — S.S. BANG BANG! Not Rated This Bollywood action/adventure/romcom/thriller costars Katrina Kaif, Hrithik Roshan and Ron Smoorenburg. In Hindi, Telugu and Tamil. THE BEST OF ME Rated PG-13 If Hollywood has taught me anything, it’s that the funeral of a friend is a great opportunity to get laid. Seen The Big Chill lately? I mean, once Costner’s uncredited body was in the box, it was, like, P for miles. Now Nicholas Sparks contributes to the proud tradition, with the story of two former sweethearts (James Marsden and Michelle Monaghan) who seize on their buddy’s death as a chance to rekindle A longdormant attraction. UP next: Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson in Funeral Crashers! — S.S. THE BOOK OF LIFE Rated PG Ever notice Guillermo del Toro “presents” a lot more movies than he actually makes? While we wait for his Haunted Mansion, or Pinocchio, or Hellboy 3 – or even last year’s goddamn del Toro family Christmas card – Mexico’s most famous procrastinator has slapped his name on yet another product. This one’s an animated conflation of Greek mythology, Mayan legend and the Dia de los Muertos, and director/co-writer Jorge R. Gutierrez is the guy whose name you’re gonna forget in four months as you assign The Book of Life to your mental list of “Guillermo del Toro movies.” Don’t worry: Alex Trebek will accept the answer! — S.S. THE BOXTROLLS **** Rated PG Loosely adapted from Alan Snow’s 2005 book Here Be Monsters, this animated feature is the tale of the titular creatures, reclusive scavengers who live beneath the surface world in the heart of Cheesebridge’s pointy mountain. Yet they’re believed to steal babies and eat humans – a story given some credence by the disappearance of one infant 10 years earlier. The “Boxtroll exterminator,” Archibald Snatcher (voiced by Ben Kingsley), is trying to maximize that fear in order to move up the Cheesebridge hierarchy into the world of the “white hats,” even as the now-10-year-old Boxtrollraised human boy, called Eggs (Isaac Hempstead Wright), begins to wonder if he may belong to a different world. The town’s self-absorbed, cheese-nibbling, white-hat-wearing oligarchy – led by Lord Portley-Rind (Jared Harris), whose daughter Winnie (Elle Fanning) befriends Eggs – is the perfect launching pad for Snatcher’s disgruntled sense of entitlement. — Scott Renshaw THE DEVIL’S HAND Rated PG-13 Innocent young girls are mysteriously disappearing from a religious cult – it seems to the grownups to be a realization of an ancient prophecy. But the hip faction of the cult thinks the old folks are killing the girls. Sigh. Age-old generational rivalry: Seniors envy youth so they KILL THE KIDS; youngsters hate the old farts so … bwaaahaaahaaa! — Marlene Dryden
DOLPHIN TALE 2 Rated PG There’s a really great scene in that teen angst classic American Graffiti in which Charles Martin Smith’s Toad and Candy Clark’s Debbie think they’re going to witness a backwoods atrocity. Smith’s horrified reaction – “I don’t WANNA see it” – later became my personal mantra when confronted with the trailer to one sure-to-be movie misfire after another. (“Blood Diamond? I don’t WANNA see it!”) Enough about me; what’s Charlie Martin Smith up to these days? Well, he’s now the sort of “working director” who not only has to make family pictures about kindly humans who help endangered sea creatures, he then has to shoot their cash-grab sequels as well. Guess which American Graffiti quotation best captures my feelings about the prospect of being exposed to Dolphin Tale 2. You got it – It’s “Look, creep, you want a knuckle sandwich?” — S.S. DRACULA UNTOLD Rated PG-13 Desperate to create a “shared universe” for its classic horror characters, Universal has reboots coming of Dracula, Frankenstein and a whole cemetery plot’s worth of their pals. In the driver’s seat? The guys who brought you Transformers. And before you declare that idea the pits, consider this: Dracula Untold is an unrelated, low- priority quickie the studio had to get out of the way first. The breath, it truly does catch. Costars Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper and Sarah Gadon. — S.S. THE EQUALIZER Rated R Back in the late ’80s, I had a buddy who was heavily into the CBS grayhead-revenge series The Equalizer; when his metal band released its first single, he even cited the show as “inspiration” in the liner notes. Now it’s 2014, Edward Woodward has become Denzel Washington, and I don’t wanna THINK about what kind of indie music this pseudoremake might spark. A plot seemingly lifted wholesale from Washington’s Man on Fire (not to mention The Professional, The November Man, and probably the stock footage you get when you install iMovie) indicates that director Antoine Fuqua isn’t counting on diehards like my old pal for anything more than a few bucks’ worth of first-weekend insurance. — S.S. FURY Rated R Ask any product of America’s school system to name something that happened during the last few months of World War II, and the likely answer will be “Captain America got frozen in a block of ice.” (Hell, it’s all I could name off the top of my head. Sorry, Bono!) Apparently, Brad Pitt also got in a spot of trouble, risking his life to command a tank crew on a dangerous mission into the heart of the collapsing Nazi empire. But really, how tough was Germany by April 1945 anyway? As I recall from my studies, that Twilight Zone guy who wished to be made the ruler of a great nation was already cooped up tight in his bunker, realizing he was Hitler and getting ready to eat a bullet. Not very tough competition there, amirite? (Now let me tell you what the Discovery Channel has taught me about haunted houses …) — S.S. GONE GIRL **@@
A&E // MOVIES Rated R This is a horror movie about Nick and Amy Dunne, about what happens on their fi fth wedding anniversary, when Amy disappears and the police believe Nick may have killed Amy for various apparent motives. Amy (Rosamund Pike) is famous; she was the inspiration for some popular children’s books her mother wrote, so her disappearance is major national news. Nonstop media attention is a metaphor for the limited perspective we ever have on someone else’s relationship: A couple might look happy in public, but only they know what goes on behind closed doors. Flashbacks to Amy and Nick’s life from the moment they meet are an intimate peek into what’s been going on between them, and it’s not pretty. We get her side of the “But I changed for him!” story. You pretended to be something you’re not, and now you hate what you’ve become and resent your husband for it? Whose fault is that? Same goes for Nick (Ben Affleck). We get his side of the marriage from his conversations with his twin sister, Margo (Carrie Coon). The movie throws out all ambiguity. What started as reasonable cynicism about an institution (marriage) that many people have doubts about ends in a perilous realm that appears to willfully misunderstand realities of domestic violence. It’s all fantasy, of a sort … and it’s frightening. — MaryAnn Johanson THE GOOD LIE Rated PG-13 In the latest bit of socially conscious drama from Monsieur Lazhar director Philippe Falardeau, Reese Witherspoon helps rescue the Lost Boys displaced by the Sudanese civil war. Her novel approach: Getting snockered and bellowing “You’re about to find out who I am!” until the government lets her have her way. — S.S. GOVINDUDU ANDARIVADELE Not Rated The Bollywood drama costars Ram Charan, Srikanth, Kajal Aggarwal and Kamalinee Mukherjee. In Telugu. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Rated PG-13 As I write this, the San Diego Comic-Con is just getting underway, and I’m bracing myself for all sorts of P.R. fog about the future of comics on film, and how DC Entertainment is going to start giving Marvel Studios a run for its money any minute now. So as a reality check, let me just point this out: “Winning” is when you can wring the most anticipated movie of the summer out of a property so obscure even the editors of The Comic Book Price Guide have to look it up. By Christmas, Rocket Raccoon may be firmly entrenched as a star of the Disney-acquisition firmament, making “possible Star Wars crossover” the hot ridiculous rumor du jour. DC’s entire release slate for the next five years will have shifted three more times, just because Olaf the Snowman blew on it really hard. God, how I love a photo finish. — S.S. THE GUEST Rated R This thriller plays on our innate desire to believe the best about folks, in this case, a young soldier visiting a family grieving the death of their son while fighting overseas. He befriends them, charming each family member. Then weird stuff begins to happen and well, ya know: Fish and company
wear out their welcome after three days. Time’s up! — M.D. HAIDER Not Rated A young man learns his father has disappeared, so he goes back home to Kashmir to find out the facts from his shady uncle. The Bollywood crime drama is based on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Costars Tabu, Shahid Kapoor and Kay Kay Menon. THE JUDGE **G@ Rated R Reviewed in this issue. KILL THE MESSENGER Rated R IMDB describes this one as a crime drama/biography. It’s based on events that happened to journalist Gary Webb when he reported on CIA activity in Nicaragua, allegedly involving drugs, arms dealing and general clandestine hijinks. Hey, just say no, T-men. — M.D. LEFT BEHIND Rated PG-13 For a while there, it was amusing to cluck about the terrible movies Nic Cage had to keep making because he’d lost all his money. (Andy Samberg got some good mileage out of it.) But no amount of destitution could justify Cage’s decision to take the lead role in a mainstream, big-studio adaptation of the odious Left Behind series of fundie wish-fulfillment novels. Somehow, a huge swath of secular America has convinced itself that the books are just fun apocalyptic sci-fi, when they’re really sneeringly superior whack-job theology that wishes death and damnation on everyone standing to the left of Pat Robertson. The last thing this county needs is a “name” star (even a now-laughingstock of one) conferring further legitimacy on that sort of “entertainment.” Hey, Nic: Get back in the cage. And stay there. — S.S. LET’S BE COPS Rated R The action-comedy co-stars Jake Johnson (New Girl) and Damon Wayans Jr., who inherited his dad’s good looks and, we hope, comedic talents. They’re pals Ryan and Justin, going to a costume party dressed up as cops, with all the shiny gear cops like to have hanging off their highly polished Sam Browne belts. The two slackers are mistaken for real flatfoots and the hilarity ensues. — M.D. THE LIBERATOR Not Rated The intrepid Simon Bolivar travelled South America, freeing oppressed peoples from the empirical ruling nation of Spain. Costars Édgar Ramírez, Erich Wildpret and María Valverde. In Spanish, English and French. LOVE IS STRANGE Rated R In this new drama, love is indeed strange and slightly comically complicated. John Lithgow and Alfred Molina star as newlyweds Ben and George, respectively, separated by logistics. Ben is fired from his teaching position and the
resulting loss of income forces the two to move – each going to a different locale, where of course they learn new aspects of others and, consequently, each other and themselves. Co-stars Marisa Tomei. — M.D.
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THE MAZE RUNNER Rated PG-13 In this bit of YA-derived dystopia, a bunch of teen himbos with no memory struggle to escape a mysterious prison. Spot the symbolism yet? The arrival of an actual girl changes everything, raising my hopes the story can ultimately viewed as a commentary on the Duke lacrosse rape scandal. A sequel’s already been ordered, because you and I don’t get to decide anything. — S.S. MEET THE MORMONS Rated PG That Mitt Romney thing having not worked out so well – no matter what he thinks – the LDS Church needs another chance to mainstream its image among those who know it only as a springboard to the Tony Awards. Enter this officially sanctioned doc, which follows six Mormons living and witnessing in various locations across the globe. Theocratic homophobes who wear sacred Underoos – they’re just like us! — S.S. MY OLD LADY Rated PG-13 The terrific Kevin Kline (In and Out, A Fish Called Wanda) stars as Mathias Gold, a less-than-successful New Yorker who inherits an apartment in Paris from his father, from whom he was estranged. Maggie smith plays Mathilde Girard, a squatter who lives in the apartment and won’t leave, Kristin Scott Thomas is her daughter Chloé. Sounds depressing and complicated, but it’s really your basic French farce. — M.D. NO GOOD DEED Rated R On Aug. 7, Theodore P. Wafer was convicted of murdering Renisha McBride, a black teenager who had knocked on his doors and windows in the dead of night. At press time, police officer Randall Kerrick was under indictment for killing Jonathan Ferrell, a black 24-year-old who’d approached a woman’s house seeking help after a car accident. And how has Hollywood chosen to respond to this recent rash of bad Samaritanism? By rewarding and reassuring us with a thriller in which the black person is up to no good after all. In this movie, yet another person of color arrives on the doorstep of yet another unsuspecting homeowner, claiming car trouble. But this time, the stranger is actually an escaped convict looking to pull off a home invasion. Whew! The endangered property holder in this scenario is an African-American woman too, so nobody can accuse the filmmakers of stoking racist fears. Costars Idris Elba and Taraji P. Henson. — S.S.
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THE SKELETON TWINS **G@ Rated R Filmmaker Craig Johnson’s debut, True Adolescents, didn’t exactly set the box office on fire, but you don’t expect to rub shoulders with Iron Man when your biggest star is Mark Duplass. For the follow-up, Johnson has conscripted leads Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig, which means you might even see it in an environment that doesn’t require you to hit a big red button on your remote. The SNL alums play siblings who renew their once-close relationship after they both manage to escape certain death on the very same day. And boy, are Hader and Wiig ideal for this gig, because you can count the number of latter-day Lorne Michaels protégés who have “escaped death” on the thumbs of just one foot. — S.S. THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU Rated R Admit it: You’re a sucker for a story in which a wacky family has to pull together after the death of their beloved patriarch. Heck, the first episode of Six Feet Under is still your favorite hour of TV ever. Now imagine that story setup handled by Shawn Levy, the guy who made Night at the Museum movies. Now think of something pleasant, because you’ve earned it. — S.S.
Jeremy Renner stars as watchdog journalist Gary Webb in Kill the Messenger.
