03/21/18 BITE by BITE by neighborhood by Folio Weekly

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THIS WEEK //3.21.18-3.27.18 // VOL. 30 ISSUE 51 COVER STORY

BITE BY BITE

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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY BY NEIGHBORHOOD 2018

Savor the flavor of Northeast Florida’s most complete and comprehensive guide to dining out CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: MADELEINE PECK WAGNER, MARLENE DRYDEN, BRENTLEY STEAD and CLAIRE GOFORTH ABOUT THE COVER:

Cover art by Elena Øhlander, Kintsugi Ramen, Mixed Media (Arcrylic & Archival Ink) on Birchwood, 24” x 24”, 2018.

FEATURED ARTICLES FEATURED

THE FAT OF THE LAND

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BY CLAIRE GOFORTH Change your life, ONE MEAL at a time

SUBPOENA SEASON

BY A.G. GANCARSKI Did Council get the drop on the JEA SALE PUSH?

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DO WE STILL NEED THE SECOND AMENDMENT?

[55]

BY PARVEZ AHMED The case for REPEALING Marco Rubio’s favorite AMENDMENT

COLUMNS + CALENDARS FROM THE EDITOR

5 MUSIC

40 PET PARENTING

OUR PICKS

6 FILM

42 CROSSWORD / ASTROLOGY 52

MAIL/B&B

8 ARTS LISTING

43 WEIRD / I SAW U

FIGHTIN’ WORDS

9 ARTS

45 CLASSIFIEDS

47 BACKPAGE / M.D. M.J.

NEWS AAND NOTES

10 LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

GET SOCIAL visit us online at

PUBLISHER • Sam Taylor sam@folioweekly.com / 904.860.2465 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER • T. Farrar Martin fmartin@folioweekly.com

EDITORIAL

EDITOR • Claire Goforth claire@folioweekly.com / ext. 115 SENIOR EDITOR • Marlene Dryden mdryden@folioweekly.com / ext. 131 A&E EDITOR • Madeleine Peck Wagner madeleine@folioweekly.com / ext. 128 CARTOONIST • Tom Tomorrow CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rob Brezsny, John E. Citrone, Josue Cruz, Julie Delegal, Susan Cooper Eastman, Marvin Edwards, A.G. Gancarski, Dan Hudak, Shelton Hull, MaryAnn Johanson, Mary Maguire, Keith Marks, Pat McLeod, Nick McGregor, Jake Gerken, Kara Pound, Dale Ratermann, Nikki Sanders, Matthew B. Shaw, Chuck Shepherd, Brentley Stead, Chef Bill Thompson, Marc Wisdom VIDEOGRAPHERS • Doug Lewis, Ron Perry EVENTS DIRECTOR • James Harper entertainmentandproductions@gmail.com / ext. 103

DESIGN

ART DIRECTOR • Chaz Bäck cback@folioweekly.com / ext. 116 PRODUCTION MANAGER • Madison Gross madison@folioweekly.com

BUSINESS & ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER • Lorraine Cover fpiadmin@folioweekly.com / ext. 119

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ADVERTISING PUBLISHER Sam Taylor sam@folioweekly.com / (904) 860-2465 MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT MANAGERS CJ Allen CJAllen946@gmail.com / ext. 140 Kathrin Lancelle klancelle@folioweekly.com / ext. 124 Tony Fuesler tony@folioweekly.com Pat Ladd pat@folioweekly.com / ext. 151 Heidi Pace heidi@folioweekly.com / ext. 130 FOLIO WEEKLY MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY THROUGHOUT NORTHEAST FLORIDA AND CAMDEN COUNTY, GEORGIA. It contains opinions of contributing writers that are not necessarily the opinion of this publication. Folio Weekly Magazine welcomes editorial and photographic contributions. Calendar information must be received two weeks in advance of event date. Copyright © Folio Publishing, Inc. 2018. 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 Magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper using soy-based inks.

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FROM THE EDITOR

Change your life, ONE MEAL at a time

THE

FAT OF THE LAND TWICE ANNUALLY, OUR INTREPID EDITORIAL STAFF amasses a comprehensive listing of local restaurants. So I figure now is as good a time as any for a real conversation about food. So buckle up, it’s ’bout to get personal. Make no mistake, I’m not a health guru. I do not, nor have I ever, subsisted entirely on gluten-free/vegan/vegetarian/raw/paleo/lowcarb/non-dairy, etc. vittles. Nor do I intend to. If that works for you, great. It’s just not for me. My ideal diet includes medium-rare New York strip, extra-sharp cheddar cheese, bread, potatoes and booze—along with fresh, whole foods, fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates and lean proteins. I’m also still wearing the same size jeans that I wore in high school and, though I put on a few pounds sometimes, have never been overweight or obese. Nor do I have an eating disorder. Nevertheless, if you’re happy with your health and don’t feel like you could learn something from a winedrinking, steak-eating, cheesecake-imbibing thirtysomething, turn the page. You won’t hurt my feelings, I promise. For those of you who are still here, I’ll offer some simple advice. First, the grocery store, wonder of modern convenience that trips up a lot of healthful intentions. As you shop, remember that everything that goes into that cart goes into your body. You are literally making choices for your health every time you toss something in. So toss with care. It’s true that fresh fruits and vegetables often cost more per pound than processed foods. But there are easy ways to save money and inches. I keep two simple adages in mind in the produce aisle: 1) ‘on sale’ equals ‘in season,’ and 2) the closer the crop, the sweeter the fruit. By buying in season and locally grown, you can save money and eat healthier. Plus your food will taste better. Now let’s talk about the devil, the dietary devil: fast foods and highly processed foods. The more you eat, the worse off you’ll be. I get that it’s convenient, but what’s a little convenience compared to a lot of diabetes, obesity or heart disease? Not worth it, that’s what. (FTR, I’m not talking about food access, a very real, separate issue; just food choices.) There was a time in college when I regularly ate fast food. Then I started reading the nutritional content. And that was the end of that. I went 10 years without eating a fast-food burger. It took time, but nearly two decades after swearing it off, I’ll eat it once

while, but I don’t miss it at all all. Neither in a while will you. In spite of what you might think, fast and highly processed foods are not actually cheaper. You’ll save money by buying raw ingredients to make that burger and fries at home. That’s because every step in the processing chain adds labor costs, so even factoring for the reduced rate food purveyors pay in bulk, you still come out close enough to even that it’s negligible. Cooking it at home—or eating at a restaurant that cooks from scratch—also means that you’ll be eating fresher and healthier. Here’s another fun fact to absorb: A calorie is not simply a calorie. See, simple carbohydrates, fats and sugars are easier for the body to digest and absorb. That’s why your 100-calorie pack of fatty, sugary, carby cookies gives you such a rush, followed by a crash; while your 100-calorie serving of carrots and peanut butter gives you more sustained satisfaction without the peaks and valleys, making it less likely you’ll go for round two. Plus, because it takes more calories for your body to digest carrots and peanut butter, you’re not going to have as much excess to convert into what Tyler Durden called “the richest, creamiest fat in the world.” Making such choices over the long-term will lead you to actually weigh less while consuming the same total calories. It’s wild, I know. Beyond the obvious evils, highly processed and fast foods contain a lot of garbage that just doesn’t belong in your diet; stuff like arsenic, synthetic growth hormone, olesterol, artificial dyes, brominated vegetable oil and azodicarbonamide, many of which have known health risks and all of which our Food & Drug Administration is A-OK with, and all of which are illegal in Europe. The only easy way to avoid this stuff is to stop eating processed foods, which is easier than you think. Nevertheless, in all honesty, I probably wouldn’t have such an easy time of eating healthy if my parents hadn’t raised us that way. We never wanted for whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, but good luck finding chips, soda and sugary cereals in our cupboards. And white bread? Nope. Did I envy my friends’ Kool-aid, Trix and Doritos sometimes? Sure. But I survived. And you (and your kids) will, too. Try it. The only thing you have to lose is weight.

Claire Goforth claire@folioweekly.com @clairenjax MARCH 21-27, 2018 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 5

POP CULTURE PLAY

FRI

COLLECTIVE CON

For lots of folks, cosplay is about transformation, community and fun. For others, it’s a funtastic creative experience. This weekend, you could meet celebrities like Esme Bianco (Ros, Game of Thrones) and Brandon Routh of Legends of Tomorrow! There are also video game tourneys, panel discussions, vendors, artists and a costume contest. Doors open 11 a.m. March 23, 24 & 25 at Jacksonville Fairgrounds Expo Center, Downtown, $45-$80, collectivecon.com.

OUR PICKS

REASONS TO LEAVE THE HOUSE THIS WEEK

SAT

24 WED

SAT

EAT YOUR HEART OUT

GASTRO FEST The fourth annual mouth-

wateringly good time is described as a “cashbased adventure in taste,” and we’re superexcited to taste a slew of small bites, check out homemade beer and circle back through to revisit our faves (hungry eyes on you, Ibex Ethiopian Kitchen). Plus it’s leashed-pet-friendly. 11 a.m.7 p.m. March 24 at MOSH and Friendship Fountain, San Marco, free; $60-$150 VIP, gastrojax.org.

BURLINGTON BADASSES

DWIGHT AND NICOLE The Boston Globe said the performers are “poignant, hard-hitting … and heavenly.” The bluesy-rootsy duo from Boston by way of Burlington bring their lauded sound to our neck of the woods, 8 p.m. March 24 at Blue Jay Listening Room, Jax Beach, $20, bluejayjax.com.

EXPLORE AND DISCOVER

MONTEREY POP As one of the seminal rock/pop

music films of the 20th century, Pop is notable because it captures the finale of Jimi Hendrix’s set, as he broke his guitar, set it afire, seduced it and threw it to the crowd. It also shows The Mamas & The Papas, Simon & Garfunkel, Jefferson Airplane, The Who and the incomparable Otis Redding. And who doesn’t sing along with the “Feel Like I’m Fixin’ to Die Rag”? It’s an appropriate kick-off to Avant Arts music film series, 7 p.m. March 21 at SunRay Cinema, Riverside, $9.50, avantcurious.org.

WE ARE FAMILY SIBLING MARCH As a response to the mass murder at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, March for Our Lives has organized hundreds of “sibling” marches calling on lawmakers “to make students’ lives and safety a priority; and to pass common-sense gun safety legislation.” March for Our Lives Amelia Island is held 10 a.m. March 24, at Parking Lot C, Fernandina Beach Marina, South Front Street, marchforourlives.com.

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THE MAIL ‘F’ IS FOR FIRST CLASS

RE: Gun Control I’VE BEEN ANGRY ABOUT OUR PRO-GUN LEGISLATURE for many years. I just now scrambled to crank out something that conveys my anger. It resulted in about 2,000 words. So I did an edit. I want to explain my anger, yet be succinct. So here it is: I am proud to have been the only NRA-rated-F Florida legislator. Ever. I wish we had some legislators now who want to be rated F.

Andy Johnson via email

PRIVATELY SCREWED

RE: “The Great JEA Heist,” by Claire Goforth, March 7 THE IDEA THAT PRIVATIZING JEA WOULD SAVE millions requires an infantile understanding of economics. Who, exactly, would save? Taxpayers would now be on the hook for promises to an unaccountable private institution with tax and regulatory guarantees that would make them further untouchable. Your millage rate wouldn’t change and your rates would go up. Either way you slice it, privatizing JEA means Jacksonville citizens and JEA customers will get screwed.

CLAP BACK ON A BRICKBAT

RE.: “Brickbats and Bouquets,” March 14 IN THE MOST RECENT EDITION OF FOLIO WEEKLY, your editor expressed a critical opinion regarding a vote I cast on a nonbinding resolution of the Duval County School Board. I did not, nor have I ever supported teachers carrying firearms in a Duval County School. My position was in support of the Florida Legislature and letting other Florida School Districts have the choice to use the “Guardian Plan” if that is what they felt was in the best interest of their community. In the opinion, Claire Goforth made the following statement: “So, as long as the dead kids aren’t in Duval, it’s OK, Mr. Shine?” Her comment is an absolute disgrace. I believe it is important to consider these words, and the edition of Folio came out the same day as a national day of mourning and student demonstrations of remembrance for the Parkland victims. Claire Goforth’s statement is clearly the most insulting and inappropriate that I have ever seen in print in a local publication. It is an insult to me and the victims of this tragedy. What’s more, her statement strikes a facetious tone. To that end, it truly qualifies as a “sick joke.” To make light of the Parkland victims and weaponize this tragedy to denigrate a public official while entertaining her readers is in poor taste, at best. But, in Ms. Goforth’s own words, she takes pride in “...giving a giant middle finger” to people in power by “by speaking versions of the truth….” (Folio Weekly February 10, 2016). Folio Weekly has been an icon of the Jacksonville community for the 30 years I have lived in the First Coast area. I have known many members of the Folio team during that time and count friends and collaborators among them. Claire Goforth does not represent the quality and character of people that I have come to know at Folio. I think Folio deserves better than this, and I know Jacksonville does.

Mike Madden via email

Scott Shine Duval County School Board via email

LEND YOUR VOICE If you’d like to respond to something you read in the pages of Folio Weekly, please send an email (with your name, address, and phone number for verification purposes only) to mail@folioweekly.com, visit us at folioweekly.com, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook (@folioweekly) and join the conversation.

BRICKBATS + BOUQUETS BOUQUETS TO CAT SAVIORS First Coast No More Homeless Pets recently shared the story of two vet techs, Bobby and T.J., who witnessed a cat getting hit by a car on their way back from lunch. The two leapt into action, rescued the cat and took him back to the Norwood clinic, where, thanks to the organization’s generous donors and the techs’ quick thinking, the cat received more than $3,000 worth of lifesaving treatment and is expected to recover. BRICKBATS TO OATH REFUSERS As A.G. Gancarski notes in his column this week, the Ides of March brought much to beware in Dirty Duval. After the City Council’s special committee looking into the proposed JEA sale decided to require oaths of those offering testimony, both the mayor’s Chief Administrative Officer Sam Mousa and JEA CEO Paul McElroy refused to swear to the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The committee is now moving forward with subpoenas. BOUQUETS TO HISTORY PRESERVERS As northern St. Johns County experiences a development BOOM, some are working to preserve its history. On Feb. 24, St. Johns County Parks & Recreation celebrated the historical dedication of three local buildings: the Bennett House, Hartley Store (now open as Andrew’s Homestead) and Beluthahatchee, the home of Stetson Kennedy. DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A BOUQUET? HOW ABOUT A BRICKBAT? Send submissions to mail@folioweekly.com; 50 word maximum, concerning a person, place, or topic of local interest. 8 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

FOLIO VOICES : FIGHTIN’ WORDS

SUBPOENA

THE MOOD IN JACKSONVILLE City Hall has gone toxic in recent months, and reasonable people can argue about when things started to go south, probably the single most interesting narrative point came late last year. At a JEA Board meeting, outgoing member and perpetual Lenny Curry donor Tom Petway brought back a concept that’s been floated for more than a decade: privatization of the local utility. He suggested that perhaps the time had come for the municipal utility to move into a “private sector marketplace” model. “The majority of people in Florida are served by a private-sector marketplace,” Petway said, asking the board to consider where JEA “fits” in that emergent paradigm. “Would the customers of JEA be better served in the private marketplace?” Petway asked, urging a board report on the utility’s value. Soon, the valuation/evaluation report manifested. Pushed by Public Financial Management, a national company also involved in helping to broker the exploration of value, the numbers were eye-popping. Proceeds, the report said, could be between $2.9 and $6.4 billion after the retirement of debt. Values ranged from $7.5 billion up to $11 billion, based on cash flow, price/earnings ratios, and other metrics. Sounded good, right? But the tension was palpable between Mayor Lenny Curry, tweeting quotes from Carl von Clausewitz’s On War, and Council President Anna Lopez Brosche, who denied Curry an opportunity to pitch, out of turn, the valuation report. A special committee to explore JEA’s potential sale was formed soon after. Brosche and Finance Chair Garrett Dennis, Curry’s biggest council nemeses, are on it. Danny Becton, also an independent self-styled fiscal watchdog, is on it, too. As does Councilman John Crescimbeni, the wiliest politician on the dais who’s another fiscal watchdog, one with a keen eye toward self-preservation. Crescimbeni is near the end of his council tenure, which has been off and on since 1991. And it’s telling that the handling of the JEA valuation exploration by Mayor Curry and his handpicked JEA Board have driven Crescimbeni toward an alliance with Council President Brosche—an unimaginable fate when the two were shivving each other last year in a bid for the legislative body’s top job. The council committee’s work on the JEA sale has been fractious, as tensions ominously built up to last Thursday’s meeting.

Held on the Ides of March, there was indeed cause to beware. The city’s chief administrative officer, Sam Mousa, was about to speak, when Councilman Dennis spoke, asking why Mousa hadn’t been sworn in—which would’ve meant any misrepresentation or misspeak would have had the potential for a felony perjury rap. The mechanics of swearing people in were robustly debated, with the General Counsel’s office attempting to dissuade the administration of oath by advancing principles such as the presumption of truth from public officials and the rarity of swearing people in since consolidation. No matter. The body voted to require the oath. Mousa refused to take the oath, calling the committee’s bluff. In the end, the committee did not subpoena Mousa—at least, not yet. The same can’t be said for JEA CEO Paul McElroy, who refused to take the oath and will be subpoenaed to appear on March 29. How real is shit getting? Council President Brosche pushed for an earlier start to the meeting, because she and others will have lots of questions for McElroy, whose biggest problem up until recently was whether or not he’d get his yearly raises and bonuses. Mousa’s subpoena would’ve been an atomic bomb, a once-and-for-all severance of a goodfaith relationship with Curry’s administration. The committee stepped from that ledge for a reason. McElroy seemed like a softer target. But he’ll do for setting a precedent on how witnesses and testimony is processed until the committee dies in June. Several senior staffers in JEA and the mayor’s office have recently met to discuss issues. Explanations have been kept opaque. Will the committee allow that to continue? In what is clearly a toxic, adversarial atmosphere, what would stop Dennis or Brosche from pushing for the subpoena of Chief of Staff Brian Hughes? JEA CFO Melissa Dykes? Mayor Curry? CFO Mike Weinstein? Former Chief of Staff Kerri Stewart? It’s not like the relationships can be preserved. Not now. Not ever again. Worth noting: Curry still has no real competition on the ballot. The mayor has a political machine and very interested members of the donor class who may want to end some careers over this drama. So how real is shit getting? Too real for all involved to stick around much longer. A.G. Gancarski mail@folioweekly.com @aggancarski

SEASON Did Council get THE DROP on the JEA sale push?

MARCH 21-27, 2018 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 9

NEWS AAND NOTES: PARKLAND EDITION TOP HEADLINES FROM THE ASSOCIATION OF ALTERNATIVE NEWSMEDIA NO REPUBLICANS ALLOWED

The Parkland school shooting has sent ripples through the country in a way that the Pulse shooting (sadly) did not, shining a harsh light on the NRA and those who accept its donations. Locally, this is playing out between Congressman Al Lawson, a rare Dem to get NRA cash, and challenger, former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown. In New York, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and other Dems have launched a series of ads targeting Republicans on the NRA dole, reports Artvoice. The Buffalobased alt says that seven congressional Republicans with ‘A’ ratings will be targeted in the anti-NRA campaign: Claudia Tenney, John Faso, John Katko, Lee Zeldin, Elise Stefanik, Chris Collins and Tom Reed. Gov. Cuomo has also “formed a coalition with neighboring states to intercept firearms that are illegal in New York State.”

< THE NEXT WAVE OF ACTIVISTS

On March 14, the one-month anniversary of Parkland, thousands of kids nationwide walked out of school to demand gun control, remaining outside for 17 minutes in honor of the 17 killed in Parkland. In the nation’s capital, students gathered at the capitol building and marched to the White House, according to Washington City Paper. Students who marched told the paper that they felt unsafe at school, with one 17-year-old saying she thinks about what would happen if a shooter burst into her English class, which has no windows and only one exit; a 15-year-old girl said she gets “paranoid” in large groups, and that she’d written her mom’s name and phone number on her wrist in case “something terrible” happened to her that day. Students told WCP they hoped their message would resonate with Republicans.

< ANTI-BEIBER SHOOTS OFF ON NRA OBSESSION

With all the gloom, doom and presidential tweeting, it’s kinda refreshing to hear from a 19-year-old who isn’t hyper-focused on negativity. Declan McKenna recently spoke to Colorado Springs Independent in the midst of his U.S. tour. Though the British songwriter’s melodies are “relentlessly catchy,” Bill Forman writes, his lyrics delve into deeper topics, like the media portrayal of the LGBT community and “FIFA’s exploitation of impoverished Brazilians during the World Cup.” Nevertheless, McKenna, who said he doesn’t care about his image so much as his music (which is a great image), said that school shootings don’t really come up when he talks to teens on tour. “So is it just journalists who ask him about it constantly?” Forman asked. Yep. McKenna said, “It’s a very genuine movement, and it’s very difficult to argue against people who have gone through the worst of what these types of guns can do. It was a massive shame and a horrible waste. But I think there are a lot of smart young people out there who will change things.”

< A DAUGHTER SAYS GOODBYE

In Erie Reader, high school senior Morgan (no last name given) wrote of a hard lockdown at her school when she was a freshman. Others thought it was a drill, but she knew different; a student from her class saw a kid with a gun in the hallway. As they huddled in the corner furthest from the door with the lights off, as they’d been taught, she called her mother, possibly for the last time. “…[A]ll I wanted in that moment was to hear my mom’s voice. I listened to my mom cry and scream into the phone at me as I kept telling her goodbye,” she wrote. The shooter turned out to be a prankster with an airsoft gun painted to look real. But the memory stuck. Morgan wrote that before Parkland, she’d been desensitized by hundreds of school shootings. Now, thanks to Parkland survivors’ activism, she is reawakened. In closing, she called for action: Listen to the survivors and families of victims of the Sandy Hook and Columbine shootings, and all other school shootings that have occurred. Listen to my mom, a parent who got a call from her kid saying there was a shooter in her school. No student, teacher or faculty member deserves to feel unsafe due to the threat of gun violence that is present in schools all across the nation. And to any and all politicians who don’t proactively work to make schools a safer place because it puts more money in their pocket, just know that children grow up to become adults who are capable of voting you out of office, and we will. We matter, we have a voice, and we will be the change. 10 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA BEACH, YULEE (All venues in Fernandina Beach/Amelia unless otherwise noted.)

1,000 DEGREES NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA 1480 Sadler Rd., 775-5247, 1000degreespizza.com 2017 Best of Jax winner

The newish place has drawn in pizza lovers by the dozens. Choose from a collection of old standbys like pepperoni, Hawaiian and meat-lovers, or build your own, picking from a variety of toppings. And for those of you not willing to take the trip up to the Great North of Nassau County, three more locations are slated to pop up in Jax Beach, Mandarin and Southside.

29 SOUTH 29 S. Third St., 277-7919, 29southrestaurant.com

In historic downtown, the popular bistro serves traditional regional cuisine with a modern twist. Chef Schwartz sources the freshest ingredients available from local fishermen, farmers and the onsite organic garden (figs, tomatoes, heirloom okra) to create playful seasonal menus. $$ L W-Sa; D Nightly; Br Su

AMELIA ISLAND COFFEE 207 Centre St., 321-2111, ameliaislandcoffee.com

Fresh-roasted coffee, cappuccino, frozen drinks, sandwiches, soups, baked goods, gelato. $ TO B L, D Daily

AMELIA TAVERN RESTAURANT & BREWPUB 318 Centre St., 310-6088, theameliatavern.com

Contemporary hand-crafted, locally sourced comfort fare: local shrimp, small/big plates, organic greens, sandwiches. Good beer selection; wine on tap. $$ FB TO D M; L & D Tu-Sa; Brunch Su

ARTE PIZZA 109 N. Third St., 277-1515, artepizzaandpasta.com

The wood-fired oven renders specialty pizzas: traditional Napoli pizzeria, with imported cheeses, plum tomatoes, fresh ingredients. Authentic Italian dishes: eggplant parmigiana, caprese salad. Outside seating. $$ BW TO L F-Su; D W-M

BARBERITOS SOUTHWESTERN GRILLE & CANTINA 1519 Sadler Rd., 277-2505, barberitos.com 463867 S.R. 200, Ste. 5, Yulee, 321-2240

Southwestern fare, made-to-order fresh faves: burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads. Salsa is handcrafted from fresh tomatoes, cilantro, onions, peppers. $$ BW K TO L, D Daily

BEACH DINER 2006 S. Eighth St., 310-3750, beachdiner.com

Innovative breakfast: Eggs on the Bayou, fish-ngrits; French toast, riders, omelets. Lunch fare: salads, burgers, sandwiches, shrimp & crabmeat salad. Plus, the people watching is fantastic! $$ BW K TO B, L Daily

BRETT’S WATERWAY CAFÉ 1 S. Front St., Ste. 2, 261-2660

On the water at historic Centre Street’s end, it’s Southern hospitality in an upscale atmosphere: daily specials, fresh local seafood, aged beef. The perfect place to take Mom after a morning at the beach! $$ FB K L, D Daily

BITE by BITE LISTING KEY Average Entrée Cost: $ = Less than $10 $$ = $10-$20 $$$ = $20-$35 $$$$ = $35 & up Bite Club = Hosted FREE FW Bite Club Event

BW = Beer/Wine FB = Full Bar K = Kids’ Menu TO = Take Out B = Breakfast Br = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner

entrée

BITE by BITE Neighborhood Restaurant Directory • PG. 11 OUR COMPREHENSIVE LISTING OF ALL THE BEST IN NE FLORIDA & SE GEORGIA DINING EXPERIENCES

PHOTOS BY

SAVOR THE FLAVOR OF LOCAL FARE WITH A HEAPING HELPING OF OUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DINING AND RESTAURANTS

savory sides

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE NEW FSCJ-RUN CAFE GIVES STUDENTS THE REINS BY MARC WISDOM • PG. 31

BURGERKING GIRL• PG. 39 LOCAL POET FINDS ‘LOVE’ AND DINNER IN THE DRIVE-THRU BY JOHNNY MASIULEWICZ

CARL MILLER, DEVON SARIAN AND COLE LOCURTO

BRIGHT MORNINGS BISTRO & CAFE 105 S. Third St., 491-1771, brightmorningscafe.com

The small café, behind Amelia SanJon Gallery, serves breakfast sandwiches and bowls, burgers, business lunches, sandwiches. Dine inside or out; dog-friendly backyard. $ TO B Br L Th-Tu

BURLINGAME RESTAURANT 20 S. Fifth St., 432-7671, burlingamerestaurant.com

The menu at the refined casual dining place changes quarterly, focused on elegantly prepared dishes (eight apps, eight mains) made with quality seasonal ingredients. Duck confit, grilled pork chops. $$$$ BW D Tu-Sa

CAFE KARIBO 27 N. Third St., 277-5269, cafekaribo.com

Family-owned café in a historic building. Worldly fare: made-from-scratch dressings, sauces, desserts, supporting local purveyors, sourcing fresh greens, veggies, seafood. Dine in or al fresco on an oak-shaded patio. Microbrew Karibrew Pub

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Downtown newcomer COWFORD CHOPHOUSE is the tops! So much so, we often proclaim just that as we sit with friends in the rooftop bar and argue the merits of a Wagyu filet versus a roasted seafood tower (in the end, we got both). In this neighborhood-driven place, Chef Kenny Gilbert (season seven of Top Chef) serves Deep Southern American cuisine, locally sourcing produce. Dine inside or on a patio. $$ BW K TO L, D W-Sa & M

GREEN TURTLE TAVERN 14 S. Third St., 321-2324, greenturtletavern.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

<<< FROM PREVIOUS brews beer onsite; imports. $$ FB K TO Br Su; L Daily, D Tu-Su in season

CANTINA LOUIE 960062 Gateway Blvd., 310-9675 See Beaches.

HALFTIME SPORTS BAR & GRILL 320 S. Eighth St., 321-0303

LEDDY’S PORCH 22 S. Third St., 491-3322, floridahouseinn.com

Sports bar fare: onion rings, spring rolls, burgers, wraps, wings. $ FB L, D Daily

THE HAPPY TOMATO COURTYARD CAFE & BBQ 7 S. Third St., 321-0707, thehappytomatocafe.com

CIAO ITALIAN BISTRO 302 Centre St., 206-4311, ciaobistro-luca.com

HANA SUSHI JAPANESE CUISINE 1930 S. 14th St., 277-8838, hanasushifl.com

Owners Luca and Kim Misciasci offer fine Italian bistro fare in an intimate, friendly place. Traditional items: veal piccata, rigatoni Bolognese, antipasto; house specialties are chicken Ciao and homemade-style meat lasagna. $$ BW D Tu-Su

The bright shop has a sushi bar and a full menu: teriyaki, tempura, hibachi, katsu, udon, bento boxes. $$ L, D Daily

THE CRAB TRAP 31 N. Second St., 261-4749, ameliacrabtrap.com

Tucked behind the Palace Saloon and owned by real Cubans. Authentic Cuban sandwiches, Cuban coffee. Dine inside or outside under umbrella tables. Delivery within Downtown Fernandina. $ TO B, L Th-M

DAVID’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 802 Ash St., 310-6049, ameliaislanddavids.com

The fine-dining place serves steaks, fresh seafood, rack of lamb, ribeye, Chilean sea bass. Chef Wesley Cox has created a lounge menu. $$$$ FB D Nightly

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL 474313 E. S.R. 200, 310-6945 450077 S.R. 200, Callahan, 879-0993 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Northside.

GILBERT’S UNDERGROUND KITCHEN 510 S. Eighth St., 310-6374, undergroundkitchen.co 2017 Best of Jax favorite 12 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

Amelia Island’s first microbrewery, next door to Cafe Karibo. A variety of beers, spirits, pub food. $$ FB TO Br Su; L Daily; D Tu-Su

LARRY’S GIANT SUBS 474272 S.R. 200, 844-2225 2017 Best of Jax favorite

European-style breads and pastries, croissants, muffins and pies baked daily. Most breads are made without fat or sugar. $ TO B, L Daily

For nearly 40 years, family-owned-and-operated, serving fresh local seafood, steaks. Food and drink specials. $$ FB L, D Daily

KARIBREW BREW PUB & GRUB 27 Third St. N., 277-5269, cafekaribo.com

In a historic shotgun shack, the legendary local hangout offers Chicago-style Vienna beef hot dogs, pub fare, bourbon selection, cold beer, chill vibe. $ FB L, D Daily

The historic district restaurant serves fresh salads, deli sandwiches and barbecue—pulled pork, chicken, smoked turkey and ribs—in a laid-back atmosphere. Beth’s homemade walnut chocolate chunk cookies are a specialty. $ BW K TO L M-Sa

CHEZ LEZAN BAKERY COMPANY 1014 Atlantic Ave., 491-4663, chezlezanbakery.com

upstairs on the porch with an Intracoastal view. $$ BW L, D W-M

HOLA CUBAN CAFE 117 Centre St., 321-0163, holacubancafe.com

See Orange Park.

