First Coast No More Homeless Pets invites you to The River Club of Jacksonville, Thursday, May17 for a celebration featuring animal inspired art and auction items.

Jacksonville’s most fabulous juried art show and silent auction features animal inspired fine art from regional artists, gourmet chow, Muttinis and Cattails, live music and the buzz of over 500 animal loving guests.

Meet the Artists VIP Hour is  6-7p.m. Tickets for VIP Hour are $60 in advance and $75 at the door.

The Main Event begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door. Advance ticket sales end Wednesday, June 22 at noon.

For more information and to purchase tickets online go here

Camp Broadway is returning for the twelfth year to Jacksonville’s Nathan H. Wilson’s Center for the Arts on Florida State College’s South Campus from June 18 to June 22. The camp offers classes to teach the ins and outs of the world of Broadway to campers from age 10 to 17 each day from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Proclaimed the “Camp of Dreams” by Broadway hopefuls, the summer workshop includes 40 hours of singing, dancing and master classes to help each camper expand their creative talents and gain a fuller understanding of musical theater. Campers work with Broadway directors, choreographers and musical directors to receive training in disciplines ranging from acting to ensemble singing.

Spots are still available for the classes, but space is limited to 100 campers. Tuition is $550 per camper, with half due at the time of registration. For applications and more information about Camp Broadway, visit  ArtistSeriesJax.org.

Have you been keeping up with your New Year’s Resolution to get fit this year? If you are one of those who went to the gym for a week and gave up, fear not. Cross Training San Marco is here to whip you into shape. Their innovative training technique combines cardiovascular exercise with strength training. The fastest most effective way to lose the pounds that you accumulated throughout the year.

Contact Michael at 904-619-3113 or visit their website here.

Tiny St. Augustine Beach eatery scores big with farm fresh philosophy.

One of the best things about St. Augustine is its bounty of locally owned restaurants. Sure, it’s a tourist town that has scads of Cracker Barrels and fast food franchises near the interstate. But stretched between the historic district and the beaches are dozens of original operations. One of the newer establishments, and arguably the smallest, is Ripe Bistro & Social Lounge, a tiny sliver of a restaurant located in a Publix-anchored shopping center near the intersection of Hwy. A1A and Anastasia Boulevard.

Don’t let the small size fool you. Most of the tables in the narrow dining room are two-tops and the bar can accommodate maybe six patrons standing shoulder to shoulder. The kitchen stands right across from the bar and is more like a yacht’s galley, cramped and efficiently packed. But there’s plenty of big flavor to be found here. And it’s anything but franchise in taste and variety. Few chain eateries offer savory crepes, fresh and crusty baguette sandwiches or glasses of Frog’s Leap cabernet sauvignon.

The menu hops on board the locally sourced and organic movement, and targets the truly healthful diner with items like hemp bagels, yogurts, granola, fresh pressed veggie and fruit juices and fair trade coffees. A handful of salads continue the farm-to-table theme. Try the organic local tomato caprese layered with mozzarella, micro greens, whole leaf basil and finished with basil oil and aged balsamic ($9.50).

The crepes, both savory and sweet variations, are likely Ripe’s most uncommon dishes—at least uncommon for a beachy locale like this. The duck confit crepe is stuffed with tangy herbed goat cheese and drizzled with port wine reduction. The thinly sliced prime grass-fed filet crepe comes with arugula and crumbled blue cheese. Organic Swiss cheese with roasted walnuts, sausage with peppers and onions, wild salmon with caper and dill cream cheese, priced between $8 and $18, round out the savory offerings. On the sweeter side, but still wrapped in thin dough, are dessert crepes like Vermont maple syrup with powdered sugar and Nutella chocolate with bananas, strawberries and roasted hazelnuts.

The bread alone makes the half-dozen baguette sandwiches worth an order. The grilled cheese with creamy brie, free range turkey and apple slices is a standout, as is the chicken salad with avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers and shaved carrots (both $8). Though, an old sock would taste pretty good tucked between halves of the crunchy and delicious loaf. An organic wool sock might taste even better.

Ripe Bistro & Social Lounge
1097 A1A, St. Augustine Beach; 471-3177
ripestaugustine.com

Hours: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The kitchen closes at 3 PM, reopens at 5 PM and stays open until 9 PM, a bit later if it’s busy.
Beer & Wine: Check out the extensive wine and beer selection, smartly stored in cases behind the bar.
Say Cheese: Artisan cheese, cured meats, seasonal fruit and organic local honey make the chef’s cheese board a real treat.
Get Comfy: A collection of black leather arm chairs and sofas in the back is ideal for sitting with a glass of wine and couple of friends.
Outdoor Dining: A handful of cafe tables stand outside both the front and back doors. The view—two sides of a shopping center parking lot—isn’t much to enjoy.
Think Small: Party of 10? You’re welcome, but the group is going to take up about half of the restaurant. An open table might be hard to find.

BBQ oysters with celery and blue cheese tapenade and bacon BBQ sauce by Jenny Selden, executive chef of Patio at Pastiche

Ingredients:

5 shucked oysters
Equal parts cornmeal and flour, for dredging
Bacon BBQ Sauce:
½ c. bacon, small dice
½ c. red onion, small dice
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ jalapeño pepper, minced
½ c. red wine vinegar
2 c. ketchup
½ c. soy sauce
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. lime juice
1 tsp. chipotle in adobo
2 T. honey
1 T. dried oregano leaves
1 tsp. ground ginger
¼ tsp. ground clove
Pinch cayenne
Tapenade:
2 stalks celery, minced
2 T. shallot, minced
1 tsp. garlic clove, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
1 T. fresh thyme
Splash of champagne vinegar
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
½ cup crumbled blue cheese

Procedure:
1. Dredge oysters in cornmeal and flour mix. Flash fry in 350° oil for 20-25 seconds, then set aside.
2. Render bacon in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and jalapeño, and cook for 3-5 minutes.
3. Add remaining ingredients for bacon bbq sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a
simmer and cook for 15 minutes, then purée in blender.
4. Combine ingredients for tapenade; season to taste with salt and white pepper.
5. Spoon bacon bbq sauce onto a plate, top with the oysters and garnish with the tapenade.
*Note: BBQ sauce can be made in advance and will hold for two weeks.

Local spa services provide comfort for mind, body and wallet

There is nothing like the feeling of stretching out face-down on a comfortable mattress as someone gently kneads the tension out of your muscles. The sheer strain of a stressful day and a long commute simply melts away in the hands of a quality spa professional. People pay handsomely to
capture the essence of such a feeling, but fortunately for us on the First Coast, ecstasy is a little more affordable. Several spas in the area offer innovative relaxing treatments that cost about the same as a nice dinner or a new dress. And, in addition to the short-term relaxation, several treatments can significantly improve your complexion, muscle tone and overall sense of well-being for days. Think of these options as an investment in your own serenity.

••• For a different kind of massage treatment, Seventh Wonder Day Spa near Ortega offers hot stone therapy. This ancient form of therapeutic massage relies on heating smooth black stones and placing them along strategic points on the back, neck and body. The heat helps soothe trouble spots by relieving tension in some of the body’s most stress-prone areas. A 60-minute hot stone treatment will set you back $100.

••• For an unusual (and surprisingly affordable) relaxation experience, Massage Bliss on the city’s Southside offers an infrared sauna treatment. This kind of sauna is revered by the likes of Dr. Oz, Bob Green (Oprah’s fitness coach) and The Doctors for its health benefits. The infrared sauna rids your body of harmful toxins, and just one treatment is said to help lower blood pressure and improve circulation. It can also burn between 200-600 calories. A 20-minute session starts at $30, with a $15 introductory special.

••• One Ocean Resort and Spa in Atlantic Beach serves up an array of unique treatments. This full-service spa is famous for its incorporation of marine-based elements into its menu of indulgent therapies. “One treatment we offer is the Earth & Sea Scrub massage,” says spa director Beverly Fox-Crismond. “For this, we use pure ingredients such as sea salt and organic sugar cane for a scrub that makes your skin radiant and shiny. It’s a great way to exfoliate.” A 50-minute treatment runs for $115. Pictured left is the couples massage that runs from $205-$285.

••• Just down the coast, one can find a variety of soothing services at The Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. A recent winner of the Best Day Spa title in the 2012 Best of Jacksonville poll, this spa offers a special treatment designed specifically for expectant mothers. “This is one of the most unique treatments around,” says Andy Radovic, vice president of sales and marketing. “It is extremely relaxing and uses gentle pressure and massage that addresses some of the deep discomfort often associated with pregnancy.” A 50-minute treatment runs $120. Just be sure to consult a doctor before you relax in the sauna or Jacuuzzi in the locker room.

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Photo + Styling: Natalie McCray
Hair Colorist: Carol King
Makeup + Hair: Micah Brown
Model: Tyler Hill

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To folks who know Jeff Staggs, it comes as no surprise that he would end up owning a home on Bourbon Alley. Staggs himself is unlike many Avondale residents. While some homeowners in the renowned historic district go to great lengths to research their home’s “pedigree” (and cross their fingers that the name of a prominent architect such as Henry Klutho or Marion Sims Wyeth turns up on the blueprint), he isn’t consumed with such details.

When asked about the architectural style of the home, for example, he’ll probably respond vaguely: “I’d probably call it art deco on the outside, but it feels more Mediterranean on the inside.”

Turns out the house is equally enigmatic. Aside from not representing any particular architectural style—other than to say it reflects the influence of the international style popularized between 1926 and 1950—the house sits atop a short, dead-end street, known as Bourbon Alley, that can’t be found on a city map or in the Duval County property appraiser’s office database. (For relational purposes, Bourbon Alley is situated between Donald Street and McDuff Avenue with the five homes located on it having St. Johns Avenue addresses.)

Being that Staggs isn’t especially connected to his home’s history, he wasn’t obsessed with filling it with period furniture and antique accessories or decorating it with era-appropriate paint colors. Rather, he chose to fill his home with furniture, accessories and colors he likes.
Fortunately, when Staggs purchased the house earlier this year, he didn’t have to do any major repairs or remodeling, which allowed him to concentrate on cosmetic issues and making the house fit his aesthetic and lifestyle.

“I looked at about 15-20 houses, but this one just blew me away. I loved the location and the fact that it’s unique. There’s nothing like it [in the neighborhood],” Staggs says. “And when I saw the kitchen… my heart really started beating.”

At move-in, the house was practically devoid of color—white walls, white ceiling, white trim—and a far cry from the vibrant atmosphere he wanted to create, so his first order of business was giving the interior a much-needed splash of color. In the living room, he chose Golden Gate, a warm yellow tone that makes the space, which is already flooded with natural light, feel even brighter. (The same shade is repeated in the kitchen.) For the dining room, he selected Moroccan Red, a rich vermillion that gives the room some exotic flair. In the smaller guest room, he opted for a calming color called Whipple Blue. And to create a sophisticated master bedroom, he went with Chelsea Gray as the main color, then added an accent wall, which started out purple, went to silver and wound up as a shade that resembles a spa blue.

The furniture, artwork, accessories and lighting found throughout the house similarly reflect Stagg’s vibe of “contemporary, casual, comfortable” and, of course, colorful. From the orange/red (depending on whom you ask) leather chair, ottoman and similarly toned patterned armless chairs in the living room juxtaposed against a sage, coffee cream area rug in a geometric pattern and hexagonal Mexican clay tiles, the room showcases Staggs’ ability to bring together disparate colors, textures, styles and motifs successfully—a talent he, no doubt, learned working in the retail merchandising field for more than a decade, and which he continues to hone as a realtor with Traditions Realty in Riverside. Though, in all honesty, he first found his talent for decorating as a kid growing up in rural Alabama by rearranging his bedroom on a regular basis.

Perfectly-poufed throw pillows in bold patterns and colors add splashes of color throughout the house on beds, sofas and chairs, while vivid pieces of art adorn the walls and photos of family and friends decorate tables and shelves in virtually every room in the house, including the master bathroom. Window coverings are inconspicuous or non-existent to let as much light in as possible.

The fact that Staggs decorated his residence in keeping with his own preferences and style, instead of letting the house’s history, architecture and age dictate the interior, is yet another way his attitude reflects the uniqueness of his home. Plus, where other owners of historic homes are often quick to brag about their expensive designer this, antique that and custom-made the other, Staggs takes great pride in his bargain-hunting abilities. The majority of the furniture in the house came from West Elm, Rooms To Go and Target; accessories and artwork from Stein Mart and Hobby Lobby (yes, Hobby Lobby); and light fixtures from Lowe’s or Home Improvement (not including the two chandeliers that he convinced his friend to sell to him for next to nothing, or the hanging kitchen lamps that he talked the previous homeowner into leaving behind). Staggs admits he’s even rescued items from the trash chute of the department store he used to work for, literally screaming across the floor to stop someone from throwing away some candles and pedestals covered in dust, which now—after being cleaned and polished—look like new sitting in his living room.

But perhaps the most interesting detail about Staggs winding up in a house on Bourbon Alley relates to his love of socializing and entertaining.
Though theories abound about how the street came to be known as Bourbon Alley, Staggs says he’s been told that back in the day, the wives who lived there would gather in the afternoon and drink bourbon until their husbands came home from work, then their husbands would join them. Someone came up with the idea of calling the street “Bourbon Alley,” which they painted on the two columns flanking the turn-in that still stands today.

“We refer to my house as the ‘cocktail home.’ Some neighbor or friend is always coming by after work for a drink, so we’ll hang out on the screened-in porch [off the kitchen],” he says. “And I just had a big housewarming party with about 75-80 people. I love having people over.”
That explains, in part, why Staggs is opening his house to thousands of strangers this month as part of the Riverside Avondale Preservation’s Spring Tour of Homes (he did so once before when he lived in a house on Belvedere Avenue). “Yes, it’s a lot of work, but Riverside Avondale has the neatest history of any neighborhood I’ve ever seen in Florida, and I want to share that with others,” he says. “Plus, being in the real estate business, I love to meet new people and talk. And I love my house.”
Note to Staggs: You might want to stock up on bourbon.

Cinnamon pumpkin stuffed French toast from chef Michael Tucker of TPC Sawgrass

Ingredients:
French Toast
2 pieces cinnamon raisin bread
½ cup pumpkin purée
2 T. cream cheese
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. Vermont maple syrup
3 eggs
¼ c. milk
1tsp. vanilla
1tsp. nutmeg
½ c. favorite cinnamon cereal
Amaretto Pecan Ice Cream
1 ½ c. whipping cream
1 ½ c. whole milk
6 eggs
¾ c. sugar
1 T. light corn syrup
3 T. Amaretto
½ c. toasted pecans
1 ½ tsp. vanilla bean extract

Procedure:
French Toast
Soften cream cheese, add pumpkin purée, set aside 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Mix eggs, milk, vanilla, nutmeg, remaining cinnamon and pie spice. Crush cereal and place on a plate. Lay out bread, spread out pumpkin mixture on one side and place other piece on top. Dunk in egg mixture and seal edges. Roll in cereal and place in fryer or a well-oiled skillet until golden brown. Place on a baking sheet and bake for two to three minutes, until middle is warm. Cut in half and serve.

Amaretto Pecan Ice Cream
Mix egg yolk, sugar and corn syrup together in a bowl and set aside. Heat milk and cream to a light boil, remove from heat, then add vanilla. Let sit for two minutes. Add cream mixture to egg mixture (add slowly so you do not cook the egg). Add Amaretto and pecans to mixture and cool for about 30 minutes. Set up ice cream machine, add mixture to cylinder and shut lid. Add ice around the cylinder and cover with rock salt, turn on machine. The machine should run around 30 minutes. Once machine is done turning, remove ice cream and transfer to a plastic tube and freeze for two to three hours.

We kick off our 2012 Bride’s Night season with an evening at one of the city’s most popular reception venues, Jacksonville Golf & Country Club. Join us for delicious food and libations and insider wedding planning info from top level experts.

June 14
6:30 – 8:30 PM (registration opens at 6 PM)

Jacksonville Golf & Country Club
3985 Hunt Club Rd.
(904) 223-5555
show on map

• Purchase Tickets

You Are Invited To Announce Your Wedding in Jacksonville Magazine

Picture your wedding announcement and story in Northeast Florida’s most-read magazine. At Jacksonville Magazine, we receive dozens of wedding photos and stories from happy brides and grooms every month. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to include all of them within our pages. That is until now. Starting in March 2011, we are offering newlyweds the opportunity to guarantee an appearance in our magazines. Guidelines are posted below, so please follow the instructions as directed.

The announcements are professionally composed and copy-edited by our staff to create a treasured keepsake of your special day.

What You’ll Need

• A completed submission form. See below. Forms include contact information, photographer credits, mailing info and other needed details.

• Photos. On CD, as high-resolution, digital images (300 dpi at 5×7). Share these specifications with your photographer. CDs will not be returned. Do not send more than 2 photos, 1 if securing a 1/4-page profile. Do not send photo collages. Photos may be emailed, provided they are not too large.

• Your wedding story write-up. Please title the document with the bride’s maiden name and groom’s last name. Word count limit ranges from 75 to 450 words, depending on profile size. Write-ups that are too long will be edited. And don’t expect your story to appear exactly as written. Our editors will make it even better!

• Your payment. A full-page wedding announcement (450 words & 2 photos) is $495. A half-page (175 words & 2 photos) is $295. A one-quarter-page (75 words & 1 photo) is $150. You may pay by check or via credit card. Send materials and payment to Jacksonville Magazine, 1261 King St., Jacksonville, FL 32204.

• Each couple will receive a one-year subscription to Jacksonville Magazine, and we will alert you as to which edition of Jacksonville Magazine your story will appear. Bonus: all purchased announcements will appear in the next available edition of Bride.

Questions?

Visit JacksonvilleMag.com here to send us your information online or email us at kweedon@jacksonvillemag.com or call Kathy Weedon at (904) 389-3622.

We had so much fun at our inaugural Northeast Florida Beer Cup last year we decided that if one is good, two is even better. The second Craft Brewing Celebration returns to the Florida Theatre at the end of summer.

Thanks to the more than 400 partygoers who turned out for 2011 Northeast Florida Beer Cup on September 15, a fundraiser featuring the region’s top craft brewers serving a variety of tasty ales, lagers, stouts and more. The food was awesome, the beers tasty and cold and the venue gorgeous. Year two promises to be even better.

We have give a shout out to the night’s entertainment, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, a homegrown 3-piece band heavily influenced by bluegrass, outlaw country and metal. The band played a devilish blend of blood and beer soaked originals along with hot pickin instrumentals. Perfect for drinking beer and eating barbecue, right? Check out more GCM on their Facebook Page.

The list of participating brewers and restaurants included Intuition Ale Works, Mojo #4, Engine 15, Sweetwater, Bold City, French Fry Heaven, River City Brewing Co., European Street, Hornsby’s Hard Cider, Green Room Brewing, and the Habeus Porkus barbecue pork bus. Yum! You guys are awesome. We’ll be bringing even more good eats in 2012.

Tickets won’t go on sale till later this year. But keep an eye out for announcements here and on Facebook. We will sell only a limited number of tickets (quality over quantity is what we preach at Jax Mag) and once they are gone, they are gone. Jacksonville Magazine Club members receive priority admission, so think of joining if you want to attend the Beer Cup and the many other fundraising parties we host during the year.

Vendors and sponsors wishing to participate may contact Carol Kimsey at (904) 389-3622 or Carol@JacksonvilleMag.com.

Part glam festival, part chic cocktail party, part foodie extravaganza—the 2011 Jacksonville Whiskey Affair was a celebration of the myriad points of intersection between cocktails and culture. More than 150 patrons gathered December 1 at the luxurious  One Ocean Resort for the inaugural fundraising fete, a mix of fantastic food and sophisticated libations and other luxurious indulgences. Featuring a dozen top-shelf whiskey tastings hosted by Coastal Wine & Spirits, delicious eats prepared by Azurea executive chef Ted Peters and more.