A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES **@@ Rated R If you’re a fan of Liam Neeson the badass, this one’s for you. He’s Matt Scudder, a retired detective, now working as an unlicensed private eye. Howie (Eric Nelsen), a drug addict Scudder met in AA, asks Scudder to help his brother Kenny (Dan Stevens) get revenge on the guys who kidnapped, raped and murdered Kenny’s wife. Scudder demurs, then accepts – because if he didn’t, the movie would be about something else. There are no twists, the intrigue is distracted by the unfocused story, and the suspense could be a lot chair-grippingly better. Immediately after Scudder takes the case, he starts investigating something that’s tangentially connected, making us wonder: 1) What the hell is he doing? and 2) Why did he take the case in the first place? It’s not for the money or the glory. — Dan Hudak
OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 53
A&E // ARTS
JOURNEY THROUGH THE PAST
Years in the making, rock opera La Caroline explores a unique era of local history
F
rom FSCJ to France to New York City and now to the rooftop of MOSH, La Caroline hopes to shed light on the history that has eluded Northeast Florida for 450 years. La Caroline: Jacksonville’s Rock Opera is a complicated and layered production about the convergence of the French, Spanish and Native Timucua people 450 years ago during the founding of the French colony Fort Caroline — now known as the Fort Caroline National Memorial — on the banks of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville. More than five years in the making, La Caroline is scheduled to present its first full performance this week at the Museum of Science and History on the Southbank. The play is set in New York City, as well as 16th-century Old and New Worlds, and follows the lives of French Huguenot explorer René de Laudonnière, artist Jacques Le Moyne and Timucua Chief Saturiwa, among a cast of many more intriguing characters. It blends contemporary music and dance with a look at the complicated situations that arose between the Timucua people and those Europeans who were essentially in charge. It’s part history lesson, part entertainment. “Navigating your way between art, education, entertainment and history is a difficult task,” explains Jennifer Chase, a professor of English and creative writing at Florida State College at Jacksonville and the writer and producer of La Caroline. “I hold my creative responsibility close to my chest.” This isn’t Chase’s first go at theater. She’s written a half-dozen other plays, including Artichoke Soup, Majigeen and Handmaid. And like most anything Chase does, a great deal of time and energy were spent getting it just the way she wanted it. Roughly five years ago, Dr. Timothy Robinson, a professor and director of the International Center Division of Student Affairs at the University of North Florida, approached Chase with an idea for a play. It involved telling the story of the Timucuan people who were indigenous to Northern Florida and South Georgia. “I thought, ‘Wow! This is an opportunity to uncover some really interesting information about interesting people,’” says Chase. “People in Jacksonville know very little about the Timucuans. I can give a voice to people who aren’t here anymore.” So Chase got to work. She started with A Grammar and Dictionary of the Timucua Language by Julian Granberry and moved on from there — enlisting the help of several archeologists and historians she knew. The
biggest difficulty Chase encountered was when to make an artistic choice and when to rely on historical accuracy. “I took the history, I took the timeline and then I decided which characters I wanted to create,” she explains. “The beauty of what I do is to take historical events and present it to the audience. My job as an artist is to inspire critical thinking.” Aside from being a professor and a playwright, Chase is also a musician — writing and performing original tunes for the PBS documentary In Marjorie’s Wake and opening for bands like The Doobie Brothers, The Rippingtons and singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb. In walks John Citrone, a local musician, writer and longtime contributor-slash-formermanaging-editor of Folio Weekly. After writing the bulk of the storyline and lyrics for La Caroline, Chase needed to find someone who could create an original score for the musical. Citrone was an obvious choice. He and Chase had worked together on a few other projects. “Jenn was emphatic that every song had to be a rock song,” says Citrone. “Or at least every song had to resemble a modern rock song, with underpinnings of Native American music.” The pair spent years collaborating on La Caroline — Chase reworking the script and Citrone writing the lyrics to fit into melodies and rhythmic structure. In 2012, La Caroline was ready for the stage. Well, part of it was. A series of scenes was unveiled at FSCJ, with 17 college students putting on the performance. That summer, La Caroline made its way to France for a few workshops. And things really got going when Chase and Citrone were awarded a fellowship to CAP21, a theater and conservatory in New York City. “There was work that needed to be done,” says Citrone. “We reorganized the script and wrote a new song. It was the time we needed to commit to this project.” Fast-forward five years from the time Chase was approached to write a play about the littleknown Timucuan people, and La Caroline is finally ready to be shown here in its entirety. Samuel Fisher directs the four performances at MOSH, which feature costumes by Dana Ferger and choreography by Tiffany Fish. “Art is about the process and not the result,” says Citrone of the play’s metamorphosis toward its completion. “It’s a process that never ends.”
Director Sam Fisher Photos by Dennis Ho
Actor Jerald Wheat (Saturiwa)
“This is an opportunity to uncover some really interesting information about interesting people. People in Jacksonville know very little about the Timucuans.”
Kara Pound mail@folioweekly.com
LA CAROLINE
8 p.m. (doors 7:30 p.m.) Oct. 16, 17 and 18; $27.50 Gala performance 8 p.m. (doors 7:30 p.m.) Oct. 24; $37.50 Performed rooftop at Museum of Science & History, Southbank Tickets include a post-performance reception. themosh.org/LaCaroline.html 54 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
Actress Jessica Alexander (Pira Ove)
A&E // ARTS
PERFORMANCE
LA CAROLINE This play, written by Jennifer Chase with an original score by John E. Citrone, and chronicling the 450-year-old story of the founding of Fort Caroline National Memorial, is staged at 8 p.m. on Oct. 16, 17, and 18, $27.50; and at 8 p.m. on Oct. 24, $37.50; on the rooftop of the Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Circle, Southbank, 396-6674, themosh.org/LaCaroline.html. ANNIE This much-loved musical about the adventures of an orphan in 1930s New York City is staged at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, 22, and 23 and at 7 p.m. on Oct. 26, $37.50-$72.50; at 8 p.m. on Oct. 24 and 25, $37.50-$82.50; 2 p.m. on Oct. 25 and 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 $42.50-$87.50; at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts’ Moran Theater, 300 Water St., Downtown, 442-2929, artistseriesjax.org. A PICASSO The 5 & Dime presents this play by Jeffrey Hunter, about Pablo Picasso’s interrogation by a cultural attaché for the Third Reich, at 8 p.m. on Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25 and 2 p.m. on Oct. 19 and 26 at 648-B E. Union St., Downtown, $15, the5anddime.org. SWEENEY TODD Amelia Musical Playhouse presents Stephen Sondheim’s Tony award-winning musical about a murderous barber in 19th century London at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 17,18,24,25,31 and Nov. 1 at 1955 Island Walkway, Fernandina Beach, $20, 277-3455, ameliamusicalplayhouse.com. ADVENTURES IN PARROTDISE This ultimate Jimmy Buffett tribute show, featuring original members of Buffett’s backing group The Coral Reefer Band, is accompanied by a themed menu created by Executive Chef DeJuan Roy. Dinner at 6 p.m., curtain up at 8 p.m. Oct. 15-18; brunch 11 a.m., show 1:15 p.m. Oct. 18; brunch noon, show 2 p.m. Oct. 19; all shows $59 plus tax; flip-flops and tropical attire encouraged; at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside, 641-1212, alhambrajax.com. I’LL GIVE YOU A DAY Irish storyteller Derek Coghlan performs his one-man show at 8 p.m. on Oct. 17 and 18 at Players By the Sea, 106 Sixth St. N., Jax Beach, $18; $15 for seniors, military and students, 249-0289, playersbythesea.org. TESTIMONY OF A GUILTY HUSBAND Relationships are explored in this inventive play, written by Michael R. Thomas and directed by Craig E. Glasper, staged at 3 and 7 p.m. on Oct. 18 at The Ritz Theatre & Museum, 829 N. Davis St., Downtown, 807-2010, $31.20, ritzjacksonville.com. ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID This comedy, by the folks who brought you The Dixie Swim Club and directed by Linda McClane, is staged at 8 p.m. on Oct. 16-19 and 23-25 at Amelia Community Theatre, 207/209 Cedar St., Fernandina Beach, 261-6749, $20; $10 for students, ameliacommunitytheatre.org. THE ADDAMS FAMILY: THE MUSICAL Spooky and creepy – and funny – this fresh-from-Broadway musical is staged at 7:30 p.m. Thur.-Sat. and 2 p.m. Sun., through Oct. 19 at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine, $25, 825-1164, limelight-theatre.org. THE DROWSY CHAPERONE The play-within-a-play, staged at a 1928 Broadway theater, drops every theatrical cliché from musicals of the bygone era. It’s accompanied by a themed menu created by Executive Chef DeJuan Roy and runs through Nov. 23. Dinner at 6 p.m., curtain up at 8 p.m. Tue.-Thur., $49.95 plus tax; Fri. and Sat., $55 plus tax; brunch 11 a.m., show 1:15 p.m. Sat. and brunch at noon, show 2 p.m. Sun., $47 plus tax; at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside, 641-1212, alhambrajax.com.
COMEDY
LIL REL HOWERY This funnyman, known for his appearances on Last Comic Standing and Comic View, performs at 8 p.m. on Oct. 16, 17, and 18 and at 10 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Rd., Mandarin, $20-$25, 292-4242, comedyzone.com. KARL ANTHONY Known for his stints on Comedy Central, comedian Anthony appears at 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 17 at Bonkerz Comedy Club, bestbet, 455 Park Ave., Orange Park, $10 and $35, 646-0001, bestbetjax.com. ANDY PITZ Pitz, who’s been on The Late Show with David Letterman, performs at 8:04 p.m. Oct. 16, 17, and 18 and at 10:10 p.m. on Oct. 18 at the Comedy Club of Jacksonville, 11000 Beach Blvd., $6-$15, 646-4277, jacksonvillecomedy.com. MARQUES BUNN A great dead-on impressionist, Bunn performs at 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 17 and 18 at Latitude 360, 10370 Philips Hwy., Southside, 365-5555, latitude360.com. MAD COWFORD IMPROV Weekly PG-13-rated improv shows, based on audience
suggestion, are held at 8:15 p.m. every Fri. and Sat. at Northstar Substation, 119 E. Bay St., Downtown, $5, 233-2359, madcowford.com. HOT POTATO COMEDY HOUR Local comics appear 9 p.m. every Mon. at rain dogs., 1045 Park St., Riverside, free, 379-4969. OPEN DOOR SUNDAYS Open mic night 9 p.m. every Sun. at Tapa That, 820 Lomax St., 5 Points, free, 376-9911, tapathat.com.
CALLS & WORKSHOPS
SUNDAY PAINT DAY Free art classes are offered to children at 5 p.m. every Sun. at LIYF Clothing & Accessories, 2870 University Blvd. W., Lakewood, vegan and vegetarian snacks, free, 865-630-0358. VERBAL ESSENCE Open mic poetry and musical performances are held at 7 p.m. every Mon. at the Ritz Theatre & Museum, 829 N. Davis St., Downtown, free, 807-2010, ritzjacksonville.com. FIGURE DRAWING Live model figure drawing is offered at 7 p.m. every Tue. at The Art Center II, $5 for members, $10 for non-members, artists bring supplies. ACTEEN STAGE LAB Children in grades 6-12 learn street style and ambush theater 6:30 p.m. every Wed. at Limelight Theatre, $80 per session, 825-1164, limelight-theatre.org. AMATEUR NIGHT Musicians, singers, comedians and poets participate in an audience-judged competition based on Amateur Night at the Apollo, held at 7:30 p.m. every first Fri. at the Ritz Theatre & Museum, $6. ACTING & DANCE CLASSES The Performers Academy offers a variety of weekly acting and dance classes for children and adults at 3674 Beach Blvd., Southside, 322-7672, theperformersacademy.com. FLAMENCO LESSONS The Spanish Cultural Society of Northeast Florida offers weekly flamenco dancing classes. For more info, call 278-0173.
CLASSICAL, CHOIR & JAZZ
PHILL NIBLOCK Legendary minimalist/drone composer Niblock performs with a live video projection at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 at Sun-Ray Cinema, 1028 Park St., 5 Points, free, 359-0049, sunraycinema.com. JAZZ COMBO NIGHT Lynne Arriale coordinates this night of jazz music at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 at University of North Florida’s Recital Hall, 1 UNF Dr., Southside, 620-2878, unf.edu. EL NINO & THE LATIN JAZZ KINGS The Amelia Island Jazz Festival presents this six-piece ensemble from Tampa at 7 p.m. on Oct. 16 at Sandy Bottoms Beach Bar & Grill, 2910 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, $35, 310-6904, 504-4772, ameliaislandjazzfestival.org. JAZZ ON FRIDAY AT AMELIA ISLAND JAZZ FEST On Oct. 17, The Amelia Island Jazz Festival presents The Next Generation Jazz Band with Luke Stribling at 6 p.m., The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band with Bonnie Eisele at 7 p.m., jazz organist Tony Monaco at 8:30 p.m. and a Late Night Jazz Jam at 10 p.m. at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, 39 Beach Lagoon Road, $20-$100, 504-4772, ameliaislandjazzfestival.org. INTERCOLLEGIATE CHORAL FESTIVAL This performance of vocal music features the Osprey Choral Ensembles, Host Choirs from Edward Waters College, Florida State College of Jacksonville and Jacksonville University at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 17 at University of North Florida’s Robinson Theater, 1 UNF Dr., Southside, 620-2878, unf.edu. JAZZ ON SATURDAY AT AMELIA ISLAND JAZZ FEST On Oct. 18, The Amelia Island Jazz Festival presents The Next Generation Jazz Band featuring Richard Roberts at 6 p.m., A Horace Silver Celebration with The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band with Bonnie Eisele at 7 p.m., trumpeter Randy Brecker at 8:30 p.m. and a Late Night Jazz Jam at 10 p.m. at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, 39 Beach Lagoon Road, $20-$100, 504-4772, ameliaislandjazzfestival.org. THE MUSIC OF ELVIS This concert fit for The King features Terry Mike Jeffrey with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. on Oct. 18 and 3 p.m. on Oct. 19 at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts’ Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Downtown, $22-$69, 354-3578, jaxsymphony.org. DIXIE TO JAZZ SWING BRUNCH The Amelia Island Jazz Festival presents The All-Star Swingtet at a brunch at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Oct. 19 at David’s Restaurant & Lounge, 802 Ash St., Fernandina Beach, $60, 310-6049, ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. U.S. AIR FORCE BAND & SINGING SERGEANTS This free concert, featuring patriotic works, Broadway selections and instrumental and vocal pieces, is held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 20 at St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 130C A1A S., 209-0367, staugamp.sjcvenues.com. WORDS AND MUSIC Singer-actress Janet Rabe-Meyer performs at 7 p.m. on Oct. 21 at Flagler College’s Flagler Room, 74 King St., St. Augustine, $6, 797-2800, emmaconcerts.com.
