Jacksonville Magazine, January 2019, Top 50 Restaurants issue

January 2019

Top

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Contents

IN EVERY ISSUE: 6

Click The latest from Jacksonville Magazine online

8

Publisher’s Letter Allow us a few words of introduction

THE BEST OF JACKSONVILLE EVERY MONTH // JANUARY 2019 10

Seen People, parties & pictures

17

JaxLife Hot trends, culture, travel and local style

24

Agenda Looking for something to do in January?

101

Flavor The city’s premier monthly roundup of local food and fine dining.

Plus, a visit to Domo

114

Backstory Test your knowledge of Jax trivia with this six-question quiz

DEPARTMENTS:

18

30

Family How technology is transforming classrooms and the way kids learn

50

Perspective An up-closeand-personal look at the Navy’s P-8A aircraft

52

Home Six tips for staging a home before it goes on the market

54

Health How to avoid foodborne illness

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58

History Jacksonville’s long history as a bastion of Southern rock and roll

FEATURES: 58 Top 50 Restaurants The most inventive, exciting and just plain delicious establishments in Jax. Plus, the notable new restaurants to debut in the River City

88 78

Down by the Sea A Nashville couple carves out the ultimate beach retreat in Amelia Island

88 Rags to Riches A Springfield home undergoes a major renovation

94 Hit the Road, Jax A slew of

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regional, off-the-beaten path destinations to check off your bucket list this year

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: 32

Back to School A primer to selecting the local public or private school that fits your child’s needs

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

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ABOUT THE COVER: Cesiney Sapin digging into a bowl of Spaghetti Frutti di Mare at Taverna, in a top from Tenley Dietrich PHOTO BY AGNES LOPEZ

[ SERVICE ] TIX

CLICK The latest from Jacksonville Magazine online MOST LIKED DECEMBER INSTAGRAM POST

PET OF THE MONTH

쑽 904TIX.COM SPONSORED BY

EVENTS FEATURED ON 904TIX.COM, Jax Mag’s source for admission to fundraisers and special events, are highlighted throughout the magazine. Look for the above logo and visit 904TIX.com to get your tickets!

1/13: Bride to Be & Wedding Expo World Golf Village Renaissance Resort

1/19: Southern Swells Mini Beer Festival 725 likes

The Mini Bar

1/26: VyStar Credit Union Lantern Workshop VyStar Credit Union Corporate Office

1/31: Best Restaurants Bash!

Jessie Ball duPont Center

쑽 SECRET SUPPER CLUB V IL LE M A G A ZI

Jacksonville Magazine’s Pet of the Month for January is Geodee. Geodee’s mom isn’t sure of her exact breed since she was adopted, but her guess is a mini schnauzer mixed with a border terrier and Brussels griffon.

Geodee loves to run and always hopes to be let off her leash on walks so she can chase birds—her favorite activity. When not on the run, she can be found cuddling her mom or impressing people with tricks.

• NOMINATIONS for Pet of the Month can be made via a form on our website, under the heading Get Involved. Past Pets of the Month may be viewed there, too.

쑽 904 PAPER CO. With more than 20,000 subscribers, Jax Mag’s e-newsletters are your links to the latest happenings across Northeast Florida. The Ticket focuses on concerts, theatre shows and other happenings. The Dish is all about food festivals, restaurant openings, reviews and recipes. The Digs covers home décor. And The Trip is a guide to regional destinations: where to go, what to do and what to pack.

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

b

SECRE T pp er C

Jacksonville Magazine’s 904 Paper Co. is an online store specializing in Jax-themed greeting cards and frameable prints. Visit us at our website and click “shop,” or look for the 904 Paper Co. logo.

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쑽 NEWSLETTERS

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JACK

NE ’

SON

Every month, Jax Mag partners with a local chef/restaurateur to host a special 50-person meal with a twist. The next three Secret Suppers take place at Barrique, Intuition Ale Works and Vernon’s at the Marriott Sawgrass. 904TIX.com

.

• Barrique - January 9 • Intuition Ale Works February 5 • Vernon’s - March 5

Ackerman man an n has th the missin ng g piece.

Time

“I star t ted my Proton Therapy treatmen t t t wo wee eks ahead of schedule e. That w was a b big deal to me.”

At Ackerman Can ncer Center, we recognize the needs of our patients and proviide timely access to the most advanced care, including Proton Therapy.

Let ’s solve your cance er puzzle.

Hear Reggie’s Story

Ack c erman Cancer Puzzle.co om

Jacksonville | Amelia Island 904-453-7235

From the Publisher of Jacksonville Magazine

WELCOME ACCORDING TO A RECENT STORY in the Wall Street Journal, it’s a tough time to be in the tuna fish selling business. Reportedly, per capita consumption of canned tuna has dropped 42 percent in the last three decades.

While there are still fish in the sea, the problem is younger consumers apparently don’t like to consume canned foods, particularly fish that smells like... well, fish. And, fish doesn’t get any fishier than tuna.

In addition, young consumers also are shunning canned soups. As such, good old Campbell’s chicken noodle, broccoli cheese and cream of mushroom are wilting on store shelves due to cooling sales. The canned soup aisle your grandma used to browse is much smaller these days. In fact, a growing number of Millennials don’t even own can openers, and there is a good chance they wouldn’t know how to use it even if they did have one in the drawer.

Jan. 2019

yourhealth

Mental Illness

yourhealth

Typically Begins

than many a much earlier onset has ental illnesses have Overall, mental illness other chronic diseases. overall before 33, with the an average age of onset 14. disorder onset being average age of any Youth Risk Bepart in the biannual for Disease Our community takes conducted by the Centers havior Survey (YRBS) as a tool to deterThe survey serves that have proven Control and Prevention. of health risk behaviors and social probmine the frequency of death, disability, States. The surto be the leading causes United the in and adults to plan lems among youth participating communities vey results can help progress. issues and monitor on the 2015 strategies to address and well-being questions The mental health that: YRBS survey revealed

M

healthy nce baDola You Think When

primarily produces or many “mental health” or mental disorders and illness, thoughts of mental mental Mental health is not mental disabilities. is an imporof well-being that illness. It is a state People health and well-being. tant part of general health can: with optimal mental abilities • Realize their own stresses of life • Cope with the normal

F

What You Hear the Term “Mental Health?”

30

at an Early Age

school students and 19.7% of high • 27% of middle school attempting suicide. seriously considered of high school students school and 19.3% suicide.

• 17.9% of middle how they would attempt made a plan about of high school students school and 18.9% • 11.3% of middle during the 12 one or more times attempted suicide survey. months before the student results. are the high school Of particular concern school students reDuval County high The data demonstrates suicide at rates actually attempting and indicate a port contemplating average. Our local results higher than the national number of local initiatives to inare a need for action. There health supports, programs, mental crease local youth-oriented care and work with young people. who and training for adults

• Work productively to the community • Make a contribution are considabout 17% of U.S adults It is estimated that health. of optimal mental ered to be in a:state health. It is the converse of mental health condiMental illness is the mental disorders or collection of all diagnosablechanges in thinking, mood, or by tions that are indicated associated with combination thereof) illnesses are behavior (or some functioning. Mental distress and/or impaired like heart disease is a disease of much diseases of the brain, of the pancreas. disease is the heart or diabetes

:

YOURHEALTH

JOSEPH WHITE

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

YOURHEALTH

joe@jacksonvillemag.com Turnip

Turnips may be eaten raw or cooked. Small to medium ones are usually the sweetest.

Turnips tend to get bitter with prolonged storage, so only a few days in the refrigerator are recommended before Nutrition benefits: eating. cholesterol and fat free and low in sodium; excellent source of vitamin C.

Grapefruit Look for grapefruits with blemishfree skin. About the size of a softball, a quality fruit will feel heavy for its size. Store either at room temperature or in the fridge for up to three weeks. Nutrition benefits: High in vitamin C and A; free of fat, saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol.

YOURHEALTH

of cancer drugs on the heart.

Recently, a new subspecialty—carto dio-oncology—has emerged specifically address the cardiovascular health of cancer patients.

77

the “Nowadays we know what We drugs are that cause problems. to do collaborate with our colleagues patients, follow-ups with our cancer to including regular echocardiograms chemotherassess any damage from “To limit apy,” Dr. Landolfo explains. a drug toxicity, we may recommend if the be limited or, put on hold sustained heart has weakened and damage.” in this area.

Research is also ongoing geneticist Nadine Norton, Ph.D., a Clinic who is a part of the Mayo GeBreast Cancer Translational studying nomics Program, is actively therapeutics the link between cancer

if there and heart disease. Specifically, will be afis a way to predict who fected. of breast Women who have a type are usually cancer known as HER2+ known as given a targeted therapy to have trastuzumab, which is known Many cardiotoxicity in some patients. followwomen receive trastuzumab ing treatment with another chemotherapy drug, doxorubicin, negatively which is also known to impact the heart. medica“Not all patients on these function tions have a decline in heart way to but we don’t have any reliable happen to,” predict who that might that the rate says Dr. Norton, adding differs beof and extent of damage on the tween patients, even those people, same treatment. “For most once they the effects are reversible patients finish treatment but some

treatment may be withdrawn from early if cardiotoxicity is apparent.” percentage Norton adds that a small conof patients develop irreversible is rare but gestive heart failure.“This to be able it is still important for us will be to predict which patients to protect affected and to find a way their hearts,” she says. a part, Dr. Believing genetics plays variants Norton is reviewing genetic to idenof cancer patients and hoping risk of a tify those that might increase patient’s likelihood of cardiotoxicity.

YOURHEALTH

on DNA, “If we can predict, based for develwhich patients are at risk on the oping cardiac issues based we can current standards of care, the design experiments to identify each patient mechanism of toxicity in it,” she and then hopefully prevent says.

eart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 600,000 to people dying annually, according Control and the Centers for Disease from the Prevention. Recent reports indicate American Cancer Society die that almost as many Americans each year from cancer. may not seem While the two diseases related, the connection between is not unheart disease and cancer

22

some of the common. Unfortunately, in cancer life-saving therapies used the heart. care can cause damage to “For most cancer patients, of care chemotherapy is the standard years, we for treatment. But over the drugs can have learned that certain system and affect the cardiovascular muscle,” cause damage to the heart Carolyn says Mayo Clinic cardiologist Landolfo, M.D.

has been A variety of medication abnorlinked to high blood pressure, increased mal heart rhythms and an the imrisk for blood clots. Though g pacts may be temporary—occurrin on the only while the patient is caused drug—some therapies have in irreversible damage, resulting says. heart failure, Dr. Landolfo work cardiologists At Mayo Clinic, to preside-by-side with oncologists effects vent and reduce the negative

YOURHEALTH

Market studies say Millennials also favor fresh foods over processed eats. Hard to argue against that. Yet, convenience remains a big selling point for these picky eaters. Fresh and fast, thank you, is the order of the day. And don’t expect twenty-somethings to be satisfied with the same tepid flavors sold in years past. No, today’s ready-to-eat tuna is offered in trendy flavors like Spicy Korean, Sriracha and Hot Buffalo.

In a nutshell, food manufacturers operate in a marketplace that’s always changing.

Today’s quinoa and kale will be tomorrow’s Tang and ambrosia salad. Any restaurateur worth his salt knows this, which is why Jacksonville Magazine’s continuous focus on local dining will never go stale. Savvy diners are also choosy consumers, a fact that makes our annual 50 Best Restaurants compilation a must-read year in and year out.

SEARCHING S Cancer ANSWERBattling FOR Keeping Heart Healthy When H

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The lack of can-opening skills can be quickly remedied, of course. “Hey, Google. How do I use a can opener?” The tougher nut to crack for food producers is getting these youngsters to believe canned eats can be good. That’s proved difficult, so much so that big tuna makers such as StarKist and Bumble Bee are now packaging many of their products in plastic pouches instead of tin cylinders.

It’s pretty much the same tuna they always made. The primary difference is the container used to deliver it to the consumer.

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YOURHEALTH

As always, thanks for reading. Here’s to a happy and hearty 2019.

In Each Issue • Healthy Events Calendar • Regional Healthcare News • Timely Feature Stories • Fitness Trends • Local Resource Info • Good For You Eats For Advertising & Sponsor Information,

Call (904) 389-3622

JacksonvilleMag.com 8 |

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

SAVE THE DATE: Jax Mag’s first big event for 2019 is the annual Best Restaurants Bash, set for January 31 at the duPont Center in the heart of Downtown. A couple dozen of the city’s leading restaurants will be participating. You should, too. We cap ticket sales at 400. Don’t miss out.

Tickets at 904TIX.com.

SAVE ANOTHER DATE: The second annual Jacksonville Lantern Parade takes place Saturday, February 16. This is a public event open to everyone and will include music, food trucks, family games and more. All we ask is that participants bring something that glows, twinkles or shines. More info at JacksonvilleLanternParade.com.

2019

For 34 years Jacksonville Magazine has told the stories of our city and all of Northeast Florida.

Our publications are written and designed to help readers get the most out of living here.

EDITORIAL PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Joseph White EDITOR

Virginia Chamlee EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Emily Bailey PROOFREADER

Kathy Weedon CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Josue Cruz, Katie McPherson, Melody Taylor INTERNS

Alexia Carrasco, Andrea Davis, Stephanie Wolff

CREATIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jennifer Compton DESIGNER

Heather Kruse STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Agnes Lopez CONTRIBUTING PHOTOHGRAPHER

Jessie Preza

SALES & MARKETING ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Amy Robertson SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jessica Lindsay ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Vanessa Raola ACCOUNTING / OFFICE MANAGER

Wendy Castro ADVERTISING COORDINATOR / SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR / 904TIX

Mandy Niesen SPONSOR & PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR

Reggie Jolly INTERN

Lauren Hickox

CIRCULATION CIRCULATION MANAGER

Mike Romero SUBSCRIPTION REQUESTS / INQUIRIES

904-389-3622, ext. 313 circulation@jacksonvillemag.com

1261 King St., Jacksonville, FL 32204 (904) 389-3622 • Fax: (904) 389-3628 Website: JacksonvilleMag.com JACKSONVILLE (ISSN 1070-5163), (USPS 749870), January 2019 Volume 34 Issue 12.

Published monthly with seven supplements annually for $19.90 per year by White Publishing Co., 1261 King St., Jacksonville, FL 32204, (904) 389-3622. All editorial contents ©2019 by White Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Periodical postage paid at Jacksonville, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to JACKSONVILLE, 1261 King St., Jacksonville, FL 32204, (904) 389-3622. PRINTED IN THE USA. JANUARY 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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SEEN PEOPLE, PARTIES & PICTURES

COMING NEXT MONTH:

Jacksonville Magazine’s November Secret Supper Club raised the bar on the “secret” theme, with the menu and location remaining completely unknown to guests until the day of the event. The new Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center served as the backdrop for the 70-person, four-course meal, with food and libations prepared by Chef Matthew Medure and his team at M Hospitality. u — PHOTOS BY JASON LIERMANN

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

• Lantern Workshop Brewery Series: Southern Swells January 14 • Best Restaurants Bash!

January 31

S

More than 100 guests piled into Intuition Ale Works for the Born Ruffians with Little Junior concert Thursday, November 29. Guests were treated to pints of craft beer and music—not a bad way to spend an evening, right? u — PHOTOS BY KRYSTINA HARCOURT

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

S A GQUEM SHAQ M GRIF FFIN AINST ALL ODDS FEB BRUARY Y 9, 2019 DOORS OPEN 10 A.M. A

at 1 Daily’s Place • Jacksonville, FL 32202

Join us for a converrsation with Shaquem m Griffin and a morn ning of family activities, exhibits and exciting g demonstrations - all a in the name of living liife to its fullest.

Register for this t free event at BrooksCelebrrate.org

S Almost 700 music fans braved the rain and dreary weather for a JJ Grey benefit concert hosted by North Florida Land Trust on December 1 at Congaree and Penn Farm. Guests were treated to an afternoon of cocktails poured by Manifest Distilling, snow cones, food trucks and, of course, live music. u — BY KRYSTINA HARCOURT

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

Konika Patel Schallen, MD The Center for Modern Aesthetic Medicine 1478 Riverplace Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207 904.772.5828 // cmamedicine.com

A

s we turn to the annual ritual of New Year’s resolutions, understanding how energy-based devices work to reach goals for skin care and body shaping can help us get to where we want.

There are so many options to choose from and the right option, applied correctly, can really make a difference. A proper assessment, diagnosis of the issues, and treatment plan is essential. Sometimes, the best results really require the right combination of treatments and a holistic approach.

With the technology you can shape and contour the body, whether it is unwanted fat under the chin or around the abdomen, loose skin or cellulite.

These can all be accomplished with a good treatment plan. Coolsculpting uses cold at just the right temperatures to freeze fat. UltraShape uses ultrasound in order to rupture fat cells membranes destroying the fat.

A D VE RT I S I N G FEATURE

Profound stimulates collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid to contour and improve skin’s texture and cellulite. Velashape uses radiofrequency, heat and massage to help reduce areas of unwanted stubborn fat. It can also be used to tighten skin and improve the appearance of cellulite. The ZWave also improves the appearance of cellulite and in conjunction with other technologies to enhance results. It is important to assess the location and type of fat for each individual, sometimes even using ultrasound prior to the treatment to fully understand what the best approach would be. The right combination applied in the right ways for each individual will lead to the best possible outcomes.

Each of us has a unique skin and body composition. Medical history, along with lifestyle, should be taken into consideration when creating a plan to help us reach those New Year’s goals.

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With This Ring Northeast Florida couples say “I do.”

ELIZABETH LEGGETT & JUSTIN NOTZ Elizabeth and Justin were married January 20, 2018.

The ceremony took place at Riverside House and the reception was held at Sweet Pete’s. Candy was even a part of the couple’s proposal, as Justin used a package of treats from Sweet Pete’s and replaced one of the candy boxes with a ring box before gifting it to Elizabeth.

— PHOTO BY BECPHOTOGRAPHY

~ JESSICA NUNEZ & CHRISTOPHER WINTER Jessica and Chris were married August 4, 2018. The ceremony and reception took place at a family member’s riverfront home in Mandarin. “Our first dance song was a Spanish cover of my parent’s first dance song, and we kept it a surprise to my Mom until it played,” says Jessica.

— PHOTO BY THE HENDRICKS

The Fall 2018 edition of Jacksonville Magazine’s Bride is available online and at newsstands.

The issue is packed with info, including local reception sites and the region’s top wedding service providers. The Spring 2019 edition of Bride will be released in February.

Recently married? Announce your wedding in an upcoming edition of Jacksonville Magazine. Details posted at JaxMagBride.com. Or email emily@jacksonvillemag.com.

SARA KALSNES-MAGEE & JAMES LANZA Sara and James were married May 20, 2018. The ceremony was held at the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine and the reception took place at the Hilton Hotel Bayfront. Sara’s family is from Norway, so many of their guests came all the way across the Atlantic to attend the nuptials.

— PHOTO BY YAZI DAVIS

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

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5 THINGS TO LOVE p. 18 / LIVE WELL p. 20 / FAB FINDS p. 22 / AGENDA p. 24

JAXlife

cc The Dune Ridge Trail cuts a fourmile loop through one of the Florida’s most picturesque landscapes. Starting under a canopy of oak limbs and surrounded by a mix of weathered cedars and palms, the hiking path circles back across acres of unspoiled beaches. And it can be found only a few miles northeast of the heart of Jacksonville. Arguably the signature attraction inside Little Talbot Island State Park is its driftwood beach, a tangle of near-fossilized trees that make for dramatic photos and provide hours of exploring for curious kids. Free guided ranger tours are held regularly, covering topics including native turtles and snakes, fossils and fauna. Visitors need only bring water, snacks, insect repellent, layered clothing and a desire for adventure. And $5 per vehicle for admission. u

JANUARY 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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[JAXlife]

5 THINGS TO LOVE this January

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Electro Muscle Stimulation— EMS, for short—has been used for years in physical rehab settings to help heal injuries. Now, it’s made its way to the fitness world, as a workout that does more working out for you. At Jacksonville Beach studio Body20, personal trainers put gym-goers through one-on-one programs utilizing electrical currents that give the body over 150 times more muscle contractions than a conventional workout. Sessions are 20 minutes but, thanks to the currents targeting the muscles, you’ll still feel the burn.

If you’re a foodie, you know it can be hard to stay frugal when there’s an enticing plate of food around. Enter Amelia Island Restaurant Week, in which some of the island’s most popular (and, well, pricey) restaurants offer prix-fix menus at $12 for lunch and $21, $31 and $41 for dinner. The event— featuring Burlingame, Bar Zin, Le Clos, and others—takes place January 18-27.

Bon appetit!

5 St. Augustine artist Jenna Alexander launched her latest series with a simple request: by asking area women to visit her studio wearing a striped shirt, with their hair in a bun. She eventually photographed more than 200 women and girls, selecting 30 of the resulting photos to transform into oil paintings for a coffee table book, Stripes and Buns: A Tribute to Good Women ($65), available at Gray 1908 in St. Augustine.

The best part of an Everything Bagel is, well, everything, thanks to a frenetic coating of poppy seeds, sesame, salt, caraway, onion and garlic. Now, home cooks can get the iconic New York flavor on more than just dough. Local food brand FreshJax’s latest spice blend, Brunch Life: Everything Bagel ($15), adds crunch and spice to a myriad of dishes, from avocado toast and eggs to Southern staples such as grits. freshjax.com

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANuArY 2019

More than a dozen films will screen at three sites (Lewis Auditorium, Corazon Cinema and Cafe, and the GamacheKoger Theater) this month as part of the St. Augustine Film Festival, a four-day affair that features everything from comedies to documentaries. Though many of the films are foreign, one has a local tie and is especially relevant in today’s social climate. Cracking Aces: A Woman’s Place at the Table is a documentary telling the story of the pioneering cardshark who broke the glass ceiling of professional poker, long before the #MeToo movement. The film is produced by Tracy Halcomb, a communications professor at Flagler College. The festival takes place January 18-21.

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[JAXlife]

LIVE WELL The New

Retro

Linear forms, hints of brass and sumptuous fabrics offer a nod to the 1960s, without going full on Mad Men.

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—VIRGINIA CHAMLEE

A jewelry box that’s as pretty as it is functional.

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1. Origami brass box, $70, Artisanti; 2. Abstract print, $10, Abstract House; 3. Moroccan pouf, $140, Ian Snow; 4. Equus sculpture, $105, Artisanti; 5. Globe lamp, $200, Eclect Design

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

An aesthetically appealing alternative to an ottoman, this pouf provides a pop of color and extra seating for guests.

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[JAXlife]

FAB FINDS Locally available home goods we went wild for this month.

An oversized pillow that offers the perfect punch of pastel.

1. Geometric-patterned blanket, Dancing Elephant, $170 2. Brass magnifying glass, Mineral City, $29.95 3. Watercolor pillow, Boxwood & Birch, $185 4. Beaded decorative stars, Cottage by the Sea, $3$15 5. Chinoiserie tea vessel, Furniture Mart, $169 6. Faux wood charger, KMH Home, $60 7. LAFCO fragrance diuser, The Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, $115 8. Mohammed Ali print, Generation Us, $40 u

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

This tea canister can double as a chic vase for flowers or stems.

Premier Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Services at The Beaches

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[JAXlife]

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AGENDA: JANUARY

TO DO LIST 1/9

Rita Coolidge In the 1970s and 80s, Rita Coolidge and Kris Kristofferson were the It couple, burning up the Billboard adult contemporary, jazz and pop charts month after month.

They split decades ago, but Coolidge’s solo sound remains as soulful as ever.