The Florida House Inn’s family-style restaurant is named for the home’s owner after the Civil War. Chef Marshal Sands serves traditional dishes: fried chicken & waffles, fish-n-grits, Cajun rémoulade, omelets, cornbread and biscuits. Bottomless mimosas. $$ FB K TO Br L W-Su

LULU’S AT THE THOMPSON HOUSE 11 S. Seventh St., 432-8394, lulusamelia.com

Innovative lunch menu: po’boys, salads and seafood little plates served in a historic house. Dinner: fresh local seafood, Fernandina shrimp. Reservations recommended. $$$ BW K TO Br Su; L, D Tu-Sa

MOON RIVER PIZZA 925 S. 14th St., 321-3400, moonriverpizza.net 2017 Best of Jax favorite

Gourmet fare—rack of lamb, grouper, pork marsala—and sandwiches—mahi BLT, prime rib melt, fish tacos—plus apps, soups and Sunday brunch are served at this popular upscale place. $$ FB K TO L, D Tu-Sa

Brothers Dan and Andy Bottorff have a little slice of pizza heaven, tucked away in convenient mini-malls, with easy parking. Local artwork on the walls, rock music in the air. Authentic Northern-style pizzas, 25-plus toppings, by pie or slice. Gluten-free options. The White Pizza is a customer fave. Calzones, good-sized salads (you can get a half-order), vegetarian items. Moon River has won our readers Best of Jax poll for Best Pizza on Amelia Island since we started the contest. Every year. Dan Bottorff runs the Murray Hill store; his pizzas and his work ethic have transformed the neighborhood. Plan ahead–there’s often a line outside. $ BW TO L, D M-Sa

JOE’S 2ND STREET BISTRO 14 S. Second St., 321-2558, joesbistro.com

MUSTARD SEED CAFÉ 833 TJ Courson Rd., 277-3141, nassaushealthfoods.net

HORIZONS 5472 First Coast Hwy., Ste. 8, 321-2430, horizonsameliaisland.com

Upscale New American fine dining with French, Creole, Asian and low country influences. Seating in the dining room, out in the large, New Orleans-style courtyard, or

Awarded Slow Food First Coast’s Snail of Approval, the casual organic eatery and juice bar, in Nassau Health Foods, offers all-natural, organic items, smoothies, veggie juices, coffees,

herbal teas. Daily specials: wild-caught fish, organically raised chicken, produce. $$ K TO B, L M-Sa

NANA TERESA’S BAKE SHOP 135 S. Fifth St., 277-7977, nanateresa.com

Everything’s made with organic ingredients when possible. Cupcakes, cakes, pies, cheesecakes, cookies, pastries, specialties. $ TO Daily

PABLO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 12 N. Second St., 261-0049, pablosmg1.com

In Fernandina’s historic district. Authentic Mexican fare: chimichangas, fajitas, vegetarian dishes. Dine inside or out on the brick patio. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

THE PATIO PLACE 416 Ash St., 410-3717, patioplacebistro.com

The bistro/wine bar/crêperie has a full menu of eclectic global tastes, using crêpes every way imaginable–starters, entrées, shareables and desserts, served in an atmosphere that promotes gathering together. $$ BW TO B L, D Tu-Su

PARKWAY GRILLE 5517 S. Fletcher Ave., 277-6614, parkwaygrille.net

The breakfast and lunch items are made daily with fresh ingredients: Boar’s Head deli meats; bright, casual atmosphere. $ TO B, L Daily

PI INFINITE COMBINATIONS 19 S. Third St., 432-8535, piinfinitecombinations.com

It’s all bar service at the NY-style pizza joint. Specialty pizzas (20-inch pie or huge 10-inch slice), toppings: fresh clams, brie, prosciutto, foie gras, steak with gorgonzola, shrimp, more. Dine inside or in a courtyard. $$ BW TO L, D Tu-Sa

THE PICNIC BASKET 501 Centre St., 277-9779, thepicnicbasketamelia.com

The small shop focuses on fresh fare, cheeses, confits, charcuteries, wines. Picnics can be breakfast, lunch, tailgate, items from the inhouse bakery, or custom-made. $$ BW B, L M-W, L, D Th-Sa

POINTE RESTAURANT 98 S. Fletcher Ave., 277-4851, elizabethpointelodge.com 2017 Best of Jax winner

Owners Jim and Gaye Dunlop’s restaurant, within award-winning inn Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, offers elegant seaside dining with a spectacular view of the island and the sea. Dine indoors or outside.

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There’s a hot buffet breakfast daily, full lunch menu. Homestyle soups, specialty sandwiches, desserts. Once-a-month Sunday brunch. Reservations suggested. $$$ BW K B, L Daily

THE SALTY PELICAN BAR & GRILL 12 N. Front St., 277-3811, thesaltypelicanamelia.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

View the sunset over the ICW from the secondstory outdoor bar. Owners T.J. and Al offer local seafood, Mayport shrimp, fish tacos, po’boys and the original broiled cheese oysters. $$ FB K L, D Daily

THE SAVORY MARKET 474380 S.R. 200 E., 432-8551, thesavorymarket.com Local, organic produce, wild-caught seafood– Mayport shrimp–Wainwright meats, raw dairy, deli. Café has salads, hand-helds, tacos. $$ TO M-Sa

THE SURF RESTAURANT & BAR 3199 S. Fletcher Ave., 261-5711, thesurfonline.com

Oceanview dining since 1957, inside or out on the deck. Steaks, fresh seafood, burgers (the Drunken Pirate is renowned), daily food and drink specials; Wing It Wednesdays. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

TASTY’S BURGERS & FRIES 710 Centre St., 321-0409, 463852 S.R. 200, Ste. A, Yulee, 849-1241, tastysamelia.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite In the historic district and now in Yulee, the fresh fast-food alternative has an innovative approach, offering the freshest meats, handcut fries, homemade sauces and soups and handspun shakes. $ BW K L, D Daily

TIMOTI’S SEAFOOD SHAK 21 N. Third St., 310-6550, timotis.com

Casual seafood place features fresh, local wildcaught shrimp, fish, oysters, wraps, tacos and soup, plus blackboard specials, supporting local fishermen, farmers and brewers and building community. We suggest the rice bowl with blackened mahi. Dine indoors or out, there’s a pirate ship playground. $ BW K TO L, D Daily

TONY’S PIZZA 1425 Sadler Rd., 277-7661, tonyspizzaameliaisland.com

Tony’s serves New York-style brick oven pizza, along with dinner selections (like baked ziti and chicken broccoli alfredo). Subs, salads and wings. Free delivery on the island. $ L, D Daily

T-RAY’S BURGER STATION 202 S. Eighth St., 261-6310, traysburgerstation.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

The hidden gem is in an old gas station. Family-owned-and-operated for 20+ years, T-Ray’s is known for its blue plate specials, burgers, biscuits & gravy, shrimp. $ BW TO B, L M-Sa

ARLINGTON, REGENCY BBQ BARN 14025 Mt. Pleasant Rd., 619-0237, bbqbarnjax.com

Casual place has Southern-style barbecue pork, brisket, turkey, chicken, chicken wings. Draft beers and wine. $$ BW K TO L, D Tu-Su

BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q 8011 Merrill Rd., Ste. 23, 743-3727 See Northside.

CAFÉ EXPRESS 1706 Southside Blvd., 724-3997, cafeexpress.us

The cozy café offers hot and cold sandwiches as well as breakfast dishes. The homemade potato chips are a specialty. $ TO B, L M-Sa

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL 9119 Merrill Rd., Ste. 19, 745-9300 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Northside.

FIREHOUSE SUBS 4347 University Blvd. S., Ste. 1, 731-1888 13245 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 9, 220-7140 See Mandarin.

FUJI SUSHI 660 Commerce Center Dr., Ste. 155, 722-9988, fujisushiregency.com

A respite from the busy Regency-area bustle, this casual, modern restaurant serves sushi and sashimi, tempura, soups and entrées. $$ L, D Daily

GRINDERS AMERICAN DINER 10230 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 8 & 9, 725-2712, grindersdiner.com

For 30 years, Grinders Café has been serving homestyle veggies, burgers, meatloaf, pork chops, seafood and desserts. $ K TO B, L Daily

LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 8818 Atlantic Blvd., 720-0106 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Mandarin.

Bobbie Joe and Charleston deliver Southern hospitality in an upscale atmosphere at BRETT’S WATERWAY CAFÉ at th foot of Centre Street in Fernandina Beach’s historic ditrict.

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Chef Sam Efron of TAVERNA San Marco is surely one of Northeast Florida’s most exciting and lauded chefs, and it’s easy to understand why. His asparagus and prosciutto (pictured) is exquisite and the soppressata pizza is perfect to share (among many other delectable bites).

AVONDALE, ORTEGA ALE PIE HOUSE 3951 St. Johns Ave., 503-8000, alepiehouse.com

Pizza made your way, subs, paninis, calzone, stromboli, wraps, dinners. Gluten-free, vegan cheese available. $$ BW K TO L, D Daily

<<< FROM PREVIOUS LARRY’S GIANT SUBS 1301 Monument Rd., 724-5802 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Orange Park.

MATT’S ITALIAN CUISINE 2771 Monument Rd., Ste. 8, 646-4411, mattsitalian.com

Pizza, seafood, stromboli and veal, cooked-to order. Delivery available. $$ BW TO L, D Daily

THE MUDVILLE GRILLE 1301 Monument Rd., Ste. 1, 722-0008 See San Marco.

Locally-owned-and-operated spot offers Northern-style bagels, a variety of cream cheeses, sandwiches, wraps, subs and bakery items. Fresh-squeezed lemonade and coffees and teas, and sometimes, art! $ K TO B L, Daily

BARRIQUE KITCHEN & WINE BAR 3563 S.R. 211, 619-2150, barriqueofavondale.com

New spot serving fare inspired by Spanish, French and Italian cuisine, large selection of meats and cheeses, small—yet filling—plates (not so small), and an expansive wine list served in a spacious, fun atmosphere. $$ FB L, D Daily

BISCOTTIS 3556 St. Johns Ave., 387-2060, biscottis.net 2017 Best of Jax winner

NAPOLI’S PIZZA CUISINE 5629 Arlington Rd., 745-1500

The small, family-owned Italian cuisine and pizzeria placed has been serving authentic fare since 2001. $$ BW K TO L, D M-Sa

Everything from innovative pizzas to a selection of almost-too-pretty-to-eat desserts. We highly recommend the bread pudding, it taste just like the pain au raisin sold in every bakery in Paris. $$$ FB B Br L, D Daily

SONNY’S REAL PIT BAR-B-Q 12719 Atlantic Blvd., 220-9499

BRICK RESTAURANT 3585 St. Johns Ave., 387-0606, brickofavondale.com

See Orange Park.

TABOULEH MEDITERRANEAN CAFE 7645 Merrill Rd., Ste. 201, 745-6900, taboulehjax.com

The menu at this seasoned eatery includes classic Middle Eastern and Greek favorites like kababs, hummus, falafel, gyros, shwarmas, baba ghanoush and, of course, tabouleh. Full lunch and dinner menu. Vegan specials on Wed., authentic Greek specials on Fri. $$ BW TO L, D M-Sa 14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

BAGEL LOVE 4114 Herschel St., Ste. 121, 634-7253, bagellovejax.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

The casual eatery’s exposed-brick façade and interior are modern, but still classic Avondale. Grab a burger and watch a game or get the best lamb chops in town. And their veggie burger? Killer. $$$ FB L, D Daily

THE CASBAH CAFE 3628 St. Johns Ave., 981-9966, thecasbahcafe.com 2017 Best of Jax winner Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine

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MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS 3611 St. Johns Ave., 388-0200 Bite Club certified 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Beaches.

MOJO NO. 4 URBAN BBQ & WHISKEY BAR 3572 St. Johns Ave., Ste. 1, 381-6670 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

Pulled pork and Carolina-style barbecue along with Delta fried catfish. Avondale’s Mojo also offers shrimp and grits, and specialty cocktails. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

<<< FROM PREVIOUS including really tasty hummus and kibbe, on the patio or in a hookah lounge, where folks sit on ottomans at low tables. $$ BW L, D Daily

CHOMP CHOMP 4162 Herschel St., 329-1679

Relocated. Chef-inspired: The Philadelphia Experiment (sweet pork over arugula), pankocrusted chicken, burgers, Waldorf salad, bahn mi, Southern fried chicken, The Come Up (portabella mushroom, green tomato salsa, almonds). Curry Chomp chips, pasta salad. Dine inside or out (we always prefer out). $ BW L, D M-Sa

FLORIDA CREAMERY 3566 St. Johns Ave., 619-5386, floridacreamery.net

Premium ice cream, fresh waffle cones, milkshakes, sundaes and Nathan’s grilled hot dogs, in Florida-centric, Chalkware embellished décor. Low-fat, sugar-free options. $ K TO L, D Daily

THE FOX RESTAURANT 3580 St. Johns Ave., 387-2669 2017 Best of Jax favorite

Owners Ian and Mary Chase offer fresh diner fare, homemade desserts. Breakfast all day. Signature items: burgers, meatloaf, fried green tomatoes. Local landmark for 50+ years. Go for breakfast, return for the vibe. $$ K B Br L Daily

HARPOON LOUIE’S 4070 Herschel St., Ste. 8, Avondale, 389-5631, harpoonlouies.net 2017 Best of Jax favorite

Locally-owned-and-operated, the American pub has been a fixture here for 20-plus years, offering half-pound burgers, fish sandwiches and pasta, local beers; HH weekdays. $$ BW K TO L, D Daily

LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 4530 St. Johns Ave., 388-8828 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Mandarin.

THE OLD CUP CAFÉ 3604 St. Johns Ave., Ste. 2, 389-2122

The artisan bakery serves coffees, croissants and muffins in the morning, then a variety of cupcakes, pastries and desserts throughout the day. Whole cakes can be made-to-order (cake for breakfast, we vote yes!). $$ TO Tu-Sa

PINEGROVE MARKET & DELI 1511 Pinegrove Ave., 389-8655, pinegrovemarket.com Bite Club certified 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite For 40+ years, serving hearty breakfasts and lunches featuring Cuban sandwiches, burgers, subs, wraps and homemade chicken salad in a family atmosphere. Onsite butcher shop sells USDA choice prime aged beef cut to order, perfect for that next cook-out. Craft beers. Beer & Sausage pairings; check for dates. $ BW TO B L, D M-Sa

RESTAURANT ORSAY 3630 Park St., 381-0909, restaurantorsay.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

The French/Southern American bistro serves steak frites, mussels and Alsatian pork chops in an elegant setting, with an emphasis on locally grown organic ingredients. And if a big dinner seems like too much, grab a seat in the lounge, drink rosé and eat oysters with your smartest pals. $$$ FB R Su; D Nightly

SIMPLY SARA’S 2902 Corinthian Ave., 387-1000, simplysaras.net Down-home cooking, from scratch like Grandma’s: eggplant fries, pimento cheese, baked chicken, fruit cobblers, chicken & dumplings, desserts. BYOB. $$ K TO L, D M-Sa, B Sa

BAYMEADOWS AL’S PIZZA 8060 Philips Hwy., Ste. 105, 731-4300

Old World Italian meets new Jax Beach at GUSTO on Beach Boulevard, where the company is as friendly as the food is authentic and grande.

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2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Intracoastal. BELLA VITA RISTORANTE ITALIANO 3825 Baymeadows Rd., 646-1370, bellavitajax.com Authentic Italian cuisine. $$ FB L, D Daily

BOWL OF PHO 9902 Old Baymeadows Rd., 646-4455 2017 Best of Jax favorite

This spot has a varied menu of Vietnamese and Thai dishes with authentic ingredients, prepared fresh, including egg rolls, grilled pork and chicken, lotus root salad, and salted fish fried rice. Boba is served. $$ L, D Daily

THE COFFEE GRINDER 9834 Old Baymeadows Rd., 642-7600

Owner Slavisa Micukic runs this coffee gallery, which features the work of local artists. Seating is available indoors and out, and a full coffee/espresso menu includes several frozen mochas and frozen jet teas. Beer served after 7 p.m. $ BW L, D Daily

THE 5TH ELEMENT 9485 Baymeadows Rd., 448-8265, my5thelement.com 2017 Best of Jax winner

A variety of authentic Indian, South Indian and Indochinese dishes form the menu, along with a large lunch buffet of lamb, goat and chicken dishes, as well as tandoori and biryani items. Pro tip: Try the mango soft serve ice cream. $$ BW K L, D Daily

FIREHOUSE SUBS 8380 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 8, 737-3473 See Mandarin.

FUJI SUSHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 10920 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 30, 363-8888

Fresh sushi, steak, chicken, tempura, teriyaki and seafood. $$ BW K L, D Daily

GATOR’S DOCKSIDE 8650 Baymeadows Rd., 448-0500 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Westside.

HURRICANE GRILL & WINGS 10920 Baymeadows Rd., 363-2503, hurricanewings.com

Island-themed place offers 35+ flavors of wings, garlic and parmesan fries, Firecracker shrimp, burgers and chicken. Beverage cups are biodegradable. Kids’ night, drink specials. $ FB K TO L, D Daily

INDIA’S RESTAURANT 9802 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 8, 620-0777, indiajax.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

India’s offers authentic cuisine, serving a popular lunch buffet. Curry and vegetable dishes, lamb, chicken, shrimp and fish tandoori. $$ BW L M-Sa; D Nightly

LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 8206 Philips Hwy., 732-9433 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Mandarin.

LARRY’S GIANT SUBS 8616 Baymeadows Rd., 739-2498 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Orange Park.

LEMONGRASS THAI BISTRO 14866 Old Baymeadows Rd., 647-5043, lemongrassjax.com

Relocated. Innovative Thai cuisine in a hip place. Chef creations include crispy whole fish with pineapple curry reduction. A customer favorite is The Amazing. $$ TO L M-F; D M-Sa

LITTLE BLACK BOX BAKED GOODS 8106 Old Kings Rd. S., 683-1346

The small-batch bakery and scratch kitchen uses local and organic ingredients when possible for their fresh, homestyle fare and yummy desserts. $ TO L M-F

LOS LOROS MEXICAN RESTAURANT 5210 Baymeadows Rd., 367-8633

Authentic Mexican fare, including fajitas and vegetarian dishes. Margaritas are featured. $ FB K L, D Daily

METRO DINER 9802 Baymeadows Rd., 425-9142 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See San Marco.

NATIVE SUN NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 11030 Baymeadows Rd., 260-2791, nativesunjax.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Mandarin.

PATTAYA THAI GRILLE 9551 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 1, 646-9506, ptgrille.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

Since 1989, the family-owned place–Northeast Florida’s original authentic Thai restaurant–has offered an extensive menu of traditional Thai, vegetarian and new-Thai, including curries, seafood, noodles, soups. Low-sodium and gluten-free dishes. A video screen displays the open kitchen; you can watch your meal being prepared. The mango with sticky rice is not to be missed! $$$ BW TO L, D Tu-Sa

RENNA’S PIZZA 295 Reedy Branch Commons, 565-1299, rennaspizza.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Mandarin.

STONEWOOD GRILL TAVERN 3832 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 3, 739-7206, stonewoodgrill.com

The casual, upscale spot offers a flavorful dining experience with a classic American menu. Large wine list, daily HH. $$ FB L, D Daily

SUSHI HOUSE 9810 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 12, 997-0966

The quaint spot has a variety of specialty rolls, sushi and sashimi, offers tempura, katsu, teriyaki and hibachi entrées. $$ BW TO L, D Daily

TEQUILA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 10915 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 101, 363-1365, tequilasjacksonville.com

Authentic fare, fresh, spicy hot ingredients. Vegetarian dishes; top-shelf tequilas, drink specials. Nonstop HH. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

VINO’S PIZZA & GRILL 9910 Old Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 1, 641-7171, vinospizzabaymeadows.com

Hand-tossed NY-style, thin-crust pizzas, Sicilian-style, thick-crust pizzas, baked dishes, subs, stromboli, wings and wraps. $ K Daily

THE WELL WATERING HOLE 3928 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 9, 737-7740, thewellwateringhole.com

Locally owned neighborhood bistro and wine bar, with a focus on fresh. Local craft beers, varietal wines by the glass or bottle, champagne cocktails. Meatloaf sandwiches, pulled Peruvian chicken, homestyle vegan black bean burgers. Gluten-free pizzas, desserts. HH specials. $$ BW K TO L, D M-Sa

WHISKEY JAX KITCHEN + COCKTAILS 10915 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 135, 634-7208, whiskeyjax.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

The popular gastropub offers craft beers, gourmet burgers, handhelds, signature plates, tacos and–of course–whiskey. HH M-F. $$ FB B Sa & Su, L F, D Nightly

WOODY’S BAR-B-Q 8206 Philips Hwy., Ste. 25, 265-0066 See Southside.

BEACHES

(All locations are in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted.)

AL’S PIZZA 240 Third St., Neptune Beach, 249-0002, alspizza.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

Folio Weekly readers often vote for Al’s for Best Pizza in our annual Best of Jax poll. Celebrating more than 20 years and seven locations, Al’s offers a selection of New Yorkstyle and gourmet pizzas. The new Neptune Beach location is now open. All-day HH M-Th. $ FB K TO L, D Daily

ANGIE’S SUBS 1436 Beach Blvd., 246-2519 ANGIE’S GROM SUBS 204 Third Ave. S., 246-7823 2017 Best of Jax winner

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hot plate specials M-F. Expect a wait on weekends– this place packs out. $ K TO B R L Daily

BEACHSIDE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARKET 120 Third St. S., 444-8862

Fresh seafood market with seafood baskets, fish tacos, daily fish specials and Philly cheesesteaks. Tables inside; on second-floor open-air deck. $$ BW K TO L, D Daily

THE BLIND RABBIT WHISKEY BAR 311 N. Third St., 595-5915, theblindrabbitwhiskeybar.com

<<< FROM PREVIOUS Home of the original baked sub. Serving a variety of subs, made with fresh ingredients, to devoted locals for 25+ years. One word: Peruvian. In addition to hot or cold subs, Angie’s has huge salads and blue-ribbon iced tea. $ BW TO L, D Daily

ATLANTIC BEACH BREWING COMPANY 725 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 3, Atlantic Beach, 372-4116, atlanticbeachbrewingcompany.com

This place is brand new and ready to party. Twin brothers Chuck and Spencer Horn, along with Spencer’s wife Linda, have made good use of their love of the beach and their passion for craft beers. At least 10 of their creations are on tap, and there are wines and hard ciders available as well. Pet-friendly, too. $$ BW Open Tu-Su

BEACH DINER 501 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 249-6500, beachdiner.com

Locally owned diner has indoor and outdoor seating and Southern comfort items: fresh seafood, sandwiches and hot lunch specials. Innovative cooked-to-order breakfast all day. $ K TO B Br L Daily

BEACH HUT CAFÉ 1281 Third St. S., 249-3516

Celebrating 30 years in the biz! The full breakfast menu is served all day (get the darn good grits);

A variety of New American burgers–try the whiskey smoked burger served on a brioche bun and a maple bacon milkshake for dessert. $$ FB L, D Daily

BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS 2400 S. Third St., Ste. 201, 374-5735, boldbeancoffee.com 2017 Best of Jax winner See Riverside.

BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q 1275 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 270-2666 1266 Third St. S., 249-8704 See Northside.

BUDDHA THAI BISTRO 301 10th Ave. N., 712-4444, buddhathaibistro.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

The proprietors of this Thai place are from Thailand; every dish is made with fresh ingredients from tried-and-true recipes. $$ FB TO L, D Daily

BURRITO GALLERY 300 Beach Blvd., Ste. 1, 246-6521, burritogallery.com

The relocated and all grown up Burrito Gallery features the same great quality burritos, tacos and enchiladas and fast service. Craft cocktails. HH M-F. $ K FB TO L, D Daily

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Caramelizing onions? You have our full attention. GIGI’S RESTAURANT (Mandarin) regularly serves up one of the tastiest buffets in the city. In addition to classic prime rib, there’s a glorious selection of seafood, including AYCE (!) crab legs.

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CAMPECHE BAY CANTINA 127 First Ave. N., 249-3322, campechebaycantina.com

Chili rellenos, tamales, fajitas, enchiladas, fish tacos, fried ice cream and homemade margaritas. Two daily HH. $$ FB K D Nightly

CANTINA LOUIE 725 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 372-0123

The affordable, fun Mexican cantina specializes in innovative tacos and authentic Mexican street food. $ FB K L, D Daily

CASA MARIA 2429 Third St. S., 372-9000, casamariajaxbeach.com

The family-owned-and-operated restaurant offers authentic Mexican food, including fajitas and seafood dishes, as well as a variety of hot sauces—ones made in-house. The specialty is tacos de asada. $ FB K L, D Daily

CINOTTI’S BAKERY, DELI & BOUTIQUE 1523 Penman Rd., 246-1728, cinottisbakery.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

FIRST WATCH 544 Marsh Landing Pkwy., Ste. 4, 834-3789, firstwatch.com

French toast, egg dishes, pancakes, sides. Some locations recently redecorated in a bright, homey, country style. Lunch offers sandwiches and salads. $ K B L, Daily

THE FISH COMPANY RESTAURANT 725 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 12, Atlantic Beach, 246-0123, thefishcojax.com Bite Club certified

The restaurant and oyster bar in North Beach Center serves fresh local seafood—Mayport shrimp, oysters, crabs, lobsters. Patio seating; allday HH every Su.; Oyster Night specials Tu & W. $$ FB K L, D Daily

FLAMING SEAFOOD & SHAO KAO BBQ 1289 Penman Rd., 853-6398

New place (is it Chinese? Barbecue? Seafood?) serves meats and vegetables, spiced, skewered on bamboo sticks. $ BW TO L, D Daily

FLYING IGUANA TAQUERIA & TEQUILA BAR 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 853-5680, flyingiguana.com 2017 Best of Jax winner

The popular spot serves a fusion of Latin American and Southwestern-influenced fare: tacos, seafood, carnitas, Cubana sandwiches, more. 100+ tequilas. Outdoor seating. $ FB TO L, D Daily

GUSTO 1266 Beach Blvd., 372-9925, gustojax.com

Classic Old World Roman cuisine, Italian menu: homestyle pasta, beef, chicken and fish delicacies all made in an open pizza-tossing kitchen. Reservations encouraged. $$ FB TO L Br D Tu-Su

HAWKERS ASIAN STREET FARE 241 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 425-1025, eathawkers.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Riverside.

HOMESPUN KITCHEN 299 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 2, Atlantic Beach, 372-4059, homespunkitchen.com

The change will do you good–breakfast bowls, smoothies, wraps, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, high protein, nothing artificial. And there’s still frozen yogurt. $ TO B L, D Daily

HOT DOG HUT 1439 Third St. S., 247-3641, hotdoghut.net

Vast selection of dogs and sausages, and a variety of toppings, as well as hamburgers, beer-battered onion rings and seasoned French fries. $ BW TO B, L Daily

HURRICANE GRILL & WINGS 628 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 6, Neptune Beach, 247-3031 See Baymeadows.

JOSEPH’S PIZZA 30 Ocean Blvd., Beaches Town Center, Atlantic

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Four generations of Cinottis have been serving the Beaches since 1964, offering cakes for all occasions, pies, breads and desserts by the caseful, and party trays. And do-nut forget the doughnuts. The deli has breakfast and lunch items. $ K TO B R L Tu-Sa

CRUISERS GRILL 319 23rd Ave. S., 270-0356, cruisersgrill.com

Locally owned and operated for 20+ years, this casual restaurant serves half-pound burgers, fish sandwiches, big salads, award-winning cheddar fries, sangria. $ BW K TO L, D Daily

CULHANE’S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 249-9595, culhanesirishpub.com Bite Club certified 2017 Best of Jax favorite

An upscale Irish pub and restaurant owned and managed by four sisters from County Limerick, Ireland. Favorites are shepherd’s pie and corned beef. $$ FB K Br Sa & Su; L F-Su; D Tu-Su

DaVINCI’S PIZZA 469 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 241-2001, davincispizzabar.com

Customers are loyal to the family-owned-andoperated pizzeria, which uses fresh, quality ingredients for its pies. Beer list changes weekly, with local brews, crafts and taps. Free beaches area delivery. $$ BW TO D Tu-Su

DELICOMB DELICATESSEN & ESPRESSO BAR 102 Sixth Ave. N., 372-4192, delicomb.com

The family-owned-and-operated deli makes everything with natural and organic ingredients—no hydrogenated oils or highfructose corn syrup. Granola, tuna salad, kimchi, wraps, spicy panini melts. $ TO B, L Tu-Su

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL 2434 Mayport Rd., Atlantic Beach, 372-4539 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Northside.

DWIGHT’S MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO 1527 Penman Rd., 241-4496, dwightsbistro.com

The small, cozy bistro specializes in handrolled pasta and grilled vegetables. Owner/ Chef Dwight DeLude, member of La Chaine des Rotisseurs, prepares meals in his exhibition kitchen and all dishes, including sea scallops and the popular crab cakes, include pasta and veggies. Reservations suggested. $$$$ BW D Tu-Sa

ENGINE 15 BREWING COMPANY 1500 Beach Blvd., Ste. 217, 249-2337, engine15.com

The popular brewery serves gastropub fare like soups, salads, flatbreads and specialty sandwiches, including bar-b-cuban and beer dip. Craft beers, too–ask how you can sign up for brew groups. $ BW K L Tu-Su; D Nightly

EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ 922 Beach Blvd., 249-3001, europeanstreet.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

More than 130 imported beers, 20 on tap. German fare, classic Reuben and overstuffed sandwiches. Outside seating at some E Streets, as the locals know it. $ BW K L, D Daily MARCH 21-27, 2018 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 19

thenorthbeachfishcamp.com

Ben and Liza Groshell bring their fish camp vibe to the middle of the Beaches Town Center, with a roof-top bar and ocean view. Fresh, creative Southern fare, fresh seafood, bread pudding. $$ L W-Su; D Nightly

OCEAN 60 RESTAURANT, WINE BAR & MARTINI ROOM 60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 247-0060, ocean60.com

<<< FROM PREVIOUS

Continental cuisine, fresh seafood, nightly dinner specials and a seasonal menu in a formal dining room or the more casual Martini Room. $$$ FB D M-Sa

Beach, 270-1122, josephspizza.com

OCEAN GRILLE & BAR 333 First St. N., 595-5965, oceangrille.net

KAMIYA 86 1286 Third St. S., 853-6602

OHANA HAWAIIAN SHAVED ICE 469 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 12, Atlantic Beach, 249-0555

For 60+ years, Joseph’s has been family-ownedand-operated, serving hot pasta dishes, gourmet pizzas and veal entrées; extensive beer and wine selection. $$ BW TO L, D Daily

The place features new Asian fusion cuisine, sushi—takka don, octopus, red clam, eel—and Thai dishes, like panang curry. Noodle and rice dishes. $$ FB TO L, D Daily

Delicately shaved ice is served in 52 flavors, made without corn syrup, some without sugar. There are also crab cake sandwiches and salads with mango salsa. $ TO Tu-Su

LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 1222 Third St. S., 372-4495 2017 Best of Jax favorite

PHILLY’S FINEST CHEESESTEAKS & PIZZA 1527 N. Third St., 241-7188, phillys-finest.com

See Mandarin.

LARRY’S GIANT SUBS 657 Third St. N., 247-9620 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Orange Park.

Casual spot has authentic Philly cheesesteaks made with Amoroso’s bread and steaks flown in direct from Philadelphia. The Ice Bar features a wide selection of beer. $ BW L, D Daily

THE HANGAR BAY CAFÉ & GALLERY 2294 Mayport Rd., Ste. 22, Atlantic Beach, hangarbaycafe.com

LYNCH’S IRISH PUB 514 N. First St., 249-5181, lynchirishpub.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

Unassuming atmosphere at the sister restaurant to Simply Tasty Thai, where you’ll find an odd, delightful coupling of Southern fried chicken and authentic, Japanese-style ramen along with sandwiches, seafood and nibbles. $ BW TO L, D Daily

MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS 1018 Third St. N., Ste. 2, 241-5600, mellowmushroom.com Bite Club certified 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

THE PIER CANTINA & SANDBAR 412 N. First St., 246-6454, thepierjax.com

Corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips. All day Irish breakfast. 50 imported/domestic drafts on tap, beer flights. $$ FB L, D Daily

The psychedelic spot serves gourmet pizzas, hoagies, salads. Pies range from Mighty Meaty to vegetarian, like Kosmic Karma. Dozens of beers on tap, full bar. Try their local specialty pies. Daily HH. $ FB K TO L, D Daily

The casual oceanfront restaurant offers a Mexican-influenced menu. Dine indoors or on the oceanfront patio. HH M-F. $$$ FB L, D Daily

POE’S TAVERN 363 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 241-7637, poestavern.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

METRO DINER 1534 Third St. N., 853-6817 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See San Marco.

American gastropub has 50+ beers, gourmet hamburgers, ground in-house and cooked to order, plus handcut French fries, fish tacos, entrée-size salads, Edgar’s Drunken Chili, daily fish sandwich special. $$ FB K L, D Daily

MEZZA RESTAURANT & BAR 110 First St., Neptune Beach, 249-5573, mezzarestaurantandbar.com

RAGTIME TAVERN & SEAFOOD GRILL 207 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town Center, Atlantic Beach, 241-7877, ragtimetavern.com

MILANO’S RESTAURANT, PIZZA & BAR 1504 Third St. N., 339-0909

RENNA’S PIZZA 592 Marsh Landing Pkwy., 273-3113, rennaspizza.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

MOJO KITCHEN BBQ PIT & BLUES BAR 1500 Beach Blvd., 247-6636, mojobbq.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

ROYAL PALM VILLAGE WINE & TAPAS 296 Royal Palms Dr., Atlantic Beach, 372-0052, royalpalmwines.com

The near-the-ocean eatery (in Beaches Town Center) has been here 20+ years, serving casual bistro fare. Gourmet wood-fired pizzas, nightly specials. Dine indoors or on the patio. HH Tu. & Th. Valet parking. $$$ FB K D M-Sa

See Intracoastal.

Southern blues kitchen offers pulled pork and Carolina-style barbecue along with Delta fried catfish. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

M SHACK 299 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 241-2599, mshackburgers.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

David and Matthew Medure are flippin’ burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes and more familiar fare at moderate prices. Dine indoors or out for Beaches Town Center people-watching. $$ BW L, D M-Sa

NATIVE SUN NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 1585 Third St. N., 458-1390 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Mandarin.

NORTH BEACH FISH CAMP 100 First St., Neptune Beach, 249-3474, 20 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

The spot serves modern American fare, featuring fresh seafood, steaks and wraps. Outdoor oceanfront dining complete the casual upscale experience. $$ BW K Br, Su; L, D Daily

For 30+ years, the seafood place has offered blackened snapper, sesame tuna and its renowned Ragtime shrimp. Daily HH, Sunday brunch. $$ FB L, D Daily

See Mandarin.