Among the evening’s whiskey  tastings
provided by Coastal Wine & Spirits were:

Crown Royal Black, Canadian • Crown Royal Cask 16, Canadian • Bushmill’s 10 Year, Irish • Bulleit Rye, Kentucky Bourbon • Buchanan’s, Scotland • Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, Highlands Scotland • Glenmorangie La Santa, Highlands Scotland • Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or, Highlands Scotland • Johnny Walker Gold, Highlands Scotland • Ardbeg, Islay Scotland • Cragganmore, Speyside Scotland • Glenkinchie, Lowlands Scotland

Also, we were thrilled to have Palm Ridge Reserve, premium whiskey distilled in Florida, also pouring at the event.

The menu prepared by executive chef Ted Peters was truly outstanding. For starters, guests were treated to a selection of artisan cheeses, breads, olive oil marinated chorizo and roast artichokes. Dining stations included Lobster Whiskey, pan-roasted cold water lobster tail flamed with Canadian Whiskey, warm barley and preserved citrus salad with micro tarragon. How about house-made winter duck sausage kabobs in a pomegranite BBQ sauce? Delicious, right? We’ll also indulged in 8-hour braised Harris Ranch short ribs with sweet and sour cabbage. And those who saved room for  desserts there was cardamom scented creme brulee, pumpkin and white chocolate mousse cups, caramel pecan tartlets and gourmet chocolate truffles. Yum!

In addition to top shelf spirits, guests were treated to hands-on experience with premier luxury brands (for example, Underwoods showcased the season’s hottest jewelry designs). Local musician Kyle Wehner helped set the mood for the night via his jazz/pop combo. Also, we were excited to have Julio Cordero, a master Cuban cigar roller, on hand to roll premium cigars using leaves grown in Ecuador, Honduras and the Dominican Republic. Guests were welcome to ask Julio about his craft and even take a souvenir smoke home with them.

The 2012 Jacksonville Whiskey Affair is tentatively set for Thursday, December 6. Tickets won’t go on sale till the fall, so stay tuned for announcements on that and other event news. Sponsors and vendors wishing to participate may call Carol Kimsey at (904) 389-3622 or (cell) 716-9839, via email Carol@JacksonvilleMag.com.

Save the date! The 2013 Best of Jacksonville Party has been scheduled for Thursday, January 31. We return to the beautiful and spacious West Club at EverBank Field again this year. Expect all the usual suspects that have made the Best of Jacksonville Party the must-attend annual kickoff to the River City’s social scene for a decade. We’ll have food and drinks from more than 30 leading area restaurants, music, a silent auction, and our always-popular party photo station. And, just like the past five years, the party serves as the official casting call for the year’s Cover Model Search.

More details will be posted in the coming months. For sponsorship or participation info, contact Carol Kimsey at (904) 389-3622.

A new awards and honors program invites readers to nominate influential healthcare industry leaders working in Northeast Florida. Nominations are open to individuals in myriad professions including medical practice, nursing, administration, research, education, IT, software development, engineering, planning, public policy, law, marketing, consulting and more. In fact, if one’s job relates to healthcare in any measurable way, he or she is eligible to be nominated.

So, who are the movers and shakers in Jacksonville healthcare? We want your input. The nomination period opens April 1 and closes May 1. (Note: The nomination period is closed for 2012.) There is no fee to nominate someone and nominations will not be measured based exclusively on the number of nominations a person receives. All nominations will be reviewed by an impartial panel of industry representatives. The 75 chosen will be announced in the June 2012 edition of 904 Magazine. Winners will also be honored at a reception to be held later in the year.

Mother and daughter time never felt so relaxing; upgrade your regular mani-pedi tradition to a day at One Ocean Resort and Spa. With calming choices like the Honey-Lavender Milk Body Renewal for $115 and the Honey-Lavender Parfait Manicure and Pedicure combination for $99, it’s a gift that is well-worth the price tag.

Once mom has gotten all the stress kinks worked out at the spa, take her to the beachside Azurea Restaurant at the resort to enjoy a seasonally inspired menu with first-class service.

To reserve an appointment or explore other services offered, visit OneOceanResort.com.

Roses, tulips, lilies; no matter what her favorite flower, give your mom a bright reminder of how much you care with a fresh floral arrangement from Bonnie’s Floral Designs. A unique gift for any occasion, the shop’s quality flowers and silk arrangements can be customized into an array of creative combinations.

Don’t get caught without something for mom on Sunday, place an order or learn more at BonniesFloralDesigns.com.

Take advantage of some of Penelope T Boutique’s newest summer arrivals with a special promotion code just in time for Mother’s Day. A gift to all the moms out there, the boutique is offering 15 percent off any purchase made between May 7 and May 12 when you enter “Mother’s Day 2012″ at checkout.

With plenty of fresh and modern pieces like the Rachel Pally mini-caftan dress and Ropes of Maine bracelets to choose from, the shop is sure to have something perfect for making your mom feel extraordinary on her special day. Penelope T Boutique is located at 2400 S Third St. 102 Jacksonville Beach. Check out some of the latest looks and find out more about special May deals at PenelopeTBoutique.com.

Montoya & Associates, located at 236 Ponte Vedra Park Dr Ste 101,  is hosting the 6th Annual TPC Par-tee  and Raffle on May 11 from 5-7:30pm, a benefit for the United Way. Join hundreds of attendees as they take part in raffles for massage packages, a Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery Basket and golf foursomes and many other items. Brumos will also be on hand with their Porsches to raffle off a test drive around the oval track.

There will also be plenty of food, cocktails and entertainment. The event is free to attended and the raffles are optional. If you plan to attend please RSVP by May 8. Contact Chelsea Pastrana at 904-280-2028 or email her at Chelseap@montoyabenefits.com.

This Thursday and Friday from 10am-5pm Ellie Bing (Avondale location), known for its vintage jewelery and hand bags,  is having a trunk show featuring Pierre & Harry Pearls  and J. Mclaughlin.

Ellie Bing is located at 3639 St. Johns Ave. Contact 904-232-8866 for more information.

If you’re looking to redecorate your home this spring, then Ethan Allen is the place for you. The April Sale at Ethan Allen is going on through April 30.  Get 10% off your total purchase or take advantage of 48-month financing on all regular priced items. For more information or to shop the sale online visit www.ethanallen.com or visit any Design Center location.

Underwood’s (Avenues Mall location) is hosting a John Hardy trunk show this Saturday from 10am-6pm. Be the first to preview the newest designs and enjoy a personalized consultation by a John Hardy stylist.

Call 394-1390 for more details.

Cafe Nights every Tuesday from 5pm-7pm in April at the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens bring Springtime in Paris to Jacksonville. Admission to the museum is free after 4pm. The Museum’s TreeCup Cafe features French inspired fun. music and hands on interactions.

Now until May 6, the Impressionism and Post Impressionism from the High Museum of Art exhibition presents more than 50 works by renowned artists such as Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent.

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In April, the 2012 Sawgrass Wine Festival, a four day wine and spirits extravaganza, will begin with a Wine Dinner on Thursday at the TPC. Plans are underway to bring in a noted wine maker and pair his wines with a four course dinner prepared by the TPC’s chef, Hector Go…nzales, nationally recognized from Private Club as an American platinum member and acclaimed “Chef of the Year” by Hampton Roads Publication in Virginia Beach. Only a limited number of tickets are available for $100, inclusive.

The festivities continue with wine and spirits tastings and seminars on Friday and Saturday. All the seminars have limited seating. Purchase tickets online for $10 in advance or $15 at the door, if available.

The main event will be wine, spirits and food tastings under tents on the grounds of the Sawgrass Marriott from 2 until 6 pm on Saturday. Listen to music, sample culinary delights from Winn – Dixie and purchase your favorite wine from the onsite Wine Market open an hour before and an hour after the tasting. Tickets for the Saturday “Tasting Under the Tents” are $30 in advance and $40 at the door with your signature tasting glass included in the price. Details and tickets are available at www.sawgrasswinefestival.com.

Finally, the four day event will end with a Champagne Brunch. This very popular event from past wine events has been brought back this year as the culmination of what Master Sommelier John Blazon formerly of Walt Disney World and now Vice President, Sales – Spire Collection at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates has called “the first credible wine event in North Florida.” The four course brunch will be held at Sawgrass Marriott’s The Augustine Grille featuring some extraordinary sparkling wine and champagnes. We have very limited seating for this spectacular event priced at only $60 per person, inclusive.

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If you didn’t know the location of The Good Food Company, you could easily drive right past it. Once guests are in the door, though, it seems that executive chef Millard Cooley has a handle on what it takes to keep them coming back.

The dining room is warm and inviting, with dark brown hues and eye-catching lighting fixtures. It’s effortlessly elegant, with quirky touches that keep the ambiance interesting, like a pillar adorned with ceramic sculptures of animal heads.

Our group was led to a four-top table in the center of the room. A server soon arrived and explained how meals work at The Good Food Company: dinners are served as three-course meals, and we were instructed to place our order for an appetizer and entrée at the same time. In between, we could expect a complimentary salad.

We started the meal with the mezzo platter. A wood block piled high with crostinis, assorted cheeses, olive and mushroom tapenade, olives and cured meats was delivered to our table fairly quickly. We were told that the cheeses and meats change constantly; our platter came with a delicious assortment of asiago and parmesan cheeses, as well as prosciutto and dill-rubbed pork loin.

As we finished the platter, our complimentary salads arrived. Each plate held a short stack of spinach leaves, topped with slices of cucumber and a refreshing citrus vinaigrette. In the meantime, a small bowl of soup was served to one of the other diners. It was lukewarm; our server quickly returned the bowl to the kitchen. Moments later, chef Cooley appeared at the table, bearing a suitably hot bowl and an apology for the inconvenience—a gesture that is always appreciated. Our entrées arrived next.

I ordered the gold maple duck with roasted potatoes, fresh vegetables and blueberry gastrique. The duck breast arrived stacked above the potato slices, with the rich dark berry sauce swirled around the entrée. It was delicious; the breast was perfectly seared on both sides, and the salty and savory crust of the meat blended beautifully with the sweet blueberry sauce. My guest ordered the chicken tajine, and her entrée presentation was equally impressive. When the lid of the ceramic tajine was lifted, the scent of the chicken, olives and mushrooms wafted across the table. The chicken was tender and juicy, and the olives and mushrooms were dense and flavorful.

We passed on dessert, and chose instead to linger over the last few bites of our meals. When good food is on the table, there’s no need to rush.

The Good Food Company
13475 Atlantic Blvd.,
Intracoastal West; 329-2407,
thegoodfoodcompany.com

Take a sneak peek at new items arriving in April at, Penelope T, Jacksonville Beach’s premiere store for clothes, shoes and accessories, new items include Laugh, Cry, Repeat rope top, Ladakh strapless dress and Dolanatec embroidered top.

Penelope T Boutique is located at 2400 S Third St. 102 Jacksonville Beach. For more information visithttp://www.penelopetboutique.com

Join the inaugural Jax Beer Week April 2 – 7! There will be brewing collaborations, local beer nights at your favorite craft brew pubs and a grand tasting on April 7th at Mellow Mushroom (southside). Visit beerweekjax.com for details!

Our firm partners, Tom Edwards and Eric Ragatz, are committed to the idea that everyone deserves justice. We pursue the goals of equality, fairness,  honesty and integrity and work daily to right the wrongs that occur by protecting your rights in the justice system. It is our responsibility to protect justice and safety in our community, and to ensure the injured are fairly compensated.

Thomas S. Edwards, Jr., is a Florida Bar board certified civil trial lawyer who graduated from the Stetson University College of Law in 1983. He is AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell, was included in the 2012 Best Lawyers of America; a peer-review publication, has served as past president of the Jacksonville Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Jacksonville Bar, the Jacksonville Trial

Lawyers and the Florida Justice Association–The State Trial Lawyers. He also was named the 2012 Best Lawyers Jacksonville Lawyer of the Year in Medical Malpractice Law.

Eric Ragatz graduated from the Stetson University College of Law in 1996 and is AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell. Eric’s practice areas include personal injury and wrongful death cases, nursing home negligence, medical malpractice, products liability and complex civil litigation. Eric is admitted to all Florida Courts, all United States District Courts in Florida and is a licensed member of the State Bar of Georgia.

By focusing our efforts solely on trials, we prepare every case for presentation before a jury. Securing justice for our clients is a mission that we approach with a relentless work ethic. Our peers know they can trust us with their clients; as a result, around 80 percent of our cases are referred to us through other attorneys.

Earlier this year, Tom and Eric won a landmark verdict for a client. The medical malpractice case resulted in an awarded verdict of $168 million, plus $10 million in punitive damages from HCA/Memorial Hospital. This is one of the largest verdicts in Florida history. We are pleased that our client saw the justice he deserved.

Now, let us help you. Edwards & Ragatz, P.A.

501 Riverside  Avenue, Suite 601, Jacksonville, FL 32202  |  904.399.1609  |  edwardsragatz.com

(pictured) Eric C. Ragatz & Thomas S. Edwards Jr.

The law firm of Boyd & Jenerette congratulates one of its shareholders, Kristen Van der Linde, on being named a “Top Lawyer” in Jacksonville.  Boyd & Jenerette, P.A. was established in 1952 by Charles T. Boyd, Jr. and Noah H. Jenerette, Jr. and has always taken pride in providing its clients with the stellar and efficient representation. Ms. Van der Linde has practiced with the firm for over 20 years and exemplifies the Boyd & Jenerette approach. Ms. Van der Linde has been instrumental in the growth of the firm into a  full-service law firm with offices throughout the Southeast including Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Savannah and Wilmington. Ms. Van der Linde’s practice focuses on meeting the client’s needs with tenacity and her work includes automobile liability, wrongful death, insurance coverage, asbestos and premises liability. The firm also provides representation to its clients in all forms of litigation, corporate law, bankruptcy law, employment-related practices, insurance law, international law, real estate, sports & entertainment law, Longshore and maritime law.

Boyd & Jenerette routinely goes above and beyond for its clients in providing them with a unique competitive edge, regardless of their field of endeavor or the challenges they face. In everything we do, Boyd & Jenerette offers innovative, effective solutions and counsel for businesses of virtually every type and size.

201 N. Hogan St., Suite 400, Jacksonville, FL 32202  |  904.353.6241 boyd-jenerette.com

(pictured) Robert E. Schrader, III; Benford L. Samuels, Jr.; Glen A. McClary & Kristen Van der Linde

Ellerin | Hutchinson is a civil trial and family law firm located on the Southside of Jacksonville. The firm handles cases in Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. John’s County.

Ronald R. Oberdier is currently serving as Of Counsel to Ellerin | Hutchinson where he continues his work handling Personal Injury cases on behalf of individuals and institutional clients, primarily in the areas of Transportation and Railroad Law. Mr. Oberdier is Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Civil Trial since 1993 and brings a wealth of experience to Ellerin | Hutchinson. This is his seventh consecutive year to be selected by his peers to Best Lawyers. He has spoken at numerous seminars and Continuing Legal Education programs, training attorneys in the procedural and substantive law. He was selected to Florida Super Lawyers and served as President of the Jacksonville Defense Lawyers Association. A Life Member of Mensa, Ron is always actively engaged in exploring new and exciting theories to better serve our clients.

Scott R. Ellerin has been practicing law in the Jacksonville area for the past eight years. Mr. Ellerin concentrates his legal practice exclusively on family law matters.

Jason K. Hutchinson has been practicing law in Jacksonville for the past eight years. Mr. Hutchinson currently focuses his practice on family law and personal injury litigation.

Kacie K. Hutchinson has been practicing law in Jacksonville for the past seven years. Ms. Hutchinson currently focuses her practice on personal injury litigation.

Charles B. Furbish has been practicing law in Jacksonville for the past three years. Mr. Furbish currently focuses his practice on family law litigation.

9141 Cypress Green Dr., Suite 3, Jacksonville, FL 32256 | 904.636.9901

ehlawonline.com

(pictured) Ronald R. Oberdier, Scott R. Ellerin, Jason K. Hutchinson, Kacie K. Hutchinson & Charles B. Furbish

Established in 1978, Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball, P.A. is the largest business, tax and estate planning specialty law firm in north Florida, with offices in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach and Amelia Island. Eleven of the firm’s shareholders are AV rated with Martindale-Hubbell and Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Wills, Trusts & Estates, Taxation or Real Estate Law.

This year, Michael W. Fisher, Clay B. Tousey, Jr., Robert A. Dawkins, John E. Lawlor III and Robert N. Miller were selected by their peers as Best Lawyers for the 2012 rankings. Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball was also ranked in the 2011-2012 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” in both Tax Law and Trust and Estate Law.

Our Board Certified specialists counsel clients in estate planning, including wills, trusts, and charitable foundations, and in trust administration, guardianships, and elder law. Our clients look to the firm to educate them throughout the  estate planning process. The firm’s business and tax practice helps LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and charitable organizations navigate complex tax issues, mergers and acquisitions, sales, retirement plans and employee benefit matters. The firm’s real estate practice counsels our business and high net worth clients on the purchase, sale, financing,  leasing, and/or exchange of commercial real estate while also offering real estate tax planning services.

501 Riverside Ave., Suite 600, Jacksonville, FL 32202

818 N. A1A, Suite 104, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

5211 S. Fletcher Ave., Suite 260, Amelia Island, FL 32034

904.356.2600  |  www.fishertousey.com

(pictured) John E. Lawlor III, Robert N. Miller, Robert A. Dawkins, Clay B. Tousey, Jr. & Michael W. Fisher

Vicki Bowers graduated magna cum laude from Jacksonville University in 1994. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law in 1997.

Vicki Bowers is one of only 87 Florida attorneys who is a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education, she is a Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation, and is also a Veterans Administration accredited attorney. She is also among the five percent of Florida attorneys named to the Florida Super Lawyers list annually since 2008.

Specializing in elder law focuses Vicki Bowers’ practice on the unique issues faced by the elderly, the disabled, and their families. Services include wills, trusts, special needs trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance directives, nursing home placement and discharge issues, long term care, Medicaid and Social Security Income planning,Veterans Benefits, guardianship and probate. While specializing in the legal needs of the elderly and disabled, Vicki Joiner Bowers, P.A. provides assistance in these areas to individuals of any age or stage of life.

Vicki frequently speaks on topics relating to elder law and planning issues, and has published articles on advance directives and long term care planning.

4540 Southside Blvd., Suite 303, Jacksonville, FL 32216 | 904.998.0724 bowerselderlaw.com

As the senior member of Donahoo & McMenamy, PA, Thomas M. Donahoo has specialized in tax, estate planning, wills and trusts for 46 years. His academic training at the University of Florida (BS/BA, 1962), the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University (JD, 1965) and the New York University School of Law (LLM, 1966) is complemented by his experience as a past Chairman of the Tax Section of the Florida Bar, a Board Certified tax lawyer by the Florida Bar, and a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. The Donahoo Firm was founded in 1938 by his father, John W. Donahoo (deceased), and currently includes three other attorneys: William B. McMenamy, Thomas M. Donahoo, Jr., and Emily K. Dillow. They represent a team approach that has provided positive results for clients for over three generations. The Donahoo Firm looks forward to maintaining existing relationships and building new ones.

245 Riverside Ave., Suite 450, Jacksonville, FL 32202  |  904.354.8080

Alison Emery is a consumer law attorney who concentrates her practice on representation of individuals and families struggling with debt both in bankruptcy, state and federal court litigation and in alternative resolution methods, such as mortgage modification and debt settlement. Ms. Emery is a proud Jacksonville native and graduate of Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Vassar College (B.A. 1994) and the University of Florida College of Law (J.D. 2002). She developed her passion for consumer advocacy during her years as an insurance defense and commercial litigation attorney, leading her to transition to her current practice area. This varied background has given Ms. Emery a unique perspective in her representation of consumers in these difficult economic times, and she views consumer advocacy as her calling instead of just her profession. She is admitted in all US District Courts of Florida (Northern, Middle and Southern) and is an active member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) and the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA). Ms. Emery thrives on helping clients navigate through the otherwise highly stressful landscape of debt assistance and relief.