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

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1/10

Rock of Ages If you’re into ‘80s hair bands, Rock of Ages, a musical featuring songs

by Styx, Poison, Twisted Sister, and Whitesnake was made for you. In true Broadway fashion, there’s also a romantic arc and, of course, plenty of over-the-top acting.

T-U Center

1/11

Noel Friedline & Friends The formerly Jax-based jazz pianist and vocalist joins other musicians for a concert at the Ritz Theatre & Museum.

1/11

Winter Jam A roster including some of the top names in Christian pop music (Newsboys United, Danny Gokey, Hollyn) perform at Veterans Memorial Arena.

A pre-jam party featuring Ty Brasel, Manic Drive and Dan Bremnes, starts at 6 PM, with the main event slated for 7 PM.

1/11

Karl Denson

Turn Back Time For those who believe in life after love (or a touring career after the age of 70), Cher comes to Veterans Memorial Arena this month.

The Goddess of Pop’s Here We Go Again Tour stops in Jax January 23, where concert-goers are sure to hear some of the icon’s most popular hits—“Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves,” “Half Breed” and “I Found Someone”— and see some pretty extraordinary costumes.

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

Having just come off tour with the Rolling Stones, the funk and jazz saxophonist performs on his own this month at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall.

1/13

Frankie Valli The man whose music inspired Jersey Boys comes to the Florida Theatre.

Deadline:

February

Jacksonvillemag.com click “reader Polls”

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J Jacksonville

1/17

Music of Sam Cooke A soul music pioneer, Sam Cooke’s influence has spanned more than 60 years, touching musicians in genres from country to rock.

This month, Bradd Marquis performs Cooke classics at the Ritz Theatre & Museum.

1/18

Mike Epps & Friends Best known for his star turns in Next Friday and Friday After Next, comedian Mike Epps hits the stage for a tour alongside George Wallace, Earthquake, Mark Curry and Sommore.

Veterans Memorial Arena

FUNDRAISERS presented by

1/13 Germany Tour Fundraising Party Support the San Marco Chamber Music Society with a party featuring food, wine, silent auctions and musicicians including flutist Les Roettges, oboist Eric Olson, violinists Aurica Duca and Clinton Dewing, violist Ellen Olson, and cellist Nick Curry. 5 PM, Friday Musicale.

1/20 An Evening of Grandeur The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s annual Gala includes a performance by Renée Fleming (backed by the Symphony, of course), a VIP Dinner and an After Glow Party. 7 PM, T-U Center.

6

[JAXlife]

The age Mozart was when he first began writing his own compositions.

The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra pays homage to Wolfgang Amadeus this month for its Midwinter Mozart Festival. The Festival kicks off January 11 at 11 AM, with a concert featuring a mix of the master’s most beloved works. Other events include a screening of the 1984 film Amadeus, with a live symphonic backing by the JSO, and two performances of the symphonic opera Don Giovanni, January 25 and 27.

Northeast Florida

DRAMA DISTRICT

1/26 The Gala The non-profit Jacksonville Ultimate League (a consortium of local disc golf clubs) hosts a party/awards celebration, complete with food, craft beer, music and entertainment. Bow ties are strongly encouraged. 7 PM, Hyperion Brewing Company.

2/5 Healing HeARTs

q

q

1/18

Masters of Illusion Based on the CW Network series, this family-friendly show features plenty of sleight of hand magic, escape artists and illusions—some of which feature assistants handpicked from the audience.

Florida Theatre

Tony-nominated Broadway musical follows Jesus as he shares different parables with a group of storytellers through music, drama, and comedy.

January 9-February 1, Alhambra Theater & Dining

An Enemy of the People A small Norwegian town has begun to win popularity for its medical spring waters, until Dr. Stockmann exposes the city’s dangerous pollution. As he is punished for telling the truth, the city does whatever it takes to strip those headlines away. January 11-February 3, Limelight Theatre

The Robber Bridegroom 2/23 River City Ball Join Jacksonville's young professionals community to celebrate, build relationships, and support Angels for Allison and The McKenzie Noelle Wilson Foundation. 8 PM, The River Club of Jacksonville.

A Southern-fried Robin Hood follows Jamie Lockhart as he plays a gentleman by day but a bandit by night. See how his ethics and world are turned upside down when he falls for the daughter of a wealthy planter in the playful and raunchy musical. January 25-February 10, All Beaches Experimental Theatre

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q

1/20

Child Guidance Center’s Healing HeARTs showcases the therapeutic modalities used by its therapists in art therapy. Guests will enjoy music by the Jacksonville Symphony Trio.

5:30 PM, 927 Events, Downtown.

Godspell

An Evening with Robert Klein Decades before Netflix was a thing, Robert Klein starred in the first live comedy concert on television, for HBO. He’s gone on to perform nine one-man shows for HBO and this month stops at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall.

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SWAN SONGS

The National Ballet Theatre of Odessa performs Swan Lake, the full-scale Tchaikovsky classic, which follows a young prince working to free a sea maiden from an evil spell. January 12 at the T-U Center.

J v

Ring Tones Before there was reality TV, there was pro wrestling. This month, the sport’s biggest heroes, villains, manufactured rivalries and unbridled egos take to the ring for WWE Smackdown Live January 8 at Veterans Memorial Arena.

WHAT’S MY LINE? The cast of Whose Line Is It Anyway? (including Drew Carey, Greg Proops, Jeff Davis and Joel Murray) take to the Florida Theatre stage to perform the improv games made famous on the Emmy-nominated TV series, now in its 15th season. January 10, Florida Theatre.

In the pink

Pink Floyd’s final live performance took place in London in 2005. So, if you can’t see the actual band play together anymore, you can get pretty close in this cult classic show, which features the entirety of Dark Side of the Moon, special effects and large-screen video projection. January 11, Florida Theatre.

January 2016 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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Trail of Terror

q

q

1/21

Neil deGrasse Tyson Interested in modern day space exploration?

Neil deGrasse Tyson is basically your Beyoncé.

Of course, there won’t be singing or dancing when he visits the Florida Theatre, but theories on black holes and escape velocity are just as entertaining, right?

1/23

THE LITTLE

BIG TOP

Arlo Guthrie

1/25

Drive-By Truckers & Lucinda Williams Two distinctly outspoken progressive musicians perform a joint concert at the Florida Theatre.

The Venardos Circus is about as old-school as it gets: family owned and created by a former Ringling Bros. ringmaster, the one-ring affair has been called “the little circus that could.” Despite the fact that, once packed up, it all fits into a 28-foot box (minus the performers themselves, that is), the Vernardos show continues to delight audiences as it rolls around the country. It comes to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre for multiples shows this month, through January 27.

v

The folk singer-songwriter best known, like his father, for singing songs of protest, comes to the Florida Theatre.

He’ll likely have plenty of inspiration from 2018.

1/26

Jacksonville Icemen The Icemen hockey team takes on the Florida Everglades at the Veterans Memorial Arena.

1/26

Old 97’s and Shooter Jennings Alt-country stalwarts co-headline the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall.

1/28

Crash Test Dummies The Canadian rock band’s new tour sees them reunite for the first time in 17 years to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their seminal album, God Shuffled His Feet. Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

What do Neko Case and Kimye Dawon have in common, other than being stellar singers?

Weird band names. The former New Pornographers vocalist takes the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall stage alongside one half of The Moldy Peaches.

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JAnuARy 2019

Strings attached v

1/31

Neko Case & Kimya Dawson

Puppetry is something of a lost art, largely replaced by computer and cartoon animation. But even in 2018, Joseph Cashore continues to build his own marionettes, tiny piece by tiny piece. In fact, he’s been recognized by the Henson Foundation for his artistry.

This month, Cashore marionettes will take to the stage at The Ritz Theatre to perform a series of poignant scenes from everyday life, set to the music of Vivaldi, Strauss and Beethoven. January 27 at 1:30 PM.

J

giant killers The five time ABA national champions Jacksonville Giants hoop it up against the Austin Bats, January 19, 7:30 PM, at Veterans Memorial Arena.

COUNTRY CROONER Country music singer Sara Evans visits the Florida Theatre to perform more than two decades of hits, like “A Little Bit Stronger” and “Born to Fly.” January 27, Florida Theatre.

Vive La France!

Set against the backdrop of 19th Century France, Les Misérables tells an unforgettable story of heartbreak, passion and resilience.

Plus, the soundtrack is full of earworms, so expect to be singing “I Dreamed a Dream” for weeks after. January 22-27, T-U Center. u JANUARY 2016 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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[FAMILY]

Make it Happen The term “maker” often calls to mind an artist of some kind, but the skills showcased at the second annual Jacksonville Mini Maker Faire expand beyond decoupage and oven mitt-knitting, running the gamut from engineering to garage tinkering. The family-friendly event celebrates homemade creativity and resourcefulness, allowing makers of all ages and skill sets to demonstrate what they can do, be it recycling, building, or crafting. The Faire takes place Saturday, February 16, 10 AM-5 PM at MOSH and calls for makers remain open until January 9. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children. u

It’s Personal How technology is transforming classrooms and the way kids learn

— ALEXIA CARRASCO

BY VIRGINIA CHAMLEE

Like it or not, we’re now all living in a world with infinite access to information. Machines are outperforming humans at increasingly complex cognitive tasks and companies will soon require employees to work with both digital and human colleagues on increasingly complex projects. Can the teaching methods and standard classroom setting—one teacher, standing in front of a row of desks, instructing a variety of students the same curriculum— prepare students to do that?

Kids at Play While the area near the Dye Clay Family YMCA in Orange Park has long been surrounded by open spaces, it lacked a public playground for children. All that changed in November, when more than 200 volunteers from the YMCA and the national non-profit KaBOOM! came together to build a play space in under six hours. The playground features activities that help grow problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, as well as creativity. But the best part is that the park was dreamed up by kids themselves, with the design based on drawings from area children. u — ANDREA DAVIS

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JANUARY 2019

For education researcher Gus Halwani, the traditional classroom setting seems antiquated in the modern world. Halwani spent five years at Harvard and MIT studying how targeted training can change a brain over time before coming to Jacksonville to work as director of the middle school program at Discovery School.

Through his research, he found that the standard means of educating kids doesn’t always yield the best results.

“Often, in high-performing or prestigious schools, there’s an emphasis on simple kinds of assessment: testing. Assessment is very important but we have to be thoughtful about how we do it. Just because you're measuring something doesn't mean you’re capturing information.”

In other words, grading a high-schooler based on how well she can memorize how long the Hundred Years’ War actually lasted might not offer a true assessment of how well she learns.

As Halwani notes, the underpinnings of the modern education system were designed in the early 20th century to meet the needs of an industrial society: teachers convey standard information at a standard pace, with students taking standardized tests to prove the memorization of those facts. Regardless of whether each student shows mastery or fails, the entire class proceeds to the next standard.

In an effort to move away from this one-sizefits-all approach, Discovery partnered with Alt School, a San Francisco-based tech company that offers a self-directed learning program wherein individual students can learn at their own pace. Think of it as a more sophisticated version of Netflix’s recommendation algorithm—tailoring instruction to individual students by offering up different content and exercises depending on how well they performed on previous exercises. “A teacher can actually assign different learning experiences to different students,” explains Halwani. “This platform allows students to open their computer and see customized learning playlists, which they can proceed through at their own pace.”

The platform has changed the atmosphere of the classroom setting at Discovery, where rooms often feel more like co-working spaces.

“Everyone finds a little nook to work in, be it individually or in small groups,” says Halwani.

“Every once in a while, we might corral the group together for a group experience.”

Personalized learning is not a new idea, and its value is well established: 2008 research showed that individually tutored students perform two standard deviations higher (better than 98% of) their traditionally taught peers. A pool of better-educated students is good for the country at large, contributing to a more talented workforce and, by extension, a strong economy. Consulting firm McKinsey & Company estimated that if the U.S. had closed the education achievement gap with better-performing nations, the 2010 GDP could have been 8% to 14%—$1.2 trillion to $2.1 trillion—higher than it actually was.

But better performing schools doesn’t necessarily equate to robots and algorithms. In fact, Halwani argues that teachers (real, human, teachers) are more important than ever. “It’s very easy right now to interpret these trends as if tech is offloading responsibility from the teacher. We have opportunities for the human teacher to be even more involved in the process, and more like a coach or a navigator who helps scaffold the journey.”

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg touted his support in a 2015 post, in which he wrote that “building software that will enable personalized learning for all children is a new and exciting challenge for Facebook,” one that would “free up time for teachers to do what they do best—mentor students.”

Mini Beer Festival January 19

TIX

Halwani offers one such example of the intersection of digital technology and humanassisted learning: a group of students who expressed interest in creating a virtual reality app that would immerse users in their greatest fears. “Of course, I told them that would be a really bad idea,” laughs Halwani. “But it allowed us to open up a dialogue about trauma, and how that affects the human body and it led to their doing their own research about fear.” After working on what Halwani calls an advanced, high school-level research paper, the middle schools students discovered that one of the most common phobias was particularly relevant to those in their age group: a fear of public speaking. Five weeks of self-directed research later, the students, used VR to develop an application that would allow other students to practice giving presentations in front of a (virtual) audience. “We used the same sort of software that professionals use,” notes Halwani. “You can adjust the size of the room, size of the audience, and take the speakers’ heart rates to determine how stressed they are.”

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT 904TIX.COM

The project ultimately demonstrated exactly what Halwani’s research has shown: that students excel when they can create something, rather than simply memorize and regurgitate information year after year.

Even better, he adds, is that they worked with both human teachers and digital technology—as they are likely to do once they’re out of school and in the working world—and they actually enjoyed doing the work. “It’s amazing what kids can do when they are really motivated.” u JANUARY 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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select northeast florida schools SCHOOL

ADDRESS

PHONE/WEBSITE

YEAR EST.

RELIGIOUS OR OTHER AFFILIATIONS

ENROLLMENT

GRADES

GENDER

UNIFORM

Beaches Episcopal

450 11th Ave. N 32250

246-2466 beachesepiscopalschool.org

1952

Episcopal

143

PreK3-6

Co-ed

Yes

The Bolles School

7400 San Jose Blvd.

32217

256-5030 bolles.org

1933

None

1,600

PreK-12

Co-ed

Yes

Christ’s Church Academy

10850 Old St. Augustine Rd. 32257

268-8667 ccajax.org

1995

Christian

416

K-12

Co-ed

Yes

Collage Day School

171 Canal Blvd. Ponte Vedra, 32082

900-1439 collagedayschool.org

2017

None

160

3 month-6

Co-ed

Yes

1870

Catholic

11,263

K-12

Co-ed

Yes

Diocese of St. Augustine

32 |

262-3200 11625 Old St. Augustine Rd. choosecatholicschool.com 32258

The Discovery School

102 15th St. S. 32250

247-4577 thediscoveryschool.org

1990

Montessori/International Baccalaureate

210

toddler-8

Co-ed

Yes

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

2445 San Diego Rd. 32207

346-5620 da-arts.org

1985

None

1,192

9-12

Co-ed

No

Episcopal School of Jacksonville

4455 Atlantic Blvd.

32207

396-5751 esj.org

1966

Episcopal

900

6-12

Co-ed

Yes

First Baptist Academy

600 N. Main St. 32202

265-7474 fbcjaxacademy.com

2009

Christian

335

Infant-10

Co-ed

Yes

The Foundation Academy

3675 San Pablo Rd. 32224

493-7300 foundationacademy.com

1988

Christian

344

K-12

Co-ed

No

Greenwood School

9920 Regency Square Blvd.

32225

726-5000 greenwoodjax.org

1985

None

175

6-12

Co-ed

Yes

Jacksonville Country Day School

10063 Baymeadows Rd. 32256

641-6644 jcds.com

1960

None

428

PreK3-6

Co-ed

Yes

Providence School

2701 Hodges Blvd.

32224

223-5270 prov.org

1997

Christian

1,085

PreK2-12

Co-ed

Yes

Riverside Presbyterian Day School

830 Oak St. 32204

353-5511 rpds.com

1948

Presbyterian

460

PreK3-6

Co-ed

No

St. Johns Country Day School

3100 Doctors Lake Dr. 32073

264-9572 sjcds.net

1953

None

600

PreK3-12

Co-ed

Yes

St. Marks Episcopal Day School

4114 Oxford Ave. 32210

388-2632 stmarksdayschool.org

1970

Episcopal

340

1 yo-6

Co-ed

Yes

San Jose Episcopal Day School

7423 San Jose Blvd.

32217

733-0352 sjeds.org

1950

Episcopal

240

PreK3-6

Co-ed

Yes

Seacoast Charter Academy

9100 Regency Square Blvd.

32211

seacoastcharteracademy.org

2010

None

445

K-5

Co-ed

Yes

Trinity Christian Academy

800 Hammond Blvd.

32221

596-2337 tcajax.org

1967

Christian

1,350

PreK3-12

Co-ed

Yes

University Christian School

5520 University Blvd. W 32216

737-6330 ucsjax.com

1965

Christian

770

Infant-12

Co-ed

Yes

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

562-4780

NOTE: School details posted here are subject to change. Parents are encouraged to confirm all information. We attempted to verify the chart by contacting all of the schools listed.

Questions we were not able to confirm were left blank. • Updated December 2018 STUDENT/ FACULTY ANNUAL TUITION RATIO

ACCREDITING AGENCY

TEAM SPORTS

#AP CLASSES

AVG. TEST SCORES

OPEN HOUSE DATES

2019-20 APPLICATION DEADLINE

17:1

$8,420-$14,350

FCIS, FKC, NAES

Boys: 5; Girls: 5

N/A

N/A

January 10

January 31

20:1

$10,870-$26,190

FCIS, FKC, SACS, SAIS, NAIS

Boys: 17; Girls: 17

22

N/A

through January

January

varies

$9,481-$11,840

FCIS, FKC, ACSI, SACS

Boys: 10; Girls: 10

12

N/A

contact school

rolling admissions

varies

check website

APPLE

N/A

N/A

N/A

check website

rolling admissions

varies

$6,000-$12,000

FCC, AdvanceED

_

N/A

N/A

contact school

check website

$9,856-$16,123

AMS, FCIS, IBO

N/A

N/A

N/A

call to schedule

rolling admissions

N/A

N/A

—

—

12

N/A

auditions held February

—

9:1

$23,250-$24,100

FCIS, SACS, SAIS, BREDF

Boys: 13; Girls: 13

23

N/A

January 15

January 31

18:1

varies

ACSI, AdvancED

Boys: 6; Girls: 6

N/A

N/A

January 15

June

15:1

sliding scale

SACS, AdvancED

N/A

N/A

N/A

February 21

rolling admissions

12:1

$14,300

FCIS

Boys: 4; Girls: 5

N/A

N/A

visit website for Welcome Wednesdays

open enrollment

9:1

$8,000-$16,800

FCIS, FKC, AdvancED,NAIS

Boys: 6; Girls: 6

N/A

N/A

January 10

rolling admissions

15:1

$9,250-$12,900

FCIS, FKC, ACSI, AdvancED

Boys: 19; Girls: 17

—

—

—

—

9:1

$4,200-$14,000

FCIS, FKC, SACS NAIS, ISM

Boys: 3; Girls: 3

—

—

January 16

open enrollment

12:1

$7,500-19,000

FCIS, SACS, FKC, AdvancED

Boys: 10; Girls: 11

22

ACT: 24.4 SAT: 1170

January 12, February 13

February 20

varies by age

$3,300-$14,300

FCIS, FKC, NAEYC

Boys: 3; Girls: 3

N/A

N/A

January 16, & 24, February 11

open enrollment begins February 11

7:1

$7,625-$13,390

FCIS, FKC, SACS, NAIS, NAES

Boys: 4; Girls: 4

N/A

N/A

tours by appointment

rolling admissions

K-3, 18:1 4-5, 22:1

N/A

AdvancED

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

13:1

$7,470-$9,270

MSA-CESS, FACCS, IACCS

Boys: 9; Girls: 9

5

—

January 8, 15, & 22, February 12, March 5, & 19 April 9, 16, & 23

—

13:1

$7,934-$8,650

ASCI, SACS, AdvancED

Boys:7; Girls: 7

8

—

January 27, March 7, & 31, April 14, & 28

open enrollment

Toddler; 6:1 4-8; 10:1

JANUARY 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

| 33

The Diocese of st. augustine

“Ite inflammate omnia”

G

o forth and set the world on fire. This quote from St. Ignatius of Loyola could be emblazoned over the door of any of the 35 Catholic schools in Northeast Florida. Each of the schools combines an excellent academic preparation with a rigorous pursuit of truth through faith and reason to produce students who are trained for lives of meaning, purpose, and service.

Parents of students in Northeast Florida’s Catholic schools frequently comment on the satisfaction and confidence that comes with sending their children to a school where students are free to pursue objective truth without the artificial constraints of political correctness or aggressive secularism.

Students have the freedom to think and learn grounded in reality. From studying the origins of the world through math and science, to understanding their place in that world through history, literature, and the arts, students gain the perspective necessary to answer life’s big questions.

The academic rigor of Northeast Florida’s Catholic schools is legendary.

Students are challenged to learn and interact with talented teachers in active classrooms where hard work is expected and rewarded. Catholic schools also recognize that all students learn differently, and administrators and teachers have the flexibility and resources to meet the needs of each student’s learning style. This is consistent with the Catholic fundamental of embracing the whole person, and bringing the best out of every student.

Many schools have a religious foundation, but a visit to a Catholic school in Northeast Florida quickly shows a fundamental commitment to faith in education. Every element of campus life literally begins and ends with a sense of the presence, power, and wisdom of the Creator of all life and learning.

From the architecture and religious symbols of campus, to prayer before classes and athletic events, to a curriculum infused with the sense of a higher realm of knowledge, life and learning in these schools is exhilarating and life affirming.

There is also a strong sense of community on every campus. As students work through childhood and adolescence, their teachers are free to ground the lessons of learning and life in larger truths. Fundamentals of friendship, compassion, service, and kindness are not just platitudes, but a way of life.

Northeast Florida’s Catholic schools teach students to be men and women for others. Students serve their communities through fun and creative projects that serve the poor, elderly, and disadvantaged. The model of service to others, not for credit, but for joy, is learned early and lasts for a lifetime.

Catholic education in Northeast Florida has a long and rich tradition of producing leaders. Catholic schools have filled the ranks of leadership in business, law, medicine, politics, academics, and philanthropy. You won’t have to talk with one of these leaders for long before they mention the fundamental lessons of intellect and faith received in their Catholic education that have been the foundation for a successful and rewarding life.

Academic excellence. A rigorous pursuit of the truth through faith and reason. Education of the mind, body and spirit.

For over three centuries Catholic education has relied on these core principles to provide the young people of Northeast Florida with the tools to lead lives of meaning and purpose. This time-honored tradition remains the best preparation for students in the new century.

CATHOLIC CENTER: 11625 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258 • (904) 262-3200

dosafl.com/find-a-school/

A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

HOSTS 33rd ANNUAL EXTRAVAGANZA AT MORAN THEATER – SATURDAY, FEB. 23

D

ouglas Anderson School of the Arts is a Duval County Public School for students with a desire for intensive study in the Arts. Long known as the high school “Where Arts and Academics Meet in Excellence,” DA offers a college preparatory curriculum that grooms students for the leading universities and conservatories in the country. Here are the important dates to mark on your calendar: AUDITIONS • FEB. 2 from 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm Acceptance into Douglas Anderson School of the Arts (Grades 9-12) is solely through the audition process. DA invites all students on the First Coast, who have intermediate and advanced level skills in the performing and visual arts, to apply for admission.