Locally owned and operated, this spot offers more than 1,200 bottles of fine wine, 200 bottles of beer and 15 rotating microbrewed draft beers to pair with the chef ’s creative tapas and seafood. Wine tastings and pairings held weekly. Retail wine sales available. $$ BW L, D M-Sa

ROY’S HAWAIIAN FUSION CUISINE 2400 S. Third St., Ste. 101, 241-7697

High-end dining with friendly aloha service, Roy’s serves Hawaiian fusion with Asian aromatics using fresh local ingredients, European sauces and bold Asian spices. $$$$ FB K D Nightly

SAFE HARBOR SEAFOOD MARKET & RESTAURANT 4378 Ocean St., Mayport Village, 246-4911, safeharborseafoodmayport.com SAFE HARBOR RESTAURANT 2510 Second Ave. N., 479-3474 2017 Best of Jax winner

Thanks to his perennial luck and friendly personality, he’s been called El Diablo, Tricky Dicky and the “Mayor,” but those who know owner Richard Bolton best know it’s the attention to craft and quality that keeps ’em smiling at THE HAPPY TOMATO COURTYARD CAFÉ & BBQ in Fernandina Beach. Plus Beth’s cookies! The Jax Beach place is new; great ICW view. Seafood’s fresh–boats unload at the dock. What Safe Harbor Mayport sells in the market–shrimp, oysters, clams and scallops–they’ll cook to order. Dine inside or on the dock at the confluence of the St. Johns and the ocean. $$ BW TO L, D Tu-Su

THE SHIM SHAM ROOM 333 First St. N., Ste. 150, 372-0781, shimshamroom.com

The entertainment district joint has a seasonal menu of “cheap eats”: tasty bar bites, chicken and waffles, fries, tacos. $$ FB D Nightly

SINGLETON’S SEAFOOD SHACK 4728 Ocean St., Mayport Village, 246-4442

Just steps from the Mayport ferry, the ramshackle haunt has been serving seafood to locals and Navy men and women since the ’60s. It’s actually on land deeded to the Singleton family by the Spanish. Customer favorites include fried shrimp dinner and blackened or grilled fish. Dine inside or on the enclosed porch right on the St. Johns River—literally. $ 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. Customer faves: fish tacos, gumbo and fish dip. Dessert means Key lime pie and homemade ice cream sandwiches. $$ FB K L Sa & Su; D Nightly

SMASHBURGER 630 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 241-2666, smashburger.com

Do-it-yourself burgers and chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, sides and fries are served at this popular beach spot. And, yep, they smash ’em on the grill. $ BW K TO L, D Daily

SNEAKERS SPORTS GRILLE 111 Beach Blvd., 482-1000, sneakerssportsgrille.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

Sneakers has a full bar (with 20-plus beers on tap), and above-average sports bar fare, featuring steaks. Cool sports stuff all over the place, waitstaff in jerseys and cheerleading uniforms. HH M-F. $ FB K TO L, D Daily

SOUTHERN GROUNDS & CO. 200 First St., Neptune Beach, 249-2922 2017 Best of Jax favorite

Sourcing coffees by Direct Trade, the newish spot (in the former Lillie’s/Shelby’s) serves coffees, craft beers—many locals—and wine, plus scones, muffins, bagels, hot/cold sandwiches. $$ BW K TO B L

SOUTHERN SWELLS BREWING CO. 1312 Beach Blvd., 372-9289, southernswells.com

The new brewery at the beach is amid the action– work out at the gym, drink a beer; hit the post office, go drink a beer; do some yoga, drink a beer. The brews, of the freshest ingredients, are made with expert attention. And Southern Swells serves other local brands as well. $$ B Open daily

SUN DELI 1011 S. Third St., 270-1040, sundelisubs.com

Traditional subs: Reubens, triple-decker, chicken club, build-your-own from corned beef, salami, pastrami, turkey, liverwurst. Signature subs: Radical Side (tuna salad, egg salad, American cheese) or 9.0 (Philly-style steak, American cheese, bacon, pepperoni). $ TO L M-Sa

SURFER The BAR 200 First St. N., 372-9756, surferthebar.com

In the former Freebird, the place has made a name for itself. The menu’s familiar bar fare: burritos, bowls, nachos and tacos. The drinks are another

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE >>> MARCH 21-27, 2018 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 21

It takes a lot of dedication to join EUROPEAN STREET’S Brewmeister Club (drink your way around the world), but it’s worth it because at completion, you’re rewarded with more beer. E Street has four locations: Riverside, San Marco, Jax Beach and Beach Boulevard. San Marco (pictured) closed due to hurricane damage, but is now open and ready for business. thewinebaruncorked.com

Casual place serves tapas, apps, flatbreads and cheese plates, great for pairing. A wide variety of wine, beer and cigars. $ BW TO D Nightly

CAMDEN COUNTY, GA BARBERITOS SOUTHWESTERN GRILLE & CANTINA 888 E. Kings Bay Rd., St. Marys, 912-882-9300 See Amelia.

<<< FROM PREVIOUS story: hand-crafted tropical cocktails, frozen drinks and a long list of draft beers. Local surfer and videoman Mitch Kaufmann runs some old classic Radical Side videos every M. $$ FB K L, D Daily

SWEET FROG 1094 Third St. N., 595-5160 2017 Best of Jax winner See Mandarin.

TACOLU BAJA MEXICANA 1712 Beach Blvd., 249-8226, tacolu.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

Fresh, Baja-style fare with a focus on fish tacos, margaritas. Menu highlights include bangin’ shrimp, carne asada and carnitas, as well as daily fresh fish selections. The guacamole is made fresh every day, too. And the tequila selection (135-plus) is something else. $$ FB K R Sa & Su; L, D Tu-Su

UGLY CUPCAKE MUFFINRY & CAFE 115 Fifth Ave. S., 339-5214, theuglycupcakemuffinry.com

Sweet, and savory giant muffins, breakfast and lunch made from organic, locally sourced ingredients are served at this charming place steps from the sea. Try unusual flavors like pepperoni pizza or new faves like banana brown sugar. Outside seating. $$ TO B, L Daily

V PIZZA 528 First St. N., 853-6633, vpizza.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

Specializes in the art of traditional pizza Neapolitana, a rare class of artisan pizza from Naples—Italy, silly, not Florida. $$ FB TO L, D Daily

WHISKEY JAX 950 Marsh Landing Pkwy., Ste. 370, 853-5973, whiskeyjax.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

22 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

CAPTAIN STAN’S SMOKEHOUSE 700 Bedell Dr., Woodbine, 912-729-9552

All kinds of barbecue, sides, hot dogs, burgers, desserts. Dine in or out on picnic tables. $$ FB K TO L & D Tu-Sa

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL 1301 E. King Ave., Kingsland, 912-510-0095 11 W. Coffee St., Hazlehurst, 912-551-9364 2017 Best of Jax favorite

Elevated Southern classics in an understated setting, with chef/owner Jon Insetta’s focus on flavors, and chef Kerri Rogers’ culinary creativity. Menu changes seasonally. Chicken burger will change your life. Rotating local craft beers, regional spirits, cold brew coffee program. $$ FB TO L M-F

BURRITO GALLERY & BAR 21 E. Adams St., 598-2922

Popular place serves Southwestern cuisine with an emphasis on innovation, including ginger teriyaki tofu and beef barbacoa, enchiladas, wraps and tacos. Order at the counter, sit at the bar or chill on the patio. $ BW TO L, D M-Sa

CAFÉ NOLA 333 Laura St., 224-0113, mocajacksonville.unf.edu/eat/

Fresh crêpes, quiches, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, a variety of teas, handcut fries, soups and salads. $$ BW K TO L, D M-F

This upscale lunch spot inside MOCA Jacksonville is a favorite for seeing and being seen by the who’s who of the local social zoo. Executive Chef Alex Guriak throws down some innovative, fresh, cutting-edge new American Southern cuisine that’s also comforting. Menu changes seasonally. But muffins with the daily butter are ALWAYS in season. $$ FB TO L, D Th, open late for Art Walk.

MALSONS BBQ 1330 Boone Ave., Kingsland, 912-882-4355

THE CANDY APPLE CAFÉ & COCKTAILS 400 N. Hogan St., 353-9717, thecandyapplecafe.com

See Northside.

RED MOOSE 1840 Osborne Rd., Ste. A, St. Marys, 912-882-9192

Real ’cue—smokers onsite. Burgers, wings, plates, ribs, sausages, beans. Dine in or out. $ K TO L & D Daily

STEFFENS RESTAURANT 550 S. Lee St., Kingsland, 912-729-5355, steffensrestaurant.com

Southern scratch-made menu. $-$$ K TO B, L & D M-Sa; B & L Su

Hands-on fare inspired by the best in confections, which you can score next door at Sweet Pete’s. Sandwiches, entrées. $$ FB K L, M; L, D Tu-Su

CHAMBLIN’S UPTOWN 215 N. Laura St., 674-0870, chamblinbookmine.com 2017 Best of Jax winner

DOWNTOWN

Breakfast sandwiches of fresh Healthy Bagel bagels and croissants, lunch wraps, coffees, homemade soups, salads, desserts, weekly specials. Vegan/ vegetarian fare. $ BW TO B, L Daily

THE AMERICAN GRILL Jacksonville Landing, Ste. 201, 353-7522

FIONN MacCOOL’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT Jacksonville Landing, Ste. 176, 374-1547, fionnmacs.com

(Jacksonville Landing venues are at 2 Independent Dr.)

Traditional fare; chicken pot pie is a favorite. Burgers, steaks, ribs, pizza, pastas, sandwiches, vegetarian items. $$ FB L, D Daily

THE ATRIUM CAFÉ 1 Independent Dr., Ste. 110, 634-1811, atriumcafe.net

See Baymeadows.

At Independent Square. Hot entrées, traditional sandwiches, including a buffalo chicken sandwich. Dine outside, inside or take it to go. $ TO B, L M-F

THE WINE BAR 320 N. First St., Ste. 102, 372-0211,

BELLWETHER 100 N. Laura St., 802-7745, bellwetherjax.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

INDOCHINE 21 E. Adams St., Ste. 200, 598-5303, indochinejax.com 2017 Best of Jax winner

Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine in the urban core. Signature dishes include chicken Satay, soft shell crab, and mango and sticky rice for dessert but we can’t get enough curry. $$ FB TO L, D M-F; D Tu-Sa

JENKINS QUALITY BARBECUE 830 N. Pearl, 353-6388, jenkinsqualitybarbecue.com

For nearly 60 years, family-owned BBQ place has served down-home barbecue. Convenient drivethru. $ TO L, D Daily

OLIO MARKET 301 E. Bay St., 356-7100, oliomarket.com

Made-from-scratch soups, sandwiches. They cure their bacon and pickle their pickles. It’s home to the duck grilled cheese, seen on Travel Channel’s Best Sandwich in America. Open late on First Wednesday Art Walk. $$ BW TO B Br L M-F

SPLIFF’S GASTROPUB 15 N. Ocean St., 844-5000 2017 Best of Jax winner

The music venue has munchie apps, mac & cheese dishes, pockets, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, wraps; HH M-F. $ BW L, D M-Sa

SUPER FOOD & BREW 11 E. Forsyth St., 723-1180, superfoodandbrew.com

Once a food truck, now this popular brickand-mortar eatery serves health-conscious New American cuisine that’s heavy on the fresh flavors and short on the pre-fab (that’s a good thing). Lots of craft beers to accompany sides like yucca fries and mac-and-cheese balls, along with salads, sandwiches and poke bowls. $$ BW TO L, D Daily

SWEET PETE’S 400 N. Hogan St., 376-7161, sweetpetescandy.com

All-natural sweet shop has candy-making classes, plus candy and other treats made the old-fashioned way: all natural flavors, no artificial anything. $ TO Daily

URBAN GRIND COFFEE COMPANY 45 W. Bay St., Ste. 102, 516-7799, urbangrind.coffee 2017 Best of Jax favorite

There’s a variety of locally roasted, whole bean brewed coffee, espresso drinks, smoothies, fresh pastries and bagels with homemade cream cheeses. Lunch includes chicken salad (best ever), tuna salad and sandwiches. Plus they’re FW’s tastiest neighbors! Free Wi-Fi. $ B, L M-F

URBAN GRIND EXPRESS 50 W. Laura St., 516-7799. 2017 Best of Jax favorite. See above.

ZODIAC BAR & GRILL 120 W. Adams, 354-8283, thezodiacbarandgrill.com

Since 2000, serving Mediterranean cuisine and American favorites in a casual atmosphere, plus panini and vegetarian dishes. Daily lunch buffet is a downtown favorite. Espressos and hookahs are available. HH W-Sa. $ FB L M-F

FLEMING ISLAND BRICK OVEN PIZZERIA & GASTROPUB 1811 Town Center Blvd., 278-1770, brickovengastropub.com

Family-owned-and-operated, this spot offers freshly made brick-oven pizzas, specialty burgers, melts and wraps. Craft beers and glutenfree items. $$ BW K TO L, D Daily

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL 1803 East-West Pkwy., 375-2559 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Northside.

GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET 1915 East-West Pkwy., 541-0009 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Riverside.

MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS 1800 Town Center Blvd., 541-1999 Bite Club certified 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Beaches.

MOJO SMOKEHOUSE 1810 Town Center Blvd., Ste. 8, 264-0636, mojobbq.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

Southern smokehouse offers pulled pork, Carolina-style barbecue and Delta fried catfish. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

MR. CHUBBY’S WINGS 2349 Village Square Pkwy., Ste. 101, 272-9464, mrchubbyswings.com

Apps, salads, wraps, boneless wings, burgers and … wings served in platters, by pieces. Sauces include barbecue, jerk, blue cheese, smoky garlic,

Barbecue with a smile—Lisa Marsten serves delectable dishes at WOODPECKER’S BACKYARD BBQ, in northern St. Johns near the river.

sweet & sour, maple Cajun, more. Food and drink specials. $ FB K TO L, D Daily

SHORELINE SEAFOOD SHACK 1615 C.R. 220., Ste. 180, 673-1481, shorelineseafoodshack.com

Fresh seafood—shrimp, scallops, crab cakes, salmon, tilapia, oysters—done up Cajun or MidAtlantic style. Hand-helds, chicken, beef and pork entrées. $$$ FB K TO L, D Daily

TAPS BAR & GRILL 1605 C.R. 220, Ste. 145, 278-9421, tapspublichouse.com

The restaurant offers more than 50 premium domestic and imported beers on tap along with a full bar. The menu features starters, burgers, sandwiches, entrees and a kids’ selection, all made to order with fresh ingredients. $$ FB K L, D Daily

WHITEY’S FISH CAMP 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198, whiteysfishcamp.com 2017 Best of Jax winner

This authentic fish camp serves gator tail and freshwater river catfish, as well as traditional fare and daily specials, on the banks of Swimming Pen Creek. Outdoor Tiki bar. Come by boat, motorcycle or car. $ FB K TO L Tu-Su; D Nightly

INTRACOASTAL WEST AL’S PIZZA 14286 Beach Blvd., Ste. 31 (at San Pablo), 223-0991, alspizza.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

This is the first Al’s in NEFla—yeah, we didn’t know that, either—and Folio Weekly readers often vote for Al’s for Best Pizza in our annual Best of Jax poll. Celebrating more than 20 years and six locations, Al’s offers a selection of New York-style and gourmet pizzas. All-day HH M-Th. $ FB K TO L, D Daily

BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q 3303 San Pablo Rd. S., 223-1391 See Northside.

CASTILLO DE MEXICO 12620 Beach Blvd., 998-7006, castillodemexico.net

In business for 16+ years. Extensive menu served in authentic Mexican décor. Weekday lunch buffet. $$ FB L, D Daily

CLIFF’S ROCKIN BAR-N-GRILL 3033 Monument Rd., Ste. 2, 645-5162

Cliff ’s features 8-ounce burgers, wings, seafood, homemade pizza and daily specials, including the weekend handcut 12-ounce New York strip. Weekday HH. Smoking is permitted. $$ FB TO L, D Daily

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL 14286 Beach Blvd., Ste. 32, 223-0115 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Northside.

GUMBO YAYA’S 14333 Beach Blvd., Ste. 101, 223-0202, gumboyayas.com

New Orleans/Cajun fare features gumbo, po’boys, muffuletta, etouffée, jambalaya, shrimp, oysters, catfish. Daily specials and weekend low country boils. Climate-controlled patio for outdoor dining. $$ BW K TO L, D Daily

HOUSE OF LEAF & BEAN 14474 Beach Blvd., 379-1291, houseofleafnbean.com

The new place—‘where East meets West’—aims to make healthy living accessible and tasty, serving only fresh, organic, natural foods. Specialties are tofu, organic coffees and teas, hummus and dumplings. $$ BW K TO B, L, Br, D W-M

JIMMY HULA’S 13170 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 63, 220-9001, jimmyhulas.com

Beach-themed place serves fish tacos and burgers, craft beers and wines. $ BW K TO L, D Daily

LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 14333 Beach Blvd., Ste. 39, 992-1666 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Mandarin.

LARRY’S GIANT SUBS 10750 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 14, 642-6980 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Orange Park.

MAHARLIKA HALL & SPORTS GRILL 14255 Beach Blvd., Ste. E, 992-1112, maharlika.mayumibeats.com

The Filipino-American restaurant and market features pancit bami, lumpia, turon strudel and halo halo with ice cream. $-$$ FB K Br L, D Daily

MAMA MIA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA 12220 Atlantic Blvd., 221-1122, mamammiasjax.com Casual dining, lunch specials. Veal, seafood and New York-style and big-crust Sicilian-style pizzas. Free delivery is available. $ BW L, D Tu-Su

MAMBOS CUBAN CAFE & PIZZERIA 13770 Beach Blvd., Ste. 9, 374-2046, mamboscubancafe.com

Authentic Cuban cuisine and cocktails, ropa vieja, bistec, pollo, picadillo, lechon asada and mojitos. The Cuban sandwich is a customer fave. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

MARIANAS GRINDS 11380 Beach Blvd., Ste. 10, 206-612-6596

Pacific Islander fare with an emphasis on the chamorro culture. Soups and stews like fitada, beef oxtail and katden pika, plus spicy empanadas, lumpia and fave chicken kelaguen; dinache platters, BBQ-style ribs and chicken. Breakfast served all day. $ TO B L, D Tu-Su

MARKER 32 14549 Beach Blvd., 223-1534, marker32.com

Established in 1992, with an ICW panoramic view. Innovative American eclectic menu, fresh, local seafood, shrimp and Andouille fettuccini, herb-grilled local fish with hoppin john, broiled oysters, yellow fin tuna poke. $$$ FB K D Nightly

MILANO’S RESTAURANT, PIZZA & BAR 12620 Beach Blvd., Ste. 21, 646-9119, mymilanospizza.com

The casual, family-owned restaurant and pizzeria serves homestyle Italian fare, like thin-crust New York-style pizzas, veal and baked dishes. Daily delivery service. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

MR. CHAN ASIAN CUISINE 13947 Beach Blvd., 992-1388, mrchanasiancuisine.com

Pan-Asian fare, chef ’s specialties including a classic spicy-cabbage kimchi, as well as traditional dishes. $$ L, W-Su; D Tu-Su

MVP’S SPORTS GRILLE 12777 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 5, 221-1090

Wings and burgers in a sporty spot. $ FB L, D Daily

MY MOCHI FROZEN YOGURT 13546 Beach Blvd., Ste. 1A, 821-9880 See St. Johns Town Center.

ORANGE TREE 13000 Beach Blvd., Ste. 43, 551-3661, orangetreehotdogs.com

Serving hot dogs and freshly made personal size pizzas since 1968, this spot also offers Hershey’s ice cream and milkshakes. $ K TO L, D Daily

THE POTTERS HOUSE SOUL FOOD BISTRO II 11876 Atlantic Blvd., 394-2801, thesoulfoodbistro.com 2017 Best of Jax winner See Riverside.

SID & LINDA’S SEAFOOD MARKET & RESTAURANT 12220 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 109, 503-8276

This place lets you pick your whole fish, have it cleaned, filleted and cooked to order, to dine in or take out. Housemade sauces. $$ BW K TO D M, L, D Tu-Su

SIENA’S AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE 13170 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 26, 220-9192, sienasjax.com A varied menu of Italian cuisine: lasagna, calzones, stuffed shells, pizza and wraps. $$ BW K TO L, D Daily

TACO LIBRE 14286 Beach Blvd., 374-0622, tacolibrejax.com

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CHOW DOWN ALLEY 14775 Old St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 3, 880-7900

Family-operated; breakfast sandwiches, burgers, salads and specialty sandwiches. $ B, L M-F

CLARK’S FISH CAMP 12903 Hood Landing Rd., 268-3474, clarksfishcamp.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

<<< FROM PREVIOUS New locally owned Mexican taqueria has homestyle soft corn tortillas, gorditas, sopas, enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos. $$ BW K L, D Daily

THE TENT HOOKAH LOUNGE 12041 Beach Blvd., Ste. 4, 551-2962, thetenthookahlounge.com

Authentic fare: falafel, kibbeh, musabhaha, baklava. Hookahs, flavored tobacco, Arabic coffees, specials. $ BW L, D Daily

THAI ORCHID 12620 Beach Blvd., Ste. 4, 683-1286, thairestaurantjacksonville.com

Authentic Thai cuisine made with fresh ingredients, pad Thai, Thai curry dishes, rice dishes. $$ BW L M-Sa; D Nighty

TIME OUT SPORTS GRILL 13799 Beach Blvd., Ste. 5, 223-6999, timeoutsportsgrill.com

Locally-owned-and-operated grill serves handtossed pizzas, wings, specialty wraps in a sporty atmosphere. Daily drink specials. Late-night menu. $$ FB L Tu-Su; D Nightly

MANDARIN, JULINGTON, ST. JOHNS

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL 10550 Old St. Augustine Rd., 880-7087 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Northside.

DON JUAN’S RESTAURANT 12373 San Jose Blvd., 268-8722, donjuansjax.com

With a focus on friendly, family-oriented service, Don Juan’s has a touch of Old Mexico: patio dining. A full bar—with tequila selections—is served; HH M-F. $ FB K L, D Daily

ENZA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 10601 San Jose Blvd., 268-4458, enzas.net

The family-owned restaurant offers casual fine dining, specializing in Italian cuisine, veal and seafood dishes like seafood lasagna, daily specials. $$$ FB K TO D Tu-Su

FIRST WATCH 11111 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 14, 268-8331 See Beaches.

GATORS DOCKSIDE 485 S.R. 13 N., Ste. 1, St. Johns, 230-4353 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Westside.

GIGI’S RESTAURANT 3130 Hartley Rd., 694-4300, gigisbuffet.com

In the Ramada, Gigi’s serves a weekend prime rib and crab leg buffet, Sunday brunch, a daily breakfast buffet and lunch and dinner buffets. $$$ FB B Br L, D Daily

AL’S PIZZA 11190 San Jose Blvd., 260-4115 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

HURRICANE GRILL & WINGS 3055 C.R. 210, Ste. 101, St. Johns, 230-6445 12795 San Jose Blvd., Julington Creek, 260-8338

ATHENS CAFÉ 6271 St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 7, 733-1199, athenscafejax.com

JENK’S PIZZA 2245 C.R. 210 W., 826-1555, jenkspizza.com

See Intracoastal.

For 20+ years, serving dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), baby shoes (stuffed eggplant), Greek beers. Vegetarian-friendly. Early bird menu M-F. $$ BW L M-F; D Sa

AW SHUCKS 9743 Old St. Augustine Rd., 240-0368, awshucksjax.com

Seafood place has an oyster bar, steaks, seafood, wings, pasta, ahi tuna, shrimp & grits, oysters Rockefeller, pitas and kabobs. Sweet potato puffs are the signature side. $$ FB K L, D Daily

BEACH DINER 11362 San Jose Blvd., 683-0079 See Beaches.

BLACKSTONE GRILLE 112 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste. 102, 287-0766, blackstonegrille.com

Modern American fusion cuisine, served in a trendy bistro-style setting. $$$ FB L M-F; D M-Sa

BONEFISH GRILL 10950 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 52, 370-1070, bonefishgrill.com

Fresh, innovative dishes feature seasonal seafood. A customer fave is Bang Ban Shrimp. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q 100 Bartram Oaks Walk, Fruit Cove, 287-7710 12620 Bartram Park Blvd., 652-2989 9820 San Jose Blvd., 268-2666 See Northside.

CASA MARIA 14965 Old St. Augustine Rd., 619-8186 See Beaches. 24 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

Known for its array of taxidermed critters, Clark’s features gator and turtle, steak, ribs, daily AYCE catfish dinners. Dine indoors, outdoors, or in a glass-enclosed room with a Julington Creek view. $$ FB K L, D Daily

See Baymeadows.

Family-owned-and-operated; subs, New Yorkstyle pizzas, calzones and a variety of Italian dishes. Delivery available. $ BW K TO L, D Daily

KAZU JAPANESE RESTAURANT 9965 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 35, 683-9903, kazujapaneserestaurant.com

Family-friendly place has a variety of soups, dumplings, appetizers, bento boxes, sushi, entrées, maki handrolls, sashimi. Spicy Thai basil chicken is the specialty. $$ BW K TO L, D Daily

LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 11112 San Jose Blvd., 288-0175, lanopalerarest.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite You may see servers carry five or more dinner plates at a time. Tamales, fajitas and pork tacos are customer favorites. Some Nops have a full bar. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

LOS PORTALES MEXICAN GRILL 2245 C.R. 210, 819-1486, losportalesgrill.com See Southside.

LARRY’S GIANT SUBS 11365 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 3, 674-2945 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Orange Park.

MAMA FU’S ASIAN HOUSE 11105 San Jose Blvd., 260-1727, mamafus.com MSG-free pan-Asian cuisine is made to order in woks with fresh ingredients. Authentic Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Thai dishes are served. Take-out up to 15 minutes before closing. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

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Freshly baked (and iced) cinnamon rolls, ’nuff said! BREEZY COFFEE SHOP in Jax Beach is getting well-earned raves for its housemade everything. Go for a coffee date, stay for Aunt Pat’s crumb cake. You’re welcome.

Mall in 1976–you could lunch on a slice and a beer every day of the week (not that we ever did that!). The casual NY-style pizzerias serve calzones, antipasto, parmigiana–and terrific pizzas, too–and homemade breads. Buy by the slice–they’re huge–or a full pie. Delivery available. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

ROMA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA 14965 Old St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 101, 880-2000, romasitalian.com

<<< FROM PREVIOUS METRO DINER 12807 San Jose Blvd., 638-6185 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See San Marco.

MIZU SUSHI & GRILL 14965 Old St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 124, 880-0889, mizusushijax.com

Master chefs prepare fresh sushi, seafood, steak, vegetables. Dine in or out. $$ BW K L, D Daily

MOCHA RITA’S 9446 Philips Hwy., 806-3923, mocharitas.com

Sandwiches made with Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. $$ BW TO L, D M-Sa

NATIVE SUN NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 10000 San Jose Blvd., 260-6950 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

Natural and organic soups, sandwiches, wraps, baked goods, prepared foods, juices, smoothies. Great for vegans, vegetarians and those with special diet needs. A juice, smoothie and coffee bar, and all-natural and organic beers and wine. Indoor/outdoor seating. $$ BW TO K B L, D Daily

PICASSO’S PIZZERIA 10503 San Jose Blvd., 880-0811, jaxpicassos.com

SAUCY TACO 450 S.R. 13 N., Ste. 113, 287-8226, saucytaco.com

Authentic light Mexican and American influences are apparent in each dish. 40 beers on draft. Daily HH. $ FB TO L, D Daily

SONNY’S REAL PIT BAR-B-Q 12485 San Jose Blvd., 288-7928 See Orange Park.

SWEET FROG PREMIUM FROZEN YOGURT 10991 San Jose Blvd., 292-0901, sweetfrogyogurt.com 2017 Best of Jax winner

Guilt-free, made-fresh-daily treats in 40+ nonfat flavors. The toppings bar has every item you’d want to load up your froyo. $ TO Daily

TAPS BAR & GRILL 2220 C.R. 210 W., Ste. 314, St. Johns, 819-1554 See Fleming Island.

VINO’S PIZZA & GRILL 4268 Oldfield Crossing Dr., Greenland, 268-6660

Hand-tossed NY-style, thin-crust pizzas, Sicilian-style, thick-crust pizzas. Baked dishes, subs, stromboli, wings and wraps. $ K L, D Daily

Hand-tossed gourmet pizza, calzones, homemade NY-style cheesecake, and glorious and varied handmade pastas. Fresh local seafood, steaks. $$ BW K TO L, D Daily

V PIZZA 12601 San Jose Blvd., 647-9424, vpizza.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

RENNA’S PIZZA 11111 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 12, 292-2300, rennaspizza.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

WAKAME JAPANESE & THAI CUISINE 104 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste. 108, 230-6688, wakamejax.com

Giuseppe Renna is the patriarch of this familyowned franchise that started in the Philips 26 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

Roma’s menu has more than 100 items, each made with authentic Italian spices and herbs. Specialty dishes include veal, seafood and gourmet pizzas. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

See San Marco.

The fine dining restaurant offers authentic Japanese and Thai cuisine, including a full sushi menu, curries and pad dishes. $$ BW K L, D Daily

ORANGE PARK, EAGLE HARBOR, MIDDLEBURG (All venues in Orange Park unless otherwise noted.)

BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q 1765 Town Center Blvd., Eagle Harbor, 269-8870 2640 Blanding Blvd., 282-4288 See Northside.

BOONDOCKS GRILL & BAR 2808 Henley Rd., Green Cove Springs, 406-9497

Great bar food: burgers, steaks, coconut shrimp. We hear the fried green beans app is tops. Craft beers, friendly service—the whole nine yards in a rustic, casual atmosphere. Drink specials, HH. $ FB K TO L, D Daily

D’FONTANA PIZZERIA & RISTORANTE 2219 C.R. 220, Middleburg, 375-9925, dfontana.com 324 Ferris St., Green Cove, 529-5515

Authentic Italian fare includes NY-style pizzas, calzones, strombolis, veal parmigiana, ovenbaked dinners, pasta options, hot and cold subs and a massive 16˝x16˝ Sicilian pizza. $$ BW K TO L, D M-Sa

Bakery and café; sandwiches, coffees, bagels, muffins, breads, cookies, brownies, snack treats. $$ TO B BR L M-F

SONNY’S REAL PIT BAR-B-Q 1976 Kingsley Ave., 272-4606, sonnysbbq.com

For more than 30 years, Sonny’s has been a Northeast Florida gem. The beef, pork, chicken and ribs are cooked in a wood-fired pit; sides include Vidalia onion rings, corn nuggets, potato salad, barbecue beans and coleslaw. AYCE specials daily. $ BW K TO L, D Daily

SPRING PARK COFFEE 328 Ferris St., Green Cove Springs, 531-9391, springparkcoffee.com

Cozy shop has fresh roasted Brass Tacks coffee for handcrafted hot and cold drinks, specialty lattes, cappuccino, macchiato, teas, pastries. Biscuits, sandwiches, breakfast items. $ B L, D Daily

SWEET FROG 1581 C.R. 220 E., Ste. 100, 215-1300 2017 Best of Jax winner See Mandarin.

THAI GARDEN 10 Blanding Blvd., Ste. B, 272-8434

GATORS DOCKSIDE 9680 Argyle Forest Blvd., Ste. 1, 425-6466 2017 Best of Jax favorite

Traditional Thai items, pad kraw powh with roasted duck and kaeng kari (yellow curry, potatoes, a choice of meat). Fine wines, imported and domestic beers. $$ BW L M-F; D M-Sa

THE HILLTOP 2030 Wells Rd., 272-5959, hilltop-club.com

WOODY’S BAR-B-Q 8540 Argyle Forest Blvd., 772-7675 950 Blanding Blvd., 272-1419

See Westside.

The Hilltop serves dinner in formal, Southerninflected dining spaces. Specialties include New Orleans shrimp, certified Black Angus prime rib and she-crab soup. Homemade desserts are featured, along with a piano lounge, a large collection of antiques and a garden setting. $$$ FB D Tu-Sa

LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 9734 Crosshill Blvd., Argyle, 908-4250 2024 Kingsley Ave., 276-2776 1571 C.R. 220, Ste. 100, 215-2223 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Mandarin.

LARRY’S GIANT SUBS 1330 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 165, 276-7370 1545 C.R. 220, 278-2827 700 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 15, 272-3553 1401 S. Orange Ave., Green Cove, 284-7789 2017 Best of Jax favorite

See Southside.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, PALM VALLEY, NE ST. JOHNS

(All restaurants in Ponte Vedra unless otherwise noted.)

AL’S PIZZA 635 A1A N., 543-1494 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Intracoastal.

AQUA GRILL 950 Sawgrass Village Dr., 285-3017, aquagrill.net

With locations all over Northeast Florida, Larry’s has been making hot and cold subs for nearly 30 years, plus soups and salads. $ K TO B L, D Daily

Since 1988, this American-eclectic restaurant has served fresh local seafood, aged prime steaks and vegetarian entrées. Patio seating is available. Reservations accepted. $$$ FB L, D Daily

METRO DINER 2034 Kingsley Ave., 375-8548 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

BARBARA JEAN’S 15 S. Roscoe Blvd., Palm Valley, 280-7522, barbarajeans.com

See San Marco.