2700-C University Blvd. W., Jacksonville, FL 32217  |  904.404.3394

email: alison@emerylawoffices.com

Nancy C. Harrison limits her practice to family law, providing legal representation exclusively in matters involving divorce, property distribution, parental responsibility, timesharing, relocation, modification of judgments, domestic violence, and paternity proceedings. Before entering law school, Ms. Harrison gained unique insight into the legal system by working as a paralegal in Georgia in excess of eight years. While earning her juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law, she distinguished herself by being awarded a Certificate in Family Law. As a sole practitioner, Ms. Harrison is able to address her clients’ needs with a high level of accessibility, efficiency and responsiveness. She is a member of the Florida Bar, Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, Florida Family Law American Inn of Court, Jacksonville Bar Association and American Bar Association. In addition, Ms. Harrison is also a professor at the University of North Florida for its Paralegal Studies Program, Division of Continuing Education.

599 Atlantic Blvd., Suite 5, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233  |  904.372.0008

email: nancy@jaxfamilylaw.biz

D. Gray Thomas has received recognition in Best Lawyers in America in the fields of White Collar Criminal Defense and Non-White Collar Criminal Defense, and he is board certified by The Florida Bar in appellate practice. Mr. Thomas’ experience in all aspects of criminal, civil rights, employment and appellate law in state and federal courts has resulted in his receipt of a Martindale-Hubbell rating of “AV-Preeminent.” He graduated cum laude from Washington University in St. Louis, and he received his law degree, with honors and membership in the Order of the Coif, from the University of Florida. He practiced for 19 years with Sheppard, White, Thomas & Kachergus. Mr. Thomas also is admitted to practice law in Georgia.

424 E. Monroe St., Jacksonville, FL 32202  |  904.634.0696 dgraythomaslaw.com

Thank you for participating in 904 Magazine’s 75 Most Influential People in Jacksonville Healthcare.

Scan Design, located at 8206 Philips Highway,  is hosting Fall in Furniture Love this Friday, March 16.  From 6-9pm join them as they transform  showrooms into modern art galleries, where original works from across Florida will be placed alongside their muse. These events celebrate furniture and art coming together.  You can mingle with the artists and enjoy fine food, wine and entertainment

There will also be a silent auction where 100% of the proceeds will go to help Habitat For Humanity. Click here to RSVP.

ON Sunday, April 15th from 1-4pm, Aqua Grill will celebrate its 24th Anniversary with a fundraiser to benefit the Child Cancer Fund. There will be live music, Great food and plenty of prizes to win. All Raffle ticket sales and drink proceeds will be donated to the Child Cancer Fund, a local charity which directly helps members of our Jacksonville community.

Is it time to make some improvements to your house? Well,The Jacksonville Home & Patio Show is coming to the Prime Osborn Convention Center, March 8-11. There will be hundreds of vendors all under one roof ready to help you with anything on your to-do list.

Click here to purchase your tickets today.

Tickets on sale now for the 8th Annual Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation Wine Tasting Gala located at the Wells Fargo Center in Downtown Jacksonville. Join the two-time Super Bowl winning coach at the year’s most anticipated charity fundraisers. Enjoy Cuisine and fine wines from the area’s top restaurants as you mingle with celebrities, wine-enthusiasts and philanthropists.

The gala is Friday March 16, 6pm-9pm. Tickets are $100. Visit www.tcjayfund.org or call 904-543-2599. All funds raised will support the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation in their efforts to assist families who have a child battling cancer

YES HE KAHN

How does a kid from Lahore, Pakistan, grow up to one day pay cash for an NFL franchise in the Deep South? It’s your typical rags-to-riches story, really, though perhaps spiced with a bit more cardamom and cumin than usual • Kid moves to the U.S., Gets job washing dishes. Studies engineering in college. Designs a new truck bumper. Marries college sweetheart. Has two kids. Makes a fortune in the auto business. Befriends pro football team owners. Strokes a check for $700 million and change.

“I heard that the streets were paved with gold.
I found that to be true.” 

Shad Khan can make a statement like that about his adopted country that and not have it come off as boastful. He can dock his 220-foot yacht Downtown and have it be-come an attraction, not an ostentatious display of excess wealth. In an era of abundant economic misfortune, he’s a member of the scorned “one percent” that the average blue collar Joe Jacksonville can’t help but like.

His story has received quite a lot of attention over the last two months. Previously a virtual unknown figure in Northeast Florida, his amazing business success and engaging personality have quickly made him a household name and something of a cult hero. His mustache and long hair, an unusual, albeit slight, accent (part Midwestern, part Eastern immigrant), and his plain-spoken manner have endeared him to many in the region, which is a good thing because being liked is an advantage when trying to fill a stadium with ticket-buying fans.

On January 4 of this year, Khan officially became the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, purchasing the team from founders Wayne and Delores Weaver and their partners for a reported $760 million. The deal was announced a short six weeks earlier. The sale caught the city by surprise. Despite the fact that the team was not playing well, and hadn’t in recent seasons, few saw the change coming. And that’s just how the Weavers and Khan wanted it. The number of people who knew a deal was in the works, including Khan’s wife Ann, would barely fill a comfy booth at a coffee shop.

Despite being a bonafide billionaire, his newfound place in the spotlight is not something he attained (or really desired) in the past. Khan is president and owner of Flex-N-Gate Corporation, an automotive parts supplier that employs some 14,000 people at 48 manufacturing plants and nine product development and engineering facilities in five countries, including the U.S., Mexico and Spain. The privately held firm’s line of products includes interior and exterior plastics, lighting systems, mechanical assemblies, metal structural body components and exterior metal parts. If you drive an SUV or pickup truck built within the last decade, it’s a sure bet that at least a few pieces of Khan know-how are riding around with you.

He got his feet wet and fingers greasy in the auto business in 1970, when he began working at the company he would eventually own while studying engineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. A native of Pakistan, Khan came to the U.S. as a 16-year-old college student. Graduating in 1971 with a degree in industrial engineering, he was promoted to an engineering manager at Flex-N-Gate. He left the company in 1978 and, with help from a $50,000 small business loan, he founded Bumper Works. The company would go on to revolutionize the bumper business. In short, Khan brought to market a one-piece bumper design that was lightweight, efficient to make, and less prone to rust and corrosion.

“The amazing thing about the auto industry is that you have to be paranoid and you have to be humble because you are very dispensable,” he says. “The only way to get around that is to innovate and add value every day.” Adding value and innovating is something at which he’s proved to be very good. Today, Flex-N-Gate provides parts to every major auto manufacturer in North America, Japan and Europe.

Khan, 62, describes his childhood in Pakistan as normal and middle class. His father was a lawyer and entrepreneur. For a time, he worked for the massive British Indian Railway system as a clerk. Then he started a business making surveying instruments and selling engineering supplies. A young Shahid worked with him and recalls his father working late into the night more often than not. His dad Rafiq passed away a few years ago. His mom Zakia still lives in Pakistan.

Education was a paramount concern for his parents. He attended missionary Catholic schools for both grade school and high school. He says he was good in math, and engineering seemed like a fitting career path. He applied to a few engineering schools and was accepted at Illinois. His parents encouraged him to seek “fame and fortune.” So, at age 16, he packed what he could carry and traveled to America.

His father’s work ethic obviously rubbed off on Shad. Almost immediately upon arriving in Urbana, he got his first job in the States–washing dishes at a Greek diner. “I had many jobs then,” he says, recalling his time in college. “I loved the summer because you could work two or three jobs. I worked construction, delivering pizzas, the men’s department at Sears. I got my first car in the summer of 1968, a Karmann Ghia. I loved the idea that you could work, buy a car, create a lifestyle.”

He says it was a car that caught the attention of his wife Ann, also a University of Illinois alum. He first met her in a campus bar. He was a likable enough guy, in a popular fraternity and all. But it was an Italian sports car that sealed the deal. “I was 19 and driving a white Alfa Romeo Giulietta,” he says with a laugh.

The couple wed after college and have two grown children, Shanna and Tony. Their time spent studying, working and zipping around Urbana remains significant to the Khans. They have donated millions to the school, funding endowments and contributing to the building of several facilities including a library, performing arts center, science building and a shiny new tennis complex.

He remains a car guy, though he says he prefers cars that he can drive with regularity. “Cars are machinery. I want to use them. I don’t want to have to put them in a museum.” So, if you see a Porsche Carrera GT, for example, ease up next to you at a light, it might be Khan behind the wheel.

“Life has been good to me,” he says. Few could argue with that. And few would hold it against him for saying so.

jacksonville magazine: At what point in your life did you switch from being just a fan to wanting to own a team?

khan: You get to a point of frustration, particularly watching college games, where you say, ‘I could do that better.’ And then you start looking around. For me, discretion is very important. I spent quite a bit of time talking with the league, with other owners understanding the business fundamentals of what it would take, and really preparing for a day that you would have the opportunity.

jM: How long ago did you start thinking seriously about owning a team?

khan: I think probably six years ago or so.

jM: That’s pretty quick from having the idea to owning a team.

khan: Yeah, I think it is. For several reasons. We’ve gone through a challenging, turbulent financial time. Also, not many teams sell. And the ones that do sell have a lot of hair on them—lots of partners, other options, rights, some are not so clear. So, to be able to own a team, 100 percent, without a lot of drama, is a unique opportunity.

jM: Your 2010 attempt to buy the franchise in St. Louis obviously didn’t sour you on the NFL.

khan: No, not at all. That [situation] isn’t accurately reported, quite frankly. I went into it knowing [part-owner] Stan Kroenke had rights. My goal wasn’t to go into it and trample on them. Other than the result, it was a very good experience. That’s certainly my view of life. The outcome isn’t always what you expect, but you learn from it. Stan exercised his right and kept the team. I got to know him very well. I like him and respect him. As a matter of fact, he was the first guy I called after the deal was struck, even before it was public.

The league was very helpful after the Rams experience. I got to know more of the owners. They knew me. There was no issue of approval. They could move quickly. Wayne’s desire and my desire were absolutely aligned. We wanted to get everything done and have a high degree of certainty. We agreed on the deal and it was announced (November 29), and a week later we had unanimous [NFL] finance committee approval, another week later unanimous owners’ approval. We could have closed the day after. But Wayne and the partners wanted to wait until the first of the year, for financial planning purposes. [January] 4th was the earliest we could close. It’s unprecedented.

jM: There weren’t a lot of hands in this deal. You and Wayne sat down and hashed it out without much difficulty. It even came to a final plan written out on a cocktail napkin.

khan: Absolutely true. From my previous experience, I understood some of the drama, the math and the complications. And so did he. We knew what was a fair deal for both sides.

jM: Think he liked you as a businessperson, as a guy? And that helped the deal go so smoothly?

khan: He liked me, and I like him. I met Wayne probably five years ago. I have a huge amount of respect for him. A lot of people don’t know about his background, how hard he’s worked for the success he has had. Getting a team in Jacksonville? What are the odds of doing that? I don’t think I could have done it. You’ll have to ask him if he likes me, but I have nothing but affection for him.

jM: That was a big check you had to write to close the deal. Any moment of hesitation prior to signing, concerns that you didn’t get a good product at a good price?

khan: No. I broke every piggy bank, busted every mattress.

jM: In hindsight, has it occurred to you that you actually got the better deal, a franchise in Jacksonville instead of St. Louis?

khan: It’s a delicate issue. For me, with 20/20 hindsight, there’s no question that I’d want the Jacksonville deal instead of the Rams deal. No question. For a lot of different reasons. First of all, I’m not really a partner kind of guy. In no circumstance, did I feel Stan would be selling all [of his stake in the team]. Here, it was never an issue that 100 percent of the team was the offer.

Today, I’m delighted things worked out like they did. Look at the weather. I think the fans are football crazy. It’s the only game in town. You don’t have other major league sports. It’s a tax efficient state. It’s got everything going for it. However, if the Rams deal had happened, I would still think I won the Lotto, my ship rolled in. I would be as happy over there serving the fans in St. Louis as I am here. This is fate, destiny, kismet.

jM: The NFL is an unusual management situation. Not being a “partner guy,” as you say, now you are one of 32 owners.

khan: The NFL is the greatest ownership group on planet Earth. Yes, you are partners in the NFL. But it is very different than being partners in a team. Totally different. I think one wants to contribute to growing the NFL pie and then working yourself to get a piece of the pie.

jM: Pro football can be an emotional business. How will you try to balance the emotional desire to win with the need to make smart business decisions?

khan: They are both really very related. You’re not going to win every game, as much as you’d like to. Over the course of time you want to be able to win championships. Because of the parody in the league, the way the system is set up, you will have to go through some short-term pain for long-term gain. But I’ve gone through emotional roller coasters like that in the auto business. I’ve had to forgo some business, or what have you, for long-term good. So this is not new for me.

jM: Any of the other NFL owners that you’ve met or observed to whom you would compare your ownership style?

khan: All of them are unique. They all have great qualities. All of them contribute. For me, I’m very comfortable in my skin. The ideal Jaguars are going to be a combination of teams but also unique in their own right.

jM: General thought this off-season is that the team needs to be more competitive. More fans will come when the team wins more games. Do you agree?

khan: Absolutely. We want to win. They are interrelated.

jM: Have you established a bar for success in year one? What are the goals?

khan: To be the best we can be.

jM: You’re an international businessperson. Why hasn’t the league’s success translated more overseas?

khan: The fans really want the NFL experience. The league has really only gotten serious about that in the last two or three years. Before that, they had NFL Europe which was not as successful as people wanted it to be, for a variety of reasons. It wasn’t the true, authentic product. As the sport gets introduced, it will get more successful overseas.

jM: Do you consider yourself a competitive guy?

khan: Yeah. The auto industry is brutally competitive. You want to win but win the right way, too. Don’t leave a trail of bodies in your wake.

jM: Still consider yourself an engineer at heart?

khan: I think engineering is probably the best background a person can have. It’s very rational, logical thinking. That background translates into just about any venue you’d like to apply it to.

jM: This is a city that doesn’t have much in the way of celebrity personalities. You might be the biggest one now.

khan: I am? Well, thanks for telling me. If there is any surprise in the whole process it’s that I was not expecting this level of scrutiny and media attention. The boat [Kismet] I’ve had for five years and nobody cared. We [Flex-N-Gate] have 13,000 employees. This team has what, including the players, less than 200 employees? [Flex-N-Gate] revenue is north of $3.5 billion. Here, the revenue is $220 million or something like that. It’s infinitesimal compared to what I’ve done the last 40 years. Nobody asked me for an autograph or a photo session before. So, I’ve been really surprised. I now make sure I go out in a t-shirt that’s fully laundered…

jM: Lastly, the mustache. It’s already a local symbol. You know you can’t shave it off now even if you wanted to.

khan: Yes, it’s a Jacksonville stimulus product. Have you seen all the t-shirts that have been sold? It has brought a new level of entrepreneurship to the city. It’s stimulated the economy. I’m delighted to contribute…

For more about Shad Khan’s purchase of the Jaguars, including a timeline of events beginning with the November 29 announcement of the team’s sale and continuing through to the start of the new season in September, check out the February 2012 edition of 904 Magazine. Available at most area magazine newsstands and online at JacksonvilleMag.com.

PRE-JFW HAPPENINGS

JFW Runway Model Prep Workshop
with America’s Next Top Model Winner Yoanna House
Date: Saturday March 10,
9 AM-noon
Tickets: $20
Location: The Performers Academy, 3674 Beach Blvd.

Dignify Your Style JFW Private Shopping Event
Benefiting Dignity U Wear
Date: Saturday March 10,
6-9 PM
Tickets: $15
Location: Saks 5th Avenue OFF 5TH, St. Augustine Premium Outlets

JFW Art Meets Fashion Exhibit & Fall in Furniture Love Party
Benefiting Habitat for Humanity
Date: Friday, March 16, 6-9 PM
Tickets: $10
Location: SCAN Design, 8206 Philips Hwy.

FASHION WEEK EVENTS

Industry Panel Event & JFW Kickoff Cocktail Party
Date: Wednesday March 28, 6:30-9:30 PM
Location: Maggiano’s, Little Italy, St. Johns Town Center
Panelists: Yoanna House, Aaron Duncan, Lisa Cera, Rob Scheppy

Emerging Designer Showcase
& Featured Designers Runway Show
Date: Thursday, March 29, 7-10 PM
Location: Metropolitan Park, Gator Bowl Blvd., Downtown

• Emerging Designers Showcase: Mia Merritt, April Wilder, Amanda Perez, Liz Dunham, & Uliana Urubzhilova
• E. Marie

INTERMISSION

• Lisa Kaminski Swimwear
• Janie G. Couture

After-party: Dos Gatos, 123 E. Forsyth St. • VIP food provided by Olio and Seasons 52

Featured Designers Runway Show
Date: Friday, March 30, 7-10 PM
Location: Metropolitan Park, Gator Bowl Blvd., Downtown

• Brittany Blair
• Lile Useche
• Caroline Long

INTERMISSION

• Bobby K
• by SMITH
• Timo Weiland

After-party: 1904, 19 Ocean St., Downtown • VIP food provided by Latitude 30
& The Pink Cupcake

Bridal Runway Show & Brunch
Date: Saturday, March 31, 11 AM-1 PM
Location: Epping Forest Yacht Club, San Jose

• Heidi Elnora
• Leona Bridesmaid

JFW Official Wrap Party
Date: Saturday, March 31, 8-10 PM (free entry and one free drink between 8-9 PM)
Location: Suite Tapas Lounge & Nightclub, The Markets at Town Center

Super Bowl champ has a nice ring to it. The title of two-time Super Bowl winner puts one in rarefied air, indeed. Count New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, a part-time Jax area resident and the Jags’ first coach, among those who can claim not one, but two, NFL titles. This month, Coughlin returns to his old stomping grounds to host his yearly wine-with-friends shindig, the 8th Annual Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation Wine Tasting Gala. The evening of March 16, Coughlin and many of his pro football compadres will gather in the lobby of the Wells Fargo Center, 1 Independent Dr., Downtown to swap stories, nosh and sip top-shelf wines. Unlike the swanky invite-only parties that accompany the Super Bowl, this fundraiser is open to the public—provided one purchases a ticket, of course.

In addition to the chance to rub shoulders with sports celebs and others, the event features a silent auction and eats served by dozens of local restaurants and more than 200 fine wines from around the world. Last year Coach Coughlin and 800 patrons, wine enthusiasts, gourmets, philanthropists and fun-loving friends helped the Jay Fund Foundation raise $200,000 for financial and emotional support of Jacksonville area families who have a child battling cancer. “This wine and food event gets better every year and is a credit to so many who help put it together,” says Coach Coughlin. “It excites me to think about how much good the Jay Fund can do with the proceeds.”

The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation was created in 1996, in memory of Jay McGillis, a former football player at Boston College, who played under Coughlin’s tutelage. Jay’s courage and endearing compassion taught the coach a great deal about the capacity of human willpower and the importance of cherishing the gift of life. Jay was diagnosed with leukemia in November 1991, and lost his battle just eight months later, on July 3, 1992. Coughlin had the privilege of spending a great deal of time with Jay and his family, as they battled his disease together. It was during that difficult period that Coughlin witnessed not only the emotional strain this illness brought upon the McGillis family but, indeed, the financial strain, too. Coughlin vowed to create a way to help families with children battling cancer if ever he had the chance. To make a difference in these families’ lives was the driving force for the founding of the Jay Fund.