DA is looking for young men and women with talent and passion in Dance, Visual Arts, Vocal Music, Orchestra, Piano, Guitar, Instrumental Music, Cinematic Arts, Theatre, Musical Theatre and Creative Writing. Applications can be found on the school website: DA-arts.org EXTRAVAGANZA • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, the Duval County high school for students with a passion for the performing and visual arts, hosts its 33rd annual showcase, Extravaganza, at the Moran Theater on Saturday, February 23 (2019). The Art Exhibition begins at 6:30 p.m.; the theater performance starts at 7:30 p.m.

The showcase features some of the area’s most accomplished high school performers in dance, theater, vocal music, instrumental music, film, visual arts and creative writing.

“Extravaganza is the event that highlights the very best of student

achievement at Douglas Anderson,” said principal Melanie Hammer. “When you see our talented artists displaying their artistry onstage, you will witness an exhilarating tour de force that truly celebrates the arts and the processes we are teaching at DA. (MORE) “Extravaganza will give north Florida residents a chance to see these awesome students perform before they head off to the top universities and conservatories in the world, as well as to Hollywood and Broadway.”

Highlights of the evening include the DA Orchestra performing“Dos Miniaturas Andaluzas” by the blind Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo, a piece which conjures images of the bullfighting ring in Valencia; an original contemporary ballet, titled “Say Something,” choreographed by DA Ballet Director Rhonda Stampalia; an excerpt from the improvisational play, “East of the Sun, and West of the Moon” featuring magnificent life-sized puppets; and a stirring rendition of Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia, performed by the award-winning DA Jazz Band.

Also performing is this year’s Shining Star alumni artist: Grammy-nominated drummer/singer Jamison Ross, a 2006 DA graduate. A former winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition for the drums, Ross will perform hits from his acclaimed album, All For One. Extravaganza gets underway at 6:30 p.m. with a Visual Arts Gallery Exhibit in the theater lobby. The Extravaganza performance in the theater begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Times-Union Box Office, by phoning Ticketmaster (904-353-3309) or at www.ticketmaster.com

2445 San Diego Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32207 • (904) 346-5620 • da-arts.org A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

The Bolles School

#BollesLife: The Bolles School

E

xcellence. Courage. Integrity. Compassion. These words define a #BollesLife.

“Even more important than making good grades or expanding new areas of knowledge is the development of character and the ability to succeed in a global environment,” said President and Head of School Tyler Hodges.

The Bolles School is home to approximately 1,600 day and boarding students in grades Pre-K through 12. Founded in 1933, Bolles features four diverse and co-educational campuses: the Lower School Whitehurst and Ponte Vedra Beach Campuses, the Middle School Bartram Campus and the Upper School San Jose Campus.

The Resident Life program can accommodate more than 90 male and female students from around the globe. These students help create a unique and exciting educational environment for themselves and their peers. Bolles offers a comprehensive fine and performing arts program with courses in drama, dance, visual arts, chorus, music and band. 80 percent of Bolles middle and upper school students enrolled in Fine and Performing Arts classes this year and 100

percent of lower school students are involved in art, music and theatre instruction.

Academically, Bolles offers courses in five languages (including Chinese and Japanese) and 22 Advanced Placement Courses. In addition to on-campus activities and language study, Bolles offers exchange programs with schools in Spain, Japan, China and France and promotes educational and serviceoriented travel to places like Italy and Costa Rica. Bolles students play by the School’s athletic motto “Be humble in victory, and gracious in defeat.” Most students, 90 percent, participate in one or more sport at Bolles.

Students from the Class of 2018 offered or qualified for over $5.1 million in merit-based scholarships for their first year of college — more than $20 million for their four-year college careers. The 190 graduates are attending 94 different colleges, universities and military prep schools and were accepted to 207 different colleges and universities. Bolles students understand that pursuing excellence through courage, integrity and compassion is not only the school motto, but the foundation for a successful life. That’s a #BollesLife.

7400 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32217 • (904) 256-5030 • Bolles.org

A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

Christ’s Church Academy

Building a generation the world will not change.

L

eadership. Scholarship. Discipleship. Sportsmanship. At Christ’s Church Academy these words are a banner of daily importance as students and staff strive to amplify Christ-honoring choices in their lives. When choosing a private school in Jacksonville, academic and extracurricular offerings are of the utmost importance for scholastic success, but the true value of Christ’s Church Academy is that the school offers all of these programs within a Christian, family focused atmosphere.

Christ’s Church Academy is a private school in Northeast Florida that offers a kindergarten through twelfth grade education incorporating a superior academic curriculum, state ranked athletics program, and award-winning fine arts program all within a nurturing Christian environment.

Christ’s Church Academy alumni have gone on to become engineers, nurses, doctors, missionaries, teachers and have pursued a variety of other exciting professions. Students and staff share a common mission, which magnifies Christ in all that they strive for and seeks to fulfill God’s plan for their lives in scholarship and leadership.

Choosing Christ’s Church Academy means choosing academic excellence,

an award-winning fine arts programs, state ranked athletics teams and an atmosphere focused on community service and Christian discipleship. Faculty and staff strive to build foundational mentoring relationships with students through Bible courses, discipleship groups, weekly chapel services, and community service projects. CCA invests in students so that they will strive to invest in the community around them, aspire to succeed in daily life and endeavor for greatness beyond graduation.

• 100% College acceptance rate • 100% of Upper School students involved in community service • Quaint 9-acre campus serving students K-12 • 26 athletic teams, state and division championship ranked athletes • Class of 2018 saw 5 student-athletes move on to compete at the collegiate level • Fully accredited: FCIS - Florida Council of Independent Schools, ACSI Association of Christian Schools International, FKC - Florida Kindergarten Council, SACS - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools • Christian College Preparatory

10850 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257 • (904) 268-8667 • ccajax.org

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Collage Day School

COLLAGE DAY SCHOOL EMPOWERS OUR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS:

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ollage’s 8-acre campus is a beautiful natural learning environment that serves as a “living classroom.” It includes trails, gardens, play centers, koi ponds, and an inner courtyard that serves as a common area for the Collage family, offering students many opportunities to move and use their bodies in healthy ways outdoors. In addition, students participate in music, art, gardening, farm life, Spanish, Yoga, PE, and STEAM lab classes.

• We strive for our students to succeed as skilled communicators, keen observer of nature, and creative thinkers. Our goal is to prepare students to become responsible citizens and innovative leaders.

Our Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy to learning views children as competent, curious, full of knowledge, potential, and interested in connecting to the world around them; therefore, at Collage Day School, students move seamlessly between indoor and outdoor learning environments. Our TimberNook award-winning nature-based program, founded by a pediatric occupational therapist, encourages children to learn and explore nature while fostering child development. In addition Collage Day School is an academically challenging, independent day school, which utilizes the most effective research-based methods for educating and nurturing students.

• We target children’s interests in the natural world with daily outdoor learning opportunities.

• Our teachers create aesthetically inviting and developmentally appropriate classroom environments that inspire children to learn.

• Our integrative curriculum is tailored to each student based on their unique interests and designed to encourage creative thinking.

• By incorporating project-based learning, we provide hands-on opportunities for students to learn about all subjects through exploration and discovery.

171 Canal Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 • (904) 900.1439 • collagedayschool.org

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Laura Evans Photography

Episcopal School of Jacksonville

superior college-preparatory education with a balanced program of academics, arts & athletics

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he mission of Episcopal School of Jacksonville is to provide a superior college-preparatory education in an environment marked by high expectation, Christian nurture, and social diversity. Through a balanced program of academics, arts, and athletics, Episcopal’s faculty seeks to instill in each student intellectual growth, character development, responsible leadership and a commitment to community service.

The school uses the Harkness Method, an established method of instruction in which the students and teacher sit at a table and students have equal opportunity to direct the discussion. Our academic day is learner-centered, featuring fewer classes with longer class periods which offer a better pace for in-depth discussion and more meaningful

homework. College Counseling features a curriculum that guides students from eighth to twelfth grade toward college decisions. The school’s 56-acre main campus and 28-acre sports campus have undergone $17 million in recent upgrades. Sports and fine arts facilities match the excellence of the programs. As an Episcopal school, ESJ welcomes students of all spiritual traditions and encourages them to engage their faith more deeply. All members of the Episcopal community are expected to uphold and respect the dignity of every human being. Our Alumni Association coordinates internships for alumni in college and provides a lifelong network to our graduates. Visit www.esj.org to learn more about Episcopal School of Jacksonville.

4455 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207 • (904) 396-5751 ph • (904) 396-7209 fax • esj.org

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Providence School of Jacksonville

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rovidence School is a private school in Northeast Florida where you can find a seamless Preschool through 12th grade education that incorporates rigorous college preparatory academics, an award-winning fine arts program and a competitive FHSAA athletic program in a nurturing, Christian environment.

Whether a student’s talents include solving equations or scoring a touchdown, a knack for computer graphics or a scientist’s curiosity, Providence helps them discover and nurture those areas of greatest potential. How do we do that?

By surrounding each individual with loving, caring faculty, broad opportunities in athletics, the arts, and Christian service in a supportive “Providence family” atmosphere.

Located on a beautiful 64-acre campus near the beaches, Providence School is committed to providing a first class, Christ centered education in an allinclusive campus setting. At Providence, we partner with you in your child’s education and we strive to use every resource available to provide the finest education possible for each student. Innovative learning through the STEM program begins in preschool and is designed to support learning and prepare

our students to succeed in the digital age. Our college preparatory program offers over 40 AP and honors classes and dual enrollment courses. We have consistently exceeded the state and national averages on SAT and ACT scores and have had multiple merit finalists and semi-finalists. In 2018, our graduates achieved 100% college acceptance and are attending some of the finest colleges, universities and service academies in the country. Our alumni have gone on to become doctors, nurses, lawyers, engineers, scientists and teachers. Our students share a common spirit which exemplifies academic excellence, unique talents and gifts, and a desire to fulfill God’s plan for their lives.

• $19.7 million offered in college scholarships in 2018 • 75% of students exceeded the national average on standardized tests • 85% qualified for merit-based scholarships in 2018 • Over 42 athletic teams and 32 state championship appearances • 31 award-winning fine arts programs & over 50 clubs • Innovative instruction featuring a 1:1 blended learning environment • Over 850 families representing 140 different churches

2701 Hodges Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32224 • (904) 223-5270 ph • (904) 223-7837 fax • prov.org

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University Christian school

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o you want more for your child? Nationally accredited through AdvancEd and ACSI, University Christian is MORE than a school. We are a community, a family, and a special place that transforms lives. Since 1965, UCS has challenged thousands of students academically while building a strong spiritual foundation. We seek “to lead every student to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ while providing the highest quality Christian education.”

University Christian School is rich in history and is forging ahead to impact the next generation for Christ. We exist as one school, serving children from infants through 12th grade. At UCS we are committed to developing the spiritual, academic and social components of each student.

Our nurturing and genuinely caring teachers assist all students in reaching their full potential. We utilize a rigorous academic program that includes an excellent, Biblically integrated college preparatory and advanced curriculum.

Technology significantly enhances our program at all levels, as students utilize iPads as a tool for learning in newly designed state of the art classrooms.

It is our heart that each student understands what it means to serve others.

Therefore, we challenge them to serve through our intentional focus on community service, affording students opportunities to impact their local and global community.

A student’s learning potential at University Christian is limitless.

Education and growth opportunities are not limited to the classroom. Our athletics and fine arts departments are equipped with qualified coaches and instructors who dedicate themselves to mentoring students both morally and spiritually. Their key focus is the pursuit of championships, while developing Christian character.

As you prayerfully consider University Christian as the choice for your children and family, please contact our Admissions Office or visit our website at www.ucsjax.com to attend one of our upcoming Open Houses. Come and find out for yourself what makes UCS- MORE than a school!

5520 University Blvd W. Jacksonville, FL. 32216 • (904)737-6330 ph • (904)483-3572 fax • ucsjax.com

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Beaches Episcopal School

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t the core of the Beaches Episcopal School philosophy is the desire to foster an environment which allows young minds the opportunity to reach their God-given potential through a balanced program of academics, fine arts, enrichments, athletics, character education, and spiritual formation.

Every day, highly qualified teachers instill a love of learning and critical thinking in students so that they will proactively strive for excellence and spiritual growth in an nurturing atmosphere that promotes trust and freedom. Interdisciplinary tools like STEM and the IDEAStudio invite curiosity and provide outlets for students to tangibly create and solve problems, all the time being encouraged to take healthy risks in a framework of discovery.

BES is fully accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Florida Kindergarten Council. Contact Ashley Davis at (904) 246-2466 to schedule a campus tour, and see firsthand how students learn ambitiously, love purposefully, and lead courageously.

450 11th Street North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 (904) 246-2466 • BeachesEpiscopalSchool.org

The Discovery School

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he Discovery School is a diverse and inclusive non-profit, independent day school that offers a personalized educational experience for students aged 18 months to 14 years through a gradual evolution from an authentic Montessori program, to a blended curriculum, to pure International Baccalaureate over the course of the child's academic career.

For the 2019-2020 school year, we are expanding our campus and introducing a Middle School Program.

Our multi-age classrooms and low student to teacher ratio allow children to fully experience our academically challenging and nurturing learning environment while fostering student agency. Everyday at Discovery, we are opening our students' minds, to one another, to the world, and to themselves. udents' minds, to one another, to the world, and to themselves.

Discovery is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools, the American Montessori Society, is an International Baccalaureate World School, and an AltSchool Partner. Call today for a tour of our beautiful campus.

102 15th Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 (904) 247-4577 ph • (904) 247-5626 fax • thediscoveryschool.org

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First Baptist Academy Of Jacksonville

The Foundation Academy

Accredited • Low Student to Teacher Ratios • Fine Arts • Athletics Leadership Opportunities • Mission/Service Projects • Weekly Chapel

artnering with Christian families, First Baptist Academy is on a Pmission to prepare the next generation of Christian leaders to impact the kingdom of God for His glory.

Instructing and shepherding students is not only a privilege, it is a great responsibility. Every day, students are challenged in their pursuit of academic excellence in order to prepare the entirety of their being to engage their world for Christ. At FBA, biblical truth is woven into every fiber and discipline so as each student matures, he learns to view the world and the culture in which he lives through the lens of God’s Word.

The Kingdom Education philosophy is practiced by certified and experienced administration, faculty, and staff. This philosophy is built on the understanding that when parents, churches, and Christian educators partner together with intentionality to lead children to Christ, build them up in Christ, and equip them to serve Christ, they are able to achieve this critical mission of preparing tomorrow’s leaders, today.

600 N. Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 265-7474 • fbcjaxacademy.com

Success begins with the right foundation

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ith a reputation for igniting brilliance in young minds and cultivating life-long learners, The Foundation Academy uses an innovative blend of the best teaching methodologies designed to meet the unique needs of children and provide the tools they need to access 21st century opportunities.

Serving a diverse group of K-12 students since 1988, TFA fosters an insatiable desire for discovery supported by a solid foundation of rigorous project inquiry based learning that produces innovative, successful graduates. TFA also offers an incredible menu of visual and performing arts, Tai Chi, environmental arts including an aquaponic farm & organic gardens, and Bible study to students in every grade.

TFA is a founder and sponsor of the Jacksonville Science Festival, an annual city-wide S.T.E.A.M. event involving K-12 students in Duval.

Accredited by CASI, and AdvancED, TFA accepts the McKay and Step Up scholarships. For more info, visit foundationacademy.com or call 493-7300. #IAMTFA, #uncommontothecore, #innovationthroughinspiration. Like us on Facebook.

3675 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224 (904) 493-7300 • foundationacademy.com

Enlightened Education Preparing the Next Generation of Christian Leaders Mission: To prepare students to become the next generation of Christian leaders: developing our students spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically; partnering with Christian families; and providing a Biblically integrated education of academic excellence to further the Kingdom of God for His glory.

FBA of Jacksonville admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

License #C04DU0779

fbcjaxacademy.com • 904.265.7474 AD VERTI S I NG F E ATUR E

Project/Inquiry Based Learning SACS/CASI/AdvancedED Accreditation K-12th Grade • Est. 1988

www.FoundationAcademy.com 3675 San Pablo Road South • 904.493.7300

Greenwood School

Jacksonville Country Day School

Academic accommodations are tailored to meet students’ learning styles and lead them from concrete skills to critical and abstract thinking.

A different way of teaching A better way of learning

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t Greenwood School, we recognize that no two students are the same and neither are their learning needs. Teachers use research-based instructional methods to focus on students’ strengths in and out of the classroom.

A rarity among schools in Jacksonville, Greenwood School is home to a remarkable natural environment. Ten acres of protected wetlands provide an outdoor classroom and laboratory that presents students with the opportunity to create and experience practical and positive applications of class material.

Greenwood School’s core middle and high school curriculum is enhanced with humanities courses and extra-curricular activities. The school provides a safe, challenging and supportive learning environment to enable middle and high school students to grow and excel regardless of their differences.

Greenwood School, founded in 1985, is fully accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools.

9920 Regency Square Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32225 (904) 726-5000 ph • (904) 726-5056 fax • www.greenwoodjax.org

Come Grow With Us.

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lways innovative, Jacksonville Country Day School has been helping children plant solid roots to grow into successful adults since 1960. We help your child grow into his or her full potential through a unique focus on the whole child. Our highly effective and nurturing faculty teaches children to think, not just memorize, and to care about others and their world.

Jacksonville Country Day School offers: • • • • • •

A challenging curriculum differentiated to your child’s age and ability levels Character and social-emotional development Small class sizes A school culture that develops a lifetime love of learning Daily recess and PE, which includes swimming The latest education technology balanced by learning from nature

Learn more about Northeast Florida’s recognized leader in motivating and guiding children in Pre-K 3 through 6th grade towards fully achieving their unique potential. Schedule a tour today or join us at our Open House on January 10 at 9:30 a.m.

10063 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 641-6644 • jcds.com

A different way of teaching.

A better way of learning.

• Grades middle through high school • Low student to teacher ratio • Standard high school diploma • Multi-sensory instruction • Outdoor classrooms & science lab • McKay & Gardiner Scholarship participant • Accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools

To learn more about Greenwood School, visit: greenwoodjax.org or call (904) 726-5000 Currently enrolling new students. Call today for a campus tour.

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Riverside Presbyterian Day School

St. Johns Country Day School

Educate the mind, nurture the spirit & foster the development of the whole child. or 70 years, Riverside Presbyterian Day School has had a passion F for foundational childhood education that uniquely lays the building blocks for a lifetime of learning. Our mission is to educate the mind, nurture the spirit and foster the development of the whole child. Our educational program reflects this commitment and is designed to build knowledgeable, well-rounded, critical thinking individuals who respect the differences of others in preparation for life in a global community. We provide a child-centered learning environment for PreK 3 through 6th Grade students that is dedicated to imagination and wonder. Our talented faculty shares a challenging academic program, designed to unwrap the joy of learning through discovery and reflection. Our students learn to value and respect the unique qualities inherent within themselves.

We invite you to visit our campus and discover the advantage of a Riverside education.

830 Oak Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 • (904) 353-3459 • rpds.com

College Prep, Redefined.

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ince 1953, St. Johns Country Day School has been helping First Coast families raise children who are inquisitive, creative, inspired, and inspiring. With our amazing faculty, first-rate academics, robust visual and performing arts, exciting trip opportunities, and championship athletics programs, St. Johns is perfectly positioned to help you prepare your child not just for college, but for life.

St. Johns Country Day School serves students from age 3 through Grade 12 on 26 beautiful acres in easily accessible Orange Park.

Call or click today to schedule a personal tour: sjcds.net/tour or (904) 264-9572.

3100 Doctors Lake Drive, Orange Park, FL 32073 (904) 264-9572 • sjcds.net/jax

CALL OR CLICK TODAY!

LEARN MORE AT SJCDS.NET

College Prep, Redefined.

ACADEMICS. ARTS. ATHLETICS. Serving students from age 3 through Grade 12.

ST. JOHNS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL 3100 Doctors Lake Drive • Orange Park, FL 32073 • (904) 264-9573

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San Jose Episcopal Day School

St. Mark’s Episcopal Day school

Inspiring Learners. Creating Leaders.

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t St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School, we give every student the individual attention they deserve, utilizing a purposeful approach for the way they learn, live, play, and grow. With innovation and a compassionate, faith-based support system, your child has everything they need to succeed in their academic journey.

St. Mark’s is a special place. Teachers provide joyful, developmentally appropriate experiences. Our approach to learning provides students the opportunity to discover their unique gifts while also acquiring a deep academic foundation and strong sense of purpose. St. Mark’s is not just a school, it’s a community of students, parents, and faculty – all of whom are committed to one common goal for children: to inspire learners and create leaders.

4114 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210 (904) 388-2632 • stmarksdayschool.org

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t San Jose Episcopal Day School, we’re not just building resumes, we’re building lives. Our balanced approach between exceptional academics and spiritual formation provides endless opportunities for all students to become confident and caring individuals. Our graduates move on to thrive at the area’s most prestigious secondary schools.

Our mission is to inspire a passion for learning, a life of integrity, and a heart for Christian service. Through our innovative approach and wide range of resources, every student is challenged and supported to reach their fullest potential. With the flexibility of an integrated curriculum, small class sizes, and autonomy in the classroom, teachers are able to meet each student’s individual needs. We are an intimate community that values strong relationships. When you enroll at SJEDS, you not only find a school, you join a family.

We invite you to tour our historic campus to see for yourself why an education at San Jose Episcopal Day School is an unparalleled experience.

7423 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32217 (904) 733-0352 ph • (904) 733-5282 fax • sjeds.org

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Seacoast Charter Academy

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he mission of Seacoast is to provide a student-centered education, focusing on the whole child. We want our students to develop a true love for learning by creating a positive learning environment with innovative technology and high-quality education, focused on an arts-integrated, hands-on curriculum with the overall goal of giving our elementary students a lifetime appreciation of learning and the development of their unique talents and abilities.

SCA embraces learning as a dynamic experience in which children will explore and learn core subjects of language arts, math, science and social studies through direct experience, using a hands-on, experiential curriculum with an arts-integrated focus as well as the use of integrated technology.

SCA understands all learners have different strengths and weaknesses.

With these principles in mind, the SCA curriculum aligned with the Florida Standards, approaches subject matter from multiple perspectives and includes a variety of learning activities so that every student will succeed.

9100 Regency Square Boulevard North, Jacksonville, FL 32221 (904) 562-4780 • seacoastcharteracademy.org

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Trinity Christian Academy

rinity Christian Academy is a fully accredited private school serving T students from K3 through 12th grade. For more than 50 years, Trinity Christian Academy has provided Jacksonville families with a caring and safe environment for their children to achieve a high-quality education that builds their character and prepares them for life.

Through academic excellence, caring teachers, and enriching programs, Trinity Christian Academy offers an innovative learning community that advances students in body, mind, and spirit. Our diverse student body, college prep classes, and award-winning fine arts and athletics programs help students discover their passions while gaining the academic and biblical foundation they need to succeed in school and life.

Come experience the difference when faith and learning come together. Visit www.tcajax.org to schedule a tour or learn more.