MILL BASIN 1754 Wells Rd., 644-8172, mill-basin.com

Serving modern interpretations of classic Italian fare with fresh ingredients, locally sourced when possible, craft cocktails and local craft beers, in an upscale atmosphere. Late-night menu available. Daily HH, brunch Su. $$ FB D Tu-Sa; Brunch Su

PASTA MARKET ITALIAN RESTAURANT & CLAM BAR 1930 Kingsley Ave., 276-9551, pastamarketitalianrestaurant.com

The family-owned-and-operated restaurant offers gourmet pizzas, veal, chicken, mussels, shrimp, grouper and pastas: spaghetti, fettuccine, lasagna, ziti, calzones, linguini, tortellini. $$ BW K L, D Daily

RENNA’S PIZZA 6001 Argyle Forest Blvd., Ste. 16, 771-7677, rennaspizza.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Mandarin.

THE ROADHOUSE 231 Blanding Blvd., 264-0611, roadhouseonline.net

Serving sandwiches, wings, burgers and quesadillas for more than 35 years. More than 75 imported beers. $ FB L, D Daily

SNACSHACK BAKERY 179 College Dr., Ste. 19, 322-1414, snacshack.menu

Easy Southern dining, legendary crab cakes, seafood, meatloaf, 15 fresh vegetables. Dine in or out, with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. $$-$$$ FB K B Sa & Su; L, D Daily

BEACH DINER 880 A1A N., 273-6545 See Beaches.

CAFFE ANDIAMO 500 Sawgrass Village Dr., 280-2299, caffeandiamo-pvb.com

The Recupito family’s place offers fresh seafood, veal, steak and pizza cooked in a copper woodburning oven. Daily specials. Faves include fracosta loco and cappesanti di mare. Outdoor patio. 75 wines by the glass. $$$ FB L, D Daily

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL 100 Marketside Ave., Ste. 301, 829-8134 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Northside.

LARRY’S GIANT SUBS 830 A1A N., Ste. 6, 273-3993 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Orange Park. LULU’S WATERFRONT GRILLE 301 N. Roscoe Blvd., 285-0139, luluswaterfrontgrille.com

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<<< FROM PREVIOUS On the ICW. Fresh seafood, handcut steaks, burgers. Seating on screened waterfront porch. $$$ FB K TO Br Sa-Su; L, D Daily

M SHACK NOCATEE 641 Crosswater Pkwy., 395-3575 2017 Best of Jax winner See Beaches.

METRO DINER 340 Front St., Ste. 700, 513-8422 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See San Marco.

NAPOLI’S PASTARIA 3787 Palm Valley Rd., Ste. 104, 273-0006, napolispastaria.com

Napoli’s features a variety of traditional Italian dishes including veal, pasta and traditional handtossed and specialty pizzas. Delivery available. $$ BW K TO L, D Daily

PALM VALLEY FISH CAMP 229 N. Roscoe Blvd., 285-3200, palmvalleyfishcamp.com

Ben Groshell presents the dining experience on the Intracoastal, serving dishes made with fresh ingredients, plus daily specials. Call in your order and pick it up dockside. $$$ FB K TO L Tu-Su; D Nightly

PLAYERS CAFÉ 262 Solana Rd., 273-5595

Family-friendly, golf themed restaurant, serving fresh grouper sub, Cuban sandwiches and Philly cheesesteaks. $$ B, L Daily

POPPY’S ITALIANO 832 A1A, Ste. 1, 273-7272, poppysitaliano.net

Family-owned-and-operated. Fresh gourmet Italian dishes, familiar favorites. Dine inside in the relaxed atmosphere, or outdoors; carry out or drive-through. $$ BW K TO L, D Daily

RESTAURANT MEDURE 818 A1A N., 543-3797, restaurantmedure.us

Chef David Medure creates dishes with a wide range of global flavors. The lounge offers small plates, creative drinks, HH twice daily. $$$ FB D M-Sa

TABLE 1 330 A1A N., Ste. 208, 280-5515, table-1.com

The upscale, casual restaurant offers a variety of items, from appetizers to entrées to salads, as well as a wine bar featuring an extensive list of wines by the glass. $$$ FB L, D Daily

TRASCA & CO EATERY 155 Tourside Dr., Ste. 100, 395-3989, trascaandco.com

One-of-a-kind vintage eatery specializes in handcrafted Italian-inspired sandwiches, craft beers, craft coffees. $$ BW K TO B L, D Daily

RIVERSIDE, 5 POINTS, WESTSIDE, MURRAY HILL (Venues are in Riverside unless otherwise noted.)

13 GYPSIES 887 Stockton St., 389-0330, 13gypsies.com 2017 Best of Jax winner

The intimate bistro serves authentic Mediterranean peasant cuisine updated for American tastes, specializing in tapas, blackened octopus, risotto of the day and coconut mango curry chicken. $$ BW L, D Tu-Sa 30 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

Everyone’s family at WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, where Elaine and Billy of the Ham family carry on their father’s tradition begun in 1963. Find fresh fish, live music and smiles on the banks of Swimmer Pen Creek. AL’S PIZZA 1620 Margaret St., Ste. 201, 388-8384 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Intracoastal.

B STREET EATS 1173 Edgewood Ave. S., 503-8489, bstreeteats.com

Festive Latin- and South American-themed place serving salads, sandwiches or boxes of slowcooked proteins—3-day pork, vegan jackfruit or chicken. Check out the wall featuring hundreds of cross-sections of locally sourced tree trunks. $ BW TO L, D Daily

BLACK SHEEP RESTAURANT 1534 Oak St., 380-3091, blacksheep5points.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

The independent restaurant serves New American favorites with a Southern twist (they call it “where haute meets homegrown”), made with locally sourced ingredients. Daily specials, awesome rooftop bar; handcrafted food and cocktails. HH. $$$ FB R Sa & Su; L M-F; D Nightly

BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS 869 Stockton St., Stes. 1 & 2, 855-1181, boldbeancoffee.com 2017 Best of Jax winner

Small-batch, artisanal approach to sourcing and roasting single-origin, direct-trade limitedlot coffees and signature blends, hand-crafted syrups, espressos, local/regional craft beers, pastries. Sandwiches. $ BW TO B, L Daily

BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q 5229 Jammes Rd., 900-3259 705 S. Lane Ave., 783-1404 See Northside.

BREW FIVE POINTS 1024 Park St., 374-5789, brewfivepoints.com

The craft beer and espresso bar in the heart of historic 5 Points offers local craft beers, soft drinks and toast from Community Loaves. $$ B, L Su & M; B L, D Tu-Sa

BURRITO GALLERY BROOKLYN 90 Riverside Ave., Ste. 601, 355-4889 See Downtown.

THE CAFE AT THE CUMMER 829 Riverside Ave., Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 356-6857 2017 Best of Jax winner

Light lunch, quick bites, beer, wine, locally roasted coffee and espresso-based beverages,

homemade soups, sandwiches, gourmet desserts and daily specials. Dine indoors or out in the museum’s gardens. $ BW K L Tu-Su; D Tu

CORNER TACO 818 Post St., 240-0412, cornertaco.com

Made-from-scratch “Mexclectic cuisine” includes tacos, nachos, gluten-free, vegetarian options, it sounds silly but trust us: try the hummus. Daily craft beer specials, always $2 PBR tall boys. $ BW K L, D Daily

DERBY ON PARK 1068 Park St., 379-3343

New American cuisine, upscale retro air in historic landmark building. Shrimp & grits, lobster bites, 10-oz. gourmet burger. Dine inside or out. $$-$$$ FB L, D Tu-Su, Br Sa & Su

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL 6055 Youngerman Cir., Westside, 778-1101 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Northside.

EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ 2753 Park St., 384-9999 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Beaches.

FIVE POINTS TAVERN 1521 Margaret St., 549-5063, fivepointstavern.com

New American cosmopolitan place serves chefcurated dishes, we think they’ve got one of the best burgers we’ve ever had, but truly everything Chef Forrest touches is top notch (like piquillo relleno). $$ FB TO L & D Tu-Su

FOO DOG CURRY TRADERS 869 Stockton St., 551-0327, badwolftraders.com

Finally! A restaurant that’s ready to truly offer new things. Chef Kirk Howard, (13 Gypsies owner) just opened Foo Dog, featuring Southeast Asian made-from-scratch food that’s naturally gluten-free and starts out as vegan. It’s up to the diner to make the changes to create the meal; each dish is made to be customized. Housemade curries complement a variety of meats and vegetables, we can’t get enough of the zucchini fritters and crispy cod with green curry. $$ L, D Tu-Sa

FUJI SUSHI 9542 Argyle Forest Blvd., Ste. C-18, 778-1998

The skilled chefs create sushi items vegetarian or regular style. Dinner dishes include rice, soup and salad. $$ BW K TO L, D Daily

GATORS DOCKSIDE 6677 103rd St., 777-6135, gatorsdockside.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite For more than 20 years, the sports-themed family restaurant has been serving a varied menu of grilled wings, ribs, sandwiches and salads. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET 2007 Park St., 384-4474, thegrassrootsmarket.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

Grassroots juice bar uses certified organic fruits and vegetables. The store also offers three dozen artisanal cheeses, more than 300 craft and imported beers and 50 organic wines, and organic produce and meats, vitamins and herbs. Organic wraps, sides, sandwiches, salads available to go. $ BW TO B L, D Daily

HAWKERS ASIAN STREET FARE 1001 Park St., 508-0342, eathawkers.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

The welcoming, energetic place encourages sharing. The menu has a range of small plates: roti canai, pad Thai, Canton cod, curry laska, more. Extensive array of craft brews, sakes and wines allows pairing options with the food. $ BW TO L, D Daily

THE HYPPO 90 Riverside Ave., Ste. 605, 551-0361 See St. Augustine.

LARRY’S GIANT SUBS 7895 Normandy Blvd., 781-7600 5733 Roosevelt Blvd., 446-9500 8102 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 1, 779-1933 1509 Margaret St., 674-2794 2017 Best of Jax favorite

RIVER & POST 1000 Riverside Ave., Ste. 1000, 575-2366, riverandpostjax.com

Restaurant downstairs, rooftop lounge up top, it’s the classiest restaurant version of a mullet you’ll find this side of Georgia. Upscale-casual, seafood-heavy featuring updated Florida classics like fish dip, conch chowder and Florida lobster. Wine list is clutch. Unforgettable sunsets over the river on the roof. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

ROOT DOWN JAX 1034 Park St., 358-7288

The wine bar (extensive selection) plus beer garden (another extensive selection) is the very definition of chill. The craft cocktails are sherrycentric. The boards are charcuterie and fromage, with a variety of extras. $$ FB D Nightly

SAKE HOUSE JAPANESE GRILL SUSHI BAR 824 Lomax St., 301-1188, sakehousejax.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

Traditional Japanese cuisine and a wide variety of fresh sushi, sashimi, kiatsu, teriyaki and hibachi in an authentic atmosphere. Sake, too. $$ BW L, D Daily

SONNY’S REAL PIT BAR-B-Q 4434 Blanding Blvd., 777-0730 1923 S. Lane Ave., 786-0081 See Orange Park.

SOUL FOOD BISTRO 5310 Lenox Ave., Ste. 1, Westside, 394-0860 2017 Best of Jax winner

See Orange Park.

Owned by the Potters House Christian Fellowship, this cafeteria-style restaurant serves traditional Southern food: fried chicken, greens, mac-n-cheese, cornbread and other regional favorites. Don’t sleep on the braised oxtail when they have it. $ TO L, D Tu-Su

LOLA’S BURRITO JOINT 1522 King St., 738-7181, lolasburritojoint.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

SOUTHERN ROOTS FILLING STATION 1275 King St., 513-4726, southernrootsjax.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

Latin-themed Lola’s offers more than 25 kinds of fresh-cooked-to-order burritos, plus burgers, tacos, empanadas, yucca fries. Craft beers, some local, signature margaritas. Sunday brunch, bottomless mimosas. $$ FB K Br L, D Daily

Healthy, light vegan fare made fresh daily with local, organic ingredients. Specials, served on bread, local greens or/and rice, change daily. Sandwiches, coffees, teas. We suggest the turtle bowl, but also love the Garf sandwich. $ B, L Tu-Su

METRO DINER 4495 Roosevelt Blvd., 999-4600 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

SUN-RAY CINEMA 1028 Park St., 5 Points, 359-0047, sunraycinema.com 2017 Best of Jax winner

See San Marco.

MOON RIVER PIZZA 1176 Edgewood Ave. S., Murray Hill, 389-4442 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Amelia Island.

THE MOSSFIRE GRILL 1537 Margaret St., 355-4434, mossfire.com

First-run, indie and art films are screened at the oldest theater building in Jacksonville. Beer, some drafts from Bold City and Intuition Ale Works, wine, pizza—with names like Godbold, Black Lagoon Supreme, Cowford Pie—hot dogs, hummus, sandwiches, popcorn, nachos, brownies, and Twankies (inspired by Twinkies, but vegan) are available. $$ BW Daily

Just a stone’s throw from the 5 Points intersection. Southwestern dishes: fresh fish tacos and chicken enchiladas. HH M-Sa in upstairs lounge; Su all day. $$ FB K L, D Daily

SWEET FROG 1661 Riverside Ave., Ste. 128, 619-9745 2017 Best of Jax winner

MR. CHUBBY’S WINGS 11043 Crystal Springs Rd., Ste. 12, 355-9464

SWEET THEORY BAKING COMPANY 1243 King St., 387-1001 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

See Fleming Island.

M SHACK 1012 Margaret St., 423-1283 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Beaches.

PATTAYA THAI GRILLE 1526 King St., 503-4060 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Baymeadows.

PHO 99 VIETNAMESE GRILL 5024 Blanding Blvd., 361-3930, pho99vietgrill.com

Experienced restaurateur Chef Henry Pham’s casual place specializes in Vietnamese cuisine, quintessential pho noodle and other soups, bubble tea, summer and spring rolls, noodle and rice dishes, and the like. $ BW TO L, D Daily

PRIMI PIATTI 2722 Park St., 389-5545

Northern Italian-style place (the name means first plate in Italian) offers a menu made from fresh ingredients, which includes daily specials, pastas and she-crab soup. $$$ BW K L, D M-Sa

See Mandarin.

Small batch, all-natural and organic, allergyfriendly bakery featuring items made with no egg, dairy, soy or peanuts. On weekends, there’s a line out the door for their fresh donuts. Glutenfree options, too. $ TO M-Sa

BiTeBYBiTe

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

New FSCJ-run café GIVES STUDENTS THE REINS WALKING INTO THE SOON-TO-OPEN 20WEST Café on Adams Street, one can tell, even as it is in a flurry of construction activity, that it will be a welcoming, bright addition to Jacksonville’s Downtown. The café is part of Florida State College at Jacksonville’s rehabilitation of the historic 106-year-old Lerner Building. Upper floors of the building will include 20 student housing suites, with room for 60 students. “It’s a way for us to be involved in the community at a ground level,” explained Rick MacDonald, general manager of the café. Robert Mark, program manager for culinary and hospitality at FSCJ described the café’s purpose a little further, saying, “[20West] adds an FSCJ presence to Downtown and its revitalization. It promotes the school in general and the culinary program in particular.” The kitchen will be run by local chef Brett Cromer, a graduate of the FSCJ culinary program, whose previous posts include Jacksonville institutions like Cool Moose Café, French Pantry and Uptown Kitchen & Bar. The style, in the spirit of farm-to-table, is achieved through partnerships with local farmers and programs such as Herb & Core, a group that has begun managing urban gardens in the Springfield Historic District. The seasonal menu consists of soups, salads and sandwiches, along with several entrée items and some vegan dishes. Cromer expects to regularly include special dishes conceived and prepared by students. Soups to be offered include Hearty Tomato Bisque and Farmer’s Stew; the multiple salad options will feature items like The 20 Wedge, a Romaine boat filled with onion, tomato, bacon and bleu cheese topped with champagne vinaigrette. Sandwich choices include The 20 Press— roasted turkey, beef or seasonal squash with arugula pesto, spinach and mornay sauce. The restaurant operation will be counter service, with freshly prepared food delivered to the customer’s table. After ordering, diners can peruse the café’s teas, juices and a coffee bar complete with a cappuccino machine. Martin Coffee Company has created an exclusive blend that will be served at the café. Students in FSCJ’s culinary program are required to complete two 300-hour internships. The café will afford them the opportunity to get the full, hands-on experience of working in a restaurant. While completing their internships at 20West, students will be exposed to everything

from prep work to line cook duties to customer service, all real-world, practical experiences that will be applicable in future restaurant careers. The café, decked out in exposed brick and distressed wood, includes a private dining room with space enough to seat 12. The reservation-only room, made possible by a gift from philanthropist Jim Winston, in whose honor it has been named the Winston Room, features a unique, greenhousestyle ceiling. In total, there will be seating for 90 guests, including the 12 in the Winston Room. The atmosphere will be further enriched by artwork created by FSCJ students and faculty that will be displayed in the dining room. The café joins FSCJ’s already established Café Frisch, where students regularly serve lunch and dinner to diners. The college’s website describes Café Frisch as “a simulated restaurant environment designed to provide students a hands-on learning experience while also showcasing their culinary and service talents to the community. The café is named for the Harry Frisch family and the Beaver Street Foundation, benefactors to the program.” The difference between the two cafés lies in the staffing and purpose of the spaces. 20West Café is a real-world, open-to-thepublic restaurant staffed by FSCJ students and interns who were hired and are paid to work in the restaurant. At Café Frisch, the entire staff consists of students fulfilling course requirements while getting experience preparing and serving meals. “In addition to the economic opportunity,” explained Cedrick Gibson, associate vice president of workforce development at FSCJ, “It’s a way for our students to learn, live and experience Downtown Jacksonville.” One of the goals of developing the site is to help draw other entrepreneurs into the Urban Core. “We not only want to collaborate with them, but also work collaboratively with us,” Gibson added. “That is a way for our interns who want to live in the Downtown core to work, because there could be employment opportunities. It’s a way to start a healthy conversation with other businesses to work with us on the reemergence of our Downtown area.” Marc Wisdom marc@folioweekly.com

______________________________________

20West Café opened March 19. The hours are 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri. For lunch and dinner reservations at Café Frisch, call 633-8151.

TIMOTI’S SEAFOOD SHAK 1043 Park St., 374-8892 See Amelia.

WHITEWAY DELICATESSEN 1237 King St., 389-0355

The recently renovated King Street mainstay has an extensive sandwich selection, including some items you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. It’s also a good spot to catch current and former politicos talking about the city’s future over tabouli or ham sandwiches. $ TO B, L M-F

ST. AUGUSTINE, ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH (All places are in St. Augustine unless otherwise noted.)

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BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q 2420 U.S. 1 S., 794-9424

AUNT KATE’S 612 Euclid Ave., Vilano Beach, 829-1105, aunt-kates.com

BREWZ N DAWGZ 1974 U.S. 1 S., 429-7149, brewzndawgz.com

<<< FROM PREVIOUS

The casual spot has an expansive view of the Tolomato River and a focus on seafood: shrimp, scallops, oysters, crab cakes, shrimp n grits; plus burgers, wraps, pasta dishes, steak and ribs. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

95 CORDOVA 95 Cordova St., 810-6810

AVILES RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 32 Avenida Menendez, 829-2277, avilesrestaurantstaugustine.com

In the restored Casa Monica Hotel, this restaurant exudes elegance. The cuisine is a blend of Moroccan, Asian, Mediterranean, Caribbean and European influences. The adjacent Cobalt Lounge features a variety of fine wines. $$$ FB Br Su; B L, D Daily

A1A ALE WORKS 1 King St., 829-2977, a1aaleworks.com

The two-story brew pub, overlooking the restored Bridge of Lions, makes six varieties of beer and serves New World cuisine, indoors or out on the balcony. $$ FB L, D Daily

AL’S PIZZA 1 St. George St., 824-4383 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Intracoastal.

AMICI 1915B A1A S., St. Augustine Beach, 461-0102

The family-owned-and-operated Italian restaurant, at the intersection of S.R. 312 and A1A, has a variety of traditional pasta, veal, steak and seafood dishes. Daily HH. $$ FB K L, D Daily

ANN O’MALLEY’S DELI & PUB 23 Orange St., 825-4040, annomalleys.com

Across from the Old City Gates, Ann O’Malley’s serves a casual menu of soups, salads and sandwiches—favorites include the Reuben and the chicken salad—with familiar, friendly service. Dine indoors or out on the porch. Irish beers on tap. $ BW K L, D Daily

ATHENA RESTAURANT 14 Cathedral Place, 823-9076

chicken biscuits, corned beef has and Datil barbecue shrimp tacos. $ BW B, L Tu-Su

Located on St. Augustine’s historic downtown Plaza, Athena has an extensive menu of Greek and American dishes, including moussaka, lamb kabobs and spinach pie. Dine inside at a booth or table. $$$ BW TO B L, D Daily

See Northside.

Guilt-free fare: this places uses only organic, non-GMO ingredients whenever possible. Craft beers—24 on draft—and gourmet hot dogs … what else is there to say? OK—all the meats are from real farms providing humanely raised grassfed product without antibiotics, hormones or nitrates/nitrites. Also vegan/vegetarian and gluten-free options. $ BW TO L, D Tu-Su

In Hilton Bayfront Hotel, Aviles’ Chef Chris Proulx offers a progressive European-flavored menu, with a made-to-order pasta night, wine dinners, chophouse nights and breakfast buffet. $$$ FB B L, D Daily

BRISKY’S BBQ 3009 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 907-2122

BARLEY REPUBLIC IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE & RESTAURANT 48 Spanish St., 547-2023, barleyrepublicph.com

THE BRITISH PUB 213 Anastasia Blvd., 810-5111

Brand new barbecue joint features brisket, handcut fries and beer-glazed barbecue beans. they’re starting out just right. $$ BW K TO L, D M-Sa

Traditional burgers and sandwiches, favorites like fish & chips and bangers and mash, as well as craft cuisine, from the historic district. More than 70 beers and wines are served, including 10 on draft daily, as well as craft beers and spirits. Dine indoors or outside on the deck. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

The pub offers darts and serves ale, beer and wine, as well as traditional meat pies, Cornish pasties and sausage rolls. Authentic British food and candies sold at the shop within. $$ FB D W-Su

THE BISTRO at CULINARY OUTFITTERS 9 S. Dixie Hwy., 829-2727, culinaryoutfitters.org

In the heart of the historic district, the Bunnery offers homemade almond-chocolate croissants, assorted brownies and cookies, and pastries in addition to serving up full Southern breakfasts, sandwiches and espressos. $ TO B, L Daily

Crab cakes, chicken burritos, hamburgers, wraps, soups. $$ BW TO L M-F

BLACKFLY THE RESTAURANT 108 Anastasia Blvd., 201-6300

The popular place features semi-casual dining with a fly-fishing theme, focusing on a variety of fresh Atlantic seafood, ahi tuna, prime chargrilled steaks, brick-over pizza and specialty drinks. $$$ FB K TO D Nightly

THE BLACK MOLLY BAR & GRILL 504 W. Geoffrey St., Cobblestone Plaza, 547-2723

THE BUNNERY BAKERY & CAFE 121 St. George St., 829-6166

BURRITO WORKS TACO SHOP 114 St. George St., 823-1229 671 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, 217-7451, burritoworks.com

Baja-style tacos and burritos, 100 percent vegetarian bean burritos, fish tacos and hormone-free meats, along with homemade guacamole. $ TO L, D Daily

Fresh, local seafood, steaks cut from the loin, and pasta dishes in a casual atmosphere. Nonstop HH. $$ FB K L, D Daily

CANTINA LOUIE 1900 U.S. 1, 770-2608

BLUE HEN CAFÉ 117 MLK Ave., 217-3777

CAP’S ON THE WATER 4325 Myrtle St., Vilano Beach, 824-8794

In the heart of Lincolnville, Blue Hen serves breakfast all day. Local faves include buttermilk

See Beaches.

The Vilano Beach mainstay serves coastal cuisine indoors or out on a large, oak-shaded deck. Kids

Back at the Beach! Al Mansur has recaptured the magic and reopened AL’S PIZZA in Neptune Beach, on Third Street amid all the Beaches Town Center action. The new place—a 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite—joins six other Al’s throughout Northeast Florida. Welcome back!

32 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

Shelby Buchanan holds a craft beer and a cocktail—no doubt from an innovative recipe—to slake the thirst of all who enter the popular gastropubs WHISKEY JAX KITCHEN + COCKTAILS—this one’s in South Jax Beach; the other one’s on Baymeadows Road. And there are gourmet burgers, handhelds, signature plates, tacos and–of course–whiskey. romp along the water while grownups enjoy a long meal (fresh local shrimp, raw oyster bar) or a stunning sunset. Boat access. $$ FB K L F-Su; D Nightly

CARMELO’S MARKETPLACE & PIZZERIA 146 King St., 494-6658

New York-style brick-oven-baked pizza, freshly baked sub rolls, Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, stromboli and garlic herb wings. Outdoor seating. $$ BW TO L, D Daily

CATCH 27 40 Charlotte St., 217-3542, catchtwentyseven.com

The name stands for locally caught, Florida seafood. The staff believes in cooking everything from scratch with local ingredients. $$ BW K L, D Daily

CELLAR 6 ART GALLERY & WINE BAR 6 Aviles St., 827-9055 Bite Club certified

An international array of fine wines, Wolfgang Puck coffees, handmade desserts, light bistrostyle fare amid local art. $$ BW Daily

COLLAGE 60 Hypolita St., 829-0055

High-end dining with a global menu. Everything is made from scratch. A specialty dessert, The Bougainvillea, commemorates the Brazilian tree. Extensive wine list. $$$$ BW D Nightly

THE COLUMBIA RESTAURANT 98 St. George St., 824-3341, columbiarestaurant.com

fire pit. Beef, chicken and seafood dishes, with an emphasis on low-country cooking. $$ FB K D Nightly

CRUISERS GRILL 3 St. George St., 824-6993 See Beaches.

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL 4010 U.S. 1 S., 547-2669 965 S.R. 16, Ste. 101, 825-4540 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Northside.

DONOVAN’S IRISH PUB 7440 U.S. 1 N., Ste. 108, 829-0000, donovansirishpub.com

The spot features a mix of classic Irish entrées and traditional American dinners, as well as appetizers and pub grub. Irish beers and whiskeys are served. $$ FB K L, D Daily

DOS COFFEE & WINE 300 San Marco Ave., 342-2421, dosbar.com

Pour-over bar offers espressos, nitro cold brew coffees roasted in-house, craft beers, wines, desserts. Outdoor seating. $$ BW TO B L, D Daily

FLAVORS EATERY 125-C King St., 824-4221

A favorite among college students and locals, this casual restaurant serves quesadillas, pizza and smoothies. Indoor and outdoor seating. $ BW L, D M-Sa

FLORIDA CRACKER CAFÉ 81 St. George St., 829-0397

Spanish fare in the historic district—it fits. The 1905 salad is popular. Tapas, seafood, beef, chicken, paella and Cuban sandwiches. Extensive array of international wines. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

A contemporary dining room and outdoor garden dining in the heart of St. Augustine’s busy St. George Street. Customer favorites include blackened scallops, crab cake-stuffed shrimp and Florida gator tail. $$ BW K L, D Daily

CONCH HOUSE RESTAURANT 57 Comares Ave., 829-8646

THE FLORIDIAN 72 Spanish St., 829-0655, thefloridianstaug.com

The restaurant offers indoor seating as well as Tiki huts built out over Salt Run. Signature dishes include the Cracker combo platter and St. Augustine fried shrimp. Tropical drinks are a specialty. $$$ FB K L, D Daily

THE CORAZON CINEMA & CAFE 36 Granada St., 679-5736

Sandwiches, combos, salads, pizza at the cinema house, showing indie, first-run movies. $$ Daily

CREEKSIDE DINERY 160 Nix Boatyard Rd., 829-6113

Old Florida respite, with an outdoor deck and

Paying homage to Old Florida, The Floridian serves updated Southern fare, with fresh, local ingredients from area farms. Vegetarian, glutenfree options. Signature items: fried green tomato bruschetta, blackened fish cornbread stack and grits with shrimp, fish or tofu. $$$ FB K TO L, D W-M

FRESH MARKET ISLAND 110-A Anastasia Blvd., 417-0550, 392-6861, freshmarketisland.com

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located north of the County Pier, directly across from the first beach access to St. Augustine Beach. The tiny kitchen cranks out daily specials, like jerk fish and mango wrap. $ BW K B L, D Tu-Su

LULI’S CUPCAKES 82 San Marco Ave., Ste. 2, 824-5280

The cupcakes, baked fresh daily, include Grandma’s Coconut, Fire Engine Red Velvet, What’s Up Doc (carrot cake) and Funky Monkey. Mini-cupcakes. $ TO Daily

MANATEE CAFÉ 525 S.R. 16, Ste. 106, 826-0210

Organic, vegetarian/vegan meals. Owner/ chef Cheryl Crosley prepares veggie omelets, tofu Reubens, miso and hummus and tabouli. The Health Food Market offers the same ingredients used in the café’s dishes. $ TO B, L Daily

MARDI GRAS SPORTS GRILL 123 San Marco Ave., 823-8806, mardibar.com

The place offers wings, nachos, shrimp, chicken, Phillys, sliders, soft pretzels. Outdoor deck; kitchen’s open till midnight. Drink specials, HH M-F. $$ FB TO L, D Daily

MEEHAN’S IRISH PUB & SEAFOOD HOUSE 20 Avenida Menendez, 810-1923, meehansirishpub.com

The pub, just south of the old fort, offers burgers, traditional pub fare, seafood and a raw bar, along with signature dishes including steak O’Shay’s, Dubliner chicken and Irish Benedict. $$$ FB K Daily

MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS 410 Anastasia Blvd., 826-4040 Bite Club certified 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Beaches.

Cozy, bright, arty and innovative, the urban cuisine at GYPSY CAB COMPANY on Anastasia Island is everevolving and always in season, carrying on the tradition begun by founder Ned Pollack 35 years ago. dishes. The Sunday brunch draws everyone from churchgoers to bikers. $$ FB Br Su; L, D Daily

HURRICANE PATTY’S AT OYSTER CREEK 69 Lewis Blvd., 827-1822

At Oyster Creek Marina east of U.S. 1, this spot has a large creekfront deck, lunch specials and all-you-can-eat dinners. Daily HH; dock space available for boaters. $$ FB L, D Daily

<<< FROM PREVIOUS The new-ish European-style market and butcher shop offers grass-fed beef, organic chicken, international cheeses, gourmet meats. South African specialty products (biltong! bobotie!, baked breads, soups and chowders, produce, sauces and oils. Gran & Go dishes are featured. $$ TO M-Sa

FUSION POINT 237 San Marco Ave., 823-1444

The theme is Japanese, the menu is fusion, a blend of Far East favorites, vegetarian, Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, sushi. $$ BW TO D Nightly

GAS FULL SERVICE RESTAURANT 9 Anastasia Blvd., Ste. C, 217-0326

The popular spots offer popsicles of unexpected flavors, created with premium ingredients, like toasted honey and black sesame pop–get your taste buds blown away! Plus coffee pour-overs and cold-brew coffees. Freshly handcrafted sandwiches and salads. $ TO Daily

THE ICE PLANT 110 Riberia St., 829-6553, iceplantbar.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

The vintage-inspired place in historic area. Farm-to-table menu uses locally sourced ingredients; we’re rather impressed with the eggs Benedict on brandade, drinks handcrafted with housemade bitters, syrups. Weekend brunch. $$$ FB L M-F; D Nightly

THE KING’S HEAD BRITISH PUB 6460 U.S. 1 N., 823-9787, kingsheadbritishpub.com

The changing menu items are fresh, local, homemade. Casual fare like meatloaf, veggie and traditional burgers, seafood, steaks, seasonal, daily specials, made-from-scratch desserts. It’s comfort food with an innovative twist. $$ BW K TO L, D Tu-Sa.

Owner Ann Dyke and staff serve British draught beers and cider in 20-ounce Imperial pints in an authentic pub, plus Cornish pasties, fish and chips. $$ FB K L, D W-Su

GEORGIE’S DINER 100 Malaga St., 819-9006

LE PAVILLON 45 San Marco Ave., 824-6202

Georgie’s serves homestyle fare, including Greek specialties from owner George Chryssaidis, who also owns the nearby Athena Restaurant. Outdoor seating available. $$ BW B L, D Daily

GYPSY CAB COMPANY 828 Anastasia Blvd., 824-8244 2017 Best of Jax favorite

A mainstay for a quarter-century, Gypsy’s menu changes twice daily. The signature dish is Gypsy chicken; there’s also seafood, tofu, duck and veal 34 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

THE HYPPO 48 Charlotte St., 217-7853 70 St. George St., 547-2980, thehyppo.com

One of the oldest restaurants in Northeast Florida, Le Pavillon is family-owned and operated. Gisele Sinatsch recommends the rack of lamb and the bouillabaisse. Norwegian salmon is popular, as are duck and Dover sole. $$ FB D Nightly

LITTLE MARGIE’S FA CAFÉ 303 A1A Beach Blvd., 471-2006, littlemargiesfacafe.com

“FA” is short for First Access; this beachy café is

METRO DINER 1000 S. Ponce de Leon Blvd., 758-3323 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See San Marco.

