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THIS WEEK // 10.11-10.17.17 // VOL. 30 ISSUE 28 COVER STORY
BEST
OF JAX
[13]
ACT II
HELD OVER! Turn your attention to the center ring as our psycho circus presents the WINNERS of our annual READERS’ POLL photos by MADISON GROSS
FEATURED ARTICLES FEATURED
MR. SHERIFF GOES TO WASHINGTON
[5]
HALLOWEEN HAVOC
[9]
BY A.G. GANCARSKI Make All HALLOWS’ EVE great again
BY CLAIRE GOFORTH And he’s packed some no good, VERY BAD IDEAS
CARTFULS OF HEART
[11]
BY CLAIRE GOFORTH NEW GROCERY CONCEPT is at the corner of health and wellness
COLUMNS + CALENDARS FROM THE EDITOR OUR PICKS MAIL/B&B FIGHTIN’ WORDS NEWS AAND NOTES NEWS MUSIC
5 6 8 9 10 11 46
ARTS ARTS LISTING FILM LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR DINING BITE-SIZED PINT-SIZED
47 48 50 51 54 55 56
CHEFFED-UP PET PARENTING X-WORD / ASTROLOGY WEIRD / I SAW U M.D. M.J. / CLASSIFIEDS
57 58 60 61 62
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FROM THE EDITOR OR
MR. SHERIFF
GOES TO WASHINGTON
And he’s packed some NO GOOD, VERY BAD ideas IN JANUARY, FORMER SHERIFF JOHN Rutherford rode his high horse to the nation’s capital as a freshman Republican congressman. If this were a movie, an ill-intending senator—perhaps Ted Cruz—would be endeavoring to corrupt the newcomer. But Rutherford ain’t Jefferson Smith. Nosiree Bob, indeedly he ain’t. In an August interview with the St. Augustine Record, Rutherford gushed about the border wall, Dumpstering the Affordable Care Act, and said—I shit you not— that President Trump’s strengths are “foreign policy and international relations.” He also said that when Trump referred to “fine people,” he doesn’t believe “he was talking about neo-Nazis … or Antifa, or Black Lives Matter.” No big surprises; after all, Rutherford did refer to BLM as a “hate group” on the campaign trail. But if you need a minute to compose yourself, I understand. Ready? OK. Since taking office, Rutherford has sponsored or cosponsored scads of legislation in which veterans’ affairs, immigration and national security—recall his tour of the site of The Great Wall of Isolationism—are common themes, though there is an interesting outlier in the “Reef Assassin Act,” cosponsored by 11 members of Congress, including locals Al Lawson, Ted Yoho and Ron DeSantis. The act is designed to encourage fishing of invasive lionfish, currently decimating life of and on coral reefs. (Its title may also be the name of my future beat-boxing improv group.) For every 100 lionfish caught, the fisherpersons get their choice of fishing for a red snapper, triggerfish, amberjack or gag grouper in federal waters, regardless of season. The act’s purpose is undeniably sound. But environmentalists may take issue with the logic, which is akin to letting anyone who bags 100 bull pythons in The Everglades kill a river otter off-season. (Yes, it’s legal to hunt otters. Still.) The gag grouper is one of several dozen species in the process of recovery. But before you excitedly Google recipes, you should probably read what experts say about snappers, triggerfish and amberjack. In short, things ain’t looking good, and this law isn’t going to help. See, fishing and hunting seasons are designed to allow species to reproduce and, ideally, thrive long-term so that future generations may someday know the thrill of blowing away bewhiskered aquatic mammals that are among the planet’s most intelligent creatures. Creating exceptions to seasonal limitations, even with a good purpose, not only contravenes the intent of such restrictions, it often encourages poaching. Lionfish are an incredibly challenging environmental scourge. That’s why far brighter minds than mine have been hard at work on solutions, including contests and lionfish-
bagging robots—controlled in much the same way one plays a video game—which shock and trap the fish for later eating (they’re delicious, apparently). So perhaps instead of letting folks fish off-season, Congress should incentivize development and large-scale implementation of the robots. ’Cause if the planet somehow survives the Trump Administration, it might be nice to wet a line for amberjack someday. Last week, Rutherford showed his fealty to the wild-eyed extremists who catapulted his man-crush Donald Trump to office when he voted with House Republicans (except three who wisely found something better to do and two who had the guts to deviate from Team MAGA marching orders) to ban abortion after 20 weeks. The act is unlikely to pass the Senate, but don’t think his vote merely symbolic. Rutherford cosponsored the PainCapable Unborn Child Protection Act and released a statement after the vote referring to abortion as “violence against children” and waxing on how darn-tootin’ proud he was to “save lives and shield unborn babies from a horribly painful death.” The bill and Rutherford’s statement are rife with inaccuracy. First, fetuses are not “children,” under law or in reality. Second, and rather important, scientists do not agree that fetuses are capable of experiencing pain at 20 weeks. In fact, the vast body of research, including that of the American Congress of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, has found that the neurological wiring that transmits pain to the brain is not developed until at least four weeks beyond that. Even after the mechanics are developed, ACOG reports, due to other physiological factors, a fetus is incapable of perceiving pain until at least the third trimester, which begins at 28 weeks. Not for nothing: States widely restrict third-trimester abortions except in narrow cases which involve risk to either the mother’s or fetus’ life or health. Also not for nothing: The U.S. Supreme Court has been crystal-clear on such bans—they are unconstitutional. Maybe now would be a good time for Congressman Rutherford to have one of those town halls the kids keep talking about. But since that’s unlikely, we’ve shared his office’s upcoming mobile office hours. I’m sure his staff will be thrilled to hear from you. Claire Goforth claire@folioweekly.com @ClaireNJax ______________________________________ St. Augustine Mobile Hours, 2-4 p.m. Oct. 11, St. Johns County Administration, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine. Duval County Mobile Hours, 2-4 p.m. Oct. 13, Oceanway Community Center, 12215 Sago Ave. W. Jax Beach Mobile Hours, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Oct. 19, Jacksonville Beach City Hall, 11 N. Third St.
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DISCO ZOMBIES EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL
FRI
13
Is the only thing better than an ancient book that magically reanimates the dead when those same dead do a little musical theater number? We say yes: Unlike Scott and Ash, we know exactly what the f*ck “that” was. Things ancient awful and unspeakable lurch into something resembling life, 8 p.m. Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21 and 27, and midnight Oct. 21 and 28 at The 5 & Dime a Theatre Company, 112 E. Adams St., Downtown, $22, the5anddime.org.
OUR PICKS FAMILY MATTERS
FRI
13
MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH & I’M IN THERAPY
REASONS TO LEAVE THE HOUSE THIS WEEK
SAT
14
The New York Times’ review of the play is fairly dripping with exhausted quasi-dismay at the fart jokes, elimination jokes, ethnic jokes and pickup-line jokes. Granted, the review is from 2006 and the play has been “updated and is funnier than ever,” so if you’re up for some juvenile and occasionally cringe-inducing laughs, check out this longest-running one-man Broadway show starring creator Steve Solomon himself. 2 and 8 p.m. Oct. 14, and 2 and 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at FSCJ’s Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd., Southside, $43.50-$51.50, fscjartistseries.org.
GOT GROOVES?
NIKKI GUERRA Museum of Science & History presents singer/activist Guerra, who instills a message of empowerment in songs born from work with survivors of human trafficking and other traumatic events. She combines these lyrics with hard-grooving beats and the result is an electrically motivating performance plus it’s on the rooftop at MOSH, under a fall night sky, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13, 1025 Museum Cir., Southbank, $25, themosh.org. TUE
17
BAD ASS (AND BLIND) RAUL MIDÓN
This singer/songwriter/ guitarist is better than any fancy words about spiritual connectivity or sublime technique (though don’t discount those terms). He’s also witty and has a song designed to beat the winter doldrums, even if most of us no longer remember what chilly, let alone cold feels like, 8 p.m. Oct. 16 at Ritz Theatre & Museum, 829 N. Davis St., Downtown, $34, ritzjacksonville.com.
SPACE CADET
DR. NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON, AN ASTROPHYSICIST READS THE NEWSPAPER
MON
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We wear our hearts for Dr. Tyson on our sleeves (and written in algorithms across our telescopes). It’s not just that he’s smart and good-looking, it is his willingness to speak empirical truths to power–even if those powers are committed to a systemic destruction of the whole entire world. But we digress; all things being equal, we’d pay to hear this bastion of sense and sensibility read a toilet repair kit manual; instead, he reads the newspaper at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17, The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, 355-2787, $50-$250, floridatheatre.com.
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THE MAIL CROSS-FIT FOR THE CONSCIENCE
NOTHING HAS EVER MADE ME MORE PROUD of Jacksonville–or happier about the basic goodness of people–than the Hurricane Hugo Relief Caravan from Jax to the Carolinas! I proposed this effort during a radio show on the night that Hugo came barreling at Jax but suddenly detoured to do horrible devastation to our neighbors to the north. With one call each, I secured the commitment from the Publix District manager and from the United Methodist Churches and the Watson Realty offices and from Folio Weekly. Help poured in from virtually all religious groups and virtually all community service groups and most local news media. I served as cheerleader. The pump was primed with all the excess plywood and batteries and bottled water and canned goods purchased here prior to Hugo. We did not need all that and we came together and put it on trucks bound for people who did need it. But once we got cranked up, the people of the community and Publix donated much more. More than 10 giant Publix trucks carried supplies from Jax to the people in need, daily, for more than 40 days. I would like to suggest that our community consider some kind of plan with Publix again to send relief to South Florida for a month. I propose also that we do out best to fill up a local barge to Puerto Rico with relief supplies. I hope younger, stronger, healthier, smarter leaders than I will step up to make this happen. We need to do this for the people suffering devastation because it is the right thing to do. All major religions command that we should feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked. All major religions and ethics teach, “We are our brother’s keeper.” We are required to love our neighbor as ourselves. And, well, who is our neighbor? Any of
the least of these. Jesus said, “Anything you do unto the least of these you do unto me.” We need to do this because it is good for Jax, healthy for Jax, to do this. It makes us a better community. It is healthy exercise for our conscience. Andy Johnson via email
TURNABOUT IS FAIR PLAY, EH?
RE.: “No Benches for Old Men,” by Claire Goforth, Sept. 27 LET’S MAKE THEM SUBJECT OF THEIR OWN wit. We’ll pass a bill that allows elected officials no place to sit. If they can stand for election, they can stand to serve. Let them all stand as they deserve. Jim Minion via Facebook
ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE DAY CENTER
RE.: “No Benches for Old Men,” by Claire Goforth, Sept. 27 I NOTICED IT MYSELF BUT LIKE I’VE SAID before, welcome to GHETTOVILLE. I have talked to some of these homeless and some have said they shut down day centers. So they litter the streets, some sleeping on sidewalks while others hang around vacant buildings. Bill Moughamian via Facebook
MOCKING FREEDOM BY EXERCISING IT
RE.: “On Bended Knee,” by A.G. Gancarski, Sept. 27 TAKING A KNEE TO “STAND FOR FREEDOM” IS a mockery of freedom. It’s an insult to millions of immigrants who escaped hellholes and REAL oppression around the world by coming to the States. They found the freedom to live meaningful and productive lives. Robert Ringer via email
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BRICKBATS + BOUQUETS BOUQUETS TO I’M A STAR FOUNDATION On Oct. 3, student leaders from the I’m a Star youth group presented a $35,000 donation to Duval County Public Schools for the 2,700 homeless students in the district. I’m a Star comprises local students ages 12-18 who volunteer in the community, raising money, lending a helping hand and working to increase awareness of important issues, such as childhood obesity. This isn’t the first time they’ve given a helping hand to homeless students; in 2015, the group raised $47,000 for their homeless peers! BOUQUETS TO SAN MARCO CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY More news of charitable locals: the San Marco Chamber Music Society recently presented the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation with a check for $2,700. That’s just one of many altruistic acts of the musicians; they routinely donate time and money to various causes and perform tons of free concerts every year. BOUQUETS TO TEAM LEFT HAND FLORIDA What do beer, bikes and the National MS Society have in common? Several incredibly dedicated teams of Left Hand Brewing-loving roadies (cyclists) who participate in charity rides and other fundraising activities across the nation to raise money for MS. By Sept. 28, the six teams across America together had raised $600,000 just this year. And they’re not finished. On Oct. 14, the Florida team participates in the Bike MS: PGA Tour Cycle to the Shore. To donate and get more info, go to teamlefthand.com/florida. (We hear team captain Carolyn Lowrey Graham will dye her hair orange if she meets her fundraising goal by Oct. 11.) 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 | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
FOLIO VOICES : FIGHTIN’ IN WORDS IN O S Make ALL HALLOWS’ EVE great again
HALLOWEEN HAVOC
IT’S HALLOWEEN AGAIN–OR CLOSE ENOUGH that you have to start planning—and this week brings us some opportunities to interweave social commentary into our scripted bacchanalia. Now, I know not everyone in our readership celebrates Halloween—one state representative (Kim Daniels, of course) offered musings on the topic earlier this decade, before she was elected to public office. Daniels observed that “most of the candy sold during this season has been dedicated and prayed over by witches.” Moreover, “Curses are sent through the tricks and treats of the innocent whether they get it by going door-to-door or by purchasing it from the local grocery store. The demons cannot tell the difference.” Indeed. (Of course, this is the same state rep who thought Irma’s flooding was God’s will, a way of sending a message that we have somehow transgressed. But rest assured: It won’t matter next year when she runs for re-election unopposed.) Giving out candy these days is risky. A kid may have a peanut allergy, rendering Reese’s a dangerous proposition. And even if you sidestep said legume, most kids have aversions to demons. Thus far, Tallahassee hasn’t offered us a bill to root out/ban/tack a dispensary model on demon-infested candy, but bill slots for most of our delegation have openings, and there’s no time like the present to take a firm stand against sucrose succubi. However, as a citizen, as a patriot, and as someone who wants to celebrate Halloween the right way, why not consider an alternative? One option to seriously study: Instead of candy, give out Jack Chick tracts. In many neighborhoods, kids dash to and fro, hither and yon, and by the time they’re back in the car, they may have a pound of candy. But most of that candy, old Bazooka Joes aside, of course (as well as corporatebrand candy one may or may not have filched from an office event), likely won’t have anything to read. Reading is fundamental, they say. And while a kid is inhaling candy, wouldn’t a Chick Tract on, say, the perfidy of Halloween be ideal? It’s a ‘choose your own adventure’ one, too; you either repent, or end up like Luckless Timmy, who spent eternity in perdition. And, folks, you can augment this presentation with appropriate audio files. One suggestion: If one wants to create cognitive dissonance, put the rosary on repeat. The Eternal Word Television Network
probably has the best selection of them on cable, though one suspects YouTube has a bunch, too. Not into hearing a rosary droning on for three hours? Try backmasked pop songs instead. This method also creates conversation opportunities, when you ask the trick-ortreaters or their ’rents what the “hidden messages” really are in Hootie & the Blowfish’s “I Only Want to Be With You.” Not for everyone, of course. None of this is. If suggestions thus far don’t spark with you, why not turn Halloween and its concomitant teeming hordes into an opportunity for performance art? Let’s say, for example, you’re in one part or another of the city where storm debris piles haven’t been picked up. Use that; turn the natural habitat into part of a Halloween vignette. If you have standing water (due to tide or whatever), it’s easy enough to take advantage of the elements, and create a “swamp thang” motif that’ll remind onlookers and lookie-loos of horror movies of yore. Just as some landscapers have embraced xeriscaping (using natural elements in the landscape as part of the yard treatment), it seems fitting that we do the same with what we can call Hallo-scaping. And if you still have debris piles in your front yard, you’re halfway finished. While “debris or not debris? That is the question” stands as a tagline I wish to God I’d used in post-Irma coverage, and debris standing and waiting to be picked up creates all kinds of potential public health impacts (rats, mold, et al), debris also creates Hall-o-pportunities. Imagine how spooky your ghost gimmick will be, say, when you lurk behind a pile of browned branches and yell “BOO!” at church groups and putative locals intent on increasing their sugar score. Need it spookier still? Many folks, postIrma, have put bathtubs and furniture sets and other things not remotely yard debris out to be picked up on the city’s dime. Use those elements—there’s nothing scarier than a zombie emerging from a discarded mattress, for example. And if you need tips on how to do zombie, informed sources tell me The 5 & Dime a Theatre Company is doing an “Evil Dead” musical; if you can’t get to that, a City Council meeting’s public comment segment is an appropriate substitute. A.G. Gancarski mail@folioweekly.com @AGGancarski OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 9
NEWS AAND NOTES: LAS VEGAS EDITION TOP HEADLINES FROM THE ASSOCIATION OF ALTERNATIVE NEWSMEDIA
BENT BUT NOT BROKEN Hope. It isn’t sold or bartered, it’s given. After the senseless and cowardly events that unfolded ^ in Las Vegas on Sunday, Oct. 1, the Vegas community has come together to mend its battered soul. As reported by Las Vegas Weekly, blood drives have been going nonstop. People from all walks of the Vegas community have chosen to put their own lives on hold and wait four hours or longer in queues wrapping around city blocks, waiting to give blood. The hospitality community has also opened their kitchens to feed the droves of family members and emergency personnel flocking to the city, looking for their loved ones and looking for some way to help. That community will be suffering through many pains in the weeks to come as they deal with the sadness, anger and politics of the situation. But one thing is assured: They will not be broken.
< POMP AND GUN SUPPRESSORS
In the wake of the Las Vegas shooting, politicians have wasted no time to jump on their pedestals to express support or resistance to gun control legislation. As reported by Columbia Free Times, Mary Geren, a Democrat running against Republican Rep. Jeff Duncan in South Carolina, is calling for stricter gun laws. Geren is asking for a more thorough background check system for potential gun owners and stronger oversight when it comes to gun trafficking and online sales. On the other hand—and far across the aisle—Rep. Duncan is taking the lead on a bill promoting “gun noise suppressors.” (Pssst, Dunc: The rest of the world calls them silencers.) According to Duncan, the legislation is supposed to help protect hunters’ hearing—’cause that makes plenty of sense. Maybe someone should tell Duncan about those wonderful inventions called earplugs. If they’re good enough to use while working a jackhammer, they should work just fine when hunting Bambi’s mother.
< THE BALL’S IN YOUR COURT
Many of us are still trying to make sense of what has taken place in Las Vegas. Out of all the questions people are asking, two stand out: Why did it happen? and How can we keep it from happening again? According to a column by Nashville Scene’s Betsy Phillips, fixing the problem is no easy task. Politicians either can’t or won’t come to an agreement on what should be done (’cause gun silencers is a great idea) and gun nuts are never going to have to worry about their guns being taken away—it’s almost theoretically impossible, considering that there are just as many guns as there are people in the U.S. As Phillips wrote, it’s up to the gun nuts themselves to fix the great stigma that has stymied their culture. For instance: Avoid buying the same gun that was used in the massacre, and don’t give your guns to randos.
< AS CLEAR AS MUD
Just like a stubborn kid still playing with toys after being told to go to bed, the current administration just won’t quit with the borders. The House Homeland Security Committee has a new bill in the works that could spell even more mischief along the northern and southern regions of the country— because that’s where the real problem is. According to the Association of Alternative Newsmedia, the bill may to give Customs and Border Patrol authority to act against terrorism, drug trafficking and immigration within 100 miles of the borders. This includes the ability to use infrastructure as a means of doing so—i.e., building a damn wall. The legislation originally included some language that would have kept any record of the activities happening within that 100-mile area off the record, meaning no access via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The committee later removed the amendment and Rep. Martha McSally (R-Arizona) referred to its inclusion as “an inadvertent oversight,” according to AAN. And if you believe that, McSally is also brokering a deal to sell the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. Look behind the curtain of the Trumpster fire, and you’ll find that the Wizard of Oz is busy playing with Legos and warding off bad hombres. Josh Hodges mail@folioweekly.com 10 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
FOLIO COMMUNITY : NEWS
CARTFULS OF
HEART IMAGINE A MARKET JUST STEPS FROM your door where neighbors are toasting one another’s health with organic wines in a softly-lit tasting room, where a study group in the corner café sips Amazon-free gourmet coffees, lattes, cappuccinos and frappes whipped up by a state-of-the-art machine at the touch of a button while a chef demonstrates the proper technique to prepare exotic organic vegetables, and an iPad-wielding manager deftly bags and checks out customers standing in line so they don’t have to wait, where you can acquire pretty much any household item carried by the big box chain across town. It’s as idyllic a picture of 21st-century American grocery shopping as one can imagine. And it’s smack dab in the middle of what was—before it opened—a food desert, where residents lacked access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other whole foods, in one of the poorest ZIP codes in town. This isn’t a cruel way to taunt economically disadvantaged folks with sundries they can only afford on a rare splurge; everything on the shelves of this market has prices comparable, often even lower, than a discount grocer. Welcome to BuyGO. It’s a grocery store with a purpose: Improve people’s lives and health. It’s built on the idea that well-being should not rise and fall with income. Co-founder Randy Bowman knows firsthand the impact that poor nutrition can have. Youthful and naturally thin with seemingly boundless energy, the former track star comes across as the type who might go a lifetime without ever getting sick. To look at him, you’d never guess that he grew up in a food desert, subsisting on highly processed foods full of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats until his diet almost cost Bowman his life. Before he even cracked 30, he was rushed to the hospital in acute distress. His gallbladder was failing; it essentially disintegrated inside his body. Doctors said that without immediate medical intervention, he would not have survived the night. The experience was nothing short of cathartic. Rather than merely applying what he’d learned about the impact poor nutrition can have on even a seemingly healthy person, Bowman, who worked for Dollar General corporate for several years, decided to help those who don’t have the opportunity to maintain a proper diet even if they want to: people who live in neighborhoods without a grocery store, otherwise known as food deserts. In September 2015, Bowman and partner Michael Smith opened a smallscale BuyGO on South Eighth Street in
New grocery concept is at the corner of HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Fernandina Beach to test the concept. It was a resounding success. After months of tweaking and refining their vision, they shuttered the test location and went all in on their dream. “If we were going to do this, we were going to have to come up with a national distributor,” said Bowman, standing in the 5,000-square-foot unfinished store in August. Though the varieties of individual items will necessarily be more limited than those found on a large grocer’s shelf, don’t expect inferior quality. If a product doesn’t taste good, if the customers don’t like it, it’s gone—no matter the profit margin. Bowman quipped, “We are a for-profit with a nonprofit mission.” Working with a national distributor— KeHE Distributors, which also supplies Publix and Trader Joe’s—means they’re able to pick and choose among 30,000 products, looking for the lowest price and highest quality. “We have many manufacturers fighting to be on our shelves because they’re the only one,” Bowman said. Over Labor Day weekend, the first permanent location of BuyGO opened on South Eighth Street, steps from the test storefront. It reminds one of what might happen if a momand-pop bodega married a Fresh Market and had a beautiful baby: Beneath the shade of an enormous live oak, you’ll find everything you need, organic, non-GMO, clean foods, local produce, household essentials that are chock full of safe, natural and gentle ingredients, be it detergent, lotion, sugar, cereal or beer. It’s the corner grocer of the future. Soon, one might open in your neighborhood.
They have plans to open two more BuyGOs in Jacksonville in the next year, in Moncrief and Springfield, both areas with abominable access to fresh, whole foods. There’s no mistaking the feeling in Bowman’s voice when he says that the neighborhood they’ll serve in Moncrief hasn’t had a grocery store in about 20 years—an entire generation—and that some people who live there have told them that they spend two hours on public transportation just to buy groceries. “We’re working with a developer to bring back what they’re missing,” he said. Keeping with their commitment to improving the lives of the community that BuyGOs belong to, for each location, the couple has chosen to rehabilitate old, neglected buildings that may have stood empty for many years. The Fernandina storefront dates back to 1948, the Springfield location on Seventh and Main Street was built in the 1800s. It’s not just a warm fuzzy; it’s a savvy business decision. Because they sign longterm leases rather than buy the property, each owner can apply for grants and lowinterest loans that incentivize development in blighted communities. They’re also working to adjust to the needs and preferences of the community. For instance, Moncrief has a substantial Ethiopian population, so they plan to offer items to which the community is accustomed. It may lack the dizzying array of a Super Walmart or Winn-Dixie—you won’t find 100 types of cereal, snacks and sodas—but you will find plenty of heart. “We’re small in concept, [but] we’re giving our customers the same variety… everything you need to make a complete meal, makeup, do the laundry,” said Bowman. Claire Goforth claire@folioweekly.com @ClaireNJax
BuyGO co-founder Randy Bowman OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 11
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THE RINGMISTRESS Jenna Esposito
THE WORLD’S STRONGEST WOMAN Candy Keane
BEST OF JAX 26 X 2 When something is as good as Best of Jax, it deserves an encore. That’s why we’re giving our favorite readers, hell, our favorite people, in all the land a second chance to indulge in that sweet, gooey Best of Jax goodness that’s been keepin’ you coming back for 26 wonderful years. As you delight in the 2017 cast of heroes (and a handful of horribles) of Northeast Florida, it may interest you to know that there is only one way to win: Get people to vote for you. There’s no buying your way in, no one gets to win just ’cause we like them, and we screen very, very carefully for voter fraud. Folio Weekly takes Best of Jax integrity so seriously that our team tirelessly toils day and night—at clubs, concerts, restaurants, bars, attractions and, of course, at the computer—making sure everything is just right. You know what they say: ‘If you do what you love, you won’t work a day in your life.’ And this is true love. So prop up your feet, raise a glass and pass the vape this way hither. The original Best of Jax awaits! All you have to do is turn the page…
THE BEARDED LADY Alex Salas
THE SNAKE CHARMER Feanix Poole
THE BESTEST SHOW ON EARTH
INSIDE [14] NEWS AND MEDIA [22] ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SPORTS & OUTDOORS [28] SHOPPING & HEALTH BEAUTY & EDUCATION [36] DINING & DRINKING & HOSPITALITY PHOTOS BY MADISON GROSS & CARL MILLER
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Marlene Dryden, Madeleine Peck Wagner, Josh Hodges, Davi, Daniel A. Brown and Claire Goforth OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 13
A 20-year veteran of local television news excellence, Staci Spanos, that stalwart special report success story, offers both fact and fun on Channel 4’s Morning Show, on THE Local Station.
NEWS & MEDIA Best Local Columnist MARK WOODS
Finalists: Ron Littlepage, Claire Goforth
Again this year, our readers have named Florida Times-Union’s Mark Woods the Best Local Columnist. With a style that is thoughtful, reflective and somehow … reassuring, Woods can be enlightening, cutting or just good ol’-fashioned interesting. He kinda reminds us of a columnist from the Golden Age of Journalism who somehow fell into a time warp and wound up in 2017. His loss, our gain.
Best Local Writer ELIZABETH RAVEN
Finalists: Mark Woods, Shelton Hull
In the shadows of the Sunshine State, author Elizabeth Raven was leading a quiet life as a veterinarian professional until one day a handsome stranger with a mysterious supernatural quality whisked her away on a journey to—oops!—we mean, she started writing a paranormal romance series set in St. Augustine. The author of the Matanzas Moon series takes some real local legends and blends them into enrapturing tales of 14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
adventure, mystery and love. She’ll cast a spell on you, for sure.
Best Local News Website Best Local TV Morning Show Best Local TV Anchor
NEWS4JAX.COM, CHANNEL 4 “THE MORNING SHOW,” STACI SPANOS
Y’all know that super-annoying whirling that your computer does trying to load the other news websites? No “buffering” at News4Jax.com, just hard-nosed reporters dishing up information about what’s going on in our world and beyond. It’s functional, useful and, best of all, NO POP UPS! We’re not at all surprised that they knocked it down for Best Local News Website again this year. And for an early-morning dose of news and entertainment, locals tune in to the Best Local TV Morning Show, Channel 4’s “The Morning Show,” where the Best Local TV Anchor Staci Spanos, a veteran who’s been with the station for 20 years (wow!), and her colleagues regale viewers with
insights and information with just the right amount of cheer. No, you won’t get a sugar high watching this show. But you might actually learn something. We know, it’s a novel concept: Like its website, WJXT’s news programs enrich your life.
Best Local TV Newscast Best Local Investigative Reporter Best Local TV Weather Forecaster
beloved former staffers is an executive producer). Like the station’s consumer reporter Ken Amaro, who again captured the title of Best Local Investigative Reporter, seems our readers are “on your side,” FCN. Amaro, whose unmistakable glasses-and-stache have graced FCN’s airwaves since 1979, is a legit living legend— kinda like FCN Meteorologist Tim Deegan, who is quite possibly the local embodiment of Jim Cantore. But with much better hair.
Best Local TV Sports Anchor Best Local Sports Radio Personality
FIRST COAST NEWS, KEN AMARO, TIM DEEGAN
DAN HICKEN
Newsies know that when they need to get the most important news of the day without any of the nonsense, the best local program to tune to is First Coast News (also where one of Folio Weekly’s most
One might think that 30 years in the biz would mellow a person out. One would be wrong if they’re thinking of Dan Hicken, who is our readers’ fave sports commentator, whether he be on the picture screen at
Newscast Finalists: Action News Jax, News4Jax Investigative Reporter Finalists: Jennifer Waugh, Nikki Kimbleton, Jim Pickett Forecaster Finalists: Richard Nunn, Mike Buresh
TV Sports Anchor Finalists: Chris Porter, Sam Kouvaris Sports Radio Anchor Finalists: Brent Martineau, Brian Sexton
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NEWS & MEDIA Action News Jax or over the airwaves on 1010XL or 92.5 FM. And—trust us—it’s not his singing voice that the Googans love. Make no mistake, however, Hicken may be knee-slapping hilarious with a voice only a mother could love, but he knows sports like Hugh Hefner knew babes: inside and out.
Best Thing to Happen in NEFL DAILY’S PLACE OPENING Finalists: HRO Passing, Art Walk
Here in Florida, we sure love us some live music, and with hardly a bad seat in the house—from what we’ve seen, it’s just good, better and best— Daily’s Place certainly deserves the title of Best Thing to Happen in Northeast Florida which Folio Weekly readers bestowed upon the venue. From easy parking to some of the nicest and most helpful staffers we’ve ever encountered, to swanky upgrades and easy-peasy parking, it’s clear why this accessible venue is bringing joy to so many concert-goers.
Best Local Radio Personality Best Local Radio Show Best Local Radio Station MELISSA ROSS, “FIRST COAST CONNECT,” WJCT
Radio Personality Finalists: Mark Kaye, Ryan Green Radio Show Finalists: WAPE “Morning Mess,” 1010XL “The Drill” Radio Station Finalists: WAPE, 1010XL Quality local news radio pulls a trifecta with WJCT. “First Coast Connect” and its much-loved host Melissa Ross are in it to win it as Folio Weekly readers’ faves, just another example of how WJCT
is a powerhouse of news day in and day out. If there is any justice in the media, their Hurricane Irma coverage will rake in some serious awards. Their 9-months pregnant news director worked throughout and was rescued from San Marco in a boat! Ross spent 16 hours on the air! That kind of dedication is why, after joining the station in 2009, Ross was an instant game-changer for local news and radio. Over the course of her years in broadcasting, she’s won four regional Emmys and scads of Best of Jax awards—clearly the triumph of which she’s most proud. With “First Coast Connect,” Ross shines, inviting panel discussions on politics and even entertainment, somehow corralling all of the guests together in a cogent, informative and downright enjoyable listening experience. Viva WJCT!
Best Local Weirdo JEREMY SPICER
Finalists: Kerry Speckman, Corrine Brown
While we’re saddened that each year serial killer hopefuls don’t win this category, we are equally relieved that said “local weirdoes” don’t show up at our office to prove their freaky-deaky weirdness. Thankfully, our salubrious readers choose whom they consider weirdest wacko of the First Coast. As a toymaker at Germ Spider Designs, weirdo hero Jeremy Spicer takes stuffed animals and repurposes them into more … how shall we say? … “diabolical” forms. (Cue cackling, thunder, etc.) A fan of creepy clowns, monsters and circuses, Spicer is renowned for making these macabre playthings; he also likes dressing up as a demented clown which, quite frankly, kind of plays off the whole Creator/God/Old Testament paradigm.
Sun-Ray Cinema was voted by cinephile and vegan strawberry milkshake lovers alike as the Best Movie Theater in all of Duval. Owners Tim and Shana program the twoscreen theater with everything from the rare and obscure to the weird and blockbuster. But perhaps most exciting, they semi-regularly host the “Talkies” series: Films with the actor or director in attendance giving away insider information (and gossipy commentary) like free Twankies. 16 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
Best Reason to Love Northeast Florida
BEACHES
Finalists: Weather, Art Walk
Northeast Florida locals agree that our beaches are the perfect escape from everyday life. Our coastlines feature plenty of sunny shores to explore—and tons of sights, sounds and smells, most of them pleasant. There are beautiful beaches, natural wonders, cool resorts and plenty of culinary options for every taste. From quiet, coastal communities to the freshest catch in town, and smokin’ hot clubs, our beaches are bursting with outdoor activity and a vibrant nightlife scene. No matter where you live, it’s worth the trip to wiggle your toes in the sand.