800 Hammond Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32221 (904) 596-2460 • tcajax.org

[ PERSPECTIVE ]

BY VIRGINIA CHAMLEE // PHOTOS BY AGNES LOPEZ

Wheels Up A flight line-level inspection of the U.S. Navy’s P-8A IT WAS ONLY A FEW YEARS AGO that the U.S. Navy was still flying aircraft that dated back to the 1950s. NAS JAX was the Navy’s first to transition its fleet of P3s, a prop plane thats took its inaugural flight in 1959, to P-8As, a militarized version of the Boeing 737. Now, Naval squadrons from across the country come to Jacksonville to transition their own pilots and planes to the decidedly more modern aircraft. The P-8A Poseidon is outfitted with the latest tech and a 123-foot wingspan. The aircraft is similar to what you might board for a flight to say, Cincinnati— except that this plane is outfitted to carry torpedoes and cruise missiles, and conduct anti-submarine warfare. Overall, the Navy plans to acquire 117 P-8As to replace its P-3 fleet, with the first P-8A arriving at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in March 2012.

The plane’s primary function is in long-range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, so it’s capable of detecting, tracking and destroying enemy vessels. More frequently, though, the aircraft is used for less hostile purposes, such as humanitarian aid and search-and-rescue missions.

The aircraft can carry between 40,000 and 80,000 pounds of fuel, depending on the length of a flight. Air-to-air refueling capabilities mean the P-8 doesn’t need to land to take on more gas. “That capability is operational but only certain squadrons are doing that now.

Right now we fly about 9- to 10-hour missions. But we’d like to be able to get beyond that,” says Lieutenant Junior Grade Beth Kiernan, a naval flight officer with Patrol Squadron 10.

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Though P-8s can be armed, many of the aircraft in the NAS JAX fleet are instead outfitted with search-and-rescue kits including rafts, food and water. “Because of how great our radar is, we can find things on the ocean surface very easily.”

Kiernan’s squadron, VP-10, aided in the search for both the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 that vanished in 2014, as well as an Argentinian submarine, ARA San Juan, which went missing in 2017.

The tail fin of a naval aircraft includes a tail number and an insignia related to the squadron that flies the plane. Seen here is the insignia for VP-45, a squadron nicknamed “The Pelicans.”

The P-8A weighs a staggering 188,200 pounds. “It can carry a total of 21 people,” says Kiernan. “It actually has an additional seat behind the pilot—a jump seat—so it could carry 22, technically, but that’s a pretty uncomfortable seat.”

Though it’s built for war, pilots do appreciate the plane’s small luxuries. “It’s hard to believe, but some pilots would actually bring crock pots aboard the P3s,” says Lt. Kiernan. “Fortunately, there are small ovens aboard the P8s. Our go-to in-flight meal is a Hot Pocket.” Yes, there is a bathroom.

One of the largest and heaviest variants of the 737, the P-8A has high bypass turbofan engines that produce 27,300 pounds of thrust per engine. In layman’s terms, that means it is incredibly large, fast, quiet and stays aloft for hours.

“ASW [Anti-Submarine Warfare] is our bread and butter,” says Kiernan. “We shoot sonobuoys, which are buoys that can sense submarines. We’ll go out, we’ll find them and then we’ll track them for as long as we can.

We’re the most capable platform for that in the Navy as we have much larger range than the sensors used on ships.”

JANUARY 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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[ HOME ]

BRIGHT IDEAS The newest Southern Living Idea House—a home that showcases the latest household trends, designs and technology— will be just a short drive from Jacksonville, in Nassau County’s Crane Island community.

According to Chris Wood, vice president at Riverside Homes, the focus of the 2019 home will be the living room and kitchen, the areas in which families gather most often.

“Throughout the design process, we thought of our own families and how we spend time together.

This multi-generational home will be a place for parents, grandparents and children to enjoy at various stages of life.” The 4,540square-foot manse will also include a mudroom, wine bar, and an elevator.

The Idea House will be open for public tours beginning in early May 2019. u — ALEXIA CARRASCO

The World’s a Stage Six steps to staging your home before it goes on the market

BY KATIE MCPHERSON // PHOTOS BY JESSIE PREZA

ON THE MOVE? When selling a home, you want to close quickly and, of course, for your asking price or better. To do this, you need to showcase every ounce of its potential. That’s where staging—the act of decorating a home in order to make it appealing to a large swath of potential buyers—comes in. So, how best to stage a home? There are a handful of tips that can really pay off.

1. Start with cleaning and repairs.

Crissie Cudd, broker associate with Southern Moss Realty Company, meets sellers in their home to perform a walkthrough, looking at the property the way a buyer would.

“We begin by discussing any repairs that need to be done, then cleaning,” she says. “All the staging in the

Making the Grade Millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) are no longer kids, meaning they are now less concerned with avocado toast and more with schools districts, careers, and mortgage rates. When it comes to selecting a place in which to live, millennials rank a potential new home based on the local job market, median incomes, housing affordability, and more.

With that in mind, the data science team at RealtyHop ranked various U.S. cities for their “Best Metro Areas for Millennials” list. Jacksonville didn’t quite make the grade, scoring a C+ and ranking 275 overall, due to factors such as labor participation rate and home value to income ratio. Apparently, we have some homework to do, Jax. u — ANDREA DAVIS

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

world won't make up for a house that needs work or is dirty. We identify anything that needs fixing, and very specific cleaning steps. Then we discuss decluttering.”

2. Rent a storage unit.

Cudd says that, because most buyers first see a home in photos on their phone, just a few square inches of space, rooms must look open and tidy.

“You want rooms to appear as large as possible, so that may mean removing extra furniture and boxing up tchotchkes. I frequently suggest to people they rent a storage unit. You can get one for $100 a month and your home isn’t going to be on the market a year, so that cost is minimal. It’ll give you a head start on your move anyway.”

Grab it now at

d Members get unlimite Fitness access to all Anytime on nati the in locations after 30 days.

dancetrancejax.com

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She advises replacing personal items, like wedding photos and degrees, with art. This makes buyers feel like they’re in a model home rather than invading someone’s personal space.

Her next rule of thumb for staging is to lighten and brighten each room. “Nobody goes shopping looking for a dark house. What in this space is too dark, too crowded or too busy?

If you have a navy-blue sofa, I’d run to Target and get some white pillows to put on it. Take a white linen blanket and put it over the back

Staging isn’t just for the indoors; first impressions happen when buyers walk up to the door. Exterior staging may include painting the front door, adding a doormat and wreath or replacing lanterns—whatever it takes to make the front façade more inviting.

“Part of your cleaning can include pressure washing the sidewalk and driveway, getting the cobwebs off the front porch and putting in new bedding plants,” says Cudd. “Most people start their search on the internet, so the exterior pictures have to pop.”

6. Consider new light fixtures.

Webster notes one oft-forgotten update when staging is light fixtures. “They’re like jewelry on an outfit,” she says. “Update any light fixtures that are outdated, not widely admired or are the wrong scale for the room, like a tiny fixture in a giant dining room. It doesn’t cost much to go to Home Depot, Shades of Light or Wayfair if you need an updated chandelier or some lanterns. You will get that money back, I believe.”

In fact, Cudd says there is data to prove that often, any financial investment in staging will come back to the seller. “If you look at national surveys, statistically, staged homes sell faster than empty ones.” And that’s the name of the game. u

V IL LE M A G A ZI S

According to Webster, a little art and some home accessories can have a big impact.

“Art is really important. When you walk in the front door, if you have a big wall, you don’t want a little two-foot-by-two-foot picture.

You don’t need too much art—it just needs to be current and cheerful.”

SON

5. Don’t ignore the exterior.

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4. Freshen up with accessories and scents.

Email info@dancetrancefitness.com dancetrancejax.com @dancetrancejax

SECRE T pp er C

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“Ask yourself questions to delete or add pieces,” she continues. “How is my color in this room? If I have red walls, green furniture and blue textiles, that’s not going to be appealing. How is my proportion? You don’t want one giant sofa and one tiny chair. If you Google principles of design it will list what they are, and you can even take home staging courses at FSCJ.”

And don’t forget that buyers will also consult their sense of smell when touring a home. “When it comes to freshening up, always make a notation about smells and odors,” says Webster. “If somebody smokes or there are litter boxes around, use diffusers or candles.”

2 Locations / Downtown & Neptune Beach phone/text 904.571.7984

b

“The principles include the use of color and texture, scale and proportion, balance and, of course, composition, like the floorplan,” says Amanda Webster, licensed interior designer, owner of Amanda Webster Design, Inc. and chairman of the advisory board for Florida State College of Jacksonville’s interior design program.

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lu

After decluttering, it’s time to apply the principles of good design to every room in the house.

of the sofa. You might buy a big glass vase with a split-leaf philodendron—it’s something clear, restful and large.” Webster recommends taking trips to Home Goods for lower-priced coffee table books and Trader Joe’s for affordable orchids.

JACK

3. Arrange furniture to showcase your space.

Every month, Jax Mag partners with a local chef/restaurateur to host a special 50-person meal with a twist.

The next three Secret Suppers take place at Barrique, Intuition Ale Works and Vernon’s at the Marriott Sawgrass.

TickeTs @ 904TiX.com Barrique January 9

Intuition Ale Works February 5

Vernon’s March 5

JANUARY 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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[HEALTH ]

COOK FOR A CURE v

When Jax native Brookie Brown lost her grandmother to breast cancer, she opted to honor her in an unconventional way—by publishing a cookbook.

Most of the recipes in the 100 plus-page Recipes to Celebrate the Finish, are from local celebrities and breast cancer survivors, so expect treats such as Dr. Susan Arnold’s Almond Joy Cookies and Mary Baer’s Under the Oaks Derby Pie. Brown says the idea for the cookbook came as she was promoting the work of Donna Foundation as her platform during the Miss River City Outstanding Teen pageant, which she ultimately won. All proceeds from the book ($25) go toward the Donna Foundation and can be purchased by emailing valerie@breastcancermarathon.com. u — ANDREA DAVIS

Lettuce Alone?

Safety tips for avoiding foodborne illness

BY MELODY TAYLOR

ONE IN SIX AMERICANS—ABOUT 48 MILLION PEOPLE— will get sick from a foodborne illness this year, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Whether the culprit is viral, bacterial, parasitic, or, more rarely, fungal, these infections never show up at a convenient time, and they can knock one off her feet for days or even land one in the hospital in some cases.

With waves of recent romaine lettuce recalls and big-chain food safety scandals in the news, is there a way to make sure your family doesn’t get sick?

The CDC outlines four basic food safety steps— clean, separate, cook, and chill—and these are a

good place to start, says Jacksonville’s Jose VindasCordero, a board-certified physician specializing in infectious disease.

Cleaning may seem obvious, but improper hygiene remains a top contributor to foodborne illness. “The CDC recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, and it’s important to let the water run.

We now know that the mechanical effect of running water is more effective [at killing bacteria] than anti-bacterials,” Vindas-Cordero says.

Beyond hand-washing, it’s critical to wash surfaces and cutting boards either in a dishwasher or with hot, soapy water and to wash all fresh fruits and vegetables (yep, even bagged salad greens).

BYODumbells If you can’t bring yourself to hit the gym—and we’ve all been there—why not bring the gym to you?

That’s the idea behind services like GYMGUYZ, a mobile personal training outfit that makes working out more convenient by bringing the equipment and coaches to clients throughout the city. Services include cardio, weight and resistance training and no equipment (or gym membership) is necessary.

And, since the service is essentially one-on-one, workouts are tailored to specific needs, be it pre- or post-natal, sports conditioning or weight loss and toning. u

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Keeping foods separated is another way to avoid illness, from the shopping cart at the market to your bagging and storage methods before preparing foods. “If you have anything being defrosted, it’s very important to store it on the lower shelves of your refrigerator where it cannot drip onto other foods. And keep your fridge below 40 degrees and your freezer below zero,” Vindas-Cordero says. This will kill any bacteria that may be present on food after the trip home from the market.

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Lauri Wright, chair at the University of North Florida’s department of Nutrition and Dietetics, recommends using leftovers that have been in the refrigerator within two to three days, and frozen foods within six months. And if you lose power for four or more hours, it’s best to throw any refrigerated food out.

“Bacteria need a few things in order to grow,” she explains. “They need food, they need the right temperature, they need moisture, and they need enough time.”

Avoid the food temperature danger zone, which is 40 to 140 degrees, and always use a meat thermometer to ensure meats have reached the correct internal cooking temperature before serving. “A lot of times, people will just touch the meat and think, ‘oh, it’s done,’ or they’ll cut into it and think it’s done. No, you really need to check it,” Wright says.

Most foods have enough moisture to allow bacteria to grow, so the last component is time—and bacteria can start populating in just two hours. Leftovers should be stored in the fridge within two hours, and if the temperature around the eating environment is near 90 degrees (hello, Florida summer barbecues), the food should be stored or discarded after 60 minutes.

If you do get sick from a foodborne illness, what you should do next depends on your particular risk group, Vindas-Cordero explains. If you’re pregnant, over 65, immunocompromised, or have a young infant with symptoms, always call a primary doctor and get checked out. Over 75 percent of the roughly 3,000 foodborne illness-related deaths each year occur for patients within one of these risk groups.

If you don’t fall within a high-risk category but are experiencing abdominal cramps, a fever over 101.5 degrees, frequent and/or bloody diarrhea, and are showing signs of dehydration, consult a doctor right away.

Otherwise, over-the-counter medications like Pepto Bismol or Imodium may help relieve your symptoms until your immune system takes over and you feel better. It’s also a good idea to avoid dairy products, canned foods and citrus, Vindas-Cordero suggests. Your body will let you know when you are hungry again.u

Saturday, February 16, 7-9 PM Northbank Riverwalk, Downtown

JACKSONVILLELANTERNPARADE.COM

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[ HISTORY ]

Let There Be Light v

The Amelia Island Lighthouse is the state’s oldest, still-operational beacon of its kind. Built in 1838, the first night its light helped guide sailors into Fernandina Harbor (with a whale oil lamp, by the way), Florida was not yet a state. It has survived countless squalls and storms and, in a weird geographic twist, is the westernmost lighthouse on the east coast.

The grounds of the 67-foot tall lighthouse are open to visitors.

The tower itself... not so much.

While guided tours ($3-$5) are offered the first and third Wednesday of each month, the tour doesn’t take guests up into the structure. The property, which is managed by the Coast Guard, is open to the public every Saturday, 11 AM-2 PM. u

From the cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Gold album.

See Rock City Jacksonville’s long and storied role as the bastion of Southern Rock and Roll

By JoSué A. Cruz

THE BAND NAMES are as ubiquitous as the songs written and celebrated. Lynyrd Skynard, The Allman Brothers Band, Molly Hatchet, 38 Special and Grinderswitch, to name a few of the most famous bands in Southern Rock, all share a similar birthplace: Jacksonville, Florida. Plenty of other successful groups hail from towns nearby, making the claim palatable. We were and still remain the home of Southern Rock.

Four hours away, Macon, Georgia, might have something to say about the resolute statement above, but it cannot be denied that were it not for the Bold New City of the South, the rock and roll subgenre known widely as Southern Rock may have never come to exist. More pointedly, a teacher

at Robert E. Lee High School could be the genre’s archangel.

“Leonard Skinner (a Lee High gym teacher) harassed the long-haired boys of Lee High and, perhaps indirectly, pushed those young men to turn to rock and roll,” says Michael Ray Fitzgerald.

The educator, writer and musician has just completed an expansive cataloging of the rock musicians of Northeast Florida in a book called Swamp Music. “I feel comfortable stating that Lynyrd Skynyrd was the first Southern Rock band and everyone knows that they were a product of Jacksonville.”

Still, Jax as a whole still has no permanent nor official celebration of the city’s role in the creation

HOLD DOWN THE FORT A Spanish-American War artillery battery was one of four forts built on St. Johns Bluff in Arlington in 1898. Only one remains. Just barely. When the site of the crumbling fortification was purchased in 2015, historians bemoaned that the new owner wanted to tear it down to build a house. That’s when the North Florida Land Trust stepped in, negotiating with the owner and raising funds to save the slice of Jax history. Through a mix of private and public funds, NFLT raised $400,000 to purchase the site, and in December, ownership of the property was officially transferred to the National Park Service. u — PHOTO BY DOUG ENG

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of the rock and roll subgenre. There are several factors that contribute to the muted position of the community as a whole, the first and foremost being that Southern Rock is a loosely defined term, which some bands embraced and many, including Jacksonville-born The Allman Brothers Band, eschewed.

The term Southern Rock was first attributed to Capricorn Records executive Phil Walden but solidified by the songs written

by Southern musicians that focused thematically on the South. Charlie Daniel’s “The South’s Gonna Do It” is as good a rallying cry of the subgenre as any. The success of bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchet cemented the movement.

Fitzgerald refers to Southern Rock more as a period in time than he does a sound.

“Jacksonville in the late 1960s and early 1970s was full of music and venues,” he says.

“There was a parallel scene to Southern Rock in California with what was called California Country Rock, where Gram Parsons, who attended The Bolles School, was a prominent figure in creating, so even that leads back to Jacksonville,” Fitzgerald continues. “Southern Rock was a bit more aggressive and was a harder edge answer to California Country Rock.”

The bands of the epoch, particularly Lynyrd Skynyrd, embodied the harder living, forging public personas as hardpartying, brawling bandits hell-bent on living fast and dying young.

“At the time, people were really ready and responding to this type of Southern,” says Gene Odom, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s former head of security and author of several books recounting his time with the band, including I’ll Never Forget You. “The scene was changing and the songs that they [Lynyrd Skynyrd] were writing were just plain good.”

“I remember having conversations about Skynyrd with folks who never thought the band would ever be eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame because of their use of the rebel flag,” Odom recalls.

The band was inducted to the musical pantheon in 2006.

According to Fitzgerald, the band’s own management called the band “Rednecks with a capital R”: “Other bands, like The Allman Brothers, never wanted to be associated with the term Southern Rock because of that. The city fathers looked down on the Southern Rock moniker then, as they do now.”

The Van Zant home in Jacksonville, where founders of Lynyrd Skynyrd and 38 Special grew up and lived, was adorned with a Florida Historical Marker in May 2018, perhaps paving the way for the city’s reconciliation with its Southern Rock image.

“Jacksonville could embrace the title Southern Rock hub, but it would take some time, money and vision,” Odom says. “The city is ripe for being a marketable center of Southern Rock.” Sweet home, indeed. u

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Jacksonville Lantern Parade presented by VyStar Credit Union

Lantern Making Workshops Aardwolf Brewing January 3, 6-8 PM Jacksonville Public Library January 5, 3-4 PM January 8, 4:30-5:30 PM January 19, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM February 2, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Engine 15 Downtown January 12, 2-4 PM Southern Swells Brewing Co January 14, 6-8 PM Wicked Barley January 22, 6-8 PM VyStar Credit Union January 26, 10 AM - 12 PM Intuition Ale Works with Butt Hutt Smokehouse February 5, 6-8 PM Tabula Rasa Brewing February 10, 2-4 PM Main & Six February 13, 6-8 PM Parade Activities Saturday, February, 16 St. Johns River Taxi Rides Tin Can Photo Lounge Food Trucks & Craft Beer UNF Drumline Best “illuminated” Pet Costume Contest 100-Passenger Viewing Cruise Kids Activities & Games Ronan School of Music Rock Band Firework Show Over Downtown Jacksonville Jaguars D-Line Laser Light Show & Much More!

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a rn ve a e, T Mar

Jacksonville Magazine’s

Top

50 Restaurants PHOTOS BY AGNES LOPEZ

The food scene in Jacksonville has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, as evidenced by the sheer number of chef-driven restaurants that have popped up in neighborhoods across town. So, what sets these establishments apart? An attention to detail, for one, whether it’s the plating, the cooking or, in some cases, the stunning interiors. But good eating is about a lot more than white tablecloths these days, which is why you’ll find get-yourhands-dirty barbecue joints on the list, alongside white tablecloth restaurants.

In short, these are the most inventive, exciting and just plain delicious restaurants in Jacksonville. Now dig in.

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Aqua Grill

Ponte Vedra Beach

VIBE: The best of Northeast Florida’s food scene

capitalizes on Atlantic fish and shellfish, and Aqua Grill does it better than most. This Ponte Vedra Beach landmark has, for some 30 years, turned out plates of classics (shrimp scampi and trout Oscar, both $26) along with more inventive spins on seafood. Cantonese-style whole snapper ($32) is a lesson in flavor and texture, pairing crispy fish with stir-fried veggies, basmati rice and Mongolian barbecue sauce. It’s no surprise the dish sells out nearly every night.

STANDOUT DETAIL: A seat at the Chef’s Pass table, which can accommodate up to 24 guests, allows a literal window into the kitchen.

PERFECT FOR: An al fresco lunch on the fully covered lakefront deck. A lively bar scene offers a prime spot for an after-dinner cocktail, too.

Azurea At One Ocean Resort Atlantic Beach VIBE: Expect modernist seafood in an elegant

atmosphere at Azurea, located on the ground floor of Atlantic Beach’s One Ocean Resort. The menu evolves with the season, but past dishes include butter-poached lobster with tarragon ($48), Meyer lemon and caviar, and charred crab and corvina fondue with Swiss chard and beet ($36).

STANDOUT DETAIL: A number of the restaurant’s meat selections and its produce comes via local farms. The green salad, for instance, makes use of lettuce from Atlantic Beach Urban Farms.

PERFECT FOR: A luxurious date night, thanks to a beachside view that’s tough to beat.

Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar Avondale VIBE: This wine bar-meets-restaurant takes a self-

described “small plate approach,” meaning it’s a great place for a group. The menu is heavy on items that pair well with a great glass of wine, like ovenroasted oysters ($15), goat cheese ravioli ($13) and perfectly crispy thin crust pizzas ($13-$17).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Not only is the wine program more than 200-bottles strong, it’s also affordable, with the bulk of bottles clocking in at under $30.

Even better? All are available by the glass.

PERFECT FOR: A night out with friends at one of the large community tables—perfect for sharing copious apps and bottles of vino.

bb’s Restaurant & Bar

San Marco

Dwight’s Bistro

Jacksonville Beach

VIBE: A San Marco mainstay for decades, bb’s shuns

trends in favor of tried-and-true classics: crab cake sandwiches ($13), signature pizzas and oversized pieces of cake. Though the lunchtime menu hasn’t seen many changes in recent years, it’s lost none of its appeal and the restaurant itself is homey and unpretentious. No matter what you decide on, though, you’ll want to start with the bruschetta.

Trust us.

STANDOUT DETAIL: At dinnertime, the specials menu

VIBE: Nestled within the mosaic-clad walls of

airy space, as most of the seating is outside and the bar has a large window connecting to the patio.

The menu is comprised of smoked meat a-la-carte, from a quarter- to a half-pound of chicken, turkey, sausage, pulled pork, and brisket ($5-$12), along with both spare ribs ($10 for a quarter rack) and a beef rib (market price). Accompany such items with classic barbecue sides such as mac-and-cheese, collard greens, cole slaw, and baked beans ($2.50 each).

offers a litany of top shelf options, such as Duroc pork loin brined in sweet tea and served with purple grits, brown fig sauce and wax beans ($30).

STANDOUT DETAIL: The starter section of the menu

PERFECT FOR: Birthday dinners, office lunches, upscale brunches. The menu is pretty fail-safe, so it’s a good choice for picky eaters or a group comprised of those with a variety of tastes.

is where one will find most of the fan favorites, including a Frito pie (a bed of salty corn chips topped with pulled pork or brisket $9), jalapeño poppers ($6), and a loaded baked potato ($8).

PERFECT FOR: Families flock to the Bearded Pig.