MOJO OLD CITY BBQ 5 Cordova St., 342-5264, mojobbq.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

Southern whiskey bar offers pulled pork. Carolina-style barbecue along with Delta fried catfish. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

MOJO’S TACOS 551 Anastasia Blvd., Anastasia Island, 829-1665

The family-owned spot offers double-decker style tacos, big, tasty burritos and fresh salads. Cash only. $ BW TO L, D Daily

NED’S SOUTHSIDE KITCHEN 2450 U.S. 1 S., 794-2088, nedssouthside.com

Popular Ned’s features Mediterranean dishes, tacos, meat loaf and shrimp and grits, in addition to vegetarian options. There’s a drivethru to pick up orders. $ BW TO L D M-Sa

OASIS RESTAURANT & DECK 4000 A1A and Ocean Trace Rd., 471-3424 2017 Best of Jax winner

Just a block from the Atlantic, this is a favorite spot for burgers and daily specials, 24 draft beers, HH M-F. $ FB K B L, D Daily

OLD CITY HOUSE INN & RESTAURANT 115 Cordova St., 826-0184

St. Augustine’s only Historic Inn with a fullservice restaurant and bar. Global cuisine influences in everything from the crab and sweet corn to spring rolls. $$$$ FB B L, D M-Sa.

ONE TWENTY THREE BURGER HOUSE 123 King St., 687-2790

Premium burgers, made with beef sourced from renowned NYC butcher Schweid & Sons. Woodfired pizzas and an ice cream bar turning out Old World milkshakes. Outdoor dining. $$ BW K TO L, D Daily

THE ORIGINAL CAFÉ ELEVEN 501 A1A Beach Blvd., 460-9311, originalcafe11.com

The cafe and indie rock music venue serves coffee drinks, vegetarian meals and meaty Southern comfort dishes. Just a block from the beach, Café Eleven serves breakfast (brunch on weekends). $ FB B L, D Daily

OSPREY TACOS 300 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, 679-4191, ospreytacos.com

The laid-back original taqueria features an array of fresh, made-to-order tacos, bowls and sides. Gluten-free and vegan options available. Outdoor patio. (P.S. There’s a brewery next door.) $ K TO L, D W-M

PACIFIC ASIAN BISTRO 159 Palencia Village Dr., Ste. 111, 808-1818

Fresh sushi, sashimi, classic rolls. Traditional dishes, sake. $$-$$$ BW L, D Daily

PANAMA HATTIE’S 361 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, 471-2192

Across A1A from the pier. Casual beach fare in a Key West-style. Live bands. Dine in or on the ocean-view deck upstairs. Bar open till 2 a.m. $ FB L, D Daily

PIZZALLEY’S 117 St. George St., 825-2627

The downtown eatery offers wings and, of course, pizza—even free samples to passersby. There’s the Garbage Can pizza: a supreme with everything. Outdoor patio. $$ BW TO L, D Daily

PIZZALLEY’S CHIANTI ROOM 60 Charlotte St., 825-4100

Sister restaurant to the St. George Street spot, In an 1879 Victorian home for more than 33 years, this place specializes in favorites like steak and seafood. HH. Reservations accepted; outdoor patio dining. Sunday brunch. $$$ FB D Nightly

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT 106 St. George St., 824-1090

Beer is the specialty at the German style beer house, with 200+ kinds from around the world; rotating drafts. Hot or cold deli sandwiches. $$ BW TO L, D Daily

SALTWATER COWBOYS 299 Dondanville Rd., St. Augustine Beach, 471-2332

The popular landmark restaurant has been closed since Hurricane Matthew; a website message says there are plans to reopen soon.

SANGRIAS TAPAS & PIANO BAR 35 Hypolita St., Ste. 201, 827-1947

The upscale contemporary Spanish restaurant fuses innovative tapas with an extensive wine list. $$$ BW L Tu-Su, D Nightly

TERRA & ACQUA 134 Seagrove Main St., 429-9647, terraacquarestaurant.com

The pizzeria has casual modern Italian dining. Chef/owner Simone Parisi creates innovative dishes. $$ FB TO L, D M-Sa

THEO’S RESTAURANT 169 King St., 824-5022

On the banks of San Sebastian River. Favorites include seafood and Greek dishes; the hearty breakfast is popular. $ B, L Daily

THE TIDES OYSTER CO. & GRILL 641 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, 461-5725

The rustic Florida-style spot is popular for drinks, dinner, billiards, dancing and daily specials. Handhelds, burgers, entrées, early bird menu. HH. $$ FB L, D Daily

VILLAGIO ITALIAN GRILLE 500 S. Legacy Trail, 940-8623

In Renaissance World Golf Village Resort. Farm to fork Italian fare using fresh, local ingredients, infused with fresh flavors, local fish and produce grown hydroponically at their farm. $$$ FB K TO B L, D Daily

WOODPECKER’S BACKYARD BBQ 4930 S.R. 13, 531-5670, woodpeckersbbq.weebly.com

The barbecue is smoked fresh daily. Brisket, ribs, pork, sausage, turkey available in sandwiches, plates by the pound. Eight sauces, 10 sides. $$ TO L, D Tu-Su

ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER BAHAMA BREEZE 10205 River Coast Dr., 646-1031 2017 Best of Jax winner

Caribbean-inspired fare, tropical drinks in an island atmosphere. Lobster quesadillas, West Indies beef patties, Creole baked goat cheese. $$$ FB K TO L, D Daily

The balcony of this historic building overlooks busy St. George Street, making it an ideal place to while away the afternoon while sipping one of seven signature (and individually prepared) sangrias. Spanish-style tapas also served. $$ BW L, D Daily

BENTO CAFE PAN ASIAN & SUSHI 4860 Big Island Dr., 564-9494

The local live music venue serves gourmet grilled cheese, like the Sarbez melt: smoked mozzarella, turkey, bacon and signature Sarbez sauce on locally baked sourdough. Local craft beers available. $ BW L, D Daily

Four dining rooms; classic American fare: beef, seafood, pasta and flatbread sandwiches. Dine indoors or on the patio. $$$ FB K Br L, D Daily

SOUTH BEACH GRILL 45 Cubbedge Rd., Crescent Beach, 471-8700 Located off A1A, one block south of the S.R. 206

The upscale Northern Italian restaurant offers wood-grilled and oven-roasted steaks, chops and seafood. Dine indoors or al fresco on the terrace. Private dining available. $$$ FB K TO Br Sa & Su; L, D Daily

SARBEZ 115 Anastasia Blvd., 342-0632, planetsarbez.com

bridge, this two-story beachy destination offers casual oceanfront dining and fresh local seafood. Dine indoors or on beachfront deck. Weekday HH. $$$ FB B L, D Daily

STIR IT UP 18 A St., St. Augustine Beach, 461-4552

Reggae-named fresh sandwiches, wraps and smoothies are served just steps from the ocean. Try the Burrita Marley (hummus and avocado burrito) or the Pita Tosh (turkey, hummus and sprouts). $ K TO L, D Daily

SUNSET GRILLE 421 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, 471-5555

The Key West-style restaurant serves fresh local seafood, steaks and sandwiches inside or at open-air counters. Celebrating 20+ years, Sunset Grille has a deck. $$$ FB K TO L, D Daily

TANK’S SUSHI BISTRO 46 Tuscan Way, Stes. 302 & 303, 940-8799, tankssushibistro.com

Japanese cuisine made NYC-style. Hibachi fare is also served. And the sushi is authentic Japanesestyle. $$ BW Sake K TO L, D Daily

THE TASTING ROOM, WINE & TAPAS 25 Cuna St., 810-2400

Casual dining at a quick pace is the Bento way, serving sushi and Pan-Asian cuisine, as well as vegan items. Sake; outdoor dining. $$ BW TO L, D Daily

BLACKFINN AMERICAN GRILLE 4840 Big Island Dr., 345-3466

BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE 4910 Big Island Dr., 807-9960

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN 4712 River City Dr., Ste. 105, 421-0179

The upscale yet casual spot offers innovative Cali-inspired dishes, pizzas, salads and sandwiches. Curbside pickup; free valet service with orders $20 or more. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

CANTINA LAREDO 10282 Bistro Dr., 997-6110

Authentic Mexican dishes, daily fish specials, grilled chicken and steaks; signature sauces like chipotle-wine with portobello mushrooms or sautéed artichoke hearts and roasted red bell peppers. $$ FB K Br L, D Daily

THE CAPITAL GRILLE 5197 Big Island Dr., 997-9233

Dry-aged, hand-carved steaks and fresh seafood, in dishes made from local, seasonal ingredients. An extensive, award-winning wine list has 350 Old and New World wines; 25 wines by the glass. $$ FB K TO L M-F; D Nightly

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Abi and Cody serve some of NATIVE SUN’S finest with a smile. Part grocery store, part health educator, part deli counter powerhouse, Jacksonville native son (get it?!) Aaron Gottlieb and his wife Erica serve Northeast Florida at three locations: Mandarin, Baymeadows and Jax Beach (pictured). SWEET FROG 4413 Town Center Pkwy., Ste. 218, 329-4689 2017 Best of Jax winner See Mandarin.

TERRA GAUCHA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE 4483 Southside Blvd., 551-5920 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

The churrasco has tableside service of fireroasted meats, plus authentic side dishes. Light lunch available. Reservations encouraged. $$$ FB L, D Daily

<<< FROM PREVIOUS MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY 10367 Midtown Pkwy., 380-4360, maggianos.com

Italian-American cuisine, classic and contemporary dishes—pasta, steaks, seafood, chef ’s specials and specialty desserts—made in a scratch kitchen. $$$ FB K TO L, D Daily

MIMI’S CAFE 10209 River Coast Dr., 620-0660

Signature quiches, salads, sandwiches, chicken pot pie, beef bourguignon and roasted turkey breast are served in a French cottage-themed spot. $ FB K TO B L, D Daily

MOXIE KITCHEN + COCKTAILS 4972 Big Island Dr., 998-9744 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

Chef Tom Gray’s locally sourced contemporary American menu has starters– deviled farm eggs, fried chicken livers; favorites–chicken & waffles, Dr Pepper-glazed beef short ribs. Seared scallops, handmade gnocchi. Inventive cocktails, patio dining. HH daily. $$ FB K Su Br, L, D Daily

M SHACK 10281 Midtown Pkwy., 642-5000 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Beaches.

SWEET BY HOLLY 4624 Town Crossing Blvd., Ste. 137, 564-2711

Hollis Wilder, a winner on Food Networks Cupcake Wars, offers 30 flavors of cupcakes made from scratch daily, plus 12 flavors of frozen yogurt with 48 toppings. $ TO Daily 36 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

SAN JOSE, LAKEWOOD, UNIVERSITY WEST COMFORT. A SOUTHERN BISTRO 2777 W. University Blvd., Ste. 32, Lakewood, 683-7182

The newish neighborhood joint serves comfort food: chicken & waffles, meatloaf sandwiches, fired green tomatoes, Thanksgiving sandwich, mac & cheese and collards. Blueberry biscuit pie for dessert. This place outcooks your mom. $$ BW K TO L, D Tu-Sa; Brunch Su

CRUISERS GRILL 5613 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 1, San Jose, 737-2874 See Beaches.

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL 1610 University Blvd. W., Lakewood, 448-2110 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Northside.

JAX DINER 5065 St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 5, 739-7070, jaxdiner.com Simple name, simple concept: Local. Chef Roderick “Pete” Smith, a local culinary expert with nearly 20 years under his apron strings, emphasizes using locally sourced ingredients from area farmers, vendors and the community for his down-home dishes. $ K TO B, L M-F

THE LOCAL 4578 San Jose Blvd., Lakewood, 683-8063, thelocaljax.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

With an emphasis on giving the customer healthful fare disguised as delicious food, this new spot serves innovative items for breakfast and lunch, along with some serious caffeine. Espressos, iced coffee drinks, lattes, cappuccinos and chai drinks are served. Start the day with housemade sangria, Bellinis and mimosas; later, choose from a wide variety of beers and local wines. $ BW K TO B, L Daily

MOJO BAR-B-QUE 1607 University Blvd. W., 732-7200, mojobbq.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

Southern kitchen offers pulled pork, Carolinastyle barbecue, chicken-fried steak, Delta fried catfish. A full bottled beer selection is available. $$ FB K TO B L, D Daily

SONNY’S REAL PIT BAR-B-Q 5097 University Blvd. W., Lakewood, 737-4906 See Orange Park.

SWEET FROG 1518 University Blvd. W., 503-1462 2017 Best of Jax winner See Mandarin.

SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK, ST. NICHOLAS (All venues are in San Marco unless otherwise noted.)

ALLURE THAI BISTRO & BAR 1004 Hendricks Ave., 674-0190

New name, new menu but still Thai. Allure serves fresh sushi and authentic Thai cuisine, including ginger-infused salad, classic Pad Thai, all curry dishes, ebi roll, sashimi and daily specials. Craft cocktails. $$ FB L M-F; D M-Sa

bb’s RESTAURANT & BAR 1019 Hendricks Ave., 306-0100 2017 Best of Jax favorite

There’s sophistication to spare, from the everchanging selection of fine cheeses to the coffee bean carefully placed in each espresso martini. $$$ FB Br L, D M-Sa

BEACH DINER 1965 San Marco Blvd., 399-1306 See Beaches.

BEACH ROAD CHICKEN DINNERS 4132 Atlantic Blvd., St. Nicholas, 398-7980

At the same location since 1939, the multiple award-winner offers fish, shrimp, fried chicken, okra, sweet corn nuggets, country-fried steak, gizzards, chicken livers, creamed peas, gravy, biscuits, fruit cobbler, fries. $ K TO L, D Tu-Su

THE BEARDED PIG BBQ 1224 Kings Ave., 619-2247, thebeardedpigbbq.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

Chef Matthew Medure’s flagship restaurant, fine dining in a refined, European-style atmosphere. Lounge offers small plates, extensive martini and wine list, HH M-F. $$$$ FB D M-Sa

METRO DINER 3302 Hendricks Ave., 398-3701 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

The original upscale diner is in a historic 1930s-era building; there are several more locations. All serve meatloaf, chicken pot pie and homemade soups. This location now serves dinner nightly. $$ B Br L, D Daily

THE MUDVILLE GRILLE 3105 Beach Blvd., St. Nicholas Plaza, 398-4326, themudvillegrille.com

The Southern barbecue and beer garden, on the Southbank, offers brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, sausage, beef—and veggie platters. All the sides are made-from-scratch. Kid-friendly. Craft beers and wine. $$ BW K TO L, D Daily

The original St. Nicholas location and its sister restaurants are family-oriented, serving steaks and wings. $ FB K L, D Daily

BISTRO AIX 1440 San Marco Blvd., 398-1949

NOURA CAFÉ 1533 University Blvd. W., 739-0033, nouracafe.com

Took a beating in Hurricane Irma, now reopened with an updated look and classics you remember. French- and Mediterranean-inspired fare in an urban-chic atmosphere. The menu changes seasonally, and the wine list includes more than 250 choices. Executive Pastry Chef Michael Bump’s menu is a fan favorite. HH M-F. $$$ FB L, D Daily

BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS 1905 Hendricks Ave., 374-5735 2017 Best of Jax winner See Riverside.

BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q 4907 Beach Blvd., 398-4248 See Northside.

CHART HOUSE 1501 River Place Blvd., Southbank, 398-3353

Upscale waterfront restaurant serves fresh fish, seafood and prime rib. $$$$ FB K TO D Nightly

Family-owned eatery specializing Mediterranean, Lebanese and Middle-Eastern cuisine prepared fresh daily; onsite market. $ BW TO B, Br, L, D Daily

THE OLIVE TREE MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 1705 Hendricks Ave., 396-2250

Mediterranean homestyle healthy plates, hummus, tabouleh, grape leaves, veggie kibbi, gyros, potato salad, Greek salad and more. $$ BW L, D M-F, L Sa

PULP 1962 San Marco Blvd., 396-9222

The juice bar offers fresh juices, frozen yogurt, teas, coffees made one cup at a time, 30 kinds of smoothies. Some are blended with flavored soy milks and organic frozen yogurts and granola. $ TO B L, D Daily

SAN MARCO THEATRE 1996 San Marco Blvd., 396-4845

EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ 1704 San Marco Blvd., 398-9500 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

The historic movie house offers pizza, nachos, quesadillas, sandwiches, and beer and wine. The theater shows first-run films. $ BW D Nightly

THE FLAME BROILER 1539 San Marco Blvd., 900-1614

SOUTHERN CHARM 3566 St. Augustine Rd., 398-9206, artscrackercooking.moonfruit.com

See Beaches.

See Southside.

THE FRENCH PANTRY 6301 Powers Ave., 730-8696

The bakery is a cut above, offering freshly made pastries as well as sandwiches and salads, with a European flair. $$ L M-Th

GOOD DOUGH 1636 Hendricks Ave., 527-1875, gooddoughdoughnuts.com 2017 Best of Jax winner

Handcrafted specialty doughnuts served in a welcoming atmosphere. Watch the goodies as they’re made in the kitchen. Show up early; it packs out. $$ TO B, L Daily

GREEN ERTH BISTRO 1520 Hendricks Ave., 398-9156, green-erth-bistro.com

Chef Art Jennette runs the show here, serving barbecue, seafood and down-home comfort food. Ask for the Trailer Trash Special: a pulledpork sandwich, 15 of Art’s fried white shrimp, handcut fries, fried green tomatoes. Sunday is brunch only. $ K L, D Tu-Sa

THE SOUTHERN GRILL 800 Flagler Ave., Southbank, 858-9800, thesoutherngrilljax.com

The Grill has salads, veggie platters, sandwiches, melts and wraps. Breakfast includes omelets, a variety of egg combinations and pancakes. $$$ B, L M-Sa

TAVERNA 1986 San Marco Blvd., 398-3005 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

Cali-inspired fare—vegan and vegetarian— made with natural, organic ingredients, paninis, sandwiches, desserts. Organic teas, coffees, juices, Intuition Ale Works brews. $$ BW L M-F; D Tu-Sa

Chef Sam Efron serves authentic Italian made with local produce and meats. Craft beers, craft cocktails. Tapas, small-plate items, Neapolitanstyle wood-fired pizzas, homestyle pastas. $$$ FB K TO Br L, D Daily

HAMBURGER MARY’S BAR & GRILLE 3333 Beach Blvd., 551-2048, hamburgermarys.com

TOSCANA LITTLE ITALY 4440 Hendricks Ave., 900-1059

Wings, sliders, sammies, nachos, entrées, burgers. $$ K TO FB Br L, D Daily

HAVANA-JAX CAFE/CUBA LIBRE BAR 2578 Atlantic Blvd., St. Nicholas, 399-0609 Bite Club certified

The 150-seat restaurant features Tuscan yellow walls, cherry wood tables and chairs, and tile floors. The extensive menu includes traditional Italian dishes. $$ FB TO L M-F; D M-Sa

TOWN HALL 2012 San Marco Blvd., 398-0726, townhalljax.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

The Cuban sandwiches served in this bright café are the real thing: big, thick and flattened. Black beans and rice, plantains, steaks, seafood, chicken and rice, roast pork. Spanish wine, Cuban drink specials, mojitos and Cuba libres. Nonstop HH. $ FB K L, D Daily

California-inspired American cuisine with an intimate, modern vibe, Chef Tom Gray’s newest venture uses local seasonal ingredients as much as possible. HH daily. $$$ FB D Nightly; Su brunch

LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 1629 Hendricks Ave., 399-1768 2017 Best of Jax favorite

V PIZZA 1406 Hendricks Ave., 527-1511, vpizza.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

See Mandarin.

MATTHEW’S 2107 Hendricks Ave., 396-9922

These places offer true Neapolitana pizzas with

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BAYARD CAFE 12525 Philips, 551-3026, bayardcafe.tripod.com

The casual, family-owned restaurant serves homemade-style breakfast all day, as well as soups, barbecue, daily specials, desserts, lattes and espressos. $ K TO B, L Daily

BISTRO 41° 3563 Philips Hwy., Ste. 104, 446-9738

Daily specials, burgers, salads, paninis, gyros, fresh homemade soups. $ TO B, L M-F

<<< FROM PREVIOUS the freshest ingredients, a rare class of artisan pizza from Naples–Italy, not Florida, silly. Plus baked dishes, subs, stromboli, wings, wraps. $$ BW TO L, D Daily

WINE CELLAR 1314 Prudential Dr., Southbank, 398-8989

Jacksonville landmark offers classic Continental and New World cuisine in an Old World setting. Dine outdoors under majestic oaks or indoors in intimate dining rooms. $$$$ FB L M-F; D M-Sa

SOUTHSIDE ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING 12000 Beach Blvd., 641-1212, alhambrajax.com 2017 Best of Jax winner

The nation’s longest continuously running dinner theater (now in its 50th year!), the renovated Alhambra features cuisine prepared by Executive Chef DeJuan Roy, who coordinates his menus with each stage production. Reservations suggested to guarantee seating. $$ FB D Tu-Su

ALL AMERICAN HOT DOG 10365 Beach, 641-5794, allamericanhotdog.com

The family-owned casual spot’s been around since 1967. All-beef hot dogs, toasted buns, homestyle toppings, steak pitas, burgers, subs. $ K TO B L, D M-Sa

BARBERITOS 4320 Deerwood Lake Pkwy., 807-9060 See Amelia.

BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q 10065 Skinner Lake Dr., 998-1997 10645 Philips Hwy., 886-2801 5711 Bowden Rd., 448-5395 See Northside.

BOTTLENOSE BREWING 9700 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 551-7570, bottlenosebrewing.com

THE FLAME BROILER 9822 Tapestry Park Cir., Ste. 103, 619-2786 7159 Philips Hwy., 337-0007, flamebroilerusa.com

Built on the concept of healthy, inexpensive fast food prepared with no transfats, MSG, frying, or skin on meat. Fresh veggies, steamed brown or white rice along with grilled beef, chicken and Korean short ribs. $ K TO L, D Daily

GILBERT’S SOCIAL 4021 Southside Blvd., Ste. 200, 647-7936, gilbertssocial.co 2017 Best of Jax favorite

Chef Kenny Gilbert is making a name for himself locally. The menu is Deep Southern American, featuring seasonal and creative modern fare with international influences. Meats smoked on site. Gluten-free options available. The curried goat soup is life-altering. $$ K FB L, D Tu-Sa

Traditional apps, burgers, chicken, grilled cheese and roast beef sandwiches, all made from scratch, are served. And oh, yeah, beers. Lots and lots of beers–50-plus taps and cans and bottles of only Florida craft beer. Guest taps, brews you’ve had at other places–right here. It’s pet-friendly, too. Check the website for updates. $$ B L, D Daily

GREEK STREET CAFÉ 3546 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S., Ste. 106, 503-0620, greekstreetcafe.com

THE CORNER BISTRO & WINE BAR 9823 Tapestry Park Circle, Ste. 1, 619-1931

HOTSPOT KOREAN BBQ 11380 Beach Blvd., Ste. 12, 990-8888

Casual fine dining; modern American favorites served with international flair. A full bar is served featuring fine wine, cocktails and martinis. $ FB L, D Daily

CRAZY SUSHI 4320 Deerwood Lake Pkwy., Ste. 202, 998-9797

Full sushi bar, hibachi, sashimi, katsu, sake and tempura dishes. Favorites are the Dynamite roll, Cold roll and Manhattan roll. $$ FB L, D Daily

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL 10750 Atlantic Blvd., 619-0954 2017 Best of Jax favorite See Northside.

EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ 5500 Beach Blvd., 398-1717 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Beaches.

Fresh, authentic and modern Greek cuisine made by Greek owners. Gyros, spanakopita, dolmades, falafel, salads, Greek nachos and more. $$ BW K TO L, D M-Sa

Veggies for the taking zoom by on a conveyer belt at this all-you-can-eat restaurant offering a new-to-us Korean BBQ dining experience: Cook your own food on tableside grills and in pots of flavorful broth. Pick sauces, vegs and meats from the cold bar for a choose-your-own-adventure meal—if it sucks, you have only yourself to blame. $$$ K D

JOHNNY ANGEL’S 3546 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S., Ste. 120, 997-9850

2017 Best of Jax favorite

See Orange Park.

LOS PORTALES MEXICAN GRILL 4100 Belfort Rd., Ste. 4, 332-4610, losportalesgrill.com

Laid-back spot serving legit Mexican fare created by owners/operators who hail from Jalisco, Mexico. $ FB TO L, D Daily

LECI’S ITALIAN CAFE 4076 Belfort Rd., 332-8144

Everything here is made from scratch, with authentic Italian ingredients. Dine indoors or outside. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

MAMMA LUCIA 11380 Beach Blvd., 645-0081

Owned by real Italians. Northern Italian cuisine, risotto, osso buco, specialty dessert, bomba al cioccolato. The pasta and tiramisu made fresh. Espresso is served. $$ BW K TO L, D Tu-Su

MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS 9734 Deer Lake Court, Ste. 1, 997-1955 Bite Club certified 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Beaches.

MI VERACRUZ MEXICAN RESTAURANT 3109 Spring Park Rd., 396-2626

Authentic Mexican fare is served, for dine in or take out. Margaritas. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

MIKEY’S PIZZA & ITALIAN RESTAURANT 7544 Beach Blvd., 721-7333, mikeys-pizzajax.com Family-owned for 35+ years. Fresh-made-toorder Old NY-style thin-crust pizzas, pasta, chicken and seafood dishes. An Italian lunch buffet is offered. Take-out and delivery within three miles are available. $ BW TO L, D M-Sa

The diner serves dishes that reflect its 50s-style décor, Blueberry Hill pancakes, Fats Domino omelet, Elvis special combo platter, burgers, hand-dipped shakes. $ BW K TO B L, D Daily

M SHACK 10281 Midtown Pkwy., 642-5000, mshackburgers.com 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite

LARRY’S GIANT SUBS 3611 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S., Ste. 101, 641-6499 4479 Deerwood Lake Pkwy., 425-4060

SAHARA CAFE & BAR 10771 Beach Blvd., Ste. 110, 338-9049

If you can’t sail away from it all, perhaps a boatload of sushi will do the restorative trick. SAKE HOUSE is one of Jax Beach’s favorite spots for a quick snack or a super-seaworthy meal. And there are more—in Riverside, Avondale and on the Southbank.

See Beaches.

Family-owned-and-operated place exudes Mediterranean style. Flavored hookahs, hot tea in the lounge. Belly dancers. $$ BW D Nightly

SAKE SUSHI 8206 Philips Hwy., 647-6000

Sushi, hibachi, teriyaki, tempura, katsu, donburi and noodle soups. Popular rolls: Fuji Yama, Ocean Blue, Fat Boy. $$ FB K L, D M-Sa

SEVEN BRIDGES GRILLE & BREWERY 9735 Gate Pkwy. N., 997-1999

The grill and brewery features a variety of madefrom-scratch fare, local seafood, steaks, pizzas. Award-winning freshly brewed ales and lagers. Dine indoors or out. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

TAVERNA YAMAS 9753 Deer Lake Ct., 854-0426, tavernayamas.com Bite Club certified

Lively Greek restaurant serves char-broiled kabobs, seafood, traditional Greek wines and desserts. A DJ spins F and Sa. A hookah lounge has a full bar and menu. Daily HH, drink specials; kids eat free Mondays. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily.

TILTED KILT PUB & EATERY 9720 Deer Lake Court, 379-8612, tiltedkilt.com

Pub fare, including wings, salmon and shepherd’s pie. Open for late night. $$ FB L, D Daily

TOMMY’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA 4160 Southside Blvd., Ste. 2, 565-1999, tbopizza.com

New York-style thin crust, brick-oven-cooked pizzas—gluten-free—as well as calzones, salads and sandwiches made fresh to order, using Thumann’s no-MSG meats and Grande cheeses. Recently expanded with more taps, seats and same great food and Boylan’s sodas. Curbside pick-up. $$ BW K TO L, D M-Sa

YUMMY SUSHI 4372 Southside Blvd., 998-8806

Teriyaki, tempura, hibachi-style dinners, sushi and sashimi, more than 30 specialty rolls. Lunch roll specials; sake is served. $ BW L, D Daily 38 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

A 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite, THE SALTY PELICAN BAR & GRILL lets folks savor the sunset over the ICW from its second-story outdoor bar. Owners T.J. and Al serve local seafood, po’boys and Mayport shrimp with a smile.

SPRINGFIELD & NORTHSIDE ANDY’S FARMERS MARKET GRILL 1810 W. Beaver St., 354-2821, jaxfarmersmarket.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

It’s smack-dab amid the landmark Jacksonville Farmers Market, for 75-plus years offering local, regional and international produce. Andy’s serves breakfast items, sandwiches, snacks and beverages. $ B L, D M-Sa

BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q 731 Duval Station Rd., 551-4241 5903 Norwood Ave., 765-1817 See Northside.

BOSTON’S RESTAURANT & SPORTSBAR 13070 City Station Dr., 751-7499 Bite Club certified

Sports bar favorites, pizzas, pasta, wings, burgers, steak, till 2 a.m. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

CASA MARIA 12961 N. Main St., 757-6411 See Beaches.

CROOKED ROOSTER BREWERY 1478 S. Sixth St., Macclenny, 653-2337

Great selection of brews, beers, mead and wine made locally and regionally. Rustic interior. $ FB K TO D M-Sa

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL 12400 Yellow Bluff Rd., Ste. 100, 619-9828, dickswingsandgrill.com 2017 Best of Jax favorite

NASCAR-themed restaurant serves 365 varieties of wings. The menu also features half-pound burgers, ribs and salads. $ FB K TO L, D Daily

JENKINS QUALITY BARBECUE 5945 New Kings Rd., 765-8515 See Downtown.

LARRY’S GIANT SUBS 12001 Lem Turner Rd., 764-9999

2017 Best of Jax favorite

See Orange Park.

MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS 15170 Max Leggett Parkway, 757-8843 Bite Club certified 2017 Best of Jax winner/favorite See Beaches.

MILLHOUSE STEAKHOUSE 1341 Airport Rd., 741-8722

Locally-owned-and-operated steakhouse is a favorite among Northsiders, serving choice steaks from the signature broiler. The menu includes seafood, pasta dishes and Millhouse gorgonzola, plus homemade desserts. $$$ FB K D Nightly

PALMS FISH CAMP RESTAURANT 6359 Heckscher Dr., 240-1672, palmsfishcamp.com

After a loonnngg hiatus, Palms Fish Camp finally reopened in 2017. This joint on Clapboard Creek, at the site of an original fish camp, keeps with the Florida tradition of serving simply fresh, tasty fish; pizza and sandwiches, too. Dine inside or out on an expansive waterfront patio. $$ FB K TO L, D Daily

SANDOLLAR RESTAURANT 9716 Heckscher Dr., 251-2449, sandollarrestaurantjax.com

Right on the banks of the St. Johns, Sandollar offers seafood, steaks, chicken and pasta. Dine inside or out on the deck featuring a panoramic view of the river. Seafood buffet. $$ FB Br Su; L, D Daily

SONNY’S REAL PIT BAR-B-Q 10840 Harts Rd., 751-4225 See Orange Park.