Best Local Twitter Account
@JAXSHRIMP
Finalists: @TheSpecktator, @JaxArmadaFC
It’s the bottom of the fifth and you’re stuck at a wedding. With no access to a radio, what do you do? Just sneak a quick look at Twitter @JaxShrimp. The bride and groom will be none the wiser and you won’t have to sulk while your buds are drinking beer and eating hot dogs at the ballgame.
Best Local Facebook Page
JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF’S OFFICE Finalists: News4Jax, Only in Duval
Our readers know that a good Facebook page can, at times, be criminally underrated. So maybe that’s why you future perps and proud priors picked the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office FB page as the paragon of social media penal code-rocking branding. Boasting an impressive, if not arresting, 165K “likes,” a couple thousand mug shots and memes, along with eloquently staged PR pix, community warnings (at press time the crime du jour is apparently vehicular breaking and entering). One could easily “do time” well spent checking out JSO’s flow of law and order, which has a high/lowbrow cops-and-robbers sass rivaled only by the late Gawker (RIP).
Best Instagram Account
IGERS JAX
Finalists: Riverside Memes, Only in Duval
Hashtag your heart out, Jacksonville! In this, the age of selfies, it’s not enough that we look at ourselves 24/7; we now turn the lens on our favorite spots in our very own swamp paradise. Current highlights of the page include (but are by no means limited to) lots of flooded Jacksonville and destroyed Memorial Park photographs, dogs in sunglasses, and one amazing eclipse pic—especially meaningful for those of us who jetted out of work to see the rare event, only to get stuck sulking in a car hoping (and being let down) that the rain would stop. There are also a hefty number of shots of Downtown Jacksonville in case you can’t remember what the skyline looks like.
Best Reason to Hate Northeast Florida
WEATHER
Finalists: Driving/Construction/Traffic, Bugs
These last few weeks should serve as sufficient evidence for weather being the Best Reason to Hate Northeast Florida—lookin’ at you, Irma. With back-to-back hurricanes—thanks, global warming—and high 90-degree weather for 75 percent of the year, living in Northeast Florida is like living in a steamer trunk full of wet gym socks. On good days, you’re sweating your ass off, and on bad days, you have an oak tree in your living room. OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 17
Some nights just need dim lights, killer music and lots of dancing in a crowd of your besties. The locals know where to go: Myth Nightclub in Downtown Jax, our readers’ choice for Best Nightclub.
NEWS & MEDIA Best Folio Weekly Cover Story “A WING AND A PRAYER,” BY CLAIRE GOFORTH
Finalists: “Queen of the Underground,” Josué Cruz; “The Summer of ’64,” Scott A. Grant
OK, y’all made us so proud with this one! Not only did Folio Weekly readers share their love for our editor by voting her story the Best Folio Weekly Cover Story of 2017, but you also spread that love to the delicate, and teetering-toward-extinction Florida grasshopper sparrow. It’s a lovefest! The story detailed the work of a coalition that includes the local White Oak Conservation, Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, Florida Park Services and others racing to save these plucky li’l creatures.
Best Blog
SAN JUAN ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Finalists: The Specktator, Jacksonville Moms Blog
Sifting through the online onslaught can be timeconsuming, so if you’re like many of us, you might wait to read blogs until a friend forwards you a great one. Well, consider this your official forward. The San Juan Animal Hospital Blog speaks to the reader, providing concise articles on a variety of topics. The content is current, making it a reliable source for pet care information, and 18 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
categories divide posts by subject. The site also provides contact information for the hospital and a link to their webpage. Even better, there are plenty of animal pictures to see as you scroll through the pages. Who doesn’t love an adorable animal slideshow?
Best Use of Local Public Money PARKS
Finalists: Roads, Beach Cleanup
If you haven’t visited every public park in the 904, you are fer realz missing out. Looking for woods? We got ’em all over the place. Needing historical knowledge? Check out Fort Caroline or Fort Mose. Wanna be awed by the wonders of nature? Get yer butt to the famed boneyard beach on Big Talbot Island, one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on the Eastern Seaboard. In the mood to chillax in a spring-fed pool? Spring Park in Green Cove Springs. Whether it’s biking, hiking, surfing, stargazing (Hanna Park—’nuff said), picnicking (umm … Treaty Oak Park, anyone?), or any number of other lovely outdoor activities, there’s a park for you.
Best Waste of Public Money CONSTRUCTION
Finalists: Jacksonville Jaguars, The Courthouse “Excuse me; is this I-95S or some kind of highspeed, take-no-prisoners, semi-psychedelic
race through orange cones at 80 mph?” Well, dear tourist—your guess is as good as ours. Is Jacksonville’s much-touted growth simply an excuse to begin building, seemingly at random, concrete monoliths and giant, opened craws of unfinished overpasses, as haggard folks work overtime under midnight klieg lights? There sure are a lot of questions in this entry, aren’t there? We do know this: FW readers are way aggro when it comes to the “building side” of the city of Jacksonville throwing around money like a coked-up Peter Dinklage at a robotic stilts factory. Here’s a radical idea for community building: Aim that money toward people in need and abject poverty. Hint: They’re not in your hermetically sealed, 5,000-foot radius.
Best Local Environmental Abomination ST. JOHNS RIVER
Finalists: Road Construction, Development
Welp, our readers clearly love the St. Johns River in ways that industry and JaxPort will never, ever understand. ’Cause they voted for the dredging and pollution affecting our dearly beloved river as the Best Local Environmental Abomination in a bigly way. See, the port’s hell-bent on dredging the river, scientists, citizens and Best Local Environmental Activist the St. Johns Riverkeeper be damned. The mysterious foam, algal blooms, fish kills, dead dolphins and salinity encroachment that resulted from the last dredging might be NBD to industry and the port, but to our beloved readers, those who pollute and drag our river bottom are Enemies of the People.
has helped out a lot of friends: more than 2,000 since its 1988 inception. The largest affiliate in the Habitat For Humanity network this year celebrates more than just being named the Best Local Volunteer Effort: In April, HabiJax received a generous donation of $1 million from Delores Barr Weaver to help it provide homes to those who otherwise would probably never realize the dream of owning a home of their own.
BEST LOCAL RELIGIOUS/ SPIRITUAL LEADER JOBY MARTIN
Finalists: Stovall Weems, God
When it comes to our readers’ vote for best local spiritual el domo, thee people hath spoken. Pastor Joby Martin is the longtime leader of The Church of Eleven22, which has expanded from its original HQ at San Pablo (the site of a former Walmart) to new franchises in Baymeadows and Mandarin. Followers dig Martin’s blue-collar vibe towards preaching the gospel, and his devotion to the word is without question. A still-talkedabout Folio Weekly cover story questioned Martin’s views on the “pray-the-gay-away” approach to LGBTQ congregants. Proving that the word of God trumps the words of an altweekly, Martin continue to be the main man of spreading the gospel to thousands.
Best Local Trend LOCAL BREWERIES
Finalists: Food Trucks, Duuvvvalll
Best Local Environmental Organization
Mmmm … beer. Smaller, more sustainable and more local sure seem to be among the trends that Folio Weekly readers get behind, and we couldn’t agree more, especially when hops are involved. With more and more folks getting into the fermented beverage business, it means there are better opportunities to craft fine beverages that are distinctly of this swampy corner of paradise.
Best Local Environmental Activist Finalists: Adam Morley, Jim Alabiso Best Local Environmental Organization Finalists: Girls Gone Green, White Oak Conservation
Worst Thing to Happen in Northeast Florida
Best Local Environmental Activist READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
ST. JOHNS RIVERKEEPER
For the past 17 years, the St. Johns Riverkeeper has upheld its sole mission of being the conscience that defends and advocates for the protection and restoration of the St. Johns River. Each Keeper surely walks the walk; the Riverkeeper has blown the whistle on and responded to hundreds of pollution incidents, making both polluters and regulatory agencies accountable for violations. Educational programs have been presented at local schools as well as on the water, and their tenacious efforts have changed policy that has directly improved the life of our greatest natural resource.
Best Local Nonprofit HUBBARD HOUSE
Finalists: Humane Society, Habijax
The safety of women and children in uncertain situations is the paramount concern of the volunteers and staff at Hubbard House, FW readers’ choice for Best Local Nonprofit. The second objective is making concerted efforts to empower these women through counseling to develop skills needed to stay safe. And the third pillar of the Hubbard House program is effecting social change through advocacy and education, to put an end to domestiv violence, including murder, against women and children, victims of this horrific epidemic. The 24-hour hotline is 904-354-3114, hubbardhouse.org.
Best Local Volunteer Effort HABIJAX
Finalists: Beach Cleanup, Ana’s Angels
If a friend in need is a friend indeed, then HabiJax
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Local Gone Bad Best Local Scandal READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Chutzpah Local Zero
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Local Who Needs to Lay Low Indefinitely CORRINE BROWN
Worst Thing Finalists: Hurricanes, Donald Trump’s Election Local Who Needs to Lay Low Finalists: Gary Snow, Blake Bortles Zero Finalists: Lenny Curry, Gary Snow Scandal Finalist: Matt Shirk
It was the indictment heard ’round the region. Then, in May, it was the guilty verdict that rocked Northeast Florida. Former Congresswoman Corrine Brown, who lost her primary last August after 24 years representing Northeast Florida in the infamously gerrymandered minority access district, was found to have run a charity for kids as a personal slush fund that paid for things like private boxes at Washington Redskins games, Beyoncé tickets, shopping trips and much, much more. Brown is undoubtedly the most notorious person around, hence her crushing essentially every category the Folio Weekly crackerjack team has created for local villains—Best Local Gone Bad, Local Who Needs to Lay Low Indefinitely, Local Zero—and drama—Local Scandal, Worst Thing to Happen in Northeast Florida. But it’s her OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 19
NEWS & MEDIA win for Best Chutzpah that most surprised the troops, though it shouldn’t have. After all, who can get away with delivering a speech about the Florida Gators to freakin’ Congress while decked out in an orange-and-blue ensemble that could make Tim Tebow do a double-take? Nobody but Corrine Brown. Beloved by some and loathed by many, she’s a force of nature the likes of which will not be seen in a long, long, long, long time … we hope. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Local Podcast
THE SHORT BOX PODCAST
Finalists: Another Round Jax, Downright Fierce Gaming
The Short Box Podcast is the only place you can hear a conversation about Dragonball Z, farm-fresh produce, Jack Kirby and why Netflix’s Iron Fist sucks. This weekly podcast has been around since late 2012 and has slowly but surely become one of the Jacksonville community’s go-to sources for geekculture news. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Hair
KERRY SPECKMAN Finalists: Angela Butler, Gina Stoney
If anyone but the magenta minx Kerry Speckman had topped our readers’ poll for Best Hair, we’d
Lately it seems like the name BeBe Deluxe is on everyone’s lips–and after seeing her crack jokes with just the right amount of sauciness and smarts, you’ll see why she’s won Best Drag Queen in Jacksonville two years running.
20 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
have to label the entire Best of Jax #FakeNews. It all started to raise money for a web design … long story short, she loved the rainbow hue so much, it’s kinda become her trademark. Though it was originally blue, she soon settled on pink in honor of her dear mother who died of breast cancer when Speckman was just 14. Today Speckman, aka The Specktator, is so enamored with her coif that it has its own Instagram: @Pankhurr. And a grateful 904 thanks Pat Cole of Total Hair Experience Salon for those glorious pink tresses and that sassy purple streak. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Mustache/Facial Hair SHAD KHAN
Finalists: Adam Boulware, Alexander William Salas
While many locals, regardless of age or gender, bow to the Gods of Beardism, other types (ahem) see face-moss as a dire habitat of strange creatures, oily funk and forlorn peanuts. Alas, our dear readers ceremoniously bestow the Facial Hair Crown on the Most Interesting and Rich Person in the Room: Shad Khan. With a mustache that can, at turns, make him appear either mirthful or diabolical, Khan’s full-bodied mustache is a de facto mood ring of this lovable tycoon’s next move. Showing solidarity with the Jags after Trump’s recent outburst toward the NFL only added another whisker to our hearts.
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ARTS&ENTERTAI
NMENT&SPORTS&OUTDOORS
Best Local Community Theater ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING
Finalists: Theatre Jax, Players by the Sea
This past July, local theater stalwart Alhambra Theatre & Dining hit the 50-year mark of presenting family-geared entertainment featuring the full package. Musicals and comedies keep the house packed, and each production includes a specially designed menu, only adding to the overall experience at this historical dinner theater. Since 2012, the Alhambra has presented its After Dark concert series, featuring comedy, dancing and, for example, last year’s performances by the likes of Shawn Mullins and The Everly Brothers Experience. This season’s final, main-stage line-up includes The Addams Family and Bruce Allen Scudder’s Christmas Carole.
Best Local Actor/Actress Elizabeth Daly-Bricknell
Finalists: Lisa Valdini, Blake Osner
Community theater can be a rewarding, but tough, road to travel for actors. Time spent seeking out roles and rehearsing scripts is offset by keeping afloat in a life off the stage, of jobs and bills, families and responsibilities; but the passion of performing remains the pulse beat of actors, who are more concerned with curtain calls and auditioning for dramas, comedies, or musicals. Local theater lovers give their highest props to Elizabeth Daly-Bricknell. As a versatile presence on the local scene, Bricknell can be seen at ABET in Atlantic Beach and down the coast at St. Augustine’s Limelight Theatre, performing in an ensemble cast or starring role; no small part for an actor who is in turn celebrated by our readers and her peers.
Best Local Theater Production
ANNIE, ST. JOHNS RIVER STATE COLLEGE Finalists: Steel Magnolias, Avenue Q
Oh, that a plucky red-headed waif could intervene on the heart of our own unredeemed Oliver Warbucks—that is to say the current occupant of the White House—and in addition to getting him to lay off the Twitter-trolling, 22 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
With a half-century of live local entertainment under their pancake and rouge, the pros at Alhambra Theatre & Dining have often been awarded the top prize in our readers’ Best of Jax poll. It’s so cool–Executive Chef DeJuan Roy coordinates his menu with the stage production. Tombstone cake, anyone? (The Addams Family)
perhaps get him to focus on civil international relations. But since that’s highly unlikely, take comfort in knowing what Folio Weekly readers know well: the sun will come out tomorrow. In this production we imagine that Annie’s message of hope and love was heightened when Martin Charnin, the original lyricist and director of the play, stopped by St. Johns River State College to give a few notes on this Tony-award winning work that’s had audiences dreaming of “Easy Street” for 41 years.
Best Movie Theater SUN-RAY CINEMA
Finalists: Cinemark Tinseltown, San Marco Theatre
Let’s not bullshit ourselves: When it comes to the best theatrical experience in Jacksonville, Sun-Ray Cinema remains the titan of all things movie. Since 2011, co-owners Tim Massett and Shana David-Massett have screened some of the most engaging flicks, from classics from the Golden Age of cinema to currentday, cutting-edge films. Fans can see “genre” films, arthouse and documentary fare screened right next to anime, comedies and—in the case of the Oct. 11 screening of the classic Italian horror flick Suspiria— full-blown weirdness. The Massetts also know how to throw a party. In March, they presented the inaugural, four-day Sleeping Giant Film Festival, featuring scads of great flicks, live experimental music, and a return visit from John Waters. And don’t get us started on how amazing their menu is.
Best Dance Studio
DANCE TRANCE FITNESS
Finalists: Ballet Arts Center, The Dance Shack
While many Folio Weekly staffers count climbing the stairs at work as their daily cardio fitness, our readers are apparently a regular Debbie Reynolds or Jiminy Cricket when it comes to dancing and getting the blood a-pumpin’! Led by their oh-so-skilled instructors, Dance Trance puts you through the paces with different skill levels of dancing and moves, all set to hip, upbeat music, to help you have fun, shed pounds, and possibly even decipher the unholiest of all dances: “The Lambada Beta.”
Best Museum
THE CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS
Finalists: Museum of Science & History, MOCA Jacksonville
Perhaps now more than ever, the Cummer needs to feel our love. Though the building that houses the collection weathered Irma well enough, the gardens, including the breathtaking Frederick Law Olmstead firm-designed garden, are in ruins. The museum is running a fundraising initiative—if you’ve ever whiled away an afternoon or evening in that splendid space, now is a lovely time to thank the institution for all it does with a little cash—or a lot. This month, drop by and ogle jewelry from some of the finest artisans Paris ever produced. Bijous Parisiens: French Jewelry from the Petit Palais, Paris opens Oct. 13.
Best Gallery
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART JACKSONVILLE Finalists: Space Gallery, Florida Mining Gallery
Though technically a museum and not a gallery, there’s no denying that MOCA Jax strives to bring a balance of contemporary as well as the antecedent works that crossed the hurdles to bring us to this current post-postmodern point. We’re especially pleased that Folio Weekly readers acknowledged this museum in light of some of the newer shows that’ve been mounted, which seem to be moving toward a more direct focus on the art of our time—we’re specifically thinking of the Gabriel Dawe installation in the atrium (on view until Oct. 29), and the lectures by Dr. Nikki Lane and Gideon Mendel.
Best Local Visual Artist READER NOMINATED CATEGORY Best Local Public Art JESSICA BECKER TACOLU MURAL
Visual Artist Finalists: Shaun Thurston, Jeff Luque A muralist who’s gained notice in Miami as well as
in Jacksonville, Jessica Becker might be best-known (in town) for the Dia de los Muertos-style Virgin of Guadalupe mural she painted on the side of taco-joint extraordinaire, TacoLu—which Folio Weekly readers gave the highest kudos, calling it the city’s Best Local Public Art. A self-taught artist, in 2014 Becker told Miami New Times, “I paint anything that paint sticks to: vehicles, walls, canvas, whatever.” Plus she’s got a big-ass tattoo on her neck of a shark with a bloody dollar-sign carved into its head—so we know she’s viciously (wink) ’bout making those art dollars.
Best Place to Attend a Concert
ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
Finalists: Daily’s Place, Veterans Memorial Arena
Very few venues in the Southeast can host concerts by both Paul Simon and Slayer; yet, sadly, not on the same bill. The mind reels. That aside, readers give a loud shout-out to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre as the Best Place to Attend a Concert—and rightfully so. While the venue holds around 4,000 music fans, there’s nary a bad seat in the place, and between the killer sound, almost-suspiciously-friendly staff, and good beer and food choices (and boxed water! Earth first!), you get a top experience for your ticket price. Upcoming shows include The Avett Brothers, Roger Daltrey (who?) with Edgar Winter, Bon Iver with Aero Flynn, Son Volt on the Backyard Stage and alt-country guru Ray Wylie Hubbard at the new Front Porch stage.
Best Concert of the Year
JASON ALDEAN
Finalists: DEFTONES, Rockville
Long before a senseless act of violence claimed 50 lives at a Jason Aldean concert in Las Vegas on Oct. 1, Folio Weekly readers voted the country star’s August show at Veterans Memorial Arena as the Best Concert of 2017. The details of the tragedy are still unfolding as this issue goes to print, but one thing we do know: Aldean is not going to merely give lip service to the victims. Though busy with the They Don’t Know Tour, Aldean had already scheduled two concert dates for charities this fall, and
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his philanthropy, including the annual Concert for the Cure benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure which he launched in 2004, is nothing short of inspiring.
hunting in Ponte Vedra. Glamour and weirdness married to some of the best music and drag performances in the city ensures that we always go back!
Best Nightclub
Best Drag Star
Finalists: Mavericks Live, The Pier
Finalists: Karrissa Wade, Brittany More, Sofia Andrews
MYTH NIGHTCLUB
With three distinct environments, Myth Nightclub takes a cue from the mega-clubs of the ’80s but in a much more approachable and (we think) fun way—I mean, the bathrooms are way less terrifying, for sure. This is not to say there isn’t plenty of glamour and some of the best music in the world being spun here—Vogue!—or if you’ve been watching TV at all this last year, go ahead and Nae Nae (or try to). And if late (late) Friday nights aren’t your thing, you can still swing through on Sunday to watch a game or two and enjoy tacos, wings and domestic beer specials! This week, check out Freddy Todd on Oct. 13 and Pete Bones on Oct. 14 … now you got no excuse: Go make your own myth(s).
The visionary behind the Glitterbomb variety drag shows Ms. BeBe Deluxe (née Alex Palmer), brings a sense of Old Hollywood glamour and camp to her productions. She’s an LGBTQIA activist and was profiled in the project 100 Days of LGBcuTies as one of 100 most interesting and influential people who were, at that time, fighting for the Jacksonville Human Rights Ordinance’s expansion to be passed (it did, February 2017), and more recently she was the subject of a delightfully raunchy roast to celebrate her 28th birthday—but we think this fantastical, bearded glamour-puss doesn’t look a day over 27-3/4! BeBe, you know we love you.
Best Local Musician/Band
Best Local Comedian
Finalists: Whiskey Dogs, Here Comes the Hero
Finalists: Danny Johnson, Jim Thomas, Ron Moore
THE BAND BE EASY
Just like sipping on a good whiskey, The Band Be Easy can most aptly be described as smooth. Taking inspiration from many different styles of music—pop, funk, reggae, hip-hop and even a hint of pop-rock—the Best Local Musician/Band Be Easy makes the kind of music you want to sit down and listen to while taking it easy.
Best Club DJ DJ NICK FRESH
Finalists: DJ Q45, DJ E.L.
You might not know that in addition to being Jacksonville’s favorite DJ, Nick Fresh is a classically trained musician who founded the world’s largest online Soul Train fan community. He’s also a radio personality—hosting The Looseness on Wednesdays on 92.7 The Beat Jams—but if you just want to dance, find him Thursdays at The Loft in Riverside where he’s always spinning a song that’ll make you want to come on and get up, get down.
Best Gay/Lesbian Club
METRO ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Finalists: In Cahoots Nightclub, Park Place Lounge The Metro is an awesome place. Awesome in the definition of the term which, in addition to meaning impressive, also means inspiring apprehension because, yes, we’ve been there when the club feels like a magical playground suspended in time and space like a faceted disco jewel. We’ve also been there when a white-haired fellow in greyish tightie-whities totters up and tries to engage in conversation about fossil-
Winner of Best Wine List and Best Wine Bar, The Wine Bar in Jacksonville Beach is cute, lively and chill, with excellent service; plus, they run a fantastic happy hour!
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BEBE DELUXE
MARK ALAN
What’s better than a comedian? If you guess a comic who’s also a bona fide unicorn-whispering wizard, then you win the Philosopher’s stone. OK, Mark Alan isn’t really a demon-fighting warlock (or even an apprentice who gets out-maneuvered by anthropomorphic mops), but he is an internationally lauded magician with more than 25 years of experience wowing audiences with his singular blend of hilarity and hocus-pocus. And we hear he smells good, too.
Best Live Music Club Best Dance Club MAVERICKS LIVE
Live Music Club Finalists: Lynch’s Irish Pub, Sliders Seaside Grill Dance Club Finalists: theLOFT, Myth Nightclub
Lest ye faire Northeast Floridian think that our readers have gone all-kuntry, all the time, for some time now Mavericks Live has been throwing it down with rock, rap, reggae and, yes, country music. So be you a line-dancin’ fool, a Stomp the Yard dance-off master, or just feel like shakin’ that tush with your pals, Mavericks at the Jacksonville Landing has a show that will set your feet on fire. Just don’t get white girl wasted—it’s easy to get lost in this large, dark space. Not that we’d know. (We know.)
Best Comedy Club THE COMEDY ZONE
Finalists: The Comedy Club of Jacksonville, Hourglass Pub, Gypsy Cab Co.
Since 2006, The Comedy Zone has practically swept
this category, so we know FW readers are a humorlovin’ herd. The Zone throws some big names onstage: Shawn Wayans, Funnymaine, John Witherspoon, Carlos Mencia. And every New Year’s Eve, it’s nonstop hilarity plus food, drinks, fun … it’s in the Got to Go zone. Best of all, old friends come back from time to time to make us laugh anew—Grandma Lee, we’re lookin’ at you, babe!
Best Gentlemen’s Club WACKO’S
Finalists: Gold Club, The New Solid Gold Club
Wacko’s is an institution in the city—of what, we’re not sure. Pretty girls dancing around strategically placed poles? Check. Special events with prizes? Check. Tasty lunch specials? Double-check. Hearty red-blooded male-influenced menu? Checkity-checkcheck! FW readers have declared Wacko’s the winner among show bar institutions in Northeast Florida— and the regulars there swear by the burgers.
Best Local Athlete Hottest Local Celebrity Local Hero TIM TEBOW
Athlete Finalists: Blake Bortles, Derrick Henry, Jalen Ramsey Hottest Finalists: Nikki Kimbleton, Melissa Ross, Jeremy Spicer, Tim Deegan Hero Finalists: Denise Lee, Andy Johnson
The athletic superstar (c’mon, admit the boy was good) plays football and baseball, has written a couple of inspirational books, announced for the SEC and helped those affected by recent hurricanes. The man is an angel. And he’s rather attractive. Rumor has it that he’s been squiring Savannah Chrisley around … 10-year age difference and probably a couple dozen IQ points in between. Mama say no, Tebow!
Best Open Mic Night RAIN DOGS
Finalists: Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Whiskey Jax
Music fans have waited too damn long to hear your inhalant-inspired variation of The Allman Brothers Band’s stalwart, now as “Whippet Post.” The time is nigh. Every Wednesday at 9 p.m., Rain Dogs in Five Points features an open mic night. Hosted by local singer-songwriter Shawn Lightfoot, this weekly open call is more laid-back bar-hang than American Idol, unless that TV talent show/brain-melter offered really good draft beer and bar snacks. So tune up that electric zither, squeeze into those purple leather chaps, and invite the crowd into the arcane world of your brand-new, original tribute to ’90s French-toddler rap sensation, Jordy.
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Best Trivia Night
(TIE) EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ, BUFFALO WILD WINGS
Best Local Cosplayer Candy “Supergirl” Keane and finalist Jenna “Wonderwoman” Esposito elevate the art form with stunning realism and a commitment to character that makes every appearance unforgettable.
Finalists: Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers, Dick’s Wings Lakewood
Do you have an over-abundant amount of semiuseless and trivial knowledge crammed inside your head? You do?! Well then why don’t you just stop by European Street Café or Buffalo Wild Wings for trivia night? For E-Street, it’s Mondays at 7:30 p.m. on Riverside, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on Beach Boulevard and 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Jax Beach. For BW3s, it’s roundthe-clock. Both joints serve up some tasty grub and a decent selection of brews.
Best Farmers Market RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET
Finalists: Jacksonville Farmers Market (aka Beaver Street), Fernandina Beach Farmers Market Fresh herbs, hand-milled soaps and custom-fitted toe rings are only a few of the glorious items available at the market under the bridge. It’s a great place to catch some of Jacksonville’s extraordinary local musicians while cooling down with the breeze off the river, and a delicious iced coffee (or a.m. beer). Then wander around perusing the legit local cheeses, produce and baked goods on offer. Pro tip: Regarding the baked goods, we find that operating in a “one-fornow, one-for-later” mode works out really, really well.
Best Place to Bike
JACKSONVILLE-BALDWIN RAIL TRAIL Finalist: Hanna Park
Located just west of Downtown Jacksonville, the 14.5mile Baldwin Trail runs through a former railway line, offering two parallel paths–one for walking, jogging, in-line skating and biking–and a second for horseback riding. Local pedal-pushers know that the bike trail is still one of the best places in Northeast Florida to pop on their helmets, spin their wheels, and commune with nature while zipping along on a sunny day.
Best Surf Spot JAX BEACH PIER Finalist: The Poles
Why is surfing like sex? Because when it’s good, it’s really, really good. And when it’s bad … it’s still pretty good. What other sport combines the water, deathdefying skill, cool clothes and good music? While many of you answered, “Okie Noodling, Ya Dingus!” surfing is a straight-up local sport and locals head for the Jax Beach Pier when they want to carve out some waves, while not slamming headlong into a large pole.
Best Place for People-Watching JAX BEACH
Finalists: Memorial Park, Riverside
The 20th-century guru Yogi Berra once noted, “You can observe a lot by watching.” While we’re not sure that Sri Baba Berra visited Jax Beach, we’re pretty certain his eyes would have been ablaze with what he saw. Our readers love the sights, sounds (and possibly smells) of the beach, where the game of “Is that the mayor or a bum?” is always at play. While there are bars and
Best Fishing Spot MAYPORT JETTIES
Finalists: Jax Beach Pier, Fort Clinch
The Jetties, at the confluence of the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean, are full of great bait this time of year: mullet and pogies all over. You need live bait for the big catches like kingfish, tarpon, jack crevalle and sharks of several varieties and levels of fierceness. At the bend in the river, there’s Helen Cooper Floyd Park, named for a grand dame of old Mayport, where you can relax and dry off; many fisherfolk stand in the water waist-deep to practice their craft and try to reel in some dinner.
Since 1981, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival has continued to attract large audiences of jazz heads and newbies alike, with free concerts boasting lineups featuring some of the greatest legends and up-andcoming musicians. Held each year over Memorial Day weekend, the party spans 15 blocks in Downtown Jacksonville, with stages located at various spots, adding to the party atmosphere that attracts more than 130,000 each year.
Best Local Cosplayer CANDY KEANE
Finalists: Jenna Esposito, Jenifer Ann
All right, we’re just gonna come right out and say it: Candy Keane’s Wonder Woman is en fuego. This selfdecribed geek isn’t just a gorgeous face, beautiful bod and chameleon of costume: She’s also an incredibly talented seamstress who makes her own threads. Seriously. Move over, superheroines, ’cause Keane is putting you to shame and looking flawless doing it.
Best Local Cosplay Event Best Art Exhibit GAAM SHOW, GAAM (GAMES, ART AND MUSIC)
Show Finalists: WasabiCon, Mandarin MiniCon Art Exhibit Finalists: LIFT at the Cummer, Jeff Luque’s Girl with Flowers at CoRK
Whenever the GAAM Show rolled into town, it was almost like a bat signal went up, calling all nerds throughout the land to gather in one spot to celebrate everything good about being a nerd. Even though GAAM stands for Games, Arts And Music, none were excluded as they stood like the Statue of Liberty gathering and accepting the huddled masses of nerds. This year’s GAAM was a celebration of the beautiful—and criminally underrated—art of the video game world. Yet sometimes it’s not just about the art itself, but what the art can do. This year’s GAAM event not only showcased relatively unknown and underrated artists, but put on a live art auction with all the proceeds going to local charities. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Festival
Best Golfer
Finalists: Springing the Blues, Welcome to Rockville
Finalists: Russell Knox, Jordan Spieth
JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL
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JIM FURYK
Our readers’ fave local golfer is a pro in every sense of the word. Jim Furyk is ranked as the world’s 115th best golfer, but don’t let that fool you. Furyk’s career is loaded with great stats. He’s ranked No. 2 in driving accuracy, at 72.9 percent, according to cbssports. com. He’s won more than $67 million on the PGA Tour, nothing to sneeze at, and more than $3 million on European tours. The 6-foot-2-inch, 47-year-old holds the record for the lowest score in PGA Tour history—he shot a 58 in 2016’s Travelers Championship final round. The Ponte Vedra resident is community-minded; the Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation supports local charities that focus on making better lives for Northeast Florida’s children. That’s a drive we can all get behind.
Best Local Character READER NOMINATED CATEGORY Best Local Mascot JAXSON DE VILLE
Character Finalists: Jeremy Spicer, Kerry Speckman Mascots Finalists: Scampi, Ozzy Osprey
Jaxson de Ville has been with us through thick and thin. Good times and bad. By zipline, by bungie and by scooter, Jaxson has always been there. Just like the vigilante Bat of Gotham, he is our own masked crusader. Even in our darkest hours, we can all sleep soundly knowing our that our silent protector is on the prowl. When T-shirts need shooting, Jaxson will be there. When cakes need to be smashed in people’s faces, Jaxson will be there—queue the epic Batman musical score. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Dressed
CINDY PLATT, Grease Rags Clothing Finalists: Matt Hunt, Paul Green
In these days of snatched-back hair and uniformdressing, it’s easy to lose sight of the panache and savoir-faire that sartorial deliberateness can bring to everyday life—even if it is just running out to get your fake eyelashes trimmed. Grease Rags owner Cindy Platt takes dressing and coiffure to new levels— we’ve never not seen her spiffily turned out and, in turn, we are inspired to at the very least turn in our comfy flannel shirts for something with a waist.
