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

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.

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.

Jacksonville Magazine is excited to partner with model, TV presenter and local superstar Yoanna House and Jacksonville Fashion Week to host a workshop detailing the do’s and don’ts of model casting calls, as well as priceless first-person information for aspiring and emerging models. The workshop takes place Saturday, March 10, 9 AM-noon at the Performers Academy, 3674 Beach Blvd. (904) 322-7672.

Yoanna will share details including:

• Ways to get discovered and signed with an agency

• How to walk the runways in different styles of clothing, shoes and accessories

• Proper make-up and hair for castings and shows

• How to present yourself as a model at castings and interviews

• Skincare and diet advice

And the Body Balance Institute will providing info on achieving a “model” frame by teaching the attendees how to build long, lean muscles and work on perfecting ones posture.

Jax native Yoanna House was discovered on the hit reality show America’s Next Top Model. She went on to win the show’s second season and was quickly signed by IMG, the top model management agency in the world, and was later signed with IMG Worldwide and Wilhelmina Models, where she continues to enjoy success. Yoanna has walked runways at fashion weeks in Los Angeles, Milan and New York. She has also worked with top photographers and fashion designers. To some, she is best known for hosting TV shows on networks including Style, E!, Teen Nick and Vogue TV. She remains an avid fashion devotee and stays abreast of the latest fashion styles and modeling industry news.

Fee is a mere $20 per person.

For more info, visit Yoanna’s Facebook Page.

The fourth annual Jacksonville Magazine Cover Model Fashion Show will take place March 15, 7-9:30 PM, at the Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville Beach. Once again, the courtyard of the historic oceanside hotel plays host to an event that climaxes with the awarding of an opportunity of a lifetime to one young woman—a cover photo shoot and fashion layout within the pages of Northeast Florida’s most widely read lifestyle publication. Follow in the footsteps of past Jacksonville Magazine cover models such as Yoanna House and Whitney Thompson (both America’s Next Top Model winners) and our first three Cover Model Search winners Megan Henderson, Victoria Ward and Angie Ortiz.

See video highlights of the 2011 Cover Model Show, as featured as part of the inaugural Jacksonville Fashion Week.

This year, we debut a new Team Concept for the show. Here’s how it works: Between 10 and 15 five-member teams will compete for the chance to win the 2012 title. Each team will consist of one model (randomly selected by Jax Mag) and four crew members (hairstylist, makeup artist, photographer and stylist). Each team will form its own crew, not counting the model finalist. Teams will be granted creative control for the show, meaning they will coordinate the model’s hair, makeup and clothing as they see fit (allowing for some minimum standards as designated by Jax Mag). We will encourage teams to express their artistic flair and vision. Be exciting, daring and bold.

Best of all, the winning team earns the honor of styling and producing the 2012 Cover Model Search fashion shoot, including the interior pages and, of course, the cover! In addition, the winning model will be treated to a week behind the wheel of an amazing 2012 Centennial Edition Corvette. That’s it below! Also, the winner has the opportunity to be featured in a new advertising campaign. Larry’s Giant Subs has launched its “Eat Clean For Life” campaign and the 2012 winner has the honor of being a part of the advertising and promotional pieces. How’s that for sweetening the pot? We may be adding more prizes to the package. Stay tuned for that.

As it has for several years now, the process began with the annual Best of Jacksonville Party (January 26 at EverBank Field), where we hosted an open casting call for Model Search participants. (Cover Model Search Form) Immediately following the party, a maximum of 15 finalists will be selected from all the hopefuls who turn out for the casting test photo sessions. Next, finalists will contacted by Jax Mag. They will be invited to join the assembled teams for the official selection social, set for February 22 (new date), 7-9 PM at Latitude 30. That night, teams will be paired with their models in a blind drawing (in other words, until the names are selected lottery-style, teams do not know who their models will be). That’s all part of the challenge, folks.

The Model Finalists for 2012 are: Theo Noe, Maria Davis, Georgina Kalaitzis, Makalaya Brie, Niamh Hart, Tabbatha Roux, Kaylee Ann Barker, Catherine Delestre, Julia Savage, Lissy Twaits and Ashlen Alexandra. Good luck, ladies.

Our Cover Model Teams are as follows:

Les Femmes: Amy Wilson, Mindy Stamulis, Tracey Upson, Argie Mitra and Nicholas Graziano

Meow & Barks: Traci Evans, Pekela Riley, LaTavia Dawson and James Schlefstein

Creative Expressions: Johnakeshia Thompson, Iris Richards and Brittani Bowman

The Attack Pack: Lauren Gherardi, Holland Morgan, Jo El Snyder and Veronica Jones

Hip to Be Square: Lucy de la Guardia, Jennifer Jolley, Vanessa Johnson, Halina Lubczanska and Pamela Hilton

Jacksonville Fashion Week: Mel Intemann, Chuck Putnam, Carrie Wilson, Mario Peralta and Matthew David

Girls With Integrity: Ashley Luxemberg, Sherry Diedrich, Jessica Kennedy, Alex Michelle and Brianne Loveday

Sol Divas: Traci Stubbs, Sylvia Treasures, Calvin Bolden and Keisha Jones

Team Indigo: Danielle Danese, Christian Griffin, Michal May, Jennifer Chabri and Erica Danese

Style Authority: Krista Nilsson, Casey Powell, Melissa Robinson and Christine Burkhart

Team MODA: Liza Chung, Paul King, Lindsay Wirht, Nerida Barker and Lizzie Danner

More information regarding the competition will be posted in the coming weeks. Questions regarding teams, sponsorships or additional participant details may be directed to Carol Kimsey at (904) 389-3622 or 716-9839 (cell) or via email at carol@jacksonvillemag.com.

To view the Team Registration form, download the Cover Model Team Form.

Tickets to the Cover Model Fashion Show start at $25 per person for general admission. Preferred tickets are $40 and include reserved seating and two complimentary drink tickets. All ticket buyers will be registered into a drawing for a free two-night stay at the chic Hotel Duval,  a boutique hotel and member of Marriott’s exclusive Autograph Collection located in Tallahassee (pictured at right). Like all Jacksonville Magazine events, the Cover Model Fashion Show doubles as a fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting Children’s Miracle Network.

• Purchase Tickets

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.

March 22
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.

Northeast Florida’s most prestigious culinary competition returns to the gorgeous TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse in the spring of 2012. Once again, eight of the city’s top chefs (four chefs per team) will gather to cook and compete, all to the delight of a hungry audience.

We’re excited to announce that all the chefs who competed last year have signed on once again to battle it out in 2012. Team City consists of Tom Gray from Bistro Aix, Matthew Medure from Matthew’s, Dennis Chan from Blue Bamboo and Scott Ostrander from ‘Town. Team Beaches is made up of Ted Peters from Azurea, David Medure from Restaurant Medure and Danny Groshell from Ocean 60. Team Beaches’ fourth chef will be selected via a competition involving the culinary staff of TPC Sawgrass.

The TPC Sawgrass is hosting a chefs’ competition among its large culinary staff. A preliminary contest narrowed the field down to three finalists: William Murphy, Michael Tucker and Cameron Walton. These three chefs will go head-to-head in second night of competition Thursday, February 23. This event is open to the public, with tickets that may be purchased at the TPC Sawgrass. The winner of this event will join Team Beaches for this year’s Great Chefs II.

Great Chefs II will take place the evening of Thursday, April 5. Check-in opens at 6 PM, featuring passed drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Seating begins at 6:45 PM with the first course served promptly at 7 PM. Dinners will be treated to four individual courses (eight dishes in all, two per course) prepared by the dueling teams and paired with wine. Patrons will judge each course, picking one favorite dish from the two served. Ballots from each course are then collected and tabulated, with an invited panel of judges serving as the final arbiter in the event of a tie.

Only 160 tickets will be offered. Tickets are $175 per person (and must be purchased in pairs), with proceeds benefiting Second Harvest. The locally based non-profit will also host a foodie-themed silent auction, with bidding open throughout the event. Ticket Alert: As of February 17, only 36 tickets remain. 