The fashion-themed exhibit Icons of Style: Fashion Makers, Models, and Images (pictured, John Goodman’s Yael/Blue, 2002, chromogenic print, 14 ¾ x 9 ¾) is on display Oct. 17-Jan. 4 at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.
TUESDAY SERENADE FSU faculty artists violinist Corrine Stillwell and pianist Deloise Lima perform at 7 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Main Library’s Hicks Auditorium, 303 N. Laura St., Downtown, 630-2353, jplmusic.blogspot.com. A TRIBUTE TO COUNT BASIE The legendary jazz/big band leader is celebrated at 6 p.m. on Oct. 21 at The Ritz Theatre & Museum, 829 N. Davis St., Downtown, 807-2010, ritzjacksonville.com. FALL ORCHESTRA CONCERT The JU Orchestra performs orchestral masterworks and contemporary compositions at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 at Jacksonville University’s Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Arlington, 256-7386, fcwe.org. JAZZ IN PONTE VEDRA The Gary Starling Group (Carol Sheehan, Billy Thornton, Peter Miles) performs 7:30-10:30 p.m. every Thur. at Table 1, 330 A1A N., 280-5515. JAZZ IN RIVERSIDE Trumpeter Ray Callendar and guitarist Taylor Roberts are featured at 9:30 p.m. every Thur. at Kickbacks Gastropub, 910 King St., 388-9551. JAZZ IN MANDARIN Boril Ivanov Trio plays at 7 p.m. every Thur. and pianist David Gum plays at 7 p.m. every Fri. at Tree Steakhouse, 11362 San Jose Blvd., 262-0006. JAZZ IN NEPTUNE BEACH Live jazz is featured 7:30-9:30 p.m. every Sat. at Lillie’s Coffee Bar, 200 First St., 249-2922. JAZZ IN ATLANTIC BEACH Guitarist Taylor Roberts is featured 7-10 p.m. every Wed. and Thurs. at Ocean 60, 60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 247-0060, ocean60.com. JAZZ IN AVONDALE The Von Barlow Trio and Third Bass perform at 9 p.m. every Sun. at Casbah Café, 3628 St. Johns Ave., 981-9966. JAZZ IN ST. AUGUSTINE Live jazz is featured nightly at Rhett’s Piano Bar & Brasserie, 66 Hypolita St., 825-0502.
ART WALKS, FESTIVALS & MARKETS
NORTH BEACHES ART WALK Galleries of Atlantic and Neptune beaches are open 5-9 p.m. Oct. 16 and every third Thur. from Sailfish Drive in Atlantic Beach to Neptune Beach and Town Center, 753-9594, nbaw.org. COMMUNITY FARMERS & ARTS MARKET Homemade baked goods, preserves, local honey, crafts, sauces, yard art, hand-crafted jewelry and more are featured 4-7 p.m. every Wed. at 4300 St. Johns Ave., Riverside/Avondale, 607-9935. DOWNTOWN FRIDAY MARKET Arts and crafts and local produce are offered 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Fri. at The Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Dr., Downtown, 353-1188. RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET Local and regional art, local music and entertainment – featuring Meredith Rae, Madison
Carr, Underhill Rose and Alternate Coast on Oct. 18 – food artists and a farmers market are featured 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every Sat. under the Fuller Warren Bridge, 715 Riverside Ave., free admission, 389-2449, riversideartsmarket.com.
MUSEUMS
ALEXANDER BREST MUSEUM & GALLERY Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd. N., Arlington, 256-7371, arts.ju.edu. Engaging Form, Work by John Oles and Mika Fowler, is on display through Nov. 5. AMERICAN BEACH MUSEUM American Beach Community Center, 1600 Julia St., Fernandina Beach, 277-7960, nassaucountyfl.com/facilities. An exhibit celebrating the life and activism of MaVynee Betsch, “The Beach Lady” is currently on display. BEACHES MUSEUM & HISTORY PARK 381 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach, 241-5657, beachesmuseum.org. The exhibit Remembering Hurricane Dora: The 50th Anniversary runs through Nov. 23. Admission is free for members, $5 for nonmembers. CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS 829 Riverside Ave., 356-6857, cummer.org. The fashion-themed exhibit Icons of Style: Fashion Makers, Models, and Images is on display Oct. 17-Jan. 4. A Commemoration of the Civil Rights Movement: Photography from the High Museum of Art is on display through Nov. 2. CRISP-ELLERT ART MUSEUM 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, 826-8530, flagler.edu/crispellert. Hand, Voice and Vision: Artist’s Books from Women’s Studio Workshop is on display through Oct. 18. The Bourbon Street exhibition focuses on the culture of the famous New Orleans street through the photography of Courtney Asztalos and screen grabs of the street’s 24-hour Earth Cam. Her works are on display through Oct. 18. KARPELES MANUSCRIPT MUSEUM 101 W. First St., Springfield, 356-2992, rain.org/~karpeles/jaxfrm.html. Michael Cenci’s Wildlife and Nature Photography is on display through Oct. 29. The permanent collection includes many rare manuscripts. LIGHTNER MUSEUM 75 King St., St. Augustine, 824-2874. Curator-led monthly tours are featured at 10 a.m. every first Wed. Photographer Theresa Segal’s exhibit Undisclosed: Photographs from the Lightner is on display through Jan. 2. MANDARIN MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY 11964 Mandarin Rd., 268-0784, mandarinmuseum.net. The exhibit The Maple Leaf, which features artifacts and information from the Civil War era, runs through December. MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART JACKSONVILLE 333 N. Laura St., Downtown, 366-6911, mocajacksonville. com. The exhibits Get Real: New American Painting and
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A&E // ARTS
The 5 & Dime stages A Picasso on Oct. 17-19 and 24-26. Photo by Mark Painter Pariani
Jason John Studio Experience are on display through Jan. 4. The works of Caroline Lathan-Steifel are displayed in the Project Atrium exhibit through Oct. 26. Express Your #Selfie shows off the works of Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital patients, through Nov. 30. The Juxtaposition exhibit of works by husband-and-wife team Larry Wilson and Laurie Hitzig is on display through Nov. 2. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY 1025 Museum Circle, Southbank, 396-6674, themosh.org. The exhibit Odyssey’s SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure features shipwreck treasures and is on display through March. Skies Over Jacksonville, a detailed live star show, is screened daily in the Planetarium at 2 p.m. WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine, worldgolfhalloffame.org. Honoring the Legacy: A Tribute to African-Americans in Golf – an exhibit featuring photographs, audio, video and memorabilia from the late 1800s to the present – is featured in the WGHOF permanent collection.
GALLERIES
AMIRO ART & FOUND 9C Aviles St., St. Augustine, 824-8460. Painter Matteo Neivert’s exhibit Roots runs through October. THE ART CENTER PREMIER GALLERY Bank of America Tower, 50 N. Laura St., Downtown, 355-1757, tacjacksonville. org. Print Matters: Making an Impression features works of various printmaking techniques; on display through Nov. 5. THE CULTURAL CENTER AT PONTE VEDRA BEACH 50 Executive Way, 280-0614, ccvb.org. The exhibit Fusion, featuring collaborative works by photographer Ann Kemp and glass artist Denise Murphy, is on display through Nov. 7. FIRST STREET GALLERY 216-B First St., Neptune Beach, 241-6928, firststreetgalleryart.com. New digital paintings by Melinda Bradshaw are featured in the exhibit Beneath African Skies through Oct. 20. GALLERY 1037 Reddi-Arts, 1037 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, 398-3161. The exhibit 16 x 20 The Canvas Size, featuring works by Art Guild of Orange Park members, is featured through October. J. JOHNSON GALLERY 177 Fourth Ave. N., Jax Beach, 435-3200, jjohnsongallery.com. The exhibit Modulism, featuring works by Dolf James and Andrew Zimmerman, is on display through Nov. 7. PLUM GALLERY 9 Aviles St., St. Augustine, 825-0069. New works by blown glass artist Thomas Long and painters Mary Lou Gibson and Sara Pedigo are featured during October. ROTUNDA GALLERY 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, 829-9721, stjohnsculture.com. An exhibit of black-and-white photographs from about 30 nonprofit organizations in St. Johns County is on display through Oct. 23. SOUTHLIGHT GALLERY 201 N. Hogan St., Ste. 100, Downtown, 438-4358, southlightgallery.com. Jack Allen and Sydney McKenna are the featured artists for October. TRENDS HOME DÉCOR INC. 3919 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, 346-1738 Works by Annelies Dykgraaf are featured from 4-7 p.m. on Oct. 18. ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION 22 Marine St., 824-2310, staaa.org. The 13th annual Tactile Art Show for the blind is featured through Nov. 2.
EVENTS
BUILDING BRIDGES FOR WOMEN A networking luncheon is held 11:30 a.m. Oct. 15 at Marsh Creek Country Club, 169 Marshside Dr., St. Augustine, 631-1662. EMBRACING THE SWAMP Swamp Radio presents a book signing and conversation with Laura Lee Smith and Michael Carr at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Barnett Bank Building, 112 W. Adams St., Downtown and 7:30 p.m. at University of North Florida’s Gallery, 1 UNF Drive, Southside, 358-3600, culturalcouncil.org; at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17 at Ponce Hall, Flagler College, St. Augustine, 829-6481, flagler.edu. SEA TURTLE FESTIVAL The eighth annual Sea Turtle Festival feature live music, conservation and wildlife education
56 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
tables, arts and crafts, a silent auction, food and beverages and children’s activities from noon-5 p.m. on Oct. 19 at St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez, keepersofthecoast.org. CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN MAGIC SHOW Magician Mark Alan presents an interactive show of Halloween-themed tricks at 3 p.m. on Oct. 15 at Ponte Vedra Branch Library, 101 Library Blvd., 827-6950, sjcpls.org. SOUTHERN ROCK BOOK SIGNING Scott Bomar signs copies of his new book, Southbound: An Illustrated History of Southern Rock, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 16 at The BookMark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach, 241-9026, bookmarkbeach.com. HOPE SQUARED IN SAN MARCO The Affair in The Square, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month, is held Oct. 16 and 17 at San Marco Square, Jacksonville. Raffles and prizes are featured, and 25-plus businesses throughout the square donate a percentage of their sales to The Donna Foundation. hopesquaredfoundation.org. MONSTER MASH DASH 5K & HALLOWEEN DOORS The Monster Mash Dash 5K features a one-mile fun run and 5K race, food, adult beverages, children’s activities and entertainment at 6 p.m. on Oct. 17; fun run is $12, 5K is $25-$30; Halloween Doors & More features trick-or-treating, a meet-and-greet with popular children’s characters, live theater and a disco from 3-8 p.m. on Oct. 18; $100 for adults; $50 for children. Proceeds from both events benefit Community PedsCare. Both events are held at Jacksonville Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall, 501 Fairgrounds Place, Downtown, 886-3883, hdm.communityhospice.com. BEST-SELLING AUTHOR AT LIBRARY Stephanie Evanovich discusses and signs copies of her new novel, The Sweet Spot, at 2 p.m. on Oct. 17 at Southeast Regional Library, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd., 996-0325, jaxpubliclibrary.org. BRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER Networking, hors d’oeuvres, adult beverages and entertainment, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at World of Beer, 9700 Deer Lake Ct., Southside. Proceeds benefit organizations that support women with breast cancer. 914-921-5539, bridesagainstbreastcancer.org. SPLASH BASH The fourth annual bash, featuring food and drink, live music and a raffle featuring Katy the dog retrieving winning tennis balls from a swimming pool, begins at 4 p.m. on Oct. 18 at Nassau Humane Society Dog Park, 671 Airport Rd., Fernandina Beach, raffle tickets $10, 321-1647, nassauhumanesociety.com. Proceeds benefit The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Fernandina Beach/Yulee and Nassau Humane Society. RETHREADED PRE-HOLIDAY SALE Rethreaded holds a Shop for Freedom pre-holiday sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct. 18 at 820 Barnett St., Downtown. Handcrafted Rethreaded products are featured. Hand-dyed ombré scarves debut. Proceeds benefit Rethreaded’s ongoing work in breaking the cycle of the sex trade and offer healing to women affected by it. 438-8109, rethreaded.com. ONE SPARK EVENT The workshop “Project Launch: Masters of the Pitch” features Tom Rossi and Dr. Spring Behrouz, who discuss ways to hone business pitches and become a 2015 One Spark creator, 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 16 at Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, 333 N. Laura St., Downtown, 366-6911, mocajacksonville.org. JAGS VS. BROWNS Jacksonville Jaguars take on Cleveland Browns at 1 p.m. on Oct. 19 at EverBank Field, Downtown, 633-6100, $30-$295, ticketmaster.com. ORANGE PARK FALL FESTIVAL This event features music by Kenny Holiday, Bootleg Creek Band, Atlantic City Boys, Houston Keen, The Roys, Tone Revival and Shawn Pfaffman, dance groups, arts and crafts and 250 vendors, 10 a.m.4:30 p.m. Oct. 18 and 19 at Town Hall Park, 2042 Park Ave., Orange Park, 264-2365, ownoforangepark.com/fallfestival. NAO VICTORIA Tour a replica of the first Spanish tall ship to successfully circumnavigate the world, commanded by Ferdinand Magellan in the 16th century, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. and Sun. through December at St. Augustine Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez, 824-1606, elgaleon.org.