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Local Attraction
JACKSONVILLE ZOO & GARDENS Finalists: Historic St. Augustine, The Beach
There’s a place in the city where wild beasts strut and roam, living in delicate harmony as they bellow mysterious calls and thump their chests in dominance. But very few ever go inside City Hall. However, way up yonder on the Northside sits the Jacksonville Zoo, featuring approximately 117 acres and more than 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants in its collection. Always a family favorite, the zoo is also a great place for a date, where you can sidle up close to your partner for some snuggle bumpkins, while whimpering, “B-b-but I’m a-scairt of gift shops...” Their annual Spooktacular is always a seasonal favorite, allowing certain people to break out in paroxysms of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown-induced reveries. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Coach
TOM COUGHLIN Finalist: Mark Brunnell
Well, that didn’t take long! Former Jaguars Head Coach Tom Coughlin, then of the NY Giants, and now back with the Jags as executive vice president of football operations, set the Jaguar Nation’s hopes on fire in January when he returned to EverBank Field. And, as the Jags have actually won some games—plural!—already this season, it looks like the Coughlin Magic is working! READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Celebrity Look-Alike NEGAN UNCHAINED
Making a living looking like somebody else may seem odd to some, but to us, it makes perfectly good sense. To pull off The Walking Dead character Negan—famous for bludgeoning his victims to death with a barbed-wire-wrapped baseball bat—you have to not only look the look, but walk the walk and talk the talk. Gene Russell—our resident Negan’s real name—does all three to perfection. So, dump the clown for little Timmy’s next birthday and call Negan. We promise you’ll be entertained.
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This gang of helpful, happy souls is reay to make your Grassroots Natural Market experince the very best. Even the baby loves the Riverside market where health-conscious folks can find everything they need to live that all-natural lifestyle.
SHOPPING & HEALTH BEAUTY& EDUCATION Best Bike Shop
OPEN ROAD BICYCLES
Finalists: ZenCog Bicycle Company, SuperCorsa Open Road Bicycles understands every aspect of bicycles—from the recreational rider to the dedicated racer. The full-service bike shop has extensive experience selling, servicing, renting, riding, racing and loving bicycles. Each location is staffed with knowledgeable and enthusiastic cyclists who love to share their expertise. Need to learn how to shift, fix a flat, carry gear, pump your tires? Want to find the best places to ride? Just ask, and they’ll be more than happy to help. They carry a wide selection of bicycles and a full range of all the biking parts and accessories you will ever need or want. We’ve got our eye on a sweet beach cruiser…
Best Dive Shop
ATLANTIC PRO DIVERS
Finalists: Divers Supply Jacksonville, Jax Surf & Paddle Whether you’re getting PADI-certified for the first time, filling tanks, checking o-rings, upping your deep dive game with Nitrox or decking yourself out for a dive trip to Grand Cayman or Cozumel, Atlantic Pro Divers in Jax Beach has everything you need—and probably some things you just really, really want. If you’re looking for a diving fix without the airfare and passport stamp, Northeast Florida’s Best Dive Shop also offers dive trips off our very own coast, including reefs and wreckages. Oooohhhh, pwetty fishies.
Best Surf Shop
AQUA EAST SURF SHOP
Finalists: Sunrise Surf Shop, Driftwood Surf Shop Located mere blocks from the ocean, Aqua East is the 28 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
go-to spot for surfers, swimmers and beach bunnies of all sorts to find everything from the longest longboards to the sweetest shades. Paddleboards, bodyboards, surfboards, skateboards and skimboards fill the shelves and walls. So even if you’ve got nowhere near the shredding skillz of the crew cuttin’ the pier, Aqua East has something to help you realize those dreams that first took shape when you wore water wings. They’ve also got cute beach casual clothing for those rare landlubber events the waterbabies let themselves get dragged to by the gremmies.
Best Skate Shop KONA SKATE PARK
Finalists: The Block Skate Supply Shop, Young, Loud & Snotty When Kona turned 40, we were equally elated and stunned—not because they’ve been leaders in the skate community for so long, but because we sometimes still think of skating as a kids’ sport—despite the multimillion-dollar industry attached to it. And that’s the thing—as storied as Kona is, it’s still a place all about community. The joy you get from knowing the Kona folks offer camps, equipment, lessons and competitions is like pulling off a nollie for the first time—it just feels right, like some good new you can’t wait to share.
Best Wine Shop
TOTAL WINE & MORE
Finalists: Riverside Liquors, Wine Warehouse of Atlantic Beach Ever go shopping for a bottle of wine and bring home a case? If not, then you probably haven’t been to Total Wine & More in St. Johns Town Center. This chain grabs the concept of one-stop-booze shop and takes it to the utmost extreme. Their wine selection has as much range
as Aretha Franklin—with prices as low as a couple bucks or as high as a couple of bones per glass or more.
Best Vintage Best Clothing Store
GREASE RAGS CLOTHING
Vintage Finalists: Wolf & Cub, That Poor Girl Clothing Store Finalists: Wolfgang, Francesca’s We think it says something awfully playful and sophisticated about Folio Weekly readers’ choice of this retro clothing store with a ’50s-style sensibility for best clothing and best vintage, too. Grease Rags is also into body positivity, providing a range of sizes (4-4X) so everyone can feel cute, not just the extra-tiny and tiny some boutiques tend to showcase. And though the shop sustained some Irma-related damage, the online boutique is up and running, for your entire “un-happy camper” circle-skirt needs.
Best Consignment Shop
FIFI’S FINE RESALE APPAREL
Finalists: POSH Upscale Consignment Boutique, Retail Therapy Consignment Got a taste for the finer things and a thrifty eye? Fear not, fair shopper, ’cause the four Northeast Florida locations of Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel will let you indulge your taste for designer threads without breaking the bank. Take a page from our readers and the Folio Weekly editor who treasures a faux white fur coat procured at the Ponte Vedra location and get your fancy fix or de-clutter your wardrobe (to make room for more, of course) at the region’s Best Consignment Shop.
Best Liquor Store
ABC FINE WINE & SPIRITS
Finalists: Total Wine & More, Riverside Liquors
Not many institutions that have won Best of Jax this year can honestly say that they have been around longer than most of our readers have been alive. If you can last through most of the major wars, the Great Recession and the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency, you must be doing something right. So, here’s a drink to you, good ol’ Alphabet Store. You keep ’em coming, and we’ll keep knocking ’em back.
Best Health Club/Gym
BAILEY’S GYM HEALTH CLUBS
Finalists: Temple Builders Fitness Centers For many, gym membership cards serve as $25-permonth wallet “buffers,” separating unused “10th Prayer Gets You Salvation” punch cards with various hotel key cards kept as souvenirs from your dual life as The Mini-Bar Burglar & Liberator. However, for our health-minded readers, when it comes to actually using that gym membership, they choose to pump it up at Bailey’s Gyms. With more than a dozen locations in Northeast Florida–each equipped with state-of-theart fitness equipment and a friendly, knowledgeable staff–in no time you’ll go from having sand kicked in your face to becoming the one who kicks sand in wimpy people’s faces! That’s the American dream right there.
Best Tattoo Studio
INKSMITH & ROGERS
Finalists: Black Hive Tattoo, 8th Day Tattoo Tattooing is nothing short of becoming a work of art, of making your outwardly physical self match up with your inner being. With five locations serving Northeast Florida and a litany of legends who hold or have held the tattoo gun at each Inksmith & Rogers, it’s no wonder that Folio Weekly readers have named
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SHOPPING & HEALTH BEAUTY& EDUCATION them Best Tattoo Studio in all of the 904 land again this year.
Best Yoga Studio
MINDFUL MOTION YOGA
Finalists: Bikram Yoga, MBody Yoga A FW staffer once accidentally attended one of those 90-minute hot power yoga classes and felt something like a stuffed sausage in a field of smug kale. That will not happen at Mindful Motion on the Southside of Jax, where the philosophy is focused on acceptance, mindfulness and each person living their own truth. If loving yourself and delighting in the moment sounds like something you might like (read: you’re a person), take a class at the Best Yoga Studio in Northeast Florida. Your bliss will follow.
Best Bookstore
CHAMBLIN’S UPTOWN, CHAMBLIN BOOKMINE
Finalists: San Marco Bookstore, The BookMark Vincent van Gogh said, “A visit to a bookshop has cheered me and reminded me there are good things in the world.” Does the same for us, Vince. And for FW readers, who’ve again voted Chamblin Bookmine and Chamblin’s Uptown as the best bookstores around. Ever been there? Goodgawdamighty, the number of books on shelves, in stacks, in boxes, behind shelves, beneath the cases—takes the breath away. Plus music CDs, DVDs,
What does it take to stay at the top of your industry for 44 years? The team at Atlantic Pro Divers– Northeast Florida’s oldest scuba shop–gives lessons, certifies on several levels and stocks all the gear you’ll ever need below the surface of the sea. And it’s all done wearing neoprene.
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VHS tapes, books-on-tape. We could live and die there. The wizard who wrought this magic is Ron Chamblin, aided by many bookish minions who live to serve those of us who literally cannot live without books. As John Waters put it, “If you go home with somebody, and they don’t have books, don’t f*ck them.” We agree.
Best Teacher
TONY WOOD at Stanton College Preparatory School
Finalists: John L. Meeks Jr., David P. Roberts You can’t teach art. What you’re really doing is encouraging, inspiring and guiding a child who has either an artistic bent or no interest in art whatsoever. Any child in Tony Wood’s art classes is already ahead; Wood has taught at Stanton for 14 years and it’s his job to fan a small flame into a fire of self-expression to carry that child forward with a sense of where he fits in the world, wrapped in the knowledge that art—painting, drawing, sculpting, building, welding, whatever—will always be there. Wood says, “I’m really passionate about the subject, and I really like to see the light come on when the kids start to understand how these creative juices make you feel.”
Best Local College
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA
Finalists: Jacksonville University, Florida State College at Jacksonville
Well-known for its splendid architecture, welcoming student community and sprawling campus—minus the goose poop—the University of North Florida is host to some 15,000 students. Whether it be engineering, journalism or Jack Kerouac, UNF boasts a broad range of subjects. And when it’s time to hit the books, the Thomas G. Carpenter library is always open. If you like the outdoors, try the Bamboo Garden or The Green—just watch out for errant frisbees.
Best Comic Book Store
SUPERHERO HIVE
Finalists: Mythical Mountain, Gotham City Limits BANG! ZOOM! POW! WHAP! What’s that, a bird? A plane? NO! It’s only the Best Comic Book Store in town! With funsters from Bat-Mite to Howard the Duck and everything in between, the Hive—along with its sister store in Jax Beach—has just about anything you could look for. Come for the limited edition copy of Watchmen, stay for the in-depth discussion on why Thor could kick Superman’s ass. Could too.
Best Health Food Store
GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET
Finalists: Native Sun Natural Foods Market, Whole Foods Market People seek out health foods for many reasons. Whether it’s for wellness and longevity, supporting a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle, or just having a moment of clarity while horking back another Doritos-on-white-bread-squeeze-knuckle, eating better quality foods can only improve your overall quality of life. Whatever your motivation, Grassroots Natural Market has you covered. Organic produce and meats are readily available, as are scads of supplements, more soy items than you can shake a compassionately sourced stick at, and a boss fresh juice and smoothie bar that will put a little zip in your Dorito-clogged step.
Best Place To Buy A Car
GARBER AUTOMALL
Finalists: AutoNation Ford Jacksonville, Keith Pierson Toyota Car-buying is the absolute best at all-American Garber Automall in Green Cove Springs. There you’ll find new domestic and pre-owned vehicles of all origins. Not only do they have an amazing array of choices for every budget, they also provide parts, service and assistance obtaining financing. The Best Place to Buy a Car is literally a one-stop shop for all your car-buying needs.
Best Jewelry Store
UNDERWOOD’S JEWELERS
Finalists: Beard’s Jewelry, Hemming Plaza Jewelers There are few things as certain as the sunrise. One of those things is Underwood’s Jewelers crushing it in Best of Jax. This year marks the 26th consecutive time the more-than-80-year-old company has won Best Jeweler; that’s every single year since we started this thing. So when they say their name is synonymous with fine jewelry, they back it up bigly. Think of it—Underwood’s has been in business since before Jacksonville was consolidated (though they were founded in Palatka—long story), since before the president was born, since before there was an Interstate 95 or 10. That’s serious staying power!
Best Florist
KUHN FLOWERS
Finalists: Dottie “B” Florist, Glenn Certain Floral Design, Liz Stewart Floral Design Lady Bird Johnson famously said, “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” No matter the occasion, there is something so soothingly joy-inducing about a beautiful bouquet. Here in Northeast Florida, folks agree that Kuhn Flowers is the place where hope springs eternal. Celebrating 70 years serving us on weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day (you didn’t forget again, did you?), and more, this family-owned favorite captures our readers’ hopes and hearts with kaleidoscopic, fresh-cut flowers, gift baskets, plants and an undeniable dash of love. OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 31
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Best Hospital
BAPTIST HOSPITAL DOWNTOWN
New Leaf Vapor Company won our readers’ hearts (and votes) for Best Vape Shop, and we think it must be the fabulous array of choices and knowledgeable stuff at their several Northeast Florida locations.
Finalists: St. Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside, Mayo Clinic
A recent cardiac arrest patient who was healed at Baptist Heart Hospital on the medical center’s impressive campus in Downtown Jax, which serves as the central hub for the system in the area, was treated to stunning riverfront views and the highest level of care—the latter is par for the course at all the Baptist facilities. Doctors, nurses and staff at each location care for the whole person—nobody’s a number there. That’s why they’ve been the most preferred provider in Northeast Florida for donkey years—and why they top our readers’ list as the Best Hospital.
Best Lawyer Best Local Righteous Crusader READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Social Justice Warrior JOHN M. PHILLIPS
Lawyer Finalists: Eileen Dolaghan, David M. Robbins Righteous Crusader Finalists: St. Johns Riverkeeper, Hope McMath Social Justice Warrior Finalists: Jimmy Midyette, Hemming Park Five If you don’t know John M. Phillips, you must’ve been living under a rock, ’cause Northeast Florida’s top choice for Best Lawyer seven years running is a force of nature. You’ll find him lending his voice to the downtrodden, giving city officials hell when they step on the little guy, and generally being an all-around nice dude. That’s why he’s again our readers’ choice for Best Local Righteous Crusader and has captured the title of Best Local Social Justice Warrior like the boss he is. If he used his powers for evil, this smartas-a-whip family man and social media whiz could be a supervillain. Lucky for us, his sense of right and wrong is so on fleek, he’s a genuine inspiration to us all.
SHOPPING & HEALTH BEAUTY& EDUCATION
Best Day Spa Best Plastic Surgeon
DR. CLAYMAN’S PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER & MIRACLE SPA DR. MARK CLAYMAN Day Spa Finalists: The Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, The Ritz-Carlton Spa Plastic Surgeon Finalists: Dr. Robert Burk, Dr. Richard Glassman As the timeless Dolly Parton observed in Steel Magnolias, “Time marches on, and sooner or later, you realize it is marchin’ across your face.” If you want to reverse that march, relax and rejuvenate at our readers’ choice for Best Day Spa, where the staff will scrub you, peel you, rub you and pamper you until the stress (and years) just fall away. If you’re looking for something a tad more, ahem, permanent, Best Plastic Surgeon Dr. Mark Clayman can assist with a li’l nip, tuck and lift.
Best Hair Stylist
VICKY HOYER, The Corner Salon
Finalists: Amanda Adams, Carolina Sherman, Cut-N-Edge Salon When we called Vicky Hoyer to let her know she’d won Best of Jax, she didn’t believe us. She then hopped off the phone to finish up with a client, “that one-on-one attention always come first,” she said with a laugh. The stylist, whose more than 27 years of experience began in England, says her focus is the emotional as well as the physical side of client care. “I listen and I pamper because it’s how I was trained.” The Corner Salon is also a distributer of the naturally-based Monat line of haircare products. 34 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
Best Hair Salon HAWTHORN SALON
Finalists: Cut-N-Edge Salon, Cortello Hair Salon Located in the heart of 5 Points in Riverside, Hawthorn Salon promises to give men and women “the hair you’ve always dreamed of.” Admittedly, for some of us, the dream is to just be presentable. But for those who have loftier ambitions—things like fashion-forward shags, tight fades, sleek Wintourinspired bobs and festival-perfect braids, the crew at Hawthorn will keep your hair looking relevant and steer you away from your worst impulses (don’t ever try mermaid hair at home). As a salon committed to the best in haircare, all of the stylists take continuing education classes from some of the best names in the business including Bumble & Bumble, Redken and L’Oreal.
for Best Doctor, Dr. Susan Sheldon, the medical staff has been providing healthcare to pets since 2003. (Seems Folio Weekly readers love their pets almost as much as we love our readers!) The clinic is open seven days a week with no appointment necessary—soooo convenient when Dogzilla swallows a Furby. Saint Francis now offers doggie daycare and a pet resort as well as grooming space and retail. Annual events help raise awareness and funds for the hospital.
Best Dentist
DR. KEVIN SNYDER, HARBOUR DENTAL CARE Finalists: Dr. Donald Alexander, Dr. Richard C. Mullens
Veterinarian Finalists: San Juan Animal Hospital; Kyla Savick, Merrill Animal Clinic Doctor Finalists: Dr. Ali Kasraeian, Dr. Rodolfo
A healthy smile is the gateway to a healthy body and residents of the First Coast clearly think that Dr. Snyder’s focus on compassionate, seamless, pain-free care is the pathway to better oral health and happier dental visits. Numerous patients cite the humor, kindness and laughter they find in what is generally an unpleasant appointment; well, at the very least, anxiety-provoking anticipation. Most striking, though, clients mention the level of trust they have in the doctor and his staff, and that’s why they keep going back.
Local pets are treated to top-quality care at Saint Francis Animal Hospital. This not-for-profit clinic offers a wide range of services at prices all pet owners can afford. Under the direction of Northeast Florida’s choice
CARLTON SIZER, MASSAGE ENVY JAX BEACH
Best Veterinarian Best Doctor
SAINT FRANCIS ANIMAL HOSPITAL DR. SUSAN SHELTON
Best Massage Therapist
Finalists: Kimber Medrano, (tie) Chloe Pearce, Willow Organic Salon & Spa, Katlyn Sharpe According to his fans, Carlton Sizer doesn’t just rub your back—rather, he digs in, targeting problem areas and stretching tight bodies out. It’s a kind of physical reset that helps with mental stressors, too. Specializing in deep tissue and firm pressure massage, Sizer makes certain to keep his sessions relaxing and this, combined with his genuine concern for the well-being of each person on his table, keeps his clients returning again and again (of course, Massage Envy’s monthly plans help with that, too). Le sigh our fingers hurt from typing all this praise … we should probably book a session today. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Tattoo Artist NICK WAGNER
Finalists: Dave Wood, Selena Medina, Ralph Royals Many a fool walks the Earth who thought they were getting a tattoo then wound up with an inky scar that cost them some cold hard cash. For more evidence, scour Duval for various body parts riddled with “I Love Moom,” “Doneld Trump for Bresidents,” etc. Serious tattoo lovers make an appointment to see Nick Wagner, proprietor and ink guru of Black Hive Tattoo in Riverside. From classic El Corazón type imagery to intricate, detailed line work, superhero characters, well-
rendered beasts, even a deftly penned and muchtreasured Sanskrit phrase Ishvara Pranidhana inked on the arm of an unnamed Folio Weekly A&E writer (it’s Dan), Wagner has got you covered. Black Hive Ink boasts the additional talents of three more artists and to separate the serious customers from the Kid Rocks (Kids Rock?), the studio’s site lists a 10-point shop etiquette on what you should and shouldn’t do to make sure you walk out with some stellar body art. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Family Lawyer MATTHEW HUNT
Finalists: Paul Green, Jacqueline Green Divorce and custody disputes are among the most stressful situations you may ever have the misfortune of experiencing. No big surprise: They combine the drama of family with the horrors of the judicial system. Shudder Family law attorney Matthew Hunt with the Law Offices of John M. Phillips can traverse through the process with the patience and compassion of a preacher and the sharp mind and passionate advocacy of a hardnosed attorney. Plus, he looks pretty damn good doing it. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.)
Finalists: Pecan Park Flea & Farmers Market, Beach Boulevard Flea Market One part colorful bazaar, one part family fun day, and one part Direct-to-Red-Box action comedy, each weekend Ramona Flea Market has something for everyone. As you navigate 46 acres of this discount-price ShangriLa, everything is within your reach, from produce and clothing, to DVDs, tobacco accessories (cough...), along with a karaoke lounge where the overheated can cool down with a beer and the chance to be “discovered” as they warble through their innovative version of “Midnight at the Oasis.” Where else in this area can you buy boxing gloves, a DVD player, kettle corn and a glow-in-the-dark sword? You know, other than Lenny Curry’s new “Le-Cur” boutique. Kidding. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Travel Agent STEVE CRANDALL
Finalists: Avondale Travel, Corey Determan
Best DUI Lawyer
When Folio Weekly readers want to “get away from it all,” or merely flee the scene, they hit up Steve Crandall at Discount Travel to set them up with an affordable and enjoyable getaway plan, regardless of motivation. So whether it’s a romantic honeymoon trip to Bora Bora, a real-time reenactment of the Stones’ Exile on Main Street concert in Amsterdam, or an adventurous church youth group trip to Sierra Leone that those pious rascals will never forget, let Steve be your guide so you can travel affordably, securely and in style!
Finalists: Jonathan B.B. Lucas, David Robbins
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
REID HART
More people than care to admit know how this feels: blue lights in the rearview, an officer asking “Have you been drinking?” The system “presumes” innocence, but it sure doesn’t feel like it in the back of a police cruiser. (We assume.) In moments like these, Reid Hart is Folio Weekly readers’ choice for that all-important phone call. Just dial 444-4444. Hart, the lead criminal defense attorney with the Law Offices of John M. Phillips, will provide you with the defense you deserve: the very, very best.
Best Mattress Store MATTRESS FIRM
Finalists: Mattress One, Hazouri Adjustable Beds With a store in nearly every town between here and the Keys, chances are you have either bought a mattress or know someone who has bought one from Mattress Firm. Also, depending on whether or not you smell like you just got sprayed by a skunk, you can pop in the stores any time and try out one of their bajillion types of mattresses. And yes, a bajillion may or may not be a real number.
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Salvage/Reuse/ Repurpose Company ECO RELICS
Finalists: Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry, HabiJax When your best friend texts you a photograph of his newest treasure, a mid-century equine lamp with an architectural shade, you know he’s been shopping at Eco Relics without you (probably because otherwise you’ll just end up squabbling over that unsettling unsigned folk art drawing). The warehouse is jam-packed with everything from reclaimed wood tables (made in-house) to Deco bureaus and armoires bigger than some studio apartments. They’ve also got a selection of lighting, siding, doors, windows, miscellaneous hardware and hundreds of tchotchkes and tchotchke-adjacent items to spruce up your place. Whether you’re looking for a singular focal point or historically appropriate architectural details, chances are they have it. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Vape Shop
NEW LEAF VAPOR COMPANY Finalists: All Day Vape, Fuzion Vapor What many consider to be the Meerschaum Pipe of the Millennial Age, vaping (or “vaporizing” for you daffy-brained nesbits) has become a fashionable way to get a nicotine fix without that awful cigarette smell, yellow teeth, fingers, nails. #Tar. With six locations in the area, New Leaf Vape has the products you need to set you up on a cleaner smoking experience. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Flea Market
RAMONA FLEA MARKET
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Sex Shop
INSERECTION ADULT FANTASY STORE Finalists: Adam & Eve, Sunset Novelties
We all get by with a little help from our friends, and if you need a little intimate help, whether it’s condoms for safer sex or toys and costumes— including a good selection of plus-sizes—to add a little fun and variety to your between-the-sheets, on the kitchen table, against the wall…sorry, we digress…frolics, our readers agree that Inserection is the place to go. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is happy to make suggestions, is totally nonjudgmental, has proudly tried many of the products and they’ve got a four-star Yelp rating. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Real Estate Agent ANITA VINING
Finalists: Sonny Downey, Blake Meacham There are many reasons to sell one’s house: eagerness to move on to newer, fancier digs; making a quick buck on the housing rates in your neighborhood going “full Melania,” or simply tiring of hearing those howling voices rip through the vents as ectoplasmic blood shoots through the walls. You know, life stuff. Our readers know that whether they are looking to sell or buy, the best Real Estate agent in Northeast Florida is the inimitable Anita Vining. A resident of Jacksonville since 1983, Vining has seen the market trends come and go, which surely gives her the edge on her competitors. While her specialty is in waterfront properties along the St. Johns River and coastline and tonier ’hoods, she’s knowledgeable in all areas of Jacksonville and can make your buying or selling experience a smooth process. OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 35
In addition to wearing a magnificent beard, winner of Best Bartender Bruce O’Dowd makes mixing drinks look like magical sleight-of-hand, only instead of a rabbit that needs lots of alfalfa (and cage-cleaning) you get a craft cocktail that obviates the need for anything other than the next drink.
DINING&DRINKING
& HOSPITALITY
Best Server
KELLI TURNER, Hooters Orange Park Finalists: Lauren Parret, Sliders Seaside Grill; Johnny Miller, European Street Riverside
If you’re in the mood to hang out with a gorgeous brunette woman who has that perfect pinch of sassy humor, dash of moxie and generous helping of hootie, ask for Kelli Turner at Hooters Orange Park, this year’s Best Server. The Hooters gal is a well-loved member of the team, so much so that she’s captured our readers’ hearts and, we’re just guessing, eyes. Social media rumor has it that the way to Ms. Turner’s heart might involve some delicious chicken nuggets.
Best Cocktail Selection Best Bartender MOXIE KITCHEN + COCKTAILS BRUCE O’DOWD
Cocktail Selection Finalists: The Ice Plant, Whiskey Jax Bartender Finalists: Johnna Nobles, Sliders Seaside Grill; Casey Shelton, Dos Gatos
Don’t be fooled by Moxie Kitchen + Cocktail’s chainadjacent location at the St. Johns Town Center—this is a local joint. Best Bartender Bruce O’Dowd is the kinda drink-slinger you happen upon once in a Happy Hour Moon: charming, creative, accommodating and as friendly as if he’d been born smiling. The craft cocktails he’s pouring at our readers’ choice for Best Cocktail Selection aren’t drinks, they’re experiences. And O’Dowd and his comrades in shaker tins mix up a mighty fine experience indeed. Walk Don’t Run to check out intriguing drinks like the Nueva Moda— Altos Reposado Tequila, cinnamon syrup, orange 36 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
zest, bitters; Feel No Pain—Manzanilla Sherry, Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, pineapple and lime juices, cream of coconut, cinnamon; or The Fly By (for two)— Absolute Elyx, Blackwoods Gin, Galliano, pineapple juice, kiwi and black pepper shrub, lime juice. Feeling classic? Go with a Moscow Mule. It’s a Sure Thing that you’ll have a hard time drinking just one.
Best Chef
Chef SAM EFRON, Taverna San Marco Finalists: Chef Tom Gray, Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails; Chef Kenny Gilbert, Gilbert’s Underground and Gilbert’s Social
Taverna San Marco has stood out since Chef Sam and wife Kiley Wynne Efron opened the favored lunch and dinner spot in 2009. Even when he’s just making a simple duck liver ravioli, Chef Sam Efron’s attention to detail elevates every bite. “Enjoying a well-prepared meal highlights life,” he said. “…When people gather around the dinner table to break bread, it offers a canvas to build bridges between cultures.” A Jacksonville native with a résumé that has that Michelin star quality, Chef Sam isn’t the type to leave the grunt work to the grunts—which is part-andparcel to why he’s so beloved and respected, from the dish pit to the hostess stand to the table and beyond.
Best Barista
two percent foam is served with a smile. But that’s not all he does, he’s tasted with knowing what the difference is between a Sumatra and a French roast is (and the endless other varieties of coffee available), while being tirelessly willing to talk to that one friend we all have who needs to volubly recount his summer in Prague…from three years ago. Walden listens patiently to how enamored of flat whites said friend currently is (and bonus pretention points how no one in America makes them properly), then serves up the fat-free iced caramel macchiato, upside down, with extra caramel coffee the dude just ordered with speed and accuracy.
Best Restaurant on Amelia Island READER NOMINATED CATEGORY Best Pet-Friendly Restaurant/Bar SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL
Finalists: South Kitchen & Spirits, Town Hall
Restaurant on Amelia Finalists: Salty Pelican Bar & Grill, Salt-The Ritz Carlton Pet-Friendly Restaurant/Bar Finalists: Green Room Brewing, Harpoon Louie’s, Aardwold Brewing Company
Best Restaurant in Jacksonville
Best Seafood
Best New Restaurant
1000 DEGREES NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA After its grand opening in Fernandina back in August, 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria has quickly drawn in pizza lovers by the dozens and dozens. You can choose from a collection of old standbys like pepperoni, Hawaiian and meat-lovers, or you can build your own, picking and choosing 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.
RICHIE WALDEN, Starbucks
RESTAURANT ORSAY
Whether it’s making certain your tall nonfat pumpkin spice latte—heated to exactly 163 degrees—with
If you’re seeking food porn that tastes as scrumptious as it looks sex-x-x-x-y, check out Riverside mainstay Restaurant Orsay, again this year our readers’ fave
Finalists: Victoria Zeisler, Southern Grounds & Co., Nicole Ellis
in the great city of Cowford. With a focus on local sources, the French technique take on American Southern cuisine at Orsay will make your taste buds your BFFs for life.
Finalists: Black Sheep, Taverna
If there is one thing Amelia Island is known for, it’s consistency. When you go to Amelia, you know you’re going to get good beaches, good restaurants/bars and good service. When you go to Sliders Seaside Grill, you get all three. The food is always delicious, the bar is always serving up tasty drinks and the service is always top notch—plus, there are swings at the bar. If you decide to bring Napoleon or Josephine the porkies with you, just pop a squat outside near the tiki bar and chances are they’ll get their water before you get yours.
SAFE HARBOR SEAFOOD MARKET & RESTAURANT
Finalists: Salty Pelican, Bluefish
Safe Harbor wins again! And we can’t say we are one bit surprised that savvy Folio Weekly readers recognize
OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 37
Does it surprise anyone that the mellowest of mushrooms was awarded Best Happy Hour by hundreds of chilled-out Jacksonvillians? From 3-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers tacitly—by way of drink specials—invites harried folks to take the edge off the day.
DINING&DRINKING
& HOSPITALITY
that the freshest seafood in the area is right next to the dock where the boat ties up. But wait, there’s so much more: Safe Harbor isn’t just any ol’ fish market. The attached restaurant serves some of the tastiest traditional fish-shack fare anywhere in Florida. We are especially partial to the smoked mullet dip, shrimp nachos, and Captain Walter’s 3-way combo—with an extra side of hush puppies, please (and we’ll have some clam chowder to go, too).
Best Chicken Wings WING-IT
Finalists: Dick’s Wings, Gator’s Dockside
Make no bones about it: our readers hail Wing-It as the best place to nosh on some serious chicken wings. At its two locations in Mandarin and the Northside, Wing-It offers flavors such as honey BBQ, lemon pepper and hot garlic, as well as the standard wing sauce, spicely heated from medium to volcanic. Wings can be ordered from in quantities ranging from a modest 12 to a Roman-Wing-Orgy number 90! That’s a whole lotta yardbird. In addition to award-winning wings, this much-loved eatery serves up a half-pound Wing-It burger, plus sandwiches and melts, nachos, quesadillas and for the dainty wing-nibbler, the popular boneless wings. Bone Appétit!
Best Hot Dog HOT DOG HUT
Finalists: Texas Hot Dogs, Orange Tree Hot Dogs
Hot Dog Hut won our hearts when we discovered that they serve a Chicago-style dog (we like ours with extra sport peppers), and when our readers recognized the clearly superior pork products available there, we couldn’t have been more pleased—or more ready to ditch a day at the office for a day at the beach followed by a foot-long Carolina dog direct to the face. Which brings us to another exciting nugget of info: They’ve got 15 varieties of hot dog (one for every mood, perhaps), plus they have that kind of embarrassing but totally delicious favorite: French fries drizzled with ranch dressing. 38 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
Best Sub Sandwich ANGIE’S SUBS
Finalists: Larry’s Giant Subs, Firehouse Subs
A mainstay of the Jax Beach area for longer than some of us have been alive, Angie’s is the place locals go when they’re in the mood for a classic sammy. The rolls are always perfectly toasted and stuffed to the gills with succulent meats. Add a little of their signature Peruvian sauce—which, thankfully, is never in short supply—and you’re set. Nevermind the taxidermied deer on the wall, he won’t bite.
Best Dessert BISCOTTIS
Finalists: Cheesecake Factory, bb’s Restaurant & Bar
For nearly 25 years, the much-loved Biscottis has earned loyal customers who clamor to Avondale to indulge in this neighborhood favorite, combining the cozy with the sweet. While Biscottis is renowned for its brunch and lunch menus, as well as adult libations and tasty cocktails, FW readers give the place the highest hosannas for its inimitable selection of desserts. Pastry Chef Mallorie Finnell makes everything from scratch, so you know you’re getting the freshest cupcakes, cookies, bread pudding and signature biscotti, and a cake menu ranging from Triple Chocolate and White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake to Grand Marnier Tropical and Peanut Butter Mousse cakes. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Doughnuts
GOOD DOUGH DOUGHNUTS
Finalists: Sweet Theory, The Donut Shoppe
We are so incredibly appreciative for all of the research our readers must’ve done in order to make this informed and tough decision. Good Dough, which opened in San Marco earlier this year, has upped the doughnut game in town, offering flavors like Earl Grey, blackberry glazed with whipped mascarpone topping
and what we think is one of the best ideas ever: a doughnutwich (ham, egg and cheese on a donut)! The flavors change with the months and we have heard (from a very reliable source) that in October, they’re making their own pumpkin spice syrup.