• Purchase Tickets

The game has been played, but we’re keeping the results secret (well… except that the 200 people who attended the live show January 12 at River City Brewing Co. already know). But for everyone else, the fun of the show will be revealed in February on WJXT-TV 4. The week of February  6-10, the four couples who were competing for the 2012 Great Wedding Giveaway will be introduced on The Morning Show. Then, portions of the actual game will be broadcast on three separate days, February 14, 15 and 16. Tune in and join in the fun and see which couples wins the $40,000 wedding and honeymoon prize package.

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.

Penelope T, Jacksonville Beach’s premiere store for clothes, shoes and accessories, is having their bi-annual sale starting now until all the clothes find a home. Save 30%-80% on fall/holiday merchandise.

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

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

Have you already made a New Year’s Resolution to get fit next year? If you are worried about gorging yourself this holiday season, 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.

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!
• 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

Event tickets are not necessary. Just present yourself and a photo ID upon arrival and you are in.

Remember you also recieve VIP perks of each event.

Your subscription will begin with the next available magazine. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Questions? Please feel free to contact Mike Romero at mike@jacksonvillemag.com or (904) 389-3622.
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.
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.

Local Residents: $5 Pollo Tropical Smart Savings Card (valued at $60). Our friends at Dog Wood Park Jacksonville have partnered with Pollo Tropical to bring you this awesome coupon card just in time for the holidays. Take advantage of BOGO deals on chicken meals, platters, wraps and combos, free entrees when you purchase a drink and $3 off family meals. This would make a great holiday/thank you gift or stocking stuffer for family, friends and more. The coupons are valid until Dec 2012. Get yours today by calling WJXR (dubbya-jex-are) Radio Station at (904) 259-2292. You can pick the card up at any of their 3 locations. Westside: 3950 Confederate Pt. Rd, Southside: 9831 Beach Blvd. or Macclenny: 28 West Macclenny Ave.

Inspired by Chef Matthew Medure & David Medure from Matthew’s Restaurant Downtown and Medure’s Ponte Vedra Beach, the M-Shack brings burgers, hot dogs and fries to the next level and much more.

One night only holiday sale! Next Tuesday, December 13 5-8PM. Beautiful bobbles and Christmas cheer abound! 20% – 50% off select retail goodies ! (excludes rental items) Also 10% off All orders placed for Holiday Centerpieces!  Join them for a cup of cheer with a friend or two! Holiday decorating & gift-giving inspiration to delight your senses.

Liz Stewart Floral Design is located at 1404 3rd st. S Jacksonville Beach.

Call them at 904-246-0016

The Spotted Stork, Jacksonville Beaches coolest baby boutique, is having a holiday sale. Receive 30% off of all holiday apparel and accessories. In addition to the holiday savings they are also having a gift certificate special. For every $100 in gift certificates purchased, receive an additional $20.

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
318 First Avenue North, Jacksonville Beach (904) 241-2227

www.spottedstork.com

New Wine Tasting Format ~Monday’s begin  a new Wine Tasting & Tapas from 6-8 hosted by  Manager, Shawn McGinnis in the Main Dining Room Wine Bar. He is pairing 3 Wines with 3 Tapas for $15.00. It is a great deal and should be a lot of fun! There will be additional Tapas selections for purchase if you want to keep trying more!

Ocean 60 is located at 60 Ocean Blvd. Atlantic Beach Florida. For more information call 904-247-0060.

Mineral City, located at 240 A1A North in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, is the area’s finest luxury shop for home furnishings, gifts, accessories and more!

They are currently having a 50% off  online sale on all Alexis Bittar jewelry.  Start your shopping at www.mcpvb.com.

Such is the dilemma of the holiday season. We rush from store to store, school to school, party to party, forever worried we may be missing something. Worry no more. Jax Mag is here to help, with a Christmastime compendium of First Coast holiday happenings, delicious eats, crafty creations and much, much more.

To view this entire feature online click here.

What does Josh Scobee have in common with Shaquille O’ Neal? Not much, really, other than the fact that both men are well-known professional athletes, and Josh Scobee’s game-winning 59-yard field goal against the Indianapolis Colts was approximately 25 times Shaq’s height. The 29-year-old Texas native has called Jacksonville home since 2004, and since then, the eighth-season Jaguars kicker has earned over 700 points. When he isn’t sending field goal kicks into the endzone, Scobee stays involved in the community by attending various charity events and regularly visiting with patients and families at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.Here are a few extra points we learned about the owner of Jacksonville’s most famous feet.

• Even off the field, the man loves a good pair of athletic shoes. “I love all Nike stuff. I’m a tennis shoes type of guy.”

• His number one fan doesn’t need a #10 jersey to prove his loyalty; he gets to wear the Scobee name for life. Josh and his wife, Melissa, welcomed their son Jacob on August 15. “I used to look at other people’s kids and want my own, but I wasn’t in too big of a hurry to have them. Now that we have our own, it’s truly a blessing.”

• A strong work ethic runs in the Scobee family. “My mom raised me, my brother and two sisters when my dad died. She had to work a couple of jobs to support us, and she’s someone that I look to for advice.”

• Scobee read his share of sociology books at Louisiana Tech, but looking back, he would change his major to business. “If I could go back, I would focus more on academics. A lot of people didn’t take it too seriously, and that’s something that now I’ll teach my son—to take it more seriously than his dad did.”

• Prior to joining the NFL, Scobee worked in the frozen treats industry. His first job was at a snow cone stand at age 15, and he later worked at a Baskin Robbins before leaving for college.

• The all-star kicker considers “Salt Shaker” by the Ying Yang Twins his unofficial theme song.

• He’s a self-proclaimed gentleman of leisure sports, particularly bowling, billiards, darts and golf. “I’m good at just about anyhing that involves drinking a beer.”

Counting down the days till Christmas is an age-old tradition. Keeping track of the days is a fun way to build the excitement of the holidays. It also allows one to stay on top of all the seasonal happenings. The good news is you don’t need to worry about that. We’ve already done it for you.

Christmas Carole
Through Dec. 24, Alhambra Theatre
Musical version of the classic tale about the old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge pays his clerk Bob Cratchit only fifteen shillings a week, is rude to his nephew and refuses to take part in the Christmas spirit. Soon, the ghost of his former business partner (Jacob Marley), Christmas Past, Present and Future all pay visits to Scrooge. They teach him to value Christmas and to be a better person overall. $35-$59. 641-1212.

High Tea with an Ocean View
Through Dec. 22, 3-5 PM, One Ocean Resort & Spa
Traditional holiday afternoon tea is held daily in the Azurea Lounge. 249-7402.

The S.S. Amelia Pirate Gingerbread Ship Arrives
Through Dec. 28, The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
The 17-foot gingerbread pirate ship docked for the holiday season is sure
to be a memorable backdrop for your holiday photos. 277-1100.

LaVilla School of the Arts Concert Series
Select dates from Dec. 1 through 16
Orchestra, Jazz and Symphonic Band Concerts, Vocal Ensemble Concert and others will be happening around town this month. You can catch the LaVilla students at the Jacksonville Landing on December 6, or at the San Marco Holiday Festival on December 10 if you can’t make one of the performances held at LaVilla. Visit duvalschools.org/lavilla for a full list of events. 633-6069.

Publix Apron Cooking School
Holiday Desserts: Dec 1 & 23; Gingerbread Houses: Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 21; Holiday Party: Dec. 3 & 16;
Holiday Cookies: Dec. 17, 20, 22; Holiday Bread Baking: 19 & 24
Seasonal cooking classes held at the Publix Jacksonville Cooking School (10500 San Jose Blvd.) this month so you can impress your guests this season. For more visit publix.com/aprons. 262-4187.

A Christmas Story
Dec. 1-3, 8-11, 15-17, The Amelia Community Theatre
Based upon the classic motion picture, this play is a holiday treat everyone can enjoy. The only thing little Ralphie Parker hopes to find under the tree is a Daisy Brand Red Ryder BB rifle. Looming in the way are alleyway bullies, freezing flagpoles, and unsympathetic authorities who insist, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” $20 for adults, $10 for students. 261-6749.