DINING DIRECTORY To list your restaurant, contact your account manager or Sam Taylor at 904.260.9770 ext. 111 or staylor@folioweekly.com. DINING DIRECTORY KEY
$ = Less than $8 $$ = $8- $14 $$$ = $15- $22 $$$$ = $23 & up BW = Beer/Wine FB = Full Bar K = Kids’ Menu TO = Take Out B = Breakfast R = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner Bite Club = Hosted free FW Bite Club tasting. To join, go to fwbiteclub.com. 2014 Best of Jax winner F = FW distribution spot Average Entrée Cost
AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA BEACH, YULEE
29 SOUTH EATS, 29 S. Third St., 277-7919, 29southrestaurant.com. F In historic downtown, Chef Scotty Schwartz serves traditional regional cuisine with a modern twist. $$ 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. Serving Southwestern fare; made-to-order burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, handcrafted salsa. $$ BW K TO L D Daily BRETT’S WATERWAY CAFÉ, 1 S. Front St., 261-2660. F Southern hospitality in an upscale waterfront spot; daily specials, fresh local seafood, aged bee f. $$$ FB K L D Daily CAFÉ KARIBO, 27 N. Third St., 277-5269, cafekaribo. com. F In a historic building, the family-owned spot offers worldly fare: veggie burgers, fresh seafood, madefrom-scratch desserts. Dine in or out on oak-shaded patio. Karibrew Pub offers beer brewed onsite. $$ FB K TO R, Sun.; L D Daily CIAO ITALIAN BISTRO, 302 Centre St., 206-4311, ciao bistro-luca.com. Owners Luka and Kim Misciasci offer fine dining: veal piccata, rigatoni Bolognese, antipasto. Specialties: chicken Ciao, homemade meat lasagna. $ L Fri., Sat.; D Nightly DAVID’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, 802 Ash St., 310-6049, ameliaislanddavids.com. Fine dining in historic district. Fresh seafood, prime aged meats, rack of lamb served in an elegant, chic spot. $$$$ FB D Wed.-Mon. DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 474313 E. S.R. 200, 491-3469. 450077 S.R. 200, Callahan, 879-0993. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. ELIZABETH POINTE LODGE, 98 S. Fletcher Ave., 277-4851, elizabethpointelodge.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Award-winning B&B has seaside dining, indoors or out. Hot buffet breakfast daily. Homestyle soups, sandwiches, desserts. $$$ BW K 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. $$ FB K B L D Daily LULU’S AT THOMPSON HOUSE, 11 S. Seventh St., 432-8394, lulusamelia.com. F Creative lunch: po’boys, salads, little plates. Dinner: fresh local seafood, Fernandina shrimp. Reservations. $$$ BW K TO R Sun.; L D Tue.-Sat. MARCHÉ BURETTE, 6800 First Coast Hwy., 491-4834, omnihotels.com. Old-fashioned gourmet food market/ deli, in Spa & Shops, Omni A melia Island Plantation. Continental breakfast; lunch features flatbreads. $$$ BW K TO L D Daily MOON RIVER PIZZA, 925 S. 14th St., 321-3400, moonriverpizza.net. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Northern-style pizzas, 20+ toppings, by the pie or the slice. $ BW TO L D Mon.-Sat. THE MUSTARD SEED CAFE, 833 TJ Courson Rd., 277-3141, nassaushealthfoods.net. Snail of Approval. Casual organic eatery and juice bar, in Nassau Health Foods. All-natural organic items, smoothies, juice, coffee, herbal tea. $$ TO B L Mon.-Sat. THE PECAN ROLL BAKERY, 122 S. Eighth St., 491-9815, thepecanrollbakery.com. The bakery near the historic district has sweet and savory pastries, cookies, cakes, bagels, breads, all made from scratch. $ K TO B L Wed.-Sun. PLAE, 80 Amelia Village Cir., 277-2132, plaefl.net. Bite Club. Omni Plantation Spa & Shops. Bistro-style venue serves whole fried fish and duck breast. Outdoor dining. $$$ FB L Tue.-Sat.; D Nightly THE SALTY PELICAN BAR & GRILL, 12 N. Front St., 277-3811, thesaltypelicanamelia.com. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. ICW sunset view; 2nd-story outdoor bar. Owners T.J. and Al offer local seafood, Mayport shrimp, fish tacos, po’boys, original broiled cheese oysters. $$ FB K L D Daily SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL, 1998 S. Fletcher Ave., 277-6652, slidersseaside.com. F Oceanfront place serves award-winning handmade crab cakes, fresh seafood, fried pickles. Outdoor dining, open-air 2nd fl oor, balcony. $$ FB K L D Daily TASTY’S FRESH BURGERS & FRIES, 710 Centre St., 321-0409, tastysamelia.com. In historic district. Fresh fast-food alternative, combining the freshest meats, handcut fries, homemade sauces, hand-spun shakes. $ BW K L D Daily
Johnny Hampton (center) and his staff stand before the menu on the wall at Hovan Mediterranean Gourmet. The Riverside eatery won our annual Best of Jax readers’ poll, for Best Mediterranean Restaurant in 2014. Photo: Dennis Ho T-RAY’S BURGER STATION, 202 S. 8th St., 261-6310. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. This spot in an old gas station offers blue plate specials, burgers, biscuits & gravy, shrimp. $ BW TO B L Mon.-Sat. THE VERANDAH, 6800 First Coast Hwy., 321-5050, omnihotels.com. Extensive menu of fresh local seafood and steaks; signature entrée is Fernandina shrimp. Many herbs and spices are from onsite garden . $$$ FB K D Nightly
ARLINGTON, REGENCY
DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 9119 Merrill Rd., 745-9300. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. LA NOPALERA, 8818 Atlantic Blvd., 720-0106. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE MANDARIN. LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 1301 Monument Rd., 724-5802. F SEE ORANGE PARK. THE SHEIK DELI, 9720 Atlantic Blvd., 721-2660. Familyowned-and-operated, Sheik delis have served our area for 40+ years, with a full breakfast (pitas to country plates) and a lunch menu. $ TO B L D Mon.-Sat.
AVONDALE, ORTEGA
BAGEL LOVE, 4114 Herschel St., Ste. 121, 634-7253, bagellovejax.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Locallyowned-and-operated. Northern style bagels, cream cheeses, sandwiches, wraps, bakery items. Freshsqueezed orange juice and lemonade, coffee, tea. $ K TO B L Daily THE CASBAH CAFÉ, 3628 St. Johns Ave., 981-9966, thecasbahcafe.com. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Middle Eastern/Mediterranean fare. Patio, hookah lounge, bellydancers. $$ BW L D Daily CLAUDE’S CHOCOLATE, 3543 St. Johns Ave., 829-5790. F In Green Man Gourmet. Wines, spices, fresh fruit ice pops and Belgian chocolates. SEE PONTE VEDRA. $$ TO FLORIDA CREAMERY, 3566 St. Johns Ave., 619-5386. Premium ice cream, fresh waffle cones, milkshakes, sundaes and Nathan’s grilled hot dogs, served in Floridacentric décor. Low-fat and sugar-free choices. $ K TO L D Daily THE FOX RESTAURANT, 3580 St. Johns Ave., 387-2669. F Owners Ian & Mary Chase offer fresh diner fare: burgers, meatloaf, fried green tomatoes, desserts. Breakfast all day. Local landmark for 50+ years. $$ BW K L D Daily HARPOON LOUIE’S, 4070 Herschel St., Ste. 8, 389-5631, harpoonlouies.net. F Locally owned and operated for 20+ years, the American pub serves 1/2-pound burgers, fish sandwiches, pasta. Local beers. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LA NOPALERA, 4530 St. Johns, 388-8828. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE MANDARIN. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 3611 St. Johns Ave., 388-0200. F Bite Club. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE BEACHES. MOJO NO. 4 URBAN BBQ & WHISKEY BAR, 3572 St. Johns Ave., 381-6670. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE BEACHES.
PINEGROVE MARKET & DELI, 1511 Pine Grove Ave., 389-8655, pinegrovemarket.com. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. 40+ years. Burgers, Cuban sandwiches, subs, wraps. Onsite butcher cuts USDA choice prime aged beef. Craft beers. $ BW TO B L D Mon.-Sat. PULP, 3645 St. Johns Ave., pulpaddiction.com. SEE SAN
MARCO.
RESTAURANT ORSAY, 3630 Park St., 381-0909, restaurantorsay.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. French/Southern bistro, with an emphasis on locally grown organic ingredients. Steak frites, mussels, pork chops. Snail of A pproval. $$$ FB K R, Sun.; D Nightly SIMPLY SARA’S, 2902 Corinthian Ave., 387-1000, simplysaras.net. F Down-home fare, from scratch: eggplant fries, pimento cheese, baked chicken, fruit cobblers, chicken & dumplings, desserts. BYOB. $$ K TO L D Mon.-Sat., B Sat.
BAYMEADOWS
AKEL’S DELICATESSEN, 7825 Baymeadows Way, 733-4040. F SEE DOWNTOWN. AL’S PIZZA, 8060 Philips Hwy., Ste. 105, 731-4300. F SEE BEACHES.
BROADWAY RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA, Ste. 3, 10920 Baymeadows Rd. E., 519-8000, broadwayfl.com. F Family-owned-and-operated Italian pizzeria serves calzones, wings, brick-oven-baked pizza, subs. $$ BW K TO L D Daily INDIA’S RESTAURANT, 9802 Baymeadows, Ste. 8, 620-0777, indiajax.com. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Authentic Indian cuisine, lunch buffet. Curries, vegetable dishes, lamb, chicken, shrimp, fish tandoori. $$ BW L Mon.-Sat.; D Nightly LA NOPALERA, 8206 Philips Hwy., 732-9433. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE MANDARIN. LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 3928 Baymeadows Rd., 737-7740. 8616 Baymeadows Rd., 739-2498. F SEE ORANGE PARK.
NATIVE SUN NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI, 11030 Baymeadows Rd., 260-2791. SEE MANDARIN. PIZZA PALACE RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA, 3928 Baymeadows Rd., 527-8649, pizzapalacejax.com. F Casual, family-owned; homestyle cuisine. Local faves: spinach pizza, chicken spinach calzones, ravioli, lasagna, parmigiana. Outside dining; HD TVs. $$ BW K TO L D Daily SNEAKERS SPORTS GRILLE, 8133 Point Meadows Dr., 519-0509. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE BEACHES. ZESTY INDIA, 8358 Point Meadows Dr., 329-3676, zestyindia.com. Asian methods meld with Europea n template to create tandoori lamb chops, rosemary tikka. Vegetarian items cooked separately in vegetable oil. $ BW TO L D Tue.-Sun.
BEACHES
(Locations are in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted.)
AL’S PIZZA, 303 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town Center, Atlantic Beach, 249-0002, alspizza.com. F Al’s is often a repeat winner in F W readers’ poll. New York-style, gourmet pizzas, baked dishes. All-day happy hour Mon.Thur. $ FB K TO L D Daily ANGIE’S SUBS, 1436 Beach Blvd., 246-2519. ANGIE’S GROM, 204 Third Ave. S., 246-7823. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Angie’s has served subs made with the freshest ingredients for more than 25 years. One word: Peruvian. Huge salads, blue-ribbon iced tea. $ BW TO L D Daily BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS, 2400 S. Third St., Ste. 201. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. BUDDHA THAI BISTRO, 301 10th Ave. N., 712-4444, buddhathaibistro.com. The proprietors are from Thailand; every dish is made with fresh ingredients.
$$ FB TO L D Daily BURRITO GALLERY EXPRESS, 1333 Third St. N., 242-8226. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE DOWNTOWN. CANTINA MAYA SPORTS BAR & GRILLE, 1021 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 247-3227. Popular spot serves great margaritas, great Latin food, burgers. Sports on TVs. $$ FB K L D Tue.-Sun. CASA MARIA, 2429 S. Third St., 372-9000, casamariajax.com. F Family-owned-and-operated place offers authentic Mexican fare: fajitas and seafood dishes, hot sauces made in-house. The specialty is tacos de asada. $ FB K L D Daily CULHANE’S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 249-9595, culhanesirishpub.com. Bite Club. Upscale pub/restaurant owned and run by sisters from County Limerick, Ireland. Shepherd’s pie, corned beef; gastropub fare. $$ FB K R Sat. & Sun.; L Fri.-Sun.; D Tue.-Sun. EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ, 992 Beach Blvd., 249-3001. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. FLYING IGUANA TAQUERIA & TEQUILA BAR, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town Center, Neptune Beach, 853-5680, fl yingiguana.com. F Latin American fusion, Southwestern-influenced: tacos, seafood, carnitas, Cubana sandwiches. 100+ tequilas. $ FB L D Daily HARMONIOUS MONKS, 320 First St. N., 372-0815, harmoniousmonks.net. F SEE MANDARIN. LA NOPALERA, 1222 Third St. S., 372-4495. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE MANDARIN. LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 657 N. Third St., 247-9620. F SEE ORANGE PARK.