Best Steak Best Restaurant When Someone Else Is Paying RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
Steak Finalists: Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse, Pinegrove Market Someone Else Paying Finalists: Orsay, The Capital Grille
It has become increasingly “rare” to believe that Ruth’s Chris Steak House won’t be the returning champs for both the Best Steak and “Let Your Friend with the Fat Wallet Buy” categories. While it might be a national franchise restaurant, Ruth’s Chris creates an intimate vibe that’s perfect for sinking your teeth in an incredible steak. Served sizzling with their signature butter-topped flair, Ruth’s Chris makes no beef in offering you the best in cuts including filets, a cowboy rib eye, New York strips, T-bones, porterhouse for two (40 ounces!) and petite cuts, along with surf-and-turf and lamb chops, as well as an extensive cocktail and wine list.
Best Restaurant To Impress A Date
BLACK SHEEP RESTAURANT
Finalists: Restaurant Orsay, Ruth’s Chris Steak House If you’re looking for a li’l romance, order a medley of delectable indulgences and watch the sun set over the city from the rooftop of Black Sheep Restaurant, with a delicious cocktail in hand and your best gal or guy (or both!) by your side. Even the Grinch’s tiny heart would go pitty-pat experiencing myriad pleasures of the Best Restaurant to Impress a Date for two years running, whose new Downtown spot Bellwether is on the tongues of all the foodies in town.
Best Coffeehouse
BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS
Finalists: Southern Grounds, Urban Grind
Rumored to have consumed a modest 50 cups of coffee a day, 19th-century French writer Honoré de
Balzac would have surely applauded (with trembling hands) the caffeinated offerings of Bold Bean Coffee Roasters. With locations in Riverside, Jax Beach and the latest spot in San Marco, Bold Bean roasts its own beans to serve up the best in espresso, cappuccino, lattes, iced coffee and the universal favorite: rich and tasty pour-overs. For you lightweights, Bold Bean also serves decaf drinks; some truly stellar desserts, including vegan options, are also featured.
top honors for its skills at cooking old-school BBQ with some seriously downhome sides. All your faves like brisket, pulled pork, chicken and turkey breast are on the menu, along with Mojo’s killer Texas Hot Links. Seafood meets the smokehouse with Delta catfish, grilled salmon, and shrimp & grits, while you can get a pre-meal fill-up with appetizers and then fill your plate with side dishes like collard greens, dirty rice, BBQ beans and some seriously good potato salad.
Best Deli
Best Comfort Food Best Food Truck
PINEGROVE MARKET & DELI Finalists: Sun Deli, Akel’s Deli
For more than 60 years, the Pinegrove Market & Deli has been feeding locals on the strengths of neighborhood, a family vibe and unparalleled food offerings. Located in Avondale, Pinegrove serves full breakfast, salads, soups and even steaks. But the deli is surely most loved for its killer sandwiches and burgers. Keep it très local with The Avondale, featuring homemade tabouli, roast beef and smoked Gouda in a fresh-baked, pressed pita; or sink your teeth into The Raj, a fresh-ground steak burger, with grilled pastrami, smoked Gouda, fried green tomato and lettuce on a grilled bun. Wanna get it to go or go large? The deli sells fresh foods and offers catering.
Best Sports Bar
MILLER’S ALE HOUSE
Finalists: Whiskey Jax, Sneakers Sports Grille
The first Miller’s Ale House sprang up nearly 30 years ago down in Jupiter. The casual sports-centric place quickly produced offspring; there are now 81 Ale Houses in 12 states; five locally. Our readers approve of the fresh, familiar fare: chicken, pasta, steaks, sandwiches and, of course, a full bar with local craft brews. And the wall-to-wall screens! My god, you can see every sport known to man in vivid HD—every drop of sweat, every ripple of muscle, every divot fly … getting carried away here. For sports bar fever, the cure is Miller’s Ale House.
Best Burrito
BURRITO GALLERY
Finalists: Lola’s Burrito & Burger Joint, La Nopalera Mexican Restaurant
When it comes to readers celebrating the best local burrito, the Burrito Gallery has it wrapped up tight. Locations in Downtown, Brooklyn and Jax Beach each feature a signature menu, but all three spots are known for consistency in serving some serious burrito action, as well as tacos, nachos, enchiladas, salads and the ‘dilla: a bowlful of the burrito action with tortilla-wrapped-cheese on the side. Pick your protein, between steak, carnitas, chicken or tofu, pack it up in a corn or flour tortilla, fill it with savory add-ons, and discover why FW readers chose Burrito Gallery as the numero uno burrito spot.
Best Bagel
EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS
Finalists: Bagel Love, Panera Bread
Now with locations in Riverside and at University of North Florida, Einstein Bros. Bagels keeps Northeast Florida fed and happy on the quest for fresh-baked, boss bagels. You want variety? The geniuses at Einstein’s offer more than 30 flavors. So along with classics like Everything and Cinnamon Raisin, you can score a Cheesy Hash Brown or Green Chile bagel. Seasonal fare gets represented with Pumpkin (natch!) while the “Shmearfuls” offer a new take on bagel spreads.
Best Barbecue MOJO KITCHEN
Finalists: 4 Rivers Smokehouse, The Bearded Pig BBQ
“What is the law? Not to eat meat.” While that little epigram might’ve worked for the man-beasts of Island of Lost Souls, for many of our readers, enjoying delicious barbecue is the only law. Mojo Kitchen takes
SOUL FOOD BISTRO
Comfort Food Finalists: Sliders Seaside, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Metro Diner
Food Truck Finalists: On the Fly, Happy Grilled Cheese Wednesday is baked spaghetti day at Soul Food Bistro, so that makes hump day the best day of the week (but get there early, they tend to sell out). Under the direction of Chef Celestia Mobley, the restaurant is the best/worst-kept secret on the Westside. And now, for folks who find the trek to Normandy a little too far (even for ox-tail, mac ’n’ cheese and the most amazing bread pudding, ever), they’ve got an award-winning food truck (thanks to our sagacious readers); find it by checking the Bistro’s Facebook page.
Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant
SOUTHERN ROOTS FILLING STATION Finalists: Grassroots Natural Market, Sweet Theory Baking Company
Offering breakfasts like granola and chia pudding, to small plate-snacks, salads, rice-bowls and tasty sammies, Southern Roots Filling Station will fill your belly but not your arteries. But wait, there’s more: they offer healthy foods in bulk from things that are in most folks’ kitchens, like brown rice and olive oil, to harder-to-find fare like milk thistle seed and wormwood. Housed in a small storefront on King St. in Riverside, the space has recently expanded to make room for a larger dining area as the food has proven so popular—filling station indeed.
Best Restaurant serving Locally Sourced Food KITCHEN ON SAN MARCO
Finalists: The Local Jax, Sliders Seaside Grill
Located in the historic neighborhood of San Marco, Kitchen on San Marco has quickly become the top restaurant serving locally sourced food. The gastropub combines imaginative, upscale cooking technique with a casual dining experience that stuns. Kitchen’s inventive dishes with fresh, local ingredients are miles ahead of the pack. The friendly staff and professional chefs go out of their way to provide guests with a dining experience that keeps ‘em coming back for more.
Best All-You-Can-Eat Special/Buffet TERRA GAUCHA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE Finalists: China Buffet, Al’s Pizza
Strap on the feedbag and dig into a dizzying array of foodstuffs at Northeast Florida’s Best All-You-Can-Eat Special/Buffet in Tinseltown on the Southside. Fear not: That smiling angel with the platter of meat will come your way again. And again. And again. Seriously, it’s so good, you’ll probably want to fast for a few days before your reservation at Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse, a delightfully upscale buffet experience like no other.
Best Meal For Under $10 Best Mac ’N’ Cheese READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
SPLIFF’S GASTROPUB
Meal Under $10 Finalists: TacoLu, Al’s Pizza Mac ’n’ Cheese Finalists: Mojo Kitchen, Maple Street Biscuit Company OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 39
Sam Efron, chef and owner of Taverna San Marco, has cooked along the likes of Daniel Boulud and Danny Meyer—so it comes as no surprise that he takes home the title of Best Chef in Jacksonville, according to our sophisticated readers. The next time you’re in the mood for elevated Italian, stop into this neighborhood favorite (we recommend the ravioli).
super-vitamin boosts, get their smoothie fix at Smoothie King. Boasting 11 locations in Northeast Florida, SK uses the freshest ingredients to make stellar on-the-spot drinks that run the gamut from health-geared smoothies, including fitness, slim and wellness blends, along with healthful snacks and kid’s cups. Stevia, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options give every diet the chance to sip on some serious smoothie action.
Best Frozen Yogurt Shop SWEETFROG PREMIUM FROZEN YOGURT
Finalists: Yobe Frozen Yogurt, Mochi Frozen Yogurt Some of us are lucky enough to have friends who can be persuaded to skip lunch and have froyo (as the pros call it) instead. Their go-to spot: sweetFROG. With a selection of low-fat, fat-free and dairy-free treats that can be swirled or stacked, plus a toppings bar with chocolate flakes and all the whipped cream you need, we could be persuaded to skip lunch and eat sweet treats instead, too.
Best Breakfast Best Brunch Best Restaurant in Orange Park, Fleming Island, Green Cove Springs THE METRO DINER
Breakfast Finalists: The Fox Restaurant, Maple Street Biscuit Co. Brunch Finalists: The Local Jax, Hoptinger Bier Garden & Sausage House OP/FI/GCS Finalists: Mojo BBQ, Mellow Mushroom
Our readers like to “rise and shine” with a cup of fresh coffee and the mega-comfort breakfast foods of The Metro Diner. Now with six locations, this ultimate eatery offers breakfast entrées including The Bissell Breakfast, the French toast-style Yo Hala on the Square, and a crowd favorite—Fried Chicken & Waffle. Breakfast fare is served ’round the clock, but Metro Diner has an equally impressive lunch and dinner menu, with killer deli classics, homestyle stuff like meatloaf and chicken and dumplings, and full-tilt burgers.
Best Bakery
DINING&DRINKING
& HOSPITALITY
This spot sandwiched between businesses on Ocean Street in Downtown Jax is easy to miss unless you know what you’re looking for. But locals know just what they’re looking for at Spliff’s Gastropub: quality meals at an unbeatable price point and the Best Damn Mac ’N’ Cheese on this side of the planet. That’s why they’re our readers’ fave for Best Meal Under $10 and that cheesy, noodle-y fix. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Soup
CRAB BISQUE, The Blue Fish Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Finalists: Bowl of Pho, Harpoon Louie’s
Laced with sherry and loaded with crab meat, the crab bisque certainly takes a cue from she crab soup, but according to Folio Weekly readers, it is much better— indeed, it’s a creamy panegyric to Lord Neptune’s bounty, a bowl full of briny, unctuous goodness studded with the buttery lusciousness of crab. We think the soup is the perfect way to start a meal, and if paired with a salad it makes a lovely and elegant lightish meal (especially when complemented with warm bread and butter). 40 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
Best Tapas 13 GYPSIES
Finalists: España Restaurant, Hawkers Asian Street Fare
Helmed by the extraordinary polymath Howard Kirk—he’s an artist, a DJ, and does fancy computer stuff, too—13 Gypsies has consistently been one of the city’s most well-respected (and busy) restaurants since it opened its doors back in 2008. We think it’s because Howard is a damn genius with a peerless palate. Pop in for a little sangria and honey garlic hummus or stay a while and enjoy sampling—and sharing—the menu. Try the daily risotto and cured meat if it’s available, we’re certain you’ll be impressed; oh, and the pan-seared cod, too.
SWEET THEORY BAKING COMPANY
Finalists: Cinotti’s Bakery, Village Bread Café
Donuts like pillows (root beer and lavender are just a couple of flavor favorites), dense sweet breads, skyhigh gluten-free cakes, and breakfast sandwiches with vegan bacon and sausage abound—and with soy-free, peanut-free and vegan options, there’s a reason that on weekend mornings there’s often a line out the door. Sweet Theory also run specials regularly, so keep an eye on its Instagram account and score a cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven.
Best Sushi FUJI SUSHI
Finalists: Kazu Sushi, Sake House
It’s hard to find good quality sushi at a price that won’t have you taking out a second mortgage on your house. But Fuji Sushi is not only delicious, it’s affordable. Word from the wise: drop in midday for the lunch special. Three sushi rolls and some bomb-ass miso for the price you’d usually fork over for one roll anywhere else—spicy tuna is the best, just sayin’. You can’t beat that with a stick!
SMOOTHIE KING
Best Fish Camp Best Neighborhood Bar in OP/Fleming Island/Green Cove Springs
Locals looking for a healthy way to enjoy a tasty, nutritious drink slam full of healthy ingredients, and even
Fish Camp Finalists: Clark’s Fish Camp, Julington Creek Fish Camp OP/FI/GCS Finalists: Brewer’s Pizza, Roadhouse
Best Smoothie Finalists: Tropical Smoothie, Grassroots Natural Market
WHITEY’S FISH CAMP
A longstanding tradition in the Southeast region of the United States, fish camps are a slice of Southern charm and hospitality—especially Whitey’s. Our readers’ personal favorite Fish Camp & Neighborhood Bar in OP/FI/GCS, Whitey’s Fish Camp serves up all-you-can-eat fried catfish all week. They hold a bass fishing tournament on Thursdays, and there’s live music Friday and Saturday. It’s kind of like that song “Redneck Yacht Club” but with a restaurant. Seriously, try the catfish. You won’t regret it.
Best Indian Restaurant
5thELEMENT INDIAN RESTAURANT Finalists: JaxSpice, India’s Restaurant
Baymeadows is home to many Indian cuisine restaurants, but Folio Weekly readers have crowned the 5thElement as the city’s best. Locals love the lunch buffet that lets you try an array of Indian dishes without emptying your wallet. Appetizers, entrées and desserts are equally filled with authentic flavors, all made with the freshest ingredients. South Indian, Tandoor and Indo-Chinese offerings abound, along with one of most satisfying vegetarian menu selections in the city. The owners accommodate the most nit-picky spice requests (“Garlic Chicken with a heat level of somewhere between mild and taste-bud scorching”) and if that still gets a little too warm on the palate, wash it back with a mango lassi or traditional Indian beer.
Best Burger in Jax M SHACK
Finalists: Poe’s Tavern, The Loop
With four locations and six years under its belt, M Shack has become the go-to spot for Jax peeps looking to nosh on the Best Burger in Jax. With 10 specialty burgers and the ability to customize your own—we’re talking Scooby and Shaggy sandwich style—you get what you want and a little more at M Shack. Not to mention, they have a gluten-free bun for wheat-intolerant burger lovers.
Best Burger in St. Augustine THE WORLD FAMOUS OASIS DECK & RESTAURANT Finalists: M Shack, Ice Plant
Nestled in the heart of St. Augustine you’ll find the Best Burger in town at Oasis, a famous watering hole for locals and tourists alike. Oasis is advertised as an oyster bar, but we love their burgers, which take the classic diner-style burger and make it even better. Our suggestion: The Special Burger with grilled onions, shredded cabbage, special sauce and a slice of tomato. Put it on top of your head and your tongue will slap your brains out trying to get to it.
Best Burger on Amelia Island T-RAY’S BURGER STATION
Finalists: Tasty’s, The Salty Pelican
Go too fast and you might miss it. To those out of the loop, what may look like an unassuming gas station on the outside holds within itself the Best Burger on Amelia Island. Big, juicy and cheesy. Save that five bucks you were going to spend at some fast-food chain—you know the one—and go get yourself a real burger! Ya hear?
Best Burger in OP/Fleming Island/Green Cove Springs THE LOOP
Finalists: Five Guys Burger & Fries, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
The Loop’s burgers can be most aptly defined as old-school. No special sauce or fancy-shmancy toppings. Just a bun, beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and ketchup/mustard if you want. It may sound plain on the surface, but it works. There are more than 10 locations throughout Northeast Florida, and for good reason. There are a few other
SAKE HOUSE
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DINING&DRINKING
& HOSPITALITY
Shake shake shake your booty at Dance Trance, winner of Best Dance Studio in Jacksonville (according to Folio Weekly readers). They offer everything from beginner to advanced level classes and fitness/weight management programs, too.
menu choices if you want a little more thrill on your tastebuds. And if beef ain’t your bag, they have veggie, gluten-free and chicken-style burgers.
Best Japanese Restaurant WASABI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR Finalists: Sakura, Fusion Sushi
Folio Weekly readers agree that Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar offers up the Best Japanese fare in town. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu—you’ll probably end up drowning everything in shrimp sauce anyway. Also, word to the wise: If you’re there for a family gathering, just make sure Uncle Joe doesn’t try to do his rendition of a Japanese accent. Not cool, Uncle Joe. Not cool.
Best Caribbean Restaurant BAHAMA BREEZE
Finalists: Pusser’s Bar & Grille, Mango’s Beach Bar & Grille
Living this close to the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea means that the delightfully spicy cuisine is top-notch in Northeast Florida. It also means that we know Caribbean food. If you’re looking for the very Best Caribbean Restaurant around, look no further than St. Johns Town Center, where Bahama Breeze’s island flavors will make you feel like a honeymooner on a picturesque tropical beach—sans hurricanes.
Best Mediterranean Restaurant ATHENS CAFÉ 42 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
Finalists: Hovan Gourmet Mediterranean, Taverna Yamas
It’s a no-brainer that thousands of years of Greek civilization would naturally lead to the development of truly fabulous cuisine. If you’re in the mood for a taste of the Old Country, Northeast Floridians point that GPS to Athens Café, where the hummus is creamy, spanakopita is a flaky, buttery wonder, and even the baked chicken is unforgettable. The best thing about the Best Mediterranean Restaurant: The food might taste like you’re cheating on your diet, but it’s actually good for you. #Truth.
Best Italian Restaurant ENZA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Finalists: Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Taverna San Marco Since 2004, Enza’s Italian Restaurant has built a reputation for serving authentic, fresh and fabulous Italian in a welcoming atmosphere. Don’t let its low-key San Jose addy fool ya, though, Enza’s has the perfect amount of class, sophistication, pasta, eggplant and sauce. Chefs Enza and Mike have put together a menu that features all your faves plus some newbies that will keep you coming back to our readers’ choice for Best Italian Restaurant.
Best Chinese
HAWKERS ASIAN STREET FARE
Finalists: Wok ‘n’ Roll, Chef Chan Asian Cuisine
Hawkers Asian Street Fare is undeniably Jacksonville’s top stop for Pan-Asian cuisine. The Asian fusion eatery creates small dishes traditionally served on the street in various countries all over Asia. It’s always packed, so grab a drink and watch the pretty people. Or just ogle the plates coming outta the kitchen at breakneck speed. Fan favorites include the Roti Canai, Stir Fry Udon Noodles, and Spicy Edamame. The plates are small, so order a bunch and share them with your friends. You’ll see why our readers love this stylish, bustling place.
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will blow your freaking mind (almost as much as imagining a quadrilateral circle), just like it did the minds of Folio Weekly readers, who voted them Best Pizza on the other side of the Buckman.
Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar has more than 100 of the world’s finest tequilas and that’s why they won Best Margarita! We think it’d make for an epic year to try to drink our way through their bar (that’s only one delicious margarita every 3.65 days—totes doable for even the mildly dedicated).
Best Bar Food Best Beer Selection Best Late Night Spot
KICKBACKS GASTROPUB
Bar Food Finalists: Sliders Seaside Grill, The Shim Sham Room Beer Selection Finalists: Green Room Brewing, Grassroots Natural Market Late Night Spot Finalists: Spliff’s Gastropub, Locals Pub
Proving once again that they’re unbeatable for Best Bar Food, Best Beer Selection and Best Late Night Spot, Kickbacks Gastropub in Riverside has locked it down. One might wonder if they’re bribing voters with pennies. Nope. This famed joint that serves food for literally 20 hours a day, 365 days a year probs has the largest beer selection in Florida, if not the whole wide world. There are more than 200 on tap alone, y’all! Plus so many bottles that we had to break out the old abacus. If you’ve got the drunchies (if you’ve had ’em, you know what we mean), Kickbacks Gastropub or its adjacent Goozepipe & Guttyworks will set you straight, no matter if you’re a bacon-wrapped date connoisseur, a sandwich freak, Scotch egg fanatic, or a truly refined soul who prefers only the finest chili cheese fries.
Best Bathroom
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY
Finalists: Bold Bean Stockton, South Kitchen & Spirits
DINING&DRINKING
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Best Thai INDOCHINE
Finalists: Buddha Belly, Pattaya Thai
For a classy yet casual dining experience and fabulous Thai cuisine, Indochine will not disappoint. The Asian bistro delivers delicious food inspired by the bold food of Southeast Asia. Dine on unique dishes, like a sweet red curry-based whole snapper, or dive into something more traditional, like drunken noodles. Nom nom nom. Both locations—downtown and San Marco— also offer signature cocktails and sushi served in a relaxed, modern atmosphere.
Best Mexican Restaurant
LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT Finalists: TacoLu Baja Mexicana, Cantina Louie Mexican Street Food
There are few things more satisfying than grabbing a few friends and plowing through a couple of baskets of chips and salsa—with a side of queso of course (healthy eating can be damned)—with a margarita or a Modelo or three. La Nop, as most of the regulars call it, might not be fancy and it’s sure not expensive, but it is clearly the first place Folio Weekly readers think of when they get them hot cheese cravins’. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Cuban Restaurant
HAVANA JAX CAFE/CUBA LIBRE ULTRA LOUNGE Finalists: Mambo’s, Hola Cuban Café
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Part fantastic lunch spot and part fun nighttime spot, Havana Jax has been cooking up authentic Cuban cuisine for more than 23 years. Originally opened by Armando Pulido, who was homesick for the cuisine of his Cuban childhood, the original 60-seat restaurant is now a 5,000-square-foot space with a bar, a buffet and a small selection of take-out bakery items, under the leadership of Armando’s son, Rene. When you go, if it’s chicken fricassee night, we highly recommend partaking!
Best Pizza in Jacksonville AL’S PIZZA
Finalists: Moon River, V Pizza
Looking for a place that combines old world quality with new world appeal? Visit Al’s Pizza at any of their many Duval locations and you’ll see why they’re again our readers’ choice for Best Pizza in Jax. You’ll find a cool place for delicious pizza, and the slice special is hard to beat. Repeat after us: Dollar slices every weekday from 2-5 p.m. Not only is Al a master of the pie, he’s also a genuinely good guy; generously giving back to the community that he unabashedly loves. We love ya back, Al!
Best Pizza in St. Augustine Best Restaurant in St. Augustine PIZZALLEY’S ON ST. GEORGE PIZZALLEY’S CHIANTI ROOM
Pizza Finalists: Al’s Pizza, Pizza Time Restaurant Finalists: Columbia Restaurant, The Ice Plant
In the mood for an American classic prepared to perfection in the Ancient City? Our readers’ choice for Best Pizza in St. Augustine, Pizzalley’s on St. George, has you covered. Since 2000, the wood-fired pies with madefrom-scratch ingredients have been lighting up the alley this family-owned restaurant calls home. Fall in love with the Greek Lovers, Fajita Lovers, Hawaiian Lovers, Garbage Can (seriously), or build your own “Lover.” Oh, you’re actually in the mood for a romantic meal or special treat? Just steps away, you’ll find the Best Restaurant in St. Augustine, Pizzalley’s Chianti Room, serving all the rustic Italian classics your grandmother would’ve made if she were a Sicilian angel, as well as gourmet pizzas like the Wonder Woman, a pepperthemed concoction with enough meat to make the ladies hit the low notes. For dessert, let’s share the cannoli and the homemade tiramisu. Mangia, mangia!
Best Pizza on Amelia Island MOON RIVER PIZZA
Finalists: Pi Infinite Combinations, Townies Pizzeria
There’s no doubt that going to Moon River for a big ol’ slice of the cheesy stuff is the best way to refuel after a hard and grueling day of lying in the sand. Located on South 14th Street, Moon River has been hailed King of the ’ZA every year since 2000, and now, once again. Come prepared with an empty stomach and some cash—no plastic, dude—and prepare to eat a couple slices of pizza as big as your head.
Best Pizza in Orange Park/ Fleming Island/Green Cove Springs BREWER’S PIZZA
Finalists: Mellow Mushroom, Renna’s Pizza
There’s pizza dough and then there’s pizza dough. If you’ve eaten at Brewer’s Pizza in Orange Park, you know the difference: that made-from-scratchat-the-crack-of-dawn-taste you simply cannot get enough of. Try the brewpub’s signature The Florida Smacker, a crispity-crunchity square pie that
When FW readers gotta go, they gotta go. Lucky for them (and us) there’s a lavatory paradise right here in River City—more precisely, at St. Johns Town Center inside Maggiano’s Little Italy, a high-end but accessible Italian restaurant. Bright, clean tile, dark woods, gleaming fixtures and lotsa stalls. (We’re referencing the ladies’ loo here; as liberal as we are, our crash-the-men’s-room days are in the rearview mirror.) Maggiano’s cleaning staff must work 24/7 to keep all that glorious private privvy space so clean and inviting. It’s almost as refreshing as their Kiwi Moscato Mojito.
Best Happy Hour
MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS Finalists: Lola’s Burrito & Burger Joint, Sliders Seaside Grill
From 3 to 7 p.m. every weekday at Mellow Mushroom, there are two things to look forward to: cheap drinks and stuff to do while consuming said drinks. It’s kind of like summer camp, but with $3 margaritas and pizza. You like trivia? Pop in on Monday! Bingo? Swing by on Tuesday! And for the gals, Thursday is always Ladies Night—that means $2 house wine.
Best Wine List Best Wine Bar
THE WINE BAR
Wine List Finalists: Restaurant Orsay, Taverna San Marco, Royal Palm Village Wine & Tapas Wine Bar Finalists: Bar Zin, Cooper’s Hawk
If you’re like us, sometimes you just need a hug. They totally get that at The Wine Bar, so they offer a list of “hugs in a glass,” aka wines, that catapults them right to the top of the charts for Best Wine List and Best Wine Bar. The beach-adjacent site in Jax Beach is the perfect blend of class, sophistication, live music, stand-up comedy, Bordeaux, Alexander Valley and Veuve Clicquot on the clock. We hear.
Best Margarita
FLYING IGUANA TAQUERIA & TEQUILA BAR
Finalists: La Nopalera, Campeche Bay
We’re just going to put this out there: If variety is the spice of life, then tequila is our favorite seasoning. Find the Best Margarita in the 904 at Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar in the Town Center that traverses the Neptune Beach/Atlantic Beach line. Pro tip: Don’t try to walk that line after a few Ginger Beer or Millionaire Margaritas, featuring only the finest seasonings from Flying Iguana’s expansive selection. Lucky for us, the good lord who invented margaritas also invented tacos, taxis and ride-share apps!
Best Martini OCEAN 60
Finalists: Casa Marina, Bonefish Grill
Daniel Groshel is one of the finest chefs on the First Coast, so it is no surprise that his elegantbut-unpretentious martini room serves up the best shaken-but-not-stirred beverage in the city. When we’re there we like to start the night with a Hang-ten martini or two, and then share the spinach salad, beef Carpaccio, and an order of whatever is on special. We finish up the night with a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake martini because drinking desert is a win-win-win situation.
Best Hookah Lounge Best Middle Eastern Restaurant CASBAH CAFÉ
Finalists: Java’s Brewin Hookah, Sahara Café & Bar Finalists: Karam’s Mediterranean Grill, Hovan Gourmet Mediterranean Since 1999 when folks are looking to nibble on something savory and sweet, and/or enjoy a calming hookah, The Casbah Café serves up some of the best Middle Eastern dishes around. Once again, the cafe gets our readers’ votes for best Middle Eastern restaurant. And it’s not surprising, with cozy indoor seating and a large patio (with heaters in the winter) this Avondale eatery has long been a staple of the crowd who likes to hang out, drink beer and play a little chess as well as those who are there for the mjaddara and sweet mint tea. The café also hosts belly-dancing, trivia, and on the weekends, live music.
Best Pub
LYNCH’S IRISH PUB
Finalists: The King’s Head British Pub, Culhane’s Irish Pub When the late Desmond Lynch opened his pub in 1994, it was as authentic Auld Sod as you can get on American shores. Really. For all intents and purposes, it’s oceanfront—separated from the sea by an infamous parking lot. The kitchen offers traditional Irish fare, like a hearty breakfast served all day. Just the ticket when you watched “football” on Lynch’s big screens till the wee hours the night before. Bands play every night, at least 50 beers flow from the taps and beer flights take off regularly. FW readers agree: Lynch’s is craic!
Best Microbrewery BOLD CITY BREWERY
Finalists: Intuition Ale Works, Aardwolf Brewing Company
Nestled right in the heart—and gullets—of Jacksonville, Bold City Brewery is a must if a pint of suds is what you’re looking for. The brewery is on Rosselle Street, with a new taproom Downtown on East Bay Street. Bold City makes its four mainstays available year-round (Killer Whale, Mad Manatee, Duke’s Cold Nose and 1901) and releases a new seasonal brew every couple of months. Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale is its bestseller—and for good reason. Don’t forget your growler. The fine folks at Bold City will be happy to fill ya up.
Best Neighborhood Bar in Jax THE GARAGE
Finalists: Kickbacks Gastropub, Pete’s Bar
The Garage in Riverside is the kind of place where, if you are dutifully engaged in walking your dog one evening, and pass by and see some friends, you and your dog are both welcome to enjoy a little neighborhood hospitality. And if you decide to have a snack while you’re there, they won’t discipline you for slipping Ducky, your spoiled rescue shih tzu, a few treats, too!
Best Neighborhood Bar in St. Augustine SCARLETT O’HARA’S
Finalists: No Name Bar, Ice Plant Bar
Scarlett O’Hara’s is a bona fide institution in St. Augustine. The drinks are tasty—try the Southern Gentleman, kinda like a boozy Arnold Palmer—and there always seems to be something going on. They’ve got trivia, karaoke, live music and a ghost—the bar upstairs is supposed to be haunted. So, stop by if you’re looking for a drink and a shot of ectoplasm.
Best Neighborhood Bar on Amelia Island THE SALTY PELICAN
Finalists: Sliders Seaside Grill, The Green Turtle Just off Centre Street, The Salty Pelican has a little something for everybody. The drinks are always flowing and the food is always tasty—try the tuna nachos. With live music staged at least a couple times a week, and TVs tuned to every ballgame on Sunday, The Pelican is hard to beat.
Best Inn/B&B in Jax RIVERDALE INN
Finalists: The Seahorse Oceanfront Inn, Ponte Vedra Lodge & Club
Craving a mint julep? Feeling the need to surround yourself with the finer things in life? The Riverdale Inn is a superbly refurbished stately home where you can live a life of ease—if just for a long weekend or so. Luxury suites, a full service honor bar and beautiful views of Riverside Avenue complete the experience. Indulge yourself and that special someone (no doubt also a FW reader!) and make a rest stop at Riverdale.
Best Inn/B&B in St. Augustine
CASABLANCA INN ON THE BAY Finalists: Fairbanks House, Florida House Inn Located inside of one of the most beautiful buildings on Avenida Menendez, the inn is a meticulously restored 1914 Mediterranean revival with 22 luxuriously appointed guest rooms. The property also boasts coach house guest-rooms, and most fascinating: a secret garden. After a hard day of dodging horse-drawn carriages, red tourist trains, and Segway tours, enjoy drinks from the Tini Martini Bar on the grand porch that overlooks the Matanzas Bay while a tropical breeze sweeps the doldrums away and reminds you, and your sweetie, why it is so good to get away…even if away is just down the road. Then head out on your ghost tour!
Best Inn/B&B on Amelia Island
ELIZABETH POINTE LODGE
Finalists: Fairbanks House, Florida House Inn
Once again, Elizabeth Pointe Lodge on picturesque Amelia Island has wowed our readers with Southern hospitality, stunning oceanfront views, perfectly appointed rooms, adorable cubbies, fabulous dining options and just all-around awesomeness. Just catching a glimpse of the grand, Nantucket-style buildings of Elizabeth Pointe Lodge along Fletcher Avenue will capture your imagination and have you dreaming of long, delicious hours on those wraparound porches. OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 45
FOLIO A + E
ATTENTIVE AFFECTION J
acksonville Beach singer/songwriter Mere Woodard’s 2016 album Like the Sea expertly captures a light-hearted coastal vibe. It’s also intensely personal and introspective. Take the first lines of the first song, “Wild Heart”: “Do I know my words?/Do I know my soul?/Am I running free?/Nobody seems to know what we came here for/Was it all me?/Are we all stars burning down our dreams?” That sense of intimacy and connection pervades everything Woodard does, from her solo acoustic shows to her duo performances with drummer Alex Hayward to her Riverside Arts Market kids’ stage sets with daughter Edie. When Woodard isn’t singing and strumming her guitar, she’s managing Chromatic Studios in Riverside, serving as an assistant for local photographers, and working as a
Mere Woodard brings her INTIMATE SONGWRITER STYLE to local haunt Blue Jay Listening Room
ARTS Willis Hakim Jones ARTS Jamilah Sabur FILM Howard Hughes Directs LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC CALENDAR
PG. 47 PG. 49 PG. 50 PG. 51
it was like, “I’m so glad to be here! Please don’t kick me off the stage–just let me finish my set.” [Laughs].
m massage therapist. Yes, she’s busy–but the PPittsburgh native says that state of constant motion is what keeps her centered. And when she takes the stage at cozy spots like Blue Jay Listening Room, to which she returns this Friday, Woodard finds strength in the chance to bare her soul by letting her honey-dipped voice soar. Folio Weekly caught up with her as she drove down A1A last week to see Jack Johnson and Bahamas at St. Augustine Amphitheatre.