The Messiah
Dec. 1, 7:30 PM, JU Terry Concert Hall
Come start your holiday celebrations with an evening of orchestral and choral music of the holiday season, including a performance of the Christmas portion of George F. Handel’s immortal masterwork, The Messiah, featuring the JU Orchestra, University Singers and the Men’s and Women’s Choruses. Free admission.

Holly Ball
Dec. 2, 7 PM cocktails, 8 PM dinner, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Start your holiday celebrations with this black-tie, fun and festive event to help raise money for charity. A live and silent auction will be among the night’s events with entertainment by Cloud 9. For
reservations, call (469) 644-3632. $125
per person.

Holiday Home Tour in Historic Fernandina Beach
Dec. 2-3,10 AM-4 PM
Tour five of Amelia Island’s loveliest private homes in Fernandina Beach’s historic district during the Amelia Island Museum of History’s fifth annual celebration of the holiday season. For more, visit ameliamuseum.org. 261-7378.

Friday Musicale Christmas Concert
Dec. 2, 11 AM, Friday Musicale
The Friday Musicale Chorus only performs twice a year and their Christmas performance is one you won’t want to spend the next year wishing you had attended. Visit fridaymusicale.com for more, free admission. 355-7584.

Christmas in Avondale
Dec. 2, 6 PM
The holiday pet-friendly festivities including live music, food, prizes and a kids’ craft area are on the corner of St. Johns Ave. and Dancy St. 240-4869.

St. Augustine Beach Surf Illumination
Dec. 2, St. Johns County Fishing Pier & Pavillion
Featuring a tree lighting ceremony, carolers, arts and craft vendors, refreshments and Santa. 347-8007.

St. John’s County Festival of Trees
Dec. 2-11, St. Johns County Convention Center
Over 50 trees, wreaths and other holiday items will be decked out in Christmas cheer at the World Golf Village for its 7th year to benefit local charities. Bring your $1 bills (no, not for that) and cast your votes on your favorite decorated trees. Free admission. 940-4015.

Sounds of the Season
Dec. 2, 7:30 PM, JU Terry Concert Hall
Celebrate the season with the First Coast Wind Ensemble and the Don Thompson Chorale in this popular annual concert of holiday favorites.

San Marco Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 2, 6 PM, San Marco Square
Official tree lighting ceremony featuring the Hendricks Avenue Chorus and the kickoff of the holiday window display contest. Free.

Taste of Amelia Island
Dec. 2, 6:30-9 PM, Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
20th annual event features food and wine from 20 area restaurants, live music and a silent auction. $40 per person. 491-4646.

Mistletoe Tour
Dec. 2, 8 PM, Times-Union Center
Grammy award-winner Anthony Hamilton performs along with comedian and national radio host Rickey Smiley at this year’s Mistletoe Tour. Hamilton is, without a doubt, one of the best voices in contemporary soul and R&B music. Tickets can be purchased on ticketmaster.com. $35-$75. 633-6110.

The Reindeer Run
Dec. 3, 8 AM, Main Beach Park, Fernandina
The Reindeer Run is adding a half-marathon this year. The 5K registration fee is $25 and the half-marathon
registration fee is $55. Runners who complete the half-marathon will receive a reindeer finisher’s medal. Visit
ameiliaislandrunners.com for more.

Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 3, 8:15-10 AM, World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater
Bring a camera for a special appearance of Santa during breakfast. Registration required. Choose from the “Monkey Pack” or the “Penguin Pack” for your choice of IMAX movie after breakfast—Born to Be Wild or Happy Feet 2. $12-$16. 940-4133.

57th Annual St. Augustine Christmas Parade
Dec. 3, 10 AM, Mission of Nombre de Dios
Marching bands, floats, cars, horses and Santa come to the beach.

Photos with Santa
Dec. 3, Noon-3 PM, Historic Train Depot, Fernandina Beach.

Santa’s Storybook Tea Party
Dec. 3, 10 and 17, Noon, The Ritz Carlton Amelia Island
A holiday storybook performance by Santa adds an exciting twist to the traditional afternoon tea, featuring sandwiches, sweets, and a souvenir photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. $45 per person. Reservations can be made by calling 277-1100.

Feast of Carols
Dec. 3, 2 PM, UNF Lazzara Performance Hall
UNF’s annual holiday choral event shares holiday music, audience sing-a-longs, and a performance together in a collaborative chorus finale to celebration the holiday season. The holiday performance features the UNF Chorale, Orchestra, and Brass Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Cara Tasher, along with featured guests from local singing organizations and UNF ensembles. 620-1000.

Christmas on the Creek
Dec. 3, 6:30 PM, Julington Creek Bridge
Featuring around 40 boats decorated in holiday regalia on the west side of the Julington Creek bridge at the marina, 12807 San Jose Blvd.

Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 3, 8 PM, Times-Union Center
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra performs Handel’s masterpiece that is, to this day, one of the most famous oratorios ever written. $16-$70. 354-5547.

San Marco Holiday Tour of Homes
Dec. 3, 4-8 PM; Dec. 4, 2-6 PM, San Marco
Annual neighborhood tradition features nine attractions including an entertainment area in Davis Park, five homes, the historic Swaim Memorial Church and a live Nativity scene. $20 in advance, $25 the day of the event. smpsjax.com.

Brunch with Santa—TPC Sawgrass
Dec. 4, 10 AM- 2 PM
Bring the children as Kris Kringle visits TPC Sawgrass all the way from the North Pole. $39, $9.75 (6-12 yrs.)
273-3238.

The St. Augustine Garden Club Christmas Tour of Homes
Dec. 4, Noon-5 PM
Visit six private homes in Historic Downtown dating from the 1800’s on a leisurely walk through the historic streets of St. Augustine. Your ticket will include afternoon tea. For more, visit gardenclubofstaugustine.org. $25.
826-0024.

The Gift of the Magi
Dec. 4, 8 PM, Jax Symphony
Jim and Della are a young married couple, very much in love but facing difficult financial times. (Sound familiar?) At Christmas, each makes a truly generous sacrifice to give the other a very special gift. $6-$16. 354-5547.

A Holiday Evening with Garrison Keillor
Dec. 6, 7:30 PM, Times Union Center
With a wonderful, dry sense of humor, Keillor will once again visit Lake Wobegon with his words of wisdom, class, charisma and holiday humor.
$36-$74. 630-3900.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Dec. 8, 7:30 PM, Veterans Memorial Arena
Combining the musical experience of an orchestra with the energy of a hard rock group, the members of Trans-Siberian Orchestra have redefined rock opera and transcended musical boundaries sure to delight this holiday season, ticketmaster.com. $29-$58.75. 353-3309.

Boston Brass
Dec. 9, 8 PM, Church of Good Shepherd
2011 marks the 25th Anniversary of Boston Brass and will be celebrated with the “25 Fanfares Project,” wherein 25 fanfares will be premiered by composers from all over the country. More at riversidefinearts.org. $25. 389-6222.

Holiday Pops
Dec. 9-11, Times Union Center
Share the spirit of the season with family and friends and be a part of Jacksonville’s great holiday celebration. Enjoy sparkling holiday favorites with the orchestra, chorus and dancers. $16-$70. 354-5547.

Holiday Magic in San Marco
Dec. 10, 6-9 PM, San Marco Square
Neighborhood festival celebrates the
season with horse-drawn hay rides, a petting zoo, hot chocolate and cider, pictures with Santa, carolers, luminaries along the streets and more.

Sounds of Christmas 2011
Dec. 10, 7:30 PM, UNF Lazzara Performance Theatre
An evening of holiday harmony featuring Big Orange Chorus (Get it? Florida… Orange… too clever) and special world-class musical guests The Liberty Voices and MaxQ, $25; $18 for groups of 6 or more.

St. Augustine’s Holiday Tour of Bed and Breakfast Inns
Dec. 10 & 11, 1-5 PM
The two-day event that tours 25 historic B&B’s decorated for the Christmas season in St. Augustine welcomes their 18th annual tour this year. Visitors will visit 13 B&B’s the first day, and finish off the last 12 on the second day. Tours include treats and sweets provided by the city’s top restaurants and candy makers. $25
ticket price includes both days. For more info, visit staugustinebandbtour.com.