LILLIE’S COFFEE BAR, 200 First St., Beaches Town Center, Neptune Beach, 249-2922, lilliescoffeebar. com. F Locally roasted coffee, eggs, bagels, fl atbreads, sandwiches, desserts. Dine indoors or out, patio and courtyard. $$ BW TO B L D Daily MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS, 1018 Third St. N., Ste. 2, 241-5600, mellowmushroom.com. F Bite Club. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Hoagies, gourmet pizzas: Mighty Meaty, vegetarian, Kosmic Karma. 35 tap beers. Nonstop happy hour. $ FB K TO L D Daily METRO DINER, 1534 Third St. N., 853-6817. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE SAN MARCO. MEZZA RESTAURANT & BAR, 110 First St., Beaches Town Center, Neptune Beach, 249-5573, mezzarest aurantandbar.com. F Near-the-ocean eatery, 20+ years. Casual bistro fare: gourmet wood-fired pizzas, nightly specials. Dine inside or on the patio. Valet parking. $$$ FB K D Mon.-Sat. MOJO KITCHEN BBQ PIT & BLUES BAR, 1500 Beach Blvd., 247-6636, mojobbq.com. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Pulled pork, Carolina-style barbecue, Delta fried catfish, all the sides. $$ FB K TO L D Daily M SHACK, 299 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town Center, Atlantic Beach, 241-2599, mshackburgers.com. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. David and Matthew Medure flip burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes, familiar fare, moderate prices. Dine inside or outside. $$ BW L D Daily NORTH BEACH BISTRO, 725 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 6, Atlantic Beach, 372-4105, nbbistro.com. Bite Club. Neighborhood gem with a chef-driven kitchen serves hand-cut steaks, fresh local seafood, tapas menu. Happy hour. $$$ FB K R Sun.; L D Daily OCEAN 60 RESTAURANT, WINE BAR & MARTINI ROOM, 60 Ocean Blvd., Beaches Town Center, Atlantic Beach, 247-0060, ocean60.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Continental cuisine, fresh seafood, dinner specials and a
OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 57
GRILL ME!
DINING DIRECTORY
A WEEKLY Q&A WITH PEOPLE IN THE FOOD BIZ
NAME: Sara Mangham RESTAURANT: Simply Sara’s, 2902 Corinthian Ave., Avondale BIRTHPLACE: Norfolk, Virginia YEARS IN THE BIZ: 4 FAVORITE RESTAURANT (other than mine): Arte Pizza, Fernandina Beach BEST CUISINE STYLE: Southern IDEAL MEAL: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, pole beans, sweet tea and, of course, gravy! WILL NOT CROSS MY LIPS: Sushi INSIDER’S SECRET: The goodness of food is found in its simplest form. CELEBRITY SIGHTING: A whole pile of Jacksonville Sharks players! CULINARY TREAT: Crème brûlée seasonal menu in a formal dining room or casual Martini Room. $$$ FB D Mon.-Sat. RAGTIME TAVERN & SEAFOOD GRILL, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town Center, Atlantic Beach, 241-7877, ragtimetavern.com. F For 30+ years, the iconic seafood place has scored many awards in our BOJ readers poll. Blackened snapper, sesame tuna, Ragtime shrimp. Daily happy hour. $$ FB L D Daily SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK, 1018 Third St. N., 372-4456, saltlifefoodshack.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Specialty items: signature tuna poke bowl, fresh rolled sushi, Ensenada tacos, local fried shrimp, in a modern open-air space. $$ FB K TO L D Daily SLIDERS SEAFOOD GRILLE & OYSTER BAR, 218 First St., Beaches Town Center, Neptune Beach, 246-0881, slidersseafoodgrille.com. Beach-casual. Faves: Fresh fish tacos, gumbo. Key lime pie, ice cream sandwiches. $$ FB K L Sat. & Sun.; D Nightly SNEAKERS SPORTS GRILLE, 111 Beach Blvd., 482-1000, sneakerssportsgrille.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. More than 20 beers on tap, TV screens, cheerleaders serving the food. Happy hour Mon.-Fri. $ FB K L D Daily TACOLU BAJA MEXICANA, 1712 Beach Blvd., 249-8226, tacolu.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Fresh, Baja-style fare with a focus on fish tacos, tequila (more than 135 kinds) and mezcal. Bangin’ shrimp, carne asada, carnitas, daily fresh fish selections. Made-freshdaily guacamole. $$ FB K R Sat. & Sun.; L D Tue.-Fri.
DOWNTOWN
AKEL’S DELICATESSEN, 21 W. Church St., 665-7324, akelsdeli.com. F New York-style deli offers freshly made fare: subs (3 Wise Guys, Champ), burgers, gyros, breakfast bowls, ranchero wrap, vegetarian dishes. $ K TO B L Mon.-Fri. BURRITO GALLERY & BAR, 21 E. Adams St., 598-2922, burritogallery.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Southwestern burritos, ginger teriyaki tofu, beef barbacoa, wraps, tacos. $ BW TO L D Mon.-Sat. CASA MARIA, 12961 N. Main St., Ste. 104, 757-6411. F SEE BEACHES. CHOMP CHOMP, 106 E. Adams St., 762-4667. F Eats at moderate prices – most less than $10. Chef-inspired street food: panko-crusted chicken, burgers, chinois tacos, bahn mi and barbecue. $ L Tue.-Sat.; D Thur.-Sat. FIONN MacCOOL’s IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT, The Landing, Ste. 176, 374-1547, fionnmacs.com. Casual dining with an uptown Irish atmosphere, serving fish and chips, Guinness lamb stew and black-and-tan brownies. $$ FB K L D Daily OLIO MARKET, 301 E. Bay St., 356-7100, oliomarket. com. From-scratch soups, sandwiches. They cure their own bacon, pickle their pickles. Home to duck grilled cheese, seen on Best Sandwich in America. $$ BW TO B R L Mon.-Fri.
FLEMING ISLAND
GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET, 1915 East-West Pkwy., 541-0009. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE RIVERSIDE.
LA NOPALERA, 1571 C.R. 220, 215-2223. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE MANDARIN. MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS, 1800 Town Center Blvd., 541-1999. F Bite Club. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE BEACHES. MOJO SMOKEHOUSE, 1810 Town Center Blvd., Ste. 8, 264-0636. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE BEACHES. WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198, whiteysfishcamp.com. F Real fish camp. Gator tail, freshwater catfish, daily specials, traditional fare, on Swimming Pen Creek. Tiki bar. Come by boat, motorcycle or car. $ FB K TO L Tue.-Sun.; D Nightly YOUR PIE, 1545 C.R. 220, Ste. 125, 379-9771, yourpie. com. Owner Mike Sims’ concept: Choose from 3 doughs, 9 sauces, 7 cheeses, 40+ toppings. 5 minutes in a brick oven and ta-da: It’s your pie. Subs, sandwiches, gelato. $$ BW K TO L D Daily
58 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
INTRACOASTAL WEST
AL’S PIZZA, 14286 Beach Blvd., Ste. 31, 223-0991. F SEE BEACHES.
DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 14286 Beach Blvd., 223-0115. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 14333 Beach Blvd., Ste. 39, 992-1666. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Tamales, fajitas, pork tacos. Some La Nops have a full bar. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LARRY’S GIANT 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-night menu. $$ FB L Tue.-Sun.; D Nightly
JULINGTON CREEK
DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 525 S.R. 16, Ste. 101, 825-4540. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. METRO DINER, 12807 San Jose Blvd., 638-6185. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE SAN MARCO. PIZZA PALACE, 116 Bartram Oaks Walk, 230-2171. F SEE BAYMEADOWS.
MANDARIN
AKEL’S DELICATESSEN, 12926 Gran Bay Pkwy. W., 880-2008. F SEE DOWNTOWN. AL’S PIZZA, 11190 San Jose Blvd., 260-4115. F SEE BEACHES.
ATHENS CAFÉ, 6271 St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 7, 733-1199. F Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), baby shoes (stuffed eggplant). Greek beers. $$ BW L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. BROOKLYN PIZZA, 11406 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 3, 288-9211. 13820 St. Augustine Rd., 880-0020. Brooklyn Special. Calzones, white pizza, homestyle lasagna. $$ BW TO L D Daily THE COFFEE BARD, 9735 Old St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 13, 260-0810, thecoffeebard.com. New world coffeehouse has coffees, breakfast, drinks. $$ TO B L D Tue.-Sun. DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 10391 Old St. Augustine, 880-7087. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. GIGI’S RESTAURANT, 3130 Hartley Rd., 694-4300, jaxramada.com. In Ramada. Prime rib and crab leg buffet Fri. & Sat., blue-jean brunch Sun., daily breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. $$$ FB B R L D Daily GILMON’S BAKERY, 11362 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 13, 288-8128, gilmonsbakery.com. Custom cakes, cupcakes, gingerbread men, pies, cookies, coffee, tea. $$ B L Tue.-Sat. HARMONIOUS MONKS, 10550 Old St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 30, 880-3040, harmoniousmonks.net. F American-style steakhouse: Angus steaks, gourmet burgers, ribs, wraps. $$ FB K L D Mon.-Sat. KAZU JAPANESE RESTAURANT, 9965 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 35, 683-9903, kazujapaneserestaurant.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Wide variety of soups, dumplings, appetizers, salads, bento boxes, sushi, entrées, maki handrolls, sashimi. $$ BW TO L D Daily LA NOPALERA, 11700 San Jose Blvd., 288-0175. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Tamales, fajitas, pork tacos. Some La Nops have a full bar. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 11365 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 3, 674-2945. F SEE ORANGE PARK. NATIVE SUN NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI, 10000 San Jose Blvd., 260-6950, nativesunjax.com. Natural, organic soups, sandwiches, wraps, baked goods, prepared foods, juices and smoothies. Juice, smoothie and coffee bar. All-natural, organic beers, wines. Indoor, outdoor dining. $ BW TO K B L D Daily THE RED ELEPHANT PIZZA & GRILL, 10131 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 12, 683-3773, redelephantpizza.com. F Casual, family-friendly eatery serves steaks, seafood, chicken grill specials. Five topping selections. Salads,
DINING DIRECTORY
ST. AUGUSTINE
Mindi Iannarelli and Stephanie Babineau, of the newly opened Salt Life Food Shack in St. Augustine, get silly with fresh flounder and plantains over rice and two tropical cocktails. Salt Life won our annual Best of Jax readers’ poll for Best Seafood. Photo: Dennis Ho sandwiches, pizza. Gluten-free friendly. $ FB K L D Daily STEAMIN, 9703 San Jose Blvd., 493-2020, eatsteamin. com. Classic diner serves steam burgers, fat dogs and chili, 50+ craft beers. $ FB TO B Sat.-Sun.; L D Daily
ORANGE PARK, GREEN COVE SPRINGS
ARON’S PIZZA, 650 Park Ave., 269-1007, aronspizza. com. F Family-owned restaurant has eggplant dishes, manicotti, New York-style pizzas. $$ BW K TO L D Daily DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 1540 Wells Rd., 269-2122. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. THE HILLTOP, 2030 Wells Road, 272-5959, hilltop-club. com. Southern-style fine dining. Specialties: New Orleans shrimp, certified Black Angus prime rib, she-crab soup, desserts. $$$ FB D Tue.-Sat. LA NOPALERA, 9734 Crosshill Blvd., 908-4250. 2024 Kingsley Ave., 276-2776. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE MANDARIN.
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 1330 Blanding Blvd., 276-7370. 1545 C.R. 220, 278-2827. 700 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 15, 272-3553. 1401 S. Orange Ave., Green Cove Springs, 284-7789, larryssubs.com. F For 30+ years, all over town, they pile ’em high and serve ’em fast. Hot/cold subs, soups, salads. $ K TO B L D Daily POMPEII COAL-FIRED PIZZA, 2134 Park Ave., 264-6116. Family-owned-and-operated, offering pizzas and wings made in coal-fired ovens. Espresso, cappuccino. $ BW TO L D Daily THE ROADHOUSE, 231 Blanding Blvd., 264-0611, roadhouseonline.net. F For 35-plus years, Roadhouse has been offering wings, sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas; 75+ imported beers. $ FB L D Daily THE SHEIK, 1994 Kingsley Ave., 276-2677. SEE ARLINGTON.
PONTE VEDRA, NW ST. JOHNS
AL’S PIZZA, 635 A1A N., 543-1494. F SEE BEACHES. CLAUDE’S CHOCOLATE, 145 Hilden Rd., Ste. 122, 829-5790, claudeschocolate.com. Hand-crafted premium Belgian chocolate, fruits, nuts, spices. Cookies, popsicles. $$ TO DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 100 Marketside Ave., 829-8134, dickswingsandgrill.com. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. NASCAR-themed; 365 kinds of wings, halfpound burgers, ribs. $ FB K TO L D Daily LARRY’S SUBS, 830 A1A N., 273-3993. F SEE ORANGE PARK. PUSSER’S BAR & GRILLE, 816 A1A N., Ste. 100, 280-7766, pussersusa.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Bite Club. Innovative Caribbean cuisine features regional faves: Jamaican grilled pork ribs, Trinidad smoked duck, lobster macaroni & cheese dinner. Tropical drinks. $$ FB K TO L D Daily RESTAURANT MEDURE, 818 A1A N., 543-3797, restaurantmedure.us. Chef David Medure offers global flavors. Small plates, creative drinks, happy hour. $$$ FB D Mon.-Sat.
RIVERSIDE, 5 POINTS, WESTSIDE
13 GYPSIES, 887 Stockton St., 389-0330, 13gypsies. com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Intimate bistro serves authentic Mediterranean peasant cuisine updated for American tastes, specializing in tapas, blackened octopus, risotto of the day, coconut mango curry chicken. $$ BW L D Tue.-Sat. AKEL’S DELI, 245 Riverside Ave., 791-3336. F SEE DOWNTOWN .
AL’S PIZZA, 1620 Margaret St., Ste. 201, 388-8384. F SEE BEACHES.