Your last album, Like the Sea, came out in early 2016. Have you been working on new material? It’s been hard. Like any writer, you sit down and say, “OK, now it’s time to write.” But sometimes I’m not ready to. A lot has happened since that album; I’ve had to adjust to life differently and figure out my relationship with music. But recently I am writing again, and I’ve got a collection of songs that I plan to record locally in Riverside at Chromatic Studios with my producer Alex Hayward. We’ve been doing weekly writing sessions and we’re definitely on our way. I might even do an EP since I have enough material for that right now.
Folio Weekly: You’re a regular at Blue Jay Listening Room. What is it about that venue you like so much? Mere Woodard: It’s definitely my favorite–the heart and soul of what we do as singer/songwriters. [Blue Jay owner] Cara Burky is the biggest music fan you’ll ever meet, so when she had this vision, where you have a roomful of attentive audience members truly listening to the artist, I was totally onboard. She asked me to play the very first show, and it was my favorite show I’ve ever played. The connection is like nothing else.
How is different working with an outside collaborator like Alex, especially given the personal nature of your songwriting? It’s different but great. Alex is a professor of sound technology at UNF, so his toolbox is much bigger than mine, which I love. I’ve been growing as an artist. My new sound might be a little different than before, and I’m excited about that. We’re looking into into adding some electronic stuff–not club music or anything crazy [laughs], but the times are changing. Music’s changing, and I’m inspired by so much that I hear.
How does it differ from, say, performing at Florida Theatre or Ponte Vedra Concert Hall? It’s hard to even compare. The Blue Jay is more casual, more laid-back. More laughing together with the audience. Ponte Vedra and Florida Theatre are very humbling. I realize that the crowd is not necessarily there to see me, and I respect that immensely. I’m honored. When I played Ponte Vedra last,
Is it tough to make it as a musician working in and around North Florida? I always joke that I have six jobs. Some days I feel like a chicken with her head cut off, running around living by my Google calendar. But music is a big part of my overall work. And I think I would be bored if I did the daily drive to work, sit in a cubicle, and drive-home grind. I love that my life looks different every day of the week. I really thrive on that. What moments do you thrive on as a performer? I touched on this in an interview I did recently for WJXT Channel 4. You wonder, “How do I know this is for me?” And the best answer I can come up with is, something calls you to do this, and when you feel those snippets of success, you say, “Wow, this is amazing!” Whether you’re in the privacy of your own home or up on stage, when you open your eyes and forget where you are, it’s truly like a meditation. We’re all constantly searching for that energy, and music is how I tap in to it.
MERE WOODARD
7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, Blue Jay Listening Room, 2425 S. Third St., Jax Beach, $20, bluejayjax.com
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Do you hope to expand your profile regionally or even nationally? That’s the ideal dream–bring it on! But if not, that’s OK. When I first got into the groove playing music, I thought, “Maybe I could really do this!” Now I’m at peace with whatever happens. If playing locally is what success looks like for me, I’m cool with that. Either way, music still feeds me. Nick McGregor mail@folioweekly.com
FOLIO A+E : ARTS A new Ritz show illuminates the fascinating connections between AFRICAN MUSLIMS & AFRICAN AMERICANS
MAKING DO & MAKING A
ART
t one point in the recent reunion on show Def contempo pora rary ry era] era ra]] to IIslam—because slam sl am—bec becau ause it is contemporary le asked, asked “If geneti ticall llyy remembered, remembered”” said Jone es wh hose Comedy Jam 25, Dave Chappelle genetically Jones, whose we told them what it’s like to be black in ideas are supported by the writing and America, would they believe us?” research of Dr. C. Eric Lincoln, former dean If belief in others’ narratives is supported of religion at Duke University. “But I want to in some part by objects, collections, museums, be careful with that phrase, because [without books and essays, then it’s safe to assume that proper context] it can be used for insidious no, they/we wouldn’t/couldn’t believe, because and divisive purposes … remember—these the physical evidence of the lives of enslaved memories might not be dominant; they might Americans is relatively fugitive. need the right set of circumstances to emerge.” Walking through Making Do: The African Illustrating the idea of genetic memory, & Gullah Geechee Connection at the Ritz Jones cites Dave the Potter (David Drake), a Theatre & LaVilla Museum, the weight of famous slave potter who wrote on his signed history is palpable. The exhibit is just a small vessels: “I made this jar for cash, though it is portion of Willis Hakim Jones’ personal called lucre trash.” collection of African-American and African The pots made by Dave and other enslaved artifacts, and what he has selected to share is workers bear more than a passing resemblance thoughtful and deeply intertwined with this to the large pot (circa 1750) from Mali that’s country’s history. Touring the show with him, centrally placed in the exhibit. Another example I saw these objects take on life: They’re a part of genetic echoes: a pair of carved alligator of the quasi-forgotten, rarely articulated web figures—one from Africa and one by an of stories and events grounded in the black unknown African American. Placed side-byAmerican experience—with ties to Africa. side, the lineage, though diluted, is clear. Every Jones’ encyclopedic knowledge renders the single one of the photographs, articles, walking objects momentous and luminous. Like the sticks and sculptures in Making Do has a story, and in some cases, it’s a story that directly artifacts on view at the National Museum of touches Jones’ life—two of the walking sticks on African American History & Culture, these view were made by Jones’ father, who was in the objects have been transformed by time and documentary Masters of the Walking Stick. sacrifice, becoming sacred touchstones and Another story involves Wanderer, a ship storytelling tools. The exhibit starts with two caught illegally smuggling Africans in 1840— small texts, written in Arabic, one of which, by then, the practice of kidnapping Africans from the Hausa people, “outlines the rights to America had been “outlawed.” and privileges of a divorced woman,” explained A clipping from The New York Times, Jones. It is a striking document, not just for the with an accompanying engraving, is on legal protections it offers women, but because display in the show. However, about 18 years it has been repaired (paper was precious) ago, Allan D. Austin, Jones’ friend and a and because, situated in this exhibit and in scholar who specialized in African Muslims the shared history of Africa and America, in Antebellum it reveals an oftenAmerica noticed— overlooked component MAKING DO: THE AFRICAN & during Savannah’s in the American slavery GULLAH GEECHEE CONNECTION St. Patrick’s Day industry: Muslim through Jan. 12, Ritz Theatre & LaVilla celebration—a shipAfricans. When the first Museum, Downtown, ritztheatre.com; shaped float named slave ship arrived in the opening reception 6 p.m. Oct. 13 Wanderer. The float Americas in 1501, Islam also featured a gorilla had been established in in chains racing up and down the deck. West Africa for more than 700 years. According to Jones, there once was a law that Austin immediately recognized this as a stated, “Christian Africans were not allowed to depiction of the historical Wanderer. be enslaved. Only Muslims and practitioners of Since then the float in all of its celebratory traditional religions like Yoruba could be.” And racist glory has been removed from the in the early days of settlement, when Florida was parade (the organization who floated the still under the rule of Spain, escaped slaves who boat claimed ignorance of the imagery). But made it here and converted to Christianity were this illustrates the pernicious stubbornness given their freedom. But as Jones points out— of racist imagery while helping to make and is supported by two of the photographs in collective societal forgetting easier. the exhibit—there were enslaved people who George Orwell once said that the “most remained Muslim in the Antebellum South. effective way to destroy people is to deny and “This is why it is so necessary to have exhibits obliterate their own understanding of their like this, because most people don’t know their history,” then might deduction suggest the history,” said Jones. path to equity and a protections under the The central tenant of Making Do is cultural law (in practice not just in theory) be paved memory, “specifically dealing with religion: through history and art? this is an Islamic memory—as it concerns Madeleine Peck Wagner the conversion of African Americans in the madeleine@folioweekly.com
OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 47
ARTS + EVENTS PERFORMANCE
ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW The cult classic that stars everyone’s favorite transvestite scientist is staged Oct. 13 and 14 at Amelia Musical Theatre, 1955 Island Walkway, Fernandina, $20, ameliamusicalplayhouse.com. THE 39 STEPS A fast-paced whodunit chock full o’nuts, zany characters and missing fingers! Adapted by Patrick Barlow from John Buchan’s novel. Runs through Oct. 14 at Amelia Island Community Theatre, $22, ameliacommunityhteatre.org. THE ADDAMS FAMILY In this ghoulish clan, to be sad is to be happy, to feel pain is joy, and death and suffering are the stuff of dreams; staged through Nov. 12 at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside, $38-$57, 641-1212, alhambrajax.com. EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL Presented by The 5 & Dime a Theatre Company, the show runs 8 p.m. Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21 and 27, and midnight Oct. 21 and 28 at 112 E. Adams St., Downtown, $22, the5anddime.org. THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS ON MAN-IN-THE-MOON MARIGOLDS Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre unite science and social commentary in this strangely affecting play about a widow and her daughters, 8 p.m. Oct. 20, 21, 27, 28, and Nov. 3 and 4; 2 p.m. Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 at Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., $20, abettheatre.com. THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE A chilling, mystifying study in mounting terror in which a small group of “psychically receptive” people are brought together, based on Shirley Jackson’s 1959 book. Mounted 8 p.m. Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28; 3 p.m. Oct. 15, 22 and 29; 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at Orange Park Community Theatre, 2900 Moody Ave., 276-2599, $18-$25, opct.info. CHALK Written by Jacksonville’s favorite, fearless son Al Letson, this play about the repercussions of bullying, directed by the inimitable Babs Colaciello, enjoys a limited Jacksonville engagement 8 p.m. Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27, Bab’s Lab, 603 King St., Riverside, $15, barbaracolaciello.com.
CLASSICAL + JAZZ
DAN REAVES Reaves performs 7-9 p.m. Oct. 11 at SoLo Gallery, 1037 Park St. (Hoptinger Building, second floor), $10, sologallery.org. JUMP, JIVE & WAIL SWING NIGHT CONCERT & DANCE Featuring The Dynamic Les DeMerle Little Big Band with Bonnie Eisele, 7-10 p.m. Oct. 11 at The Sandbar & Kitchen, 2910 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina, $30, ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. SWAN LAKE The timeless ballet is performed by the Russian Grand Ballet, 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at The Florida Theatre, Downtown, $32.50-$88.50, 355-2787, floridatheatre.com. TRIO CALIENTE The trio plays 7-10 p.m. Oct. 12 at Sandy Bottoms, 2910 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina, 504-4772, $30, ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. DAVINA SOWERS & THE VAGABONDS Get up out of your seat and shimmy! 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at Ritz Theatre, 829 N. Davis St., Downtown, 807-2010, ritzjacksonville.com. SUWANNEE ROOTS REVIVAL Béla Fleck, Abigail Washburn, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Wood Brothers, Donna the Buffalo and more, Oct. 12-15 at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 9379 C.R. 132, Live Oak, 386-364-1683, suwanneerootsrevival.com. THE LISA KELLY JAZZ 4TET 8 p.m.-midnight Oct. 13 at Casa Monica, 95 Cordova St., St. Augustine, free, 827-1888, kellyscottmusic.com. ESTRELLA PIANO DUO Elena Doubovitskaya and Svetlana Belsky perform on dueling Steinways, 6-7 p.m. Oct. 13 at Friday Musicale, 645 Oak St., Riverside, free, 355-7584, fridaymusicale.com. ROSEANNA VITRO IN CONCERT—A TRIBUTE TO ELLA FITZGERALD 7 p.m. Oct 13 at Fernandina Beach Golf Club, 2800 Bill Melton Rd., $45-$65, ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY WIND ENSEMBLE The ensemble performs James Barnes’ Third Symphony (The Tragic), 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Arlington, ju.edu. LATE NIGHT JAM Featuring the Florida State University Jazz Ensemble with Kevin Jones, 10:30 p.m. until the music stops, Oct. 13 and 14 at Dizzy’s Den at Sliders, 1998 S. Fletcher Ave., Fernandina, free admission with Amelia Island Jazz Fest Friday night ticket or $20, ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. NESTOR TORRES Torres plays 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Fernandina Beach Golf Club, 2800 Bill Melton Rd., $45-$65, ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. THE SPARE RIB SIX The group performs 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Oct. 15 at Dixie To Swing Sunday Jazz Brunch at Horizons Restaurant, 5472 First Coast Hwy., Amelia Island; ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. MAJID ARAIM Araim plays 7-9 p.m. Oct. 16 at SoLo Gallery, 1037 Park St. (Hoptinger, second floor), $10, sologallery.org. BOYAN BONEV, MIMI NODA The duo performs 3 p.m. Oct. 16 at Main Library’s Hicks Auditorium, 303 N. Laura St., Downtown, 630-2353, jplmusic.blogspot.com. RAUL MIDÓN Midon plays 8 p.m. Oct. 16 at Ritz Theatre & Museum, 829 N. Davis St., Downtown, $34, ritzjacksonville.com.
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JACOB WICK Wick performs 7-9 p.m. Oct. 17 at SoLo Gallery, 1037 Park St. (Hoptinger, second floor), $10, sologallery.org. NULL-STATE [WHITING/CHUA] 7-9 p.m. Oct. 18 at SoLo Gallery, 1037 Park St. (Hoptinger, second floor), $10, sologallery.org. SYMPHONY IN 60, CZECHMATE The musical moods of Bohemia echo throughout this program, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts’ Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., 354-5547, $35, jaxsymphony.org. TAYLOR ROBERTS The jazz guitarist is on 7-10 p.m. every Wed. at Ocean 60, 60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 247-0060, ocean60.com. Also 4 p.m. Thur. at lobby bar; 6 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Salt Restaurant, Ritz-Carlton, 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy., 277-1100, ritzcarlton.com.
COMEDY
JESS HILARIOUS Hilarious is steadily making a name for herself in impersonations and social commentary (Kevin Hart, she’s coming for your cheating ass!). She performs 7:30 and 10 p.m. Oct. 13 and 14 at The Comedy Club of Jacksonville, 11000 Beach Blvd., Southside, 646-4277, $28-$38, jacksonvillecomedy.com. SHAWN WAYANS A member the storied Wayans family and star in his own right, Shawn performs 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Oct. 13 and 14 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Rd., Mandarin, $25-$122.50, 292-4242, comedyzone.com. FRED’S ALL-STAR COMEDIANS Local comics go for big laughs! A mix of local and upcoming comics are on 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at The Comedy Zone, $10, 292-4242, comedyzone.com. THE REUNION SHOW For one night only see comics who got their start in Jacksonville, and now are nationally touring acts, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at The Comedy Zone, $10, 292-4242, comedyzone.com. FUNNYMAINE The rising comedy star performs 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at The Comedy Zone, $20, 292-4242, comedyzone.com.
CALLS & WORKSHOPS
ST. AUGUSTINE YOUTH CHORUS Singers ages 8-18 may call 806-7781 or email kfradley@staugustineyouthchorus. org to arrange an audition for the community youth chorus; staugustineyouthchorus.org. FRIENDS OF ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE Seeking artists interested in donating talents to this free Oct. 15 event, contact Carol Gladstone, grambini1@comcast.net.
ART WALKS + MARKETS
AVONDALE ART WALK Browse more than 70 local artists and makers, locally owned shops, boutiques and retail establishments with extended hours. Held the second Thur. of every month, on St. Johns Avenue between Talbot and Dancy, avondaleartwalk.com. RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET All yoga all day, need we say more? 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 14 under the Fuller Warren Bridge, 715 Riverside Ave., free admission, 389-2449, riversideartsmarket.com. MOBILE GROCERY STORE Saturiwa Trading Company offers affordable, healthy foods for Downtowners, 11 a.m.2 p.m. every Wed. at The Court Urban Food Park, along Hogan between Bay Street and Independent Drive.
MUSEUMS
CRISP-ELLERT ART MUSEUM Flagler College, 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, 826-8530, flagler.edu. Fall artist-inresidence Jamaal Saber is on the gallery grounds–through Oct. 20–contact the museum for events and talks related to the residency. Artist Gamaliel Rodriguez’s exhibit, A Third Way to Look at You runs through Oct. 20. CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS 29 Riverside Ave., 356-6857, cummermuseum.org. Poetry of Landscape: the Art of Eugene Louis Chavot, is on view through Oct. 22, A Collector’s Eye: Celebrating Joseph Jeffers Dodge, and Mediterranea: American Art from the Graham D. Williford Collection, through Feb. 4; an opening reception is held for Bijoux Parisiens: French Jewelry from the Petit Palais, Paris opens Oct. 13; Todd McGrain: The Lost Bird Project runs through Oct. 21, 2018. KARPELES MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY MUSEUM 101 W. First St., Springfield, 356-2992. 10 Years of Monsters & Mayhem, the unsettling works of Jerrod Brown, through October. MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART JACKSONVILLE 333 N. Laura St., 366-6911, mocajacksonville.unf.edu. Project: Atrium installation, Plexus No. 38 by Gabriel Dawe, through Oct. 29. Margaret Ross Tolbert: Lost Springs through December. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY 1025 Museum Cir., Southbank, 396-MOSH, themosh.org. The exhibit Ancient Rome: Epic Innovators and Engineers! features artifacts and ancient technology reconstructed using designs dating from the height of the Roman Empire; through December. Monsters in Space an exploration of cosmic phenomena, 7 p.m. Oct. 20, free for members, $8 nonmembers. THE RITZ THEATRE & MUSEUM 829 N. Davis St., Downtown, 807-2010. Making Do: The African & Gullah GeeChee Connection through Jan. 12; an opening reception is held 6 p.m. Oct. 13. VILLA ZORAYDA 83 King St., St. Augustine, villazorayda. com. Steve Anderson’s works exhibit through Oct. 29.
GALLERIES
ALEXANDER BREST MUSEUM & GALLERY Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd. N., Arlington, 256-7371, arts.ju.edu. Alan Skees, American Glitch: Neo-Regionalismthrough October. THE CATHEDRAL ARTS PROJECT 207 N. Laura St., Ste. 300, Downtown, madeleinewagner.com. The Labor of Learning, by artist Madeleine Peck Wagner, exhibits through Dec. 14. An opening reception (that’s twice been rescheduled) is held 5:30-8 p.m. Oct. 12, madeleinepeckwagner.com. THE CULTURAL CENTER AT PONTE VEDRA BEACH 50 Executive Way, ccpvb.org. Penumbra: The Space between Light & Dark, exhibition of works by Julianne French, Debra Mixon Holiday and Masha Sardari in the Main Gallery; and works by Jacksonville Coalition of Visual Artists is mounted in Scene Gallery, both exhibits are up until Nov. 3. FLORIDA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS St. Johns River State College, 50001 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, floarts.org. The Indiscriminate Beauty of Riff Raff, digital photography by Mozart Dedeaux, runs through Nov. 30. GALLERY 1037 Inside Reddi Arts, 1037 Hendricks Ave., San Marco. Robert Hall and Enzo Torcoletti exhibit through October. MAKERSPACE GALLERY Main Library, 303 N. Laura St., Downtown, 630-2665, jaxpubliclibrary.org/jax-makerspace. Survive to Thrive: Life Beyond Sexual Violence runs through Oct. 22. MONYA ROWE GALLERY 4 Rohde Ave., St. Augustine, 217-0637, monyarowe.com. Group Exhibition, Oct. 14-Nov. 12. PLUM GALLERY 9 Aviles St., St. Augustine, plumgallery. com. The Colors of Water by artist Sharon Goldman runs through October. SOUTHLIGHT GALLERY Bank of America Tower, 50 N. Laura St., Downtown, southlightgallery.com. Kevin Arthur is October’s guest artist. SPACE 42 2670 Phyllis St., Riverside, 888-421-9222, spacefortytwo.com. “Candy” The Land of Donks, photos by Malc Jax, Andre Burgess, Esdras “Phototea” Thelusuma and Aaron J. Jackson display; by appointment through October. STELLERS GALLERY 3139 Philips Hwy., Southside, 396-9492. Southern Grown, an exhibit of works by artists living and working in the South, runs through October. ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION 22 Marine St., 824-2310, staaa.org. Fall Members Show and Aftermath: The Healing Power of Art, a display of works created in response to Hurricane Matthew, run though Oct. 29. THE YELLOW HOUSE, CORK NORTH & BAB’S LAB 577 King St., Riverside, 419-9180, yellowhouseart.org. and someone gets lost along the way, a group show of works inspired by Al Letson’s Chalk, a play about bullying, is up through October. UNF GALLERY OF ART 620-2534, unf.edu/gallery. See who’s teaching the artists of tomorrow, with this annual Faculty Exhibition, at UNF Gallery of Art, Oct. 19-Dec. 8.
EVENTS
AID TO HUMANITY Christian Youth Group bands from all over Florida and Georgia bring their vocal talents for performances to uplift the weary soul and inspire the human spirit. Free medical screenings, flu shots and basic check-ups with the Manolo Foundation medical volunteers; free clothing, canned goods and hygiene kits also available, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 14 at Hemming Park, Downtown, incmedia.org/fymfoundation. CIVIL DISCOURSE WITH DR. CAROLYN J. LUKENSMEYER The Civil Discourse Project promotes civility in interacting with one another in order to increase understanding of varying viewpoints, 7 p.m. Oct. 17, UNF University Center, Southside, free but registration is required, unf.edu/eticket/ civil-discourse. ADVOCATING FOR OUR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS Laura Goodhue, VP of Public Policy, Executive Director of Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, speaks at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at IBEW Local 177, 966 N. Liberty St., Springfield, free, jaxnow.net. AN ASTROPHYSICIST READS THE NEWSPAPER: DR. NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON He’s tall, good-looking, incredibly intelligent and funny. He reads the newspaper at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, 355-2787, $50-$250, floridatheatre.com. ST. AUGUSTINE SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL Held Oct. 13 at Prohibition Kitchen, 119 St. George St., St. Augustine, 209-5704. TEDX JACKSONVILLE 2017: WE THE PEOPLE Featuring Amy Donofrio, Shari Duval, Chris Hand, Marc Hudson, Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, Arjola Miruku, University of North Florida Choral Group and Hope McMath, starts 10 a.m. Oct. 14 at The Florida Theatre, Downtown, 355-2787, $39-$94.50, floridatheatre.com. THE DISCOVERY OF THREE SHIPWRECKS Dr. James Delgado, SEARCH Inc., discusses recently discovered historic shipwrecks that influenced the course of American history, 7 p.m. Oct. 12 in Lewis Auditorium, Flagler College, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine, flagler.edu. ST. AUGUSTINE BLACK HERITAGE & CIVIL RIGHTS TOUR Reserve a spot in a free walking tour of important civil rights sites in the oldest city, 825-0087, staugcitywalks.org. THE HAUNTED BREWERY ZOMBIE HUNT Zombies and zombie-hunters take over the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 at 111 Busch Dr., Northside, $10-$179, thehauntedbrewery.com.
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To list an event, send time, date, location (street address, city), admission price, 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
Artist Jamilah Sabur now IN RESIDENCY at Flagler College
LIVING BEINGS AS WITNESSES I
n Jamilah Sabur’s video piece, Untitled (almond tree: 11 McKay Terrace, Kingston 11) 2017, a computer-generated image of an almond tree sways silently against a black backdrop. Stripped of context, the image has no more power than that which depictions of trees inherently evoke— perhaps the viewer gets a twinkling idea of environmental stewardship married to the cost of industrial farming, perhaps it’s just a tree. However, in the wider context of her work, the almond tree gains the weight of narrative, “I’ve been thinking a lot about the memory of landscapes. The tree as a living being as a witness […] so much memory retained in these landscapes,” said Sabur.
RACIALIZED LANDSCAPES & MEMORY
Jamilah Sabur in conversation with Dr. Lori Lee, 7 p.m. Oct. 17, Ponce de Leon Hall, 74 King St., St. Augustine, 826-8530, flagler.edu
My Queen Before You Go Tell My Horse, a 2016 performance, was a response to the exploitative policies that have set the stage for Jamaica’s looming economic and environmental crises. During the piece, performed at Miami’s Maggie Knox Gallery, the artist took the role of an Obeah priestess summoning the spirit of Michael Manley. “Manley, the late former prime minister of Jamaica, was a globally recognized revolutionary figure, a leader in the fight against economic inequality across the developing country. In Sabur’s work, Manley addresses the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank,” wrote the Miami Rail in describing the piece. Works like Sabur’s, where history is the medium, raise important questions about objects and ideas that are often relegated to neutrality, anonymity or
Jamilah Sabur, My Queen before you go tell my horse, Maggie Knox Gallery, Miami, June 25, 2016. Photo courtesy the artist. simply unquestioningly swallowed. Similar to Fred Wilson, whose institutional installations mine museum collections he then re-situates; like the placement of flawless sterling silver flagons next to slave manacles, Sabur takes existing situations/stories and repurposes them. Currently the CrispEllert Art Museum at Flagler College resident artist, Sabur said: “My practice is multi-modal and interdisciplinary; a lot of it comes from a conceptual space, so thinking about the idea and the medium that I work through fluctuates—recently I have been working a lot in performance, and some of what I am working on here will translate into a performance I’m working on.” It’s slated for April 2018. “In St. Augustine, I am centering my practice on the St. Johns River. When I got here, I was washed with a feeling that there’s been an erasure of the memory of the Timucuan Indians,” she said. As she approached examining the history of this place, she reminded herself to “to start at the beginning” in this situation, which means looking at the time period when the Spanish arrived. Sabur has been working with the city’s library, looking through the collection of one of the missions and making plans to visit the mouth of the St. Johns. “[I have] this desire to constantly connect the dots,” she said when asked how she moved through her research. “There’s a cause-and-effect relationship, so I think the idea—lately a desire—to exist in the present moment [while also] thinking about how to
remember the lives, the events … I feel like we live in a moment when there is so much collective amnesia.” In discussion with an artist of Jamaican descent making work that directly addresses the unequal balance of power among countries in the Caribbean and America and Europe, it’s impossible not to address Puerto Rico. “It’s sad to witness the delay in support for Puerto Rico. They are attached conceptually to the U.S. but have no representation in Congress where one can advocate fully for the people who live on the island. In my research on the river, I stumbled upon the Jones Act— foreign originating goods must be routed to Jacksonville to be dropped off and then rerouted in a Jones-compliant ship. That has made food and other goods on Puerto Rico twice as expensive as [they are] in Florida.” She then again cites Tell My Horse, noting that while it was specific to Jamaica, it can speak to the entire Caribbean as a plea to cancel the debt of those nations and to implement a strategy similar to the Marshall Plan, to address the coming hurricanes and earthquakes. “I can’t see the future, but I can see the past,” said the artist, whose poetic approach to artmaking signified through her body and the artifacts she creates peels away the layers of neutered academic language to reveal the beating hearts of peoples who have lived here, died here and been forgotten here; and how that legacy of invisibility has tangible, contemporary repercussions. Madeleine Peck Wagner madeleine@folioweekly.com
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FOLIO F OLIO A A+E +E : MAGIC L LANTERNS
THE
DIRECTOR
OCD genius Howard Hughes LEFT HIS MARK on Hollywood
H
50 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
e was obsessive/compulsive, no doubt about it, but Howard Hughes was nobody’s fool—at least at the start. The great obsessions of his life were airplanes, women and movies. When the young millionaire moved to Los Angeles, buying his way into the movie world as a producer, he was called a dilettante by Hollywood Old Guard. His first movie, Swell Hogan (1926), was so bad it was never released. More stinkers followed for three decades. There were also the hits and a few classics— like The Front Page (’31), Scarface (’32), Stromboli (’50), Flying Leathernecks (’51) with John Wayne, The French Line (’54) and others. Only twice in his storied career did Hughes step behind the camera to direct, and the results were spectacular for different reasons. Hell’s Angels (’30) marked the debut of Jean Harlow (the original platinum blonde) and featured some of the most astounding aerial battle footage ever filmed (still unmatched, some claim). The Outlaw (’43) starred Jane Russell (another Hughes discovery) in her first film, the notoriety of which, according to Hughes biographers Peter Harry Brown and Pat H. Broeske, “would ultimately have major repercussions on the movie censorship system in the United States.” After seeing the silent masterpiece Wings (’27), Hughes was convinced he could make an even better movie about WWI in the air—and mostly with his own money instead of a major studio. Directing the movie and even flying one of the planes for better realism (he crashed and almost killed himself, the first of many such misadventures), Hughes had an impressive silent film just as the movies went to talkies. Undaunted by the huge cost, he then reshot nearly all the footage that required talking. The opening credits attribute “dialogue” to Joseph Moncure March, “staged by James Whale,” but “directed by Howard Hughes.” Whale went on to direct Frankenstein the next year, and Bride of Frankenstein (’35) and Showboat (’36). Insiders knew he was responsible for just about everything on the screen except for the terrific action sequences. However, as good a filmmaker as he would prove to be, Whale really couldn’t do much with the stilted script of Hell’s Angels, nor could the often-wooden actors. Monte and Roy (Ben Lyon, James Hall) are brothers: Monte, a wastrel; Roy, a straight arrow. Roy is “in love” with bombshell Helen (Harlow); Monte beds her, or rather she beds him. “Would you be shocked if I put on something more comfortable?” she coos to Monte, before traipsing off to do just that, raising temperatures in the pre-code era and making Jean Harlow a star. A huge hit, Hell’s Angels has yet to make the leap to HD video, but the DVD, a great
restoration by the UCLA Film & Television Archive, is an able substitute. The first half, with an early color sequence, concludes with the best scene of the entire film—a spectacular zeppelin attack on London, the flames of the exploding dirigible highlighted in vibrant color. While Wings is still a better film in nearly every way—story, cast (Clara Bow, Buddy Rogers, Richard Arlen, Gary Cooper), and director (William “Wild Bill” Wellman), Hell’s Angels does hold its own, primarily due to Hughes’ still impressive aerial scenes. The Outlaw is a bad film, no two ways about it. The script’s ludicrous, the actors (including two Oscar winners, Thomas Mitchell and Walter Huston) mostly pitiable, and Hughes’ direction is sophomoric. Billy the Kid (Jack Buetel) and Doc Holliday (Huston) are friends feuding over a horse and a girl (Jane Russell). Billy and the girl Rio (Russell) have a love-hate relationship, Billy rides off into the sunset and Doc Holliday dies. Hughes deliberately set out to make a Western with sex. His leads were unknowns, 23-year-old Beutel (a Montgomery Clift clone) and 19-year-old Jane Russell. Released in 1943 after three years of shooting and haggling with censors, The Outlaw was panned by critics but adored by fans. On the film’s ’46 reissue, the censorship flap drew even more viewers. In Atlanta, the first week’s box-office exceeded that of Gone with the Wind over the same period of time. In Atlanta! For modern viewers, The Outlaw is tame and kinda corny, the posters and ads far more provocative than what’s on screen. Still, the film is ensconced in movie lore. Pat McLeod mail@folioweekly.com
NOW SHOWING CORAZON CINEMA & CAFÉ Polina (in French, Russian), Wind River and High Tea run. Throwback Thursday runs Cedar Falling on Snow, noon Oct. 12 and 4 p.m. Oct. 15. The King’s Choice and Rebel in the Rye start Oct. 13. 36 Granada St., St. Augustine, 679-5736, corazoncinemaandcafe.com. SUN-RAY CINEMA Blade Runner 2049, Mother! and Brad’s Status run. Suspiria Uncut runs Oct. 11. Paris, Texas starts Oct. 17. The Snowman starts Oct. 20. 1028 Park St., 359-0049, sunraycinema.com. IMAX THEATER Amazing Mighty Micro Monsters 3D and Blade Runner 2049 run. Geostorm starts Oct. 19.
The Smooth Tour brings together FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE (pictured), NELLY and CHRIS LANE to whoop it up Downtown at Veterans Memorial Arena on Thursday, Oct. 12.
LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC CONCERTS THIS WEEK
MARBIN, ELECTRIC KIF 8 p.m. Oct. 11, 1904 Music Hall, 19 Ocean St., Downtown, $12-$15, 1904musichall.com. DJ CAPONE 9:30 p.m. Oct. 11, Cheers Park Avenue, 1138 Park Ave., Orange Park, 269-4855, $3. SEASONS AFTER, ANOTHER LOST YEAR, BLACKLITE DISTRICT 7 p.m. Oct. 11, Jack Rabbits, 1528 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, 398-7496, $10, jaxlive.com. Amelia Island Jazz Festival: JUMP, JIVE & WAIL SWING NIGHT 7 p.m. Oct. 11, The Sandbar & Kitchen, 2910 Atlantic Ave., $30. ALEX AFFRONTI 6 p.m. Oct. 11, Boondocks Grill & Bar, 2808 Henley Rd., Green Cove Springs, 406-9497. The Smooth Tour: FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE, NELLY, CHRIS LANE 7 p.m. Oct. 12, Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., sold out. LINCH KING 7 p.m. Oct. 12, Nighthawks, 2952 Roosevelt Blvd., Riverside. JAKE COX 6 p.m. Oct. 12, Boondocks Grill & Bar. Amelia Island Jazz Festival: TRIO CALIENTE 7 p.m. Oct. 12, The Sandbar & Kitchen, $30. Suwannee Roots Revival: BÉLA FLECK, ABIGAIL WASHBURN, STEEP CANYON RANGERS, The WOOD BROTHERS, DONNA the BUFFALO Oct. 12-15, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. DAVINA SOWERS & the VAGABONDS 8 p.m. Oct. 12, Ritz Theatre & Museum, 829 N. Davis St., Downtown, 632-5555, $34-$39. LONELY HIGHWAY, DJ CAPONE 9:30 p.m. Oct. 12, Cheers Park Avenue. LYNYRD SKYNYRD, The OUTLAWS 5:30 Oct. 13, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, sold out. PAUL CONNER, ERIC COLLETTE & CODY 7 p.m. Oct. 13, Boondocks Grill & Bar. ST. AUGUSTINE SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL Oct. 13 & 14, Prohibition Kitchen, Colonial Oak Music Park GUY, TEDDY RILEY, MONICA, JAGGED EDGE, GINUINE, DRU HILL 8 p.m. Oct. 13, Veterans Memorial Arena, $39-$125. Amelia Island Jazz Festival: ROSEANNA VITRO IN CONCERT Ella Fitzgerald Tribute 7 p.m. Oct. 13, Fernandina Beach Golf Club, 2800 Bill Melton Rd., Fernandina, $45-$150. MARK JOHNS, JULIA GULIA 5:30 p.m. Oct. 13, Cheers Park Avenue. INTERSTELLAR ECHOES 9 p.m. Oct. 13, 1904 Music Hall, $12-$15. KINGS of HELL, HATED 3, GHOSTWITCH 8 p.m. Oct. 13, Jack Rabbits, $13. Amelia Island Jazz Festival: LATE NIGHT JAM, FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE, KEVIN JONES 10:30 p.m. Oct. 13 & 14, Dizzy’s Den at Sliders, 1998 S. Fletcher Ave., Fernandina, $20. IGOR & the RED ELVISES 8:30 p.m. Oct. 14, The Original Café Eleven, 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. FOND KISER, BRYAN WAINWRIGHT 7 p.m. Oct. 14, Boondocks Grill & Bar. WILDFIRE RISING 9:30 p.m. Oct. 14, Cheers Park Avenue.
Amelia Island Jazz Festival: NESTOR TORRES 7 p.m. Oct. 14, Fernandina Beach Golf Club, $45-$150. OKTOBERFEST at 1904: THE GROOVE ORIENT, COME BACK ALICE 8 p.m. Oct. 14, 1904 Music Hall, $8-$10. MOTOGRATER 7 p.m. Oct. 14, Nighthawks, $12-$15. WILL HOGE, DAN LAYUS 8 p.m. Oct. 14, Jack Rabbits, $20. AGNOSTIC FRONT, COLDSIDE 7 p.m. Oct. 15, Nighthawks, $15-$17. REDFISH RICH 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15, Boondocks Grill & Bar. BODEANS 8 p.m. Oct. 16, PVC Hall, 1050 A1A N., $34-$38 DIGITOUR 3 p.m. Oct. 15, 1904 Music Hall, $25. Amelia Island Jazz Festival: DIXIE to SWING SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH, The SPARE RIB SIX 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Oct. 15, Horizons Restaurant, 5472 First Coast Hwy., Amelia Island. DEAD COUNTRY GENTLEMEN, MICHAEL McCARTHY TRIO 8 p.m. Oct. 15, Jack Rabbits, $8. DANCE WITH the DEAD, GOST 7 p.m. Oct. 15, Nighthawks. SET AND SETTING, THISQUIETARMY, YASHIRA, DISPARAGER, LA-A 7 p.m. Oct. 16, Nighthawks, $10. LIFE LESSONS, INTERVENTION, GLAZED, BOYSIN 6 p.m. Oct. 16, 1904 Music Hall, $10-$12. The JAMES HUNTER SIX 7 p.m. Oct. 16, PVC Hall, $28-$32. CONOR OBERST, The FELICE BROTHERS 7 p.m. Oct. 17, PVC Hall, $35. DWAYNE McGREGOR 6 p.m. Oct. 17, Boondocks Grill & Bar. The MARCUS KING BAND, BOBBY LEE RODGERS 7 p.m. Oct. 17, Jack Rabbits, $20. VAN GORDON MARTIN 8 p.m. Oct. 17, 1904 Music Hall, $8-$10. GHOST, The DEAD 7 p.m. Oct. 18, Nighthawks, $15-$18. IVAN SMITH 6 p.m. Oct. 18, Boondocks Grill & Bar. DJ CAPONE 9:30 p.m. Oct. 18, Cheers Park Avenue. FERNWAY, CROOKED TEETH, LAST MAN ON EARTH, SANGRIA 7 p.m. Oct. 18, 1904 Music Hall, $8-$10. SAMANTHA FISH 6:30 p.m. Oct. 18, PVC Hall, $28.
UPCOMING CONCERTS
JON CLEARY TRIO, SHAWN PFAFFMAN Oct. 19, 1904 Music Hall Once a Month Punk: SCATTER BRAINS, LOOSE BEARINGS Oct. 19, Blue Water Daiquiri & Oyster Bar ERNIE EVANS & The FLORIDA STATE BLUEGRASS BAND Oct. 19, Mudville Music Room JASON EVANS BAND Oct. 19, Cheers Park Avenue ALEX AFFRONTI Oct. 19, Boondocks Grill & Bar The CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS Oct. 19, PVC Hall PROPENGANJAH Oct. 20, The Roadhouse SOUTHERN RUKUS, MATT KNOWLES Oct. 20, Boondocks Grill & Bar The TEMPTATIONS, The FOUR TOPS Oct. 20, Florida Theatre Broken Crows Tour: MATISYAHU, COMMON KINGS, ORPHAN Oct. 20, PVC Hall Party in the Pines: KEITH URBAN, MIRANDA LAMBERT, JAKE OWEN, MAREN MORRIS, BROTHERS OSBORNE, EASTON CORBIN, RYAN HURD Oct. 20 & 21, Bienville Plantation, White Springs ONE EYED DOLL, DOLL SKIN Oct. 20, Jack Rabbits
ZAINAB JOHNSON Oct. 20, Ritz Theatre BLISTUR Oct. 20 & 21, Cheers Park Avenue CLIFF CORSEY Oct. 21, Boondocks Grill & Bar SPOON, MONDO COZMO Oct. 21, Mavericks Live The AVETT BROTHERS Oct. 21, St. Augustine Amphitheatre RANDY, MR. LAHEY’S NEVER CRY SHITWOLF TOUR Oct. 21, 1904 Music Hall PJ MORTON Oct. 21, Jack Rabbits LORDS of ACID, COMBICHRIST, CHRISTIAN DEATH, EN ESCH of KMFDM, WICCID Oct. 22, Mavericks Live AFTON Oct. 22, 1904 Music Hall FOND KISER Oct. 22, Boondocks Grill & Bar The DEVIL’S CUT Oct. 22, Jack Rabbits Florida Chamber Music presents WEBER & BRAHMS Oct. 22, PVC HAll RIVER CITY RHYTHM KINGS Oct. 23, Mudville Music Room REDFISH RICH Oct. 24, Boondocks Grill & Bar LYLE LOVETT, JOHN HIATT Oct. 24, Florida Theatre TWIZTED, MOONSHINE BANDITS, BLAZE YA DEAD HOMIE, WHITNEY PEYTON Oct. 24, 1904 Music Hall SANTANA Oct. 24, Daily’s Place MARTY FARMER Oct. 25, Boondocks Grill & Bar GRIFFIN HOUSE Oct. 25, Mudville Music Room BROADWAY’S NEXT HIT MUSICAL Oct. 25, Ritz Theatre KINGS of LEON, DAWES Oct. 25, Daily’s Place DOPE, HED(PE) Oct. 25, 1904 Music Hall PUNK ROCK BURLESQUE, IVY LES VIXENS, ANITA NIGHTCAP, JESS A. BELL, MUDTOWN Oct. 25, Nighthawks FIREWATER TENT REVIVAL Oct. 26, Cheers Park Avenue IVAN SMITH Oct. 26, Boondocks Grill & Bar ANDY MINEO Oct. 26, Mavericks Live DEANA CARTER, SWEET TEA TRIO Oct. 26, PVC Hall CANDIED FEST: I WAS AFRAID, BOSTON MARRIAGE, TEEN DIVORCE, SECRET STUFF, SAVE FACE, more Oct. 26, 1904 Music Hall MERCYME, RYAN STEVENSON, UNSPOKEN Oct. 26, T-U Center for the Performing Arts MDC Oct. 26, Nighthawks TOAD the WET SPROCKET Oct. 27, PVC Hall MOON HOOCH, JACKSON WHALEN Oct. 27, 1904 Music Hall ERIC COLLETTE & BAND, FOND KISER Oct. 27, Boondocks Grill & Bar MIKE SHACKELFORD Oct. 27, Mudville Music Room Suwannee Hulaween: STRING CHEESE INCIDENT, BASSNECTAR, RUN the JEWELS, NATHAN RATELIFF & the NIGHT SWEATS, more Oct. 27-29, Suwannee Music Park IVEY LEAGUE Oct. 27 & 28, Cheers Park Avenue ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Oct. 28, Florida Theatre DWAYNE McGREGOR, CLIFF DORSEY Oct. 28, Boondocks Grill & Bar The MOVIELIFE, IRON CHIC Oct. 28, 1904 Music Hall DAN BERN Oct. 28, The Original Café Eleven LIVING COLOUR Oct. 28, PVC Hall CASEY JAMES Oct. 28, Jack Rabbits JIM LAMB Oct. 29, Boondocks Grill & Bar The MAGPIE SALUTE Oct. 29, Florida Theatre The SOCIAL ANIMALS Oct. 29, Jack Rabbits
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LIVE + LOCAL MU MUSIC USIC IC VICTOR WAINWRIGHT & the TRAIN Oct. 29, The Original Café Eleven MICHAEL LAGASSE & FRIENDS Oct. 29, Music in the Box, Limelight Theatre The CATTLEFISH FRITTER Oct. 29, Rain Dogs HARMS WAY Oct. 30, Nighthawks ROCKY HORROR-LIVE Oct. 31-Nov. 11, 1904 Music Hall DWAYNE McGREGOR Oct. 31, Boondocks Grill & Bar The CONVALESCENCE, WINGS DENIED, OBLITERATE, DEATH RATTLE Nov. 1, Jack Rabbits PAUL CONNOR Nov. 1, Boondocks Grill & Bar JOHNNYSWIM Nov. 1, PVC Hall GRANDPA’S COUGH MEDICINE Nov. 2, Mudville Music Room MARTY FARMER Nov. 2, Boondocks Grill & Bar RESINATED Nov. 3, The Roadhouse GRACE PETTIS Nov. 3, Mudville Music Room ROGER DALTREY, EDGAR WINTER Nov. 3, St. Augustine Amphitheatre JOYCE MANOR, WAVVES, CULTURE ABUSE, FRENCH VANILLA Nov. 3, PVC Hall FREDERICK The YOUNGER Nov. 3, Jack Rabbits SHENANDOAH Nov. 3, Thrasher-Horne Center CANNIBAL CORPSE, POWER TRIP, GATECREEPER Nov. 3, Mavericks Live JOHN CLEESE screens Monty Python & the Holy Grail Nov. 4, Florida Theatre SISTER HAZEL Nov. 4, PVC Hall The WORLD is a BEAUTIFUL PLACE & I AM NO LONGER AFRAID to DIE, ROZWELL, ADJY Nov. 4, Nighthawks BLUE OCTOBER Nov. 4, Mavericks SHELBY LYNNE, ALLISON MOORER Nov. 5, PVC Hall JETHRO TULL Nov. 7, Daily’s Place NOBUNTU Nov. 7, Ritz Theatre MADI CARR Nov. 7, Mudville Music Room TOUBAB KREWE, LPT Nov. 8, Jack Rabbits THE BLACK LILIES, THE DUSTBOWL REVIVAL Nov. 8, St. Augustine Amphitheatre GENITORTURERS Nov. 9, Jack Rabbits RAY WYLIE HUBBARD Nov. 9, St. Augustine Amphitheatre CHRIS SMITHER Nov. 10, Mudville Music Room VON STRANTZ, NATIVE LAND Nov. 10, Sarbez BUMPIN’ UGLIES Nov. 10, Jack Rabbits BEN FOLDS Nov. 10, Florida Theatre BON IVER, AERO FLYNN Nov. 10, St. Augustine AmphitheatreSAMMY HAGAR & the CIRCLE (Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, Vic Johnson), COLLECTIVE SOUL Nov. 11, St. Augustine Amphitheatre CHRIS STAPLETON’S All American Road Show: MARTY STUART, BRENT COBB Nov. 11, Veterans Memorial Arena LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM, CHRISTINE McVIE Nov. 12, Times-Union Center’s Moran Theater OTTMAR LIEBERT, LUNA NEGRA Nov. 12, PVC Hall BARBWIRE DOLLS, SVETLANAS Nov. 12, Jack Rabbits MICHAEL FUNGE Nov. 12, Culhane’s Irish Pub RIVER CITY RHYTHM KINGS Nov. 13, Mudville Music Room BROCCOLI SAMURAI Nov. 15, Jack Rabbits The YOUNG DUBLINERS Nov. 16, The Original Café Eleven WINTERTIME, SWAG HOLLYWOOD Nov. 16, Jack Rabbits SON VOLT Nov. 17, St. Aug. Amp’s Backyard Stage ROY BOOKBINDER Nov. 17, Mudville Music Room TABI P, BAND of SILVER Nov. 17, Jack Rabbits ORDINARY BOYS Nov. 18, 1904 Music Hall MILES ELECTRIC BAND Nov. 18, PVC Hall COLTER WALL Nov. 18, Jack Rabbits THE ORIGINAL WAILERS, JAHMEN Nov. 19, Jack Rabbits ELVIN BISHOP Nov. 19, PVC Hall SLEEP SIGNALS, ELISIUMNov. 21, Jack Rabbits BLU & EXILE 10th Anniversary: DAS SAVAGE, CHOOSEY, CASHUS KING Nov. 22, Jack Rabbits JOHN McLAUGHLIN, JIMMY HERRING (play Mahavisnu Orchestra) Nov. 24, Florida Theatre MIKE SHACKELFORD Nov. 24, Mudville Music Room GLAZED, FAZE WAVE, DENVER HALL Nov. 24, Jack Rabbits A MATTER OF HONOR, AXIOM, FIGHT FALL Nov. 25, 1904 Music Hall HODERA Nov. 25, Rain Dogs DAVE KOZ, PETER WHITE, RICK BRAUN, DAVID BENOIT, MAYHEM, IMMOLATION, BLACK ANVIL Nov. 25, Mavericks Live LINDSEY STIRLING Nov. 25, St. Augustine Amphitheatre LINDA COLE & JAZZ MUSICIANS Nov. 26, Music in the Box, Limelight Theatre RIVER CITY RHYTHM KINGS Nov. 27, Mudville Music Room The BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA Nov. 29, Florida Theatre KEIKO MATSUI, EUGE GROOVE, LINDSEY WEBSTER, ADAM HAWLEY Nov. 29, PVC Hall FLORIDA BRASS QUINTET Nov. 29, Mudville Music Room 98° AT CHRISTMAS Nov. 30, Florida Theatre CAROLINE COTTER Nov. 30, Mudville Music Room The Big Ticket: WALK the MOON, BLEACHERS, ANDREW McMAHON in the WILDERNESS, SAINT MOTEL, NEW POLITICS, MONDO COZMO Dec. 1, Metro Park DANIELLE NICOLE Dec. 1, Jack Rabbits LEROGIE Dec. 2, Jack Rabbits CHRISTMAS MESSIAH Dec. 2, PVC Hall KANSAS LEFTOVERTURE Dec. 2, Florida Theatre Hip Hop Nutcracker: KURTIS BLOW Dec. 3, Florida Theatre Psychic Warfare Tour: CLUTCH, DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, The OBSESSED, CLUTCH Dec. 5, St. Aug. Amp’s Backyard Stage ALLEN SHAD Dec. 5, Mudville Music Room D.R.I., KAUSTIK Dec. 6, Nighthawks
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Tim Kasher (pictured) has a new album, No Resolution, which takes an imaginary, darkish look at parenting pitfalls. He’s a guest at Conor Oberst’s Tuesday, Oct. 17, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall performance.
Jingle Jam for St. Jude: GRANGER SMITH, LAUREN ALAINA, MIDLAND, DYLAN SCOTT Dec. 7, T-U Center Moran Theater PIERCE PETTIS Dec. 7, Mudville Music Room Inaugural Christmas Caravan Tour: SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS Dec. 8, Ritz Theatre The WERKS, PASSAFIRE, The RIES BROTHERS, BIGFOOT BAREFOOT Dec. 9, Mavericks BIRTHDAY BENEFIT Dec. 9, Mudville Music Room RICKIE LEE JONES Dec. 9, PVC Hall R.LUM.R Dec. 10, Jack Rabbits RIVER CITY RHYTHM KINGS Dec. 11, Mudville Music Room SHOOTER JENNINGS Dec. 12, Jack Rabbits GIN BLOSSOMS Dec. 12, PVC Hall JANET JACKSON Dec. 12, Veterans Memorial Arena OF MONTREAL, CHRISTINA SCHNEIDER’S GENIUS GRANT Dec. 13, Mavericks Live RITTZ, SAM LACHOW, DENVER HALL Dec. 13, Jack Rabbits JOHN PRINE Dec. 13, Florida Theatre BEN HAGGARD Dec. 13, PVC Hall The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Dec. 14, Veterans Memorial Arena DAVID RAMIREZ Dec. 14, Jack Rabbits THE FRITZ, GROOVE ORIENT, THE BLEU CATS Dec. 15, 1904 Music Hall MARE WAKEFIELD Dec. 15, Mudville Music Room LUKE COMBS Dec. 15, Florida Theatre GIDEON, WAGE WAR Dec. 16, 1904 Music Hall HARLEY FLANAGAN (Cro-Mags) Dec. 17, Nighthawks Horton’s Holiday Hayride: REV. HORTON HEAT, JUNIOR BROWN, The BLASTERS, BIG SANDY Dec. 19, PVC Hall TEN TENORS Dec. 20, Florida Theatre JERROD ALLEN, HERE COMES the HERO, KELLY WHITE Dec. 29, Jack Rabbits DONNA the BUFFALO Dec. 29, PVC Hall MIKE SHACKELFORD BAND Dec. 29, Mudville Music Room UNF JAZZ ENSEMBLE I Dec. 30, Mudville Music Room Travel Slideshow Spoken Word Tour: HENRY ROLLINS Jan. 1, PVC Hall BETTYE LAVETTE Jan. 4, PVC Hall Florida Chamber Music Project presents BOCCHERINI, PUCCINI, NINO ROTA, WOLF Jan. 7, PVC Hall JACKSON BROWNE, GREG LEISZ Jan. 7, Florida Theatre The ZOMBIES: Odessey and Oracle 50th Anniversary Jan. 12, PVC Hall A TEMPTATIONS REVUE, BO HENDERSON Jan. 13, Ritz Theatre JONNY LANG Jan. 16, Florida Theatre BLACK VIOLIN Jan. 27, PVC Hall Take Me to the River: WILLIAM BELL, BOBBY RUSH, DON BRYANT Jan. 30, Florida Theatre JOE SATRIANI, PHIL COLLEN, JOHN PETRUCCI Jan. 31, Florida Theatre MARY WILSON (The Supremes) Feb. 3, Ritz Theatre JAKE SHIMABUKURO Feb. 6, PVC Hall JOHN McCUTCHEON Feb. 8, PVC Hall LITTLE RIVER BAND Feb. 10, Florida Theatre The LANGSTON HUGHES PROJECT Feb. 10, Ritz Theatre The HOT SARDINES Feb. 13, Florida Theatre BOTTLE ROCKETS, CHUCK PROPHET & the MISSION EXPRESS Feb. 16, PVC Hall SIERRA HULL Feb. 17, PVC Hall DANIEL O’DONNELL Feb. 17, Florida Theatre COLIN QUINN Feb. 18, PVC Hall GEORGE WINSTON Feb. 23, PVC Hall THE WEEPIES Feb 24, PVC Hall MICHAEL McDONALD Feb. 27, Florida Theatre An Evening with MAVIS STAPLES Feb. 25, PVC Hall JOHN HAMMOND March 3, PVC Hall JUSTIN MOORE, DYLAN SCOTT March 3, St. Augustine Amphitheatre RAGLAND March 3, Jack Rabbits TIERNEY SUTTON BAND March 4, Ritz Theatre ANA POPOVIC March 7, PVC Hall GET the LED OUT March 16, Florida Theatre MIKE + the MECHANICS March 21, PVC Hall Ponte Vedra Concert Hall STEEP CANYON RANGERS
March 22, Florida Theatre THREE DOG NIGHT, THE LORDS OF 52ND STREET March 25, Florida Theatre LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III March 30, PVC Hall UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER March 30, Jack Rabbits CHRIS BOTTI April 13, Florida Theatre BRUCE COCKBURN April 19, PVC Hall BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY: Sgt. Pepper’s 50th Anniversary Tour April 27, Florida Theatre LITTLE BIG TOWN, KACEY MUSGRAVES, MIDLAND May 4, St. Augustine Amphitheatre JOE BONAMASSA May 10, St. Augustine Amphitheatre DON McLEAN July 27, PVC Hall
LIVE MUSIC CLUBS AMELIA ISLAND + FERNANDINA
EMERALD GOAT IRISH PUB, 96110 Lofton Sq., 441-2444 Chuck Nash 9 p.m. Oct. 14 LA MANCHA, 2709 Sadler Rd., 261-4646 Miguel Paley 5:30-9 p.m. every Fri.-Sun. Javier Parez every Sun. THE SALTY PELICAN, 12 N. Front St., 277-3811 Dan Voll & Michelle 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15 THE SANDBAR & KITCHEN, 2910 Atlantic Ave., 310-3648 Jump, Jive & Wail Swing Night 7 p.m. Oct. 11. Trio Caliente 7 p.m. Oct. 12. Shayne rammler Oct. 15. SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL, 1998 S. Fletcher Ave., 277-6652 Pili Pili Oct. 11. Tad Jennings Oct. 12. Soulshine Oct. 13. Michael Hewlett Oct. 14. JC & Mike, Jamie Renae & the Walkers Oct. 15. Mark O’Quinn Oct. 17 SURF RESTAURANT, 3199 S. Fletcher Ave., 261-5711 Katfish Lee Oct. 11 & 12. Elvis Tribute Concert 6 p.m. Oct. 14
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 9 p.m. Tue. & Thur. Indie dance 9 p.m. Wed. ’80s & ’90s dance Fri.
THE BEACHES (All venues in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted)
1st STREET LOFT, 502 N. First St., 241-7848 Open stage night 8 p.m. Oct. 13. Open mic 7 p.m. every Thur. BIG DAWGS PIERSIDE, 2309 Beach Blvd., 372-4100 Billy Bowers 6 p.m. Oct. 12 BLUE WATER DAIQUIRI & OYSTER BAR, 205 N. First St., 249-0083 Once a Month Punk: Scatter Brains, Loose Bearings Oct. 19. Live music most weekends BRASS ANCHOR PUB, 2292 Mayport Rd., Atlantic Beach, 249-0301 Joe Oliff 8 p.m. Oct. 11 CULHANE’S IRISH PUB, 967 Atlantic Blvd., AB, 249-9595 Michael Funge 6:30 p.m. every Sun. FLYING IGUANA TAQUERIA & TEQUILA BAR, 207 Atlantic Blvd., NB, 853-5680 3 The Band Oct. 12. 5 O’Clock Shadow 10 p.m. Oct. 13 & 14. Darren Corlew Oct. 15. Live music every weekend FLY’S TIE IRISH PUB, 177 Sailfish Dr., AB, 246-4293 Live music on weekends GREEN ROOM BREWING, 228 Third St. N., 201-9283 DiCarlo Thompson 8 p.m. Oct. 14. Live music most weekends GUSTO, 1266 Beach Blvd., 372-9925 Groov 7:30 p.m. every Wed. Michael Smith every Thur. Milton Clapp every Fri. Under the Bus every Sat. Robert Eccles 6 p.m. every Sun. LYNCH’S IRISH PUB, 514 First St. N., 249-5181 Roger That 10 p.m. Oct. 13. KSick 10 p.m. Oct. 14. Split Tone every Thur. Chillula every Sun. K-Sick every Mon. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1018 Third St. N., 241-5600 Felix Chang 8:30 p.m. Oct. 12. Live music most weekends 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. OCEAN 60, 60 Ocean Blvd., AB, 247-0060 Taylor Roberts 7 p.m. Oct. 11 RAGTIME TAVERN, 207 Atlantic Blvd., AB, 241-7877 Billy Bowers 7 p.m. Oct. 18. Live music every Wed.-Sun.
LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC THE RITZ LOUNGE, 185 Third Ave. N., 246-2255 Clay Brewer 10 p.m. Oct. 15 SEACHASERS, 831 First St. N., 372-0444 Live music every weekend SOUTHERN GROUNDS & CO., 200 First St., NB, 249-2922 Billy Bowers 7 p.m. Oct. 14. Jazz Corner 6 p.m. every Tue. SURFER The BAR, 200 First St. N., 372-9756 Sol Rydah Oct. 11. Resinated Oct. 13. Ageless Oct. 14. Rachel Warfield Oct. 17. Soulo Lyon Oct. 18. Heather Gilliss Band oct. 19. Live music nearly every night WHISKEY JAX, 950 Marsh Landing Pkwy., 853-5973 Dalton Ammericon 8 p.m. Oct. 12. Mojo Roux 8:30 p.m. Oct. 13. Tuesday Night Blues Club 8 p.m. Oct. 17 ZETA BREWING, 131 First Ave. N., 372-0727 Live music every weekend
CAMDEN COUNTY, GA.
CAPTAIN STAN’S Smokehouse, 700 Bedell Dr., Woodbine, 912-729-9552 Live music Wed.-Sat. J’S TAVERN, 711 Osborne St., St. Marys, 912-882-5280 Live music most weekends
DOWNTOWN
1904 MUSIC HALL, 19 Ocean St. N., 345-5760 Marbin, Electric Kif 8 p.m. Oct. 11. Interstellar Echoes Oct. 13. The Groove Orient, Come Back Alice Oct. 14. Digitour, Bryce Hall, Justin Blake, more 3 p.m. Oct. 15. Life Lessons, Intervention Oct. 16. Van Gordon Martin Oct. 17 DE REAL TING, 128 W. Adams St., 633-9738 Ras AJ, De Lions of Jah 7 p.m. Oct. 13 DOS GATOS, 123 E. Forsyth St., 354-0666 DJ Brandon Thur. DJ NickFresh Sat. DJ Randall Mon. DJ Hollywood Tue. FIONN MacCOOL’S, Jacksonville Landing, 374-1247 Spade McQuade 6 p.m. Oct. 11. Jimmy Solari Oct. 14. Live music most weekends HOURGLASS PUB, 345 E. Bay St., 469-1719 Singersongwriter open mic every 7 p.m. Sun. Live music 9:30 p.m. Fri. JACKSONVILLE LANDING, 2 Independent Dr., 353-1188 Spanky 6 p.m. Oct. 12. Jason Evans Band 8 p.m. Oct. 13. Southern Ruckus 8 p.m. Oct. 14. Jimmy Parrish Band Oct. 15. Live music most weekends MAVERICKS LIVE, Jax Landing, 356-1110 Azealia Banks 7 p.m. Oct. 15. D’Vinci Deceptive Cadence 9 p.m. Oct. 20. Joe Buck, DJ Justin every Thur.-Sat. MYTH NIGHTCLUB, 333 E. Bay St., 707-0474 Cat Party, Ageless, Lucy 8 p.m. Oct. 13. Pete Bones 9 p.m. Oct. 14. DJ Law, Artik, Killoala, D2tay Wed. Latin Nite DJs Sat. VOLSTEAD, 115 W. Adams, 414-3171 Brian Iannucci 8 p.m. Oct. 13
FLEMING ISLAND
BOONDOCKS GRILL & BAR, 2808 Henley Rd., Green Cove, 406-9497 Alex Affronti 6 p.m. Oct. 11 & 19. Jake Cox 6 p.m. Oct. 12. Paul Conner, Eric Collette & Cody Oct. 13. Fond Kiser 7 p.m., Bryan Wainwright 10 p.m. Oct. 14. Redfish Rich Oct. 15. Dwayne McGregor 6 p.m. Oct. 17. Ivan Smith Oct. 18. Southern Rukus, Matt Knowles Oct. 20 MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1800 Town Ctr. Blvd., 541-1999 Kurt Lanham 8:30 p.m. Oct. 12 WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198 Live music every weekend
INTRACOASTAL
CLIFF’S Bar & Grill, 3033 Monument Rd., Ste. 2, 645-5162 MT Arms Oct. 11. Ivy League Oct. 13 & 14. Open mic every Tue. Live music every Tue.-Sun. JERRY’S Sports Bar & Grille, 13170 Atlantic Blvd., 220-6766 Sidewalk 65 8:30 p.m. Oct. 13. Live music every Fri.
MANDARIN
ENZA’S, 10601 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 109, 268-4458 Brian Iannucci Oct. 11 & 14 IGGY’S GRILL & BAR, 104 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste. 101, 209-5209 DJ Greg 7 p.m. every Wed. TAPS BAR & GRILL, 2220 C.R. 210, St. Johns, 819-1554 Live music every weekend
ORANGE PARK + MIDDLEBURG
BIG DAWGS, 1330 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 135, 272-4204 Live music every weekend CHEERS PARK AVENUE, 1138 Park Ave., 269-4855 DJ Capone, Ivan Pulley, Buddy Crump 9:30 p.m. Oct. 11. Lonely Highway, DJ Capone Oct. 12. Julia Gulia Oct. 13. Wildfire Rising Oct. 14. Jason Evans Band Oct. 19 DALTON’S SPORTS GRILL, 2620 Blanding Blvd., Middleburg, 282-1564 Zeb Padgett 7 p.m. Oct. 17 DEE’S MUSIC BAR, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd., Ste. 140, 375-2240 Lyft 9 p.m. Oct. 13. 2nd Shot 9 p.m. Oct. 14. DJ Troy every Wed. The HILLTOP, 2030 Wells Rd., 272-5959 John Michael on the piano every Tue.-Sat. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1800 Town Center Blvd., 541-1999 Live music every Fri. & Sat. The ROADHOUSE, 231 Blanding Blvd., 264-0611 Propenganjah 10 p.m. Oct. 20. Live music every Fri. & Sat. SHARK CLUB, 714 Park Ave., 215-1557 Digital Skyline 9 p.m. Oct. 11. Tom Bennett Band 9 p.m. Oct. 12
PONTE VEDRA
PUSSER’S GRILLE, 816 A1A, 280-7766 Andrew Sapin 6 p.m. Oct. 11. Live music every Wed.-Sat.
TABLE 1, 330 A1A N., 280-5515 Live music every Wed., Thur. & Sat.