Festival of Lights 5K
Dec. 10, San Marco Square
More than 2,000 runners are expected to participate in the 1-mile fun run that starts at 5:30 PM, 5K starts at 6 PM.
Registration costs for the 5K are
$25-$35, fun run registration is $12. To register or for more information, visit 1stplacesports.com. 399-8880.

St. Augustine’s Holiday Regatta of Lights
Dec. 10, 6 PM, Bridge of Lions.
This colorful boat parade of shrimp boats, sailboats and yachts decked out in holiday lights sets sail on the Matanzas Bay in St. Augustine celebrating it’s 31st anniversary this year. 824-9725.

Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes
Dec.10, 1-4 PM, St. Marys, Georgia
This year’s Candlelight Tour of Homes in St. Marys features 20 of the town’s most revered historic sites, homes, and
attractions, with musical presentations and caroling. $12 per person. Visit stmaryswelcome.com for more. (800) 868-8687.

Lighted Holiday Parade
Dec. 10, 6 PM, Downtown Fernandina Beach
A parade of holiday-themed, decked-out floats will be making its way through Downtown Fernandina Beach to celebrate the holiday season. 206-0756.

Holiday Soul Concert
Dec. 11, 6 PM, Times-Union Center
Featuring 3-time Grammy Award-winner and 2-time American Music Award-
winner Richard Street, former lead
singer for the Temptations in 1971-1995, $30-$90. Visit ticketmaster.com for
more.

Live Nativity in Downtown St. Marys, Georgia
Dec. 13, 6 PM-8 PM, Orange Hall
Actors in costume and live Nativity animals will present Jesus’ birth alongside the sounds of local choirs on the grounds of Orange Hall in St. Marys. (912) 882-8111.

Happy Hour Christmas Mixer & Shopping Spree
Dec. 14, 5 PM, New Orleans Café (12760 San Jose Blvd.)
Attendants will receive a free drink and appetizers, play games and mingle while browsing products and services offered in Jacksonville. 880-5155.

Peter White Christmas Featuring Mindi Abair & Kirk Whalum
Dec. 14, 8 PM, Florida Theatre
Peter White’s world-renowned acoustic guitar skills paired with Mindi Abair on the saxophone and Kirk Whalum’s Grammy-winning sound will bring the spirit of the holidays to the stage with style. Tickets for sale at ticketmaster.com, $27.50-$36.50. 355-5661.

Holiday Cooking School at SALT
Dec. 15-16, The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
Holiday favorites with a modern twist are sure to surprise your guests when they are over for dinner during the holidays. The 2011 SALT Cooking School package includes incredible accommodations for the 2-day cooking school. More information can be found at ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland.

‘Twas the Night before Christmas
Dec. 16 and 17, 7 PM; Dec. 18, 2 PM, St. Marys Little Theatre, St. Marys, Georgia
An original script written just for St. Marys Theatre, interwoven with traditional and contemporary music. $10 for adults, $6 for children under 12.
More info at stmaryslittletheatre.com.

Clay County Christmas
Dec. 16, 7:30 PM, Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts
Continuing this annual holiday tradition, Clay County Christmas features festive performances by The Clay County Community Band, Diane Combs directing the Orange Park United Methodist Church Inspirations, and others. $8-$18. 276-6750.

The Cool Side of Yuletide Concert
Dec. 17, 2 PM, Jacksonville’s Children’s Chorus
Jacksonville’s Children’s Chorus performs holiday favorites at the Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church. $18. 353-1636.

Holiday Luminaria Festival
Dec. 18, Riverside Avondale
This year marks the 28th anniversary of Riverside Avondale’s beloved Luminaria celebration. The popular Luminaria Bike Ride will begin at 6 PM from Cycle City on Park St. and a live Nativity will be at the celebration, as well as multiple musical performances.

Anthony & Beard Holiday Program
Dec. 18, 4 PM, St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal Church
Beaches Fine Arts presents trumpeter Ryan Anthony and organist Gary Beard who have performed classical music and jazz together since 1993. Free admission. 270-1771.

Mother-Daughter Holiday Brunch
Dec. 18, 11 AM-2 PM, TPC Sawgrass
Relax and catch up with moms, daughters, grandmas and girlfriends for a
holiday brunch. $25, $6.25 (6-12 yrs.)
273-3238.

Michael W. Smith: It’s a Wonderful Christmas
Dec. 20, 8 PM, Moran Theater
One of today’s most acclaimed contemporary Christian artists, Michael W. Smith’s heartwarming holiday concert is sure to delight the whole family. $27-$70. 354-5547.

Christmas Eve Dinner “Festival of the Seven Fishes”
Dec. 24, TPC Sawgrass
Enjoy this traditional Italian dinner full of the bounty of the sea. $54 adults, $13.50 (6-12 yrs.) 273-3238.

Christmas Brunch
Dec. 25, 12-3 PM, The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
Savor a lavish Christmas brunch with prime rib, seafood, eggs Benedict, traditional favorites and delectable desserts. $69 per adult, $25 per child, ages 5-12. 277-1100.

Kids Mad Scientist New Year’s Eve Celebration
Dec. 31, 8 PM-1 AM, The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
Children ages 5-12 will enjoy a Mad Scientist themed evening, including a dinner buffet. Reservations required. $125. 277-1100.

New Year’s Eve Dinner
Dec. 31, 5 PM-9 PM, TPC Sawgrass
Enjoy a memorable dinner complete with Chef’s Specials, your favorite champagne and live music. 273-3238.

Toast! To the New Year
Dec. 31, 8:30 PM, Jacoby Hall
Ring in the New Year with your Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Last year’s inaugural bash was such a hit, we’re on our way to starting a new tradition. $46-$121. 354-5547.

Flagler College New Years Eve Ball
Dec. 31, 8 PM-1 AM, Ponce de Leon Dining Hall – Flagler College
If your New Year’s resolutions for 2012 include giving more to charity, attending the Flagler College New Year’s Eve Ball might be the first step. The $365 ticket per couple helps raise money for the Flagler College Scholarship Fund, which helps offset tuition costs for students with financial needs. 829-6481.

Ring in 2012
Dec. 31, 5 PM, One Ocean Resort
& Spa
Five-course menu – $90 per person with wine flight of $40 per person.
After enjoying the five-course meal, partygoers enjoy New Year’s Eve Under the Stars with live entertainment, champagne toast and beach view of fireworks. For more, call 249-7402.

New Year’s Eve Black & White Masquerade Ball
Dec. 31, 9 PM-1 AM. The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
Ring in the New Year with lavish food, live music, dancing, open bar and fireworks! A fun masquerade ball where an evening of excitement and style awaits. Black and white attire is encouraged. Masks provided or bring your own. $185 per couple. 277-1100.

New Year’s Eve Dinner
Dec. 31, 5-9 PM. TPC Sawgrass
Stop by TPC Sawgrass before you count down the New Year and enjoy complimentary champagne and live music. $100 per person. For more information call the TPC Sawgrass social events coordinator at 273-3235 or visit tpc.com/sawgrass.

Battle of the Sexes

Every doctor recommends preventative measures. Lather up the sunscreen. Stop smoking. Eat well. Exercise regularly. But, even with the utmost care, time will eventually take its toll. Here are a few cosmetic procedures available on the First Coast to combat signs of aging.

Perioral Lines and Crow’s Feet: After the age of 25, skin’s natural regenerative process begins to slow. Many women incur small wrinkles around the corner of the eye and lines around the mouth and lips. For these issues, Dr. Vaishali B. Dooblabh of Contemporary Plastic Surgery recommends a chemical peel or a laser skin resurfacing procedure. Peels cost between $300 and $900, while the average price for laser treatment is $2,200. Recovery time varies and depends on the strength of the procedure.

Forehead/Between the eyes: After age 45, skin starts to thin due to hormonal changes, and it loses much of its strength and elasticity. Dr. Jason Meier of Meier Plastic Surgery recommends a rhytidectomy, or facelift, to treat wrinkles in the forehead and between the eyes. “Surgery pulls and improves laxity,” he says. The procedure costs around $6,000 with two to three weeks of recovery time.