After moving to Jacksonville in 1996 when he was hired as the head coach of the NFL expansion team Jacksonville Jaguars, Coughlin realized his vision of starting a foundation in Jay’s honor that would help local families with a child suffering from leukemia and other cancers. Fundraising began with an annual celebrity golf tournament, under the guidance of Honorary Board Member, Fran Foley. As the needs in the Jacksonville community grew, so did the foundation. Coughlin’s daughter, Keli, now serves as executive director of the foundation. One of many accomplishments under Keli’s direction is a $5 million dollar endowment, created to keep the foundation funded in perpetuity in the Jacksonville community.

When Tom accepted the position of head coach for the New York Giants, he expanded the Jay Fund’s efforts to the New York metropolitan area. This opportunity allowed the organization to expand its outreach in new and exciting ways in the New York and New Jersey area, and the impact has helped countless families faced with the crisis of helping their child battle
cancer. To date, the Jay Fund has given over $3.9 million in grants to help families who have a child with cancer.
Jay’s spirit lives on in all of those who are touched by the Jay Fund. It is in his name that this foundation hopes to speed the day where no family has to suffer through such a profound tragedy.

The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation’s 8th annual Wine Tasting Gala takes place Friday, March 16, 6-9 PM, at the Wells Fargo Center in the heart of Downtown. Tickets are $100 and may be purchased online at
tcjayfund.org or by calling (904) 543-2599. All proceeds go to help children with cancer and their families.

Al Letson
A national radio show is only his day job.

Ask Al Letson what he does for a living, and he’ll probably say he’s an artist. That one word, however, fails to capture the depth of his creative mind. More accurately, the 48-year-old Ortega resident is a performance poet/playwright/actor/blogger/public radio host, though he prefers the term “idea generator.” His plays, including Summer in Sanctuary, GRIOT, Crumbs and Julius X, have received critical acclaim, as has his poetry, which took third place in the National Poetry Slam in 2000 and landed him on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. In 2008, Letson was one of three finalists in the country to win the Public Radio Talent Quest: His program, State of the Re:Union, is currently in its third season on public radio. And, he says, he’s always thinking about what’s next, though he won’t divulge any details. “It may take years to happen, but it’s going to be really big.”
Here are a few more things we learned before the curtain went down on our interview:

• After high school, Letson worked as an American Eagle flight attendant for eight years. He loved the lifestyle and seeing the world but says the whole industry changed after 9/11.

• Letson is dyslexic. Though it does present challenges (like reading aloud) and did deter him from going to college, he considers it a benefit because it pushes him to work harder and forces him to look at things in different ways.

• He loves riding his motorcycle, a Honda Nighthawk, because he loves the feeling of freedom—and feeling like you’re going 100 miles an hour when you’re only doing 30.

• Letson’s goal is to write at least one play per year, though at the moment he has three bouncing around in his head. “It’s a death match to see which one will be victorious,” he says. He wrote his first play in fourth grade, which he describes as “horrible.”

• Unlike other news programs that focus on how the country is falling apart, Letson uses State of the Re:Union to show how people are coming back together. While the stories may not always be “rosy,” he says they are honest.

• His two favorite movies are Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (“Charlie Kaufman is a genius”) and Bridesmaids (“I love how they used the car as a metaphor”). He’s also a “sci-fi nerd” who loves Farscape and Doctor Who and has watched every episode “20 million times.”

• Of all the places he’s traveled to in his various occupations, Letson has never visited the Grand Canyon. But he’s going this summer.

Ingredients:

Redfish
4 6-oz. redfish fillets
1 T. blackening seasoning

Maque choux
4 oz. bacon, diced to ¼ inch
1 tsp. chopped garlic
1 cup diced onion
1 qt. corn (fresh or frozen)
½ cup sliced green onions
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 cup sliced okra
½ cup cream
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground black pepper
Red bell pepper sauce
28 oz. drained roasted red bell peppers
2 cups heavy cream
1 T. red wine vinegar
½ tsp. cumin
½ tsp. kosher salt

Procedure:

Maque choux
1. Cook bacon in a large pot on the stove until crispy.
2. Add onion and sauté until tender, roughly three minutes. Add garlic and sauté for one more minute.
3. Add all remaining ingredients and cook until hot. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Reserve to the side.
Red bell pepper sauce
1. Using a large pot, heat cream, peppers and red wine vinegar. Reduce until thick and syrupy. (Cream can break a little).
2. Purée sauce in blender or food processor with cumin and kosher salt.

Blackened redfish
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and heat a nonstick or cast iron pan to medium on stove top.
2. Season fish liberally with blackening seasoning and sear in pan. Flip once desired level of blackening has occurred and immediately place in oven for an additional two to three minutes until fish is cooked thoroughly.
3. Place fish on top of maque choux and surround the dish with red bell pepper sauce.
yields 4 servings

Pub grub and cold beer taste especially good on St. Paddy’s Day
Come mid-March, every Irish pub in the city, as well as dozens of other drinking establishments that convert for one day, will be dressed from bar to ceiling in shamrocks, Guiness signs and plaids of every imaginable stripe and color. Bar crawlers should expect to hear U2, Sinead O’Connor and Cranberries songs played in near-nonstop succession. We’re all Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, right? That being the case, on Saturday, March 17, it’s probably best not to fight the emerald tide and, instead, don some green, hoist a pint or two and join in the revelry. “Danny Boy,” anyone?

If one can judge a neighborhood watering hole by its collection of draught beer handles, Lynch’s Irish Pub will score well. Among its 50 or so taps, all the expected brands are represented, as well as a few more unusual labels like Magners and Smithwicks. Can’t decide on one? They will pour you a “flight” sampling, or you can elect to create a blend such as a dark snakebite, a Guinness and cider combo. Go all the way Irish with a glass of Jameson or Bushmills whisky. Lynch’s is known for its burgers and sandwiches; however, don’t pass over the black and tan onion rings or the pub chips slathered in cheese, bacon and green onions. A cold winter day calls for bangers and mash—a plate of pork sausages, mashed potatoes, gravy and peas.

In Jax, pubs don’t come more authentic Irish than Culhane’s, a bar and restaurant run by a quartet of sisters from County Limerick, Ireland. The establishment does a brisk business at the bar, but its eats are a primary draw, so much so that Food Network star Guy Fieri stopped by for a visit last year. The sisters serve somewhat upscale pub grub. Chicken wings, potato skins, crab cakes, egg rolls, artichoke dip—the starters list is standard, but good. Meals like corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips and shepherd’s pie—a hearty portion of beef, carrots, onions and peas topped with garlic mashed potatoes—provide Celtic flavor. The Guinness stew is a house specialty.

The proprietors aren’t really going for authenticity at Tilted Kilt, a national franchise operation with seven locations in Florida. Sure, there are splashes of Ireland but the overall vibe leans more toward sports bar. It also has a Hooters-esque quality with servers wearing short, red plaid skirts and barely-there tops. Cleavage is certainly not frowned upon. The menu is broad and diverges from the Irish theme, too, with items such as quesadillas, nachos, mozzarella sticks and wrap sandwiches. A handful of dishes are laced with more traditional flavors, including Irish stew prepared with a Guiness beef stock and a sautéed chicken breast smothered in a whisky cream sauce. Erin go Bragh, y’all.

Emerald Isles
Northeast Florida is home to a handful of pubs where Irish is the theme. The establishments provide varying degrees of authentic pub-like atmosphere. Some, but not all, are open for lunch as well as dinner. Expect standing-room-only crowds on
St. Paddy’s Day. Here are 10 Celtic-inspired public rooms scattered between St. Augustine and Amelia Island.

Ann O’Malley’s
23 Orange St., St. Augustine (825-4040)

Culhane’s Irish Pub
967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (249-9595)

Donovan’s Irish Pub
7440 US 1 N., St. Augustine (829-0000)

Fionn MacCools
333 1st St. N., Jacksonville Beach (242-9499); The Landing (374-1547)

Fly’s Tie Irish Pub
177 Sailfish Dr. E., Atlantic Beach (246-4293)

Lynch’s Irish Pub
514 1st St. N., Jacksonville Beach (249-5181)

Meehan’s Irish Pub
20 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine (810-1923)

O’Brothers Irish Pub
1521 Margaret St., Riverside (854-9300)

O’Kane’s Irish Pub
318 Centre St., Fernandina Beach (261-1000)

Tilted Kilt
9720 Deer Lake Ct., Southside (379-8836)

One Ocean Resort, Northeast Florida’s finest beachfront resort, is hosting their quarterly Self Care Day. On Thursday, March 15, from 8:00-2:30pm enjoy the full day of yoga, informational sessions, spa sessions and lunch in the hopes to improve energy balance and health.

The cost is $325 per person. To make a reservation please call Beverly at 904-853-2340 or email beverlyfoxcrismond@oneoceanresort.com.

On March 1, enjoy a fabulous Lunch at The Raintree, located in historic St Augustine, with a Spring Fashion Show from ETCetera Collection. The noon lunch includes salad, fish or chicken, dessert and a beverage for only $19.99.

Reserve online at www.raintreerestaurant.com or call 904-824-7211.

Pancakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner? For the seventh consecutive year, IHOP restaurants nationwide will offer each guest a free short stack of its famous buttermilk pancakes on National Pancake Day in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.

For every short stack of buttermilk pancakes served on National Pancake Day, IHOP guests are invited to make a voluntary donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. IHOP hopes to raise $2.7 million this year, with a goal to bring the total amount of funds raised to more than $10 million.  To find a local IHOP or to donate online, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com

TUESDAY, February 28, 2012, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.  (15 full hours)

WHERE:           Participating IHOP restaurants nationwide.

For more than a decade, Jacksonville Magazine has partnered with a number of professional organizations in an effort to bring our readers the city’s most respected service providers practicing in a variety of professions, including doctors, lawyers, wealth managers and dentists.

Nearly 2,000 Readers cast a ballot in this year’s poll. Here are their selections of over 100 people, places and things we love (or love to hate) in the Bold New City of the South, including hair salon, bar eats, organic foods, dance club, pet stuff and more.

The Junior League of Jacksonville Whale of a Sale Preview Party this Friday at 6pm. The party will take place at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. Enjoy a delicious meal provided by Carrabbas! Desserts prepared by Ashley St Catering. Drinks provided by Barefoot Wine and Riverside Liquors. Cheese provided by Cabot Cheese. Rollin’ Rita’s is back to add some flare with their fabulous frozen drinks and chocolate fountain.

Groove to the music provided by The DJ Company while you shop ‘til you drop.

Click here for more information on the even

The Capital Grille is nationally acclaimed for its dry-aged steak selections, fresh seafood offerings, and award-winning wine list of more than 350 labels, all presented with professional, attentive service in an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.

Call 904-997-9233 to place your reservation today.

Check out the annual Presidents’ Day Sale at St. Augustine Premium Outlets from Fri, Feb 17 to Mon, Feb 20, for extra discounts on top of the center’s savings of 25 – 65% everyday.

St. Augustine Premium Outlets has over 85 discount designer stores. The outlet center is home to some of the most famous designers and brands including: Ann Taylor Factory Store, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Coach, Converse, Gap Outlet, J.Crew, Movado, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Reebok, Tommy Bahama, Tommy Hilfiger and more.
Located near Jacksonville and Daytona Beach.

It’s not just a school. It’s home. Beaches Episcopal School is a safe place where every child is welcomed and known, where nurturing educators recognize and celebrate each student’s unique gifts, and prepare young minds for future successes. And like your family, ours is a haven of learning, laughter and love, where parents and teachers partner together to empower the leaders of tomorrow.

Upcoming Admissions Open House for Prospective Families (Pre-k through sixth grade) Thursday, February 23rd at 9:00 a.m. in Stormes Hall. Please contact Heather Galloway, Admissions Director, at 246-2466 to RSVP or to schedule a personalized campus visit.

The TPC Sawgrass is hosting the Great Chefs Tasting on Thursday, February 23 from 6:00-7:30. For only $30, taste dishes by finalists Sous Chef William Murphy, Executive Sous Chef Cameron Walton and Michael Tucker. Vote on who you think should represent TPC Sawgrass and Team Beaches in the Great Chefs of Jacksonville competition on April 5th.

Contact Jamie Fowler at 904-543-5105 for reservations.

Tiffany designs a Valentine’s Day gift of true romance. Nineteen vibrant pink spinels fall with the delicacy of rose petals into a fluid triple drop necklace. The stones are separated by bell-shaped buds set with round brilliant diamonds in platinum. Since 1837, Tiffany & Co. has been the world’s premier jeweler and America’s house of design.

Visit their Jacksonville location at 4834 Rivercity Dr., 32246 or call them at 904-641-9720.

The 2nd Annual Sawgrass Wine Festival will be kicked off with Uncorked, An Evening with the Sawgrass Wine Festival Judges on Saturday, February 18, from 5 to 7 pm at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. Uncorked is the forerunner of the 2012 Sawgrass Wine Festival which will be held April 19-22. This four day wine and spirits extravaganza will feature a wine dinner on Thursday, wine and spirits seminars and tastings on Friday and then gourmet food and wine and spirits tasting Friday and Saturday under tents on the ground of the Sawgrass Marriott.

Tickets are just $20 and can be purchased by calling the Ponte Vedra Chamber at 285-2004 or by going online to www.sawgrasswinefestival.com.

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Hairstylist : Holland Morgan

Makeup Artist : Tracey Upson

Stylist : Argie Mitra

Model : Megan Henderson

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There’s no telling where an interior designer might find her inspiration for a particular job—a photo in a magazine, a fabric swatch, a color chip. Her creativity might be sparked on vacation or walking around a furniture market. But in her 20 years of residential design experience, Kathleen Franza of KMH Design in Jacksonville Beach had never been challenged by a client to create an entire look for a house based on what was found in its backyard.

“[The homeowner] came to me with this cardboard box with about 10 [sea]shells in it and she said, ‘You’re going to think this is really crazy,’” Franza recalls. “‘But these are the colors I love, the colors of nature, and they’re all out our back door on the beach. I want this to be the inspiration for the house.’”

Franza loved it. Not only did the basic color palette of gray, white and cream blend in with the natural environs of a house situated on the ocean, but it also fit perfectly with the atmosphere that the homeowners envisioned for their home.

Originally from Wisconsin, the homeowners, who wished to remain anonymous for this article, told Franza they wanted their Ponte Vedra Beach home to reflect its location. They mentioned words like “comfortable,” “relaxing” and “simple”—eschewing anything “fancy or overdone.” And Franza agreed completely.

One of the very first decisions the designer and the homeowners made was choosing the flooring. Because the same flooring would be used throughout the majority of the home, they needed a material that would work in a variety of rooms—from the kitchen to bedrooms—and be suitable and durable enough for a home on the ocean. Above all, it needed to capture the casual, laid-back feel of a beach house.

Franza knew more traditional wood, like mahogany, wouldn’t work and opted for reclaimed oak in six-inch planks from an old barn in Savannah. Reminiscent of a European gray wash, the wood matched the gray, white and cream palette already established by Franza and the homeowners. More importantly, its distressed, well-worn look captured that casual, laid-back beach house aesthetic.

With the flooring as her jumping-off point, Franza began work on one of the most significant rooms in the house to her clients—the kitchen. As important as interior design decisions were, however, Franza knew the room had to be ultra-functional as the lady of the house loves to cook and bake. By opting for two islands (one of which includes a sink), the homeowner would have plenty of room to prepare meals, while still leaving space for family and friends to pull up a stool and eat at the counter or just watch the action. Beneath each of the islands Franza planned plenty of storage for pots, pans and small appliances with added conveniences like a spice drawer and espresso station. As further evidence of the homeowner’s interest in the culinary arts, the house features a back kitchen, adjacent to the main kitchen, with a second oven, additional prep space and a book shelf overflowing with cookbooks.

Design-wise, Franza chose natural materials such as Calacatta marble on the islands, Caesartone quartz on the perimeter countertops and a mix of Calacutta marble and seagrass limestone tile as the backsplash. She chose oak for the range hood and as accents on the islands, but used her own special technique which includes wire brushing and glazing. The texture and appearance of the wood are reminiscent of European finishes and fit right in with the home’s lived-in vibe.

Glass was also used as a design element, as seen in the glass-front refrigerator, glass-front hutch and Juliska column pendant lights (which, coincidentally, matched glassware the clients already owned). To add further visual interest, Franza selected sleek Kohler fixtures (though, with the homeowners’ being from Wisconsin, that was a given) and lift ring drawer latches like those found on a yacht.

Just off the kitchen is the homeowners’ favorite room. Originally designed as a breakfast room, it was transformed into a cozy lounge area with custom-made U-shaped sofas in walnut and custom maplewood nesting tables where the family can still enjoy a meal or chat, read or enjoy the spectacular view. Because Franza designed the sofas to be deeper than typical sofas, they can also double as beds for extra guests—or anyone wanting to stretch out while watching nature’s TV.

The dining room replicates that same simple elegance and relaxing atmosphere with linen-covered parson side chairs and woven leather dining arm chairs, designed by Thomas Pheasant for McGuire, surrounding a custom-stained oak trestle table.

In the living room, Franza created a cozy space in front of the fireplace with upright reading chairs in linen and custom-trimmed with leather piping, a high-back sofa from Baker’s Barbara Barry Collection and a custom 5-foot-square coffee table. To vary the textures in the room, she introduced a wool sisal rug, faux fur throws and iron table lamps.

The “casual elegance” theme is carried throughout the house with carefully selected artwork, including a stunning, one-of-a-kind Jay Shoots black-and-white photograph of a bird’s nest; interesting architectural details such as tongue-and-grooved ceilings and shiplap walls; and comfortable yet sophisticated bedrooms, particularly the master suite which features an imposing leather-upholstered wing bed with monogrammed bed linens and personal photos and mementos strategically placed around the room.

That’s not to say the house’s design or decor is predicable in any way. Take, for example, the home office. Hidden away in the crow’s nest above the second floor, it’s not even visible without climbing a narrow set of stairs. Then, there’s the wine room. Inconspicuously located next to the main staircase, the space, set at a constant 59 degrees, houses hundreds of bottles of wine, as well as a table and chairs, and is covered with cream city brick that the homeowners had transported from Milwaukee. Finally, the clandestine pièce de résistance is a secret passageway in the guest quarters, where a seemingly normal bookshelf in the living room opens up to reveal the guest bedroom.

Looking back, Franza says, she never could have imagined how the 5,900-square-foot house would be so completely shaped by a simple box full of seashells. So to celebrate, she had the shells framed in a shadow box which now hangs in the home as a constant reminder of inspiration coming from the most unexpected places.

Weathering the ups and downs of First Coast meteorology

Behind the bright lights of WJXT-TV Channel 4 studios, the fancy satellite maps and weather graphics, the stage make-up and perfectly coiffed hair, Rebecca Barry looks every bit the seasoned TV meteorologist. In reality, the 27-year-old, who grew up in a Georgia town with no street lights, started her TV career while she was still attending graduate school at Mississippi State University (she’s also a proud alumna of Jacksonville University). In addition to doing the weather on weekend broadcasts, Barry, who lives Downtown, works as a weather producer at WJXT and fills in for her fellow meteorologists. For more on Barry, stay tuned…

• In middle school, Barry did the morning announcements for the school’s TV news program. After learning news reporting was a real job, she decided she wanted to be an anchor. Prior to that she wanted to be an astronaut and/or President of the United States.

• She claims to own “the cutest dog on the planet,” a chihuahua/pomeranian mix named Baxter after Ron Burgundy’s dog in the movie Anchorman.

• Growing up on a farm in rural Georgia, Barry spent most of her childhood years outdoors, which helps explain why she didn’t own a TV until she was in college. • Her nickname “Scooter” was given to her by former Channel 4 assistant sports director Sean Woodland. And that’s all you’re getting out of her on the matter.

• She “dabbled” in fishing as a kid, but it wasn’t until she met Capt. Don Dingman, local fishing guide and host of his own fishing show, that she got hooked—-not only on the sport but on Captain Don, too. (They’ve been dating since late summer.)