BLACK SHEEP RESTAURANT, 1534 Oak St., 355-3793, blacksheep5points.com. New American fare has a Southern twist, made with locally sourced ingredients. Rooftop bar. $$$ FB R Sat. & Sun.; L D Daily BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS, 869 Stockton St., Stes. 1 & 2, 855-1181. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. F Small-batch, artisanal coffee roasting. Organic, fair trade. $ BW TO B L Daily CORNER TACO, 818 Post St., 240-0412. Made-fromscratch “semi-swanky street food,” tacos, nachos, glutenfree and vegetarian options. $ BW L D Tue.-Sun. DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 5972 San Juan, 693-9258. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. EDGEWOOD BAKERY, 1012 S. Edgewood Ave., 389-8054, edgewoodbakery.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. 66+ years, full-service bakery. Fresh breakfast, from-scratch pastries, petit fours, pies, cakes. Espresso, sandwiches, smoothies, soups. $$ K TO B L Tue.-Sat. EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ, 2753 Park St., 384-9999, europeanstreet.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. 130+ imported beers, 20 on tap. NYC-style classic Reuben and other overstuffed sandwiches; salads, soups. Outside seating is available at some EStreets. $ BW K L D Daily GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET, 2007 Park St., 384-4474, thegrassrootsmarket.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. F The juice bar uses certified organic fruits and vegetables. 500+ craft/import beers, 250 wines, organic produce, humanely raised meats, plus a deli, as well as raw items, vegan, vitamins, herbs. $ BW TO B L D Daily HAWKERS ASIAN STREET FARE, 1001 Park St., 508-0342, hawkerstreetfare.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Based on fare of Asian street vendors, peddling authentic dishes from mobile stalls. Chefs here serve the best hawker recipes under one roof. $ BW TO L D Daily KNEAD BAKESHOP, 1173 Edgewood Ave. S. New from Bold Bean Coffee Roasters’ owners. Locally-owned, family-run bake shop specializes in made-fromscratch pastries, artisan breads, savory pies, specialty sandwiches, seasonal soups. $ TO B L Tue.-Sun. LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 1509 Margaret St., 674-2794. 7895 Normandy, 781-7600. 5733 Roosevelt, 446-9500. 8102 Blanding, 779-1933. F SEE ORANGE PARK. METRO DINER, 4495 Roosevelt Blvd., Ortega, 999-4600. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE SAN MARCO. MONROE’S SMOKEHOUSE BAR-B-Q, 4838 Highway Ave., 389-5551, monroessmokehousebbq.com. Monroe’s smoked meats include wings, pulled pork, brisket, turkey and ribs. Homestyle sides include green beans, baked beans, mac-n-cheese, collards. $$ K TO L Mon.-Sat.; D Fri. MOON RIVER PIZZA, 1176 Edgewood Ave. S., 389-4442. F 2014 Best of Jax 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 THE SHEIK, 7361 103rd St., 778-4805. 5172 Normandy Blvd., 786-7641. SEE ARLINGTON. SUN-RAY CINEMA, 1028 Park St., 359-0049. F Beer (Bold City, Intuition), wine, pizza, hot dogs, hummus, sandwiches, popcorn, nachos, brownies. $$ BW Daily SUSHI CAFÉ, 2025 Riverside Ave., Ste. 204, 384-2888, sushicafejacksonville.com. Sushi variety: Monster Roll, Jimmy Smith Roll; faves Rock-n-Roll, Dynamite Roll. Hibachi, tempura, katsu, teriyaki. Indoor or patio. $$ BW L D Daily
AL’S PIZZA, 1 St. George St., 824-4383. F SEE BEACHES. AVILES RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, 32 Avenida Menendez, 829-2277, hiltonhistoricstaugustine.net. F Hilton Bayfront. Progressive European-flavored menu; madeto-order pasta night, wine dinners, chophouse nights, breakfast buffet. Sun. champagne brunch bottomless mimosas. $$$ FB K B L D Daily CARMELO’S MARKETPLACE & PIZZERIA, 146 King St., 494-6658, carmelosmarketplace.com. F NY-style gourmet brick-oven-baked pizza, fresh sub rolls, Boar’s Head meats, cheeses, garlic herb wings. Outdoor dining, Wi-Fi. $$ BW TO L D Daily CLAUDE’S CHOCOLATE, 6 Granada St., 829-5790. In The Market. Wine and chocolate pairings, soft-serve ice cream, a coffee bar, fresh fruit ice pops, cookies. $$ TO THE FLORIDIAN, 39 Cordova St., 829-0655, thefloridianst aug.com. Updated Southern fare: fresh ingredients from area farms. Vegetarian, gluten-free. Fried green tomato bruschetta, grits with shrimp, fish or tofu. $$$ BW K TO L D Wed.-Mon. GYPSY CAB COMPANY, 828 Anastasia Blvd., 824-8244, gypsycab.com. F A mainstay for 25+ years, Gypsy’s menu changes twice daily. Signature dish: Gypsy chicken. Seafood, tofu, duck, veal. Sun. brunch. $$ FB R Sun.; L D Daily THE ICE PLANT BAR, 110 Riberia St., 829-6553, iceplantbar.com. Vintage-inspired (an old ice plant) in historic area. Farm-to-table menu uses locally sourced ingredients; hand-crafted drinks, house-made bitters, syrups. $$$ FB TO D Nightly MELLOW MUSHROOM, 410 Anastasia Blvd., 826-4040. F Bite Club. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE BEACHES. MOJO OLD CITY BBQ, 5 Cordova, 342-5264. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE BEACHES. PACIFIC ASIAN BISTRO, 159 Palencia Village Dr., Ste. 111, 808-1818, pacificasianbistro.com. F Chef Mas Lui creates 30+ sushi rolls; fresh sea scallops, Hawaiian-style poke tuna salad. Sake. $$-$$$ BW L D Daily SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK, 321 A1A Beach Blvd., 217-3256, saltlifefoodshack.com. Best of Jax winner. SEE BEACHES. TEMPO, 16 Cathedral Place, 547-0240. Latin American fusion wine bar and restaurant offers traditional American fare with a Latin flair; sandwiches, too. $$ BW L D Tue.-Sun.
ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER
BENTO CAFE ASIAN KITCHEN & SUSHI, 4860 Big Island Dr., Ste. 1, 564-9494, bentocafesushi.com. Pan-Asian fare; Asian-inspired dishes: wok stir-fry to fire-grilled, authentic spices, fresh ingredients. Full sushi bar. $$ K FB TO L D Daily MOXIE KITCHEN + COCKTAILS, 4972 Big Island Dr., 998-9744, moxiefl.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Chef Tom Gray’s place features innovative contemporary American cuisine – seafood, steaks, pork, burgers, salads, sides and desserts – using locally sourced ingredients when possible. $$$ FB K L Mon.-Fri.; D Nightly M SHACK, 10281 Midtown Pkwy., 642-5000, mshack burgers.com. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE BEACHES.
SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK
BASIL THAI & SUSHI, 1004 Hendricks Ave., 674-0190, basilthaijax.com. F Authentic dishes: Pad Thai, curries, sashimi, fresh sushi, daily specials. $$ FB L D Mon.-Sat. DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 1610 University Blvd. W., 448-2110. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ, 1704 San Marco Blvd., 398-9500. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. FUSION SUSHI, 1550 University Blvd. W., 636-8688, fusionsushijax.com. F Upscale sushi spot serves a variety of fresh sushi, sashimi, hibachi, teriyaki, kiatsu. $$ K L D Daily THE GROTTO WINE & Tapas Bar, 2012 San Marco Blvd., 398-0726. F Artisanal cheese plates, empanadas, bruschetta, cheesecake. 60+ wines by the glass. $$$ BW Tue.-Sun. HAMBURGER MARY’S BAR & GRILLE, 3333 Beach Blvd., Ste. 1, 551-2048, hamburgermarys.com. Popular chain serves wings, sammies, nachos, wraps, entrées, specialty cocktails and … wait for it … burgers. $$ K TO FB L D Daily LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 1631 Hendricks, 399-1768. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE MANDARIN.
MATTHEW’S, 2107 Hendricks Ave., 396-9922, matthewsrestaurant.com. Chef Matthew Medure’s flagship. Fine dining, artfully presented cuisine, small plates, martini/wine lists. Happy hour Mon.-Fri. Reservations. $$$$ FB D Mon.-Sat. METRO DINER, 3302 Hendricks Ave., 398-3701, metrodiner.com. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Original upscale diner in ’30s-era building. Meatloaf, chicken pot pie, homemade soups. $$ B R L Daily
MOJO BAR-B-QUE, 1607 University Blvd. W., 732-7200. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE BEACHES. PIZZA PALACE, 1959 San Marco Blvd., 399-8815. F SEE BAYMEADOWS.
PULP, 1962 San Marco Blvd., 396-9222, pulpaddiction. com. The juice bar offers fresh juices, frozen yogurt, teas, coffees, 30 kinds of smoothies. $ TO B L D Daily TAVERNA, 1986 San Marco Blvd., 398-3005, tavernasanmarco.com. Authentic Italian ingredients, seasonal local produce and meats on Chef Sam Efron’s menus. Regional craft beers, handcrafted cocktails. $$$ FB K TO R L D Daily
SOUTHSIDE
360° GRILLE, Latitude 360, 10370 Philips Hwy., 365-5555, latitude360.com. F Seafood, steaks, burgers, chicken, sandwiches, pizza. Patio, movie theater. $$ FB TO L D Daily AKEL’S, 7077 Bonneval Rd., 332-8700. F SEE DOWNTOWN.
ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING, 12000 Beach Blvd., 641-1212, alhambrajax.com. Longest-running dinner theater in America. Chef DeJuan Roy’s themed menus. Reservations recommended. $$ FB D Tue.-Sun. BARBERITOS, 4320 Deerwood Lake Pkwy., Ste. 106, 807-9060. SEE AMELIA ISLAND. BENTO CAFE ASIAN KITCHEN & SUSHI, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 11, 503-3238. SEE ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER. CASA MARIA, 14965 Old St. Augustine, 619-8186. SEE BEACHES.
DANCIN DRAGON, 9041 Southside Blvd., Ste. 138D, 363-9888. This new spot features a BOGO lunch. Asian fusion menu. $$ FB K L D Daily DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 10750 Atlantic Blvd., 619-0954. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. 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. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. HZ CAFE, 6426 Bowden Rd., Ste. 206, 527-1078. Healthy concept cafe serves juices, smoothies, traditional vegan and vegetarian meals and vegan and gluten-free meals and desserts. $ K TO B L Mon.-Fri. LARRY’S SUBS, 3611 St. Johns Bluff S., 641-6499. 4479 Deerwood Lake Pkwy., 425-4060. F SEE ORANGE PARK. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., 997-1955. F Bite Club. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE BEACHES. MONROE’S SMOKEHOUSE BAR B-Q, 10771 Beach Blvd., 996-7900, monroessmokehousebbq.com. SEE RIVERSIDE. PAPI CHULO’S, 9726 Touchton Rd., Ste. 105, 329-1763, ilovepapichulos.com. The brand new Tinseltown place offers fresh, simple, authentic Mexican street food, topshelf tequilas, specialty drinks. Kids eat free. $$ K FB L D Daily SEVEN BRIDGES Grille & Brewery, 9735 Gate Pkwy., 997-1999, 7bridgesgrille.com. F Local seafood, steaks, pizzas. Brewer Aaron Nesbit handcrafts ales, lagers. $$ FB K TO L D Daily TAVERNA YAMAS, 9753 Deer Lake Court, 854-0426, tavernayamas.com. F Bite Club. Char-broiled kabobs, seafood, wines, desserts. Belly dancing. $$ FB K L D Daily TOMMY’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA, 4160 Southside Blvd., Ste. 2, 565-1999, tbopizza.com. NY-style thin crust, brick-oven-baked pizzas (gluten-free), calzones, sandwiches fresh to order. Boylan’s soda. Curbside pickup. $$ BW TO L D Mon.-Sat. WORLD OF BEER, 9700 Deer Lake Court, Ste. 1, 551-5929, worldofbeer.com. F Burgers, tavern fare, sliders,flatbreads, German pretzels, hummus, pickle chips. Craft German, Cali, Florida, Irish drafts. Wines. $$ BW L D Daily
SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE
HOLA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 1001 N. Main St., 356-3100, holamexicanrestaurant.com. F Fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, daily specials. Happy hour; sangria. $ BW K TO L D Mon.-Sat. LARRY’S SUBS, 12001 Lem Turner, 764-9999. SEE ORANGE PARK.
SAVANNAH BISTRO, 14670 Duval Rd., 741-4404. F Low Country Southern fare, taste of Mediterranean and French. Crowne Plaza Airport. Crab cakes, NY strip, she crab soup, mahi mahi. $$$ FB K B L D Daily THE SHEIK, 2708 N. Main St., 353-8181. SEE ARLINGTON. UPTOWN MARKET, 1303 Main St. N., 355-0734, uptownmarketjax.com. Bite Club. In the 1300 Building. The market features fresh quality fare, innovative breakfast, lunch and dinner; farm-to-table selections, daily specials. $$ BW TO B L Daily
OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 59
GRILL ME!