RIVERSIDE + WESTSIDE
ACROSS the STREET, 948 Edgewood Ave. S., 683-4182 Live music most weekends HOBNOB, 220 Riverside Ave., Ste. 10, 513-4272 Live music every Fri. MOCKSHOP MUSIC EXCHANGE, 933 Edgewood Ave. S., 647-4415 Civilian 7 p.m. Oct. 13 MURRAY HILL Theatre, 932 Edgewood Ave., 388-7807 The New Respects, The Kingdom Sons 7 p.m. Oct. 12. Brady Toops, Summer frost, Jesse Brantman 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13. iPrayz, Lexi Lex Oct. 14 NIGHTHAWKS, 2952 Roosevelt Blvd. Lich King Oct. 12. Motograter 7 p.m. Oct. 14. Dance With the Dead, Gost 8 p.m. Oct. 15. Set and Setting Oct. 16. Agnostic Front, Coldside 8 p.m. Oct. 18 RAIN DOGS, 1045 Park St., 379-4969 Corrupted Saints, Lich King, Hidden Intent Oct. 12. Live music most weekends RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET, 715 Riverside Ave., 389-2449 Live music 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 14 SOLO GALLERY, 1037 Park St. Majid Araim 7 p.m. Oct. 16. Null-State 7 p.m. Oct. 18 SOUTH KITCHEN & SPIRITYS, 3638 Park St., 475-2362 Live music most weekends
OVERSET
ST. AUGUSTINE
ARNOLD’S LOUNGE, 3912 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd., 824-8738 The Remains 9 p.m. Oct. 14 CAFE ELEVEN, 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, 460-9311 Igor & The Red Elvises 8:30 p.m. Oct. 14 CASA MONICA, 95 Cordova St., 827-1888 The Lisa Kelly Jazz 4Tet 8 p.m. Oct. 13 CELLAR UPSTAIRS, 157 King St., 826-1594 Tony Scozzaro Oct. 12. T.J. Brown, Chillula Oct. 13. Evan D, Ain’t Too Proud to Beg Oct. 14. Vinny Jacobs 2 p.m. Oct. 15 DOS COFFEE & WINE, 300 San Marco Ave., 342-2421 Live music every weekend MARDI GRAS, 123 San Marco Ave., 823-8806 Danger Mouse 9 p.m. Oct. 13. Monkey Wrench 9 p.m. Oct. 14. Fre Gordon acoustic open mic 7 p.m. every Sun. Justin Gurnsey, Big Logic & the Truth Serum Musicians Exchange 8 p.m. every Mon. ORIOLES NEST, 9155 C.R. 13 N., 814-8298 DJ Alex every Fri. Live music most every weekend PROHIBITION KITCHEN, 119 St. George St., 209-5704 Leelyn Osborn, Sailor Jane & the Deep Sea Devils Oct. 11. Billy Buchanan, Jazzbeard Oct. 12. Those Guys, Luvu Oct. 13. John Lumpkin Quartet, South City Live, St. Augustine Songwriters Festival Oct. 14. Ramona Oct. 16. Aslyn & the Naysayers, Michael Jordan Oct. 17 SARBEZ!, 115 Anastasia Blvd., 342-0632 The Swell Fellas 8:30 p.m. Oct. 14 TEMPO, 16 Cathedral Pl., 342-0286 Jay Bird Oct. 12. Tony Martins Band Oct. 13. Allstars Band Oct. 14. Jax English Salsa Band 6 p.m. Oct. 15. Bluez Dudez, Solou Oct. 17 TRADEWINDS LOUNGE, 124 Charlotte St., 829-9336 Those Guys 9 p.m. Oct. 13 & 14. The Down Low every Wed.
SAN MARCO
JACK RABBITS, 1528 Hendricks Ave., 398-7496 Seasons After, Another Lost Year, Blacklite District 7 p.m. Oct. 11. Kings of Hell, Hated 3, Ghostwitch 8 p.m. Oct. 13. Will Hoge, Dan Layus 8 p.m. Oct. 14. The Marcus King Band, Bobby Lee Rodgers 7 p.m. Oct. 17 MUDVILLE MUSIC ROOM, 3104 Atlantic Blvd., 352-7008 Julie Freeman 7 p.m. Oct. 11. Billy Buchanan 3 p.m. Oct. 15. TBA Big Band 6 p.m. Oct. 16. Ernie Evans & The Florida State Bluegrass Band 7 p.m. Oct. 19
SOUTHSIDE, ARLINGTON & BAYMEADOWS
MELLOW MUSHROOM, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., 997-1955 Kristen Lee Oct. 12. Sweet Sweet Oct. 13 WHISKEY JAX, 10915 Baymeadows Rd., 634-7208 Melissa Smith Oct. 12. Party Cartel 9 p.m. Oct. 13 WILD WING CAFÉ, 4555 Southside Blvd., 619-3670 Live music every weekend
SPRINGFIELD + NORTHSIDE
CROOKED ROOSTER BREWERY, 1478 S. Sixth St., Macclenny, 653-2337 DJ Music 7 p.m. Oct. 14. Open mic 7 p.m. every Wed. FLIGHT 747 LOUNGE, 1500 Airport Rd., 741-4331 Live music every weekend KNUCKLEHEADS Bar, 850532 U.S. 17, 222-2380 Live music every weekend MELLOW MUSHROOM, 15170 Max Leggett Pkwy., 757-8843 Live music most every weekend OCEANWAY BAR, 12905 Main St. N., 647-9127 Live music most every weekend SHANTYTOWN PUB, 22 W. Sixth, 798-8222 Live music every weekend
_____________________________________ To list your band’s gig, please send time, date, location (street address, city), admission price, and a contact number to 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 publication.
OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 53
FOLIO DINING
In addition to serving up the kinds of subs that made them a finalist in our 2017 Best of Jax, LARRY’S GIANT SUBS’ many locations offer a fun and fresh casual dining experience. photo by Madison Gross
AMELIA ISLAND + FERNANDINA BEACH
BRETT’S WATERWAY CAFÉ, 1 S. Front St., 261-2660. F On the water at Centre Street’s end. Southern hospitality, upscale atmosphere; daily specials, fresh local seafood, aged beef. $$$ FB L D Daily CAFÉ KARIBO, 27 N. Third St., 277-5269, cafekaribo.com. F Family-owned café in historic building. Worldly fare, made-from-scratch dressings, sauces, desserts, sourcing fresh veggies, seafood. Dine in or al fresco under oakshaded patio. Microbrew Karibrew Pub brews beer onsite; imports. $$ FB K TO R, Su; L Daily, D Tu-Su in season THE CRAB TRAP, 31 N. Second St., 261-4749, amelia crabtrap.com. F For nearly 40 years, family-owned-andoperated. Fresh local seafood, steaks, specials. HH. $$ FB L Sa-M; D Nightly JACK & DIANE’S, 708 Centre St., 321-1444, jackand dianescafe.com. F Renovated 1887 shotgun house. Faves: jambalaya, French toast, pancakes, mac & cheese, crêpes. Vegan items. Inside or porch overlooking historic area. $$ BW K TO B L D M, W, F, Sa; B L Su LA MANCHA, 2709 Sadler Rd., 261-4646, lamancha restaurante.com. Spanish, Portuguese fare, Brazilian flair. Tapas, seafood, steaks, sangria. Drink specials. AYCE paella Sun. $$$ FB K TO D Nightly LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 474272 S.R. 200, 844-2225. F SEE ORANGE PARK. MOON RIVER PIZZA, 925 S. 14th St., 321-3400, moon riverpizza.net. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. Authentic Northern-style pizzas, 20-plus toppings, pie/slice. Calzones. $ BW TO L D M-Sa THE MUSTARD SEED CAFÉ, 833 Courson Rd., 277-3141, nassaushealthfoods.net. Casual organic eatery, juice bar, in Nassau Health Foods. All-natural organic items, smoothies, juices, herbal teas, coffees, daily specials. $$ K TO B L M-Sa THE PATIO PLACE, 416 Ash St., 410-3717, patioplace bistro.com. Bistro/wine bar/crêperie’s global menu uses crêpes: starters, entrées, shareables, desserts. $$ BW TO B L D Tu-Su
DINING DIRECTORY KEY AVERAGE ENTRÉE COST $ $$
$
< $10
$$$
10- $20
$$$$
$
20-$35 > $35
ABBREVIATIONS & SPECIAL NOTES BW = Beer/Wine
L = Lunch
FB = Full Bar
D = Dinner Bite Club = Hosted Free Folio Weekly Bite Club Event F = Folio Weekly Distribution Spot
K = Kids’ Menu TO = Take Out B = Breakfast R = Brunch
To list your restaurant, call your account manager or call or text SAM TAYLOR, Folio Weekly publisher, at 904-860-2465 (email: staylor@folioweekly.com). 54 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
POINTE RESTAURANT, 98 S. Fletcher Ave., 277-4851, elizabethpointelodge.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. In award-winning inn Elizabeth Pointe Lodge. Seaside dining; in or out. Hot buffet breakfast daily, full lunch menu. Homestyle soups, specialty sandwiches, desserts. $$$ BW K B L D Daily THE SALTY PELICAN BAR & GRILL, 12 N. Front St., 277-3811, thesaltypelicanamelia.com. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. 2nd-story outdoor bar. T.J. & Al offer local seafood, fish tacos, Mayport shrimp, po’boys, cheese oysters. $$ FB K L D Daily SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL, 1998 S. Fletcher Ave., 277-6652, slidersseaside.com. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. Oceanfront. Award-winning handmade crabcakes, fried pickles, fresh seafood. Open-air 2nd floor balcony, playground. $$ FB K L D Daily THE SURF RESTAURANT & BAR, 3199 S. Fletcher Ave., 261-5711, thesurfonline.com. Oceanview dining since 1957, inside or on the deck. Steaks, seafood, burgers, daily food and drink specials; Wing It Wednesdays. $$ FB K TO L D Daily T-RAY’S BURGER STATION, 202 S. Eighth St., 261-6310, traysburgerstation.com. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. Family-owned-and-operated 18+ years. Blue plate specials, burgers, biscuits & gravy, shrimp. $ BW TO B L M-Sa
ARLINGTON + REGENCY
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 1301 Monument Rd., Ste. 5, 724-5802. F SEE ORANGE PARK.
AVONDALE + ORTEGA
FOOD ADDICTZ GRILL, 1044 Edgewood Ave. S., 240-1987. Family-and-veteran-owned place is all about home cooking. Customer faves: barbecued pulled pork, blackened chicken, Caesar wrap and Portobello mushroom burger. $ K TO B L D Tu-Su HARPOON LOUIE’S, 4070 Herschel St., Ste. 8, 389-5631, harpoonlouies.net. F Locally owned & operated 20+ years. American pub. 1/2-lb. burgers, fish sandwiches, pasta. Local beers, HH. $$ FB K TO L D Daily MOJO NO. 4 URBAN BBQ & WHISKEY BAR, 3572 St. Johns Ave., Ste. 1, 381-6670, mojobbq.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. Pulled pork and Carolina-style barbecue. Delta fried catfi sh. Avondale’s Mojo has shrimp & grits, specialty cocktails. Local musicians on weekends. $$ FB K TO L D Daily PINEGROVE MARKET & DELI, 1511 PineGrove Ave., 389-8655, pinegrovemarket.com. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. 40+ years. Burgers, Cubans, subs, wraps. Onsite butcher, USDA choice prime aged beef. Craft beers. Fri. & Sat. fish fry. $ BW TO B L D M-Sa RESTAURANT ORSAY, 3630 Park St., 381-0909, restaurantorsay.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. French/ Southern bistro; local organic ingredients. Steak frites, mussels, pork chops. $$$ FB R, Su; D Nightly SIMPLY SARA’S, 2902 Corinthian Ave., 387-1000, simplysaras.net. F Down-home fare from scratch: eggplant fries, pimento cheese, baked chicken, fruit cobblers, chicken & dumplings, desserts. BYOB. $$ K TO L D Tu-Sa, B Sa SOUTH KITCHEN & SPIRITS, 3638 Park St., 475-2362, south.kitchen. Southern classics: crispy catfish with smoked gouda grits, family-style fried chicken, burgers, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options. $$ FB K TO L D Daily
BAYMEADOWS
AL’S PIZZA, 8060 Philips Hwy., Ste. 105, 731-4300. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE INTRACOASTAL. INDIA’S, 9802 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 8, 620-0777, indiajaxcom. F Authentic cuisine, lunch buffet. Curries, vegetables, lamb, chicken, shrimp, fish tandoori. $$ BW L M-Sa; D Nightly LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 8616 Baymeadows Rd., 739-2498. F SEE ORANGE PARK.
DINING DIRECTORY METRO DINER, 9802 Baymeadows Rd., 425-9142. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE SAN MARCO. NATIVE SUN NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI, 11030 Baymeadows Rd., 260-2791. 2017 Best of Jax finalist. SEE MANDARIN. PATTAYA THAI GRILLE, 9551 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 1, 646-9506, ptgrille.com. 2017 Best of Jax finalist. Since 1989, the family-owned place has offered an extensive menu of traditional Thai, vegetarian, new-Thai; curries, seafood, noodles, soups. Low-sodium & gluten-free. $$$ BW TO L D Tu-Sa THE WELL WATERING HOLE, 3928 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 9, 737-7740, thewellwateringhole.com. Local craft beers, glass/bottle wines. Meatloaf sandwich, pulled Peruvian chicken, vegan black bean burgers. Gluten-free pizzas, desserts. HH specials. $$ BW K TO L M-F; D Tu-Sa WHISKEY JAX, 10915 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 135, 634-7208, whiskeyjax.com. Popular gastropub has craft beers, gourmet burgers, handhelds, signature plates, tacos and–sure–whiskey. HH M-F. $$ FB B Sa & Su; L F; D Nightly
BEACHES
(Venues are in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted.)
1st STREET LOFT, 502 N. First St., 241-7848, 1ststreetloft. com. New beach spot serves breakfast and lunch all day. Local artists’ works are displayed. It’s a coffeehouse and live music venue, too. $ TO B L D W-Sa; B L Su & M ANGIE’S SUBS, 1436 Beach Blvd., 246-2519. ANGIE’S GROM SUBS, 204 Third Ave. S., 241-3663. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. Fresh ingredients, 25+ years. Huge salads, blue-ribbon iced tea. Grom has Sun. brunch, no alcohol. $ K BW TO L D Daily BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS, 2400 S. Third St., Ste. 201, 374-5735. 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. BREEZY COFFEE SHOP WINE BAR, 235 Eighth Ave. S., 241-2211, breezycoffeeshopcafe.com. Local beachy coffee & wine shop by day; wine bar by night. Fresh baked pastries, breakfast sandwiches all day. Grab-n-Go salads, cheeses, hummus. $ BW K TO B L D Daily The CRAFT PIZZA CO., 240 Third St. N., Neptune Beach, 853-6773, thecraftpizzaco.com. F Al Mansur’s new place has innovative pies made with locally sourced ingredients. Dine inside or out. $$ BW L D Daily CRUISERS GRILL, 319 23rd Ave. S., 270-0356,
GRILL ME!
burgers, desserts. Dine in or out on picnic tables. $$ FB K TO L & D Tu-Sa LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 6586 GA. Hwy. 40 B6, St. Marys, 912-576-7006. F SEE ORANGE PARK. OUTERBANKS SPORTS BAR & GRILLE, 140 The Lakes Blvd., Ste. H, Kingsland, 912-729-5499. Fresh seafood, burgers, steaks, wings. $$ FB TO D Nightly SALT.PEPPER.THYME, 105 N. Lee St., Kingsland, 912-510-0444, saltpepperthyme.net. Varied American Southern fare in an elegant setting. Dine in or out. $$ BW K TO L W; L & D Th-Sa
FLEMING ISLAND
GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET, 1915 East-West Pkwy., 541-0009. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. MOJO SMOKEHOUSE, 1810 Town Center Blvd., Ste. 8,
T-RAY’S BURGER STATION
202 S. Eighth St. • Fernandina Beach Born in: Augusta, Georgia Years in Biz: 40 Favorite Restaurant: Chowder Ted's (Jacksonville) Favorite Cuisine Style: American Go-To Ingredients: T-Ray's rub and love Ideal Meal: Grilled butter biscuit with Maya & Pop's pure cane syrup Will Not Cross My Lips: Bleu cheese or green peppers Insider’s Secret: Give customers what they want! Celebrity at Your Restaurant: Steven Spielberg Culinary Treat: Deep-fried, homemade cinnamon roll
CAMDEN COUNTY, GEORGIA
CAPTAIN STAN’S SMOKEHOUSE, 700 Bedell Dr., Woodbine, 912-729-9552. Barbecue, sides, hot dogs,
BURGER
MAGIC
DOWNTOWN
BELLWETHER, 100 N. Laura St., 802-7745, bellwetherjax. com. Elevated Southern classics in an understated setting, with chef/owner Jon Insetta’s focus on flavors, and chef Kerri Rogers’ culinary creativity. The Northeast Florida menu changes seasonally. Rotating local craft beers, regional spirits, cold brew coffee program. $$ FB TO L M-F CASA DORA, 108 E. Forsyth, 356-8282, casadoraitalian. com. F Serving Italian fare, 40+ years: veal, seafood, pizza. Homemade salad dressing. $ BW K L M-F; D M-Sa OLIO MARKET, 301 E. Bay St., 356-7100, oliomarket.com. F Scratch soups, sandwiches. Duck grilled cheese, seen on Best Sandwich in America. $$ BW TO B R L M-F; D F & Sa SPLIFF’S GASTROPUB, 15 N. Ocean St., 844-5000, spliffsgastropub.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. Music venue has munchie apps, mac & cheese dishes, pockets, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. HH M-F. $ BW L D M-Sa URBAN GRIND COFFEE COMPANY, 45 W. Bay, Ste. 102, 516-7799, urbangrind.coffee. Locally roasted whole bean brewed coffees, espressos, pastries, smoothies, bagels. Chicken/tuna salad, sandwiches. WiFi. $ B L M-F URBAN GRIND EXPRESS, 50 W. Laura St., 516-7799. SEE ABOVE. ZODIAC BAR & GRILL, 120 W. Adams St., 354-8283, thezodiacbarandgrill.com. 16+ years. Mediterranean cuisine, American fare, paninis, vegetarian dishes. Lunch buffet. Espressos, hookahs. HH M-F. $ FB L M-F; D W-Sa
T-Ray Mullis
cruisersgrill.com. Locally owned & operated 20+ years. Half-pound burgers, fish sandwiches, big salads, awardwinning cheddar fries, sangria. $ BW K TO L D Daily EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ, 992 Beach Blvd., 249-3001, europeanstreet.com. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. FLYING IGUANA TAQUERIA & TEQUILA BAR, 207 Atlantic Blvd., NB, 853-5680, flyingiguana.com. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. Latin American: tacos, seafood, carnitas, Cubana fare. 100+ tequilas. $ FB TO L D Daily GUSTO, 1266 Beach Blvd., 372-9925, gustojax.com. Classic Old World Roman fare, big Italian menu: homestyle pasta, beef, chicken, fish delicacies; open pizza-tossing kitchen. Reservations encouraged. $$ FB TO L R D Tu-Su HAWKERS ASIAN STREET FARE, 241 Atlantic Blvd., NB, 425-1025. 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 657 Third St. N., 247-9620. F SEE ORANGE PARK. METRO DINER, 1534 3rd St. N., 853-6817. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE SAN MARCO. MOJO KITCHEN BBQ PIT & BLUES BAR, 1500 Beach Blvd., 247-6636. 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE AVONDALE. M SHACK, 299 Atlantic Blvd., AB, 241-2599, shack burgers.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. Burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes. Dine indoors or out. $$ BW L D Daily NATIVE SUN NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI, 1585 N. Third St., 458-1390. 2017 Best of Jax finalist. SEE MANDARIN. RAGTIME TAVERN SEAFOOD & GRILL, 207 Atlantic Blvd., AB, 241-7877, ragtimetavern.com. F 34 years and counting, the iconic seafood place serves blackened snapper, sesame tuna, Ragtime shrimp. Daily HH, brunch Sun. $$ FB L D Daily WHISKEY JAX, 950 Marsh Landing Pkwy., 853-5973. SEE BAYMEADOWS.
BITE-SIZED
264-0636. 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE AVONDALE. WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198, whiteysfishcamp.com. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. Real fish camp. Gator tail, freshwater catfish, daily specials, on Swimming Pen Creek. Tiki bar. Come by boat, bike or car. $ FB K TO L Tu-Su; D Nightly
INTRACOASTAL WEST
AL’S PIZZA, 14286 Beach Blvd., Ste. 31, 223-0991. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. 30 years of awesome gourmet pizza, baked dishes. All day HH M-Th. $ FB K TO L D Daily LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 10750 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 14, 642-6980. F SEE ORANGE PARK.
MANDARIN + NW ST. JOHNS
AL’S PIZZA, 11190 San Jose Blvd., 260-4115. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE INTRACOASTAL. ATHENS CAFÉ, 6271 St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 7, 733-1199, athenscafejax.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. 20+ years of Greek fare, serving dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), baby shoes (stuffed eggplant), Greek beers. Vegetarian-friendly. Full bar. Early bird menu Mon.-Fri. $$ FB L M-F; D M-Sa CRUISERS GRILL, 5613 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 1, 737-2874. SEE BEACHES. FIRST COAST DELI & GRILL, 6082 St. Augustine Rd., 733-7477. Pancakes, bacon, sandwiches, burgers, wings. $ K TO B L Daily JAX DINER, 5065 St. Augustine Rd., 739-7070, jaxdiner. com. Simple name, simple concept: Local. Chef Roderick “Pete” Smith, a local culinary expert with nearly 20 years under his apron, uses locally sourced ingredients from area farmers, vendors and the community for American and Southern dishes. Seasonal brunch. $ K TO B L M-F, D F METRO DINER, 12807 San Jose Blvd., 638-6185. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. Dinner nightly. SEE SAN MARCO. MOJO BAR-B-QUE, 1607 University Blvd. W., 732-7200, mojobbq.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE AVONDALE. NATIVE SUN NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI, 10000 San Jose Blvd., 260-6950, nativesunjax.com. F 2017 Best
OVERSET
Town Center Promenade welcomes BELOVED CHAIN w elcomes B ELOVED C HAIN OUR TALE BEGINS WITH HUNGRY FRESHMEN inundated with ads for tasty burgers and bottomless steak fries. Bitter disappointment radiated from that college campus when they learned the tantalizing tastes could not be theirs. The closest location for those sweet, sweet burgers was an hour away. AN. HOUR. AWAY. Which is infinite when you’re 18 and hungry. Fast-forward six years, to 2017, the year the promise of juicy burgers was finally fulfilled, when a Red Robin was born in Northeast Florida. I think that pretty much captures my excitement when I visited Red Robin. Choose from gourmet burgers–like the Madlove, a stack on stack of a half-pound Black Angus patty topped with cheddar and parmesan crisp, melted provolone and Swiss, jalapeño relish, candied bacon, avocado, citrus-marinated tomato and onion with shredded romaine, aaallll on ciabatta–or salads and sandwiches. To give depth, we ordered what you might call a ‘round Robin’: the A.1. Peppercorn Burger, Salmon Burger and Prime Rib Dip. The A.1.’s single meaty patty ($11.39) is covered with smoked bacon, melted pepperjack, a house A.1. Peppercorn Spread, tomatoes and crispy onion straws, all on an onion bun. The bun holds up to the toppings; it’s even flecked with herbs, a nice touch. You order these mouthwatering burgers only two ways: pink or not pink. It’s a crime to overcook ’em, so pink is the way to go. They manage to get the nice middle ground of not bleeding all over but not cooked to death.
RED ROBIN
4586 Town Center Pkwy., 713-2300, redrobin.com
The salmon was more sandwich than burger, tbh ($14.79). Calling it a “burger” would be a disservice to this quality piece of fish. No fillers or unknowns here; this is a legit fish sandwich marinated in citrus harissa (a red Middle Eastern paste with a big flavor punch). The salmon had a really nice crisp crust; surprisingly delightful, because who expects good fish at a burger joint!? Each bite was fresh, not fishy, and flavorful, an excellent option for a lighter meal or a pescatarian. Last, and least, was Prime Rib Dip ($14.79). It was the loser of the three, so stick with burgers–it’s what they’re known for, after all! The bottomless steak fries are a lot of fun, but the sweet potato fries were winners! Skip the upgrade to garlic parmesan fries; not worth it. But wait, there’s more–a full bar menu more. For the classic burger-and-beer combo, choose from a long list of brews, some local. Of the giant punchy cocktails, I recommend a Screaming Red Zombie ($7.19) for its flavors of orange, maraschino cherry and a lotta delicious. For dessert, we went with Fruffles ($5.99), brownies shaped like fries, covered in chocolate, sprinkled with salt and sugar. These are OMG good. Gents, Fruffles are a get-out-of-jail-free card if your lady is having the worst day. These will cheer up any chocoholic. Guaranteed. Brentley Stead biteclub@folioweekly.com OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 55
DINING DIRECTORY PINT-SIZED The fall season is the FRESHEST TIME to drink
HOP TO IT!
NOW THAT AUTUMN IS OFFICIALLY HERE, WE can look forward to cooler, shorter days. Well, shorter, anyway. We can also look forward to many great fall beer styles, even if they are more suited to cooler climes. Fall also means that hops harvest season is finished and brewers nationwide are unveiling fresh hops beers. Also known as wet hops, these beers carry a fresh, herbal character that brews made with more traditional dried hops do not. The character is often described as much “greener” than more intense dry-hopped beers. Using fresh hops allows for more subtle tastes to be imparted to the beer because some of the more volatile oils in the hops are not dried out during the kilning process. Hops are the cone-shaped flowers of the humulus lupulus plant. After harvest, in late August to mid-September, most hops are destined to be dried and pressed into pellets for a longer shelf-life. Accordingly, the flavors imbued into beer are more concentrated and intense. For fresh hops beer styles, the flower is kept intact and not dried. This also means more hops are required to achieve a balanced beer. Because hops are extremely perishable– they begin to degrade within 24 hours of being picked–getting the fresh hops to brewers can be a logistical nightmare. Breweries that are near the major hop-growing regions in the Pacific Northwest simply send refrigerated trucks to farms that rush the fresh-picked cones back to the brewers. Brewers that are farther away have to come up with more creative methods to get their hands on the fragrant cones. Many breweries outside Washington and Oregon have given up on the style because it’s too expensive to produce. A few use overnight shipping to get the hops to their kettles as quickly as possible. To many beer lovers, the extra trouble and expense of shipping fresh hops is worth it. These styles are akin to the wine world’s Beaujolais Nouveau in that they’re limited to a certain time of year and should be enjoyed immediately. Because the fresh hops are so unstable, a fresh hop beer that languishes in the back of the refrigerator or, worse, on the kitchen counter, begins to lose its fresh flavor in just days. Some fresh hop beers to try:
SIERRA NEVADA FRESH HOP PACK Variety packs are becoming more popular with breweries like New Belgium, Sam Adams and Flying Dog, offering a selection in a 12-pack box. Sierra Nevada has a mix pack this time of year with four Fresh Hop beers: IPA, Double IPA, IPL (India Pale Lager) and Session IPA. It’s a great chance to taste how fresh hop affects several types of beer. FULL SAIL BREWING 8 POUND ALE Named for the brewery’s practice of using eight pounds of hops for each barrel, this ale is brewed with hops that come directly from the farm in under three hours. This is a highly limited release, so if you see a six-pack, grab it! Marc Wisdom marc@folioweekly.com 56 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
OVERSET Family tradition and some of the tastiest local Thai fare have brought the honor of 2017 Best of Jax finalist to PATTAYA THAI in Riverside and Baymeadows.
of Jax finalist. Organic soups, baked items, sandwiches, prepared foods. Juice, smoothie, coffee bar. All-natural beer/ wine. $ BW TO K B L D Daily
ORANGE PARK
THE HILLTOP, 2030 Wells Rd., 272-5959, hilltop-club.com. Southern fine dining. New Orleans shrimp, certified Black Angus prime rib, she-crab soup, desserts. Extensive bourbon selection. $$$ FB D Tu-Sa LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 1330 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 165, 276-7370. 1545 C.R. 220, 278-2827. 700 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 15, 272-3553. 5733 Roosevelt Blvd., 446-9500. 1401 S. Orange Ave., Green Cove, 284-7789, larryssubs.com. F Larry’s piles ’em high, serves ’em fast; 36+ years. Hot & cold subs, soups. Some Larry’s serve breakfast. $ K TO B L D Daily METRO DINER, 2034 Kingsley Ave., 375-8548. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. Dinner nightly. SEE SAN MARCO. MILL BASIN, 1754 Wells Rd., 644-8172, mill-basin.com. Serving modern interpretations of classic Italian fare and upscale craft cocktails. Late night menu. Daily HH, brunch Sun. $$ FB L D Daily The ROADHOUSE, 231 Blanding Blvd., 264-0611, roadhouseonline.net. Sandwiches, wings, burgers, quesadillas for 35+ years. 75+ imported beers. Live music. $ FB L D Daily SPRING PARK COFFEE, 328 Ferris St., Green Cove Springs, 531-9391, springparkcoffee.com. Cozy shop; fresh-roasted Brass Tacks coffee, handcrafted hot & cold drinks, specialty lattes, cappuccino, macchiato, teas, pastries, sandwiches, breakfast. $ B L D Daily
PONTE VEDRA BEACH
AL’S PIZZA, 635 A1A, 543-1494. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE INTRACOASTAL. LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 830 A1A N., Ste. 6, 273-3993. F SEE ORANGE PARK. M SHACK NOCATEE, 641 Crosswater Pkwy., 395-3575. 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE BEACHES. METRO DINER, 340 Front St., Ste. 700, 513-8422. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE SAN MARCO.
RIVERSIDE, 5 PTS + WESTSIDE
13 GYPSIES, 887 Stockton St., 389-0330, 13gypsies.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. Authentic Mediterranean cuisine: chorizo, tapas, blackened cod, pork skewers, coconut mango curry chicken. Breads from scratch. $$ BW L D Tu-Sa, R Sa AL’S PIZZA, 1620 Margaret St., Ste. 201, 388-8384. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE INTRACOASTAL. BIG OAK BBQ & CATERING, 1948 Henley Rd., Middleburg, 214-3041. 1440 Dunn Ave., 757-2225, bigoakbbqfl.com. Family-owned-and-operated barbecue joints have smoked chicken, pulled pork, ribs, sides and stumps, which sounds damn good. $$ K TO L D M-Sa BLACK SHEEP, 1534 Oak St., 355-3793, blacksheep 5points.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. New American, Southern; local source ingredients. Specials, rooftop bar. HH. $$$ FB R Sa & Su; L M-F; D Nightly BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS, 869 Stockton St., Ste. 1, 855-1181, boldbeancoffee.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. Small-batch, artisanal approach to sourcing and roasting single-origin, direct-trade coffees. Signature blends, hand-crafted syrups, espressos, craft beers. $ BW TO B L Daily CORNER TACO, 818 Post St., 240-0412, cornertaco.com. Made-from-scratch “Mexclectic street food,” tacos, nachos, gluten-free, vegetarian options. $ BW L D Tu-Su
CUMMER CAFÉ, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave., 356-6857, cummer.org. 2017 Best of Jax winner. Light lunch, quick bites, locally roasted coffee, espresso-based drinks, sandwiches, desserts, daily specials. Dine in or in gardens. $ BW K L D Tu; L W-Su EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ, 2753 Park St., 384-9999. 2017 Best of Jax winner. 130+ import beers, 20 on tap. Sandwiches. Dine outside at some E-Sts. $ BW K L D Daily GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET, 2007 Park St., 384-4474, thegrassrootsmarket.com. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. Juice bar uses certified organic fruits, veggies. Artisanal cheeses, 300 craft, import beers, 50 organic wines, produce, meats, vitamins, herbs, wraps, sides, sandwiches. $ BW TO B L D Daily HAWKERS ASIAN STREET FARE, 1001 Park St., 508-0342, hawkerstreetfare.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. Authentic dishes from mobile stalls: BBQ pork char sui, beef haw fun, Hawkers baos, chow faan, grilled Hawker skewers. $ BW TO L D Daily IL DESCO, 2665 Park St., 290-6711, ildescojax.com. Authentic Italian cuisine; wood-fired pizzas, pasta, baked Italian dishes, raw bar, spaghetti tacos. Daily HH. $$-$$$ FB K TO L D Daily JOHNNY’S DELI & GRILLE, 474 Riverside Ave., 356-8055. F Casual spot offers made-to-order sandwiches, wraps. $ TO B L M-Sa LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 1509 Margaret St., 674-2794. 7895 Normandy Blvd., 781-7600. 8102 Blanding Blvd., 7791933. F SEE ORANGE PARK. METRO DINER, 4495 Roosevelt Blvd., 999-4600. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE SAN MARCO. MOON RIVER PIZZA, 1176 Edgewood Ave. S., 389-4442. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE AMELIA ISLAND. M SHACK, 1012 Margaret St., 423-1283. 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE BEACHES. SOUTHERN ROOTS FILLING STATION, 1275 King St., 513-4726, southernrootsjax.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. Fresh vegan fare; local, organic ingredients. Specials, on bread, local greens/rice, change daily. Sandwiches, coffees, teas. $ Tu-Su SUN-RAY CINEMA, 1028 Park St., 359-0047, sunray cinema.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. First-run, indie and art films screened. Beer, local drafts, wine, pizza–Godbold, Black Lagoon Supreme–hot dogs, hummus, sandwiches, popcorn, nachos, brownies. $$ BW Daily SUSHI CAFÉ, 2025 Riverside Ave., Ste. 204, 384-2888, sushicafejax.com. F Monster, Rock-n-Roll, Dynamite Roll. Hibachi, tempura, katsu, teriyaki. Inside/patio. $$ BW L D Daily
ST. AUGUSTINE
AL’S PIZZA, 1 St. George St., 824-4383. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE INTRACOASTAL. The CORAZON CINEMA & CAFE, 36 Granada St., 679-5736, corazoncinemaandcafe.com. Sandwiches, combos, salads and pizza are served at the cinema house, showing indie and first-run movies. $$ Daily CRUISERS GRILL, 3 St. George St., 824-6993. SEE BEACHES. THE FLORIDIAN, 72 Spanish St., 829-0655, thefloridian staug.com. Updated Southern fare; fresh, local ingredients. Vegetarian, gluten-free options. Signature fried green tomato bruschetta, blackened fish cornbread stack; grits w/shrimp/ fish/tofu. $$$ BW K TO L D W-M GYPSY CAB COMPANY, 828 Anastasia Blvd., 824-8244, gypsycab.com. F 34+ years. Varied urban cuisine menu changes twice daily. Signature: Gypsy chicken. Seafood, tofu,
duck, veal. $$ FB R Su; L D Daily MARDI GRAS SPORTS BAR, 123 San Marco Ave., 347-3288, mardibar.com. Lively spot has wings, nachos, shrimp, chicken, Phillys, sliders, soft pretzels. $$ FB TO L D Daily METRO DINER, 1000 S. Ponce de Leon Blvd., 758-3323. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. Dinner nightly. SEE SAN MARCO. MOJO OLD CITY BBQ, 5 Cordova St., 342-5264, mojobbq.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE AVONDALE. SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK, 321 A1A, 217-3256. SEE BEACHES. WOODPECKER’S BACKYARD BBQ, 4930 S.R. 13, 531-5670, woodpeckersbbq.weebly.com. Smoked fresh daily. Brisket, ribs, pork, sausage, turkey: in sandwiches, plates by the pound. 8 sauces, 10 sides. $$ TO L D Tu-Su
SAN MARCO + SOUTHBANK
THE BEARDED PIG SOUTHERN BBQ & BEER GARDEN, 1224 Kings Ave., 619-2247, thebeardedpigbbq.com. 2017 Best of Jax finalist. Barbecue joint Southern style: brisket, pork, chicken, sausage, beef; veggie platters. $$ BW K TO Daily BISTRO AIX, 1440 San Marco Blvd., 398-1949, bistrox. com. F Mediterranean/French inspired menu changes seasonally. 250+ wines. Wood-fired oven-baked, grilled specialties: pizza, pasta, risotto, steaks, seafood. Handcrafted cocktails, specialty drinks. Dine outside. HH M-F. $$$ FB L D Daily BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS, 1905 Hendricks Ave. 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ, 1704 San Marco Blvd., 398-9500. 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. FUSION SUSHI, 1550 University Blvd. W., 636-8688, fusionsushijax.com. F Upscale; fresh sushi, sashimi, hibachi, teriyaki, katsu, seafood. $$ K L D Daily HAVANA-JAX CAFÉ/CUBA LIBRE BAR, 2578 Atlantic Blvd., 399-0609, havanajax.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. Bite Club certified. Cuban sandwiches are the real thing: big, thick, flattened. Traditional fare: black beans & rice, plantains, steaks, seafood, chicken & rice, roast pork. Spanish wine, drink specials, mojitos, Cuba libres. Nonstop HH. $ FB K L D Daily KITCHEN ON SAN MARCO, 1402 San Marco Blvd., 396-2344, kitchenonsanmarco.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. Gastropub serves local, national craft beers, specialty cocktails. Seasonal menu, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. $$ FB R Su; L D Daily METRO DINER, 3302 Hendricks Ave., 398-3701, metro dinercom. F 2017 Best of Jax winner. Original upscale diner in a historic 1930s-era building. Meatloaf, chicken pot pie, soups. This one serves dinner nightly. $$ B R L D Daily TAVERNA, 1986 San Marco Blvd., 398-3005, taverna sanmarco.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. Chef Sam Efron’s authentic Italian; tapas, wood-fired pizza. Seasonal local produce, meats. Craft beer (some local), award-winning wine. $$$ FB K TO R L D Daily
SOUTHSIDE + TINSELTOWN
ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING, 12000 Beach Blvd., 641-1212, alhambrajax.com. 2017 Best of Jax winner. Open 50 years. Executive Chef DeJuan Roy’s themed menus. Reservations. $$ FB D Tu-Su EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ, 5500 Beach Blvd., 398-1717. 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. LARRY’S SUBS, 3611 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S., 641-6499. 4479 Deerwood Lake Pkwy., 425-4060. F SEE O. PARK. MARIANAS GRINDS, 11380 Beach Blvd., Ste. 10, 206-612-6596. Pacific Islander fare, chamorro culture. Soups,
DINING DIRECTORY stews, fitada, beef oxtail, katden pika; empanadas, lumpia, chicken relaguen, BBQ-style ribs, chicken. $$ TO B L D Tu-Su M SHACK, 10281 Midtown Pkwy., 642-5000. 2017 Best of Jax winner. SEE BEACHES.