The Bearded Pig

San Marco

VIBE: The ultra casual barbecue joint is an open and

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Kids love the menu and outdoor space, while adults can indulge with a craft beer or glass of wine from the small, but finely curated drink menu.

this unassuming space on Penman Avenue, you’ll find some of the best pasta in the city— along with quail with truffle butter ($32), veal piccata ($36) and filet mignon with balsamic syrup ($39). It’s incredibly old school in the best way possible with knowledgeable and attentive servers, a stellar wine list, and a mix of special occasion diners and regulars that keep coming back. In short, it’s a Jacksonville Beach institution, through and through.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The pasta is Chef Dwight Delade’s (pictured) signature—fettuccine, angel hair and ravioli are all handmade—but the crab cakes—jumbo-lump, with tartar sauce, for $42—are some of the best in the city.

PERFECT FOR: Everything from family dinners (the menu is mostly Italian, after all) to anniversary celebrations.

Bellwether

Downtown

VIBE: While the decor at acclaimed chef and

Blackstone Grille

Fruit Cove

VIBE: Fusion cuisine made a name for itself in the

1990s but, locally, some chefs are still doing it right.

For more than ten years, Blackstone Chef Charles Wang has been serving his take on American-byway-of-Asia cuisine, deftly combining flavors from all regions of the globe in dishes such as Thai style surf and turf ($23), a combination of shrimp and steak with udon noodles in red curry sauce.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The best way to get a feel for

Blackstone is via the Chef’s Tasting Menu, a $56 four-course meal with an optional wine pairing.

PERFECT FOR: Special occasions, thanks to white tablecloths and a romantic atmosphere—though a daily menu of burgers and other more casual offerings make it appropriate for a casual lunch, as well.

Biscottis

Avondale

VIBE: There’s a subtle nod to a French bistro at

Biscottis, thanks to sidewalk seating and a comfortable, welcoming setting. The menu is reliable, which is what you want from the kind of neighborhood spot at which regulars may visit multiple times a week. Crowd favorites include crab cake BLTs ($14), stick-to-your ribs meatloaf sandwiches ($12), and dinner plates that run the gamut from seared rack of lamb ($32) to a simple but delicious pasta Bolognese ($20).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Ask your server to help you navigate the more-than 20 options in the dessert case, which include French silk pie and warm bread pudding.

PERFECT FOR: People-watching. Being flanked by

the boutiques in Avondale means the client base will be peppered with ladies who lunch, young families and couples on their first dates.

Bistro Aix garnered a loyal following for its sophisticated riff on classic French flavors. A dramatic renovation following the destruction of Hurricane Irma means that the restaurant looks a bit different than it did back then, but it’s still as glam as ever. The menu has evolved, too, though the dishes that made it famous (bleu cheese chips, $11; steak frites, $27) are still there.

STANDOUT DETAIL: It’s hard to beat a cocktail at

the glowing Onyx Bar, which makes the space feel worlds away from San Marco’s Hendricks Avenue.

The staff calls it a “Bohemian watering hole,” a fitting descriptor for a room in which to enjoy a martini or glass of sparkling rosé.

PERFECT FOR: Everything from comfortable get-

togethers to anniversary dinners, thanks to a menu that includes upscale dishes (filet mignon, $39) and luxe-yet-casual shareables (smoked salmon pizza, $21).

Black Sheep

Riverside

VIBE: Occupying nearly an entire block in Riverside’s

5 Points neighborhood, Black Sheep has become a giant in the local culinary scene and another feather in the cap of restaurateur Jonathan Insetta. The restaurant helped pioneer local farm-to-table dining and, while its focus is on Southern cuisine, Executive Chef Waylon Rivers exercises plenty of restraint.

The requisite shrimp and grits are some of the most dynamic in the city, served with charred broccoli, shallot confit, and New Orleans barbecue sauce ($25).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Black Sheep was one of the

first local eateries to open its rooftop to diners and it remains one of the hottest seats in the city. If you can’t score a table, post up at the bar for a cocktail and bar snacks, like fried green olives stuffed with pimento cheese ($8).

PERFECT FOR: The food might be the real draw,

Bistro Aix

San Marco

VIBE: When it first hit the Jax dining scene in 1999,

but the signature cocktails are just as delicious and interesting, making this a great place for a night out. Try the Dusty Boot, a mix of Old Forester

restaurateur Jonathan Insetta’s Downtown eatery is polished, the ambiance and menu are comfortable and homey. By day, lunch-goers can order burgers, salads and sandwiches at the counter but, at night, Bellwether serves refined takes on familiar dishes like chicken and dumplings ($23) and short rib with fried okra ($26).

STANDOUT DETAIL: The dessert menu often veers toward the playful side, thanks to an ever-changing flavor of soft serve ice creams ($4) and a from-scratch Choco Taco ($8).

PERFECT FOR: Dinner out before a big event.

Thanks to its proximity to The Florida Theatre, Times-Union Center, and TIAA Bank Field, it’s a good choice for a bite prior to a concert or sporting event.

bourbon, simple syrup, lemon and lime juices, Jerry Thomas bitters, smoked sea salt and cracked black pepper rim ($10).

Blue Bamboo

Southside

VIBE: Chef Dennis Chan is personable and inviting

and a trip to his restaurant almost feels like a trip to his home—each dish somehow marries execution and comfortability. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that Chan is known for infusing traditional Chinese dishes with Southern flair. Go for the crunchy katsu chicken sandwich with chile aioli ($11) or the barbecue spareribs (26), a long-time Chan family recipe.

STANDOUT DETAIL: One Sunday each month, Blue

Bamboo hosts Dim Sum Sunday, offering nearly every dumpling choice you can imagine. The á la carte service also includes plates loaded with roast pork buns, turnip cakes, shrimp dumplings, pineapple buns, and potstickers.

PERFECT FOR: Those looking for a non-franchise

option on the Southside (and those with a hearty appetite—portions are hefty).

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The Blue Fish

Avondale

VIBE: A fish camp, this is not. But this Avondale restaurant is turning out

plates of some of the tastiest seafood in town, in decidedly upscale digs.

Fresh catch selections change daily, with preparations covering a wide range of flavors, from Cuban mojo to rainbow curry. A raw bar, meanwhile, offers happy hour snacks, including shucked oysters and classic shrimp cocktail.

STANDOUT DETAIL: When one thinks “fish,” lighter dishes often come to

mind, though Blue Fish offers plenty of heartier fare, too. Seared scallops and shrimp are served atop white cheddar mac and cheese ($29) and cioppino, full of shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams and fish ($30), will give you your weekly allotment of seafood in one meal.

PERFECT FOR: Over-the-top, champagne-filled brunches, served

Saturday and Sunday until 2:30 PM.

Blue Orchid Thai

Intracoastal West

VIBE: Blue Orchid shuns ingredients that aren’t traditionally found in Thai

food (bell pepper, for instance, might grace American Thai restaurants, but isn’t often used in traditional cuisine). What you will find here is fresh, often unusual herbs and spices such as galanga, fresh chilies, palm sugar, Asian mushrooms, kaffir lime leaves, Thai Basil, and the highest grade of Jasmine rice. The menu—and, by extension, the diner—benefits greatly as a result.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The papaya salad and the “Angel Wing” (a giant, fried

chicken wing stuffed with glass noodles, mushrooms and ground chicken, $8) are must-orders, though you can’t go wrong with any of the traditional dishes here. The noodles, rice, satay and soups are all easy choices.

PERFECT FOR: Those with a craving for spice. The menu clearly explains

the heat level of items, though dishes can be customized for those who want a little more (or less) fire.

Caffe Andiamo

Ponte Vedra Beach

VIBE: The service at Andiamo, a mainstay at Ponte Vedra’s Sawgrass

Village for over a decade, is warm and attentive, and the unfussy and fun atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for the incredible Northern Italian fare. Go for the salmon and tuna carpaccio ($12), garlicky linguine aglio e olio ($10)—and stay for the cannoli and homemade gelato.

STANDOUT DETAIL: Italian food means it’s tempting to order pasta but

the crispy-yet-chewy pizzas, which come piping hot out of a copper-clad brick oven, are not to be missed. Pair them with one of the restaurant’s standout appetizers, like the carciofa alla Romana, $11, baby artichokes stuffed with fontina cheese and tempura-fried.

PERFECT FOR: Cozy dates or larger party dining. While it's not exactly

casual, Andiamo is never uptight, meaning children are always welcome.

Cowford Chophouse

Downtown

VIBE: Housed in the outer shell of a historic building Downtown, every-

thing about Cowford is dazzling, from the plush downstairs banquettes to the second-floor marble- and brass-clad caviar bar. Did we mention the river-facing rooftop lounge? The menu is an eye-catcher, too, in true steakhouse fashion, and rife with sizzling á la carte cuts of meats along with oversized sides such as a one-pound baked potato and sautéed spinach and kale.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The primary draw at Cowford comes via the over-

the-top selections. Case in point: the ridiculously luxe but completely delicious caviar appetizer, served with tater tots, brioche, chives, eggs and golden osetra ($110). Best enjoyed with a Dirty Cow martini, made tableside with bacon- and bleu-cheese-stuffed olives ($15) and a Satsuma Wagyu filet ($20 per ounce), imported from Japan and seared to perfection.

PERFECT FOR: By day, it’s a business lunch go-to. At night, it's great for

dinner dates at the boisterous downstairs bar area.

The Fish Company

Atlantic Beach

VIBE: Being that it’s located within blocks of the ocean, it’s no surprise

that The Fish Company makes such stellar use of the local bounty. In true no-frills fashion, daily specials are listed on a chalkboard and usually include something blackened, grilled and fried. The Szechuan-style fish, seared with a hit of Chinese five spice and served over a bed of fresh spinach salad and warm rice noodles, is a popular option.

STANDOUT DETAIL: Pony up to the (oyster) bar for all the raw bi-valves

you can handle. And while seafood is the star, you’d be wise not to skip on the grilled spinach cakes.

PERFECT FOR: Fresh oysters, clams and shrimp—on special throughout

the week.

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Eleven South

Jacksonville Beach

VIBE: Tucked on a quiet side street in Jacksonville Beach, this gem is

a go-to for fine dining at the Beaches. The setting is nearly perfect for one-on-one meals (we love the secluded patio for alfresco dinner on warm evenings) but it’s really the food that keeps locals coming back.

Start with a sampling of grilled Spanish octopus ($15), dive into tuna tartare with crispy wontons ($15), and finish with the local black grouper, served atop warm orzo, sweet corn, edamame and Vidalia onions ($29).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Oenophiles will appreciate the attention to detail— all servers are well-versed on wine pairings and selections run the gamut from $32 bottle red blends to $1,450 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon.

PERFECT FOR: Date night, cocktails at the bar and apps on the patio.

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Flying Iguana Taqueria Neptune Beach VIBE: Gourmet tacos, oversized Mexican

Gilbert’s Social

Southside

VIBE: Having competed on season 7 of Top Chef

and served as a personal chef to Oprah, Kenny Gilbert’s reputation precedes him. Locally, he’s made his mark on the culinary scene with a handful of restaurants, though Southside’s Gilbert’s Social is perhaps the jewel. The menu covers a lot of ground, from Southern ramen with ham hock and pulled pork ($15) to crispy adobo chicken wings ($12).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Gilbert has grown a loyal follow-

ing for his smoked meats, which expand far beyond the typical pork and turkey variety. The Ultimate Sampler Platter ($45) includes pulled pork, drunk turkey drums, sliced beef brisket, burnt ends, Andouille sausage, St. Louis ribs, Jerk chicken drums, sweet rolls and dill pickles. You’ll need some wet naps.

PERFECT FOR: Family get togethers, thanks to a

Kazu Japanese Restaurant Mandarin VIBE: This Mandarin joint isn’t close to the water,

but serves some of the best raw fish in town, all within a strip mall anchored by a Carrabba’s. Sushi purists might find Kazu’s menu—rife with elaborate specialty rolls (the Jaguar is a favorite) and Asian fusion fare—a bit overwhelming, though servers are alway happy to offer their recommendations.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The sashimi is always super

fresh, with selections changing daily. Expect proteins that you won’t see elsewhere in Jax, like monkfish liver, kumamamoto oyster, fatty tuna...the list goes on.

PERFECT FOR: Those looking for something beyond

a California roll.

relaxed atmosphere and its central location.

Marker 32 India’s Restaurant

Baymeadows

VIBE: From the outside, India’s presents little more

than a red sign adorning the wall of a strip mall on Baymeadows Road. But stepping inside is like taking a trip east, with Indian paintings dotting the walls and white tablecloths accented with bright red napkins. Here, find dishes such as clay oven cooked chicken tandoori ($13), malai kofta ($12), and lamb vindaloo ($11.95). The flavors are savory and rich, accompanied by bright sauces and plenty of veggies.

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STANDOUT DETAIL: It’s hard to pass up the tacos, but the entrées are also excellent.

The whole Peruvian rotisserie chicken ($23) is served family style, with sides of wildly addicting aji sauces for dipping.

PERFECT FOR: Margaritas. Bartenders are skilled at serving a myriad of specialty cocktails and the tequila and mezcal menu is some 75+ bottles deep.

Matthew’s Restaurant

San Marco

VIBE: One of the few places in Northeast Florida

Intracoastal West

VIBE: This is the kind of classic go-to that caters to

a more grown-up Beaches crowd, albeit one that’s fun and kind of buzzy. The broiled oysters ($11) are always top-notch, and the bar is perpetually two to three people deep—even so, a glass of crisp white wine while taking in the view of the Intracoastal Waterway is totally worth it.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The menu is seafood-centric:

STANDOUT DETAIL: The lunch buffet ($7) is loaded with authentic dishes such as mixed vegetable curry, dal lentils, and various masalas.

shrimp fettuccine with andouille and peppers ($26), seared New Bedford scallops with collard and creamy grits ($29) and a perfect blackened tuna, served with house-made chile rub, black beangrilled corn salad and anaheim pepper sauce.

PERFECT FOR: Herbivores and carnivores alike.

PERFECT FOR: Oysters and champagne.

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

tortas, tableside guac and and other evolved Latin American dishes are the draw at Flying Iguana, the brainchild of Al Pizza founder Al Mansur. At night, there’s almost always a wait, though tables are easier to score on weekdays.

with an entire section on its menu devoted to truffles and caviar, Matthew’s continues making culinary strides, two decades after its opening. You’ll find the standard white tablecloth fare here—diver scallops ($38), Wagyu beef, fish Française ($32)—though the preparations are always unique. A trip here brings a real sense of nostalgia, as this was arguably the first foodie destination in Jax. STANDOUT DETAIL: A tasting menu is basically mandatory at a place like Matthew’s—the $85, sixcourse affair is full of all the menu’s greatest hits, plus experimental eats and touches of molecular gastronomy.

PERFECT FOR: A sophisticated bar scene and excel-

lent cocktails and gourmet bar bites make it a classy evening drinking destination.

Great Dining Finds

Add a little spice to your life.

Experience Thailand.

13475 Atlantic Blvd. | Jacksonville, FL 32225 | 904.723.1300 www.blueorchid.menu

Salento Colombian Steakhouse

Mandarin

VIBE: Bright walls and platters overflowing with meat make Salento a highly

Instagrammable restaurant, but the food is every bit as delicious as it looks on social media. For a true taste of South America, order off the “from the grill” section of the menu, which includes a variety of proteins: shrimp, chicken, pork and fish among them.

STANDOUT DETAIL: Those dining with a group would be wise to opt for the Salento House Plate, with enough steak, chicken, pork rind, pork ribs, blood sausage, chorizo and pineapple slices to feed four people.

PERFECT FOR: Foodies with a hankering for something spicier than the standard fare.

the little ones with them can take part in making your own pizza in the lounge from 5-6:30 PM. PERFECT FOR: A night out when pasta and wine are high on the priority list.

Mojo No. 4

Avondale

VIBE: There are a handful of Mojo BBQ restaurants

scattered around town but the Avondale location, which bills itself as an urban barbecue and whisky bar, might be the best of them. The bar staff here can make a mean cocktail, all the better to wash down a platter of smoked meats and craveable sides. The expansive open room can get loud when busy—but that’s to be expected and savored at a bustling barbecue joint.

STANDOUT DETAIL: Throw caution to the wind with The Whole Hawg, a $37 platter of the best the kitchen has to offer: pork, beef, turkey, chicken, ribs, and sausage. Round out your meal with garlic-cheddar grits, smokey baked beans, and extra extra creamy mac ’n’ cheese. Don’t worry, they’ll gladly give you a to-go box.

PERFECT FOR: Out-of-town guests (who doesn’t like barbecue?) and whiskey lovers.

Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails St. Johns Town Center VIBE: One of the few non-franchise options at the

St. Johns Town Center, Moxie offers a welcome respite from the crowds and traffic with plush leather booths, interesting decor and a decidedly modern take on Southern cuisine. Chef Tom Gray’s whimsical twist on regional fare is evident in dishes like cheddar biscuit tots with BBQ dust and pepper jelly ($8) and fried chicken with waffle pudding and maple mousse ($20).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Servers and kitchen staff are well-versed in dietary modifications and special menus are available for those on vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.

Metro Diner

Several locations

VIBE: All of Metro Diner’s locations are well-known

for having some of the most agonizing wait times on weekend mornings. But once you do get a seat (either in the dining room or at the bar of the open kitchen), you’ll see the delay and anticipation is entirely justified. Here, brunch is all about the classics: fluffy pancakes, huevos rancheros, and a really good eggs Benedict.

STANDOUT DETAIL: There are some unexpected

options, like the ever-popular chicken and waffles (served with an addictive strawberry butter and sweet-and-spicy sauce) and Yo Hala on the Square with two slices of challah bread stuffed with bananas, brown sugar, cream cheese and hazelnut syrup. The lunch menu is solid, too.

PERFECT FOR: Sunday brunch. If you get there early.

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Mezza Restaurant & Bar

Neptune Beach

VIBE: 1st Street in Neptune Beach is filled with beachy flair, but step inside to Mezza and one feels as though they’ve been transported to a villa in Tuscany. There are three different spaces: a dining room with a more formal feel, a lounge, and a patio perfect for enjoying the salt air and a cool glass of wine. The menu is sophisticated yet comfortable with dishes such as wood-fired prosciutto-wrapped pears ($12), lobster and crab croquettes ($13), coffeerubbed pork porterhouse ($25), and lasagna ($20).

There’s also a selection of pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The dining is adults only, meaning a date night away from the kids can truly be a date night away from kids. Those who want to bring

PERFECT FOR: Happy hour, thanks to a large bar on the second floor (a smaller bar is available on the first floor, as well). From 3 to 7 PM each day, specialty cocktails are $7 and snacks—lemon-herb French fries with green tomato ketchup, housemade ricotta with lavash—are $5.

Nineteen at TPC Sawgrass Ponte Vedra Beach VIBE: Being that it’s situated within the stunning

TPC Sawgrass clubhouse, Nineteen has a clubby, old-school feel, thanks to plenty of golfers fresh off the links and a menu rife with American classics (Caesar salads, steaks, fried snapper). The expansive outdoor patio is just the place to post up for sunset dinner.

STANDOUT DETAIL: Dinner is a fancier affair but come lunchtime, Nineteen is the kind of place where you might see PGA Tour pros like Fred Funk tucking into

Great Dining Finds

.

Lunch • Brunch • Dinner • Private Events

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Peony Asian Bistro Mandarin VIBE: The strip mall location belies the

delicious Cantonese-style plates being served inside Mandarin’s Peony Asian Bistro. The restaurant’s interior is inviting, with attentive servers who are happy to make recommendations. And while the go-tos are available (fried rice, sweet-andsour chicken), wise diners will venture outside the standards, opting for orders of umami-rich salt-and-pepper squid and salted fish and eggplant hot pots.

STANDOUT DETAIL: Arrive early to ensure you can reserve an order of Peking duck, which comes with a side of pillowy bao and plenty of green onions. A half-size is enough to feed a table of four as an appetizer.

PERFECT FOR: Those with an appetite— to really explore the menu, you’ll want to order several items, which means the leftovers will be plentiful.

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

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Rue Saint-Marc

San Marco

VIBE: Here, all small details accounted for from the tile on the floor to

the glasses in which cocktails are served. As the name might suggest, the menu is of French influence with dishes such as butter-basted rib-eye with bordelaise sauce and roasted mushrooms ($35) and fish meunière du jour ($26). The apps range from sweet—such as eggplant beignets ($7) and pomegranate-glazed pork belly ($11)—to savory— gruyère cheese soufflé ($10) and escargot in a puff pastry ($12).

STANDOUT DETAIL: An acoustic guitarist is the typical background noise at Rue, making for a relaxing vibe that contrasts the bustling open kitchen.

PERFECT FOR: Rue only serves brunch on Saturday, but it’s worth a trip.

an order of chicken tinga nachos ($13) or a tripleta sandwich ($14), the restaurant’s take on a Cuban, with roast pork, chicken, cheese, cognac sauce.

to the bar for a glass of cold beer and some banter with friendly bartenders.

generous happy hour, with half-off select martinis from 5 to 7 PM.

PERFECT FOR: A celebratory lunch after dominating

North Beach Fish Camp

Orsay

the famed Island Green. Or a beer or two to drown one’s sorrows after playing the treacherous Stadium Course.

Atlantic Beach

Nola MOCA

Downtown

VIBE: Sophisticated yet playful, Nola MOCA is

representative of the museum it sits within. Project Atrium is visible from the seating area, bringing color and life to the space, while out the large windows one can see the hustle and bustle of Downtown and Hemming Plaza. Standout dishes include a duck reuben ($15), eggplant parmesan risotto ($14), and a deviled egg BLT ($14).

STANDOUT DETAIL: The menu is laden with daily specials such as a flatbread, risotto, grilled cheese, soup, quiche, and dessert—so make sure to ask your server the day’s options.

PERFECT FOR: A business lunch where you’re look-

Avondale

VIBE: This is one of the city’s most celebrated

VIBE: Hole-in-the-wall seafood joint this is not,

though nods to a traditional fish camp are prevalent throughout the cuisine at this bustling Atlantic Beach spot. A bright, airy dining room looks out onto 1st St. (making it a prime location for people-watching), and the menu is dominated by regional comfort food like spicy seafood linguine ($22), fried clam bellies ($9) and roast cod filet with brown butter and parsley new potatoes ($17).

STANDOUT DETAIL: The cast-iron brook trout ($19)– served with arugula, bacon, and crushed new potatoes—provides all the flavor of traditional fried seafood, but with a completely addicting deviled egg sauce.

PERFECT FOR: Families and their and out-of-town

guests (particularly those looking for a true taste of the beach).

restaurants, and we totally understand why. The focus is on farm-to-table fare with a French slant, and expertly prepared takes on classics: escargot with mushrooms and lemon ($18), mussels frites ($29), and lobster pot pie ($42). The ambiance is upscale and romantic, though it’s not a suit jacketsrequired sort of place.

STANDOUT DETAIL: On weekends, brunch is served until 3:30 PM and is decidedly sophisticated, thanks to lobster omelettes with truffled hollandaise ($38) and bourbon and orange French toast ($10). They also have a deep wine list and a stellar cocktail program—available both at brunch and nightly.

PERFECT FOR: Special events, thanks to a stunning private room in the back.

Ragtime Tavern

Atlantic Beach

ing to impress.

Ocean 60 North Beach Bistro

Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach VIBE: This Beaches mainstay has been offering its

VIBE: North Beach Bistro is warm and inviting and

the menu is wide-ranging, offering fare from both the land and the sea. One could opt to start with crab and artichoke dip ($11), continue with a plate of the porcini-dusted salmon ($23) or the filet mignon oscar ($31), and finish off with one of their seasonal crème brulées ($7).

STANDOUT DETAIL: On most holidays (such as Mother’s Day and Easter) North Beach Bistro lays out a buffet sure to impress family more than an overcooked ham and burned potatoes.