• At 5’4”, Barry has a penchant for high heels, though obsession is probably closer to the truth considering she owns more than 200 pairs of shoes.

• Despite occasional phone calls or e-mails from viewers about her poor weather forecasting skills or “frumpy” outfits, she loves her job. “It’s so great to wake up every morning and be excited to go to work,” she says. “I’m doing exactly the job I want to do.” Which is good because nice shoes aren’t cheap.

Who doesn’t love a sweet surprise around Valentine’s Day? When trying to garner Cupid’s favor, an assortment of hand-selected goodies from the neighborhood candy shop usually hits the mark.

There are approximately 20 Peterbrooke Chocolatier locations scattered around the region and a few Southern states, with the original San Marco shop still in operation right where it opened its doors back in 1983. Among the earliest branch outlets established is the Avondale store (3554 St. Johns Ave., 387-38270), a petite, one-room retail space that brims with chocolate-covered treats from floor to ceiling. A rich scent of chocolate fills the air and the room blossoms with bright blue gift bags and pink tissue paper. Peterbrooke sells a variety of different packaged confections, but the business prefers selling quality over sheer quantity. One wall is lined with neatly wrapped packages of chocolate-covered pretzels and cookies and other decadent treats (in dark, milk and white chocolate). In fact, if one can dip or slather it in chocolate, Peterbrooke probably has—graham crackers, almonds, potato chips, Nutter Butter cookies, peanuts and more. Near the back is a self-serve gadget for bulk candies. A small selection of ice cream is kept inside the freezer case near the register. Classic bite-sized cordials and caramels are offered, as well. It’s easy to leave with the wallet $20 or more lighter; a large bucket of the chocolatier’s legendary chocolate-covered popcorn is about $50. You’ll have to decide whether or not it’s worth it. It shouldn’t be a difficult choice.

The bistro tables at 3 Sisters Chocolate Bar & Bakery (9965 San Jose Blvd., 262-9122) make it an inviting spot for a dessert date. Chocolate-covered cookies, pretzels, popcorn, strawberries and Rice Krispie treats are top sellers, along with a unique selection of truffles that fills two glass display cases—a few of the more exotic options include Key lime, amaretto, ginger lemon and mango chili, sold by the pound. The bakery rolls out a wide range of cakes (including custom wedding cakes), brownies and cupcakes, too; try a gourmet Oreo-filled cupcake for a twist on the popular dessert. Picking up a few delicacies to go? Snag a bag of the bakery’s own coffee beans on your way out. The store also offers delivery and shipping services.

If the classic board game Candy Land were real, it would probably look and smell a lot like Sweet Pete’s (1922 Pearl St., 376-7161). The house-turned-candy-shop in Springfield is the brainchild of Pete Behringer (he’s the “Peter” in the Peterbrooke chocolatier family), and he bills his candies, ice cream and chocolates as “pure, simple sweets” that are made without high fructose corn syrup, preservatives and artificial flavors. A small display case of truffles and chocolates serves treats like chocolate-covered sea salt caramels and cordial cherries, but there’s an entire room of bite-sized chocolate-dipped treats and other sugary confections. Several of the candies are kosher, vegan-friendly and gluten-free, and they’re just as decadent as any other candy sold in the brightly-colored house. Truffle-making classes make a fun, hands-on date, and the entire top floor is devoted to hosting parties of all sizes and occasions.

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The newest tenant in the Tapestry Park development, Poms Signature Restaurant, fits right in with its neighbors. Proprietor Pom Souvannasoth has created a pleasing combination of an intimate atmosphere and an inspired, worldly menu in his latest culinary endeavor.

The interior of Poms is upscale with dark wood accents, white tablecloths, bright chandeliers and red orbs suspended from the ceiling. A large window lets in ample light, and a tall mirror positioned just between the window and door lends the space a sense of depth. Considering the restaurant has only 11 tables, it’s a smart visual trick.

On a recent visit for dinner, I was led to a two-person table next to a gorgeous set of wooden doors which were recovered from a destroyed Korean home. A server approached the table with a wine list, and I selected a glass of Shiraz, which was delivered promptly. My guest arrived soon after and chose the same wine; unfortunately, it took much longer for her glass to arrive. Once it did, though, our meal progressed most enjoyably.

True to chef Pom’s background, the menu has a strong Thai influence that expands to cover lots of Southeast Asian ground. We started with an order of duck confit crispy spring rolls. Shortly after the order was placed, our server delivered an amuse-bouche of cubed Ahi tuna, which we both enjoyed. Our spring rolls were tasty, staffed with duck confit and only a small representation of mushrooms, silver thread noodles and Asian vegetables. Paired with dipping sauce, our appetizzer was eagerly consumed.

For entrées, we settled on the green curry seafood with summer white truffle oil and braised oxtail. The seafood contained two diver scallops, two sizable prawns, Thai eggplant, fresh bamboo shoots, baby yellow squash and jasmine rice in a rich green curry and truffle sauce. At our server’s suggestion, I spooned the rice onto a clean plate, then piled on the seafood mixture. Though the prawns had a slight grit, the rest of the dish was divine; the scallops were large, the eggplant was soft without losing its texture and the rice was a suitable canvas for all the flavors. The braised oxtail with Navan French cognac, vanilla bean, massaman sauce and chow fun noodles was a hit, as well; the meat was so tender, it easily came off the bone with a fork.

As we finished our meals, the server suggested that we place an order for the night’s special dessert, a peanut butter and chocolate soufflé. Let it be known that the heavenly creation set before us is what every peanut butter cup in the world tries (and fails) to be. Despite our agreement to only sample a few bites to satiate our collective sweet tooth, the entire dessert was happily devoured.

Pom’s Signature Restaurant
9822 Tapestry Park Cir., Ste. 107
Southside
234-5228
pomsrestaurant.com

Bailey’s Fondue from Salt at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream
6 ½ ounces milk chocolate, chopped (such as Lindt or Godiva)
4 ½ ounces dark chocolate, chopped (such as Lindt or Godiva)

Procedure:
1. Heat the heavy cream to a boil.
2. Pour the cream into a bowl over the chopped chocolate. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add the Baileys Irish Cream and whisk until incorporated. Serve warm with fresh fruit, marshmallows, and cake cubes.

yields about 3 cups. Refrigerate extra fondue in an air-tight container; can be warmed in the microwave in 30-second increments.

From January 22-29, northeast Florida’s Amelia Island will serve up a delectable, seven-day showcase of island hot spots for food and fun. For the fourth consecutive year, Amelia Island Restaurant Week will feature 23 different island restaurants, ranging from fine dining to flip-flop friendly.  Each participating restaurant will offer a special fixed menu (priced at either $19 or $29 per person) that includes three courses and a beverage. During Restaurant Week, diners can also enter to win a “Year of Dining” that includes one $50 gift certificate for each participating restaurant to be used throughout the next year.

For a list of participation restaurants visit the website here.

On Saturday, February 11, Tres Leches Desserts in Jacksonville Fl / Springfield is hosting its 1st Anniversary / Valentine’s Party celebrating their first year in business! There will be complimentary mini-desserts, free kids Birthday Cake raffle, the visit of John Nolen …and his animal balloon show, music and a tour of this historic establishment. The opening will highlight its new Lunch Menu, new Party Room and an introduction of several free cooking clinics. The day starts at 12 noon and will wind-down about 4 pm.

Desserts will include the signature Tres Leches cake, Strawberry Magnolia Cake, Caribbean Lime Pie, Chocolate Marquesa (12 layer cookie cream), Strawberry Meringue Cake, and the Decadent Double Chocolate.
Bring Your Friends and Family!

Cost: Free (tips for balloon animals will be appreciated)
Other items to be Raffled:
2 Bottles of Infused Olive Oil from River City Gourmet Shop at The Landings
$100 Gift Certificate from Kimberly Clarke Salon at San Marco Square

Tres Leches is located at 1839 N Pearl St. 32206. Visit http://www.treslechesdesserts.com for more info.

Ellie Bing, one of Jacksonville’s coolest vintage jewelry stores is having a huge New Year’s sale from January 6-9. All items in the store are 30% off while some selected items are 50% off.

Shop both locations at Jacksonville Beach and the Shoppes at Avondale. Visit their facebook page here.

On January 17, BlackFinn American Grill in Jacksonville FL is hosting a five course charity dinner benefiting the Diabetes Research Institute, with special guest Alex Elman, a wine connoisseur who lost her sight to diabetes.  Each course will be paired with featured wines from the Alex Elman Wine Collection. The evening starts at 6:30 pm with passed appetizers, then a three course meal in the dining room, followed by dessert and dancing on the patio. Alex Elman will be in attendance to discuss her label of organic wines and her personal experiences overcoming Juvenile Diabetes. There will also be a silent auction.

The menu served at the dinner - 

First Course- Tuna Poke, Crab Tower, Blackened Brie Bites paired with Alex Elman Torrontes

Second Course- Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad paired with the Alex Elman Chardonnay

Third Course- Bolognese paired with the Alex Elman Malbec

Fourth Course- Steak and Shrimp Diane paired with the Alex Elman Cabernet

Fifth Course- Molten Lava Cake with a Blueberry Caviar with the full selection of Alex Elman Wines available as well as a local Florida Blueberry Wine

Price is $50 per person. Visithttp://blackfinnamericangrille.com/events/details/7817

2011 was by no means an easy year. Economic recovery takes time, and often the best way to pass that time is to live normally—to eat, drink, be merry, enjoy a concert, spend an afternoon at the beach and relish the things that make life on the First Coast great. Each year, our readers vote on their favorite subjects in a variety of categories. Rather than recognizing our Best of Jacksonville winners in our December issue, as has long been our tradition, we’re recognizing them now, in January. Our challenge to each winner? Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s working.

TV MORNING SHOW
Channel 4
Between the hours of 7-9 AM, WJXT’s The Morning Show is a local favorite for the day’s first stories. Nikki, Bruce, Staci, Richard and the rest of the crew keep their viewers entertained with just the right mix of personality, hard news and need-to-know traffic and weather.

NEWSPERSON MOST LIKELY TO ACCEPT YOUR FACEBOOK FRIEND REQUEST
AND
TV REPORTER WHOSE HAIR YOU WISH YOU HAD
Nikki Kimbleton
When polled on who they’d like to be connected to on social media, Channel 4′s anchor and consumer reporter Nikki Preede-Kimbleton reigns as the person our readers would most like to have on their list of friends. First order of business would be liking all of her profile pics: our readers think her blonde bob is the best hairstyle behind any news desk in town. Thumbs up, Nikki!

TV ANCHOR YOU’D LIKE TO INVITE TO YOUR NEXT BBQ
Richard Nunn
On his Facebook page, Channel 4 meteorologist Richard “The Frying” Nunn calls himself “an all-American nerd” who has turned a passion for weather into a long-lasting occupation. First Coast residents can catch his forecasts every morning on the Channel 4 morning show, and also during the noon show, but our readers would really prefer to catch up with him in the backyard over a few beers and burgers. The dude can cook, too.

TV REPORTER WHO DOES MEANINGFUL STORIES
Jeannie Blaylock
In addition to being First Coast News’ healthcare reporter, Blaylock co-anchors the 5 PM and 6 PM news and pioneered the Buddy Check 12 program, which motivates women to participate in early breast cancer detection routines. Though she reports on a variety of stories, including human interest pieces, Blaylock has serious street cred in the form of 16 Emmys, as well as multiple Associated Press awards and a Peabody.

WEBSITE TO GET THE JAX SCOOP
Jacksonville.com
The Florida Times-Union’s Jacksonville.com is the site locals turn to most often to get the local (and often national) scoop. In addition to restaurant reviews and news stories, visitors to the site can peruse blogs from T-U reporters as well as local job listings and classified ads.

MOST KNOWLEDGEABLE SPORTS-RADIO HOST
Dan Hicken
In addition to being sports director and weeknight sports anchor for First Coast News, Dan Hicken also hosts Sports Final Radio on WJXL-AM 1010 and is a voting sports journalist for the Heisman Trophy. He’s the go-to guy for info on big local events like The Players Championship, Jaguars games and anything Tim Tebow, and he won a regional Emmy for his work on a series about Jacksonville’s quest to land an NFL team.

MORNING RADIO SHOW
WOKV-AM 690
Though the station airs big names like Rush and Hannity, WOKV’s locallyproduced morning show is tops among listeners making their morning commute across one of Jacksonville’s many congested highways. With commentary from Rich Jones and segments from the WOKV news team, our readers’ dials budge little from 5-9 AM.

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY
Jeremy Ratliff
As the co-anchor of Jacksonville’s Morning News, a weekend co-host on WOKV, gameday commentator for Sirius XM during Jaguars games and co-host of the Shannon Miller Lifestyle show, Jeremy Ratliff is a pretty busy guy. He’s quick with a headline or a witty remark, and his Twitter account (@jeremyratliff) is full of his quirky thoughts (as well as breaking updates on his nap schedule).

CHEAP DATE LOCATION
AND
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
TacoLu
1183 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach (249-TACO) If you can manage to snag a table (or, for that matter, a parking space), the ‘Lu is the place to go for an inexpensive meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste. It’s equally cool for a first date or a family dinner—the Day of the Dead décor is a good talking point for kids, and the house-made margaritas are a great way to ease first-date jitters. The grown-up tacos, such as ahi and filet mignon, keep even the most sophisticated palates happy, and kids can’t get enough of the quesadillas and bajastyle fish sticks. Plus, you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy a hands-on meal.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT
Urban Flats
9726 Touchton Rd. (642-1488); 330 A1A N., Ponte Vedra (280-5515) Though this Orlando-based chain stakes its reputation on a variety of gourmet flatbreads, its ever-popular “Winedown Wednesdays” and ladies nights have stolen the spotlight. The Southside location offers drink specials for the ladies twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays, while the Ponte Vedra location hosts ladies night Saturday, with women drinking free from 9 to 11 PM. We’ll drink to that.

GUYS NIGHT OUT
Mortons The Steakhouse
1510 Riverplace Blvd., Southbank (399-3933) Located across the river from Downtown, this renowned steak house’s cozy lounge and extensive wine and cocktail list make it a great location for an after-work libation. Its USDA prime-aged beef isn’t half-bad, either. Gather the guys for a beer or a full-course meat-and-potatoes feast.

AFTER-DINNER DRINKS
Ocean 60
60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach (247-0060) Some nights just beg to last a little longer, and the Martini Room at Ocean 60 is an intimate, yet inviting place to enjoy a nightcap. Live music on weekends and a lengthy martini list keep regulars and newcomers alike coming back with their friends, loved ones and significant others.

NEW BAR/LOUNGE
BlackFinn American Grille
4840 Big Island Dr., St. Johns Town Center (345-3466) The Saloon at BlackFinn is one of the most appealing places to knock a few back at the St. Johns Town Center. A warm and dark room decorated in the style of an old-school hunting lodge, the massive bar is complemented by secluded booths on the room’s perimeter and high-top tables, making the gathering spot suitable for a casual date or a night out with friends.

HOTEL BAR
Azurea Lounge
One Ocean Resort, Atlantic Beach (249-7402) Luxury oceanfront hotel One Ocean has garnered a reputation for being one of the beach’s most chic locations. The hotel’s modern lobby and public spaces, complete with hanging stones and glass walls, is a gorgeous greeting for visitors to Azurea, the hotel’s restaurant. But for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, the Azurea lounge offers an extensive wine list as well as the restaurant’s full menu, and the outdoor veranda offers the perfect setting for an oceaninspired cocktail sipped by the firepit.

SPORTS BAR
Sneaker’s Sports Grille
111 Beach Blvd. (482-1000); 8133 Pointe Meadows Dr. (519-0509) Sports fans love Sneakers for its enormous television screens (some of which are a full story tall) as well as its beer selection, food and servers in cheerleader uniforms. Though it offers typical bar grub like loaded cheese fries and hot wings, prime rib and New York strip steaks are also favorites.

IRISH PUB
Fionn MacCools
333 1st St. N., Jax Beach (270-1350) Lynch’s Irish Pub 514 1st St. N., Jax Beach (249-5181) Two Jax Beach pubs tied for this year’s top pick for a place to pull up a bar stool, order a Guinness and chow down on corned beef and cabbage. Both Fionn MacCools and Lynch’s Irish Pub offer great food, cold beer and entertainment

PEOPLE-WATCHING BAR
Pete’s Bar
117 1st St. N., Neptune Beach (249-9158) Step inside Pete’s Bar, order a cold beer and sit back. Watching the crowd at this Beaches landmark is a pastime in which many generations of beachgoers have indulged. Perhaps the best day to take in the local flair is Thanksgiving, when crowds gather as early as 8 AM to party in the streets. Yeah, they do.

WINE BAR
The Grotto
2012 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-0726) With an ambiance mimicking that of an old wine cellar, The Grotto is a neighborhood favorite for its small plates and wine selection. The wine and tapas bar, which was transformed from a coffee shop years ago, offers more than 70 wines by the glass and more than 300 by the bottle, making it a prime place to get uncorked at the end of the day.

DANCE CLUB
SUITE
4880 Big Island Dr., St. Johns Town Center (493-9305) Few bars pack a stylish punch like SUITE. This dress-to-impress establishment prides itself on an extensive list of mixed cocktails and martinis, but the atmosphere is equally impressive with dark wood details, attentive servers and a full menu with dishes such as Cajun lobster tacos and Szechuan tuna.

HAPPY HOUR
Orsay
3630 Park St., Avondale (381-0909) Many view Orsay as a “special occasion” destination— you know, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. For those who want to enjoy Orsay’s ambiance and locally-sourced menu in between life’s grand benchmarks, though, there’s happy hour. Several of the restaurant’s appetizers are slashed to half-price from 4-7 PM daily (even on weekends), and a special wine, beer and cocktail menu follows suit.

BEER SELECTION
Kickbacks Gastropub
910 King St., Riverside (388-9551) It’s loud. It’s divey. And yes, you’ll probably see your fair share of facial piercings among both the clientele and the staff. But for beer lovers, Kickbacks is the prime spot in town. With over 600 different bottled beers and 84 varieties on tap, the gastropub has something for everyone.

CRAFT BREW PUB
Intuition Ale Works
720 King St., Riverside (683-7720) Though it only recently celebrated its oneyear anniversary, Intuition has quickly become a favorite local watering hole. The brewery keeps over a dozen of its own beers on tap in its tasting room, a rustic and warm room with large tables, board games and a TV in the corner to keep the sports fans happy. The brewery bar is a more laid-back space, with cornhole and foosball equipment open for free use. Intuition offers brewery tours by appointment Wednesday through Friday.

RESTAURANT PATIO/DECK
Nippers Beach Grille
2309 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach (247-3300) Taverna 1986 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-3005) On a nice day, nothing beats a cool drink in a sunny spot, and our River City readers can’t decide which one they like better: the spacious waterfront patio at Nippers Beach Grille, or the chic yet secluded outdoor seats at Taverna. Together, both represent the best part of living in Jacksonville: equal access to city-hip dining and flip-flop-friendly beach restaurants.

BAR EATS
The Brick
3585 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (387-0606) Wings and fries are tried and true, but happy hour nosh gets a serious upgrade at The Brick. Caramelized brie and bread, paella croquettes with lobster, shrimp and scallops and a wine plate piled high with cheese, olives, nuts and salami are appetizer highlights that put greasier options to shame.

INNOVATIVE EATS
Taverna
1986 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-3005) A seasonal menu and a kitchen reliant upon the freshest ingredients landed Taverna the top spot among Jacksonville’s innovative restaurants. The European influence is seen in dishes like the patatas bravas and the skirt steak à la plancha.