Breast Lift: Dr. Daniel Calloway of  Dr. Calloway’s Center for Plastic Surgery says many of his female patients wait until their 50s to address cosmetic needs. “They all have one regret,” he says. “They wish they had done it sooner.” Waiting for a breast lift or reduction can result in shoulder grooving, chronic back problems, skin breakdown, skin irritation and neck and shoulder pain. Breast lifts start around $4,400. Recovery time is three to five days.

Neck: Contrary to popular belief, fat isn’t always the culprit in creating thick necks as men age. “Muscle tone decreases as we age,” says Dr. Ankit Desai of Desai Plastic Surgery. A cervicoplasty, or neck lift, tightens the smas muscles (the muscle under the skin) and removes any excess skin. The procedure costs around $6,000 to $10,000 and requires one to two weeks of recovery time.

LIPOSUCTION OF THE ARMS: “Liposuction in the arm is always judiciously looked at because the results are largely dependant on the skin,” says Dr. Scioscia of Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery. The procedure can last from 30 minutes up to four hours, with a price of $2,900 per hour. For individuals with loose skin, an alternative procedure called brachioplasty removes flabby skin under the arms for a toned, tight result at $4,000-$6,000.

Breast Reduction: Gynecomastia (the abnormal development of breast tissue in men) has several causes including prescription drugs, hormonal imbalances, weight gain and the deposition of fat in the chest area. A breast lift can surgically remove the fat and tighten skin for about $4,400 and three to five days recovery time. However, Dr. William A. Wallace of the Coastal Cosmetic Center says that at least 50 percent of patients can get away with liposuction for about $3,000 with a shorter recovery time.

After-Baby problem areas: “Once you have kids, breast tissue and stomachs stretch out, skin is loosened and there are stretch marks in the tummy,” says Dr. Hollie Hickman of TrüYou Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery of Jacksonville. Post-partum changes affect the contour of the abdomen and leave muscles weakened. TrüYou offers the “Mommy Make Over” package, which includes a breast lift, a tummy tuck and liposuction. The procedure costs between $10,000 and $13,000 and requires about two weeks of recovery time.

Lovehandles: Dr. Lewis J. Obi offers LifeSculpt powered by SlimLipo, a laser device that reportedly melts fats and tightens skin as an alternative to liposuction. The LifeSculpt system requires no incisions or stitches (therefore, no scars) and comes with a quick recovery time. “About 70 percent of patients who need tummy tucks can get by with LifeSculpt,” Obi says. The procedure costs roughly $5,000 with less than a week of recovery time.

Lower Body Lift: Metabolism slows with age, and many women experience weight gain in the thighs and buttocks. “The metabolism deposits fat in those areas,” says Dr. Michael Duffy of the Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery Center. A lower body lift is a surgical procedure that tightens sagging skin in the buttocks, thighs and hips. If the $10,000 to $13,000 price tag seems daunting, patients can elect for individual surgery on the buttocks or thigh areas for approximately $4,000. Recovery time for the full lower body lift takes about three weeks.

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If there’s any prevailing criticism of Jacksonville’s dining scene, it’s the stark bifurcation between franchise restaurants and independent kitchens. Within the St. Johns Town Center, recently opened Seasons 52 has the potential to bridge that gap. Its tie to parent company Darden Restaurants is clear, but the emphasis on fresh, seasonal recipes lends the operation a hard-to-replicate sense of careful consideration often seen in chef-owned bistros.

The large mid-century inspired interior has space for over 300 guests, but careful arrangement and smart details—such as a fireplace in the waiting area and individual lights at each table—minimize the feel of the space. Refined simplicity is the theme of this restaurant concept, and that idea is executed with transparency from the open kitchen to the concise menu, which lists the ingredients of menu items so diners know exactly what will be delivered to the table.

To begin a recent dinner, my guests and I split a flatbread topped with artichoke, goat cheese, onions and peppers. The flatbread was light and satisfying; the crust was crispy, and the soft, rich cheese perfectly complemented the soft vegetables. We also shared a Spicy Chicken Chile Relleno as an appetizer; the sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese and spinach balanced well with a spicy helping of pico de gallo.For the main course, we chose a mix of entrées. My caramelized sea scallops were grilled to just the right tenderness; the roasted asparagus and tomato-mushroom pearl pasta were tasty accompaniments, striking a balance between crisp and soft. The BBQ chicken salad with roasted butternut squash, organic greens, pumpkin seeds and goat cheese (noticing a trend here?) was fresh and filling, though the seeds were, unfortunately, left off. For vegetarians, the farmer’s market vegetable plate is a hearty option. A fork full of grilled ponzu tofu stands up to the smooth butternut squash, and the crunch and lingering nuttiness of toasted almond tabbouleh sets off the combination of flavors. Our final dining companion chose the Manchester Farms boneless grilled quail breast with mashed sweet potatoes and a bourbon-chili glaze. The quail was moist and flavorful, and the sweet glaze was outstanding. We all felt satisfied with our choices, but as true Southerners, we noticed the absence of butter.

Dessert at Seasons 52 is an exercise in enjoyable self-restraint. Mini indulgences come in a range of flavors, and the small-serving glasses contain just enough dessert to quell a demanding sweet tooth without creating a threat to holiday waistlines. We chose four flavors: Key lime, pecan pie with vanilla mousse, pumpkin pie with ginger snap crust and chocolate peanut butter mousse. The Key lime was less than impressive, but the pecan pie was a tasty and imaginative spin on a classic dessert.

Seasons 52
5096 Big Island Dr.,
St. Johns Town Center,
645-5252;
Seasons52.com

Update your wardrobe for the holidays and beyond with this great statement ring by Lois Hill for Tommy Bahama. Sterling silver with turquoise. $258. Available at Tommy Bahama St. Johns Town Center and tommybahama.com.

Let the holiday insanity begin! The Black Friday midnight madness sale at The St. Augustine Outlets begins Thursday November 24th -Sunday November 27th. Doors open at Midnight after Thanksgiving. Receive savings up to 65% off at a variety of places such as Saks Fifth Avenue off 5th, Guess, Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Gucci and many more.

The first 250 people in their PJs receive a free swag bag.

Visit www.staugoutlets.com for more details.

Morton’s The Steakhouse in Jacksonville which is offering a special $45 Fall menu available now through November 30, 2011.

The exclusive three-course menu includes Morton’s Center Cut Iceberg Salad, a single cut Filet Mignon with Béarnaise Sauce, choice of one Potato or one Vegetable, and Double Chocolate Mousse for dessert.

For reservations and more information, call Morton’s The Steakhouse in Jacksonville at 904-399-3933 or visit us online at www.mortons.com/jacksonville.

Celebrate the launch of the John Hardy Fall 2011 Collections.  Be the first to preview the newest designs and enjoy a personal consultation with a John Hardy stylist.

Underwood’s Avondale

Friday November 18th 10:00am- 5:00pm. Call 388-5406 to RSVP

Underwood’s Ponte Vedra

Saturday November 19th 10:00am-5:00pm. Call 280-1202 to RSVP

George Miliotes, one of only 180 Master Sommeliers in the world, invites you on a unique adventure, exploring Napa’s famed growing regions. Learn what distinguishes Ruterford, STag’s Leap, Calistoga and many others, and why the international community has such high regard for the wines produced there. Weekly video series begins November 15 exclusively on the Capital Grille Facebook page. Follow them here.

Get a early start on your holiday shopping. Ethan Allen is having their November sale. 10% off all accessories and home & garden. 36-month financing on all items.

Shop the sale online by clicking here.  Or visit the local Ethan Allen design center at 4939 Big Island Dr.  in Jacksonville Florida.

Monday, November 14th at 6:30.  Mixx is celebrating their one-year anniversary with a very special 5 course meal paired with California’s Handley Wines.

For $65 per person enjoy:

*Handley Pinot Gris- Grilled Balsamic peaches, prosciutto & fresh ricotta
*Handley Gewurztraminer- Tuna and melon crudo, lime ginger sauce
*Handley Chardonnay- Butternut squash & mascarpone risotto
*Handley Pinot Noir- Pan roasted pork loin, rosemary roasted fingerling potatoes;
topped with a horseradish, roasted green onion, and bacon sour cream
*Handley Zinfandel- Mocha chocolate cheesecake, stewed blueberries, Zinfandel whipped cream

Call 249-7787 or email sacireale@comcast.net to reserve your spot.

