TAKE A BITE

The city’s newest micro-brewery Flying Fish Taphouse (1341 Airport Rd.) opened earlier this year on the city’s Northside. The casual eatery serves burgers, fried gator tail, and wood-fired steaks and features a 2,500 square foot beer garden, live music and two 20-tap cooling systems pouring a rotating selection of housebrewed beers and other local favorites. “Patrons can expect a fun-filled experience in a classy, but casual dining atmosphere,” says owner Jim Franks. Posted here is a Flying Fish menu item you can make at home, courtesy of chef Scott Welch.

Bloody Mary Oysters

12 fresh, shucked oysters on the half-shell

2 cups tomatoes, small dice

1/2 cup yellow onions, small dice

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced small

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 Tbsp fresh garlic, chopped

2 tsp seafood seasoning

1 tsp black pepper

1 Tbsp fresh lime juice

1 cup Bloody Mary mix

1/4 cup vodka or tequila

Place all other ingredients—except for the oysters—in a mixing bowl and blend by hand. Cover and place in a refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. When ready to serve, place shucked oysters in their shells over ice on a plate or tray. Spoon Bloody Mary mixture over top of the oysters and serve. u

Town Hall

Sourcing produce from local farms, Town Hall brings American fare with a West Coast influence to Florida. They encourage a sense of community in their dining experience, emphasized by comfy couches, warmly hued artwork, and thoughtful design touches such as outlets in the bar area. 2012 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-0726; townhalljax.com). D, SB, $$$.

Vernon’s First Coast Kitchen & Bar

Located at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, this restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients and seafood, and provides an exceptional wine list. Sunday brunch features farm-to-table classics like chicken and waffles and biscuits with gravy. 1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach (285-7777). B, D, $$$.

Whitey’s Fish Camp

Not many restaurants double as an RV park. That hospitality, combined with homespun ultra casual décor produces a Southern atmosphere at Whitey’s Fish Camp that is, above all, authentic. The seafood is fresh and specialities include beer-battered fried grouper, north-of-the-border steamed snow crab legs, a shrimp boil, and all-you-can-eat catfish. Check out the deck, tiki bar and dock, where you can even arrive by boat. 2032 C.R. 220, Orange Park (269-4198; whiteysfish-camp.com). L, D, $$. u

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