NEW RESTAURANT
Seasons 52
5096 Big Island Dr., St. Johns Town Center (645-5252) The St. Johns Town Center has been a dining hotspot since it first opened, and Seasons 52 is a recent newcomer that adds to that reputation. The menu nods toward seasonal ingredients, and each dish clocks in at 475 or fewer calories. Add a long wine list and live piano music, and its popularity is no surprise.

BRUNCH
The Reef Restaurant
4100 Coastal Hwy., St. Augustine (824-8008) On a Sunday afternoon, many a Jacksonville resident make the leisurely drive to St. Augustine for brunch at The Reef. With a carving station, fresh omelets, crab legs, fresh fruit, peel-and-eat shrimp and a wealth of other options from which to choose, plus champagne, it’s a weekend tradition that’s worth enjoying time and time again.

PIZZA
Mellow Mushroom & Al’s Pizza (tie)
Pizza fans might argue over what makes a good pie—the crust, the sauce, or the toppings. But one thing voters can agree on is that both Mellow Mushroom and Al’s Pizza nail it. Fresh ingredients, interesting toppings and beer specials make both chains some of the best pie purveyors in town.

CHEESE PIZZA
Al’s Pizza
Various locations Sometimes, when it comes to pizza, simple is not only better—it’s best. And it’s hard to beat a slice of cheese pizza from Al’s. Whether you order it as-is or extra-crispy, the local chain’s hand-tossed, New York-style crust reigns as the best for 2012.

PASTA
Enza’s Italian Restaurant
10601 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (268-4458) Penne, fettuccine, linguini or spaghetti, you can’t go wrong with the pasta choices at Enza’s. Each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients, and owners Enza and Mike Huff go to great lengths to make sure each noodly forkful is prepared perfectly.

STEAKS
Ruth’s Chris
1201 Riverplace Blvd., Downtown (396-6200); 814 A1A North, Ponte Vedra (285-0014) It’s hard to beat the famous steaks at Ruth’s Chris. Made of prime-choice cuts of beef and seared to perfection at 1,800 degrees, the butter-topped chops sizzle from the kitchen to your table. Pricey, but delish!

CHICKEN FINGERS AND FRIES
Zaxby’s
Though it isn’t a local mom-n-pop, voters agreed that fast-food chain Zaxby’s knows how to make a plate of chicken fingers and fries. No argument here.

FRIED CHICKEN
Beach Road Chicken Dinners
4132 Atlantic Blvd. (398-7980) A Jacksonville institution, Beach Road has been serving up its signature crispy pieces of chicken since 1939. Sides like homemade mac-n-cheese and biscuits and gravy make the perfect addition to a boxed meal, which is available in 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24-piece options.

BURGERS
Five Guys Burgers and Fries & Cruisers Grill (Tie)
When it comes to burgers, it seems Jacksonville just can’t decide between a national phenomenon and a home-grown legend: both Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Cruisers Grill snagged the title for best grilled patties this year. Both chains have perfected their craft for decades, sending countless River City residents home full and happy.

FISH AND CHIPS
O’Brothers
1521 Margaret St., Five Points (854-9300) The brothers behind O’Brothers (Drew and Curt Cavins) hit the mark when it comes to a pub favorite, fish n’ chips. Their version is comprised of Icelandic cod, fried in a light batter and served with fries, tartar sauce and curry. We find that it’s best enjoyed with malt vinegar and a cold pint.

CATERER
Catering by Liz
919 King St., Riverside (387-1955) Liz Grenamyer has garnered quite the reputation on the First Coast for her catering services, which are much more elegant than a run-of-the-mill cheese spread. An experienced event staff and delicious food (like watermelon squares topped with ahi tuna tartar) make for a truly impressive corporate event, wedding or party.

BAKERY
Cinotti’s
1523 Penman Rd., Jax Beach (246-1728) Cinotti’s custom cakes, pastries and truffles have again found a place in voters’ hearts (and stomachs). A display of freshly-baked breads make the perfect canvas for a sandwich or one of Cinotti’s hand-made burgers. And the pumpkin donuts, though only available seasonally, fly off the shelves each fall.

DESSERT CASE
Biscottis
3556 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (387-2060) The dessert case at Biscottis (which greets you as soon as you walk inside) is something of legend. Desserts like bread pudding, red velvet cheesecake and French silk pie (just to name a few) are locally-made and worth every calorie-laden bite. If it makes you feel better, you can easily split a dessert with a friend or two.

ORGANIC GOODS
Grassroots Natural Market
2007 Park St., Five Points (384-4474)
Whole Foods (tie)
10601 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (288-1100) For the discerning home cook, grocery shopping isn’t just a weekly chore; it’s an experience, one made better with the satisfaction of knowing every effort has been made to provide one’s family with healthy food. Healthconscious shoppers turn to Grassroots Natural Market and Whole Foods—two very different shopping experiences—for outstanding selections of fresh fruits, veggies, meats and products.

BODY TREATMENTS
Sole Spa
1112 Third St. S., Jax Beach (249-4577) Though they specialize in the “art” of Brazilian bikini waxing (ouch!), the aestheticians at Sole provide a multitude of treatments. From airbrush tanning to full-body salt polishes, the services provided at Sole have landed the spa its second “Best Body Treatments” title.

MANI/PEDI
Kirsten Laney
Mantra Salon, 568 Marsh Landing Pkwy., Jax Beach (285-1875) Full manicures and luxurious spa pedicures are just a few of the nail services offered at Mantra Salon, and readers especially like the way Kirsten Laney applies a coat of polish. Using OPI colors and Creative Nail Design products, Laney keeps her clients beautiful from head to toe.

MASSAGES
Muriel Hattori
Sawgrass Marriott’s Spa at Sawgrass (674-4772) Muriel Hattori has the magic touch. Her customers reap the benefits of an extensive career at the Spa at Sawgrass, which spans over 15 years. Oh, yeah, right there…

DAY SPA
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
200 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach (285-1111) For the ultimate in relaxation services, locals head to the sea to indulge at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Massages, body wraps and scrubs, sunless tanning and facial treatments are a few of the most popular services, and combination packages help guests make a full day out of their visits.

HAIR SALON
Hawthorn Salon
1011 Park St., Five Points (619-3092)
Ten Salon (tie)
115 Professional Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach (285-7776) Ten Salon and Hawthorn Salon have a lot in common: great stylists, loyal customers (both men and women—not something that can be said for just any salon) and racks of professional- grade hair products to help each client achieve the salon look at home. Our readers are split between the established, calming atmosphere of Ten and the modern, edgy appeal of Hawthorn.

HAIR STYLIST
Nereida Barker
Elite Sessions, 8825 Perimeter Park Blvd., Southside (997-8455) Long locks, short bobs or couture coifs—no matter the style, Jax Mag readers trust Nereida Barker to transform their tresses. Her hands create equally stunning wedding updos and everyday blowouts, proving that every client can be his or her own work of art.

HAIR COLORIST
Mindy Stamulis
Mindy Stamulis Salon, 3645 Park St., Riverside (551-3408)
Shea White (tie)
Mantra Salon, 568 Marsh Landing Pkwy., Jax Beach (285-1875) Two talented ladies snagged the title for Best Hair Colorist in Jax—Mindy Stamulis, last year’s winner, and Shea White, a newcomer to the “Best of” list. Whether you need highlights, a touch-up on your platinum blonde locks or have decided to go raven black, Mindy and Shea can make your hair shine.

YOGA STUDIO
MBody Yoga
Three area locations Holistic yoga center MBody Yoga has something for everyone, from beginners looking for a change to seasoned yogis. Their three locations in Jax—San Marco, Southside and Neptune Beach—strive to debunk the mystique surrounding yoga, teaching it in an approachable manner that has made the studio a favorite among First Coast residents.

HEALTH CLUB
Bailey’s Powerhouse Gym
Several area locations With all the locations around Jacksonville, it’s a safe bet that either you or someone you know is a member of Bailey’s. Fitness classes, free weights, personal training services and a friendly staff make it the favorite health club of Jax Mag readers. Now, drop and give me 20…

WORKOUT WEAR
Lululemon
St. Johns Town Center (645-7904) Canadian-based Lululemon Athletica again won for its vast selection of workout wear for both ladies and gentemen. The store sells tennis, yoga and running gear, and often hosts fitness events at its Town Center location.

THEATRE GROUP
Players by the Sea
106 6th St. N., Jax Beach (249-0289) A Jacksonville-Beach institution, Players by the Sea community theater has been entertaining locals for 46 years. Upcoming shows include Three Days of Rain, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Reefer Madness. Break a leg!

MUSIC VENUE
Florida Theatre
128 E Forsyth St., Downtown (355-5661) It has been recognized as one of the first concert venues in the Southeast, and the Florida Theatre is known locally as the best music venue in town. Thousands of performers have crossed its stage, including vaudeville acts, Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson, and the 1920s design makes an impressive backdrop for modern musicians.

PRINT/ONLINE REPORTER AND COLUMNIST/BLOGGER
Mark Woods
The Florida Times-Union columnist Mark Woods first came to the paper in 2001 as a sports columnist. He has since moved to the metro desk, where he writes about a variety of topics including politics and human interest pieces. Whatever the topic, one thing is clear—Jacksonville readers are interested in what he has to say.

CULTURE BLOGGER
Joey Marchy
The man behind Urban Jacksonville, Joey Marchy, is again the local favorite when it comes to blogging. Be it local politics, events or restoration efforts of some of the city’s urban neighborhoods, Marchy is an authority on all things Jax.

CULTURE BARGAIN
Cummer Museum
829 Riverside Ave., Riverside (356-6857) In addition to its “Free Tuesdays,” when admission to the museum is waived from 4-9 PM, the Cummer hosts a popular concert music series, children’s art classes and programs for adults—all at great bargains. Children and adults alike have long enjoyed perusing the museum’s vast collection of art and taking a tour of the gardens, which are located next to the St. Johns River.

MAKEUP SELLER
Sephora
St. Johns Town Center (997-1212) Few women would turn down a shopping spree at Sephora. In addition to aisles brimming with products from NARS, Clinique and YSL, Sephora also has an entire portion of the store devoted entirely to natural and organic products.

BOOKSELLER
Chamblin’s Bookmine
4551 Roosevelt Blvd., Westside (384-1685) The parking lot at Chamblin’s Bookmine may as well have a large flashing sign that says “Bibliophiles At Play.” A longtime favorite of Jacksonville residents, the sprawling warehouse tucked into a corner of Roosevelt Boulevard is packed floor-to-ceiling with new and used books arranged by genre. A second retail store on Laura Street, Chamblin’s Uptown, offers a similar experience with the added bonus of a coffee shop.

MUSEUM STORE
The Museum Shop at MOCA Jacksonville
333 N. Laura St., Downtown (366-6911) The shop nestled into the lobby of MOCA sells a nice selection of locally-made pottery, jewelry and scarves, as well as coffee table books and “Little Thinkers”—small, plush versions of the world’s best-known artists, like Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh (complete with detachable ear.) Throw in a meal from Cafe Nola and a trip through the galleries, and a short visit to the shop can easily turn into a full day.

ADULT RAINY DAY DESTINATION
AND
PLACE FOR BOWLING AND BEER
Latitude 30
10370 Philips Hwy. (365-5555) Looking for a place other than your couch to spend a rainy afternoon? Latitude 30 is our readers’ choice. With a luxury movie theatre where you can sip a glass of wine, an adult-approved arcade and sports bar, feel free to act like a kid in a candy store. For bowling and beer, it’s a hard place to beat—each lane comes with its own comfy leather sofas, modern lighting and a lane menu that includes brick-oven pizzas and prime rib kabobs. Those wishing to bowl on a weekend would be wise to plan ahead; reservations can’t be made, so lanes are first-come, first-serve.

PICNIC SPOT
Memorial Park
Nestled between Riverside Avenue and the St. Johns River, the 5.85-acre Memorial Park was initially dedicated on Christmas Day, 1924, as a way to honor the 1,200 Floridians who died in WWI. One of the highlights of the park, aside from the vast expanse of grass just begging for a picnic blanket, is the large bronze sculpture Life, which was created by celebrated Florida sculptor Charles Adrian Pillars. Grab takeout from a nearby restaurant and enjoy a lazy afternoon.

FAMILY RAINY DAY LOCATION
The Movies
Why let a rainy day keep you cooped up in the house when you could catch a flick at one of Jacksonville’s many movie theaters? Regal Cinemas offers $5 tickets all day on Sundays, and the IMAX at the World Golf Village offers group discounts for 10 or more (perfect for birthday parties) as well as special discounts throughout the year.

PLACE TO GET WET
Adventure Landing
1944 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach (246-4386) Adventure Landing isn’t just for the kids; the Shipwrecked-themed water park is fun for kids at heart, too. With the “Little St. Johns” lazy river, an extreme wave pool and four slippery slides, Adventure Landing is sure to cool you off without leaving any sand in all the wrong places.

PLACE TO RUN WILD
The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
370 Zoo Pkwy., Northside (757-4463) Few places afford the chance to unleash one’s animal instinct, but the zoo encourages its guests to let loose while learning about the creatures on its grounds. JaZoo’s KidZone, the African Loop and River Valley Aviary provide plenty of imagination fodder for both the young and young at heart.

PLACE TO MEET NEW PEOPLE
AND
ARTSY EVENT
ArtWalk
Downtown Jacksonville’s self-guided tour of the city’s urban core, which occurs on the first Wednesday of every month, has grown increasingly popular since its inception more than seven years ago. Within a 15-block radius of the plaza, dozens of galleries, restaurants and local businesses stay open until 9 PM or later. At any given ArtWalk, you may see a Storm Trooper, cute dogs, hipsters, artsy socialites and scads of paintings. For these reasons, Art Walk snagged two “Best of” titles this year.

PLACE TO GET CRAFTY
Doing Dishes
5619 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (730-3729); 3568 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (388-7088) With over 300 pieces of bisque to choose from, as well as stamps, stencils and paints to perfect your design, Doing Dishes is the locals’ favorite place to get crafty. Just pick your pottery (choices include mugs, frames and vases), paint it to your liking, and Doing Dishes will dip it in a glaze and fire it in an on-site kiln. The finished piece will be ready in about a week.

VINTAGE CLOTHING
Vintage Recalled
817 Lomax St., Five Points (358-0399) Sure, you can find the occasional vintage gem at a thrift store. But why bother searching through racks of junk for a great shirt, when local shops offer hand-selected threads sure to amp up your style? A vast selection of vintage Levis, perfectly-worn-in cowboy boots and unique dresses make Vintage Recalled the best source for secondhand clothing, according to our voters.

PET STUFF AND PET GROOMING
Bark Boutique
1021 Park St., Five Points (356-4530) This pet boutique offers gifts that are so nice, the owner might get jealous. Sweaters, dog collars, leashes, beds, high-end food and toys are all offered, but it’s the bakery in the back that keeps four-legged customers dragging their owners back. For the pooch who has everything, Bark even offers individual birthday cakes—complete with dog-friendly icing. Grooming services for cats and dogs are also the cat’s meow of our readers, who turn to Bark for nail clipping, teeth cleaning, shaves and oatmeal baths for their furry friends.

STYLISH GIFTS
Things Very Special
5816 St. Augustine Rd. (733-4820) For a stylish gift, voters turn to the personalized touch of Things Very Special, a store specializing in fine stationery and invitations. While most turn to stationery stores for wedding announcements and holiday cards, Things Very Special also offers hand-milled Lafco soaps and a selection of wrapping papers and ribbons.

NEW BOUTIQUE
Jane Doe Boutique
1027 Park St., Five Points (356-0027) This gift and clothing boutique became a quick favorite on the eclectic Park Street retail strip, due largely to its selection of jewelry, perfume and brightly-colored dresses. Other finds, such as luxe fur vests, Swarovski crystal jewelry and purse-sized perfumes from Love and Toast, keep local fashionistas coming back for more.

MEN’S WEAR
Rosenblum’s
5500 San Jose Blvd., Lakewood (733-8633); 2400 S. 3rd St., Jax Beach (247-9755) Year after year, local men turn to Rosenblum’s for the finest threads. Ermenegildo Zegna ties, 7 for All Mankind jeans and shirts from the ever-preppy design house Vineyard Vines are just some of the pieces that make the store well-known among dapper First Coasters.

MATERNITY CLOTHING
A Pea in a Pod
Destination Maternity, St. Johns Town Center (997-9155) Pregnancy doesn’t have to hinder mommy’s style. A Pea in the Pod sells clothing from high-end brands like Ella Moss and Rachel Pally, plus designer denim from Citizens for Humanity and Hudson.

HANDBAGS AND PARTY DRESSES
Thérapie
1960 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (393-4945) When it’s time to find a party ensemble, no retail therapy destination can compete with Thérapie in San Marco. The boutique’s aesthetic is contemporary, hip and, according to voters, the best in the city for colored clutches, cross-body messenger bags, date night dresses and weekend frocks.

EYE WEAR
Vue Optical Boutique
3588 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (388-7767) Shopping for eyeglasses at Vue is a pleasant experience—something not often said for finding a pair of prescription sunglasses or bifocals. Dr. Dana Nolan, OD, provides exceptional eyecare at this sleek Avondale shop, which sells frames from designers like Tom Ford, Gucci and Oliver Peoples.

BATHING SUITS
Aqua East
696 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach (246-2550); 1850 A1A S., St. Augustine Beach (471-8070) Local surfers have long relied on Aqua East for wetsuits and wax, but many love it for its fashionable swim trunks and bikinis, too. Lines like Roxy, Billabong and Vitamin A take up half a floor of the surf mega-store, which has been outfitting beach-goers since 1973.

JEANS AND DENIM
Crave
1018 Park St., Five Points (357-3654) Premium denim boutique Crave took top honors for its vast denim selection, which keeps fashionable ladies and gentlemen outfitted in the best-fitting cuts with all the right details. Crave carries trendy lines like William Rast, MiH and Earnest Sewn, as well as men’s jeans from top labels Genetic, Kasil and James Jeans.

HAIRCUTS FOR KIDS
Hair Cuttery
Kids have it easy when it comes to hair care; generally speaking, all it takes to keep a little client happy is a good spin in the salon chair. Moms and dads across the First Coast turn to Hair Cuttery for their kids’ snips, clips and buzz cuts.

KIDS PHOTOGRAPHER
Joseph D. Michael Photography
7537 Duclay Forest Dr. W. (504-2363) Whether parents are looking for a photographer to snap a pic of their newborn or a portfolio for a high-school senior, the most voters turned to Joseph D. Michael Photography. Congrats, Joe.

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE
Kyd’s Boutique
4413 Town Center Pkwy., St. Johns Town Center (645-0712) Voters love Kyds for its selection of clothing, swimwear and accessories for infants (up to size 14) and little boys and girls. A wide selection of trendy sportswear from brands like Juicy baby, Joe’s Jeans and C & C California ensure that your tot is fashion-forward.

BABY GIFT STORE
Spotted Stork Boutique
318 1st Ave. N., Jax Beach (241-2227) Spotted Stork owner Julie Wintz opened her baby boutique to provide stylish, functional products for her “mommy” friends, who complained that many stores in Jacksonville sold the same brands and products. The little pink house in Jax Beach opened in May 2011, and its array of stylish diaper bags, nursery décor and adorable baby and toddler clothes has earned a loyal following.

BIRTHDAY PARTY LOCATION
Ollie Koala’s Backyard
11700 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (288-7230) Those with children ages 2-12 would be wise to choose Ollie Koala’s for a birthday party because, simply put, the staff does most of the work for you. In addition to video games that will keep kids entertained for hours, Ollie’s offers a full menu of pizzas, sandwiches and salads, plus party platters.

FAMILY WEEKEND GETAWAY
AND
TACKY TOURIST STOP
St. Augustine
The shopping, restaurant options and historical activities make St. Augustine a great (and close) place to take the entire family. Plus, in addition to the many historic attractions, there are plenty of tacky tourist attractions and shops that have an appeal all their own. Take a ghost tour, camp out at Anastasia State Park and eat dinner aboard a pirate ship—the options for family bonding are plentiful. Or, mix things up by drinking from the Fountain of Youth and posing next to a two-headed rabbit at Ripley’s Believe It or Not. What’s tacky about that?