The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort in St. Augustine will open a new casually-elegant Italian Grille named Villagio on November 11, 2011. Located inside of the AAA Four-Diamond resort’s picturesque atrium lobby, Villagio will serve a range of traditional Italian pastas, flatbreads, paninis, fresh fish, great steaks, local farm fresh salads, and family-style traditional Italian cuisine. In celebration of the opening, Villagio will feature a special $11 tasting menu the weekend of November 11-13, 2011, in celebration of 11-11-11. Located in the space previously occupied by 500 South Restaurant, the restaurant will be open nightly for dinner from 5 – 10 p.m. In addition to indoor dining, guests also will have the option to dine outdoors on the resort’s beautiful new brick-paved La Terrazza outdoor terrace.

The holiday season is ripe with picture-perfect pairings that come to mind as easily as the opening chords of “Deck the Halls.” Red and green, cinnamon and spice, mantels and stockings, Christmas carols and hot cocoa—the list of tried and true couples is a big one. Our favorite pairing, though, involves close friends and great parties. We enlisted a few local pros to help transform your next holiday gathering into an extra-special affair. Whether it’s a casual gift exchange with friends or a lavish family feast, these pairings prove two together is always better than one alone.

Sweet & Savory With all due respect to Grandma’s sugar cookie recipe, Chef Davis’ decadent chocolate toast with cranberry marmalade, seared foie gras, sea salt chocolate nib bark and candied nibs may be the dessert your family and friends rave about this year.

Wine & Cheese El Greco Manchego ($14.99 per pound at Grassroots Natural Market) is made in the La Mancha region of Spain from sheep’s milk. The cheese is aged four months before release, yielding a distinctly nutty and slightly salty flavor. The Arcenco Chianti Classico Riserva 2006 ($16.99 at Riverside Liquors) is a sangiovese, blended with merlot and cabernet franc, then aged 12 months in French oak. The flavor is filled with dark plum and black cherry, with a certain earthy component.

Flowers & Fabric Take a break from the abundance of poinsettias this season with an arrangement of fir evergreen, magnolia, cynbidium orchids, white roses, silver ornaments and beaded cherry blossom branches, expertly positioned over an olive crinkle taffeta underlay with an olive paillette overlay. Scatter a few floating candles in stemmed glassware to create a fresh, Florida-friendly interpretation of snow-covered trees.

Sandwich & Seasonal Side A classic BLT is always a hit for lunch gatherings, but this amped-up version is hearty enough to serve at dinner, too. An autumnal accompaniment, such as roasted butternut squash with cranberry and pear chutney, pays homage to the holiday season without adding another overwhelming feast to your guests’ holiday calendar.

Becoming a bonafide expert on one subject is a difficult thing to achieve. Study, hard work, time, practice, expense—it can add up fast, right guys? And, truth be told, it’s not really necessary for survival. Sure, being an expert can certainly help with one’s professional career path. But in today’s fast-moving and wired society, being a well-informed dude on a lot of different subjects is more advantageous than being an expert in one or two. The same can be said for life in Jacksonville.

To read this feature in its entirety, click here.

Burger Mania

Meaty Juicy Goodness. God help us, we love them.

In his book The Hamburger: A History, James Beard award-winning food writer Josh Ozersky asserts that the hamburger is a strictly American invention. It may have
distant cousins in the annals of history, such as English salt beef, raw meat that Russian Tatar warriors consumed between battles, or the Hamburg steak that often takes credit as the burger’s predecessor. But, he says, it was an American who first placed a grilled beef patty between two buns. Do we rock, or what?
Claims of creating the first hamburger in America have been made in Oklahoma, Connecticut, New York and Wisconsin. Jacksonville can lay claim to being the site
of the first Burger King restaurant—though some, namely the fast food corporation itself, say the facts are a little hazy on that. But that certainly hasn’t deterred grill masters around town from putting their own signature spin on the world’s favorite sandwich.
We set out on a monthlong quest to find the best burgers in Jacksonville. Along the way, we encountered small sliders, three-pound patties, secret sauces, toasted buns, and many, many slices of cheese. Plus, of course, several side orders of fries.
Vegetarians, look away. Now.

	Six-banger, 3-lb. burger from Col. Mustard’s in Jacksonville Beach Yes, you may order this. In fact, it’s free if you eat the whole thing in 15 minutes or less. It can be done. See Jacksonville’s own Jon Bello eat one in just over seven minutes. Watch the video here.
Building the Perfect Burger  In theory, composing a burger is a simple undertaking. The ingredient list is well known. A bun, burger patty, a few sliced veggies, condiments and perhaps a slice of cheese. Maybe a few strips of bacon to top it all off. Nothing to it, right? Not quite, according to a few local burger-making pros. A truly memorable burger takes thought. “Without a doubt, what makes a good burger is great ingredients,” says Matthew Medure, chef and owner of M Shack, a new restaurant set to open this month in Atlantic Beach. “My ingredients are very traditional, very old school; but they’re traditional for a reason. They taste good together. The trick is to execute it well using high-quality everything.” The M Burger (pictured right) will be the main attraction on M Shack’s menu, bearing a four-ounce Black Angus beef patty, American cheese, Roma tomato, bibb lettuce, pickle and “shack sauce” on a potato bun. What’s in the sauce, you ask? That’s a secret. And Medure is not alone in keeping his lips sealed about flavor preferences. T-Ray Mullis, owner of T-Ray’s Burger Station in Fernandina Beach, refuses to reveal the mix of herbs and spices that goes into his signature Black Angus patties. “If I told you that, everybody would be making them,” he laughs. To keep customers coming back for the burgers he’s grilled since the station opened 14 years ago, Mullis tops each patty with all the basics. But he takes special requests, too. Coleslaw? Sure. Chili? Why not. If it’s in the kitchen, he’ll gladly put it on a burger. “Someone asked for an over-medium egg once. We did that, too,” he says. Fresh ingredients and a little mystery are all fine things to throw on the grill, but Genie Kepner, owner and head chef of The Floridian in St. Augustine, puts sustainability at the top of her burger priorities. “We’re a farm-to-table restaurant, so we use as much as we can from farms within 100 miles,” says Kepner. “We use all-natural, hormone-free and antibiotic-free beef from Cartwheel Ranch. The big selling point for us was the beef. Almost as important as the beef is the bun, though. We use Dave’s Breads; he purveys a lot of restaurants and works with the farmers markets.”Sounds delicious. We’ll take two, please.
Order Up  No two burgers are the same. Nonetheless, there’s something to be said for consistency. From one visit to the next, customers expect to know exactly what their taste buds are in for when they walk up to the counter and place an order. Such is the case with the following six local burger faves.
	Full Bubba, $4.89  Bubba Burgers are freezer mainstays for home grillers, and the Jax-based company recently expanded its business to include three full-service Bubba Burger Grills. The signature Bubba is topped with all the regular add-ons, but creative options like chipotle ranch, jalapeños and balsamic vinaigrette keep things interesting between the buns.
	Loop n’ Cheddar, $6.99  Hometown classics don’t get better than a good ol’ Loop n’ Cheddar. Mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion come standard, though the burger itself is juicy enough to enjoy plain. Opt for an order of seasoned chips and a milkshake, and you’ve got yourself a mighty fine all-American meal, prepared at The Loop.
	Cheeseburger, $7.99  A distinct char-grilled flavor sets a burger from Sneakers Sports Grille apart from other contenders. Feeling adventurous? Add on unusual toppings, from blackening spice to bell peppers, for $1 a pop. It’s a little pricier than some burgers, but beer specials help soften the blow. Throw in a fried pickle spear on the side for a buck to add a touch of Southern goodness to your plate.
	Classic with Cheese, $5.99  French fries and soft drinks come in different sizes, so why shouldn’t burgers? Herein lies the genius of Smashburger, an Atlantic Beach burger joint that offers its patties in “Smash” and “Big Smash” (pictured) varieties. The Denver-born franchise puts forth an impressive patty, topped with American cheese, ketchup, leaf lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles and ”Smash sauce” (no, they wouldn’t tell us what’s in it) on an egg bun.
	Original Krystal Burger, 2 for $1.55  Krystal popped up on the burger market in 1932, long before sliders became the trendiest way to serve ground beef on a bun. Today, the iconic hot, small, square staple of fast food eats doles out its signature burger with mustard, chopped onions and a dill pickle. Great for small appetites, hangovers and competitive food eaters.
	Cruiser Burger with Cheese, $6.75  With four locations in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, you’re never too far from a Cruiser’s Grill. Each Cruiser Burger comes with a ½-pound patty, mustard, lettuce, pickle, red onion and tomato, and you make the call on the cheese. Two slices of American, two slices of swiss, or just a slice of aged cheddar? It’s a question with no wrong answer.
Other Burgers we Love  The Green and Hot Bison Burger at Ted’s Montana Grill • The Grinder Burger at Grinders Café • The Annabel Lee Burger at Poe’s Tavern • The Veggie Burger at J. Alexander’s • The Turkey Burger at Metro Diner • Da Boom Shaka Burga at Boom Shaka Laka’s Food Shack • The BBQ Blues Burger at Mojo Smokehouse • The Backyard Burger at Harpoon Louie’s • The Sun Dog Classic Burger at Sun Dog Steak & Seafood
Want to see More  To see the rest of this feature, click here.