UPTOWN KITCHEN & BAR 1303 Main St. N., 355-0734, uptownmarketjax.com Bite Club certified

Fresh food created with the same élan that rules at Burrito Gallery. Innovative breakfast, lunch and dinner farm-to-table selections, daily specials. $$ BW TO B, L Daily

BURGERKING GIRL

BiTeBYBiTe

ItIIt’s ’s odd how I began by hating you BurgerKing ’s ggirl. gi r I was looking for dinner cheap fast and unhealthy. Instead I found desire. uun n Was Wa W a it a fortunate right turn that allowed you too beat me to the drive-thru line. Perhaps an brought you to the speaker before me. aafterburner aft af ft YYou Yo ou were no more than a Tempo GL to me, m me e BurgerKing girl, just the most immediate obstacle between me and my food. obs ob s AAnd An n what the obstacle? Was it you? Was iitt tthem? Don’t tell me you sent them back three thr th r times for more ketchup. Did you need no tomato? Did you change your mind about no tthee size of the “Just water please” you asked th for? fo for or What was it that made you take so damn long lo on at the window ahead of me? Time TTi im ticked away, I began to grow angry. The ccar ca ar radio is currently broken and it’s stuck on oonly on n one station and the station is Christian music. My empty stomach threatens ccountry co ou angst-ation. I am hungry and you are in my way an n BurgerKing girl! B Bu u TTime Ti Tim im ticked away, the Earth is turning. I feel I hhave ha a moved to a different position in relation to tthe th he cosmos since you got to the drive-thru window. The sun has sunk lower in the western wi w i sky ssk k since you got to the drive-thru window. LLate La a afternoon shadows venetian the trees; the sun su u strikes an angle and it slices through your moonroof and it strikes the rearview mirror m mo o aand an n in a blinding flash—all my anger is seared away, for I am suddenly blessed sse e with w i the reflection in the mirror of your eyes. Those eyes, those eyes, inviting, flirtatious, Th h like almonds, shaped like glistening sshaped sh h fish, shaped like silveralmondssilverdollar si il dollarfi sh. They call to me, they sing my favorite do o songs. I see them sparkle and I am no longer soo thinking of food; I am feeling a different kind th th off hunger. Just Juu who are you BurgerKing girl? Where do you yoo go when you’re not blocking my way? Do you yo eat frenchfries at dusk? Dunk your breaded chickenstix (for a limited time only) among the cchh ocean breezes? Who closes those eyes with the oocc soft soo sweet deepfried bouquet of a fishnugget? But Bu whatever the problems … solved. And you Bu shifted to drive and drove away from the sh sh window. Drove away from me. wi wi And AAnn now every greasy bite of fastfood carries me me back to the moment the sun first showed me my my BurgerKing girl. Every frenchfry is your long thick thh lashes, every artificially flavored milkshake iss the amount of time you made me wait behind you. Up Up to a lonely midnight sky I hold an egg’n’cheese croissant to your memory. I am ODing on Burger ccrro King KKiin drive-thru in hopes of once again being faced with wi your rear bumper. My cholesterol is thru the wi roof. rooo But still I drive, still I eat fast food, still I long with wi all my heart and all my soul and all my arteries wi too once again look into the reflection of the eyes off my BurgerKing girl. Johnny Masiulewicz

_________________________________________________ ____ __ JJohnny Jo oh hn nn nyy Masiulewicz is the creator of the Happy Tapir zine sseries. se eri r es es. s. Hit him up at happytapir1@gmail. Watch him perform Girl” on the Folio Weekly Facebook page. ““BurgerKing “B Bur urgg MARCH 21-27, 2018 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 39

FOLIO A + E

LISTEN A

FILM Cinematic Home Invasions ARTS David Girard ARTS Phoenix Rising Festival LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC CALENDAR

PG. 42 PG. 45 PG. 46 PG. 47

Orlando’s Kaleigh Baker sings Blue Jay’s praises while recalibrating her own DEFINITION OF SUCCESS

nyone with a stake in the local Florida music scene will recognize the name Kaleigh Baker. Though she grew up in western New York, Baker has called Orlando home for years. And recently, the bluesy singersongwriter has stepped back from nonstop nationwide touring to recalibrate her career and her definition of success, focusing on local shows, TV and film licensing, and listening rooms like Jacksonville Beach’s Blue Jay. “I love that room,” Baker says. “I’ve been playing music around the country for 10 years and my show there last November was definitely Top 10.” Folio Weekly: How’d you first find out about Blue Jay Listening Room? Kaleigh Baker: After I caught wind of Blue Jay, Cara Burky and my manager had a little back-and-forth conversation trying to get a date nailed down. I was at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, and I met a girl riding around in a golf cart with a big bottle of bourbon. It turned out to be Cara, and as we rode around in the golf cart talking about music, we realized, “Oh, we’ve been talking to each other via a middleman.” We were able to get a date nailed down right there, and even though I hadn’t played Jacksonville in forever, this new venue was already popular enough that I had a full room of people wanting to hear me and Matt Walker. Then when we got there, I realized that it’s pretty much the bestsounding room that I’ve ever played. Plus, the crowd is made up of music lovers– people who are there for the music, paying to listen to me. I don’t have to worry about if I’m going to get invited back because I didn’t sell enough alcohol. I can instead sell my story and my music. Burned right into the wood on the stage at your feet are the words, “Tell us your story. We are listening.” That’s amazing. You’re from New York. How did you end up in Florida? My family vacationed in Florida every year– my grandmother had a timeshare in the Daytona Beach area. I did a year of college up in Buffalo and started playing music during that time, but after my brother moved to Florida, I went, too. I’m a Yankee and an alabaster-skinned woman, so the sun and I don’t get along too well. But I like Florida. I like all the water. More important, out of all the places I’ve lived, Orlando has the best music scene across the board. My home is the Mills 50 District–Will’s Pub, Lil Indies, Dirty Laundry, St. Matt’s Tavern–that’s really where it’s happening for me.

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Your last album, Weary Hour, came out in 2015. Have you been working on new original material? I’m trying to figure out what the concept of a career is without tainting the integrity of my music. Over the last year-and-a-half, I’ve been writing music specifically for film and television. It’s a whole different facet of creativity–you try to find something formulaic for the purpose of financial gain. I’ve been writing tunes with my producer Justin Beckler, who did both of my solo records, The Weight of It All and Weary Hour. But it’s a whole different creative process writing a song from scratch that’s specifically for licensing. With my full band The Enablers, we’ve been playing some of these songs, turning them into something completely different. So it’s a cool process. And one that’s allowed you to focus primarily on shows in and around Florida, right? Absolutely. I’ve been off the road now for about two years. Again, going back to that concept of a career, I was on the road so much, and I don’t know that that necessarily does anything except build a data bank of numbers and venues in hopes of getting an agent who can get you on bigger festivals. I took my mom on tour with me once–she wanted to take a detour on the way to Florida to visit my little brother in Texas–and in that moment, I realized, “Oh, man, my mom’s gonna realize I’m actually a deadbeat. I play more empty rooms than I do full rooms.” [Laughs.] As a young artist, I felt like it was important to almost beat myself up in that sense, and that’s not the way people do it now. Today, if you make a really great music video with something kitschy in it, then you’ll get a million clickbait views. That’s what matters now, and that’s something I’m trying not to get wrapped up in. Besides your own music, what else are you wrapped up in now? The people I’m surrounded with. In the past year or so, I’ve also been listening to a lot of older honky-tonk and outlaw country–not today’s pop version of country. I’m inspired by the simplicity of no-bullshit songwriting. No more of these long, jammy 12-minute songs with no climaxes that you hear at festivals. Listening to the old stuff is helping me get away from that. Nick McGregor mail@folioweekly.com

KALEIGH BAKER & MATT WALKER

8 p.m. Friday, March 23, Blue Jay Listening Room, 2457B S. Third St., Jax Beach, $20, blueJayJax.com

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FOLIO A+E : MAGIC LANTERNS

Pat explores cinematic HOME INVASIONS INV

HOME, HORRIBLE HOME

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ne off the h many subgenres b off the h horror/thriller ilk is the home invasion movie. Its progenitors include many mainstream films not usually lumped in with horror, though they all share the plot and theme of a family home being threatened by villains of all stripes, whose aim is to get inside. Frank Sinatra, of all people, was a bad guy in 1954’s Suddenly, terrorizing poor James Gleason and Nancy Gates before Sterling Hayden saved the day. It was Humphrey Bogart’s turn to do a number on Frederic March and family in The Desperate Hours (’55), Mickey Rourke doing the same thing to Anthony Hopkins’ household in the 1990 remake. Blind Audrey Hepburn fended off bad guy Alan Arkin and pals in Wait Until Dark (’67), as Dustin Hoffman launched a similar assault in Sam Peckinpah’s brilliant, excruciating Straw Dogs (1971). And the list quite literally goes on and on. It’s a scary concept and an obviously marketable one, thriving outside the mainstream as well as in the less reputable horror genre—sometimes with surprising results and unexpected quality. The major difference between these lessconventional types and the more popular, more traditional modes is the absence of a happy ending. The Open House, which just began its Netflix run, may not be among the best of these, riddled as it is with clichés and unnecessary minor characters, but it did stir me to revisit three earlier, superior films guaranteed to chill the unsuspecting viewer and boost home security systems sales. First, a brief defense of The Open House— I’ve seen far worse. Back to the better, the ’06 French film Ils (Them in its U.S. release) is set in Romania; a young elementary school French teacher (Olivia Bonamy) and her novelist husband (Michael Cohen) are besieged by assailants unknown in their creepy country home. Running a brisk one hour, 17 minutes, the film’s suspense is as palpable as the brewing violence is credible. The mystery of the title characters’ identity is a real shocker; no, I won’t tell. A postscript about the attackers’ motives is equally disturbing, especially since the film’s supposedly based on a true incident. Ils will make you keep the night light on, weapon in hand. Like Ils, Bryan Bertino’s The Strangers (’08) claims to be based on a real event, though not as specific. Criticized upon its release as exploitative and sadistic, the movie is sadistic and maybe a bit exploitative. Still, it’s effective filmmaking, chilling in its depiction of utterly amoral, nihilistic lead characters. Arriving at their isolated rural home in the wee hours after a disastrous party gone wrong, a young couple (Scott Speedman, Liv Tyler)

become prey off three b h masked k d intruders, who toy with them till the dawn. Far more explicit and brutal than Ils, The Strangers has a few scare/jump tactics from standard horror fare, but script, direction and acting are mostly taut and gripping. As he later did in ’16’s The Monster, writer/director Bertino makes his faceless, anonymous Strangers a metaphor, this time for the random nature of sheer, unmitigated Evil. Near film’s end, the desperate couple ask their stalkers the eternal question: “Why?” One of the girls replies: “Because you were home.” In a brilliant, unsettling conclusion, the departing torturers cross paths with two young Christian missionaries on bikes; they’ll soon discover the night’s handiwork. It’s a scene guaranteed to give you the shivers, effective and chilling in its simplicity and restraint. The godfather of this narrow genre is Austrian director Michael Haneke’s Funny Games (’97) which he remade, shot for shot, 10 years later in an English version starring Naomi Watts, Tim Roth and Michael Pitt. I prefer the original German version, since the largely unknown actors look more real than their better-known English cast. Either version is brilliant, terrifying and deeply unsettling. At their getaway lake house, a couple and their young son open the door to two seemingly harmless young strangers—with predictable results. A major international filmmaker, Haneke clearly intends to thoroughly undermine our preconceptions of traditional plot and movie violence. The killers, for example, break the fourth wall more than once, letting us know that all bets are off this time around. None of these films is for the weak-hearted. The Strangers alone may be justly accused of exploitation—but just a bit. Either version of Funny Games is a disturbing masterpiece.

Pat McLeod mail@folioweekly.com

NOW SHOWING MONTEREY POP Major rock/pop film shows Jimi Hendrix’s set end: He broke his guitar, set it afire, seduced it and threw it to the crowd. The Mamas & The Papas, Jefferson Airplane, The Who and the incomparable Otis Redding are here, too. And who doesn’t sing along with the “Feel Like I’m Fixin’ to Die Rag”? It kicks off Avant Arts music film series, 7 p.m. March 21, Sun-Ray Cinema, Riverside, $9.50, avantcurious.org. CORAZON CINEMA & CAFÉ Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool and In the Fade screen. Throwback Thursday: Woman of the Year (Katharine Hepburn), noon March 22. All the Money in the World and Hungarian, March 23. 36 Granada St., St. Augustine, 697-5736, corazoncinemaandcafe.com. IMAX THEATER A Wrinkle in Time, Tomb Raider, Amazon Adventure, Amazing Mighty Micro Monsters screen. Pacific Rim Uprising starts March 23. Ready Player One starts March 30. St. Augustine, 940-4133, worldgolfimax.com. SUN-RAY CINEMA A Wrinkle in Time screens. Unsane March 22. Thoroughbreds, A Fantastic Woman, March 23. Ponyo March 25. 1028 Park St., 359-0049, sunraycinema.com.

ARTS + EVENTS PERFORMANCE

CLASSICAL + JAZZ

THE OTHER SIDE Actor and poet David Girard mounts a personal, revelatory solo show, held 8 p.m. March 22 & 23 at Babs’ Lab, 603 King St., Riverside, $15, barbaracolaciello.com. B. STRONG A live poetry event, 8-11 p.m. March 15 at De Real Ting Cafe, 128 W. Adams St., Downtown, $5 before 9 p.m., $10 after. A LAND REMEMBERED Patrick Smith, author of the popular Florida pioneer saga, is remembered by his son Rick in a show about his father and featuring the tales he penned. 7 p.m. March 23 at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., $10 single, $20 families (2 adults, children), alandremembered.com/pontevedra. WHEN WE DEAD AWAKEN A staged reading of Henrik Ibsen’s final play, the story of aging sculptor Rubek, who’s lost all interest in the world around him. He has no joy until jolted out of his stupor by a visitor from the past. 8 p.m. March 23 & 24, 2 p.m. March 25 at The 5 & Dime, A Theatre Company, 112 E. Adams St., Downtown, $10, eventbrite.com. VERSE AGAINST VIOLENCE Part of the March for Our Lives national march at the end of March and 100 Poets for Change, with concurrent readings across the state. Poets include Yvette Angelique Hyater-Adams, Ebony Payne, Nikesha Elise Williams, David Girard, Larry Knight, Adam Davis, Barbara Colaciello, Tim Gilmore, Tyquan D. Mortin, Faith Alexandra Madison, Treyvon Johnson, Nancy Kysela, G.M. Palmer, Johnny Masiulewicz. 10 p.m.-mid. March 23 at Babs’ Lab, Riverside, facebook.com/events. MY FAIR LADY Lerner & Loewe’s musical is accompanied by a live orchestral, through March 25 at Northeast Florida Conservatory, 11363 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin, 374-8639, $20, nfconservatory.org. MAN OF LA MANCHA “One man scorned and covered with scars still strove with his last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable stars; and the world was better for this,” said Don Quixote. Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre weaves this play within a play (based on famous novel The Ingenious Nobleman Sir Quixote of La Mancha) 8 p.m. March 23 & 24 and 2 p.m. March 25 at Grage Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., $20, abettheatre.com. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS The show runs 7:50 p.m. March 2125, 1:15 p.m. March 24 and 1:50 p.m. March 25 at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 641-1212, $38-$59, alhambrajax.com. NIGHT OF 1,000 JOAN CUSACKS A drag tribute by The Glitterbomb Show, 10:30 p.m. & mid. March 23 at Metro Entertainment Complex, 859 Willow Branch Ave., Riverside, $7, metrojax.com. ANCIENT CITY POETS Open mic poetry, 3-5 p.m. March 25 at Corozon Cinema & Café, 36 Granada St., St. Augustine, 697-5736, corazoncinemaandcafe.com, free.

LE GRAND TANGO The music of Argentine tango composer Astor Piazzolla–including The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires and Oblivion–as played by Shannon Lockwood, cello, Marguerite Richardson, violin, and Scott Watkins, piano. 7:30 p.m. March 23 at Jacksonville University’s Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., $10 adults/$5 seniors/military/ students/kids, ju.edu/cfa. PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE Contemporary works for percussion performed include Carlo Chavez’s Xochipilli: An Imagined Aztec Music, 7:30 p.m. March 24 at JU’s Terry Concert Hall, $10 adults/$5 seniors/military/students/children, ju.edu/cfa. CONCERT IN THE GARDEN Tenor James Hall, pianist Michael Mastronicola and flutist Rhonda Cassano perform classical songs and instrumental music celebrating the beauty of nature, 1:30-3 p.m. March 25 at Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 29 Riverside Ave., 356-6857, members free, nonmembers $12, cummermuseum.org. JONAH SOFA JAZZ SESSIONS With John Lumpkin & the Covenant, 7:30 p.m. March 22 at The Local, 4578 San Jose Blvd., 683-8063, thelocaljax.com. N’KENGE Songs of African-American greats–Billie Holiday, Diana Ross, Leontyne Price, Beyoncé–played with the Jacksonville Symphony, 8 p.m. March 23 & 24 at T-U Center, $19-$26, jaxsymphony.org.

COMEDY SWEET BABY KITA The comic is on 8 p.m. March 22 at The Comedy Club of Jacksonville, 11000 Beach Blvd., Southside, 646-4277, $16-$150, jacksonvillecomedy.com. TYLER CRAIG Takes the stage 8 p.m. March 23; 7:30 & 10 p.m. March 24 at The Comedy Club of Jacksonville, $19-$150. THE 85 SOUTH SHOW DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller and Chico Bean’s podcast with improvs and freestyles by some of the fastest-rising comedic talent from the South, 7 p.m. March 25 at The Comedy Club of Jacksonville, $28-$150. JON REEP Aka the best redneck dancer since Elvis, Reep is on 7:30 p.m. March 22, 23 & 24; 9:45 p.m. March 23 & 24 at The Comedy Zone, 3103 Hartley Rd., Mandarin, $20-$114.50, comedyzone.com. KEN MILLER, XAVIOR ARRORO The comics take the stage 8:30 p.m. March 24 at The Comedy Club with Jackie Knight at Gypsy Cab Company’s Corner Bar, 828 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, 461-8843, $12, thegypsycomedyclub.com.

CALLS & WORKSHOPS THE DR. JOANN CRISP-ELLERT FUND The fund supports art projects in the Oldest City that promote visual art appreciation or education. Proposals of $2,500-$5,000 accepted, deadline April 5, jaxcf.org.

MALCOLM JACKSON participates in (Re)Set the Table, on view at The Yellow House through March, Riverside, yellowhouseart.org.

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ARTS + EVENTS PROMENADE THE ALCAZAR In celebration of the 130th anniversary of Alcazar Hotel and Lightner Museum’s 70th anniversary, folks may submit original artworks inspired by the theme, Promenade the Alcazar. The winner will be selected by museum staff; $1,000 prize; deadline May 31, lightnermuseum.org/art-contest.

ART WALKS + MARKETS ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE FARMERS MARKET Live music, yoga (bring mat, water bottle), flowers, baked goods, art, artisan wares, local produce. 1340 A1A S., St. Augustine, 209-0367. RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET Local/regional art, produce and live performances by Von Strantz, Mark Williams and Blue Horse and Juan John, 10 a.m. March 17. Held every Sat. under Fuller Warren Bridge, 715 Riverside Ave., free admission, 389-2449, riversideartsmarket.com. FERNANDINA BEACH MARKET PLACE Farmers, growers and vendors; local goods. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sat., North Seventh Street, historic district, fernandinabeachmarketplace.com. JACKSONVILLE FARMERS MARKET Open daily dawn to dusk, Beaver Street, as it’s known, is a real farmers market; there’s a gallery, and every snack you didn’t know you needed. 1810 W. Beaver St., Westside, 354-2821, jaxfarmersmarket.com.

MUSEUMS ALEXANDER BREST MUSEUM 2800 University Blvd. N., 256-7374, ju.edu. An opening reception for the exhibit Senior Thesis Projects is 5-7 p.m. March 29; the exhibit runs through April 25. AMERICAN BEACH MUSEUM 1600 Julia St., Amelia Island, 510-7036. Artifacts and information about the journey of vision, struggle, joy and triumph celebrate the preservation of this historic site. CRISP-ELLERT ART MUSEUM 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, flagler.edu. Four Channels, two sound installations by Olivia Block, run through April 14. CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS 29 Riverside Ave., 356-6857, cummermuseum.org. In the Garden, through April 22. Thomas Hart Benton & the Navy, through June 3. Fields of Color: the Art of Japanese Printmaking, through Nov. 25. BEACHES MUSEUM & HISTORY PARK 381 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach, 241-5657, beachesmuseum.org. Lana Shuttleworth’s Nature Reconstructed, through June 3. MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART JACKSONVILLE 333 N. Laura St., 366-6911, mocajacksonville.unf.edu. Call & Response, through April 1. The Project Atrium artist is Anila Agha. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY 1025 Museum Cir., Southbank, 396-6674, themosh.org. The new hands-on exhibit NANO shows basics of nanoscience and engineering, through June 17. Science Fiction, Science Future, through May 13. Gastrofest is held 11 a.m.-7 p.m. March 24.

GALLERIES ADELE GRAGE CULTURAL CENTER 716 Ocean Blvd. Atlantic Beach. Explorations by Jeannie Gabrynowicz is on view through March; opening reception is 5-8 p.m. March 22. THE 5 & DIME, A THEATRE COMPANY 112 E. Adams St., Downtown, the5anddime.org. The artwork for the month of March is Inside Out, a selection of works by mentally ill individuals, up through April 1, istillmatter.org. THE ART CENTER COOPERATIVE 2 Independent Dr., The Landing, tacjacksonville.org. A Healing Heart, new works by Markie Benevento, exhibits. Siliva DeAraujo is March’s featured artist. BAGEL LOVE 4114 Herschel St., Avondale. Who Are You Looking At? an art show exploring popular media identity in the Trump era, is on view through April 9. BREW 5 POINTS 1024 Park St., 5 Points. Edison William exhibits Hallucinations in Madness, a psychedelic journey through outer space. FSCJ KENT CAMPUS GALLERY 3939 Roosevelt Blvd., Riverside. MAIMS: Antisocial Media, works by Daniel A. Brown, on view. Instagram: the_real_daniel_brown. FSCJ DOWNTOWN GALLERY 101 State St., Downtown, 633-8100. 1,000 Words: The Intersection of Art & Poetry on view until May 4; an opening reception is 6 p.m. March 26. MAKERSPACE 333 N. Laura St., Main Library, Downtown, jaxpubliclibrary.org. Banksy’s Haight Street Rat and Writing on the Walls, Visual Literacy through Street Culture, through April 14. SOUTHLIGHT GALLERY 1 Independent Dr., Downtown, southlightgallery.com. A collaborative art gallery exhibiting 44 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

and selling works by professional regional artists. Doug Eng’s work is featured in March and April. THE SPACE GALLERY 120 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, longroadprojects.com. Sum + Substance, works by Dustin Harewood, Hiromi Moneyhun, Christina Chandler and Elena Øhlander, is on view. ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION 22 Marine St., staaa.org. Miniature Marvels, 2D and 3D works of art no larger than 12 inches on any side including the frame, and All County High School Art Show, are up through March. THE YELLOW HOUSE 577 King St., Riverside, yellowhouseart. org. (Re)Set the Table, works by eight artists, through March. WOLF & CUB 205 N. Laura St., Downtown, wolfandcubjax. com. Birds of a Feather, new works by Joseph Shuck, displays; proceeds benefit B.E.A.K.S.

EVENTS COLLECTIVE CON Vendors, artists, panels, video game tournaments, a costume contest, music and a chance to meet Brandon Routh (Legends of Tomorrow); Clifton Collins Jr. (WestWorld); Emily Swallow and Courtney Ford (Supernatural); Roger R Mosley (Magnum, P.I.); Esmé Bianco (Game of Thrones); Chester Rushing and Chelsea Talmadge (Stranger Things). Doors open 11 a.m. March 23, 24 & 25–still up in the air as to when it closes–at Jacksonville Fairgrounds Expo Center, 510 Fairgrounds Pl., Downtown, $45-$80, collectivecon.com. PEOPLE LIKE ME ALBUM RELEASE After two years, Clark Hill’s album is ready, and the release party is 7 p.m. March 23 at The Downtown Grill, 301 E. Call St., Starke, $20-$40, eventbrite.com. HARLEM NIGHTS Dress up in your hottest or coolest Roaring ’20s attire for dinner and a movie, 7 p.m. March 23 at the Ritz Theatre, 829 N. Davis St., Downtown, $24, ticketmaster.com. THE HEART OF JACKSONVILLE AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY A juried show of African violets and other gesneriads, noon-4 p.m. March 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 24 at The Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Ave., jacksonvilleviolets.org. IMPROVALOOZA Improv show is 7:30 p.m. March 24 at Corozon Cinema & Café, 36 Granada St., St. Augustine, 697-5736, corazoncinemaandcafe.com, $8 advance; $10 door. BEN WALKER The author signs copies of his books, 1-4 p.m. March 24 at The Book Loft, 214 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, bookloftamelia.com. FORGIVENESS RETREAT Eddie Lee leads a retreat on the healing power of forgiveness, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. March 24, Unity Church Jacksonville, 624 Lomax St., Riverside, unityjax.com. PHOENIX RISING FESTIVAL Arts festival celebrates art, fashion (hey, Bobby K), and creativity; food trucks onsite, 6 p.m. -2 a.m. March 24, Phoenix Arts District, 2320 N. Liberty St., Springfield, $30, eventbrite.com. THE ART OF CONSERVATION Explore the connection between conservation and the arts at a plein air paint-out, with artists Paul Ladnier, Robert Leedy, Randy Pitts, Mary O. Smith, Pat Mahoney, Pablo Rivera, Charles Dickinson and Richard Lundgren. 4 p.m. March 24 at White Oak Plantation, 581705 White Oak Rd., Yulee, $175, whiteoakwildlife.org. JAX BEER SOCIETY HOMEBREW COMPETITION The taste of home … and beer (or mead), 3-4 p.m. March 24 at River City Brewing Company, 835 Museum Cir., Southbank, jaxbeersociety.com. GASTROFEST The fourth annual festival is a ‘cash-based adventure in taste’! Leashed-pet-friendly, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. March 24 at MOSH and Friendship Fountain, 1025 Museum Cir., Southbank, free; $60-150 VIP, 904tix.com. MAKE YOUR OWN PAPER Leslie Kruzicki teaches papermaking, 10:30 a.m. March 24, The Art Center’s Annex Gallery, 2 Independent Dr., Ste. 113 (The Landing), $30, eventbrite.com. I’M NOT YOUR NEGRO VIEWING, PANEL DISCUSSION A discussion on the author’s legacy and how to present a unified front within the African-American community, 1 p.m. March 24 at Embassy Fellowship, 221 E. Eighth St., Springfield, facebook.com/events. 16TH ANNUAL RONA RECOMMENDS The book maven recommends books by and about women in concert with the Jacksonville area chapter of National Organization for Women, 7 p.m. March 26 at The BookMark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach, free, 241-9026. _________________________________________ To list an event, send time, date, location (street address, city), admission, contact number to print to Madeleine Peck Wagner; email madeleine@folioweekly.com or mail 45 W. Bay St., Ste. 103, Jacksonville FL 32202. Items run as space is available. Deadline noon Wed. for next Wed. printing.

FOLIO A+E : ARTS David Girard REMEMBERS and REDEEMS for all of us

DOG BITE YO’ TIRE D

avid Girard is no stranger to transformational mundanacity. His is a world where life-changing revelations coexist with the literal day-today paperwork that is necessary to keep everything moving forward smoothly-ish. Girard, an actor, poet and writer, has found meaning in his creative endeavors, but it hasn’t been easy or painless. As a poet and performer, he was at the vanguard of performing in the aught years of this century. He was, he said, “almost famous.”

friends, but were performing against one another in local poetry slams held at places like Thee Imperial Lounge, Fuel Coffeehouse and Boomtown. Then (circa 2003) Letson approached him with the idea for the choreopoem, Griot He Who Speaks the Sweet Word. It turned into Girard’s foray back into acting. Griot debuted in Jacksonville at Players by the Sea. Then he, Letson and Larry Knight took it to Baltimore, the Baruch Performing Arts Center in NYC, and the NYC International

“THE WORLD OWES US NOTHING. IT PROMISES LESS. CALL IT: FREEDOM. FREE WILL. OR WEDNESDAY.” — RANGI McNEIL, “THE HEART IS A FOREIGN COUNTRY” “My mother and grandmother always wanted me to recite Bible verses,” he recalled of his early forays in front of an audience. From church, he progressed to involvement in theater in high school (Ribault) and then in college, too (Alabama State). After a brief post-college hiatus from acting, he started performing in Jacksonville at Juice & Java’s open mic night. He met fellow performer Al Letson there, and the two became good

Fringe Festival (circa 2005-’06). “That was: ‘You’re more than a spoken word artist’, ” recalled Girard. At the time, he had already written and directed two plays, but this put him back on the acting side. “I can really do this,” he said to himself. It is his dear friend Al Letson, however, whom Girard thanks. “I have to give a lot of credit to Al, because if I hadn’t met him, none of this would be possible.”

As a city, we owe Letson a(nother) collective thanks. Girard’s newest venture is his solo show, The Other Side, a play that examines the two hardest years of his life (2007 and 2008). It is a tough look inward, but he’s quick to say “there’s some comedy in it, too ... because my life is funny that way.” In The Other Side, he calls the bad years simply “Year 1” and “Year 2.” During the course of our interview, Girard alluded to hardship and stumbles, some self-created (day-drinking and online card-playing); others, the inevitable unfairnesses of life, including a father-in-law with early-onset dementia for whom he and his wife Natasha were the caregivers. “It’s a two-year span where I had to come to grips with so many things I never thought I’d have to come to grips with in such a short time. There was a lot of death and loss, but also a lot of growth, maturity and drinking.” The play itself has been “written for a minute” but this release comes at a time when the poet says he’s tired of the cliché “there’s more that brings us together than divides us.” Because for Girard, the truth of the matter is “we’re all the same; there’s nothing dividing us, except ourselves. And I feel that if people hear this story, it’ll bring more people together knowing we’ve all been through a bunch of stuff.” The performance is engrossing and compelling. There are moments when Girard is so luminous that his spirit seems palpable in the room, as if the love his grandmother Maude felt for him eminates outward from his body, bathing everyone in her light. For his own part, he said that he loved her so much, he’s often skip school just to spend time with her. He’d knock on her door, and she’d answer, saying, “Dog bite yo’ tire, [her version of cursing] boy, aren’t you supposed to be in school?” before she’d smile and let him in. Throughout the course of the show, he touches on things that are familiar and painful, whether it’s marriage struggles, complicated family relationships, or yard work. “[I was] between nowhere and somewhere and my compass is broken,” he says at one point in the play, an utterly recognizable statement. The weight of life bears down, unhappiness steps in as a companion to uncertainty, and the way forward is unclear. In Girard’s case, the way forward was tempered by fire. At the time he wrote The Other Side, he felt that it was cathartic, “taking [these things] and placing them outside of my body.” That purgative cleanse is something the audience shares in—as if through witnessing Girard’s evacuation of his soul, we, too, can participate in healing old wounds. It is exhilarating and uncomfortable: In the watching, we are given a gift. Madeleine Peck Wagner madeleine@folioweekly.com _____________________________________ The Other Side is mounted 8 p.m. March 22 & 23 at Babs’ Lab, 2689 Rosselle St., Riverside, $15, barbaracoliacello.com.

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FOLIO A+E : ARTS From the ASHES OF CLUBLAND, Christy Frazier ascends with Phoenix Rising

LADY LIBERTY F

46 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

Mark Ferreira, Dustin Harewood, Nicole or more than 20 years, Christy Frazier Holderbaum and Frazier herself. has maintained a fixed position at the Cynics might try to fix Frazier’s efforts leading edge of cultural developments within some kind of gentrifying wave, which in the River City. She’s owned four venues, two is neither accurate nor fair; everyone wants of which are generally considered legendary, growth and development, until they have it. and helped initiate hundreds of artists, But she’s been keenly aware of any potential musicians, writers and patrons into the Duval pitfalls, and has done her due diligence to scene. But times have changed, and with the ensure Phoenix Arts District is a welcome bar business already well oversaturated, new addition to the vicinity. “We have gotten great times call for new ideas and new approaches. response from the surrounding community,” For her, that means a shift away from the late she says. “We have people who pass by the nights and loud music toward something warehouse every day and ask about the more, well, normal. event and how they can get involved. We’ve Phoenix Arts District is meant to help fill a had a huge response from local vendors cavernous gap—literally—in the city’s cultural wanting to get involved as well.” These life, adding a big splash of color and oodles of aforementioned vendors represent some youthful energy to a fairly neglected section of the most interesting up-and-coming of Springfield. “This venture is different from craftsmen in Northeast Florida, including others I have worked on,” she says, “because it ABC Photography, Apple Rose Beauty, Bluejay is the culmination of years of experience with Aromatherapy, DCH Benches, Flour & Fig community building. This project takes all of Bakehouse, Kram Kan Photo, Phase Eight the aspects of my past businesses in the service Theater Company, Rebecca Campbell Art and industry and adds a component of serving the Saturiwa Trading Company. community through art education.” Bolstered by a full-time staff of a halfFrazier bought the facility two years ago. dozen folks and another three dozen It’s located at 2336 N. Liberty St., near the volunteers, Frazier’s been organizing the intersection with East 14th Street, about preparations for Phoenix Rising since August, halfway between the Florida Petroleum and those preparations will continue up until Warehouse and Mitchell Transmission Supply. the very last moment. “The most challenging The complex comprises three warehouses part of getting everything ready has been that add up to about 100,000 square feet. preparing the massive space for an event,” she When fully occupied, the finished space says. “We started with an empty 20,000 square accommodates at least 1,000 people, with more foot room and transformed it into a space in the adjacent areas. Phoenix Rising could end for hundreds of people to enjoy complete up seeing those kinds of numbers, given the with a runway, bars and depth of Frazier’s Rolodex and the collective reach of installations. It has taken PHOENIX RISING FESTIVAL those contacts. months of painstaking 6 p.m. Saturday, March 24 & Phoenix Rising work to make the space 10 a.m. Sunday, March 25 Festival is a two-day safe and functional for Phoenix Arts District, 2336 N. Liberty St., event, kicking off in high the big bash!” $30, phoenixartsdistrict.com style Saturday night with Besides being the a runway show by Bobby public introduction to K and The Design Party, featuring the work her new venture, Phoenix Rising Festival also of Craig Bethell, William Hoang and Donald functions as a fundraiser for her nonprofit, the Pinder of TTV Architects. Their design won Jacksonville Florida School of the Arts. “The the EDP competition for the renovation of Phoenix Arts District will be a place for all to gather, learn and showcase all of the talent the space earlier this year. Sunday begins that Jacksonville has to offer,” says Frazier. bright and early, with a retinue of local “The Jacksonville Florida School of the Arts artisans displaying their wares all over the is the cornerstone of the vision for the district complex. This includes demos by Burnt providing a place for people to come from Glassworks, Josh Gaston and the Firetrove all over to be immersed in a multitude of art co-op; Keagan Anfuso and TigerLily disciplines.” Certainly, if there’s anyone in Media will also be on hand. Throughout town ideally equipped to helm such a heady the weekend, the space will be decorated project, it’s Christy Frazier. She never fails. live, in real time, by muralists including R. Land, John O’Brian, Sanithna Phansavanh, Shelton Hull Lela Brunet, Steven Teller, Shaun Thurston, mail@folioweekly.com

Sure, FORTUNATE YOUTH is a little hippie-dippy peace-’n’-love, but hey, we can all use a little more love-’n’-light in our lives, right? They perform with Ballyhoo and Tatanka, 7 p.m. March 28 at Mavericks Live, Downtown, $18, jaxlive.com.

LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC CONCERTS THIS WEEK

MIKE & the MECHANICS 8 p.m. March 21, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall (PVCHall), 1050 A1A N., pvconcerthall.com, $31.50-$35. LEELYNN OSBORN, JENNIFER WESTWOOD 6 p.m. March 21, Prohibition Kitchen (ProhibitKitch), 119 St. George St., St. Augustine, 209-5704, prohibition kitchenstaugustine.com. The EXPANDERS, SENSAMOTION, DUBBEST 9 p.m. March 21, Surfer the Bar (Surfer), 200 N. First St., Jax Beach, 372-9756, $10-$15, surferthebar.com. WALTER SALAS-HUMARA 7 p.m. March 21, Mudville Music Room (Mudville), 3104 Atlantic Blvd., St. Nicholas, 352-7008, raylewispresents.com, $10. MAKARI, ADVENTURER, DIGDOG, SKYVIEW, MODEST IMAGES 8 p.m. March 21, Jack Rabbits (JackRabbs), 1528 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, 398-7496, $8, jaxlive.com. MARK JOHNS 6 p.m. March 22, Boondocks Grill & Bar (Boondocks), 2808 Henley Rd., Green Cove Springs, 406-9497, boondocksrocks.com. LUKE PEACOCK 7 p.m. March 22, Mudville, $10. PAUL MILLER, STAN PIPER, STEFAN KLEIN 8 p.m. March 22, Blue Jay Listening Room (BlueJay), 2457B S. Third St., Jax Beach, $10, bluejayjax.com. DEADBOYS 7 p.m. March 22, Nighthawks (NghtHwks), 2952 Roosevelt Blvd., Riverside. VOX 7:30 p.m. March 22, Whiskey Jax (WhiskeyJB), 950 Marsh Landing Pkwy., Jax Bch, whiskeyjax.com. RAMONA TRIO, LPIII 6 p.m. March 22, ProhibitKitch. BUMPIN’ UGLIES, CLOUD9 VIBES, PENN JOHNSON 8 p.m. March 22, JackRabbs, $12. MELODY TRUCKS BAND, The COMPANY STORES, The FIREWATER TENT REVIVAL, BEAU & the BURNERS 7 p.m. March 22, 1904 Music Hall (1904MH), 19 Ocean St., Downtown, $12-$15, 1904musichall.com. FAT CACTUS 9:30 p.m. March 22, Cheers Park Avenue (Cheers), 1138 Park Ave., Orange Park, 269-4855, cheersparkave.com, $2. INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS, GRANDPA’S COUGH MEDICINE, JIM LAUDERDALE, QUARTERMON, LARRY KEEL EXPERIENCE, DAVID BROMBERG QUINTET, DONNA the BUFFALO, DAR WILLIAMS 3 p.m. March 22-25, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (SpiritSuwannee), 3076 95th Dr., Live Oak, 386-3641683, $30-$180, musicliveshere.com. BEAUTIFUL MACHINES 8 p.m. March 23, JackRabbs, $10. MIKE SHACKELFORD 7 p.m. March 23, Mudville, $10. TOP SHELF 9 p.m. March 23, Whiskey Jax (WhiskeyBay), 10915 Baymeadows Blvd., Southside, whiskeyjax.com. EL DUB 9 p.m. March 23, Surfer. PARTY CARTEL 8:30 p.m. March 23, WhiskeyJB. MARTY FARMER, BARRETT THOMPSON 7 p.m. March 23, Boondocks. KALEIGH BAKER, MATT WALKER 8 p.m. March 23, BlueJay, $20. RAISIN CAKE ORCHESTRA 6 p.m. March 23, ProhibitKitch. ESHAM, JOHN LEGIT, RIZZIN, RAD 7 p.m. March 23, NghtHwks.

SHANE MYERS 5 p.m. March 23, Cheers, $2. ROSE ROYCE, LENNY WILLIAMS, GLENN JONES, SHIRLEY MURDOCK, DENIECE WILLIAMS, REGINA BELLE 8 p.m. March 24, T-U Center’s Moran Theater (TUCtr), 300 Water St., Downtown, $40, ticketmaster.com. JUVENILE, TOO-SHORT, SCARFACE, TRINA, UNCLE LUKE, 8BALL, MIG 8 p.m. March 24, Veterans Memorial Arena (Vets), 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., $24-$45, jaxarena.com. WILDFIRE RISING 9:30 p.m. March 24, Cheers, $2. CATCH THE GROOVE 8:30 p.m. March 24, WhiskeyJB. The GINGER BEARD MAN 9 p.m. March 24, WhiskeyBay. MATT KNOWLES, ERIC COLLETTE & BAND 7 p.m. March 24, Boondocks. The FALLEN SONS, BLOOD BATH & BEYOND, BROKEN SILENCE, SECONDS to SUNSET 8 p.m. March 24, JackRabbs, $8. SAILOR JANE & the SWELL, The BAND BE EASY 6 p.m. March 24, ProhibitKitch. DWIGHT & NICOLE 8 p.m. March 24, BlueJay, $20. BOOKER T. JONES 8 p.m. March 25, PVCHall, $43.50$63.50. LANCE NEELY, The WILLOWWACKS, DOWNTOWN TOP RANKIN 2 p.m. March 25, ProhibitKitch. NEW ROCK SOUL 9 p.m. March 25, Surfer. GLASS CAMELS 7 p.m. March 25, WhiskeyJB. SUNSQUABI, EXMAG, MZG 8 p.m. March 25, 1904MH, $16-$21. WATAIN, DESTROYER666, NEXUL 7 p.m. March 25, Mavericks Live (Mavericks), 2 Independent Dr., $25, mavericksatthelanding.com. THREE DOG NIGHT, The LORDS of 52nd STREET 7 p.m. March 25, FlaThtr, $39.50-$69.50. KATY SCHIRARD, CHELSEA SADDLER 6 p.m. March 26, ProhibitKitch. COLTON TRIO, GO GET GONE 6 p.m. March 27, ProhibitKitch. AARON THOMAS 9 p.m. March 27, Surfer. ACOUSTIC WOMEN 7 p.m. March 27, WhiskeyJB. FORTUNATE YOUTH, BALLYHOO, TATANKA 7 p.m. March 28, Mavericks, $18. SAM HERB, GO GET GONE 7:30 p.m. March 28, WhiskeyJB. JACK RINGCA, JODI MOSELEY 8 p.m. March 28, BlueJay, $10. LEELYNN OSBORN, COOKIN’ in the KITCHEN 6 p.m. March 28, ProhibitKitch. RYAN CAMPBELL 9 p.m. March 28, Surfer.

UPCOMING CONCERTS

The FIREWATER TENT REVIVAL March 29, Cheers BRIAN ERNST, HIT PARADE March 29, ProhibitKitch PAUL IVEY March 29, Boondocks ROUGH & TUMBLE March 29, Mudville An Evening with The MAVERICKS March 29, PVCHall LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III, LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE March 30, PVCHall MONKEY WRENCH March 30, WhiskeyBay SIDEWALK 65 March 30, WhiskeyJB IVAN & BUDDY, FRATELLO March 30, Cheers

RAISIN CAKE ORCHESTRA, SAVI FERNANDEZ March 30, ProhibitKitch MARK JOHNS March 30, Boondocks DANGERMUFFIN March 30, Mudville PEACHES AND MINK March 30, Sun-Ray Cinema UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER, NEW DAY March 30, Mavericks TOP SHELF PEOPLE, SIDE HUSTLE, TOM BENNETT BAND March 30, JackRabbs MORNING FATTY March 30, Surfer 7 STREET BAND March 31, WhiskeyBay KYLE JENNINGS, KEVIN POST March 31, BlueJay CLOUD 9 VIBES March 31, WhiskeyJB RESINATED March 31, Surfer SALT AND PINE, The FIREWATER TENT REVIVAL March 31, ProhibitKitch ERIC LINDELL March 31, MojoKitchen RYAN DEPALO, PETER MICHAEL, MARK O’QUINN March 31, JackRabbs FRATELLO March 31, Cheers TERRY COLE BAND March 31, SpiritSuwannee ZEB PADGETTE March 31, Boondocks DR. NEU & BLUJAAFUNK March 31, Mudville YOUNG DOLPH, DJs PRETTY RICKY, SWAGG, LAY April 1, Mavericks BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE, The BELLE GAME April 1, PVCHall MY OLD LADY, 2FY OCTOPI, BLACK SPHERE, ENTROPY, DESERT ISLAND April 1, 1904MH THE MIGHTY POWERBALL, NO LOVE, 5 CENT PSYCHIATRIST April 4, NightHwks LONELY HEARTSTRING BAND April 4, Café11 MACHINE GIRL, CHARLIE VELOURS April 4, ShantyTown UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS April 4-8, Met Park JUNCO ROYALS April 4, BlueJay HAWKTAIL April 5, Café11 BUDDY GUY, JIMMIE VAUGHAN, QUINN SULLIVAN April 5, FlaThtr The BAILSMEN April 5, BlueJay CLIFF DORSEY April 5, Boondocks PRESSURE BUSS PIPE, BLACK DIAMOND BAND April 6, Mavericks EVE to ADAM April 6, 1904MH LEGENDS SHOW April 6 & 7, SpiritSuwannee HANK WILLIAMS JR. April 6, StAugAmp SCOTT MCGINLEY, ERIC COLLETTE & BAND April 6, Boondocks HAWKTAIL April 6, BlueJay ZEB PADGETT, LOVE MONKEY April 6, Cheers TOMMY EMMANUEL, ANTHONY SNAPE April 6 & 7, PVCHall SETH WALKER April 7, Mudville SOULS of JOY, BLUE IVEY April 7, Boondocks SPRINGING the BLUES Afterparty April 7, Mojo Kitchen LOVE MONKEY April 7, Cheers SETH WALKER April 7, Mudville DWIGHT YOAKAM, WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN, CHARLES ESTEN April 8, Dailys THAT 1 GUY April 8, JackRabbs ALL TIME LOW, GNASH, DREAMERS April 10, Mavericks TINA & HER PONY April 11, BlueJay COREY KILGANNON, OH JEREMIAH April 12, BlueJay

MARCH 21-27, 2018 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 47

LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC

48 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

JULIA GULIA April 12, Cheers MARTY FARMER April 12, Boondocks STYX, DON FELDER April 13, StAugAmp AMANDA SHIRES & Her Band April 13, PVCHall DARRELL RAE April 13, Boondocks CHRIS BOTTI April 13, FlaThtr PINEBOX DWELLERS April 13, BlueJay ANDY JONES, JASON EVANS BAND April 13, Cheers The BLACK ANGELS, BLACK LIPS April 14, Backyard Stage, StAugAmp NEON WHISKEY April 14, Cheers The WAILERS April 14, PVCHall The REVIVALISTS April 14, FlaThtr The BEACH BOYS April 15, StAugAmp DESCENDENTS April 15, Mavericks JERSEY BOYS April 15, Thrsh-HrnCtr DR. DOG, KYLE CRAFT, SON LITTLE, ALEX G April 15, PVCHall BIG SEAN, SHY GLIZZY, PLAYBOI CARTI, GASHI April 15, Dailys The LONE BELLOW April 16, PVCHall One Night of Queen: GARY MULLEN & the WORKS April 17, PVCHall ABBA the CONCERT April 17, FlaThtr Wanee Wednesday: JIMI MEETS FUNK, ROOSEVELT COLLIER TRIO, BEN SPARACO & the NEW EFFECT, JUKE, BONNIE BLUE April 18, SpiritSuwannee GLEN PHILLIPS April 18, Café11 BRIAN CULBERTSON April 18, FlaThtr ROGER THAT April 19, Cheers PAUL IVEY April 19, Boondocks BRUCE COCKBURN April 19, PVCHall SCOTT BRADLEE’S Postmodern Jukebox April 19, FlaThtr Wanee 2018: WIDESPREAD PANIC, PHIL LESH & the TERRAPIN FAMILY BAND, As The CROW FLIES, DARK STAR ORCHESTRA, ST. PAUL & the BROKEN BONES, JAIMOE’S JASSZ BAND, The CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD, NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS, KARL DENSON’S TINY UNIVERSE, SONNY LANDRETH, The MARCUS KING BAND, GEORGE PORTER JR. & the RUNNING PARDNERS, LES BROS, BOBBY LEE ROGERS TRIO, BIG SOMETHING, BERRY OAKLEY’S INDIGENOUS SUSPECTS, CRAZY FINGERS April 19-21, SpiritSuwannee THOMAS RHETT, BRETT YOUNG, CARLY PEARCE April 20, Dailys TRAE PIERCE & the T-STONES April 20, ProhibitKitch CHRIS TOMLIN, KIM WALKER-SMITH, MATT MAHER, CHRISTINE D’CLARIO, TAUREN WELLS, PAT BARRETT April 20, VetsMemArena SOUTHERN RUCKUS April 20, Boondocks MARK JOHNS April 20, Cheers JOHN MULANEY April 20, FlaThtr ESSELS, MYSTIC GRIZZLY, LURK CITY, AFTERCITIES, REST in PIERCE, ROCKS n BLUNTS, VAMPA, DUROSAI, XOFF, AWT, RICHIE GRANT, JULIAN M, BENNY BLACK April 20, 1904MH RICKY SKAGGS & KENTUCKY THUNDER April 20, PVCHall BANDS on the RUN April 20, RainDogs LIL BOOSIE April 21, Mavericks MODEST MOUSE April 21, StAugAmp JARROD LAWSON April 21, The Ritz Theatre ABRAHAM PARTRIDGE April 21, BlueJay ERIC COLLETTE & BAND April 21, Boondocks LIFT April 21, Cheers OLD 97’s, JAMIE WYATT April 22, PVCHall AMUSE April 22, Shanghai Nobby’s HUEY LEWIS & the NEWS, RICHARD MARX April 22, StAugAmp DAVID FOSTER April 24, FlaThtr 10,000 MANIACS April 25, PVCHall THE INDEPENDENTS April 25, NghtHwks GINGER BEARD MAN April 25, Cheers JOHNNY MATHIS April 26, FlaThtr OZZY OSBOURNE, FOO FIGHTERS, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, QUEENS of the STONE AGE, POP EVIL, PALAYE ROYALE, BLACK MAP, BILLY IDOL, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, GODSMACK, STONE SOUR, BLACK VEIL BRIDES, AVATAR April 27-29, Metro Park BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY, JACKSONVILLE ROCK SYMPHONY: Sgt. Pepper’s 50th Anniversary Tour April 27, FlaThtr MARTY FARMER April 27, Boondocks SOUTHERN BURN BAND April 27, SpiritSuwannee CASSIDY LEE, WILDFIRE RISING April 27, Cheers TAUK April 27, 1904MH YANNI April 27, StAugAmp SONDRA HUNT BAND April 28, SpiritSuwannee ALAN PARSONS PROJECT, CARL PALMER April 28, FlaThtr TOMMY TALTON April 28, BlueJay SCOTT McGINLEY, SOULS of JOY, PAUL IVEY April 28, Boondocks CHRISTINA BIANCO April 28, UNF’s Lazzara Hall VICTOR WOOTEN, SINBAD, REGI WOOTEN, ROY WOOTEN, BOB FRANCESCHINI May 1, PVCHall KEN ANOFF May 1, Mudville Suwannee River Jam: ALAN JACKSON, JOSH TURNER, LOCASH, EASTON CORBIN, TYLER FARR, RODNEY ATKINS, The LACS, KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS, WILLIAMS & REE May 2-5, SpiritSuwannee LARRY MAGNUM May 2, Mudville

JERRY SEINFELD May 3, T-UCtr STEPHEN SIMMONS May 3, Mudville LITTLE BIG TOWN, KACEY MUSGRAVES, MIDLAND May 4, StAugAmp TODRICK HALL May 4, PVCHall GYPSY STAR May 4, Mudville SKILLET, FOR KING & COUNTRY May 4, Dailys ZACK DEPUTY May 4, ProhibitKitch HERB ALPERT, LANI HALL May 4, FlaThtr JIM MURDOCK, CITY of BRIDGES May 4, Cheers Gamble Rogers Music Festival: PETER ROWAN, VERLON THOMPSON, MEAN MARY, VERONIKA JACKSON, BRIAN SMALLEY, PASSERINE, SAM PACETTI, The STARLIGHT TRIO, The ADVENTURES of ANNABELL LYNN, BELL & the BAND, RED & CHRIS HENRY’S ALLSTAR BAND, WILD SHINERS, FLAGSHIP ROMANCE, The OBSCURE BROTHERS, BRIAN SMALLEY, The ASHLEY GANG REUNION, REMEDY TREE, ROTAGEEZER, BELMONT & JONES May 4-6, Colonial Quarter, St. Augustine OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW May 5, T-UCtr’s Moran Theater The NATIONAL, BIG THIEF May 5, StAugAmp KRIS KRISTOFFERSON May 6, FlaThtr The GIPSY KINGS, NICOLAS REYES, TONINO BALIARDO May 6, StAugAmp VANCE JOY May 8, StAugAmp JAMES TAYLOR & His All-Star Band, BONNIE RAITT & Her Band May 8, VetsMemArena RUBEN STUDDARD Luther Vandross Tribute May 9, FlaThtr JOE BONAMASSA May 10, StAugAmp TEMPLES May 10, JackRabbs POST MALONE, 21 SAVAGE May 10, Dailys OZONEBABY May 11 & 12, Cheers REBECCA LONG BAND May 11, Mudville The WONDER YEARS, TIGERS JAW, TINY MOVING PARTS, WORRIERS May 11, Mavericks STEVE FORBERT May 12, Mudville The PAUL THORN BAND May 12, PVCHall CHOIR of BABBLE May 12, RainDogs MARC COHN & HIS TRIO May 13, PVCHall STEELY DAN, The DOOBIE BROTHERS May 13, Dailys BAHAMAS May 14, PVCHall RIVER CITY RHYTHM KINGS May 14, Mudville OH WONDER, ASTRONOMYY May 15, PVCHall ODESZA May 16, Dailys BUCKETHEAD May 16, PVCHall BLISTUR May 18, Cheers CHAD PRATHER May 18, PVCHall The STEELDRIVERS May 18, ProhibitKitch STEVE EARLE & the DUKES, The MASTERSONS May 19, PVCHall MATTYB & the HASCHAK SISTERS May 24, PVCHall MIKE SHACKELFORD May 25, Mudville DAVID CROSBY, JAMES RAYMON, MAI AGAN, STEVE DISTANISLAO, JEFF PEVAR, MICHELLE WILLIS May 27, PVCHall 4 Your Eyez Only World Tour: J. COLE June 2, Mavericks JOHN FOGERTY, ZZ TOP June 5, StAugAmp

The ASSOCIATION, The TURTLES, CHUCK NEGRON, GARY PUCKETT, MARK LINDSAY, The COWSILLS June 7, FlaThtr LEE HUNTER June 7, Mudville ORDINARY BOYS June 9, 1904MH LUKE BRYAN, JON PARDI, MORGAN WALLEN June 22, VetsMemArena PARAMORE, FOSTER the PEOPLE June 12, StAugAmp LA LUZ, TIMOTHY EERIE June 14, Root Down ROD MacDONALD June 15, Mudville SALT N PEPA, SPINDERELLA, KID ’N PLAY, COOLIO, TONE LOC, THEA AUSTIN, C&C MUSIC FACTORY, FREEDOM WILLIAMS June 16, StAugAmp BLUE HORSE June 16, Mudville BRIT FLOYD Eclipse June 17, FlaThtr LUKE PEACOCK June 20, Mudville LOGIC June 23, Dailys PIXIES June 24, FlaThtr REBELUTION, STEPHEN MARLEY, COMMON KINGS, ZION I, DJ MACKLE June 24, StAugAmp BELLE & the BAND June 28, Mudville TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND, DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS, MARCUS KING BAND June 29, Dailys MIKE SHACKELFORD June 29, Mudville THIRTY SECONDS to MARS, WALK the MOON, MISTERWIVES, JOYWAVE July 1, Dailys Interactive Introverts: DAN & PHIL July 5, StAugAmp BARENAKED LADIES, BETTER THAN EZRA, KT TUNSTALL July 6, StAugAmp COHEED & CAMBRIA, TAKING BACK SUNDAY July 8, Dailys ANNABELLE LYN July 12, Mudville SLIGHTLY STOOPID, PEPPER, STICK FIGURE July 19, StAugAmp OAK RIDGE BOYS July 20, Thrsh-HrnCtr The STEVE MILLER BAND, PETER FRAMPTON July 20, StAugAmp CHICAGO, REO SPEEDWAGON July 22, Dailys DON McLEAN July 27, PVCHall MIKE SHACKELFORD July 27, Mudville DISPATCH, NAHKO & MEDICINE for the PEOPLE, RAYE ZARAGOZA July 29, StAugAmp Vans Warped Tour: 30H!3, The INTERRUPTERS, KNUCKLE PUCK, MAYDAY PARADE, REEL BIG FISH, STATE CHAMPS, THIS WILD LIFE, WATERPARKS, ISSUES, LESS THAN JAKE, The MAINE, MOVEMENTS, REAL FRIENDS, SIMPLE PLAN, TONIGHT ALIVE, WE the KINGS, The AMITY AFFLICTION, CHELSEA GRIN, DEEZ NUTS, ICE NINE KILLS, KUBLAI KHAN, MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE, SHARPTOOTH, TWIZTID, WAGE WAR, AUGUST BURNS RED, CROWN the EMPIRE, DAYSEEKER, EVERY TIME I DIE, IN HEARTS WAKE, MOTIONLESS in WHITE, NEKROGOBLIKON, UNEARTH, AS IT IS, ASSUMING WE SURVIVE, BROADSIDE, CAPSTAN, DON BROCO, GRAYSCALE, MAKEOUT, PALAYE ROYALE, SLEEP on IT, STORY UNTOLD, TRASH BOAT, WITH CONFIDENCE, FAREWELL WINTERS, LIGHTERBURNS Aug. 2, Old Cypress Lot near Met Park O.A.R. Aug. 5, Dailys

UNCLE LUKE once said Donald Trump’s parties out-wild even his own legendary events. America’s naughtiest uncle performs with Trina, Too-Short, Juvenile and others, 8 p.m. March 24 at Veterans Memorial Arena, Springfield, $45-$75, jaxarena.com.

LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC JASON MRAZ, BRETT DENNAN Aug. 17, Dailys LINDSEY STIRLING, EVANESCENCE Aug. 20, Dailys JEFF BECK, PAUL RODGERS, ANN WILSON Aug. 23, Dailys HERE COME the MUMMIES Sept. 22, PVCHall DAVID BYRNE Sept. 26, FlaThtr SUWANNEE ROOTS REVIVAL Oct. 11-14, SpiritSuwannee GENE WATSON Oct. 13, PVCHall STEEP CANYON RANGERS Oct. 14, FlaThtr KATHLEEN MADIGAN Nov. 15, FlaThtr Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour: ELTON JOHN March 15, VetsMemArena

LIVE MUSIC CLUBS AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA BEACH

THE SALTY PELICAN, 12 N. Front St., 277-3811 Hupp & Ray March 22. Sam McDonald March 23. Tad Jennings, Travis Harden March 24. Kevin Ski, Kevin Bock March 25 SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL, 1998 S. Fletcher Ave., 277-6652 King Eddie & Pili Pili 6 p.m. March 21. Tad Jennings March 22. Hupp March 23. Lucas Villanova, Charlotte Parker Band March 24. Brian Ernst March 25

AVONDALE, ORTEGA

CASBAH CAFÉ, 3628 St. Johns Ave., 981-9966 Goliath Flores every Wed. Jazz every Sun. Live music every Mon. ECLIPSE, 4219 St. Johns Ave. KJ Free Tue. & Thur. Indie dance Wed. ’80s & ’90s dance Fri. MONTY’S/SHORES LIQUOR, 3644 St. Johns Ave., 389-1131 Melt Behind the Wheel March 23. Brothers Within March 24. Love Monkey March 30

THE BEACHES

(All venues in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted) ATLANTIC BEACH BREWING CO., 725 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 3 & 15, Atlantic Beach, 372-4116 Samuel Sanders 8 p.m. March 24 BLUE JAY LISTENING ROOM, 412 N. Second St., 834-1315 Paul Miller, Stan Piper, Stefan Klein 8 p.m. March 22. Kaleigh Baker, Matt Walker March 23. Dwight & Nicole March 24. Jack Ringca, Jodi Moseley March 28 FLYING IGUANA, 207 Atlantic Blvd., NB, 853-5680 5 O’Clock Shadow 10 p.m. March 23 & 24 GREEN ROOM BREWING, 228 Third St. N., 201-9283 Cody Johnson March 24. Mike Cook March 30 GUSTO, 1266 Beach Blvd., 372-9925 Groov 7:30 p.m. Wed. Michael Smith Thur. Milton Clapp Fri. Under the Bus Sat. Robert Eccles Sun. LYNCH’S IRISH PUB, 514 N. First St., 249-5181 Wildfire Rising 10 p.m. March 23. Trev Barnes 6 p.m., Ramona 10 p.m. March 24 MEZZA RESTAURANT & BAR, 110 First St., NB, 249-5573 Gypsies Ginger every Wed. Mike Shackelford, Steve Shanholtzer every Thur. Mezza Shuffle every Mon. Trevor Tanner every Tue. RAGTIME TAVERN, 207 Atlantic Blvd., AB, 241-7877 Billy Bowers 7 p.m. March 21. Trev Barnes 7 p.m. March 28 SURFER THE BAR, 200 First St. N., 372-9756 The Expanders, Sensamotion, Dubbest 9 p.m. March 21. El Dub March 23. New Rock Soul March 25. Aaron Thomas March 27. Ryan Campbell March 28. Morning Fatty March 30 WHISKEY JAX, 950 Marsh Landing Pkwy., 853-5973 Vox 7:30 p.m. March 22. Party Cartel March 23. Good Time Charlie, Catch the Groove March 24. Glass Camels March 25. Sam Herb, Go Get Gone March 28. Sidewalk 65 March 30. Acoustic Women every Wed.

DOWNTOWN

1904 MUSIC HALL, 19 Ocean St. N., 345-5760 Melody Trucks Band, The Company Stores, The Firewater Tent Revival, Beau & the Burners 7 p.m. March 22. Cosplay ’80s Dance Party 8 p.m. March 24. Sunsquabi, ExMag, MZG 8 p.m. March 25 DOS GATOS, 123 E. Forsyth St., 354-0666 DJ Brandon every Thur. DJ NickFresh every Sat. DJ Randall every Mon. DJ Hollywood every Tue. JACKSONVILLE LANDING, 353-1188 Kristen Lee Band 7 p.m. March 23. Southern Ruckus 7 p.m. March 24. Jimmy Parrish Band 5 p.m. March 25. Boogie Freaks 7 p.m. March 30. Spanky the Band 7 p.m. March 31 MAVERICKS LIVE, Jax Landing, 2 Independent Dr., 356-1110 Watain, Destroyer666, Nexul 7 p.m. March 25. Fortunate Youth, Ballyhoo, Tatanka March 28. Udo Dirkschneider, New Day March 30 MYTH NIGHTCLUB, 333 E. Bay St., 707-0474 IBay, Those Guys, Dallas Story, DJ Love-Lee, B3atbum March 24. Dazey, Swarm, Sub-Lo, Inner G March 30

FLEMING ISLAND

BOONDOCKS, 2808 Henley Rd., Green Cove, 406-9497 Mark Johns March 22. Marty Farmer, Barrett Thompson March 23. Matt Knowles, Eric Colette & Band March 24. Paul Ivey March 29 WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198 Southern Ruckus 9 p.m. March 23. Spanky 9 p.m. March 24. Ivan Pulley March 25

INTRACOASTAL

OVERSET

CLIFF’S, 3033 Monument Rd., Ste. 2, 645-5162 Chris Tyler Band March 21. Ivy League 9 p.m. March 23 & 24 JERRY’S, 13170 Atlantic Blvd., 220-6766 Vegas Grey 8:30 p.m. March 23. Mr. Natural 8:30 p.m. March 24

MANDARIN

ENZA’S, 10601 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 109, 268-4458 Brian Iannucci March 21 & 25 IGGY’S SEAFOOD SHACK, 104 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste. 101, 209-5209 Jam Sessions 3 p.m. every Sun. TAPS BAR & GRILL, 2220 C.R. 210, St. Johns, 819-1554 Robbie Litt Duo March 21. Boogie Freaks March 23

ORANGE PARK, MIDDLEBURG

CHEERS PARK AVENUE, 1138 Park Ave., 269-4855 Fat Cactus 9:30 p.m. March 22. Shane Myers March 23. Wildfire Rising 9:30 p.m. March 24. The Firewater Tent Revival March 29 DEE’S MUSIC BAR, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd., Ste. 140, 375-2240 Neon Whiskey 9 p.m. March 24. Big Engine March 30 The HILLTOP, 2030 Wells Rd., 272-5959 John Michael on the piano every Tue.-Sat. The ROADHOUSE, 231 Blanding Blvd., 264-0611 Love Monkey 10 p.m. March 23 & 24. Paul Ivey & the Souls of Joy 10 p.m. March 30

___________________________________ __ To list your band’s gig, please send time, date, location (street address, city), admission price, and a contact number we can print to Madeleine Peck Wagner, email madeleine@folioweekly.com or by the U.S. Postal Service, 45 W. Bay St., Ste. 103, Jacksonville FL 32202. Events run on a space-available basis. Deadline is at noon every Wednesday for the next Wednesday’s Folio Weekly publication.