PERFECT FOR: Indulging in a meal served over white

tablecloths with formal servers and then cozying up

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brand of upscale island cuisine since 2001, when it opened on the northeast corner of the Atlantic Beach Town Center just steps from the ocean. The food is upscale but, being that it’s at the beach, the ambiance is still casual (you’ll likely see more flip flops than stilettos). The menu focuses on seafood with a Latin and Pacific twist, so expect entrées such as wholefried fish with black beans, rice and sweet plantains and seafood cioppino with smoked tomato broth ($27).

STANDOUT DETAIL: The bar is a great place to post up with a martini. Try the Grass Skirt, with vodka, pineapple juice, and a splash of champagne.

PERFECT FOR: Cocktails with friends. There’s a

VIBE: Having been a stalwart of the Beaches bar

scene for some 35 years, Ragtime is a friendly neighborhood watering hole—albeit, one with craft beer made on-site, live music and excellent bar eats.

A subtle nod to New Orleans runs throughout the menu, with dishes such as gumbo ($8.50), andouillecrusted Mahi ($22) and seafood étouffée ($17).

STANDOUT DETAIL: From the beans and rice to the overstuffed tacos, everything is meant to complement the house-made brews. Come to think of it, as one of the region’s original craft brewers, a pint of Red Brick Ale or Dolphin’s Breath lager goes with just about anything.

PERFECT FOR: A start to a fun night at the beach. A

rowdy after-hours bar crowd and live music make it a solid choice for drinks, too.

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Notable Newbies When it opened last year, a seat inside Murray Hill TexMex joint El Jefe was hard to come by. Diners are still lining up for queso, tamales and puffy tacos. And the street corn, chicken verde, enchiladas and fajitas. But be sure to save room for homemade churros.

The sleek and Southerninspired Coop 303 offers plenty of grown-up takes on Southern staples, like boiled peanuts, fried chicken and fried pimento cheese. Don’t sleep on the signature cocktails, all of which are inventive and delicious.

Clean eats with a sunny disposition are mainstays at True Food Kitchen, the newest upscale operator at St. Johns Town Center. The open and airy space turns out vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free fare with a focus on ingredients that are local, sustainable, and organic. Yes, that means there are poké bowls and kale salads. Carnivores can satiate their cravings with a grass-fed burger or steak tacos.

What’s all the fuss about at Domu? Hand-pulled noodles, ramen, addictive chicken wings and a slew of more unexpected offerings, like cheesy corn with kewpie mayo and Japanese spices.

Read more on page 102.

Overstuffed arepas (a Venezuelan corn cake) are the draw at Brooklyn’s Arepa Please (pictured). There’s the classic shredded chicken-avocado

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flown in daily for classic dishes such as lobster rolls, shrimp tacos, and clam chowder. mayo-cilantro combo (known as The Queen), along with a dozen other combinations, plus an option to build your own. Look for the enormous, brightly colored mural outside.

In 5 Points, Crane Ramen offers oversized bowls of ramen, though the classic Japanese dish comes with a variety of unusual toppings, like oven-roasted tomato and confit lemon chicken. The otsumami (Japanese snacks meant to be served with beer or alcohol) includes bao buns, fried chicken and gyoza.

Meat, meat, and more meat— that’s the star at Texas de Brazil, a Brazilian churrascaria chain that opened a Jax location in St. Johns Town Center last year. There are veggies, too—honestly, it’s worth a trip just to see the salad bar—but it’s hard to turn down the skewers of pork tenderloin, filet, leg of lamb, and ribs that are constantly being whisked by your table.

Cousins Maine Lobster went from food truck to multi-million dollar business thanks to an appearance by the seafood chain’s founders on ABC’s Shark Tank. The Neptune Beach location offers a little slice of New England with seafood

The menu at Nocatee’s Treylor Park is whimsical and inventive, so expect pancakes masquerading as tacos (and wrapped around slices of crunchy fried chicken), nachos that could easily feed a small crowd, and slices of fried avocado that make an ideal vehicle for cheese sauce.

Gilbert’s Hot Chicken, Fish & Shrimp has all the makings of a great beachside restaurant: casual eats, a lively bar scene and killer views of the ocean. The menu focuses largely on fried foods (spicy ones, at that), though there’s also grilled mahi, boiled peanuts and a very Millennial-style grain bowl with edamame and kale.

The Downtown space previously occupied by Candy Apple Cafe is now home to MLG. Gone is the brash and whimsical interior decor, replaced by a more contemporary and subdued palette.

TV’s Marcus “The Profit” Lemonis owns the establishment, with home-grown chef Roderick Smith running the kitchen. The menu covers lots of ground with items such as butternut squash soup, Southern nachos, shrimp and grits, grilled skirt steak and wild mushroom flatbread.

Larry Raikes and his brother Mitchell know sandwiches.

Their company’s 200-plus Larry’s Giant Subs shops are testament to that fact. Native New Yorkers, the brothers are also partial to pizza. Both subs and pizza star at the new Fired Up Pizza, which opened in December on Edgewood Avenue in Murray Hill. Neapolitan style pizzas bake in a wood-burning oven and, giving a nod to the flavor of the Big Apple, the dough for its thin-crust pies use water specially distilled to duplicate the water of NYC. “Play, eat, drink, repeat” is the catch phrase at Smash, a new ping-pong restaurant and bar combo that opened on Philips Highway (near the Baymeadows Road intersection) in November.

The interior is huge—and it needs to be with space for 11 ping-pong tables, two bars and dozens of tables. Smash is sports bar-esque in feel, with 20 large TVs, and the menu continues the theme with a variety of sandwiches, wraps, nachos, salads and burgers. In addition, they serve more upscale eats like ribeye steaks, grilled crab cakes and shaved beef bruschetta. And a killer backhand, we hear. u

Great Dining Finds

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Restaurant Medure Ponte Vedra Beach VIBE: For years after it opened in 2010, Medure was a special occasion-only kind of place. In the intervening years, it has undergone renovations which saw an expansion of the bar and a re-worked menu.

It’s still a great place for a nice dinner, but it’s not necessarily a pinkies-up kind of place. Still, the food is as refined as ever (think miso-braised short ribs, $21, and gnocchi gorgonzola, $22) and the service is some of the best in the city.

STANDOUT DETAIL: A variety of wine dinners are

menu. It’s filled with items such as autumn chicken pot pie ($17), beer-braised beef stroganoff ($20), and a loaded pulled pork sandwich ($12). The meal wouldn’t be complete without a plate of biscuits and cornbread muffins ($5) or a cast iron mac-andcheese ($6).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Cozy up to South’s bar and sample from more than 70 whiskeys. The Avondale bar opens up to the outside, where one can lounge by fire pits while sipping on a cocktail.

PERFECT FOR: Those looking for a home-cooked

meal.

held in the restaurant’s private room throughout the year—they are not to be missed and as educational as they are delicious.

Atlantic Beach

this bright and airy jewel box of a restaurant in Atlantic Beach, which arrived to great acclaim in 2016. Here, dishes are prepared simply—think only a few select ingredients each, in an effort to maintain the nutritional integrity of each plate—and to perfection.

River and Post

Riverside

VIBE: This 450-seat endeavor opened to much

fanfare in November 2017 and, while the culinary team has seen some changes since then, it remains a reliable choice for an upscale lunch or dinner.

During the warmer months, diners can wile away an evening on the outdoor patio, snacking on raw oysters, buttermilk-fried chicken thighs ($23) and sipping on a Manifest Destiny ($8), made with vodka, champagne, lemon and lavender syrup.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The rooftop bar has an excellent

The Tree Steakhouse V Pizza

Several locations

VIBE: V calls to mind a kitchen in Naples, from

the large pizza ovens to the elderly Italian man dutifully putting together doughy creations.

Don’t expect tablecloths, be prepared to join community tables, and embrace the fact that napkins are a simple roll of paper towels placed on every table.

STANDOUT DETAIL: Here, it’s the pizza that shines. The 00 dough, San Marzano tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella are imported straight from Italia. The crust is thin and crispy, with a slight char from the oven. Standouts include the carnivora ($18), which comes topped with pancetta, soppressata, sausage, red onions, garlic, and fresh basil.

PERFECT FOR: Pleasing kids and adults alike.

3 Palms Grille

PERFECT FOR: Dinner downstairs, followed by

VIBE: Yes, it’s situated adjacent to a golf course, but 3 Palms feels worlds away from a stuffy private clubhouse. The restaurant itself—located within the gates of the Sawgrass PLAYERS Club—is open and inviting and helmed by the folks behind 11 South and Cap’s on the Water. The menu features a mix of heartier fare (veal chop Milanese, $32) and lighter dishes (veggie plate with tomato-mustard seed jam, $16).

Salt Life Food Shack Jacksonville Beach & St. Augustine VIBE: The name says it all—this place is beachy

through and through. Find a menu filled with dishes from the sea such as a spicy tuna sushi roll ($10), an Asian salmon salad ($15), and fried grouper tacos ($12). Those not into seafood can nosh on a short rib ramen bowl ($16) or pan-seared chicken pasta with a lemon caper butter sauce ($16).

STANDOUT DETAIL: While there are many homegrown restaurants dotting the First Coast, Salt Life’s fame stretches beyond those borders with the help of the clothing (and sticker) brand.

Ponte Vedra Beach

STANDOUT DETAIL: The focus is on all things healthy, clean, and locally grown so, while there are standards (the steak burger on brioche is a solid choice, at $16) there are also black bean burgers, veggie wraps and bountiful salads.

PERFECT FOR: It’s a solid destination for a cocktail after the round, or a snack after a tennis match, and the restaurant is open to non-residents. Just tell the folks at the gate you’re going to 3 Palms.

PERFECT FOR: Those who suffer from seasonal

depression and are looking for a sunny, summer atmosphere to brighten their mood.

Tacolu

Jacksonville Beach

VIBE: The vibe here is chill–you can grab a margari-

South Kitchen & Spirits Avondale & Nocatee VIBE: South Kitchen & Spirits serves up refined

country cooking—it’s like your grandma and a professional chef got together and crafted the

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Mandarin

VIBE: A Jacksonville dining institution, The Tree is

acclaimed for its great American fare, which comes in the form of martinis, wedge salads, shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, and of course, the requisite steaks and chops. The Oak Bar has a great Old-World vibe and is always a fun night out.

STANDOUT DETAIL: You can’t go wrong with steak, be it the six-ounce, center cut filet ($30) or the 16-ounce Chateaubriand for two ($86), served chef-sliced and accompanied by roasted fingerlings and asparagus. Order sides of steakhouse onion rings ($8) and crispy Brussels ($8) and call it a night.

PERFECT FOR: A full-on steak dinner in the dining room, or something slightly more casual (like the classic cheeseburger, $15) in the Oak Bar.

Town Hall

San Marco

VIBE: This hip, cozy eatery has all the elements one

cocktail list, though food isn’t available. cocktails on the roof.

San Marco

PERFECT FOR: An open-air patio is just the place to stop for lunch after a day of shopping.

STANDOUT DETAIL: The menu changes seasonally

a small space, so reservations are recommended).

Taverna

STANDOUT DETAIL: Come lunchtime, Taverna offers delivery for groups of five or more, making it an easy option for a workplace. Options include everything from Cobb salads ($12) to Italian subs ($9), and all orders come with iced tea and house-made cookies.

VIBE: California cuisine meets American classics at

PERFECT FOR: A planned-in-advance date night (it’s

PERFECT FOR: Groups, families and Sunday brunch.

loaded with hearty, Mediterranean-inflected comfort food (seafood stew, $30, grilled hanger steak, $27), the specialty here is pasta. From dough to sauce, it’s made entirely from scratch. It’s tough to beat fettuccine with tomato cream sauce and fresh basil ($21). Did we mention the pizzas, which come out of the oven blissfully crispy?

cocktails with friends in the lounge, accompanied by plenty of bar bites.

but is usually guaranteed to include iterations of grilled fish (think snapper with Brussels sprouts leaves, raw tomato and roasted olives, $28) and bountiful, fresh sides (roasted yams, cauliflower purée, crispy quinoa, $7 each). Entrées are guilt-free, so it only makes sense to end with the famous ice cream sundae, served with chocolate sauce, whipped cream and candied peanuts ($10).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Brunch on Sundays is full of all the classics—huevos rancheros, chorizo and eggs— but it’s the Don Patrol ($9) that’s worth braving the crowds for. The quesadilla-like creation includes black beans, potatoes, chorizo, cheese and eggs, all stuffed between tortillas and fried.

VIBE: While chef and owner Sam Efron’s menu is

PERFECT FOR: A lengthy dinner in the dining room or

Restaurant Doro

those with expensive taste can go for the filet mignon-stuffed “Ten Dollar Taco,” a splurge at $5.

ta at the bar while you wait to be seated (trust us: there will be a wait)–and the food is some of the tastiest, freshest Mexican in town. Expect perfectly battered fish tacos, excellent guacamole and bowls of street corn, which probably shouldn’t be missed.

Most of the tacos are between $3 and $4, though

might expect from a trusty neighborhood gathering spot: a well-stocked wine bar, comfy seating options and plenty of shareable plates, like duck fat cornbread ($7) and crispy fried oysters, topped with mole and cotija cheese ($14).

STANDOUT DETAIL: Town Hall has cultivated a loyal following for its cauliflower steak ($18), a meat-less entrée with yellow pepper vinaigrette and smoked almond salsa. Meatier options, like pork cheeks with beef fat potatoes ($23) will easily woo carnivores.

PERFECT FOR: Group dinners, seated at a corner table in the back dining room.

Vernon’s at Sawgrass Marriott Resort Ponte Vedra Beach VIBE: The atmosphere at Vernon’s is resort casual,

with a menu full of creative seafood dishes. Expect diver sea scallops served atop smashed sunchokes, ($30), prime filet of beef with house au jus ($42) and pan-seared chicken with local vegetables ($26).

STANDOUT DETAIL: The culinary team is leading a number of sustainability initiatives, including an onsite microfarm and a beehive that supplies honey to the resort’s restaurants and its spa.

PERFECT FOR: Taking out-of-town guests. The seafood-heavy menu offers the best the Atlantic has to offer and the resort atmosphere is Florida through and through. u

Great Dining Finds

904.683.9903 9965 San Jose Blvd. #35 Jacksonville, FL 32257 kazujapaneserestaurant.com

Peony Asian Bistro

(904) 268-3889 10586 Old St. Augustine Rd. Jax, Fl 32257

Sun - Thurs 11:30am - 9pm Fri & Sat 11:30am - 10pm

(CLOSED ON TUESDAYS)

AUTHENT IC CANTONESE CHINESE CUISINE

207 ATLANTIC BOULEVARD, ATLANTIC BEACH, FL 32233

904.241.7877 • ragtimetavern.com

Great Dining Finds

CENTRALLY LOCATED | 3820 SOUTHSIDE BLVD | 904.646.1478 BLUEBAMBOOJACKSONVILLE.COM

Welcome Home A quarterly section devoted to regional design and interiors.

Down by

the Sea

Inside a gorgeous Amelia Island vacation retreat

Rags to

Riches

Historic Springfield property undergoes an impressive transformation

JANUARY 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

| 77

DOWN BY THE SEA A Nashville couple carves out the ultimate beach retreat in Amelia Island words by Virginia Chamlee // photos by Jessie Preza

T

here’s more to a great vacation house than meets the eye. Just ask interior designer Kristen Biagini, who was tasked with outfitting a new build on the ocean in Amelia Island back in 2016. “Not only do you want the house to look a certain way, but you want it to look different than the primary residence,” she says. Plus, you want it to be comfortable, but still plush enough to accommodate guests. In other words, a vacation house should make one feel well, like, they’re on vacation.

The homeowners, who wished to remain anonymous for this article, live full-time in Nashville but have extended family on Amelia Island. So when they decided to build a second home, one that would allow for beachfront family vacations, the quiet island retreat was a natural choice. “They loved the architecture of 30A—the stretch of Gulf Coast highway that includes Rosemary Beach—but had a lot of family history in

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Amelia, and appreciated the quiet, peaceful vibe here.”

So Biagini and homebuilder John Garham, along with architect John Cotner, married the two, creating a quiet, Amelia oasis, clad in a white stucco, three-story Rosemary Beach-style structure. The result is equal parts stylish and practical—there’s a place for everything and yet, somehow, still a lot of livable space.

With three children, the couple built the home to be an epicenter for vacations, holidays and family getaways. It needed to house a lot of people, but still allow for freedom within its walls. So Biagini designed the home in “zones,” allowing guests space in which they can spend time together, and areas to which they can retire to read a book or rest for the evening. “The goal of this home was to offer everyone a space to retreat that was refined yet coastal and comfortable enough for lazy beach weekends,” says the designer.

Mission: accomplished.

A large abstract painting by Sarah Otts adds a jolt of color to the second-floor dining area. The marbled bowl was a lucky find in Mexico, though the couple was heartbroken when it broke during the shipping process. As a housewarming gift, Biagini had it pieced back together by a stonemason.

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A ground floor cabana room offers a true indoor/outdoor experience, with 30-foot folding doors that fully extend, opening to a pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

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The second floor is truly the gathering space of the entire home, with a spacious kitchen island, paneled appliances, dining area and living room. “No one wants to spend all day cleaning the grates of a gas stove,” laughs Biagini, “So the Wolf induction thermal range was a no-brainer.”

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Everything in the house, notes the designer, is very durable. All the furniture in the second-floor living space, for instance, is outfitted with indoor/ outdoor fabric—so it can withstand the elements if, say, friends come over for cocktails and a chair or two is dragged out onto the porch to add seating. “Everything had to be comfortable,” says Biagini.

“They really use their home.”

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The third level houses a game room fitted with a beverage center (pictured here), a bunk room and bath, and two additional guest bedrooms.

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Biagini’s Tips for Shopping for Original Art Buy what you love. Though the home feels very coastal, thanks to white walls and minimal pops of color, the couple did bring a little slice of Nashville to the beach house, commissioning two pieces by Nashville artist Ed Nash to hang in the living room and staircase.

Build the room around the art. In the case of the bedroom, the blues in the art informed the design choices in the rest of the room, from the pillows to the accessories.

Research the artist. After buying the pair of paintings above from an Atlanta art gallery, the couple discovered that the artist, Christina Baker, hailed from Amelia Island , a serendipitous moment that made them appreciate the works even more. Today, the works hang above a bed in a guest bedroom.

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The “luxurious but livable” theme extends to the master bedroom and bath, a haven in cool tones of blue and white. Jacksonville’s Hollingsworth supplied the New Ravenna tile used in the shower (seen at right), which was hand-laid in an ombré design.

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A third-floor guest room can sleep four adults, thanks to a double pair of bunk beds built into the wall. As is true for every bedroom in the house, it looks out onto the Atlantic Ocean and offers easy access to a large porch, complete with a swinging bench that's comfortable enough to sleep on.

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HOme marketplace

RAGS to RICHES A Springfield home’s transformative makeover

words by Emily Bailey

Before

Dining Room

S

onia Doubell and Mo Hamzian are what they call “developers” in England, their native country. Here in the States, where they spend half the year, they found themselves described as flippers.

The term “flippers” often calls to mind work that’s being done as quick as possible, with the goal being to turn a profit after spending as little as possible.

Doubell and Hamzian, on the other hand, prefer not to approach renovation projects this way.

It would be difficult, after all, to quickly and cheaply overhaul a two story, 114-year-old home

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in Jacksonville’s historic Springfield district. A certain amount of compassion is required to take on such a project.

“It just seemed like such a lovely thing to do, to take an old house in this beautiful area and fix it up. This area has a sort of romance because it was once great, and I think it’s coming back, so we were like, ‘let’s just do it’, ” says Doubell. “We had so many people thanking us in the neighborhood. Saying things like, ‘Finally, someone had the courage to buy this house.’” So, take a look.

Would you have had the same courage?

The kitchen and dining room had a wall dividing them, but the couple opted to open the space. “We kept the wood floors. We had people saying we needed to rip them up and change them, but we didn’t.

We just restored them and they’ve come out beautifully,” says Doubell.

Small details such as a trim toward the top of the wall and the baseboards were all attended to, keeping them when they could and working to match the original when it did have to replaced.

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Master Bath The master bath was expanded to allow for an open shower and double vanity. Behind the vanity is a window that can be seen from the outside.

“We left it out there because it’s a headache closing a window in a historic district, but you can just cover it and, from the street, it just looks as though the blinds are closed,” says Hamzian.

Before

Living Room Befo re

“The sliding doors in the living room were totally locked. We thought, ‘They’ve been here since 1904, they’re not opening.’ It was such a cheerful day when we did get them opened. We were like ‘woohoo!’” says Doubell.

“We didn’t touch any of the door frames, and we retained all the doors. We refurbished all the hardware and handles. It was painstaking how much work went into it,” adds Hamzian.

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Be fo re

Exterior The porch was one of the biggest challenges for the couple and required a complete reonvation. It wasn’t a total loss though. “This is the original front door. We restored it as much as we could, although we did have new glass custom made. We saw pictures of old Springfield and based it on that,” says Hamzian.

Before

Kitchen When designing the home, Hamzian and Doubell’s ultimate goal was to modernize the space and make it clean, bright, and neutral. The white-washed kitchen epitomizes this philosophy with its simple shaker cabinets and subway tile backsplash.

“The idea is that everybody should have a beautiful home. Keeping it very neutral is our way of acknowledging that not everyone has the same taste. If you end up here and you love a red well, then knock yourself out, but we’re not choosing red for you. We’re going to be very neutral, and keep everything really clean, so you can come in and add your signature. Whatever that is,” says Doubell. u

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Bucket-list worthy Southeast destinations to visit in 2019

BY VIRGINIA CHAMLEE

A NEW YEAR MEANS NEW ADVENTURES await and the Southeast is chock full of interesting experiences, unique culinary destinations and plenty of things to do.

We rounded up some of the more unusual, luxe or just plain cool places within driving distance from Jax. So, what are you waiting for? Hit the road.

Greensboro, Georgia Greensboro is steeped in Southern history, with a charming downtown area filled with antique shops and historic buildings.

The real draw to this corner of Georgia, though, is the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds (pictured), nestled on the shores of Lake Oconee some 80 miles east of Atlanta. A main lodge overlooks 30 miles of shorelines, offering a small beach, paddle board rentals and plenty of space to swim, sun or spa. There’s a rustic feel, however the resort still comes with all the polish one expects when staying at a Ritz property. Here, guests can spend a day on the lake, after which they can have a $42 ribeye delivered to their room via room service. Outside the confines of the resort property, grab a pint at Oconee Brewing Company, a renovated cotton mill warehouse that offers tours of its 3,600-square-foot brewery and tasting room.

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3.

Greenville, South Carolina

1.

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia For decades, presidents, dignitaries and socialites from all over the world have descended upon this mountain town with one thing in mind: to stay at the Dorothy Draper-designed Greenbrier. The resort, built in 1778, underwent a $50 million renovation in 2007 but remains legendary for its over-the-top decor (think black and white marble floors, emerald green carpets and upholstery everywhere). The iconic resort is also a well-regarded sporting destination, thanks to world-class golf courses, an aerial adventure course, eight-lane bowling alley, fishing and falconry experiences. History buffs will appreciate that the Greenbrier is home to a one-of-kind, formerly top-secret U.S. bunker. Tours of the now declassified bunker are available daily by reservation.

2.