BIKE REPAIR
City Cycle
2740 Park St., Riverside (356-2453) This locally-owned shop sells bikes and gear from Cannondale, Yakima and Oakley, but the expert repair services again landed the shop a top spot on the “Best of” list. City Cycle staff members participate in weekly group rides, so their focus on excellent customer service in helping patrons find, or fix, a set of wheels is based on firsthand knowledge.

CAR REPAIRS
Herndon’s Automotive
5105 Philips Hwy., Southside (737-0001) The family-owned and operated automotive center, which prides itself on honest work, specializes in servicing Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Luxury car owners again voted Herndon’s as the city’s go-to spot for repairs and service.

CAR WASH
Beaches Car Wash
1401 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach (247-0290) With the exception of high schoolers and Rose Royce, most people don’t actually enjoy washing their cars. Our readers take their wheels to Beaches Car Wash when their ride needs to be scrubbed, waxed and detailed. Their team of car-washing pros keep those rags and machines humming, which keeps customers smiling.

COUTURE CLEANER
Oceanside Cleaners
3742 Southside Blvd., (642-6177); 298 Solano Rd., Ponte Vedra (285-2123) A full-service tailor shop and free pickup and delivery set Oceanside apart from most drycleaners. And both the Southside and Ponte Vedra locations offer general cleaning services, as well as preservation services for wedding dresses and military uniforms.

FLORIST
Liz Stewart Floral Design
1404 3rd St. S., Jax Beach (246-0016) For bouquets, centerpieces and everyday special occasions, Jacksonville residents turn to Liz Stewart Floral Design to create an arrangement worth gushing over. With over 25 years of experience, Liz and her staff have earned a sterling reputation for their ability to blend just the right colors and scents in each handmade arrangement.

TAILOR/ ALTERATIONS
Emily Ann’s Alterations
1110 S. Third St., Jax Beach (853-6052) When a zipper sticks, a button pops or a stitch needs… well, stitching, locals turn to Jax Beach’s Emily Ann’s Alterations. Whether customers need a simple hem or labor-intensive tailoring, the experts at Emily Ann’s keep First Coasters in all their favorite garments.

JEWELRY REPAIR
Espling Jewelers
Various locations Generations of Jacksonville residents have taken their broken jewelry and watches to Espling Jewelers. The family-owned operation runs four shops across town, making it easy for customers to find a location to keep their family heirlooms in pristine condition.

SHOE REPAIR
Gus & Company
225 N. Laura St., Downtown (354-9770) Gus & Co. has been repairing the shoes and luggage of locals since 1904, so it’s no wonder the shop earned a nod of approval from voters. The expert cobblers on hand will work magic on your tired old soles and heels for prices ranging from $18 to $75 (prices for cowboy boot repairs are slightly higher), and a shoe shine sets customers back just $2-$3.

REASON TO DRIVE TO AMELIA ISLAND
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
750 Amelia Island Pkwy. (277-1100) Though Amelia Island offers plenty of reasons to visit, many make the drive (or take the ferry, as the case may be) solely to visit The Ritz-Carlton. Arguably the nicest hotel in the greater Jacksonville area, The Ritz is home to the AAA, Five Diamond award-winning restaurant, Salt, which many voters cited as worth the trek.

REASON TO DRIVE TO ST. AUGUSTINE
The Outlets
I-95 and State Road 16 Two sprawling outlet centers, over 150 discount retail stores—everything from Coach purses to vitamins—stand ready and waiting, just off of I-95. Black Friday draws huge crowds, but deals found at the St. Augustine Outlets and St. Augustine Premium Outlets can be found every day the doors are open.

It goes without saying that picking “best” or “top” restaurants is a subjective exercise. Because no two diners have exactly the same preferences and tastes, compiling a one-size-fits-all list of favorite eateries is not a scientific endeavor. What it is, however, is extremely labor intensive, sometimes contentious, often rewarding and always challenging.

No matter a diner’s preference for flavors and spices, we believe our readers can agree on a few features and amenities that separate the good restaurants from the great. These are the things Jacksonville Magazine looks for when settling upon eateries to highlight in our annual list. For example, an establishment’s attention to cleanliness is always appreciated. In addition, aspects such as pleasing decor and atmosphere, perceived value (regardless of the price for entrées), consistent food quality, creativity and innovation, professional and attentive service elevate the best above the rest. Then there are other intangibles, including how the staff handles a mistake or a complaint from a customer, if the bartender remembers your favorite drink, if the busboys retrieve plates, silver and glasses quietly, and if the manager or chef stops by the table to converse with guests.

As you review and digest this year’s Top 25 list and the various side dishes that accompany them, we anticipate you will see some old neighborhood favorites as well as a few restaurants you have yet to visit. We know there won’t be universal agreement with our choices. And that’s okay. We believe you will agree that the story is arguably the most thoroughly researched and informative article on fine dining and good eats served in Northeast Florida.

Aqua Grill
950 Sawgrass Village Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach, 285-3017
Many Ponte Vedra restaurants have come and gone over the two decades since Aqua Grill opened its doors. An unpretentious atmosphere and a consistent focus on seafood and meat-and-potatoes staples with a twist may explain some of its longevity. From pork osso buco to braised beef shortribs to herb-crusted tofu, the menu covers lots of ground. Some regulars stick to the classics like the fried seafood platter with panko-coated fish, lump crab cake, scallops, shrimp, fries and cole slaw.
Most Expensive Entrée: Wild mushroom smothered grilled filet mignon with horseradish whipped potatoes, grilled asparagus and fried onion straws, $34
Least Expensive Entrée: Eggplant parmesan “To Die For” with plum tomato sauce, three cheeses, and sautéed angel hair pasta, $17
Jax Mag Recommends: Day’s catch prepared First Coast Hemingway-style coated in parmesan, herbs, sesame seeds, sautéed crispy, with a sun-dried tomato mornay sauce and rosemary red potatoes, $22. Aqua Grill knows fish.

bb’s
1019 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, 306-0100
A few of bb’s dishes have been on the menu since day one, including the Mediterranean chicken salad and mozzarella bruschetta. The grilled pizzas—white truffle, marinated artichoke, Thai bbq and jambalaya—are perennial favorites. However, arguably the best way to go when ordering are the daily chef specials, a collection of dishes that really allow the chefs to stretch their creativity. Seating in the bistro is snug and it can get loud. Arrive late for lunch and the only seat available may be one at the short bar near the door. Sit and enjoy, though don’t leave before checking out the dessert case near the back.

Most Expensive Entrée: Black Angus filet of beef with bacon and shallot potato gratin, asparagus, boursin cheese, red onion marmalade, toasted hazelnuts and sauce bordelaise, $31
Least Expensive Entrée: Orecchiette pasta with spicy Italian sausage, Swiss chard, roasted baby carrots, sundried tomatoes, shaved parmesan and herbs, $21
Jax Mag Recommends: White truffle pizza with wild mushrooms, shaved parmigiano, mozzarella, prosciutto and arugula, $12; And the dessert case. Just pick one of anything here. The slice will be big enough to share.

Biscottis
3556 St. Johns Ave., Avondale, 387-2060
Upon entering Biscottis, check out the big blackboard above the bar to see what the week’s specials are. The dessert case will be a distraction, so be sure to peek inside it before the bill comes. The Avondale favorite offers all items one expects from an exemplary cafe, including terrific soups, salads and sandwiches (try the ancho honey glazed salmon BLT or open-faced meatloaf sandwich). Back to the dessert case—triple chocolate cake, red velvet cake, white chocolate raspberry cheesecake… oh, where does one begin?
Most Expensive Entrée: Tortilla-crusted cod sandwich, $12 (daily blackboard specials are pricier)
Least Expensive Entrée: 8-inch free range chicken pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, $10
Jax Mag Recommends: The mozzarella bruschetta, $10, is a tiny loaf filled with fresh cheese, baked with olive oil and lots of garlic, plum tomatoes, basil, pine nuts and cracked pepper. Two, please!

Bistro Aix
1440 San Marco Blvd., San Marco, 398-1949
For a decade now Bistro Aix has been among the city’s most popular fine dining establishments. Stylish without being stuffy, the restaurant earns raves for consistently delicious food, including innovative seasonal specials and classic menu favorites. Creamy French onion soup, house-made bacon and brie pizza, lamb short ribs, roast chicken and fresh pasta dishes—the menu is diverse, but all the while pays homage to the Southern French cooking roots favored by executive chef Tom Gray.
Most Expensive Entrée: Angus beef filet mignon with green beans, shallots, Stilton bleu cheese and au gratin potatoes, $36
Least Expensive Entrée: Three-cheese wood-fired pizza with tomatoes and basil, $12
Jax Mag Recommends: Steak frites bistro “onglet” steak with green beans, red wine shallot sauce and French fries, $23. The next-door Onyx Bar is a chic spot in which to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail.

Blackstone Grille - filet mignon au poivre

Blackstone Grille
112 Bartram Oaks Walk, Julington Creek, 287-0766
The River City has too few white tablecloth dining spots. Count Blackstone among those few. Chef Charles Wang characterizes his cuisine as “modern American fusion.” Diners who frequent the attractive Bartram Oaks restaurant just call it good. Blackstone features an impressive collection of wines, capped by bottles of Opus One Meritage, $240. From grilled quesadillas to flambéed quail and vegetable dumplings to lobster ravioli, deciding upon what to eat can be a challenge.
Most Expensive Entrée: Grilled rack of lamb with dill sour cream sauce, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, spinach and asparagus, $32.95
Least Expensive Entrée: Grilled vegetables on a bed of linguine pasta with tomatoes, basil garlic and olive oil, $17.95
Jax Mag Recommends: Tea-smoked duck breast topped with apricot shallot demi glaze and served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, spinach and asparagus, $20.95. Unusually delicious.

Blue Bamboo - Sea bass with mushroom strudel & ginger wisps

Blue Bamboo
3820 Southside Blvd., Southside, 646-1478
They don’t come any nicer in the restaurant biz than chef/owner Dennis Chan, a UF and CIA grad and author of Hip Asian Comfort Food. The title of his first book jibes perfectly with his popular Southside eatery and his preference for accessible Asian fare like peanut lime chicken salad, fried soft-shell crab, chile mango salmon and shrimp pad Thai. For something new, try a lycheetini cocktail from the bar.
Most Expensive Entrée: Javin dusted lamb rack with samosa potato patties, grilled bok choy, $38.95
Least Expensive Entrée: Singapore street noodles, $9.95 (add chicken, tofu or shimp, $3.50)
Jax Mag Recommends: Red curry shrimp and grits with peppers and onions, $21.95, is a fun Asian twist on a Southern classic. And Friday and Saturday nights the kitchen goes Deep South with dishes such as peachy chicken and waffles and chicken pot pie, $17.95

The Blue Fish
3551 St. Johns Ave., Avondale, 387-0700
Florida is prime seafood country, and nowhere is that captured better than Blue Fish. The casually hip eatery satisfies meat-and-potatoes patrons, but the menu really shines with its fruits of the sea. Peel-and-eat shrimp, seafood gumbo, seared diver scallops, crab cakes, pan-steamed mussels, fried clam strips, stone crab claws—we could go on and on. The bright blue color scheme is fitting and fun. Check out the bar upstairs for a nightcap.
Most Expensive Entrée: Roasted New Zealand rack of lamb with garlic, herbs and red wine demi, $32
Least Expensive Entrée: Chicken picatta sautéed with lemon, capers, garlic and white wine, $19
Jax Mag Recommends: When Apalachicola oysters are in season, there’s nothing better. Raw, stuffed, whatever—just order them. The fried calamari is tasty, too.

Dwight’s Bistro
1527 Penman Rd., Jacksonville Beach, 241-4496
Dwight’s is a shining example that a Beaches restaurant need not be anywhere near the sand and surf to attract a loyal following. Offering perhaps the shortest menu in the city, chef Delude doesn’t look to impress with countless variety and gargantuan portions. No, he prefers outstanding ingredients and tried-and-true preparation. Lamb chops with mint jelly, escargots with garlic and shallot butter, spinach greens with bleu cheese and pancetta—what’s not to like? The restaurant itself is charming and kind of funky with splashes of tile and color everywhere.
Most Expensive Entrée: Mixed grill of lamb, quail, fish and tenderloin of beef, $40
Least Expensive Entrée: Angel hair Putanesca with Calamata olives, capers, tomatoes, garlic, anchovies and hot pepper, $25
Jax Mag Recommends: The fresh mozzarella with vine ripe tomatoes and olive oil is a simple delight, $18; the chef is a pasta-lover at heart so the ravioli of the day, $27, is never a bad choice.

Eleven South
216 11th Ave., S., Jacksonville Beach, 241-1112
How about a plate of grilled bone-in pork chops with potato and pumpkin smash, sautéed spinach, pomegranate onion jam and port wine jus? Or perhaps the grilled North Atlantic salmon with sweet potato, mushroom and cippolini hash, broccolini, white wine butter sauce and crispy parsnips? Both dishes give one an insight to the creativity being churned out of Eleven South, a Beaches restaurant with a decidedly upscale aura. Crisp linens, soft earth tones throughout and bright white plates ensure that nothing distracts from the presentation of the night’s meal.
Most Expensive Entrée: Mesquite grilled Angus 18-oz. ribeye with locally grown greens and cara-melized cippolini and bleu cheese crumbles, $37
Least Expensive Entrée: Parmesan pappardelle, hand-cut pasta with portobello mushrooms, roasted roma tomatoes, asparagus and cippolini in a parmesan cream sauce with grilled chicken, $24
Jax Mag Recommends: The seafood martini with Ahi tuna tartare, lump blue crab, Mayport shrimp, avocado, mango salsa and citrus aioli, $17, is an Eleven South classic for good reason. The lobster mac and cheese…yum!

J.J.’s Liberty Bistro
330 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach, 273-7980
The enormous Eiffel Tower replica informs diners at J.J.’s of two things. First, you have arrived. Second, all things French is the order of the day here. Vichyssoise, jambon fromage, croque monsieur—you get the idea. The French countryside mural on the wall continues the theme. Part-restaurant and part-marketplace offering baked goods, coffee, bottles of wine, cheeses and gourmet to-go eats, the chef-owned establishment (yes, there is a real J.J.) has been a Ponte Vedra landmark for more than 15 years. A second J.J.’s operates in the Shops at Village Walk, 7643 Gate Pkwy. (996-7557).
Most Expensive Entrée: Grilled veal tenderloin topped with a lobster medallion and finished with crevette sauce, $34
Least Expensive Entrée: Vegetarian trio with mushroom risotto, chef’s daily ravioli and pesto grilled vegetables, $18
Jax Mag Recommends: The daily soups are sure bets. For an entrée, fish is always a good choice, in particular, the rainbow trout à l’oscar with crab and asparagus and hollandaise sauce, $27

Marker 32
14549 Beach Blvd., Intracoastal West, 223-1534
This waterside favorite earns high praise from fans for truly professional service and an ever-changing menu that leans slightly toward seafood with dishes including cracked conch with spicy red pepper aioli, blue crab cakes with crushed new potatoes and shrimp and andouille fettucine with smoked pepper tomato sauce. It’s not all fish and crustaceans, however. Molasses glazed pork short
ribs with sweet corn slaw and seared sirloin with shoestring potatoes and brandy peppercorn demi sauce highlight the meat offerings.
Most Expensive Entrée: Wood-grilled beef tenderloin with truffled mascarpone grits, greens and brown butter Hollandaise, $26
Least Expensive Entrée: Farmer’s risotto featuring a daily selection of local produce, $13
Jax Mag Recommends: Unusual desserts such as warm almond and olive oil cake with cracked pepper goat cheese ice cream and strawberry jam, $8, and brioche doughnut with honey five spice ice cream, $8

Matthews - white chocolate almond suffle

Matthew’s
2107 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, 396-9922
The high-backed booths near the rear of the restaurant provide the best vantage point to enjoy the chic sophistication that is Matthew’s. A seat at the small counter in front of the kitchen is the ideal spot at which to take in the culinary magic happening in the kitchen. Some 2,000 bottles of wine are kept close at hand in the cellar, ensuring that every dish is paired with an appropriate glass. The bar bites menu in the lounge is an inexpensive alternative (all plates are $6) to a meal in the main dining room.
Most Expensive Entrée: New York strip with roasted portobello mushroom, braised arugula and cauliflower purée, $36
Least Expensive Entrée: Fairytale eggplant Napoleon with sautéed spinach, goat’s cheese and tomato coulees, $18
Jax Mag Recommends: First, don’t be timid. The ever-changing menu at Matthew’s is all about exploring new flavors, so dive into dishes such
as Francaise grouper with lemon braised spinach, mint and shallot herb broth, $26, or diver
scallops with butternut squash purée and celery
truffle apple salad, $29. You’ll thank us later.

Mezza Luna
110 N. 1st St., Neptune Beach, 249-5573
The wood-fired pizza oven and tasty selection of pasta entrées lend a decidedly Italian vibe to Mezza Luna. But don’t expect checked tablecloths and candles stuffed in chianti bottles. Instead, look for crispy calamari with lemon basil and marinara, sea scallops with truffle cauliflower purée, roasted mushrooms and baby carrots and grilled Ahi tuna and fingerling potatoes with smashed basil and lemon oil. The interior is cozy with aged red bricks, mustard walls and lots of stone and wood.
Most Expensive Entrée: Filet mignon with slow roasted tomatoes, spinach and sweet garlic herb butter, $29
Least Expensive Entrée: Spaghetti pomodoro with tomatoes, sweet garlic, olive oil, basil and parmesan, $15
Jax Mag Recommends: The selection of pasta dishes is top-notch. The black pepper fettuccine with pancetta, parsnips and black garlic is hearty and ideal for a cool winter evening. Also, the wood-fired pizzas are longtime faves. Try the four-cheese white or the spicy Mayport shrimp.

Nineteen
TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, 273-3238
Club members and PGA Tour players are treated to exclusive dining spaces. The rest of us, however, are welcome to enjoy the impressive TPC Sawgrass clubhouse and its signature restaurant, Nineteen. The entire building is a showplace to the prestige of the Tour and pro golf—literally. Volunteer docents will give you a tour, if you wish. The menu continues the golfing theme with
dishes named in honor of champion players. Phil Mickelson’s lobster ravioli comes with sautéed spinach, corn and tomato basil cream sauce.
Most Expensive Entrée: Pan-seared grouper with julienne vegetables, soba noodles, lobster, lemon grass, miso broth, $33
Least Expensive Entrée: Tim Clark’s lamb T-bone, with mint demi-glaze, eggplant and white bean salad, spinach, tomato and pesto, two chops, $19
Jax Mag Recommends: The house burger, $15, a 10-oz. patty served with a toasted brioche bun, all the fixings and a tangy sweet barbecued Vidalia onion jam. It’s a toss-up which is better as a side, the French fries or the housemade kettle chips.