SPRINGFIELD + NORTHSIDE
ANDY’S GRILL, 1810 W. Beaver St., 354-2821, jaxfarmers market.com. 2017 Best of Jax finalist. Inside Jax Farmers
Market. Local, regional, international produce. Breakfast, sandwiches. $ B L D M-Sa LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 12001 Lem Turner Rd., 764-9999. SEE ORANGE PARK. UPTOWN KITCHEN & BAR, 1303 Main St. N., 355-0734, uptownmarketjax.com. Bite Club certified. Fresh fare, innovative menus, farm-to-table selections, daily specials. $$ BW TO B L Daily
CHEFFED-UP
Second installment of Chef Bill’s ODE À LA ÉPICERIE
GROCERY GETTER,
PART DEUX AS PROMISED, HERE IS PART 2 OF MY grocery store appreciation story. As I so eloquently espoused last week, I really enjoy—you could even say love— grocery stores. I grocery shop wherever I travel, so I was pretty stoked to visit Paris. Even though I knew we couldn’t afford to visit the many Michelin-starred restaurants, especially with all the chillins in tow, I planned to do the next best thing: visit the food markets. Because we were limited on time, and my wife had zero interest, I squeezed in a couple of market forays while she was working. One destination was La Grande Epicerie de Paris, an ultra-highend grocer where you can find the finest chocolates, pastries, pâtés, cheeses, wines, meats and even the famed blue-footed Bresse chicken! The only thing between me and this curator of culinary perfection was the Paris metro. Traversing a foreign city’s metro with very few language skills and five small children was quite an adventure in itself. Of course, I was more than up to the task, and what a memorable time it was! Each of my children and my wife delight in mocking me for this expedition (we went all the way across Paris to see a grocery store!!) but, hey, YOLO. In Jax, my list of favorite grocers continues with Fresh Market. While I find these stores to be a tad dark and cluttered, the meat selection and prepared foods are top-notch. And speaking of meats, the new Winn-Dixie on Baymeadows has some pretty sweet dry-aged beef. For cheese, I used to frequent Whole Foods, but lately its selection has really fallen off. My new cheese and salami spot is Grater Goods in Murray Hill: small, friendly, knowledgeable, perfect. The variety and quality of grocery stores is the best it’s ever been, and the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. And did I mention all the Asian markets? Stop at one for some goyza wrappers, and give this potsticker recipe a try.
CHEF BILL’S POTSTICKERS Ingredients: • 2 cups Napa cabbage, chopped • 1/8 tsp. salt • 5-1/2 oz. ground pork • 1 tbsp. ginger, grated • 2 tbsp. carrot, shredded • 2 scallions, sliced • 2 tsp. garlic, minced • 1 tbsp. tamari sauce • 2 tsp. sesame oil • 1 egg, lightly beaten, use only half • 30 goyza wrappers • Corn starch solution as needed; • canola oil as needed Directions: 1. Mix the beaten half-egg with salt, 1. tamari, sesame oil in a medium bowl. 2. Add the cabbage, pork, ginger, carrot, 1. scallions and garlic; mix well. 3. Hold one goyza in your palm. 1. Spoon 1-1/2 teaspoons of mix into 1. the middle. 4. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with 1. cornstarch solution, fold in half, 1. pressing the ends together. Begin to 1. make pleats, pressing the sides 1. together as you go. 5. Place on a plastic-wrapped pan, cover 1. with a damp towel and continue with 1. the remaining dumplings. 6. Heat a nonstick pan over medium 1. high heat, with canola oil. Begin 1. arranging dumplings in a tight circular 1. pattern (don’t let them touch each 1. other). Cook until the bottoms begin 1. to brown. Add about 1/4 cup of water 1. to pan, cover and let steam for about 1. 7 minutes. Remove lid and serve. Until we cook again,
Chef Bill Thompson cheffedup@folioweekly.com ____________________________________ Contact Chef Bill Thompson, owner of The Amelia Island Culinary Academy, at cheffedup@folioweekly.com to find inspiration and get you Cheffed Up! OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 57
PET PARENTING FOLIO LIVING DEAR
DAVI
PETS LIKE ME:
CHANDLER MEET CHANDLER
When a brass horn blower rescues a homeless hound, a new kind of harmony happens and hearts beat to the same rhythm. But that was not always the case. Before Tristan, Chandler’s life was out of tune. Abandoned and alone on the streets during Hurricane Matthew, the dangerously thin pup found comfort in an appliance on Perry Street. Now, his head sinks into cozy pillows on his humans’ bed while he eagerly waits to cuddle. I chatted with Chandler about living the life of a muse for Jacksonville Symphony’s principal trumpeter. Come to find out, he’s quite a performer himself.
IN HIS WORDS:
Davi: What is your most bizarre talent? Chandler: I excel at having zero traction on hardwood, and I’m equally skilled at making sure my hair is evenly distributed under my human’s bed. Would you rather listen to Bach or rock? My human plays Bach on his trumpet so much it makes my ears hurt, so if rock is softer than a trumpet, then I’d definitely prefer that. What is something you’ve always wanted to try but have been too scared? Jump the stream at Boone Park. I always chicken out at the last minute and never make the jump. Gets me every time. Where is your favorite place to go on an afternoon when you have no plans? Into the backyard, and put whatever I find on the ground into my mouth. What does your human do that you like the most? It’s when he comes home and snuggles–and calls me a good boy. I can’t even! How would you describe your perfect day? My perfect day is putting everything I find into my mouth, especially rocks, lounging around and receiving treats from my humans. I lead a profoundly simple, but spoiled life. What was life like before you found your new home?
Behind every good human is AN AWESOME PET waiting to share their story Life was ruff. I was a pup, so I don’t remember much, but I am skittish around males and other dogs; I’m getting better, and only raise my back hairs in dire situations. Do you have a favorite toy? Oh boy! That would definitely be my big tire! If you could wake up tomorrow, able to perform any trick, what would it be? I’ve been desperately trying to roll over, but I get scared and my legs flail around. So that. If you could meet any famous dog, which one would it be? But I am the most famous dog! At least my parents claim that there is no greater dog than me, even though I’m bad sometimes. Do you think you’d be friends with your human, if he was a dog? Pawsitively! Although I might be scared because he’s male, and I’m usually scared of males. Do you know how loved you are? My humans show me nothing but love. They’ve changed my life and they tell me every day that I’ve changed theirs. When not tooting his horn for the Jacksonville Symphony, Tristan Clarke can be found taking selfies with Chandler and encouraging him to jump over that stream in Boone Park. For millions of dogs, October brings promise of a better life. Adopt-a-Dog Month is the perfect opportunity to help homeless dogs, like Chandler, find happy homes. Davi mail@folioweekly.com ____________________________________ Davi the dachshund is always happy to lend a helping paw to a creature in need.
PET TIP: THE GREAT ESCAPE IT MAY SEEM FUNNY TO FIND THE FAMILY HAMSTER climbing the side of its cage Evel Knievel-style, but constant jailbreak attempts are its way of working through boredom. Just like you may want to forcefully put your head through a wall when you have cabin fever, your hamster is suffering those same impulses. Next time Mr. Whiskers starts to pull a Steve McQueen, it might be time to go toy shopping. No need for elaborate guard towers, barbed-wire fences and spotlights–a wheel and some chew toys ought to do the trick. 58 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
LOCAL PET EVENTS FAMILY PET FAIR & BLESSING OF THE PETS • St. Philip Neri Animal Ministry hosts the family event 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 14 at 1652 Atlantic Blvd., San Marco, nerichurch.org. Prizes will be awarded for Scariest, Funniest, Best Owner/Pet Theme and Best in Show costumes. There will also be costumes available for a donation at the Costume Contest tent. Green Dog Spa will be providing FREE doggie nail trims. Epic Animals Outreach will have lots of cool activities and educational information for kids. HALLOWEEN PET COSTUME CONTEST • Dress your pet up, win a prize or dress both of you up and get bonus points and deals, from 1-2 p.m. Oct. 14 at Petco, 1514 C.R. 220, Fleming Island, 215-7498; 950 Marsh Landing Pkwy., Jax Beach, 273-0964; 11900 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 213, Intracoastal, 997-8441; 430 CBL Dr., St. Augustine, 824-8520; 463713 S.R. 200, Yulee, 225-0014; petco.com. KATZ 4 KEEPS ADOPTION DAYS • Adoption days are held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 14 and Oct. 15 at 935B A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach, 834-3223, katz4keeps. org. Katz 4 Keeps seeks volunteers, age 18 and older, to help with its cat-centric programs; email peggyhatfield63@comcast.com.
HELP/DONATE FOR JHS • Jacksonville Humane Society is ready to receive more evacuated pets from damaged Florida shelters. To support the animals affected by Irma, go to jaxhumane.org/donate and select “Hurricane Relief.” JHS had to cancel its annual fundraiser, Toast to the Animals, which usually raises more than $150,000, so donations of any amount are much appreciated. Follow JHS on Facebook and check jaxhumane.org for updates.
ADOPTABLES
BELLE
PET ME WITH YOUR EYES • Hi! I’m Belle and, yes, it’s nice to meet me. I’m quite the beauty. I hope you understand I have a two-pet-maximum and don’t like for you to mess with my floof. I’m not one for the touchy-feely stuff—maybe you’re like me! Please stop by and adopt me … the servants here at JHS are simply not up to my high standards. I just know you’re ready for the challenge.
OVERSET
BARK-TOBERFEST • The sixth annual fundraising event, hosted by the Jacksonville Beaches Lions Club, includes dinner (catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill), door prizes, raffles, a silent auction and live music by the Kenny Holliday Band, featuring Rod Stewart and Mick Jagger tribute artists. The fundraiser is held 6:30-11 p.m. Oct. 21 at American Legion Post 129, 1151 Fourth St. S., Jax Beach, $25, 294-0375, jaxbeachlions.org. Proceeds benefit Guiding Eyes for the Blind. 58th ANNUAL CRACKER DAY • St. Johns Cattlemen’s Association holds this equine-centric every year, with games, barbecue and more. The fun starts 8 a.m. Oct. 21 at St. Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 S.R. 207, Elkton, $5 per car, cash only.
ADOPTABLES
KNOX
TOTAL KNOX OUT • Hey, there, good lookin’. My name’s Knox because I used to live in Knoxville, Tennessee! Don’t worry, though; I can easily switch to orange and blue if that’s what you’re into. I’m a laid-back hound looking for a loving home to call my own. Let’s howl at the moon together. Meet me at JHS, 8464 Beach Blvd.! S.A.F.E. PET RESCUE • Saving Animals from Euthanasia (S.A.F.E.) runs a resale store and adoption center at 1250 C.R. A1A S., St. Augustine and 6101 A1A S., Treasure Beach, 460-0556, safe-pet-rescue-fl. com. S.A.F.E. is in need of donations and funds; go to the website or mail a donation to P.O. Box 840215, St. Augustine FL 32080 or go to the locations. PET ADOPTION • 60-plus cats and kittens, 40-plus dogs and puppies need homes; find your furever friend at Wags & Whiskers Pet Rescue, 1967 Old Moultrie Rd., St. Augustine, 797-1913, 797-6039, petrescue.org. All animals are spayed/neutered and up-to-date on shots. _________________________________________ To list an event, send the name, time, date, location (complete street address, city), admission price, contact number/website to print, to mdryden@folioweekly.com
OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 59
FREEWILL ASTROLOGY
DALE RATERMANN’s Folio Weekly Crossword presented by
SNAILS, ANAÏS NIN, NILE RIVER & FRIDAY THE 13TH
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
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60 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
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I A M I D D E R E E L S A A S H O P H Y N O R A O G E T E D T Z E Y D A G E E D A L C A L M O R E O
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In his book The Logic of Failure, Dietrich Dorner discusses those who built Egypt’s Aswan Dam. Their efforts resulted in cheap electricity for millions, but planners didn’t realize the effects. The Nile River below the dam no longer flooded its banks or fertilized the surrounding land every year. As a result, farmers had to resort to chemical fertilizers at great expense. Water pollution increased. Marine life suffered because of the river’s diminished nutrients. Carefully think of possible consequences of decisions you’re contemplating. You can avoid the logic of failure and implement the logic of success. Override the impatient longing for resolution. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Ready to find new colleagues and strengthen existing alliances? Curious about what it takes to infuse your best partnerships with maximum emotional intelligence? From an astrological perspective, the next nine weeks are a good time to do these things. You’ll have chances to deepen an engagement with collaborators who cultivate integrity and communicate effectively. You may be shy about pursuing one potential new connection, but do it. Their influence will have a catalytic effect, sparking faster development. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “I was satisfied with haiku until I met you,” Dean Young tells a new lover in his poem “Changing Genres.” Young says he’s no longer content with that terse genre. “Now I want a Russian novel,” he proclaims, “a 50-page description of you sleeping, another 75 of what you think staring out a window.” He yearns for a storyline about “a fallen nest, speckled eggs somehow uncrushed, the sled outracing the wolves on the steppes, the huge glittering ball where all that matters is a kiss at the end of a dark hall.” You, too, are primed to move into a more expansive genre with a more sumptuous plot. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Statistical evidence suggests Fridays falling on the 13th of the month are safer than other Fridays. The numbers of fires and traffic accidents are lower. It’s interesting in light of your current situation. According to my analysis, this October’s Friday the 13th is a turning point in ongoing efforts to cultivate stability and security. On this day, seven days before and seven days after, you should get helpful clues about what you can do to feel even safer and more protected. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Too much propaganda and not enough real information are moving through your personal sphere. You’re tempted to traffic in stories rooted more in fear than insight. Gossip, hype and delusion crowd out useful facts. No wonder it’s a challenge to sort truths from half-truths! Discover helpful clues in the barrage of bunkum, pluck pithy revelations from distracting ramblings and be both extra sensitive and super-discriminating. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Journalist Jenkin Lloyd Jones coined the term “Afghanistanism,” which he defined as “concentrating on problems in distant parts of the world while ignoring controversial local issues.” Avoid engaging in a personal version of Afghanistanism. Focus on issues close at hand, even if sticky or prickly. Don’t let your attention be consumed by dreamy distractions of faraway places and times. For the foreseeable future, the best use of your energy is HERE and NOW.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “I am more interested in human beings than in writing,” said author Anais Nin, “more interested in lovemaking than in writing, more interested in living than in writing. More interested in becoming a work of art than in creating one.” Adopt that perspective for the next 12 months. During this chapter of your story, generate long-lasting upgrades if you regard your life as a gorgeous masterpiece worthy of the highest craftsmanship. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio actress Tara Reid told Us Weekly how her cosmetic surgeries had made her look worse than she’d been in her natural state. “I’ll never be perfect again,” she mourned. I hope this inspires you. In my astrological opinion, you’re at a tuning point when it’s crucial to appreciate and foster everything about you that’s natural, innate and soulfully authentic. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I didn’t go to work today. I woke up late, lingered over breakfast, and went on a long walk in the autumn woods. When I found a spot that filled me with a wild sense of peace, I asked my gut wisdom what I should advise Sagittarians about; it said you should temporarily escape at least one duty for at least three days. Escaping two for four would be even better. My gut wisdom also said to get extra sleep, enjoy meals, go on long walks to fill you with a wild sense of peace, and consult your gut wisdom. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A snail climbed to the top of a big turtle’s shell as it was sleeping under a bush. When the turtle awoke and began to lumber away in search of food, the snail was at first alarmed but eventually thrilled by how fast they were going and how far they were able to travel. “Wheeee!”, the snail thought to itself. I suspect, Capricorn, that this little tale is a useful metaphor for what you can look forward to in the coming weeks. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “If these years have taught me anything, it is this,” wrote novelist Junot Díaz. “You can never run away. Not ever. The only way out is in.” That’s your plucky wisdom for the coming weeks, Aquarius. You have arrived at a pivotal phase in your life cycle when you can’t achieve liberation by fleeing, avoiding, or ignoring. To commune with the only kind of freedom that matters, you must head directly into the heart of the commotion. You’ve got to feel all the feelings stirred up by the truths that rile you up. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): J. Allan Hobson is a scientist of sleep who does research at Harvard. He says we dream all the time, not just at night. Our subconscious minds never stop churning out streams of images. During the waking hours, though, our conscious minds operate at such intensity that the lower-level flow mostly stays subliminal. At least that’s the normal state of affairs. But I suspect your dream-generator is running so hot right now that its stories may leak into your waking awareness. This could be disconcerting. Without the tips I’m giving you here, you might worry you were going daft. Now that you know, I hope you’ll tap into the undercurrent to glean some useful intuitions. A word to the wise: The information that pops up won’t be logical or rational. It will be lyrical and symbolic, like dreams. Rob Brezsny freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com
NEWS OF THE WEIRD MOTHER OF THE YEAR
Ebony Woody, 34, of Columbus, Ohio, was nothing if not thorough the morning of Sept. 18 when, after an argument with her daughter, she drove her car onto the sidewalk and struck the 17-year-old, who was walking to school, according to Columbus police. After knocking the girl down and running over her leg, Woody stopped and backed up, driving over the leg again. QFM96 reported Woody generously gave the girl a ride to her father’s house, where she dropped her off without reporting the incident. Woody later turned herself in at police headquarters and faces charges of felonious assault, aggravated vehicular assault and endangering children. The daughter was treated for two fractures to her left leg.
So when a rattlesnake slithered by during a family party at a nearby lake on Sept. 7, Pratt grabbed the viper and showed the kids “how to catch it and I was playing with it like little kids do. I wasn’t thinking. I was showing off,” he admitted to FOX 10 News. The rattler apparently didn’t want to play and bit Pratt on his face and neck. Pratt’s sons drove him to a nearby emergency room, and he was later airlifted to Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix, where Dr. Steven Curry treated him. “There is a 100 percent chance he would have died if he’d not made it to the hospital within minutes,” Curry noted. Pratt was unconscious several days. He told reporters he learned his lesson and wouldn’t play with rattlesnakes again.
GOAT’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE
SOCK IT TO ME?
Auburn, Massachusetts, police received a number of calls over the weekend of Sept. 15-17 about a wayward goat, but it wasn’t until the wee hours of Monday, Sept. 18, that No. 448 was finally corralled at the La Quinta Inn in Auburn, reported CBS Boston. The “mischievous runaway farm animal” was seen on surveillance video entering the lobby of the hotel and wandering the halls, “presumably to rest a bit,” said police. Peter Blash, No. 448’s owner, said the goat jumped a 5-foot fence and “took off like a criminal.” However, Blash said, “I had one that made it all the way to Sturbridge.”
A family in Coventry, England, are “quite mortified” after calling the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in September to rescue a lizard peeking from underneath a bed in their home. But when officer Vic Hurr arrived, she discovered the “lizard” was not a “lizard at all, it was a pink stripy sock.” The dirty imposter sock, about 7 inches long and 2 inches wide, wasn’t moving, Hurr noted. “I think the family eventually saw the funny side,” an RSPCA spokeswoman told the Independent. “The sock had obviously been there quite a while. It was a typical teenager’s bedroom, I suppose.”
OVER THE MOON
CAVEMAN
Just north of Benton, Kansas, a rancher posted signs promising a reward to anyone who could help him find his missing longhorn cow, Mercedes. The Wichita Eagle reported the 3-year-old black-and-white bovine went missing on Sept. 11 during Cross Trails, a weekly cowboy church service at Greg Johnson’s Prairie Rose Ranch. Friends, neighbors and family have searched high and low for Mercedes, recognizable by her 5-foot span of horns, but the only sighting of her has been near the El Dorado Walmart, about 10 miles off. Johnson says this isn’t the first time she’s run off: “She’s more of a loner.”
QUESTIONABLE JUDGMENT
Coolidge, Arizona, resident Victor Pratt boasts he’s played with snakes his whole life.
The Caving Club at Indiana University explored Sullivan Cave in southern Indiana on Sept. 17, but when clubmembers went back to campus, they forgot one thing: a 19-year-old freshman physics major who’d separated from the group and was trapped behind a locked gate. When the club president realized two days later that a caver had been left behind, members rushed back to save him. “You could tell they were shaken up,” the caver told the Indiana Daily Student. “They did near kill me.” The student reported he licked moisture off the cave walls during the ordeal and wrote goodbye letters to his family on his iPhone until the battery died. The rescued caver’s name? Lukas Cavar. weirdnewstips@amuniversal.com
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!
Hey! This October has FRIDAY THE 13TH! How lucky can you get? In your case, punkin, not too. But go ahead and rub your cruelly sliced lagomorpha limbs … Folio Weekly’s editorial staff is hopping around, stuffing the hutch with hopes that you’ll corral true love right here on our famous ISU section! You know the drill: Go to folioweekly.com/i-saw-u.html and do this: One: Write a five-word headline so the person recognizes the moment y’all shared, like “I’m feelin’ lucky, punk!” Two: Describe the person, like, “You: Holding 13 shamrocks, horseshoes and rabbit’s feet, trying to summon all the luck in the world.” Three: Describe yourself, like, “Me: Crossing my fingers and toes, wishing on falling stars and knocking on wood to find a way to meet you.” Four: Describe the moment, like, “ISU walking under a ladder in Avondale. I cried.” Five: Meet, fall in love, reserve a church.* No names, emails, websites, etc. And HEY, it’s 40 words or fewer. Get a love life with Folio Weekly ISUs! HEY WHOOPING COUGH You: Ryan Gosling has nothing on you, esp when it comes to good advice. You said try Robitussin–I’d rather try you. Me: Getting over a cold, hope I didn’t ruin your movie. Meet for “coughee” sometime? When: Oct. 6. Where: “Blade Runner,” Sun-Ray. #1675-1011 I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU You: Walk your dog near my bush most nights. Thick guy, short legs I’d love to gnaw. Me: Watching you for months. Tried popping out to say hi last week, but I scared you. Happens sometimes. When: Oct. 3. Where: Ortega. #1673-1011 THINGS I’D LIKE TO DO With you. Take you into the woods. No sleeping bag, no tent. Want to lie under the stars and watch a meteor shower while we talk about nothing and everything. And wait for the rain. When: Aug. 26. Where: Shantytown. #1672-1004 YOU LOVE ART, MUSIC, NATURE I like slow cooking, good people. Want to stay up all night, play Nintendo, eat junk food, hike outside the city at sunrise; then be too busy to see you for a while. Or fish. When: Lomax Street. Where: June 11, 2010. #1671-1004 LIGHTNING STRIKE AT MARKET You: Gorgeous brunette, tank top, camo pants, heels, shopping with young son on Saturday. Butcher made you laugh. Me: Serious, cop-looking guy trying to make eye contact. I’d love to shop with you. When: Sept. 16. Where: Earth Fare, Atlantic Blvd. #1670-0920 HURRICANE IRMA COLD BREW In line at Publix stocking up for Irma; you noticed my organic, dark roast cold brew. It piqued your interest, you wanted it, so I gave it to you. But you piqued my interest ... When: Sept. 5. Where: Riverside Publix. #1669-0920 HOME DEPOT RETURN LINE CUTIE You: Dark hair, great smile. Me: Blonde, special order counter with friend. A gentleman, you let us go first. We made eye contact, you smiled at me as I left. Meet for drinks? When: Aug. 31. Where: Southside Home Depot. #1668-0906
I SA U ConnexioW n Made!
I’LL ALWAYS COME BACK FOR YOU You: Prideful, emotionally hidden, distant from those closest, but ISU in a way others didn’t. Me: Love to travel, low self-esteem, brunette. No matter where I am, I’ll always come back for you. When: July 19, 2016. Where: Hospital. #1667-0830 DANCIN’ AT THE FOOD TRUCK You: In line behind me, dancing to the music. My order was out before
yours. All that was missing were umbrella drinks, a beach to dance on. Shall we meet, plan adventures? When: Aug. 17. Where: Latin Soul Grill food truck, Riverplace Tower. #1666-0823 I’M SO SHY! LOL You: On a bench in nasty storm 7:30ish, black hair, brown shirt. Me: Short girl, black uniform, wearing pigtails. Thought you were super-cute; couldn’t muster up a conversation aside from how nasty it was outside. When: Aug. 14. Where: Whole Foods San Jose. #1665-0823 GLORIOUS ICE-BLUE EYES You: Short brown hair, geeky (JAWS T-shirt), with friends. Wanted to talk; in Red Robin’s bottomless decadent gluttony pit. Too shy to roll over. Me: Tall, dark, mildly handsome, gray shirt, with purple-haired man; knew yr. friend. When: July 30. Where: Red Robin, Town Center. #1664-0809 HOLY BUT STUBBORN You are holy, but too stubborn to see that I loved you even when you thought you weren’t. Always. When: August 2016. Where: Carlton. #1663-0802 ARE YOU MY AGENT MULDER? You: Young white guy, late-model gray Camry; drove by, X-Files song full blast. Me: Adorable black gentleman smoking cigarette on porch. Think I’m in love. Let’s be Mulder & Mulder; no Scully. When: July 19. Where: Riverside. #1662-0726 LONG DISTANCE LOVE You: Squirrel, picked me up at airport with flowers. Me: Rooster, bursting with joy inside. We hugged; our love story began. Will you hold my hand until the end of our days? When: July 12, 2016. Where: JIA. #1661-0712 SELF CHECKOUT WALMART FRUIT COVE You: In cute little sundress, picking up things for family and dog. Me: Trying to make small talk but not so much you’d think I’m flirting in the grocery store. When: June 23. Where: Fruit Cove Walmart. #1660-0712 SPACE GALLERY ARTIST ISU on a Monday night. Bought you drinks; you showed me your studio. You: little black printed dress; I wore a blank shirt. We went on the roof. Let’s hang again? When: June 26. Where: Dos Gatos. #1659-0705 I SA Conn W U
exion Mad e! CAR WASH SUPER-CUTIE You: Sweet, polite girl cleaning grey Honda Civic. Sharing vacuum not romantic; can’t get u off my mind. Me: Average sweaty guy, blue Infinity g37. Too sweaty, shy to flirt; we felt something. Meet for coffee, dinner? When: June 10. Where: Mayport Rd. Car Wash. #1656-0621
*or any other appropriate site at which folks can engage in a civil union or marriage or whatever … OCTOBER 11-17, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 61
M.D. M .D. M M.J. .J. MMJ business is booming— but GOOD LUCK getting a loan
GREEN
BANKS
WHEN STARTING A BUSINESS OF ANY SIZE, especially a small one, it’s inevitable to prostrate oneself before the gods of capital, hoping for a loan and planning on starting a business account at your local bank. It’s usually a simple process, albeit boring. But for those making a living in the nascent medical marijuana industry, the usual financial processes others take for granted are anything but simple. Would-be dispensaries navigate a tricky regulation maze designed to combat organized crime, specifically federal laws related to moneylaundering. A March 7 Lakeland Ledger article detailed struggles faced by Atlanta-based Surterra Therapeutics, one of only seven companies licensed to sell medical marijuana in Florida. “Marijuana is still considered an illegal substance at the federal level,” writes reporter Justine Griffin, “despite the 28 states that have legalized it for recreational or medicinal use in recent years. That makes it nearly impossible for banks to fund marijuana distributing companies, which in turn makes it hard to sign a lease for a commercial store or warehouse.” Legally, the feds still view dispensaries the same way they do your plug down the street: as drug dealers whose income is illicit. That means everything done with that income, from salaries and rent to ads and capital investments, is subject to federal money-laundering laws developed with racketeering laws allowing prosecutors to (allegedly) break the back of organized crime in the ’80s. The Money Laundering Control Act of 1986 is the primary means of regulating these transactions. “Some grocery store chains and other major anchoring retailers have clauses in their leases that prohibit the kinds of tenants landlords can co-lease to in a specific plaza,” writes Griffin. “It’s easy to interpret a medical marijuana store as one of those types of tenants that a Publix or a Target wouldn’t want to be next to. … While several local governments in … counties are waiting to see what laws state legislators will come up with regarding marijuana regulation in Tallahassee this year, more than 30 counties and cities in Florida have approved or are considering moratoriums to regulate how many and where marijuana dispensaries can go.” Griffin (who’s done yeoman’s work here) returned to the subject five months later, in a Tampa Bay Times article. Established near Orlando in 2009, First Green Bank has taken the lead in making financial services available to the growing list of dispensaries. “First Green Bank is a fairly small operation with just six branches, mostly in Central Florida and one in South Florida,” she writes. “It manages about $622 million in assets. … The bank firm actively promotes environmental and social responsibility and is known for offering discounts and lowinterest loans on ‘green’ initiatives, like electric cars, LEED-certified construction and solar systems. Now it’s added cannabis to that list.” As with everything related to medical marijuana, this is an evolving process. It’d seem inevitable enterprising lawmakers in Tallahassee or even Washington, D.C., might soon begin modifying the 1986 laws to reflect the new reality, but no one has come forward with anything specific as yet. Shelton Hull mail@folioweekly.com ____________________________________ Questions about medical marijuana? Let us answer them! Email mail@folioweekly.com. 62 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 11-17, 2017
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