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The 21-mile path that threads through Greenville leads to the best the city has to offer, from a thriving downtown scene to tranquil parks. Even just traversing a portion of the Swamp Rabbit Trail is well worth it to get to know the ins and outs of Greenville. If you still haven’t had enough activity, sign up for a culinary tour, which takes attendees to a slew of area restaurants, from BBQ joints to French bistros. Or just settle on one stellar restaurant, like the farm-to-table Anchorage, which offers everything from apple and persimmon salad to Carolina snapper.

The food scene is stellar, but Greenville is also home to more than 70 pieces of public art, as well as the Greenville County Museum of Art, which houses a vast collection of works by realist painter Andrew Wyeth. Those interested in taking in a live performance can visit Coffee Underground, a coffee shop-cumperformance venue that serves up live stand-up performances and local songwriting expos. There are a smattering of chain hotels in the area but travel roughly 20 miles north and you’ll find Hotel Domestique, a villa-style inn with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by a vineyard.

4.

1. The casino fountain at Greenbrier 2. Greenbrier exterior 3. Falls Park on the Reedy and the Liberty Bridge 4. A public art demonstration

1.

Chattanooga, Tennessee 2.

The mountainous location makes Chattanooga worthy of a visit for taking in the great outdoors, though a number of award-winning restaurants and dozens of large-scale murals add an extra dimension to the Southern city.

Savor a plate of wood-grilled oysters and stuffed poblano peppers at Boat House—a choice destination for riverfront dining—or head to Flying Squirrel for whimsical small plates such as fried chicken bao buns and wagyu tartare sandwiches. For overnight stays, the Dwell Hotel offers a swanky take on mid-century modern digs and a glamorous cocktail lounge.

DWELL HOTEL PHOTOS BY GRAHAM YELTON

3.

1. Dwell Hotel’s Matilda Midnight Parlor 2. Lobby of Dwell Hotel 3. Flying Squirrel JANUARY 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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3.

Jackson, Mississippi

1.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Creative culture isn’t in short supply in Jackson, home to some of the nation’s most beloved authors and a haven of literary and Southern history. On August 17, the Mississippi Book Festival will see book enthusiasts mingling between panel sessions featuring the region’s most distinguished literary minds, while booksellers, food trucks and other vendors line the surrounding streets. The opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in 2017 means there’s now even more to discover. The museum tells the stories of Mississippians like Vernon Dahmer, Medgar Evers and other remarkable Americans who changed the course of history during the Civil Rights era. The Museum of Mississippi History, directly adjacent to the Civil Rights Museum, is also worth a visit and includes a number of engaging exhibits and artifacts such as a 500-year-old dugout canoe. After taking in a day of all things old, don’t miss drinks at The Apothecary.

The Speakeasy style lounge—located in the back of Brent’s Drugs, a soda shop that’s been refreshing Jacksonians since 1946—serves a variety of classic and specialty cocktails.

4.

Just about an hour north of Jax, Jekyll Island offers relaxation and respite without the challenge of air travel. Stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort, which provides Victorian charm (history tours, croquet) with modern conveniences (access to nearby restaurants, bicycle rentals) in the center of the Historic District. The resort’s Grand Dining Room is a must for Victorian High Tea, featuring an assortment of quality tea, scones, sandwiches and desserts.

2.

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1. Loggerhead turtle hatchling 2. Jekyll Island Club Resort Grand Dining Room 3. & 4. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

1.

2.

St. Petersburg, Florida Think of St. Pete as the younger, hipper cousin of Tampa—one that’s filled with as many art galleries as shrimp shacks. Here, visitors can take in a selection of surrealist art at the glass-paneled Dali Museum and tour the Sunken Gardens, a four-acre, century old roadside tourist attraction. Those with a true taste for Old Florida can stay at the Don CeSar hotel, a gloriously pink resort that hugs the Gulf Coast. For a no-frills lunch, Paradise Grille serves cheeseburgers and crispy fries with a side of live music. Come Sunday, locals line up outside The Seahorse for brunch, eagerly diving in to a plate of maple-pecan pancakes—just the thing to fuel a day of stand-up paddle boarding (Surf Shack Surf Shop offers beach board deliveries, for those who didn’t think to pack their own). u

3.

1. Don CeSar Hotel 2. Dali Museum’s “Toreador” 3. Pool at the Don CeSar

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Jacksonville Magazine’s 4th Annual

JANUARY 31, 2019 7:00-9:00 pm Jessie Ball DuPont Center, Downtown Food from more than two dozen of the city’s best restaurants

More info at 904TIX.com

Flavor

Your monthly section devoted to all things food

Sangria On Wheels, Garden Parties, Brewing For a Cause & more

Bowled Over Uni Mazeman from Domu

We visit ramen spot Domu at St. Johns Town Center

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F

[ FLAVOR]

REVIEW

Krabby Patty

Bowled Over Domu brings the ramen craze to St. Johns Town Center WORDS BY EMILY BAILEY // PHOTOS BY AGNES LOPEZ

St. Johns Town center has seen explosive growth in the past few years, jumping across the street and taking over what was once forested land. While the new side of the shopping and dining hub is mostly filled with nationwide chains, a handful of regional restaurants have set up shop. Among them is Domu, a ramen eatery and bar with one other location in Orlando.

The owner, Chef Sean “Sonny” Nguyen, says that Domu translates to dream come true, a feeling that is echoed in the space with a white neon of the Biggie Smalls lyric “it was all a dream,” modern decor filled with lots of greenery and a colorful mural of koi fish spanning the length of the back wall.

One will want to arrive early to get a table here, as they don’t accept reservations and it tends to draw a crowd, even for Town Center standards. The bar is a good place to start if there’s a wait. Find beer, wine, sake, and cocktails, most of which have a slight twist— such as a wasabi ginger margarita ($6 during happy hour) or a lychee martini ($8).

Nguyen’s menu is split into two sections: ramen and plates. The ramen are divided between original creations and classics. The black tonkotsu ($13) is based in a butter shio pork bone broth and has a mild flavor perfect for those looking for an introductory bowl of ramen. Or up the ante and opt for the spicy tonkotsu ($13), which has the addition of a house-made spicy bomb.

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A house specialty is the Richie Rich ($13), which lives up to its name with a bowl bursting with pork—a miso-shoyu bone broth and pork belly being the main players, while a soft-boiled egg, wood ear mushrooms, scallions, fried garlic, and black garlic oil dress it up.

Completely different than the typical bowl of steaming soup is the uni mazeman ($13), a brothless bowl of noodles in an uni (sea urchin) butter sauce topped with red caviar, micro greens, crispy quinoa, chives, and fresh uni. Its flavor resembles that of a seafood fettuccine.

Domu prides themselves on making their noodles fresh daily, a standout factor in the emerging Jacksonville ramen scene.

Rounding out the menu are dishes such as chicken wings ($6) with a thick and crispy batter and a kimchi butter sauce, and Sichuan cucumbers ($5) with sesame oil, fried garlic, sesame seeds, and blend of Japanese spices.

There’s also a selection of new Asian buns, which are a take on New England rolls. There are pigs in a blanket ($7) with pork belly ends, a lobster bun ($16), and a playfully named krabby patty ($8), which is filled with fried soft shell crab, torched tomato, micro greens, radish, and a yuzu shichimi mayo.

The meal wouldn’t be complete without inquiring about the softserve ice cream flavor of the day. Rotating options include matcha green tea, Vietnamese coffee, taro, and salted caramel pretzel. u

Crunch Time

Finest Hour

No Reservations

Domu

Domu is open for dinner during the week with the kitchen starting service at 5:30 PM. Brunch is served on the weekend, 11 AM-2:30 PM.

Happy hour takes place daily from 5-6:30 PM with $6 cocktails, $5 wells, house wine, and sake, and $2.50 PBR and Miller Hi-Life.

The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but one can wait it out at the bar or do some shopping at the numerous shops in the area.

4852 Town Center Parkway domufl.com (904) 683-1367

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

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LET’S EAT! A curated guide to dining out Jacksonville Magazine offers a select list of approximately 50 area restaurants as a service to its readers. The directory does not include every restaurant in town. It does, however, feature many of the magazine’s Top 50 choices of must-try eateries, as well as a sampling of other notable Northeast Florida dining establishments. Restaurants to add or other suggestions from readers are welcome. Please contact us at mail@jacksonvillemag.com.

ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside (641-1212; alhambrajax.com).

With Executive Chef DeJuan Roy creating a fresh, new menu for each show, the Alhambra is becoming known as much for its culinary experience as it is for its Broadway-caliber productions. No longer a buffet service, the Alhambra prides itself on exceptional table service with the highest degree of professionalism.

Meals feature a three-course prix-fixe menu, but the chef sneaks in a fourth course if the script calls for it.

Full bar with an eclectic wine list. L, D, SB, $$$.

AL’S PIZZA 8060 Philips Hwy., Southside (731-4300; alspizza.com) plus five other locations. Al’s is casual with a menu chock-full of pizza, calzones and pasta dishes.

But its slick and funky atmosphere, not to mention unexpected dishes like mussels in wine and garlic butter sauce and fried chicken salad, also make it a favorite with foodies who normally wouldn’t dine at a pizza joint. During the week, Al’s offers $1.50 cheese slices at Happy Hour. L, D, $.

AQUA GRILL 395 Front Street, Ponte Vedra Beach (285-3017; aquagrill.net). Since 1988, Aqua Grill has been wowing diners with eclectic, multi-ethnic menu featuring the freshest of local ingredients, prepared to order. For banquets, Aqua offers lakefront, climatecontrolled al fresco dining or the private dining room.

They have a popular full service bar with all DirecTV sports packages. Casual. L, D, $$$.

AZUREA AT ONE OCEAN RESORT & SPA 1 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach (249-7402; oneoceanresort.com). The signature restaurant of One Ocean Resort blends culinary influences from Europe, the Caribbean, the Americas, and of course, the ocean.

The menu includes signature dishes such as a cast-iron seared jumbo blue crab cake, coriander-dusted Hawaiian bass, Hudson Valley foie gras, Eden Farms pork chop and Mishima Ranch Wagyu beef tenderloin.

B, L, D, $$$.

BARRIQUE KITCHEN & WINE BAR 3563 St. Johns Ave. Jacksonville, FL, (619-2150). This Avondale wine cellar-inspired restaurant emphasizes wining and dining with a wine list that spans some 200-plus selections and a menu of rustic offerings including goat cheese ravioli, lamb chops, veal meatball sliders, clams and calamari. The ‘small plate approach’ encourages sharing, though there are sandwiches and pizzas, as well. L, D, $$.

BAR ZIN BISTRO & WINE BAR 924 1st Coast Hwy., Fernandina Beach (310-6620). While the libations are draw here, this bistro’s eclectic menu features dishes in support of its farm-to-table philosophy. With inside or al fresco dining, enjoy seasonal specials such as rum and pepper painted Florida snapper, fried green tomato Napoleon and seared North Carolina trout. L, D, $$ bb’s 1019 Hendricks Ave., San Marco (306-0100; bbsrestaurant.com). The San Marco bistro’s upscale comfort food, which includes yellowfin tuna tartare, ancho-spiced rotisserie turkey, white truffle pizza and warm goat cheese salad (specials change daily) with to-die-for desserts, keeps patrons filling up the oneroom dining space. Enjoy the slow-roasted springer chicken with a glass of pinot noir. L, D, SB, $$.

THE BEARDED PIG 1224 Kings Ave., San Marco (619-2247; thebeardedpigbbq.com). Resting on the Southbank of the St. Johns River, this barbecue joint specializes in Southern barbecue dishes ranging from brisket to pulled pork. Try a bit of everything with The San Marco platter that includes four meats and two sides. Complete with an outdoor seating area, the restaurant also offers an array of wine and local beer options. L, D $$.

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BELLWETHER 100 N. Laura St., Downtown (8027745, bellwetherjax.com). Expect minimalist decor and farm-to-table fare at this Downtown eatery, which serves up a fast-casual, order-at-the-counter lunch and offers an upscale dinner service. Burgers are always a great choice, but chef’s specials (such as the daily catch) are also worthy of attention. Don’t forget a cup of soft-serve ice cream. L, D $$$ BISCOTTIS 3556 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (3872060; biscottis.net). One of the few places where you can be seated between a Red Hat Society member and a purple-haired creative director, this Avondale institution specializes in innovative updates on old favorites like meatloaf served with apricot marinara sauce and duck confit pizza (dinner specials change daily). Casual. B, L, D, SB, $$.

BISTRO AIX 1440 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-1949; bistrox.com). San Marco’s Bistro Aix (pronounced “X,” FYI) is stylish, yet unpretentious, in both décor and menu. The Mediterranean and Frenchinspired fare includes grilled lamb shank, a raw bar with oysters and seasonal seafood and handcrafted cocktails. If you can find a seat at the glowing martini bar, you won’t even mind a wait for a table. L, D, $$.

BLACK SHEEP RESTAURANT 1534 Oak St., Five Points (380-3091; blacksheep5points.com). The independent restaurant offers a menu that emphasizes local ingredients, as well as a full bar and rooftop dining. Popular items on the menu include chicken and dumplings, shrimp and grits and beef short rib pot roast. L, D, $$.

BLACKSTONE GRILLE 112 Bartram Oaks Walk, Fruit Cove (287-0766; blackstone-grille.com). Serving a variety of modern American fusion choices, such as pan-seared sea bass, filet mignon au poivre and scallop and shrimp Newburg. Private dining room. Upscale.

L, D, $$$.

BLK SHP @ INTUITION 929 E. Bay St., Downtown (683-7720) Local beer and good eats: the perfect pairing.

At BLK SHP @ Intuition guests can enjoy locally brewed varieties of Intuition beer, alongside upgraded bar eats like brisket barbecue, fried cheese curds, and a pretty addictive cheeseburger. L, D, $.

BLUE BAMBOO 3820 Southside Blvd., Southside (646-1478; bluebamboojacksonville.com). Innovative menu features miso-marinated salmon, lemongrass crab cakes, Cantonese orange duck, ahi tuna salad and Mandarin orange cake. Features a wine lounge and patio dining. Casual. L, D, $$.

BLUE ORCHID 13475 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville (723-1300; blueorchid.menu). Blue Orchid focuses on offering a taste of Thailand, utilizing traditional ingredients such as palm sugar, Thai basil and kaffir lime leaves. Coconut Shell Curry, Pad Thai and Dynamite Chicken are among the house specialties with a range of curries, stir frys, noodle and rice dishes to choose from. L, D, $$.

GUIDE to the GUIDE: B–Breakfast; L –Lunch; D–Dinner; SB–Sunday Brunch $ — $10 or less; $$ — $11 to $20; $$$ — $21 to $30; $$$$ — $31 or above These $ categories are based upon the average cost of a dinner entrée excluding drinks, desserts and/or gratuities.

Note: Some restaurant entrée prices do not include à la carte sides or salad. All phone numbers are in the (904) area code. Cafeterias, fast food joints and primarily takeout restaurants are not eligible for inclusion.. Dining guide can be viewed online at jacksonvillemag.com.

pecan spread. Try the Loki’s Escape Toast with rosemary garlic bread, dill cream cheese, smoked salmon and shaved asparagus. B, L, SB, $.

BURLINGAME RESTAURANT 20 S. 5th St., Fernandina Beach (432-7671). New to the Fernandina Beach scene, this casual fine dining restaurant offers patrons an eclectic menu of Southern favorites and seafood dishes that change with the season. Try the heirloom tomato and peach salad with country ham, burrata, sherry vinegar reduction and toasted pine nuts. D, SB, $$$.

BURRITO GALLERY 21 E. Adams St., Downtown (598-2922); 300 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach (246-6521); 90 Riverside Ave., Brooklyn (355-4889). The art-filled yet laid-back Burrito Gallery continues to turn out traditional Mexican favorites, albeit with a twist—along with some new menu offerings. Tacos, queso, nachos, enchiladas, ‘dillas and salads are all on the menu, and so are entrée-sized plates such as flat-iron steak, jerk chicken, and fresh fish. All best served with an ice cold margarita, of course. L, D, $.

CAFFE ANDIAMO 225 Village Main St., Ponte Vedra Beach (280-2299; caffeandiamo-pvb.com). A copper pizza oven highlights this chic eatery specializing in frutti di mare, pollo paisano, veal chop carbone and vongole Positano. Pasta highlights include linguini with a medley of seafood with your choice of marinara or garlic and olive oil. The “rustica” pizza is topped with grilled chicken, caramelized onions and roasted red peppers. L, D, $$.

COMFORT. A SOUTHERN BISTRO 2777 University Blvd. W (683-7182). Opened by a brothersister team who strive to create from-scratch comfort meals, this eatery serves authentic southern fare from start to finish. Diners can start their meal with boiled peanuts or pimento cheese fritters, or even a fried vegetable trio. The menu offers everything from fried chicken to shrimp and grits to chicken pot pie (and don’t forget the biscuits). B. L. D. $$ COOP 303 303 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (3724507; coop303.com). New to the Jacksonville Beach area, this restaurant opened its doors in late August.

Offering an innovative take on classic Southern dishes such as peaches & cream, a fried green tomato starter served with a peach jam, and bacon bourbon sundae, topped with a white chocolate blondie and candied bacon. L. D. $$

bq.com). Meat is the draw at Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q, which has been pit-smoking everything from turkey to pork since 1949. Try the Slawpy Pig, a heaping pile of pulled pork topped with coleslaw and served with sides such as fried corn on the cob, collard greens, or Brunswick stew. L, D. $

COUSINS MAINE LOBSTER 630 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach (246-0304; cousinsmainelobster.com).

Lobster, lobster, and more lobster, this restaurant chain has brought New England cuisine to the residents of Neptune Beach. They offer wild-caught, sustainable, premium lobster straight from Maine. Offering two style of lobster rolls, as well as lobster tots, lobster tacos, and lobster mac and cheese, this. L. D. $$$.

BREW FIVE POINTS 1024 Park St., Five Points (374-5789). Brew Five Points offers flavored waffles, quiche, breakfast tacos, sandwiches, salad and sweets to accompany the variety of toasts with toppings including avocado, radish, hummus and chocolate-

COWFORD CHOPHOUSE 101 E. Bay St., Downtown (862-6464; cowfordchophouse.com). When Cowford Chophouse finally opened in 2017, it helped bring luxury back to Downtown Jax, thanks to a gold and marble-clad champagne and caviar bar, personal

BONO’S BBQ Multiple locations (880-8310; bonosbar-

wine lockers, and a rooftop lounge. Dining at Cowford is an experience, right down to the tabletops (the design mimics the flow of the St. Johns River). Thankfully, it isn’t completely over-the-top. That aforementioned caviar, for instance, comes served with homemade tater tots. There are also plenty of hand-cut steaks, chops and hefty sides served á la carte. L, D, $$$$.

CRUISERS GRILL 23rd Ave. S., Jacksonville Beach (270-0356; cruisersgrill.com). For more than twenty years, beachgoers have looked to the original Cruisers Grill in Jacksonville Beach for a great American fare. The restaurant is currently undergoing a major renovation but, once it reopens this year, patrons can dine inside to the sounds of a bustling kitchen or sit outside at the picnic tables. L, D, $$.

ELEVEN SOUTH BISTRO 216 11th Ave. S., Jacksonville Beach (241-1112; elevensouth.com). Upscale eatery earns high marks for its extensive wine list, mesquite wood grill and outdoor patio. Seafood martini, lobster mac and cheese, miso-glazed Chilean sea bass and mesquite-grilled certified Angus beef tenderloin highlight the menu. L, D, $$$$.

THE FISH COMPANY 725-12 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (246-0123; thefishcojax.com). With a crowded raw bar, oyster specials Monday-Saturday 2-7 PM, and a wide variety of fresh, locally-caught seafood.

The Fish Company offers a little something for everyone.

Chef Bill Pinner's menu combines signature items, like fried Mayport shrimp baskets with new favorites, such as the Szechuan fish. The restaurant offers several specials throughout the week. L, D, $$$.

FLYING IGUANA TAQUERIA & TEQUILA BAR 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach (853-5680, flyingiguana.com). This Neptune Beach taqueria features an eclectic assortment of tacos, as well as heartier fare, like Peruvian rotisserie chicken, blue corn-crusted grouper and Agave-brined pork chops. The bar features more than 100 tequilas, as well as nightly live music and al fresco dining. L, D, SB, $$.

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GILBERT’S SOCIAL 4021 Southside Blvd., Southside (647-7936; gilbertssocial.co). Top Chef’s Kenny Gilbert brings his culinary style to Jacksonville’s Southside. The menu features many of the Southern dishes (Fernandina Beach hot chicken, pork spare ribs, cast iron roasted broccoli) listed on the Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen menu located in Fernandina Beach. L, D, $$$.

HARRY’S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE 46 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine (824-7765; hookedonharrys.com). Located at the foot of the Bridge of Lions, Harry’s has a waterfront view, which diners can enjoy from either the indoor seating area or the tree-lined courtyard. The menu features Cajun favorites such as jambalaya, shrimp and scallops Orleans.

L, D, $$.

INDIA’S RESTAURANT 9802-8 Baymeadows Rd., Baymeadows (620-0777; ). The lunch buffet is a favorite at this family-run staple of the Baymeadows dining scene. The menu is both mild and spicy, featuring traditional dishes like lamb korma, fish vindaloo, shrimp bhoona and chicken tikka masala. Casual.

L, D, $$.

KAZU JAPANESE RESTAURANT 9965 San Jose Blvd.; Mandarin (683-9903). Kazu aims to please sushi connoisseurs with an eclectic list of rolls including the Dancing Eel Roll with eel, shrimp, seaweed salad, tobiko, avocado and spicy mayo, or the Super Kazu Roll with salmon, tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, crab, avocado, cucumber and tobiko. Other dishes include pork and shrimp dumplings coated in wasabi, Kazu spicy beef and a variety of bento boxes. L, D, $$$.

MATTHEW’S RESTAURANT 2107 Hendricks Ave., San Marco (396-9922). The ever-changing menu brings influences as diverse as Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian and Southern to the plate. Look for escargot or venison carpaccio, Maine diver scallops and nightly soufflés. Petrossian and Osetra caviar, too.

D. $$$$.

METRO DINER Multiple area locations including 3302 Hendricks Ave., San Marco (398-3701; metrodiner. com). The interior atmosphere is reminiscent of the Art Deco era, with black and silver vintage bar stools overlooking an open kitchen where cooks flip pancakes and burgers. Don’t forget to check the blackboard for breakfast and lunch specials and try the Yo Hala on the Square, as featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. B, L, SB, $.

MEZZA RESTAURANT & BAR 110 1st St., Neptune Beach (249-5573, mezzarestaurantandbar.com).

Pan-seared scallops, hand-made pappardelle and wood-fired pizzas highlight a creative menu at Mezza, who offers dinner in three different spaces: the bar and lounge, where children can make their own pizzas at a wood-fired oven in the early part of the evening; a covered patio, where guests can sit outdoors protected from the elements; and a main dining room for those who like their evening meal to be a little bit more formal.

D, $$$.

MOJO BAR-B-QUE 1607 University Blvd. W., Lakewood (732-7200, mojobbq.com); 1500 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (247-6636); 1810 Town Center Blvd., Orange Park (264-0636); 3572 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (381-6670); 5 Cordova St., St. Augustine (342-5264).

Specializing in Southern-style BBQ, Mojo is a casual, down-home kind of place featuring favorites like North Carolina pork shoulder, Texas beef brisket, Delta catfish and buttermilk fried chicken. Full catering services, live music (Beaches and St. Augustine only). L, D, $$.