DINING DIRECTORY
A WEEKLY Q&A WITH PEOPLE IN THE FOOD BIZ
NAME: Sara Mangham RESTAURANT: Simply Sara’s, 2902 Corinthian Ave., Avondale BIRTHPLACE: Norfolk, Virginia YEARS IN THE BIZ: 4 FAVORITE RESTAURANT (other than mine): Arte Pizza, Fernandina Beach BEST CUISINE STYLE: Southern IDEAL MEAL: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, pole beans, sweet tea and, of course, gravy! WILL NOT CROSS MY LIPS: Sushi INSIDER’S SECRET: The goodness of food is found in its simplest form. CELEBRITY SIGHTING: A whole pile of Jacksonville Sharks players! CULINARY TREAT: Crème brûlée seasonal menu in a formal dining room or casual Martini Room. $$$ FB D Mon.-Sat. RAGTIME TAVERN & SEAFOOD GRILL, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town Center, Atlantic Beach, 241-7877, ragtimetavern.com. F For 30+ years, the iconic seafood place has scored many awards in our BOJ readers poll. Blackened snapper, sesame tuna, Ragtime shrimp. Daily happy hour. $$ FB L D Daily SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK, 1018 Third St. N., 372-4456, saltlifefoodshack.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Specialty items: signature tuna poke bowl, fresh rolled sushi, Ensenada tacos, local fried shrimp, in a modern open-air space. $$ FB K TO L D Daily SLIDERS SEAFOOD GRILLE & OYSTER BAR, 218 First St., Beaches Town Center, Neptune Beach, 246-0881, slidersseafoodgrille.com. Beach-casual. Faves: Fresh fish tacos, gumbo. Key lime pie, ice cream sandwiches. $$ FB K L Sat. & Sun.; D Nightly SNEAKERS SPORTS GRILLE, 111 Beach Blvd., 482-1000, sneakerssportsgrille.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. More than 20 beers on tap, TV screens, cheerleaders serving the food. Happy hour Mon.-Fri. $ FB K L D Daily TACOLU BAJA MEXICANA, 1712 Beach Blvd., 249-8226, tacolu.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Fresh, Baja-style fare with a focus on fish tacos, tequila (more than 135 kinds) and mezcal. Bangin’ shrimp, carne asada, carnitas, daily fresh fish selections. Made-freshdaily guacamole. $$ FB K R Sat. & Sun.; L D Tue.-Fri.
DOWNTOWN
AKEL’S DELICATESSEN, 21 W. Church St., 665-7324, akelsdeli.com. F New York-style deli offers freshly made fare: subs (3 Wise Guys, Champ), burgers, gyros, breakfast bowls, ranchero wrap, vegetarian dishes. $ K TO B L Mon.-Fri. BURRITO GALLERY & BAR, 21 E. Adams St., 598-2922, burritogallery.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Southwestern burritos, ginger teriyaki tofu, beef barbacoa, wraps, tacos. $ BW TO L D Mon.-Sat. CASA MARIA, 12961 N. Main St., Ste. 104, 757-6411. F SEE BEACHES. CHOMP CHOMP, 106 E. Adams St., 762-4667. F Eats at moderate prices – most less than $10. Chef-inspired street food: panko-crusted chicken, burgers, chinois tacos, bahn mi and barbecue. $ L Tue.-Sat.; D Thur.-Sat. FIONN MacCOOL’s IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT, The Landing, Ste. 176, 374-1547, fionnmacs.com. Casual dining with an uptown Irish atmosphere, serving fish and chips, Guinness lamb stew and black-and-tan brownies. $$ FB K L D Daily OLIO MARKET, 301 E. Bay St., 356-7100, oliomarket. com. From-scratch soups, sandwiches. They cure their own bacon, pickle their pickles. Home to duck grilled cheese, seen on Best Sandwich in America. $$ BW TO B R L Mon.-Fri.
FLEMING ISLAND
GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET, 1915 East-West Pkwy., 541-0009. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE RIVERSIDE.
LA NOPALERA, 1571 C.R. 220, 215-2223. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE MANDARIN. MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS, 1800 Town Center Blvd., 541-1999. F Bite Club. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE BEACHES. MOJO SMOKEHOUSE, 1810 Town Center Blvd., Ste. 8, 264-0636. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE BEACHES. WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198, whiteysfishcamp.com. F Real fish camp. Gator tail, freshwater catfish, daily specials, traditional fare, on Swimming Pen Creek. Tiki bar. Come by boat, motorcycle or car. $ FB K TO L Tue.-Sun.; D Nightly YOUR PIE, 1545 C.R. 220, Ste. 125, 379-9771, yourpie. com. Owner Mike Sims’ concept: Choose from 3 doughs, 9 sauces, 7 cheeses, 40+ toppings. 5 minutes in a brick oven and ta-da: It’s your pie. Subs, sandwiches, gelato. $$ BW K TO L D Daily
60 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
INTRACOASTAL WEST
AL’S PIZZA, 14286 Beach Blvd., Ste. 31, 223-0991. F SEE BEACHES.
DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 14286 Beach Blvd., 223-0115. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 14333 Beach Blvd., Ste. 39, 992-1666. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Tamales, fajitas, pork tacos. Some La Nops have a full bar. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LARRY’S GIANT 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-night menu. $$ FB L Tue.-Sun.; D Nightly
JULINGTON CREEK
DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 525 S.R. 16, Ste. 101, 825-4540. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. METRO DINER, 12807 San Jose Blvd., 638-6185. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE SAN MARCO. PIZZA PALACE, 116 Bartram Oaks Walk, 230-2171. F SEE BAYMEADOWS.
MANDARIN
AKEL’S DELICATESSEN, 12926 Gran Bay Pkwy. W., 880-2008. F SEE DOWNTOWN. AL’S PIZZA, 11190 San Jose Blvd., 260-4115. F SEE BEACHES.
ATHENS CAFÉ, 6271 St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 7, 733-1199. F Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), baby shoes (stuffed eggplant). Greek beers. $$ BW L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. BROOKLYN PIZZA, 11406 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 3, 288-9211. 13820 St. Augustine Rd., 880-0020. Brooklyn Special. Calzones, white pizza, homestyle lasagna. $$ BW TO L D Daily THE COFFEE BARD, 9735 Old St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 13, 260-0810, thecoffeebard.com. New world coffeehouse has coffees, breakfast, drinks. $$ TO B L D Tue.-Sun. DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 10391 Old St. Augustine, 880-7087. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. GIGI’S RESTAURANT, 3130 Hartley Rd., 694-4300, jaxramada.com. In Ramada. Prime rib and crab leg buffet Fri. & Sat., blue-jean brunch Sun., daily breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. $$$ FB B R L D Daily GILMON’S BAKERY, 11362 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 13, 288-8128, gilmonsbakery.com. Custom cakes, cupcakes, gingerbread men, pies, cookies, coffee, tea. $$ B L Tue.-Sat. HARMONIOUS MONKS, 10550 Old St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 30, 880-3040, harmoniousmonks.net. F American-style steakhouse: Angus steaks, gourmet burgers, ribs, wraps. $$ FB K L D Mon.-Sat. KAZU JAPANESE RESTAURANT, 9965 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 35, 683-9903, kazujapaneserestaurant.com. 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Wide variety of soups, dumplings, appetizers, salads, bento boxes, sushi, entrées, maki handrolls, sashimi. $$ BW TO L D Daily LA NOPALERA, 11700 San Jose Blvd., 288-0175. F 2014 Best of Jax Winner. Tamales, fajitas, pork tacos. Some La Nops have a full bar. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 11365 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 3, 674-2945. F SEE ORANGE PARK. NATIVE SUN NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI, 10000 San Jose Blvd., 260-6950, nativesunjax.com. Natural, organic soups, sandwiches, wraps, baked goods, prepared foods, juices and smoothies. 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. F Casual, family-friendly eatery serves steaks, seafood, chicken grill specials. Five topping selections. Salads,
ASTROLOGY
DESCARTES, BOB GREENE, GRAVITY & DIRTY GOLD ARIES (March 21-April 19): New York City’s Diamond District is home to more than 2,000 businesses that buy and sell jewelry. Through the years, many people have lost pieces of treasure here. Valuable bits of gold and gems have fallen off broken necklaces, earrings, watches, and other accessories. Now, the enterprising Raffi Stepnanian is cashing in. Using tweezers and a butter knife, he mines for rich pickings packed in the mud of sidewalk cracks and gutters. “The percentage of gold out here on the street is greater than the amount of gold you would find in a mine,” he says. Get inspired by his efforts. Dig for treasure in unlikely places where no one else would deign to look. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In 1987, college freshman Mike Hayes was having trouble paying for his University of Illinois education. He appealed for help to famous newspaper columnist Bob Greene, who asked each of his many readers to send Hayes a penny. The response was tidal. Though most of the donations were small, they added up to more than $28,000 – enough for Hayes to finance his tuition. Take a comparable approach in the weeks ahead. Ask for a little from a lot of sources. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The word “abracadabra” is a spell that stage magicians say at the climax of their tricks: a catalyst that supposedly makes a rabbit materialize from a hat or an assistant disappear in a puff of smoke. It’s not real sorcery. It’s an illusion perpetrated by the magician’s hocus-pocus. But “abracadabra” has a little-known history, as an incantation real magicians used to generate authentic wizardry, that can be traced back to Gnostic magi of the second century. They and their successors believed merely speaking the word aloud evokes a potency not otherwise available. Try it. Say “abracadabra” to boost confidence and enhance derring-do. You already have more power than usual to change things resistant to change, and intoning some “abracadabras” may do the trick. CANCER (June 21-July 22): 17th-century writer Rene Descartes is regarded as the father of modern philosophy and founder of rationalism. His famous catchphrase is a centerpiece of Western intellectual tradition: “I think, therefore I am.” Here’s what’s amusing and alarming about the man: He read almost nothing besides the Bible and the work of Catholic theologian Thomas Aquinas. He said classic literature was a waste of time. Is that who we want at the heart of our approach to understanding reality? I say no. Adopt one or both of these: “I feel, therefore I am” or “I dream, therefore I am.” LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You can’t give what you don’t have. Here’s a corollary: You can sort of half-give what you half-have, but that may lead to messy complications and turn out to be worse than giving nothing. Devote yourself to acquiring a full supply of what you want to give. Be motivated by your frustration at not being able to give it yet. Call on your stymied generosity to be the driving force to inspire you to get missing magic. When you’ve got it, give it. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): One of your allies or loved ones will get caught in his or her own trap. Your response will be crucial for how the rest of the story goes. On one hand, you shouldn’t climb in the trap with them and get tangled. On the other hand, it won’t serve your long-term interests to be cold and unhelpful. What’s the best strategy? First, sympathize with their pain, but don’t make it your own. Second, tell the
blunt truth in the kindest tone possible. Third, offer limited support without compromising your freedom or integrity. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In 1936, Libran author F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote about the “crack-up” he’d experienced years earlier, including this tough realization: “I had been only a mediocre caretaker of most of the things left in my hands, even my talent.” This is a seed for your oracle. Have you been a good caretaker of your talent? For other things you’re responsible for? Look within and take inventory. If there’s anything lacking, now’s a great time to raise your game. If you’re doing well, reward yourself. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): On a late summer day in 1666, scientist Isaac Newton was sitting under an apple tree in his mother’s garden in Lincolnshire, England. An apple fell from a branch, plummeting to the ground. A half-century later, he told his biographer this incident inspired him to formulate the theory of gravity. Fast-forward to 2010. Astronaut Piers Sellers got on the space shuttle Atlantis carrying a piece of Newton’s apple tree, taking it along as he escaped Earth’s gravity on a trip to the International Space Station. By my astrological omen-reading, now is a great time to undertake a comparable gesture or ritual. Update your relationship with an important point of origin. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Most birds don’t sing unless they’re up high, flying or perched somewhere. One species that isn’t subject to this limitation is the turnstone, a brightly mottled shorebird. As it strolls beaches in search of food, it croons a tune the Cornell Lab of Ornithology calls “a short, rattling chuckle.” In the weeks ahead, this creature can be your mascot – or power animal, as they say in New Age circles. Why? You won’t be soaring, or gazing down at the human comedy from a location high above the fray. But you will be well-grounded and good-humored, holding your own with poise amid the rough-and-tumble. Sing freely! CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Let’s discuss that thing you’re eyeing, coveting and fantasizing about. You can enjoy it without actually having it for your own. It’s best if you enjoy it without possessing it. There’s an odd magic at play here. If this thing becomes a fixed part of your life, it may interfere with you attracting two future experiences I see as more essential to your development. Avoid attachment to the OK X-factor, to hurry the arrival and full bloom of two stellar X-factors.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD BIONIC SHOES
Police in Japan’s Kyoto Prefecture raided a shoe manufacturer in July and commandeered a list of about 1,500 purchasers of the company’s signature “tosatsu shoes” — shoes with built-in cameras. Investigators have begun visiting the purchasers at home to ask them to hand in the shoes (but, out of fairness, said they wouldn’t cause trouble for customers who could produce a legitimate reason for needing to take photographs and video by pointing the shoe at something). The seller was charged with “aiding voyeurism” and fined about $4,500 under a nuisanceprevention law.
CLEARANCE, CLARENCE
In Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in August, Kevin Clarence, 20, was arrested for an inept attempt to rob a supermarket. He entered the store, and only then, according to witnesses, put a plastic garbage bag over his head and decided to wait in line for his opportunity to address a cashier. He quickly got tired of waiting and said, “I’ll be back,” but was caught by police minutes after leaving the store.
TO THE MOON, ALICE!
Among the suggestions of the Brisbane, Australia, company Pets Eternal for honoring a deceased pet (made to a reporter in September): keeping a whisker or tooth or lock of hair, or having the remains made into jewelry or mixed with ink to make a tattoo. Overlooked was a new project by the Houston space-flight company Celestis, known for blasting human ashes into orbit (most famously those of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry). Celestis, working with a California company, will soon offer to shoot pets’ remains into orbit ($995) or perhaps even to the moon ($12,000).
IF I WERE KING
Ontario’s top court rejected Bryan Teskey’s complaint in August over how Roman Catholics continue to be discriminated against by the laws of British royal succession. Even though Ontario (along with many Commonwealth countries) recently removed some aspects of bias (ending the ban on the
royal family’s marrying Catholics), Teskey pointed out that Canadian Catholics still don’t have a fair shot at becoming king or queen (though Teskey did not claim that he, personally, had been a candidate).
NAMES IN THE NEWS
One of the three suspects in an August arrest for making fraudulent purchases at a Jupiter, Florida, shop: Ms. Cherries Waffles Tennis, 19. The president of the Alabama Public Service Commission (who invoked prayer in July as the most effective way to fight federal restrictions on coal-fired power plants): Ms. Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh. The investigator for the Ohio state auditor’s office who was ordered by his supervisor in July to end a romantic relationship with another government official: Jim Longerbone.