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35 feet is about the length of a school bus. It’s also roughly the same distance covered by four pool tables or six refrigerators. What it isn’t, however, is the typical width of a custom-built house.

Josie Myers wasn’t exactly thinking about that when she discovered the property on Doctors Lake last year. She and her fiancé knew they wanted their new residence to be on the water and spent weeks looking at homes in San Marco, Fruit Cove and Mandarin. At that time, rather, her biggest concerns were the condemned, 1950s-era fishing shack that sat on the land and the dilapidated dock and boathouse behind it.

The lot itself, she recalls, was “beautiful,” surrounded by trees and right on the water, and though property was noticeably smaller than the others on the street, she was confident it was large enough to accommodate the house she and her fiancé envisioned for their blended family. But when she learned the exact measurements of the lot—300 feet deep and 50 feet wide—she wasn’t so sure. As it turned out, with county-mandated setbacks, the house could only be 35 feet wide, not exactly ideal for the new construction home the couple had in mind, with five bedrooms and three and one-half bathrooms.

Myers realized it was going to be a challenge from the beginning, not only to maximize the space available but also take advantage of the views, so she called in Shawn Starr, owner and president of Dreambuilder Custom Homes as the builder/contractor.

As a custom home builder, Starr was certainly no stranger to dealing with construction challenges, nor was Myers, principal of Ms. J Design and an interior designer herself. “But I knew we were going to have to dig deep with our creativity to make it work,” she says.

Starr agrees. “We just let our creative juices flow. We were constantly brainstorming ways to configure the floor plan to give [the family] everything they wanted,” he says. Myers admits to many nights redrawing plans and spending a lot of time with a tape measure trying to visualize her new home. But she says the “amazing use of space” was all worth it.

Both Myers and Starr understood they needed to keep the design clean, simple and streamlined to make the home feel larger than it actually is and opted for a Spanish mission style, as seen in the plain, stucco exterior and hipped roof, with Caribbean elements like Bahama shutters. Dubbed “Spanish coastal” by Myers, the design theme—along with a few architectural tricks of the trade—were carried through to the home’s interior as well.

Instead of designing a grand foyer inside the front door, Starr conserved considerable space by planning a small but inviting area that serves as a landing for the staircase and entry into the dining room. The open floor plan which flows from entry to dining room to family room also allows for a direct, unobstructed view through to the water. In the dining room, a large, strategically-placed mirror creates the illusion of space, while the lack of a hanging lamp over the table prevents a disconnect between the two rooms.

The family room is similarly open with limited furniture and accessories, yet also indicative of the home’s Spanish coastal feel. A rustic chocolate leather sectional sofa with decorative nail heads and dark mahogany coffee table with turned legs are a nod to the home’s Spanish mission influences, while punches of color in the accent pillows, overstuffed side chair and tropical-themed painting on the back wall reflect the home’s Caribbean flair. Myers’ choices in decor certainly work in the room, but the most impressive element has to be the view.

The room is mostly where the family gathers to watch TV or listen to music together, but thanks to their larger-than-life windows on the world, watching storms roll across the lake has also become a popular pastime, according to Myers. Sliding glass doors, spanning the entire length of the room, open onto an outdoor living space that feels more like a pool cabana at a five-star resort than part of Myers’ back yard. Beyond that, a cozy pool and hot tub with a waterfall feature are surrounded by stone pavers and a path leading to the rebuilt boat dock.

Whereas the family room best reflects the home’s Spanish coastal design aesthetic, the kitchen best exemplifies Myers and Starr’s creative use of space. When cooking for a family of six, especially in a house that’s only 11 yards wide, functionality is critical, so they employed a number of elements that pull double-duty—like the prep island that also serves as a dining table and an under-the-counter microwave/convection oven. Cabinets feature pull-out lazy Susans and full-extension, soft-close drawers; pop-up power outlets conserve precious countertop space; granite countertops and travertine flooring make for easy clean-up.

Upstairs in the bedrooms, the focus isn’t so much on space-conservation or carrying out the Spanish coastal motif as it is on comfort, relaxation and reflecting each family member’s personality. Fifteen-year-old Will’s room, for example, features a fishing theme complete with rods, reels and maps of the St. Johns River. Lexi, 17, boasts a sophisticated space with black accessories and furniture, including a leather couch, striking black and white bedding and a hot pink accent wall.

The master suite (or “retreat,” as Myers calls it), on the other hand, is a tranquil space in shades that reflect the ocean from the Mexican sand wall paint to the cream and blue bed linens. Live flowers and plants also lend to the room’s essence of the outdoors, as do the views of Doctors Lake. In the master bath, custom cabinetry gives the couple plenty of storage space with modern conveniences like a flat-screen TV, garden tub and stand-alone, glass-encased rain shower with detachable shower heads. All told, the 4,000-square-foot home, which also includes a bonus room and home theater, is a marvel of clever space planning, creative interior design and the desire of two professionals to give a family a new beginning, not only by building narrowly but by thinking broadly.

Christian Laettner

The former pro cager returns to the boards as a Jacksonville Giant.

Sports fans may find it hard to fathom that Christian Laettner, a 13-year veteran of the NBA, Olympic gold medalist on the 1992 Dream Team and one of the most successful basketball players in NCAA history, has decided to come out of retirement to play for an ABA team. But it makes sense to him. “I stopped playing [in 2005] because my old body was failing me,” says the 42-year-old Ponte Vedra Beach resident. “But I really missed playing between the lines.” When he learned about the Giants, Laettner talked to the coaching staff about practicing with the team and was eventually offered a spot on the roster for the upcoming season (beginning December 3). With his businesses, including Blue Devil Partners real estate development and the Christian Laettner Basketball Academy, not to mention his philanthropic endeavors and family life, Laettner is too busy to play full time but has committed to play six games this year.Here are a few other facts we managed to score before the buzzer went off.

• People are often surprised to learn that Laettner has lived in Ponte Vedra Beach for eight years. “I’ve been able to keep a low profile,” he says, which is rather ironic considering he’s 6’10½”.
• Laettner shares his oceanfront home with his wife of 15 years, Lisa, and kids Sophie, 14, Summer, 12, and Tor, 5. The family also has a German shepherd (King), “a purse dog” and two cats, which he says “are all bad.”
• He considers his two NCAA championships—in 1991 and 1992—his greatest career accomplishments.
• At his training academy, he offers discounts for residents of Kentucky and Connecticut for “causing so much pain, agony and hate” during his four years at Duke University. (Both teams were knocked out of NCAA championships by buzzer-beater shots he made.)
• In addition to snowboarding in Colorado, North Carolina or “wherever there’s powder,” Laettner loves to fish.• His nickname in college was “Late,” a reference to his last name, not his lack of punctuality. These days, his son has dubbed him “Megatron.” His wife’s nicknames for him, however, “can’t be printed.”
• Laettner plays the piano, guitar and drums and often jams with his equally musically-talented kids. They only play songs by Smashing Pumpkins, “the greatest band in the world.”