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE 225 E. Coastline Dr., Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, Northbank (354-4350; mortons.com). After more than five years of closing its Southbank location, Morton’s returns to Jacksonville but this time on the other side of the St. Johns River. The high-end steakhouse has been serving signature cuts for nearly 40 years. Before cutting into one of the steaks and chops, start out with the ahi tuna tower. Sides are served family style, just enough to share. Don’t forget the restaurant’s signature hot chocolate cake. D, $$$$.

MOXIE KITCHEN + COCKTAILS St. Johns Town Center, Southside (998-9744; moxiefl.com).

Unique dishes like pimento cheese toast with potato chips and chicken and waffles with maple mousse and pepper jelly are Chef Tom Gray’s personal take on contemporary regional American cuisine, influenced from his Southern upbringing, extensive travels and past professional experiences. L, D, $$-$$$.

M SHACK 1012 Margaret St. (423-1283); St. Johns Town Center (642-5000); 299 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (241-2599); 641 Crosswater Pkwy., Nocatee (3953575). An expanding venture of brothers and chef Matthew and David Medure gets back to the basics.

Hormone-free beef burgers (with toppings like foie gras and bacon onion compote) and all-beef hot dogs make up most of the menu, but sweet potato tots and hand-spun milkshakes in flavors like pecan pie and marshmallow brûlée add a gourmet flair. L, D, $.

NINETEEN Sawgrass Clubhouse, Ponte Vedra Beach (273-3238; tpcsawgrass.com). Gorgeous clubhouse open to all serves a variety of fare such as grilled grouper with poblano grit cake, corn-crusted flounder, “Jim Furyk’s” filet mignon and “Phil Mickelson” lobster ravioli. Sunday buffet 11 AM-2 PM, $25. Happy hour Monday-Saturday, 4:30-6:30 PM. B, L, D, SB, $$.

NORTH BEACH BISTRO 725-6 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (372-4105; nbbistro.com). Since 2008, executive chef David Seavey has created a following with hand-cut steaks, local seafood and dishes such as seafood paella and ahi tuna tacos. A secluded art gallery provides private dining space in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Casual. L, D, $$.

OCEAN 60 60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach (2470060; ocean60.com). Chef-owned, CIA-certified restaurant serving shrimp and goat cheese spiedini, Costa Rican shrimp ceviche, seafood chowder, whole fried fish and veal Montrachet. Upscale.

Martini room with live music Wed.-Sat. D, $$$.

ORSAY 3630 Park St., Avondale (381-0909; restaurantorsay.com). Acclaimed neighborhood bistro specializes in French-inspired cuisine. The house-made charcuterie options are can’t-miss, as are the escargot with mushrooms, lemons and garlic. Entrée standouts include mussels, frites, bouillebaisse and coq au vin. The lobster pot pie is the stuff of legend. Save room for the vanilla bean crème brûlée. On cool evenings the outside tables and lounge chairs fill up fast. A small bar is ideal for a cocktail as one waits for a free table. D, SB. $$$$

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RAGTIME TAVERN 207 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (241-7877; ragtimetavern.com). Open for more than 20 years, Ragtime is Northeast Florida’s first microbrewery. The menu is loaded with items like shrimp bruschetta, Louisiana crawfish and sautéed mussels. Try the bistro filet and crab-stuffed shrimp, Cajun fettuccine or the sesame tuna. L, D, SB, $$.

THE REEF 4100 Hwy. A1A, St. Augustine (8248008; thereefstaugustine.com). The menu at this casual oceanfront restaurant encompasses a variety of seafood, fresh fish, steaks and pasta entrées, as well as soups, salads and sandwiches. Prime rib, fresh grouper and organic salmon are favorites with the locals, but the main attraction is The Reef’s “famous” Sunday champagne brunch, featuring eggs Benedict, crab legs, waffles and a carving station. L, D, SB, $$$.

RESTAURANT MEDURE 818 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach (543-3797; restaurantmedure.com).

This restaurant features high-end favorites like escargot and caviar while also making room for classics like meatloaf. They are known for their fish and pasta dishes made of only local produce. When it comes to wine, their house sommelier puts the menu together. Hand-crafted cocktails and local and international beers are also available. Keep an eye out for the soufflé of the evening. D, $$$.

RUE SAINT-MARC 2103 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (619-0861; ruesaintmarc.com). Executive chef Scott Alters alongside beverage director Gabrielle Saul have joined together with chefs Matthew and David Medure to open this French-inspired restaurant.

Breakfast items such as French-styled omelets, poached eggs on a croissant and rainbow trout are served Monday through Friday beginning at 7 AM and at 8 AM on Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sunday. Lunch features a selection of sandwiches among other items and for dinner, entrées include dishes such as roasted cornish hen and Moroccan lamb shoulder. B, L, D, SB, $$.

JANUARY 2019 / JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM

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[ FLAVOR]

RECIPE

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Asian Mushrooms & Miso Sesame Glaze

by Robert McCormick, Brand Chef for True Food Kitchen Roasted Brussels Sprouts: 2 lb. Brussels sprouts, ends removed and halved 1 oz. grapeseed oil pinch salt & pepper Procedure: 1. Preheat oven to 450°F (use convection if possible).

2.Toss together ingredients in large mixing bowl, place on a sheet tray and roast in oven for 6 minutes.

3.Remove from oven and stir well, then place back in oven for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until caramelized and tender. When finished, toss with mushrooms and vinaigrette. Garnish with sesame seeds and chili threads.

Asian Mushrooms: 2 c. Shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, cut into quarter-inch strips 2 c. oyster mushrooms, torn into one-inch strips ¼ c. grapeseed oil 2 T. lime juice pinch salt & pepper Procedure: 1. Preheat oven to 450°F (use convection if possible).

2.Toss together ingredients in large mixing bowl, place on a sheet tray and roast in oven for 9-10 minutes, or until caramelized.

Miso Vinaigrette: ½ c. rice wine vinegar 1 T. Sambal Oelek 2 T. soy sauce ½ tsp. evaporated cane sugar ½ tsp. salt 2 T. white miso paste ½ tsp. sesame chili oil 1 c. grapeseed oil Place all ingredients into mixing bowl, and whisk well, until all miso paste is dissolved

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u

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

The Recupito Family Invites You To Enjoy…

Contemporary Italian Fare with Traditional Fresh Ingredients

Join us for special occasions, planned events or any night of the week. You are always welcome at Caffé Andiamo.

Family Owned & Managed

Open for Lunch & Dinner 225 Village Main St., Suite 500 | Ponte Vedra Beach caffeandiamo-pvb.com | 904.280.2299

F

SIDEdishes

BEEP, BEEP Those who get nostaligic when hearing the cheerful melody of a neighborhood ice cream truck might appreciate the latest food fad to make its way onto four wheels: The Jax-based Sangria Truck puts a decidedly adult twist on the tradition, offering wine-infused cocktails made in an old camper-turnedchic-bar. The mobile lounge is available for private party and event rentals. And in true hipster fashion, it’s adorned with plenty of bohemian decor (think artful wallpaper and succulents) and a menu of sangria, bubbly and mocktails. u

GARDEN PARTY When the Cummer Gardens were decimated by the flood waters of Hurricane Irma, it remained unclear how difficult (or costly) reconstruction would be. As the Cummer family themselves were known to throw excellent parties, it makes sense that the museum would raise funds for the restoration of the namesake gardens with a series of dinner events, each with a different theme. Upcoming dinners include the Japanese-themed “Artful Umami” January 10, “Captivating Caper” mystery dinner April 22, and French-themed “Soirée Boheme” June 13. Tickets start at $150. u

CHEERS TO YOU! v

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JAnuAry 2019

Lantern Workshop Brewery Series JANUARY 14: Design your very own specialty lantern that can be illuminated in this year’s Jacksonville Lantern Parade, while enjoying craft brews. Lantern making materials and two beers are included. $20.

Southern Swells Brewing Co., 6-8 PM. 904tix.com

Guided Grocery Store Tour JANUARY 27: Learn the connection between health and nutrition, gain practical cooking skills, and know which foods have the most impact on preventing and reversing common health conditions. $20, Native Sun Natural Foods Market, 1-2:30 PM. 904tix.com

TIX

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Night of Pints NOW-FEBRUARY 3: For those who still haven’t gotten their fill of holiday lights, four Downtown St. Augustine breweries continue the festivities with a bar-hopping special. For $30, patrons receive a t-shirt and a complimentary pint of beer from the participating craft breweries.

TIX

— STEPHANIE WOLFF

CulinaryCALeNDAr TIX

Craft brewers pride themselves on the ingenuity of their latest draught, but on Giving Tuesday (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving), local brewers, along with more than a thousand others across the country, brewed the exact same beer recipe to raise money for those affected by this summer’s historic California wild fires.

The Resilience Butte County Proud IPA is available locally through the end of January at Bold City Brewing, Southern Swells Brewing, and Atlantic Beach Brewing Company. All of the money raised through sales will go to the Camp Fire relief Fund to help to rebuild the communities that were most affected. u

Best Restaurants Bash!

JANUARY 31: Two dozen of the city’s best restaurants come together for a night of fun and food, with proceeds going to a local charity. $50-$75, Jessie Ball duPont Center, 7-9 PM. 904tix.com u

X TTIIX

January Events

All Month

1/9

1/14

Blue Jay Listening Room

Secret Supper Club—Barrique

Lantern Workshop Brewery Series

Jacksonville Beach's own unique and intimate music venue hosts local and national musicians alike. Don't miss shows this month including Mark Mandeville, Raianne Richards, Dirty Bourbon River Show and Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet.

The January Secret Supper takes guests to Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar. Reminiscent of a century old wine cellar, the restaurant offers global foods, wines and spirits in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Don't have a lantern and want to create your own unique beacon of light? We've got you covered. Join the Jacksonville Magazine team as we build and design paper lanterns at Southern Swells Brewing Co. in Jacksonville Beach in their private party room.

Blue Jay Listening Room

Prices vary

Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar

$50

1/19

1/19-26

Mini Beer Festival

DREAMWEEK JAX

Southern Swells is turning 2 and celebrating with a beerfest. Gather in The Mini Bar courtyard and interior for a "Mini" Beer Festival featuring 10 local breweries and roughly 25 different beers including a few "Festival Only" brews.

DREAMWEEK JAX is a one-of-a-kind, multidimensional, multi-day event which includes everything from engaging community events, unique partnerships, a DREAMTelling Event (watch out TEDx), and an outstanding DREAMWEEK SUMMIT.

The Mini Bar

Locations & pricing vary

Southern Swells

$20

1/22 Lantern Workshop Brewery Series Don't have a lantern and want to create your own unique beacon of light? We've got you covered. Join the Jacksonville Magazine team as we build and design paper lanterns at Wicked Barley Brewing Co. in the Waterfront Beer Garden.

Wicked Barley

Start at $25

$20

1/26

1/27

1/31

VyStar Credit Union Lantern Workshop

Guided Grocery Store Tour

Best Restaurants Bash!

Members join us for a free lantern workshop.

Guests receive a lantern and all the supplies needed to create a unique, festive design with a tropical underwater theme.

Learn the connection between health and nutrition, gain practical cooking skills, and know which foods have the most impact on preventing and reversing the most common health conditions with Kailo Nutrition.

Features food and drinks from more than two dozen of the city's leading restaurants. Only establishments named in our January issue are invited to participate, making this the premier fine food tasting happening of the year.

Native Sun, Baymeadows

Jessie Ball duPont Center

$20

$50

VyStar Credit Union Corporate

FREE

T I C K E T S O N S A L E N O W AT 9 0 4 T I X .CO M

C R O S S W O R D

GAME CHANGER

BY JAMES BARRICK

1. Without 5. — the Horrible 10. Spud 15. Gold, hammered thin 19. Mass 20. Mountain ridge 21. Growing outward 22. Kimono accessory 23. Aliform 24. —bean 25. Rare instrument 26. Kind of British gun 27. Start of a quip by 90Across: 2 wds.

29. Part 2 of quip: 4 wds.

32. Notes 34. Herring sauce 35. River in Germany

ACROSS

1. Cheat 2. Collaborator 3. Beery, Jr. or Sr. 4. Pinecones 5. Bother 6. Disney mermaid 7. Gosh!

8. Off-road wheels: Abbr.

9. Bring back 10. Mosaic piece 11. Caper 12. Mountain lake 13. Coup d'’— 14. Carrottops 15. Cotton thread 16. Forms a part of: 2 wds.

17. Domain 18. Affectionate 28. Ascended

DOWN

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© 2018 United Feature Syndicate, Inc. Turn to page 113 for this month’s answers

36. Medieval tunic 39. Glacial deposit 41. Out of order 43. Deplete 46. Henri -- Benoit Matisse 47. Letter grade 48. Like an almond 51. Part 3 of quip: 2 wds.

54. Crewmen 55. English queen 56. — -de-France 57. Ages 58. Black gold 60. R-W link 61. Moderated 64. As indicated 65. Part 4 of quip: 2 wds.

68. Greek letter 69. Scriveners 30. Cakes and — 31. Old Norse tales 33. More food 36. DeMille or Rhodes 37. Plant with detergent properties 38. Mummers 40. Bastes 41. Twosome 42. Marsh bird 44. Per — 45. Annoyance 49. Shiner 50. Struck with a knout 52. Of a factor in heredity 53. John — 58. Casino items 59. Rustic 62. Uses up 63. Superlative suffix

JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

FRONTBurner

72. Middle or mental 73. Part 5 of quip 77. Lariat 78. Lampooner 83. City in France 84. Minds 86. A tunicate 87. Ear: Prefix 88. Made a hole-in-one 89. Map 90. Speaker of the quip: 2 wds.

93. Certain toy: 2 wds.

96. Goal 97. Papal vestment 98. Depot: Abbr.

99. Beyond 100. Musical work 102. Items for tea

64. “Iliad” setting 66. Marx, not Karl 67. Conceit 70. Part of Greece 71. Sent junk mail 73. Sings, in a way 74. Implied 75. Doing again 76. Retains 79. Sch. subj.

80. Waterloo denizen 81. Mode 82. Dial and muscle 85. Lure 86. Uttered 89. Thrombocyte 90. Cooking a certain way 91. — color 92. Wry humor 94. Moonfish

103. Cover 105. Dray 106. Of a marriage dowry 108. Part 6 of quip: 3 wds.

112. End of the quip: 2 wds.

116. — — were 117. French river 118. Angered 121. Jazz great 122. Descartes or Coty 123. Witch of — 124. Forty- — 125. Back 126. Religious title: Abbr.

127. Abounds 128. Profits 129. Join or link 95. Books for students 101. Number prefix 102. Guides 104. Water mammal 105. Data disk: Hyph.

107. Regularly 108. Yeasty foam 109. Employs 110. Lane blocker 111. — -de-camp 113. Margarine 114. Criticism 115. Get along 119. Estuary 120. Black cuckoo

True Food Kitchen has opened its doors in the St. Johns Town Center. The national brand is acclaimed for “clean” eats, and the menu (which changes seasonally) is filled with dishes such as spaghetti squash casserole, grass-fed steak tacos, and lasagna bolognese. • A new shopping center is planned in the Tamaya community on Beach Boulevard, the main attraction set to be the grocer Sprouts Farmers Market. Sprouts is known for its natural and healthy choices, shelves stocked with items that have short ingredient lists. The store is slated to open in early 2020. • Ping pong restaurant and bar Smash is now serving (get it, serving) at the corners of Baymeadows Road and Philips Highway. The concept offers everything a group needs to get into a hard hitting game of table tennis, and really serious players bring their own gear. The menu leans toward bar eats with dishes such as chicken wings and nachos, but it offers more refined options like glazed beet salad and shaved beef bruschetta. • San Marco’s Good Dough expanded to a second shop in the St. Johns Town Center. The madefrom-scratch donuts come in a variety of unusual flavors such as blood orange and crème brulée, but the menu changes monthly so keep an eye out for new and old favorites. The space is somewhat of a popup, and only expected to remain open for a year. • The newest spot for local craft beer is Fishweir Brewing Co. in Murray Hill. The taproom is bright and airy with a draught list featuring house brewed saison, coffee blonde, and kettle sour, along with a handful of guest taps. • The Beaches’ Kamiya 86 made its way over The Ditch with a new location on the Southside. Expect hibachi, dishes from both the kitchen and the sushi bar, and an extensive roll menu including tiger eyes, filled with eel, smoked salmon, jalapeño, tobiko, yellowtail, and avocado. • Walnut Street in Springfield has a new shop, Bleu Chocolat Cafe.

Here one can find sweet treats, coffee, hot chocolate, and a handful of small bites such as chicken in a pot with a white wine cream sauce and vegetables, Southern spring rolls with greens and turkey, and even a donut burger.

The main attraction of the cafe is the case filled with house-made chocolates. • 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza has opened on Baymeadows Road. Walk down the ordering line—like you would at Chipotle or Subway—and select the toppings for your pizza, which will be cooked promptly in the eatery’s massive pizza oven.

Those who choose to wash down their slices with a beer can pour it themselves from a handful of taps ranging from Bud Light to Cigar City’s Jai Alai. • Dining options on Edgewood Avenue continue to expand with the opening of Murray’s Taco Bodega. The menu offers a variety of tacos, their signature filled with corned beef, Dijon cream, and slaw.

Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille on King Street closed its doors after just one year in business. The burger and drag show franchise rolls on at its original Beach Boulevard location. u

SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK 1018 3rd St. N., Jacksonville Beach (372-4456; saltlifefoodshack.com); 321 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. Enjoy a wide array of specialty menu items, including a tuna poke bowl, hand-rolled sushi, local fried shrimp and beer can chicken. L, D, $$.

SOUTH KITCHEN + SPIRITS 3638 Park St., Avondale (475-2362, south.kitchen); 150 Pine Lake Dr., Nocatee (opening March). The varied menu at South features everything from popcorn shrimp to superfood salad, Bold City braised beef stroganoff to the ham, egg and cheese burger. With seating for 230 and plenty of cocktails to try (try duck fat Sazerac), there’s no hurry to make up your mind here. A table on the covered patio is always nice, weather permitting. L, D, $$.

Food Lover’s JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE’S

Subscription Package The “Food Lover’s Package” includes a one-year subscription to Jacksonville Magazine, plus the latest issue of Taste, our 100page local restaurant guide.

In addition, you’ll also receive a free pint of beer from Bold City Brewery, a sample bag of coffee from Volcanista and other freebies from local restaurants. *New subscribers only

TACOLU 1712 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (249-TACO; tacolu.com). Offering a blend of Bajastyle cuisine, this ever-popular, casual Beaches sit-down eatery offers a new twist on the traditional taco. But what really sets it apart from the pack is its selection of over 50 tequilas. L, D, SB, $.

TAVERNA 1986 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-3005; taverna.restaurant). San Marco Square’s upscale dining option features handcrafted Italian dishes with seasonal produce and meat from local purveyors. Handcrafted cocktails, salads, meats and pizzas made in a wood-burning oven are top sellers.

L, D, SB, $$.

Order online : JacksonvilleMag.com

TIMOTI’S SEAFOOD SHAK 21 N. 3rd St., Fernandina Beach (310-6550); 1043 Park St., Five Points (374-8892; timotis.com); Nocatee Town Center (374-5892). Timoti’s is a no-frills casual seafood joint that consistently dishes out tasty tacos, fish baskets and salads. Shrimp baskets that come with the works—a hush puppy, fries and slaw—and the poke bowl with ahi tuna, coconut rice and spinach is the stuff of local legend. L, D, $$.

TOWN HALL 2012 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-0726; townhalljax.com). Town Hall is the kind of place where you can wile away the better part of an evening with a plate of duck fat cornbread and a bottle of rosé. The food is excellent but the experience is made even better by the fact that the space is appointed with comfortable couches, warmly hued artwork, and thoughtful design touches, such as outlets at every high-top table in the bar area (perfect when your phone needs a charge). D, SB, $$$.

C R O S S W O R D

TREE STEAK HOUSE 11362-1 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (262-0006; thetreesteakhousejax.com).

For over 35 years the Tree has been serving prime steaks, as well as pork tenderloin, rack of lamb and lobster tails. Extensive wine list. D, $$$$.

TREYLOR PARK 158 Marketside Ave., Ponte Vedra Beach (834-7356; treylorpark.com). Located in Nocatee's Town Center, Treylor Park leans into its name with wooden tables, industrial seating, televisions and bric-a-brac adorning the walls in its 100seat main space that features a full bar. Executive Chef Marvin Sterling III’s offerings include inventive combos like PB&J chicken wings tossed in a peanut, pecan butter and peach jelly sauce, and Panko crusted avocado fries with Sriracha aioli. L, D, $$.

A N S W E R S

VALLEY SMOKE 11 S. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach (285-3235; valleysmoke.com) . A new restaurant from Ben and Liza Groshell, the restauranteurs behind Marker 32 and the Fish Camps, Valley Smoke features a menu that’s a modern take on traditional barbecue. Heavy Southern influences like house-made cornbread, beef brisket and pulled pork plates are balanced by items such as Atlantic salmon and venison Jagerschnitzel. L, D, $$$.

V PIZZA 1406 Hendricks Ave., San Marco (527-1511; vpizza.com); 528 1st St. N., Jacksonville Beach (8536633); 12601 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (647-9424).

This eatery turns pizza-making into an art form. Three wood-fired ovens show patrons just what they’re getting when they order one of the Neopolitan-style pizzas. Go with a classic margherita with mozzarella, basil and tomato or try the pizza carnivora with sausage, pepperoni, pancetta, red onion, roasted garlic, basil and mozzarella. In addition to pies, V Pizza offers salads, calzones, paninis and even roasts chicken wings in the wood-fired ovens. L, D, $$. u

Adult & Kid Food Pairings February 24 • 12:30 PM

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[ BACKSTORY ]

The Quiz Earthquakes, Beatles and monsters, oh my!

1

Famed naturalist John James Audubon visited St. Augustine in 1831.

He left with bold opinions about the burgeoning tourist town, calling it the...

A. “jewel of America’s southern coast” B. “poorest hole in Creation” C. “tropical paradise thought to exist only in dreams” D. “worst place to find parking in all of Florida”

2 The St. Johns River stretches some 310 miles in length.

The river is most narrow at its marshy headwaters in Indian County. But how wide is it at its widest point?

A. 5 miles; B. 4 miles; C. 3 miles; D. 2 miles

3

6

Paul McCartney was the halftime act for the 2005 Super Bowl held February 6 in Alltel Stadium. He played four songs. What tune did he play to open his set?

A. Drive My Car B. Get Back C. Live and Let Die D. Hey Jude

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JACKSONVILLEMAG.COM / JANUARY 2019

5

One morning in 1900, a small magnitude earthquake shook the city of Jacksonville for approximately 10 seconds. On what celebratory occasion did this rare seismic activity occur?

A. Halloween; B. Christmas; C. July 4th; D. New Year’s Day

When standing on the ground in Jax, most spots place a person between 20 and 50 few feet above sea level.

West of town is the county’s highest elevation, a point along the Baker/Duval county border called Trail Ridge. Approximately how high is it?

A. 190 feet; B. 320 feet; C. 460 feet; D. 540 feet

4 ANSWER KEY: 1. B; 2. C; 3. A; 4. A; 5. A; 6. C

Eyewitness reports and newspaper accounts of a serpent-like monster inhabiting the St. Johns River were fairly routine in the 1950s and `60s. What was the name commonly used when referring to the mysterious creature?

A. Saint Johnny; B. Muck Monster; C. Pinky; D. Cowford Jack

OUR TABLES ARE SET FOR YOU.

E N J OY T H E F L AVO R S O F T H E B L AC K S H E E P R E S TAU R A N T G R O U P

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