PONTE VEDRA

FIONN MACCOOL’S, 145 Hilden Rd., Nocatee, 217-7021 Take Cover 8:30 p.m. March 23 RESTAURANT MEDURE, 818 A1A N., 543-3797 Ace Winn 7 p.m. March 21 & 28 TABLE 1, 330 A1A, 280-5515 Hello Celia & the Flood March 21. Gary Campbell March 22. Scott Elley March 23. Rachel Warfield & Eric Charlton March 24. Deron Baker March 28

RIVERSIDE, WESTSIDE

ACROSS the STREET, 948 Edgewood S., 683-4182 Bill Ricci 8 p.m. March 22 & 23 MURRAY HILL THEATRE, 932 Edgewood Ave., 388-7807 Mike Mains, Wild Pines, Bridge Street Vibe, Oh Great Sea March 23 NIGHTHAWKS, 2952 Roosevelt Blvd. Deadboys 7 p.m. March 22. Esham, John Legit, Rizzin, Rad 7 p.m. March 23. Strawberry Girls, Runners High March 26 RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET, 715 Riverside Ave., 389-2449 Von Strantz 10:30 a.m., Mark Williams & Blue Horse 11:45 a.m., Juan John 2 p.m. March 24

ST. AUGUSTINE

ARNOLD’S LOUNGE, 3912 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd., 824-8738 Lisa & the Mad Hatters 9 p.m. March 24 MARDI GRAS, 123 San Marco Ave., 823-8806 Fair Game 9 p.m. March 23. Against the Grain 9 p.m. March 24. Jax English Salsa Band 6 p.m. March 25 PLANET SARBEZ, 115 Anastasia Blvd., 342-0632 Glass House Point March 24. Cinemechanica, Velocirapture, Prinze Jr., Graffrica March 25 PROHIBITION KITCHEN, 119 St. George St., 209-5704 Leelynn Osborn, Jennifer Westwood March 21. Ramon March 22. Sailor Jane & The Swell March 24. The Band Be Easy, Lance Neely, The WillowWacks, Downtown Top Rankin March 25. Colton Trio, Go Get Gone March 27. Brian Ernst, Hit Parade March 29 TRADEWINDS LOUNGE, 124 Charlotte St., 829-9336 Cottonmouth 9 p.m. March 23 & 24

SAN MARCO

JACK RABBITS, 15280 Hendricks Ave., 398-7496 Makari, Adventurer, Digdog, Skyview, Modest Images 8 p.m. March 21. Bumpin’ Uglies, Cloud9 Vibes, Penn Johnson 8 p.m. March 22. Beautiful Machines March 23. The Fallen Sons, Blood Bath & Beyond, Broken Silence, Seconds to Sunset March 24. Top Shelf People, Side Hustle, Tom Bennett Band March 30 MUDVILLE MUSIC ROOM, 3104 Atlantic, 352-7008 Walter Salas-Humara 7 p.m. March 21. Dixie Rodeo, Luke Peacock March 22. Mike Shackelford March 23. Dangermuffin March 30

SOUTHSIDE, ARLINGTON, BAYMEADOWS

MELLOW MUSHROOM, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., 997-1955 Barrett Jockers 9 p.m. March 22. Ryan Crary March 23. Robbie & Felix March 24 WHISKEY JAX, 10915 Baymeadows Rd., 634-7208 Top Shelf 9 p.m. March 23. The Ginger Beard Man 9 p.m. March 24. Monkey Wrench March 30

SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE

CROOKED ROOSTER, 1478 S. Sixth St., Macclenny, 653-2337 Battlefield Collective March 31 HYPERION BREWING CO., 1740 N. Main St., 518-5131 Powder Keg 8 p.m. March 23. Highway Jones 6 p.m. March 24. Irish Jam Band March 25. Live music most weekends & 2:30 p.m. every Sun. SHANTYTOWN PUB, 22 W. Sixth St., 798-8222 Bleubird 9 p.m. March 24

MARCH 21-27, 2018 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 49

PET PARENTING FOLIO LIVING G DEAR

DAVI

Household products that AREN’T DANGEROUS to your floofs

DEADLY DOSE OF

CLEAN Dear Davi, Daily life with dogs and cats can make staying tidy difficult. The struggle for cleanliness in a cloud of dust and fur is real. How can I keep my home feeling fresh while protecting my pets from harmful cleaners? Minnie Minnie, Muddy paw prints tracked across the floor and nose art on the window help make a house a home, but they also make a home dirtier, so dusting, mopping and scrubbing are a must. Still, your household chores don’t necessarily need to be a pain when you have the right supplies. The stressful part is trying to choose products that are harmless to pets. Some products that clean and disinfect pose a danger to dogs and cats. At the top of the list of hazardous products are bleach, laundry detergent pods and phenol-based disinfectants, such as Lysol and Pine-Sol. Bleach is a powerful disinfectant, but it’s also a strong alkali—the opposite of an acid, which means it can erode paw pads if a pet walks through it; bleach can damage mouths and throats swallowed. Like foolish teens seeking internet fame, pets can also mistake laundry pods for food. The pods’ concentrated detergent can irritate the stomach and cause vomiting or coat the airways and prevent breathing. Phenolbased disinfectants effectively kill bacteria and viruses but they’re toxic to both dogs and cats. Cats are especially sensitive to phenols—even small amounts absorbed through the skin can be deadly. There are many products on the market that are also free from noxious chemicals. These pet-safe, non-toxic cleaning products will clean up those messes safely and keep your home looking as good as new. I cut through the clutter and rounded up a list of products that are safe for use around animals.

These picks will keep your home sparkling without harming your sweet floofs!

METHOD: These cleaning products are

powerful, planet-friendly and handle big messes beautifully. Method’s entire product line is safe for use around pets; it’s specially formulated to put the hurt on dirt without harming your four-legged friends.

MRS. MEYER’S: Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products are free of ammonia, chlorine, bleach, paraben and phosphates, so they’re as safe as can be for your furry ones. They’re based on aromatherapy, which is what makes the products smell so good. And just because this stuff is green and lemony-fresh doesn’t mean it can’t kill the bacteria and odors soiling your home. PURACY NATURAL ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER: This pet-safe cleaner works on

multiple surfaces and cuts through grease, grime, nose prints, wet food residue and any other unwanted surprises pets might leave. Plus, it smells mighty nice.

GREEN WORKS: This company’s plant-based cleaning products are 97 percent natural. It even offers chlorine-free bleach for spills that can only be made better with bleach. The key to safety is to check the product’s ingredients list and instructions for use. If the package directs you to keep the products out of animals’ reach, you can expect it to be harmful. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, call your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Davi mail@folioweekly.com ____________________________________ Davi’s poison of choice is bacon—always kosher, of course!

PET TIP: HYPO-CAT-DRIAC AIN’T NO SECRET THAT CATS ARE TOTALLY NEUROTIC. Turns out that kitty neuroses goes even further than once realized. Did you know that Chairman Meow is a total germophobe? This fear of germs will keep your tubby tabby from drinking enough water if the dish is too close to their food dish. Chronic dehydration can cause serious health issues, up to and including death. So, if your crazy kit’n’kaboodle isn’t getting enough to drink, try moving the water bowl away from the food. 50 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

LOCAL PET EVENTS MEET YOUR DOG TRAINER • Discover the trainer’s Positive Dog Training philosophy, as it relates specifically to you and your dog, 5-5:15 p.m. March 21 & 28, at Petco, 950 Marsh Landing Pkwy., Jax Beach, 273-0964, petco.com. READ TO ROVER • Elementary-aged children practice reading skills when they read to real, live dogs 2:30-3:30 p.m. March 21 at Anastasia Branch Library, 124 Seagrove Main St., St. Augustine Beach, 209-3730, sjcpls.org. EVERY VULTURE MATTERS • Jax Zoo’s Conservation Speaker Series presents Kerri Wolter, founder and CEO of VulPro, who discusses the status of vultures, 6-8 p.m. March 22 at 370 Zoo Parkway, Northside, 757-4463, $30 members; $35 nonmembers; $10 kids–includes dinner, one drink and the discussion, jacksonvillezoo.org.

ADOPTABLES

OVERSET

MOMMA BEAR

MY NAME SAYS IT ALL • If you need someone who’ll love you unconditionally, even when your room is a mess and your shoes are stinky, I’m the dog for you! I’ll be your loyal companion for all my days. There’s no one who’ll love you more! Please come meet me at JHS, 8464 Beach Blvd. I’m ready to go home! ADULT LEVEL 1 GROUP CLASS • Six-week class for older puppies or mature dogs is 4-5 p.m. March 24 at Petco, 463713 S.R. 200, Yulee, 225-0014; and 3-4 p.m. March 23 at 430 CBL Dr., St. Augustine, 824-8520, petco.com. Free Puppy Playtime is 1-1:30 p.m. March 24. KATZ 4 KEEPS ADOPTION DAYS • Adoption hours and days to choose a new family member are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 24 & 25 and every Sat. and Sun. at 935B A1A N., Ponte Vedra, 834-3223, katz4keeps.org. Katz 4 Keeps seeks volunteers, ages 18 and older, to help with its cat-centric programs; email peggyhatfield63@comcast.com. CROOKED CANINE SOCIAL • Support conservation efforts and socialize, too. Tide2Trees discusses local parks and stuff you can do in them. All dogs attending must be on leash. 7 p.m. March 26 and every Monday at Crooked Rooster Brewery, 1478 S. Sixth St., Macclenny, 653-2337. CAUSE AN EFFECT FUNDRAISER • Dine at any of the eight Jacksonville area Chipotles 10:45 a.m.-10 p.m. on March 29 and tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make

ADOPTABLES

FRANCIS

TO SWEET TO TREAT • Calling all ’90s kids who still think Mandy Moore’s “Candy” is the greatest bop of all time! The rumors are true–I’m too sweet for my own good. (That’s code for having diabetes!) But it’s no biggie, ’cause all I need is insulin and a loving home. Think you’re for me? Let’s meet at Jacksonville Humane Society and make it official. sure that 50 percent of the proceeds are donated to the Jacksonville Humane Society, jaxhumane.org/chipotle. DINOSAURIA • Jacksonville Zoo’s new exhibit is open through July 7, with 21 species of life-like animatronic dinos. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. & Sun. at 370 Zoo Parkway, Northside, 757-4463, jacksonvillezoo.org. $4 nonmembers, $3 members. ST. AUGUSTINE HUMANE SOCIETY WELLNESS CLINIC • The community clinic runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. every Wed. & Thur. at 1665 Moultrie Rd., St. Augustine, providing preventive care for families in financial hardship, serving medical needs of animals that otherwise wouldn’t receive care. MEMORIAL TILES • First Coast No More Homeless Pets offers a way to honor the love and energy your pet shared in his life—purchase a memorial tile, to be hung at FCNMHP’s Norwood Avenue clinic. Tiles are $100 each; funds support FCNMHP. Details and form at fcnmhp.org. MARCH 21-27, 2018 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 51

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

DALE RATERMANN’s Folio Weekly Crossword presented by

BLACK SWANS, ERICH FROMM, BOOZE, PINK FLAMINGOS & SIBERIA

Serving Excellence Since 1928 Member American Gem Society

San Marco 2044 San Marco Blvd. 398-9741

Ponte Vedra

THE SHOPPES OF PONTE VEDRA

330 A1A North 280-1202

Avondale 3617 St. Johns Ave. 388-5406

FOLIO WEEKLY CROSSWORD 1

14 18

45 48

ACROSS 31 Prepare to surf 36 WFOX spot 10 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 25 27 30 32 35 37 38 39 43 44 45 46 47 50 51 52

Unoccupied? Give or take Top-notch Film genre Lake ___ (3 times) Have to have Monkey’s uncle Trump, briefly Rude deed Mein dish Chef’s meas. Pi preceder Walnut Inn, e.g. JIA rental chain Boat propeller Best Damn Race rate Palm ___ (3 times) Moon River Pizza fixture Ballpark fig. Phantom’s place “__ the ramparts” In need of a diet Brylcreem unit Handy limbs Bratty talk

54 57 58 62 66 67 68 69 70 71

Take-out order An end of I-10 Pact of 1949 Winter ___ (3 times) Psychiatrist’s response “Go ahead!” Copenhagen alternative Copenhagen wad Pre-K lessons Recently

DOWN 31 Place for a 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 10 11 12 13 18 19

51 54

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Europeans once thought all swans were white. It was a reasonable certainty, since all swans in Europe were. In 1697, Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh and his sailors made a pioneering foray to the southwestern coast of what we call Australia. As they sailed up a river, the indigenous tribe Derbarl Yerrigan, they spied black swans. They were shocked. The anomalous creatures invalidated an assumption based on centuries of observations. Today, a “black swan” is a metaphor referring to an unexpected event that contravenes prevailing theories on the way the world works. You’ll experience a similar incongruity–it might be a good thing! Especially if you accept it instead of resisting.

flamingo, maybe Pit instrument Quayle follower Surpass Math degree Asian capital Florida Senate action Whichever Society gal Being pulled Nitwit Instead of Acts human Yachter’s woe Atop

52 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | MARCH 21-27, 2018

24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 36 38 40 41 42 47

Yucky stuff Rugged peak ___ d’oeuvre Verboten Dred Scott, e.g. Check issuer O’Brien at night Spoke to a flock African capital Addict’s program ISP choice Type of squad Paper pack Eye piece Marshes Jax City Councilor Anderson 48 Florida Keys, e.g.

49 Zesty India bread 51 Off-kilter 53 Hisser at the Jacksonville Zoo 54 Big picture 55 Skin irritation 56 875 square miles, for Jax 57 Banking inits. 59 Declare 60 Jaguars color 61 For Your Eyes ___ 63 Org. for drillers 64 Zombie of heavy metal 65 Screen rival of QVC rival

SOLUTION TO 3.14.18 PUZZLE S I L A G E

P O O P E D

M U A N C H E S A S R E D

A J E C T E A C O K I N G E R I L N D E R Y A S A Q U I A T U N D F T I A T I C S E C K T H R A Y E E M E Y M I L O T E S U

N E S C A R T F O R A L M O S I R I O S N A S E R W O S F A R S T A L E A T S R A L D L I O N S B A

S S N S A M O A

S H R E D S

B A T H M A T S

I N S H A P E

ARIES (March 21-April 19): School of Hard Knocks is an expression referring to an unofficial, accidental course of study based on life experiences. The wisdom one gains from this alternate education may be equal or even superior to knowledge from a formal university or training program. In accordance with astrological omens, I confer upon you a diploma for your new advanced degree from the School of Hard Knocks. When PhD students get degrees from Finland’s University of Helsinki, they’re given top hats and swords as well as diplomas. Reward yourself with exotic props, too.

C Y A N E D

H A S A T E N T W R I T E A I S L E S T E D H S R S

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Crayola is among the world’s foremost crayon manufacturers. The geniuses who name its crayon colors are playful and imaginative. Among the company’s standard offerings, for example, are Pink Sherbet, Carnation Pink, Tickle Me Pink, Piggy Pink, Pink Flamingo and Shocking Pink. Oddly, though, there’s no color called just Pink. That’s a bit disturbing. As much as I love extravagant creativity and poetic whimsy, it’s important to cherish and nurture the basics. In accordance with astrological omens, I advise you to experiment with fun, but remember fundamentals. CANCER (June 21-July 22): According to Vice magazine, Russian scientist Anatoli Brouchkov is pleased with an experiment in which he injected himself with 3.5-millionyear-old bacteria colleagues dug from Siberian permafrost. The infusion of this ancient life form, he says, enhanced energy and strengthened his immune system. I can’t prove his claim’s veracity, but I know this: It’s an apt metaphor for chances to take soon– draw on an old resource to boost your power or call on a well-preserved part of the past to supercharge the present. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Booze has played a crucial role in the development of civilization, says biomolecular archaeologist Patrick McGovern. The process of creating this mindaltering staple was independently discovered by many different cultures, usually before they invented writing. The buzz it gives has “fired our creativity and fostered the development of language, the arts, and religion.” However, alcohol over-consumption has led to millions of bad decisions and wrecked countless lives. The weeks ahead are a good time to alter your habitual perspective, if you are safe and constructive. Whether you choose intoxicants, wild adventures, exhilarating travel or edgy experiments, know the limits. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Astrological omens suggest the next few weeks are ideal to make agreements, ponder mergers and strengthen bonds. Deepen at least one commitment.

Stir up interesting challenges if you enter into more disciplined, dynamic unions with worthy partners. Do you trust your perceptions and insights to guide you to ever-healthier alliances? Do what you have to do in order to gain that trust. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If you want people to know who you really are and savor your unique beauty, be honest with them. Develop enough skill to express your core truths accurately. There’s a similar principle if you want to know who you really are and savor your unique beauty: Be honest with yourself. The next few weeks will be a great time to practice these high arts. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your journey in the weeks ahead may be as weird as an R-rated telenovela, but classier. Outlandish, unpredictable, even surreal events could occur, but in such a way as to uplift and educate your soul. Labyrinthine plot twists are medicinal and entertaining. As the drama gets curioser and curioser, you’ll learn how to capitalize on odd opportunities it brings. You’ll be grateful for the ennobling respite from mundane reality. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence,” wrote philosopher Erich Fromm. I’ll add a corollary for your rigorous use in the last nine months of 2018: “Love is the only effective and practical way to graduate from your ragged, long-running dilemmas and start gathering a new crop of fresh, rousing challenges.” Fromm said love’s more than a warm, fuzzy feeling in our hearts. It’s a creative force that fuels willpower and unlocks hidden resources. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): My goal is to convince you to embark on an spate of self-care–to be as sweet, tender and nurturing to as you dare. If that influences you to go too far in giving you luxurious necessities, OK. And if your solicitous efforts to focus on your health and well-being make you look self-indulgent or narcissistic, it’s acceptable. More key themes for the weeks ahead: Bask in a self-love glow; exult in your sanctuary’s perks; honor vulnerabilities that make you interesting. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Beatles’ guitarist George Harrison decided to compose his next song’s lyrics “based on the first thing I saw upon opening any book.” He saw it as a divinatory experiment, a quest to incorporate a flow of coincidence into his creative process. The words he read in the first book? “Gently weeps.” They became the seed for his classic “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Rolling Stone named it one of “The Greatest Songs of All Time” and the 10th best Beatle song. In accordance with astrological omens, try divinatory experiments in the weeks ahead. Use little synchronicities for clues and guidance. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Millions of Pisceans live in a fairytale world. Few will read this horoscope and stay in that fairytale world. I’ve embedded subliminal codes in the words to temporarily transform even the dreamiest among you into passionate pragmatists in service to feisty ideals. If you’ve read this far, you’re already feeling more disciplined and organized. Soon you’ll invent new schemes on how to materialize a favorite fairytale in the form of real-life experiences. Rob Brezsny freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

NEWS OF THE WEIRD NOT ANIMAL HOUSE

rescue helicopter conducting an offshore training exercise nearby. RCAF spokesman David Lavallee said the accident is being investigated and the air force intends to help “the resident with accommodations and other support.” Rameau had only minor injuries.

A co-ed dormitory at New York City’s Hunter College is the site of a dispute between the college and 32-year-old Lisa S. Palmer, who won’t leave her dorm room despite having discontinued her classes in 2016. Palmer, who works for an architecture firm, has “racked up a staggering $94,000 in unpaid residence hall charges,” a lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court noted. On Feb. 28, The New York Post wrote that in June 2016 and fall ’17, she got eviction notices, but she won’t budge. Palmer admitted dorm life is “really lonely. I feel very isolated.” Palmer was moved to a wing of the dorm occupied only by a middle-aged nurse, whom the college is also trying to evict. In fact, Hunter’s working on removing nine nurses, who were given rooms there when it was owned by Bellevue Hospital.

Caught red-handed: Leahman G.R. Potter, 48, neglected to conceal the evidence after he stole a pot of meatballs from a neighbor’s garage in Hazle Township, PA. The meatball owner came home Feb. 26 to find Potter outside his garage, covered in red sauce, and his meatball pot missing, according to United Press International. When Pennsylvania State Police arrived, they found the pot in the street and Potter at home, where he was charged with burglary, trespass and theft.

LIFE LESSON

IF IT AIN’T BROKE ...

Kenny Bachman, 21, had a rude awakening; he racked up a $1,636 Uber fare on Feb. 23 after a night of partying with high school friends in Morgantown, WV. The Charlotte Observer reported Bachman and the friend he planned to stay with stopped at a convenience store during the evening. The friend told Bachman to wait outside as he went into the store. When the friend returned, he saw that Bachman was gone. He’d called an Uber to take him home to Gloucester County, NJ. Bachman was passed out for most of the nearly 300-mile trip— subject to surge pricing, doubling the fare. Bachman challenged the charge but ended up paying the full fare; “I feel like there’s very little I could have done to reverse it,” he said.

Republican State Sen. John Ruckelshaus of Indianapolis is the proud sponsor of a new Indiana measure that bans eyeball tattooing. According to the proposed law, passed by the Senate and the House, tattooists would be prohibited from coloring the whites of a customer’s eyes, with a fine of up to $10,000 per violation. The Associated Press says Ruckelshaus admitted he’s not aware of any problems with eyeball-tattooing in Indiana. The legislation was on Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk for his signature on March 1.

CHICKEN LITTLE, MIAMI-STYLE Miami resident Luce Rameau didn’t know what hit her on Feb. 28 as she lay in bed, talking on the phone. She thought a bomb had gone off as wood and debris fell on her bed. “I kept screaming, ‘What happened? What happened?’” Rameau told the Miami Herald. It wasn’t a bomb; an 80-pound inflatable raft had crashed through her roof after becoming untethered from a Royal Canadian Air Force search-and-

Folio Weekly helps you connect with the paramour of your dreams. Go to folioweekly.com/i-saw-u.html, fill out the FREE form correctly (40 words or fewer, dammit) by 5 p.m. Friday (for the next Wednesday’s FW) – next stop: Bliss!

FOR MEATBALLS? C’MON

HE AIN’T NO HOUND DOG Name recognition won’t be a problem for Libertarian Party challenger for eastern Arkansas’ 1st Congressional District seat, Elvis D. Presley. The Associated Press reported the King impersonator from Star City, Arkansas, who legally changed his name to match the rock & roll icon’s (though the real Elvis’ middle initial was A for Aron), filed campaign paperwork on Feb. 26. Presley, who works as an auto refinish technician at Camp’s Custom Paint in Star City, has had political ambitions before: He’s also run for governor, land commissioner and state legislature.

weirdnewstips@amuniversal.com

Thursday, March 22 is NATIONAL GOOF OFF DAY. Friday, March 23 is NEAR MISS DAY and March 27 is NATIONAL JOE DAY. The goof-off is an obviousity; the near miss thing is an oxymoron so we’re left with Joe. Not sure if it’s a cup of coffee or an old Peter Boyle film; best of luck with that one! You’re on your own this time – find love all by your li’l self. You can do it!

For a chance to find the love of your life, get on your digital device, go to folioweekly.com/i-saw-u.html and follow these five easy steps: One: Write a five-word headline so the person recalls that perfect moment, like: “ISU lethargically hangin’ by Urban Grind.” Two: Describe the person, like, “You: Doing absolutely nothing in Downtown Jax.” Three: Describe yourself, like, “Me: Wondering how a grownup could live with herself being that damn lazy.” Four: Describe the moment, like, “We sneered dismissively at each other; I had a spark of love shoot through me like lightning.” Five: Meet, fall in love, get a latte, talk it over. Don’t use proper names, emails, websites, etc. And keep it to 40 words. Find love with Folio Weekly ISUs! HANDSOME T OF OHIO You: Baseball cap, T-shirt under another shirt, khakis, eating pizza. You came to our table. We thought you worked there. We were going to Brix; you didn’t show. Looking for you. When: March 10. Where: Flask & Cannon, JB. #1695-0314 STUNNING AUSTRALIAN BLOND WHOLE FOODS You: Long blond hair, black leggings, awesome accent, cruising store. Me: Brown hair, red shorts, clueless in store. Crossed paths, left chatting about vegemite. Let’s continue over a cold beverage. Cheers, diplomatic relations! When: 10:30 a.m. March 1. Where: Whole Foods San Jose. #1694-0307 DNDANGGG I was a Warlock; you, a Fighter. I cast the spells, you beat the NPC to oblivion. You had a French braid; I was impressed with your strength modifier. We campaigned six times; let’s roll a critical hit together:) When: June 2017. Where: Riverside. #1693-0221 BEAUTIFUL MAN AT DAILY’S You: Filling truck. Me: Shy blonde washing windshield. You asked, “Do you want help with that?” I was speechless; second chance? When: Feb. 1. Where: Bartram Park Daily’s. #1692-0221 CHOCOLATE STUD You: Tall, chocolate man drinking a PBR by the dance floor. Me: Tall, hot brunette, covered in ink, drooling, watching you drink your beer. Will you marry me? When: Dec. 31, 2014. Where: Birdies. #1691-0214 BLACK VELVET KITTYCAT SLIPPERS 7 a.m., didn’t want to be at Quest Diagnostics till you walked in. You: Beautiful, tiny, long, dark hair, big black horn-rimmed glasses. Me: Stocky, black NY cap, black sweatshirt, Adidas high-tops. Regret no “Hello.” Dinner? When: Feb. 2. Where: Beach Blvd. Quest Diagnostics. #1690-0207 TACO TUESDAYS We were feeding bottomless pits (our kids). You snagged last inside table, offered to share. You: Confident, beautiful, loving, enthusiastic mother. Me: Getting my head examined for not getting your number. Tacos again next week? When: Jan. 30. Where: Tijuana Flats Bartram Park. #1689-0207 MISSED YOUR LAST MESSAGES Waxed non-poetic on Sponge Bob, versions of ‘What a Fool Believes’. Easy, sweet conversation; missed messages before you ditched app (saw

notifications; didn’t open). Silly to think you left number for me; feel you did. When: Dec. 28. Where: Tinder in the Duval. #1688-0117 PHOTOBOMB LIONS FOUNTAIN SAN MARCO The photographer turned into my path; I was a jerk, raised my hands. I got closer, you turned and faced me. I sat, put my arm around you; she took our picture. Lunch? Dinner? Drinks? When: Jan. 2. Where: San Marco Square. #1687-0110 HOGWARTS EXPRESS You: Stunning smile, blonde highlights, left hand tattoo. Me: Long hair, glasses, buying brother Hedwig mug. Talked about your Universal experience. I’d be honored to wait in butter beer line with you. When: Dec. 24. Where: Ponte Vedra (Jax Beach) Books-AMillion. #1686-0103 HANDSOME ELEVATOR DUDE Rode in elevator with you, leaving. I remember your blue eyes. We were with friends. I liked you. Let’s have a drink together. Me: tall(er)?, long hair, floral dress, combat boots. Think you wore a suit. When: Dec. 15. Where: River & Post. #1685-1227 BEAUTIFUL DRESS, STOCKINGS You: In cute dress, with bow pattern, black cute-patterned stockings. I sat two tables from you and noticed you walk by me to sit down. We briefly noticed each other as I walked out. When: Dec. 7. Where: JTB Chicken Salad Chick. #1683-1213 AIRPORT CUTIE You: Dark hair, slim, black shirt, gray pants, Nixon backpack. Me: Curvy, curly short hair, leggings, leather backpack. Went to Cali same day; back same day. Wanted convo; didn’t see you. Captivating aura. Who/where are you? Don’t go! When: Nov. 15. Where: Jax Intl. Airport. #1682-1206 IN PURGATORY WITHOUT YOU You: Working D&B’s counter; took time to find me a cool card. Me: Wearing Purgatory Co. shirt; agreed Purgatory’s a strange name for beautiful place. I’d love to get lost in your eyes once more. When: Nov. 19. Where: Dave & Buster’s. #1681-1222 HAGAR CONCERT ENCOUNTER We met at Sammy Hagar, talked; you and bro came over. Looked for you again, didn’t find. Tried to find at Jags game; couldn’t. Meet sometime? I’d like that. My name starts with M; yours with T. When: Nov. 11. Where: St. Augustine Amphitheatre. #1680-1122 MARCH 21-27, 2018 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 53

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M.D. M.J. Inside the GRAND OPENING of NORML’S Northeast Florida operation

FOLIO VOICES : BACKPAGE EDITORIAL The case for REPEALING Marco Rubio’s favorite amendment

DO WE STILL NEED THE

THE TIP OF THE

SECOND

NUGGET

THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR THE REFORM OF Marijuana Laws (NORML) was famously founded by Keith Stroup in 1970, and it’s been the prime mover for decriminalization efforts nationwide ever since. It’s been collaborating (or, some would say, co-conspiring) with activist groups down here for decades, but it’s been only about a yearand-a-half since NORML officially set up shop in Northeast Florida. For most of that time, its operations were run strictly online and in loose, ad hoc discussions on social media, but now there’s an actual office space, and it’s rather nice. NORML’s local headquarters is on the second floor of a low-key office complex on Atlantic Boulevard. At the Feb. 28 grand opening, there were only about 20 people in attendance, but almost all of whom play important roles in the movement, in their own unique, very specific ways. It was the embodiment of quality over quantity. There were representatives from the legal arena, mass media and, of course, weed professionals of all manner, from growers to store owners. There were also a few “regular” civilians there just to listen and volunteer. The more, the merrier. And vittles? Verily: wine, beer, coffee and some truly delightful oatmeal cookies with hemp seeds and moringa, baked by Jermyn Shannon-El of the Cannabis Kollective. The gimmick table was heavy with swag, a common feature at events like this. Folks put their chairs in a circle, giving the session the feel of an old-school encounter group, with opening remarks from president Donavan Carr, a veteran activist with roots in NORML’s national operation, and co-founder Dr. Jonathan

Byron, a former University of North Florida professor who now runs the Journal of Cannabis. Carr characterized the new office as “an incubator” for activity that’s still just beginning to coalesce. “We’re still too splintered as a state,” he said, “and we really need to come together.” This meeting marked the beginning of that process, linking professionals from Jacksonville, St. Augustine and the Beaches. Carr noted that, out of roughly 70,000 physicians in Florida, only about 1,100 have attempted to get certified to prescribe cannabis products. Of those, maybe around 50 are in Northeast Florida right now, and many of them are apparently still reluctant to embrace the role wholeheartedly. The plan is to bring in Dr. Sasha Noe from Tampa as a consultant; she is the only known physician with a PhD in the field of “molecular cannabinoid research” in all of America. I’d just love to introduce her to Doc Tony. From a reporter’s perspective, there were a bunch of really interesting, articulate personalities, which makes things (and my job) much easier and more interesting. The group was defined by demographic diversity–11 men, seven women; 13 whites, five blacks–and skill sets. In this case, the challenge is not about getting information, but organizing and dispensing the veritable flood of information coming in on a daily basis. Most of the people at the meeting will themselves be subjects of columns about their individual efforts as the year proceeds. No rush. They’re just getting started. Shelton Hull mail@folioweekly.com

AMERICANS RARELY, IF EVER, AGREE ON ANYTHING. But a recent Quinnipiac survey showed that 97 percent support universal background checks for gun ownership. And yet the U.S. Congress remains paralyzed by inaction. The same survey showed that nearly 7 in 10 Americans want a national ban on assault weapons, including 43 percent of Republicans. And yet the Republican-controlled Florida legislature, along party lines, refused to debate banning assault weapons, like AR-15s, the weapon of choice for many mass shooters, including the Parkland shooter. During a meeting with mass shooting victims, President Donald Trump supported arming teachers, saying, “It could very well solve your problem.” A 2013 survey showed only 38 percent favor arming teachers and school officials, with 7 in 10 teachers opposing such measures. Allowing teachers to carry guns, as the Florida legislature recently authorized, will not end mass shootings. Mother Jones analyzed 97 mass shootings; in all, the shooter was stopped one of three ways: he killed himself, he was killed by law enforcement or he was captured by police. How many times did a good guy with a gun stop the bad guy? Zero. School shootings are a uniquely American problem. It’s the sort of exceptionalism that should spur us to urgent, comprehensive action. According to the Washington Post, since 2000, there have been 188 shootings at schools and universities, killing more than 200 students; another 200 were injured. The Academy for Critical Incident Analysis collected worldwide school violence data from 2000-’10, finding 57 incidents in 36 countries; half of the school shootings worldwide were in America. The 35 remaining countries combined contributed to the other half. The stats become even more glaring when you consider that the U.S. population is just roughly 300 million—the rest of the 35 countries on that list are home to 3.8 billion. Unless we accept that Americans are exceptionally violent people, what explains our exceptionalism in gun violence? Gun homicide rates in the U.S. are 29.7 per million, which is more than the next five developed countries combined! Fetish with the Second Amendment, in my view, is at the root of American gun violence rates. The idea that the proponents of the Second Amendment envisioned a society where guns outnumber people, and where any reasonable limit on gun ownership is viewed as an assault on liberty, is anathema to common sense. The Declaration of Independence, which preceded the Bill of Rights by more than a decade, states that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are “inalienable rights.”

AMENDMENT? OVERSET

The Second Amendment remains the only clause of the Bill of Rights that can possibly invalidate the first inalienable right— life. For most of our history, the Second Amendment was viewed as authorizing gun ownership for a “well-regulated militia,” not a license to own guns that have little to do with self-defense or hunting. It was not until District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) that the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, interpreted the Second Amendment to favor an individual right to gun ownership. And yet even the Heller decision did not curtail the possibility of reasonable regulations over gun ownership. In a town hall meeting on CNN, Senator Marco Rubio (with whom I disagree on most issues, including gun regulations) raised a critical point. Wanting to get assault rifles, or semi-automatics, off the streets fails to consider that the definition of this class of weapons is vague and arbitrary. Congress can and should list different types of weapons to ban, even though some can be circumvented, just as with any law-making. Be reminded that, currently, 61 percent of Americans favor banning the AR-15, the weapon used in many mass shootings. I am in rare agreement with conservative columnist Bret Stephens who, in a 2017 op-ed, asserted that tinkering at the margins of gun regulations will not end our national nightmare of mass shootings and high rates of gun-related deaths. There are two recourses—both political. First, elect state and federal representatives who have the courage to regulate guns. Second—the long-term fix—is to repeal the Second Amendment, which in a postHeller world, appears to be a death wish inflicted upon our children. For gun-lovers and hunting enthusiasts, these changes will not stop them from lawfully enjoying responsible gun ownership. Serbia is second to the U.S. in guns per capita, but has far fewer gun-related deaths. This is partly because gun can be more easily regulated without constitutional protection of gun ownership. Gun regulation is a feature, not a bug, in many other advanced democracies. Nowhere has it led to outbreaks of tyranny, as feared by those who fetishize the Second Amendment. To the contrary, a wellregulated gun regimen made societies safer and, with that greater safety, people had more opportunities to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Parvez Ahmed mail@folioweekly.com _____________________________________ Ahmed is a University of North Florida professor of finance.

FOLIO WEEKLY welcomes Backpage submissions. They should be 1,200 words or fewer and on a topic of local interest and/or concern. Send submissions to mail@folioweekly.com. Opinions expressed on the Backpage are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Folio Weekly. MARCH 21-27, 2018 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 55