BUT SHE HAS A GREAT PERSONALITY
The South American country of Venezuela, already in a recession, suffered a particularly cruel blow (according to a September Associated Press dispatch from Caracas) with a recent shortage in availability of breast implants for its beauty-obsessed senoritas. Restrictive currency controls are limiting enhancement surgeries from the 85,000 performed last year and, according to a local joke, will force Venezuelan women to start developing their personalities. However, according to leading surgeon Dr. Daniel Slobodianik, when potential patients are told their preferred size implant is back-ordered, many merely choose the next-largest available size.
IT’S ABOUT “SAFETY,” NOT “MONEY”
On the same day in September, Washington, D.C., and New York City made traffic-camera announcements, with Washington declaring a revenue crisis and New York saying just one speed camera in Brooklyn had earned the city $77,550 in a single day. D.C. had projected $93 million in annual camera income, but estimated it would collect only $26 million, while New York City, with fewer cameras, was marveling at the 1,551 tickets the Brooklyn camera zapped on July 7. Chuck Shepherd weirdnews@earthlink.net
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Problems that remain persistently insoluble should always be suspected as questions asked in the wrong way,” said philosopher Alan Watts. You’ve either recently made a personal discovery proving this true, or you’ll soon do so. The brain-scrambling, heart-whirling events of recent weeks have blessed you with lots of shiny new questions, vibrant replacements for tired old questions that kept at least one old dilemma in place. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “There is for everyone some one scene, some one adventure, some one picture that is the image of his secret life,” said Irish poet William Butler Yeats. Identify that numinous presence. Then celebrate and cultivate it. Give it special attention, pay tribute and shower love on it. Now’s an excellent time to recognize how important your secret life is – and make it come more fully alive than ever. Rob Brezsny freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 61
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INSTANT CONNECTION You: Tall, Purple hair, BRS shamrock on the back of your neck, wearing Capris, flip flops. Me: Short, dark curly hair, also wearing Capris, flip flops. You gave me a cigarette, I gave you my life story. When: Sept. 1, 2012. Where: Kristin’s House. #1417-1015 HUSKY SEMINOLES HUNK You: FSU shirt, name starts with S. Sloppy drunk & jolly. Me: Thick woman, Cornhuskers shirt. You loved my curly hair; let me rub your belly :) Bono’s unlimited BBQ rib night on Gate Parkway 7 p.m.? When: Oct. 4. Where: Kickbacks, Riverside. #1416-1008 SHORT-HAIRED BRUNETTE You: Short brown hair, sitting next to an older lady. You were with a party sitting by the door. I ended up talking to your friend but not you. Me: Black dress with dark hair at the bar. When: Sept. 27. Where: Hamburger Mary’s. #1415-1008 SO SWEET, BOUGHT TEA You: Tanned, green sunglasses, white SUV, motorcycle, OTW to pick up daughter. Me: Crazy spinner girl, parched, much appreciative of tea you bought. See you almost daily. Got your name, should’ve gotten number. A drink sometime? When: Sept. 27. Where: Monument/McCormick McD’s. #1414-1001 ROGUE MEN You helped me with ring toss. Stood really close. Had to run, had friends waiting. Wish I’d gotten your name and number! When: Sept. 7. Where: Dive Bar. #1413-1001 BEARD MAGIC You: Jet-black hair, green eyes, sexy red Fiat 500. You said my beard had magical powers. Me: Colorful tats, magical beard, Donkey Bong shirt. I gave you my toast and you promised a date. When and where? When: Sept. 15. Where: Brew 5 Points. #1412-1001 BARISTA WITH DEVILED EGGS You: Starbucks Barista. Handed me a deviled egg, drew a heart on my vanilla milk. Never knew what I loved about this old coffee shop. Close your tally with a herringbone? Love to read more newspapers – as your girlfriend. When: Aug. 14. Where: Southside/Baymeadows Starbucks. #1411-0924 SAUSAGE CUTIE You: Fast-talking Penguin shirt guy, recently out of jail; said three months in jail builds character. Me: Tall, jet-black hair, way-too-short dress. I asked if you knew I wasn’t wearing panties; you joked about sausage size on pizza. Pizza soon? When: Sept. 17. Where: Avondale Mellow Mushroom. #1410-0924 BLACK GUY, ORANGE SHIRT, BOOTS You: Handsome, dark skin, orange shirt, behind me in WalMart money center line, 2 p.m. Me: Tall, curvy, tattooed blonde talking to couple ahead of you. Too shy to stay, thought I saw you looking. Meet? When: Sept. 12. Where: Kingsland Walmart. #1409-0917 COFFEE HOTTIE You: Hottest girl at Bold Bean, skintight Lululemons, bedhead and full-sleeve Molly Hatchet tattoo. You caught my glance waiting for latte. Me: Still drunk from last night, looking fine in Jesus Is The Shit shirt. We MUST meet. When: Sept. 10. Where: Bold Bean. #1408-0917 HOT BLONDE @ UPS STORE You: Girl at Claire Lane/San Jose Boulevard UPS store. Me: Handsome Latino courier who comes in twice a month to pick up a customer’s mail. You know who I am. If single, wanna chat? When: Sept. 8. Where: UPS Store. #1407-0917
62 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014
FLIRTING WHILE DRIVING? You: Dark Dodge pickup, Gator plate. Me: Old red Jeep Cherokee. Passed each other – intentionally – on bridge; smiles, waves. You’re cute! I was late, or would’ve followed. Wanna slow down and say hi? When: Sept. 3. Where: Buckman Bridge. #1406-0917 DESPERATELY SEEKING PIXIE You: Steampunk girl on red couch. You asked if I’d ever be done. Me: In black, too work focused to speak to you properly. I’m done; ready. Need to find each other. Let’s meet, talk, try to forgive. RAM 10 a.m. find me. I’ll go until I see you. When: Aug. 23. Where: Royal. #1405-0917 HOT COP AT LOGAN’S ROADHOUSE ISU at Logan’s. You: slightly seasoned gentleman; ordered a juicy steak, but I wish I could have ordered yours. Oh, and Momma has a coupon for you! When: Aug. 29. Where: Logan’s Roadhouse. #1404-0910 BMW RIDER ISU 18 years ago. Your cute dimples, warm smile and sexy moustache won my heart. Interested in a lifetime of fun? If so, let’s par-tay! Happy anniversary, Love, Your Nag. When: May 1994. Where: Famous Amos. #1403-0910 STUNNING BLONDE NURSE Talked; bought you a drink upstairs. We seemed to connect. You showed me your driver license because I didn’t believe your age. Wish I’d written your name down; really want to talk. When: Aug. 22. Where: Salt Life St. Augustine. #1402-0827 PURPLE SCRUBS SAN MARCO You took my blood pressure, started asking me some questions, then a young doctor walked in. We started laughing at the tag-team questionnaire. I commented on your long hair. When: Aug. 19. Where: Academic Dermatology. #1401-0827 MR. CHEVY EQUINOX ISU wearing scrubs, driving an Equinox. I wore shorts, tank top; driving a black Chevy Tahoe, heading out of town for work. You asked about the Tahoe, what I did for a living. Love to chat more! When: Aug. 19. Where: Town Center Shell. #1400-0827 MEET FOR BEER You: Handsome guy, Yankee Coffin Co. T-shirt, jeans, behind me at register; our eyes met. Me: Curly blonde, jeans. Said hello as you left on motorcycle with I assume your son. If not single, no reply; you looked nice. When: Aug. 17. Where: European Street Jax Beach. #1398-0827 HOLDING AN UMBRELLA You: Sweet, standing under shelter helping people to cars during a thunderstorm. Me: Redhead desperate for shelter from the storm. You asked me what I did. You work at insurance agency. Call if you’d like to share your umbrella. When: Aug. 14. Where: Thrasher Horne Center. #1397-0820 RUNNING OUT OF MOONLIGHT ISU: Mavericks acoustic concert. We talked, you put your arm around me during two songs. Your friend said you wash your beard with long-term relationship Head & Shoulders. You make a cowboy hat look good ;). When: Aug. 13. Where: Mavericks at the Landing. #1396-0820 SUPERCUTE SECURITY GUARD Wanted to talk to you but you were already talking to another female when I was leaving. You: Supercute white security guard. Me: Cute, thin, chocolate-caramel female. Hoping you and I get a chance to talk. When: Aug. 12. Where: Main Library. #1395-0820 NAVY FATIGUES & ME You: A tall gorgeous clean-cut guy in your Navy uniform waiting on your coffee at Starbucks. Me: A shy long-haired Native American princess waiting on her breakfast dessert. Why aren’t you on the menu? When: Aug. 7. Where: 1604 Margaret St. #1394-0813
1 Colleague of Elena and Antonin 5 Agree with 9 Governor before Pataki 14 Glenn, Ford, et al. 19 Langston Hughes poem 20 Fly catcher 21 Secret rival 22 ___ of faith 23 Comic-strip canine 25 “How-DEEE!” comedienne 27 Utter 28 Mickey Mouse’s archnemesis, Black ___ 30 Nail down 31 ___ Party 32 Word after pro 34 Inaccurate verb in a toy’s name 36 San ___, Italy 37 Busy exec’s hire 38 Persistent problem of a sort 43 Word with Georgia or Virginia 45 Nonsense 46 Cocky real-life Rocky 47 Woody Allen’s Vicky ___ Barcelona 51 Mr. Martin 52 Mr. Monella? 54 Director of 12 Years a Slave 56 One of three words meaning “excuses” 57 Sources of tweets 59 Old-fashioned letter opener? 60 Said “Not guilty,” e.g. 61 Magliozzi of Car Talk 62 Very, to Verdi 63 Relinquish 64 Oafish 66 Car that George buys, thinking it was once owned by Jon Voight, on Seinfeld 69 Still using the script, as actors 1
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1 Tire centers 2 State formed by two rectangles 3 Hightailed it 4 Nostalgic places 5 It’s subj. to delays 6 Stunning triumph 7 Former Rocket Olajuwon 8 One-named folk singer 9 Word with nanny or web 10 Topaz penner 11 Cantankerous 12 Chop finely 5
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E B A N
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A F U S E
A R O U S E T R O U T
F R O U F S C O R U P R O MO D U
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N A N A
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A E R I E
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88
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E N D E D
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L U S T Y
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M Y D O G D S O U N D R G R O U P N E S S H O C MO O U T WA R M R T O A D A D O U R C R E T E A R C R O B O H O U L D AW D I E T I T O P E N C O U N T R Y E N S C H S R Y O U M E B I O E T A S T Y T H R E E H O O U N D E R G N D OW A I
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Spotted Being inquisitive Tokyo ties ___ the wiser Pop tops A T-shirt covers it P.M. after Major Word with green or Greek Ad follower Red Cloud was one Much-recorded country tune of 1936 Sac fly stat Former NFL team It’s often breaking Singer Lauper Hang in there Czars, e.g. Pilotless planes The Hollywood Bow Try to punch Goldman ___ Poke around 1871 Cairo premiere Mel married her Ferret out flubs This sentence is one. Roll-call call Starting Sputter and stall Anchor at WJM Goal-line stand failures, briefly
Solution to Oh, It’s You Again A S E N R E G R
46 52
67 68 69 70 71 74 75 76
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111
33 35 37
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Intense dislike Mocking remark Sound of ju-bull-ation? Reentry safeguard Breathing passages Thud, only messier Combat zone Like some thrillers Mercedes-Benz luxury line Call in sick, e.g. Sentry’s order Do more than just consider Chest wood Cackling carnivore Good to go Oscar role for Cliff Pump option Attorney’s abbr. Brainy Bldg. units Have to have Actor Garcia Exhortation in a jailhouse song YouTube uploads Type of pass, in basketball Old electrical unit 15 Down, for one Zagreb resident Phantom before Claude Attacks
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72 Like Santa’s cheeks 73 Harry in The Third Man 74 Conan’s network 77 Prosperous period 78 Earring style 79 Bullet train city 80 Brown beverage 81 Like crossword words 85 Seeable at night, say 86 ___ hygiene 87 Hinders the progress of 88 Smoked delicacy 89 Capital of Cyprus 91 Dragon’s digs 92 Media billionaire who once owned Grand Ole Opry & TV’s Hee Haw 95 Jazz trumpeter Baker 97 Org.’s kin 100 Enunciate poorly 101 Tampa-to-Atlanta dir. 102 Hunting reqmt. 103 Seyfried of Dear John 105 Lotion ingredient 107 Russian villa 111 For less 114 Some film credits, and the idea behind eight theme answers here 116 Part of BART 117 Lena or Marilyn 118 Senator Harry 119 Denmark doesn’t use it 120 Befuddled 121 Bullock-Reeves film 122 Mach 1 breakers 123 Shipwreck site
ACROSS
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PARTY RENTALS RENT OUR SPACE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT! LOWER RATES THROUGH END OF JANUARY 2015. Special rental rates for available dates through the end of January 2015: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs $300 (for seven hours) Friday, Sunday $800 (from 9AM-1AM next day) Saturday $1,000 (from 9AM-1AM next day). Contact (904) 396-2905 or Sandy at (904) 396-0459
FOR SALE KILL BED BUGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug Killer Complete Treatment Program/ Kit. (Harris Mattress Covers Add Extra Protection). Available: Hardware Stores, Buy Online: homedepot.com
MISCELLANEOUS CASH for unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS & STOP SMOKING ITEMS! Free Shipping, Best Prices, 24hr Payment. Hablamos Espanol. Call 888-440-4001 www.TestStripSearch.com
OCTOBER 15-21, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 63
64 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 15-21, 2014