North Beach Bistro
725 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 372-4105
Back in 2008, the idea behind the launch of North Beach was to build something of a small, neighborhood hangout but one with top-shelf food and cocktails. The live music acts, seasonal parties and events, and drink specials account for some of the “where everybody knows your name” spirit. A menu laden with lump blue crab cakes, nightly pasta creations and bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin takes care of the really good food part.
Most Expensive Entrée: Char-grilled prime ribeye with ditalini mac and cheese, shallot jus and onion straws, $32
Least Expensive Entrée: Chef’s nightly vegetarian plate prepared with seasonal vegetable sautéed or steamed, $16
Jax Mag Recommends: The seafood bouillabaisse is
a rich melange of Mayport shrimp, sea scallops,
mussels, calamari and fish in a white wine broth, $22

Ocean 60
60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 247-0060
The interior of this 11-year-old Atlantic Beach gathering spot is clean, warm and welcoming, the kind of place where diners feel comfortable dressing up or going casual. The adjoining Martini Room features live music and flowing cocktails. The menu changes frequently and is often spiced with subtle Asian accents. Flavorful nods to island cuisine come through in items such as plantain chicken nachos with chorizo black bean chili and cilantro-lime creme fraiche and whole fried pompano with citrus greens and seasonal vegetables.
Most Expensive Entrée: Grilled filet mignon topped with a garlic and port wine cheese fondant served over parmesan potato dauphinoise and finished with caramelized onion demi glace, $31
Least Expensive Entrée: Crisp fried eggplant layered with a black olive, sun-dried tomato and feta tapenade, served over tomato romesco,
drizzled with herb oil, $14
Jax Mag Recommends: Can’t go wrong with the nightly specials, particularly the seafood choices (such as Asian style soft shell crab). The artisan cheese plate with cured meats, house-made dips and sun-dried tomato tortilla chips is terrific.

Orsay
3630 Park St., Avondale, 381-0909
Sophisticated without being pretentious is a suitable way to describe the general vibe at Orsay. The restaurant is a Slow Food proponent and a big supporter of local purveyors and sustainable farming operations (Black Hog Farm, Twinn Bridges, and others). We’ll raise a glass of IPA to that. The menu hits a home run from the roasted oysters to the yellowfin tuna nicoise to the homemade s’mores dessert. Enjoy a French pear martini on the small patio or in the lounge.
Most Expensive Entrée: Lobster pot pie with Maine lobster, mushrooms, peas and carrots,
biscuit crust, and roasted lobster reduction, $38
Least Expensive Entrée: Quiche, prepared with Black Hog Farm eggs, roasted mushrooms, spinach and gruyere with a small salad, $12
Jax Mag Recommends: Prince Edward Island mussels prepared with white wine, garlic butter and thyme, pommes frites on the side, $20. The French green bean salad with roasted hazelnuts, and creme fraiche vinaigrette, $8, is terrific. And the lobster pot pie… oh, stop…

Ragtime Tavern
207 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 241-7877
Long before most of us had ever heard the term “craft brewer,” the folks at Ragtime were pouring draughts of Dolphin’s Breath Lager and Red Brick Ale from the tanks of their in-house brewery. In addition, the restaurant was far ahead of the curve pushing Cajun and Creole eats. And we’re all better for it. With an open-air patio, live music, late night menu and jumping bar, the establishment is as much a nightspot as restaurant, albeit one that serves Key lime shrimp and lobster, blackened fish and po’ boy sandwiches.
Most Expensive Entrée: Grilled 8-oz. New York strip steak and crab cakes combo with mashed potatoes and vegetables, $24.95
Least Expensive Entrée: Ragtime shrimp, rolled in flaked coconut and fried, with honey mustard sauce, red beans and rice and veggies, $13.95
Jax Mag Recommends: When in season, the Louisiana crawfish boil (market price) is a spicy, buttery, messy treat; the beer flight is a nice way to sample all the house beers without having to consume a full pint.

Restaurant Medure
818 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach, 543-3797
Many who visit Restaurant Medure are happy to skip the dining room and settle in at the lounge. The dining room is contemporary and stylish, as is the lounge. The all-around chic space entices with an expansive and frequently changing menu. Starters such as tuna tartare on marinated cucumbers with seaweed salad and fried wontons and entrées such as pistachio basil crusted salmon with cous cous and stuffed olives demonstrate the chef’s desire to step outside the box.
Most Expensive Entrée: Domestic lamb rack with whole grain mustard crust and red wine mushroom glaze, $37
Least Expensive Entrée: Gnocchi with marinara and grated parmesan, $14
Jax Mag Recommends: Meat-and-potato lovers will appreciate innovative dishes like braised Painted Hills short ribs with sweet potato cake and roasted turnip glaze, $27. For dessert, just ask for the night’s souffle, $8. It takes time to prepare but is well worth the wait.

River City Brewing Co.
835 Museum Cir., Southbank, 398-2299
Perched tight against the St. Johns River, River City’s proximity to Downtown and its many concert and special event venues makes it a go-to spot for pre- and post-concert meals and cocktails. It’s a big place, with some 320 seats, nearly all of which come with terrific views of a small marina and the St. Johns River. The menu covers lots of ground but with a focus on local seafood, steaks and pasta. Not surprising given its name, the house specialty is beer—Jackson Pale Ale, Jag Light, Red Rooster Ale and Riptide Porter—courtesy of the giant brew kettles adjacent to the lounge.
Most Expensive Entrée: 18-oz. garlic and herb grilled Angus ribeye served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus, $31.95
Least Expensive Entrée: Jerk chicken penne pasta with sherry, sweet onions, sun-dried tomatoes, cream and green onion, $17.95
Jax Mag Recommends: The house gumbo is made with Andouille sausage, seafood, okra and rice and is a top-seller. Also, the day boat seafood choice of the day is literally fresh off a local dock.

Sorrento - zuppa de pesce

Sorrento Italian Restaurant
6943 St. Augustine Rd., 636-9196
This Jax Italian food mainstay represents a family run restaurant in the true classic sense. The interior is pleasing, not fancy. The moderate prices make it a family-friendly establishment with plenty of buttered noodles ready and waiting. All the traditional Italian favorites are represented, including roasted peppers, fried calamari, baked manicotti, spaghetti and meatballs. A dozen pasta dishes are offered and the day’s catch may be ordered with seven different preparations.
Most Expensive Entrée: Zuppa di pesce, fish, shrimp, calamari, clams and scallops in a light tomato broth, $23.95
Least Expensive Entrée: Ravioli, stuffed with meat or cheese in red sauce, $10.95
Jax Mag Recommends: The chicken parmigiana, $15.95, is tender, topped in melted mozzarella and drenched in red sauce. Don’t pass on the tiramisu for dessert.

Taverna
1986 San Marco Blvd., San Marco, 398-3005
There’s not a bad seat in the house at this San Marco Square gathering spot. The seats out front on the patio are pretty nice, too. The cuisine is laced with Spanish and Italian influences. Butternut squash risotto, marinated olives, skirt steak with chimichurri, olive oil-poached artichokes—menu selections flow with the seasons; however, regulars know to expect consistently delish fare and picture-perfect presentations. The upper level provides a birds-eye view of the restaurant, including the long bar and pizza oven. The patio is great for people-watching.
Most Expensive Entrée: Pork shank osso buco with parmesan and herb polenta, Eden Farms bacon and braising greens, $27
Least Expensive Entrée: House-made fettuccine in a tomato cream sauce with basil, $18; add chicken ($6), shrimp ($7) or scallops ($8)
Jax Mag Recommends: Paella with chorizo, chicken, shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, artichokes and peas, $27. Also, the Neapolitan style pizzas, $15-$17, are a house specialty.

‘Town
3611 St. Johns Ave., Avondale, 345-2596
A local leader in the farm-to-table food movement, ‘Town excels with innovative cuisine and a dedication to the freshest seasonal ingredients. And no restaurant in Jax packs more flavor onto a small plate, whether it be an entree of hanger steak with parmesan-herb fries or a side of brussel sprouts with cherry smoked bacon. A seat at the counter overlooking the open kitchen puts diners at arms-length from all the action. Enjoy the show—and a bowl of rosemary potato soup.
Most Expensive Entrée: Bouillabaise with Florida lobster, local shrimp, fish and mussels in a fennel butter broth, $30 ($17 for a half-plate)
Least Expensive Entrée: 7-oz. ’Town burger with wild mushroom spread and gruyere, $16
Jax Mag Recommends: Black truffle tater tots with caramelized onion fondue and white truffle oil, $8; duck confit with lentils and house-smoked bacon, $22; and the sugar doughnuts with milk chocolate fondue for dessert.

Tree Steak House
11362 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin, 262-0006
A lot of traditions can develop over four decades. And Tree Steak House, open since the late 1960s, is one Jax restaurant that holds fast to its traditions, including its hearty salad bar and rib-eye steaks cut to order tableside. Red meat is the house specialty, of course. Prime rib, New York strip and filet kabobs are top-sellers. Grilled pork tenderloin, blackened salmon, rack of lamb and fried fish and chips round out the entrée menu. Veggie sides like steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach and sliced tomatoes are served à la carte.
Most Expensive Entrée: Two, 5-6-oz. lobster tails with choice of baked potato, steak fries, garlic mashed or rice pilaf, and salad bar, $38
Least Expensive Entrée: 10-oz. marinated and grilled double chicken breast, $18
Jax Mag Recommends: The filet mignon melts in the mouth like butter and can be ordered in portions ranging from six- to 10-ounce, $25-$33. For dessert, the Key lime pie, $7, and the crème brulée, $9, are longtime Tree favorites.

Wine Cellar
1314 Prudential Dr., San Marco, 398-8989
Thirty-eight years in operation is an eternity in River City restaurant circles. That’s the track record the Wine Cellar boasts. Apparently customers thoroughly enjoy dishes such as Creole style crab and lobster bisque, crispy roast duckling with orange liqueur peppercorn sauce, and almond encrusted halibut. The three-course prix fixe menu, $36, is a popular option during the work week. And the enclosed garden area is in demand for both lunch and dinner. Not surprisingly, the wine list is second to none in Jacksonville.
Most Expensive Entrée: Grilled filet mignon and fried or grilled cold water lobster tail, $57
Least Expensive Entrée: Sautéed grape tomatoes, baby spinach, mushrooms, garlic and white wine served over angel hair pasta, $17
Jax Mag Recommends: Wine Cellar has been grilling lamb for decades and they are darn good at it. Try the Moroccan dry rubbed New Zealand lamb chops with fresh mint and basil pesto,
potato mash, and vegetable du jour, $29

Editor’s Note: Menu items were selected and verified in late November and early December. Restaurant menus and prices are prone to change, so the listings posted here are merely representative of the food offered at each location, and specific dishes may or may not be offered on your next visit. Restaurants must be in business for at least a year to have been considered for the 2012 Top 25 list. All phone numbers are in the 904 area code.

Leanza Cornett

One crowning achievement after another

After failing to be crowned Miss Terry Parker or Gator Bowl Queen, Leanza Cornett, 40, had given up on pageants—until her mother saw an ad for the Miss Jacksonville Pageant. With a two-year scholarship to Jacksonville University (her college of choice) as the top prize, re-entering the pageant world seemed worth the trouble. She won that crown in 1989 and won Miss JU two years later. Cornett continued her streak, winning Miss Winter Park, Miss Florida and, in 1993, Miss America. Since her reign, she has been a reporter on Entertainment Tonight and Animal Planet, co-hosted New Attitudes on Lifetime, appeared on CSI and Weeds, and performed on Broadway, as well as at the Alhambra Theatre, where she returns for a run in Nunsense through February 5.

Here are a few other things you won’t find on her IMDB profile:
• Her favorite gig ever was playing Ariel in The Voyage of the Little Mermaid at The Magic Kingdom. In fact, she called her old boss at Disney to see if he would hire her back when she gave up her crown (she took the job with Entertainment Tonight instead).
• She’s the third “Leanza” in her family, though she admits the name has probably been altered from its Cherokee origins.
• During her reign, she traveled 20,000 miles per month. “I realize now that you have to be that young to be Miss America,” she says. “I could never keep up that kind of schedule today.”
• She’s been on two pediatric medical missions
to Sierra Leone in West Africa, where she ran a
pharmacy, and is planning to go back in April.
• When she was Miss America, Cornett met Mark Steines, a local sportscaster, at a Children’s Miracle Network telethon in Los Angeles. After their first date, she told her parents she’d met the man she was going to marry. Cornett and Steines, now a
co-host on Enterntainment Tonight, have been married 16 years.
• She has two tattoos: a purple and gold crown on her right ankle and a butterfly on her left shoulder with the initials of her sons: Kai, 9, and Avery, 8.
• The family loves game night, especially Twister and Sorry. And Cornett says she can play “a mean game of Old Maid.”
• Cornett is “absolutely thrilled” to be coming back to Jacksonville to see family and perform at the Alhambra, though she’s slightly worried about having to learn all of those lines. “I was never really good at studying for exams either,” she says.

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photography by Adam Cohen

Jimmy Buffet may sing of “changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes,” but for one local family, getting a new perspective on life has had more to do with altering their longitude.

The Arnolds were perfectly happy living in San Jose. Their Old World European-style home was rustic, yet elegant, and fit their “townie” lifestyle to a “T.” It was familiar and comfortable, convenient to work and their daughter’s school, and ideal for entertaining (something they do a lot of). Suffice it to say, they had no plans to move.

As much as they loved their house, the Arnolds always had an affinity for the beach, so when a prime piece of real estate went up for sale in Ponte Vedra Beach, they snatched it up with the intention of making it a second home.

At the time, a house already sat on the property, but the cement block structure was clearly unsalvageable and had to be demolished, giving the the Arnolds the opportunity to start from scratch.

From the get-go, the couple had a very distinct vision of what they wanted their home-away-from-home to be. For starters, they wanted it to look and feel “completely different” from their existing home. Where their San Jose house is formal with dark-stained, hand-scraped wood and heavy furniture, they desired an ultra-casual beach house full of light and devoid of clutter. They wanted to limit the size to 6,000 square feet or less to create a home that was in keeping with its Ponte Vedra Beach environment. They also knew they wanted to work with architect and interior designer Michelle Balfoort of Balfoort Architecture in Stuart, Florida.

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Photography : Agnes Lopez

Hair : Casey Powell

Make Up : Jackie Neal

Model : Niamh Hart

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Atlantic Beach newcomer offers something for just about anyone.
Walking into Royal Palm Village Wine & Tapas on a Friday night was like walking into a friend’s party. It was a loud, bustling brew of beach folk, drinking, laughing, eating and shopping. And the whole room smelled terrific.
The dining area is made up of one long communal table, meant to be enjoyed by anyone who can find an available seat. Large round tables made from giant wine barrels with warm wood tops are off to each side, while high-top round tables with barstools surround the outer perimeter of the dining space. Most of the walls hold an enormous selection of wines, and a huge enclosed refrigerated case housing hundreds of beers illuminates another side of the room. There are also seats at the bar, but those don’t open up frequently, while the five or six outdoor patio tables are almost always packed. This place is definitely a Beaches hangout. Still, to a townie such as myself, I felt welcome and all of the servers were informative and accommodating.
Royal Palms offers an extensive menu, ranging from typical meats and cheeses, to items like tomatoes and mozzarella salad, Mediterranean-stuffed quail with vegetable cous cous and phyllo wrapped salmon. The prices are approachable, ranging from $3-$12. My dining companion and I decided to try something from every section of the menu, knowing the plates would be small enough to share, but also to give us a wide variety of the chef’s offerings.
We began our meal with a Lagunitas IPA draft beer and a hard-to-find bottle of Rogue Mocha Porter. By the time our server returned, we had decided on polenta cakes with oven-dried tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, along with a whole-leaf Caesar salad with a parmesan tuile and smoked flounder. The polenta cakes were our favorite because they were warm and savory, with a little sweetness from the tomatoes to round out the plate. The salad was good, too, but the flounder didn’t have enough smokey flavor to really shine.
Just as we were finishing, our second courses arrived. My companion chose the gorgonzola and smoked sea salt-crusted beef tenderloin with roasted red pepper coulis, while I settled on the sea scallops in an oven-dried tomato gratin. The presentation of both dishes was nice. The tenderloin was a generous, well-cooked portion, and the scallops came in a bowl that looked like it was just pulled from the oven with bubbling cheese, surrounded by toasted baguette slices which were perfect for dipping into the hot, creamy sauce. The scallops were a bit overcooked, but still delicious.
For dessert, we went with the two specials of the night—the ginger white chocolate bread pudding, and chocolate mousse topped with seasonal strawberries. With a glass of muscato that our server suggested, they were a perfect end to an enjoyable evening.

Ingredients:
1 lb. diced bacon
2 diced Spanish onions
2 diced green bell peppers
2 diced celery ribs
6 seeded diced tomatoes
5 seeded and diced datil peppers
2 tsp. fresh diced thyme
½ cup brown sugar
2 cans chopped ocean clams
2 lbs. diced potatoes
2 bay leaves
½ gallon water
Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. In a large stock pot, render the bacon until crisp.
2. Add onions, celery, and peppers and sauté on low heat for 20 minutes or until dark in color.
3. Add diced tomatoes, thyme, brown sugar, potatoes, bay leaves and water. Strain the juice from the clams; set clams aside, and add clam juice to the pot.
4. Simmer soup until potatoes are cooked, then add clams, salt, and pepper.
Serve hot.
yields 36 8-oz. servings

Our friends at the Florida Theatre are offering a very special holiday promotion. For only $200, receive a pair of tickets to four upcoming shows. That’s a savings of $100. The shows are:

The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion
The Ahn Trio
Wynton Marsalis
Anoushka Shankar

The offer is only valid by calling the Florida Theatre box office at 904-355-2787. Mention the promo code “Holiday” to take advantage of the offer.

Receive a new deal each morning until December 24th to get your daily holiday deal. Daily deal expires each day at 6pm. Deals are only available if mentioned in store. Limit one per customer per day, and the deal cannot be combined with any other offers.

Visit www.penelopeboutique.com for more information.

Thanks to our stellar lineup of bridal experts who made the evening so enjoyable, including Alison Culpepper from the River Club, Amanda Kirk from Beachview Event Rentals, Leigh Ann Zagray from VIP Women’s Dance, Liz Stewart from Liz Stewart Floral Design, Paulina Perez from Makeup by Paulina Perez and photographer Dana Goodson. And thanks to the night’s emcee, Carlton McGee of McGee Entertainment.
Jax Mag’s next Brides Night is in March 2012 at Jacksonville Golf & Country Club. We’d love to have you join in the fun!

Many of us put on a few unwanted pounds during the holidays. Now, Peterbrook has made it even more convenient to do so. Right now, they are offering free standard shipping on all orders $50 or more. That’s a lot of chocolate covered popcorn!

Check out www.peterbrooke.com for more details. Happy holidays!

Benefits of Club Membership include:

• VIP Admission to three of Jax Mag’s most popular annual events—Best of Jacksonville Party, Cover Model Search Fashion Show, Northeast Florida Beer Cup—a $150 value!
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Questions? Contact Mike Romero at (904) 389-3622 or mike@jacksonvillemag.com

Make 2012 the year you join the Club. The Jacksonville Magazine Club is the best way to enjoy Northeast Florida and its signature publication of nearly 30 years.

Benefits of Club Membership include:

• VIP Admission to three of Jax Mag’s most popular annual events—Best of Jacksonville Party, Cover Model Search Fashion Show, Northeast Florida Beer Cup—a $150 value!
• VIP level gift bags to the above events
• Complimentary invites to other Jax Mag events (Launch Parties, mixers, etc.) when available
• Advance notice of ticket availability for Great Chefs of Jacksonville and The Whiskey Affair
• Exclusive Club Member drawings for free stuff throughout the year (Players Championship badges, restaurant gift certificates, theater tickets, Southern Women’s Show passes, etc.)
• One-year subscription to Jacksonville and 904 magazines
• And other Club-only perks

Be among the select few who will receive the VIP treatment from Jacksonville Magazine–and at a discounted price. In fact, members will save more than $50 on event ticket purchases alone. And that doesn’t include the opportunity to be treated to all sorts of fantastic and free goodies all year long.

• Join Today!

Questions? Contact Mike Romero at (904) 389-3622 or mike@jacksonvillemag.com

Please Note: Event admission tickets are non-transferable. Nor are they refundable. Membership begins on the day payment is received by Jacksonville Magazine. Your magazine subscription may be given as a gift to another person. If you already have a subscription, your new year (12 months) will be added on to the end of current subscription.