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Of all the various incarnations of popular Asian eats, Vietnamese is probably the least represented in Northeast Florida. Sushi bars, Mongolian barbecues, Thai and Chinese restaurants. Check. Outlets for fare from Vietnam are few. Bowl of Pho is an exception.The restaurant is located in the shopping center at the intersection of Baymeadows Road and Southside Boulevard. It’s a small place, with about 20 tables sprinkled around one room. An Asian ambiance is achieved through bamboo accents and a circular art element lighting one wall.

The menu is a long one. From appetizers to salads to beef noodle soups to chef specials, there are more than 70 items. The beverage list runs 21 choices, and it doesn’t include beer, wine or liquor. Soy bean drink, egg yolk with soda, sweet and salty kumquat soda—there are some unusual options.Waiting on each table is an assortment of condiments such as hoisin sauce and hot chili sauce, as well as a paper napkin dispenser, packages of wrapped chop sticks, small clear glass bowls and white ceramic spoons. Note to management: cloth napkins would be a welcome addition, and fitting for the quality of food and environment.

In a nutshell, pho is the name given to Vietnamese rice noodle soup, of which there are near-endless variations using beef or chicken broth. What is added to the broth is where a chef and diner can get creative. Sliced beef, brisket, tendon, tripe and meatballs are among Bowl of Pho’s meaty options, which one may season with green onions, jalapeno, cilantro, hot chili sauce and saw-leaf herbs.Prior to your soup arriving, a server will place a heaping plate of fresh bean sprouts, stalks of basil and lime wedges. This is not a salad. The veggies and herbs are to be added to the soup and you get to decide how much or how little.

Soup selections number more than 30; most have a beef broth base. Others range from barbecue pork with egg noodles (mi xa xu, $7.25) to seafood rice noodle soup (hu tie do bien, $7.95). The nam vang style soup ($7.95) is a melange of sliced and ground pork, shrimp, squid and boiled quail eggs.

The spring rolls (goi cuon, $3.50) appetizer is a winner, with bits of shrimp, pork, rice, lettuce, sprouts, cucumber and cilantro rolled tight in rice paper. The fried crispy dumplings (hoanh thanh chien gion, $5.95) stuffed with ground pork and shrimp is a more filling starter.

Among the chef’s specials we have tried is the shaken beef (com bo luc lac, $11.95), described as “cube tenderloin shaken to perfection with sweet onion in our house special sauce.” It’s served with a choice of fried or steamed rice. We have to admit, it is “shaken” just about perfect. The crispy crepe à la Vietnam (banh xeo, $10.95) is a mix of shrimp, pork, chicken and bean sprouts folded into an omelet of sorts and slow-fried. We haven’t had this one yet. Perhaps next time.

Watch and Learn: Never eaten a steaming bowl of pho? You’re not alone. Scan the dining room and look for another diner who knows his noodles. The first rule is don’t be timid. Dive in. Use the white spoons on the table to assist in corralling the noodles. Pick up the bowl and slurp the broth as you finish. Politely, of course. You’ll fit right in.
Hold the Heat: Traditional Vietnamese cuisine is not spicy hot like, say, Thai. Some dishes pack a punch to the palette, but most are relatively mild. Sriracha and chili sauce are on the table for you to make it as hot as you like.Gosh Darn Cheap: Only about a half-dozen entrées on the menu are priced over $10, most are in the $8 range.
Bubbles?: For dessert ask for an order of bubble tea to go. Cool, tasty and just a little weird.

Bowl of Pho
9902 Old Baymeadows Rd.
646-4455

Hours: 11 AM-9 PM, Mon., Wed., Thurs. and Sun.; 11 AM-10 PM, Fri. and Sat.

Biscuits with turkey gravy from Kenny Gilbert, executive chef at Nippers Beach Grille

Biscuit ingredients:
2 c. flour
1 T. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
6 T. cold butter
¼ tsp. kosher salt
1 c. buttermilk

Procedure:
1. Sift dry ingredients together.
2. Cut in butter to flour mixture until the size of small peas.
3. Add buttermilk and knead into a dough.
4. Roll into 1” thick slab.
5. Cut out biscuits with cutter.
6. Place on baking sheet and bake in 450 degree pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes.

Turkey-sage gravy ingredients:
2 c. chicken or turkey stock
1 c. heavy cream
1 c. cooked turkey
¼ c. ea. small diced celery, onion, carrots
1 T. chiffonade sage
¼ c. buerre manie (3 T. soft butter with 3 T. flour)

Procedure:
1. Add turkey to pot and brown.
2. Add vegetables and allow to sweat.
3. Add stock and cream and bring to a boil.
4. Add beurre manie and cook until thick and smooth.
5. Finish with sage and season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Pour turkey gravy over biscuits and serve.
Garnish with leftover pulled turkey leg meat and fried sage leaves.

yields 1 dozen biscuits and one quart gravy

Jon Bello slams a 3-lb burger stack from Col Mustards in Jax Beach in 7 minutes, 24 seconds.

Receive 20% off all BluDot products at Nestliving through November 8th. This is a great opportunity to select affordable, modern furniture pieces for your home.

Visit the Bluedot Sale online now or call 1-866-905-8080 for more details.

The luxurious clubhouse at the famed TPC Sawgrass is the site of a special winemaker’s dinner on Thursday, November 3, 6:30-9 PM. TPC sommelier Adam Shirah and Simon Muldoon CSW will host. Diners are invited to relax and enjoy the evening as the hosts guide you through the delicious wine produced at the Krupp Brothers historic Stagecoach Vineyards. Of course, each of the California wines is paired with food specifically prepared for the four-course meal. Tickets are limited and start at $100. For more information, call (904) 543-5105. PGATourtpc.com.

The 27^th Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon, presented by Bank of America, will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. Doors open at 11 a.m., with the one-hour luncheon scheduled to begin at noon. Tickets are $25, and all proceeds benefit Second Harvest North Florida.

The Empty Bowls Luncheon demonstrates community support for those who are coping with hunger in North Florida. Local celebrities act as servers for the event. In addition to helping fight hunger, the luncheon presents a diverse program for all. Area students and senior citizen groups have created original, handcrafted ceramic bowls for every guest. Luncheon attendees are able to select just the right bowl to take home.

The annual Empty Bowls Luncheon has come to symbolize the beginning of Thanksgiving and the holiday season. We hope you join us for a memorable afternoon and help us fill the empty bowls in our community. All proceeds will benefit Second Harvest North Florida, its member agencies and our neighbors who need food assistance.

For more information about the event, or to order tickets, tables or sponsorships, visit:
http://www.wenourishhope.org/events/2011/27th-annual-empty-bowls-luncheon

October 29, 2011 will be a very happening day at North Beach Bistro. Beginning at 3:30 come and enjoy the Florida vs. Georgia game with Chef Dave’s free halftime buffet. There will be plenty of gator tail and hot dogs to enjoy  while watching this annual college football classic.

From 8pm-11pm North Beach Bistro will be hosting their, Halloween Spooktacular, with food and drink specials all night, a costume contest and entertainment from DJ Chris. This is definitely going to be a very fun and exciting day at the Bistro.

North Beach Bistro is located at 725-6 Atlantic Beach. Visit www.nb-bistro.com for more information.

Stop in Private Gallery during the month of October and make a donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and be entered for a chance to win the Grand PG Pink Pumpkin Raffle prize, including a HOBO Lauren wallet and other great prizes.  For more information visit www.shopprivategallery.com or visit their Jacksonville location at 4791 River City Dr. Ste 119.

In honor of the  Florida vs.  Georgia game, Morton’s The Steakhouse in Jacksonville is offering its fans a “spirited” way to root for their favorite team with “The DAWG” and the “The GATOR,” two team-colored signature game day cocktails. While the players compete for bragging rights on the field, fans can show who has more school spirit as a Morton’s bartender keeps track of how many of each beverage are sold to determine who is the winner of the Gator vs. Dawg challenge.

Also during the game, Morton’s offers its Power Hour specials featuring a taste-tempting variety of signature Bar Bites for just $6 and $7 a plate, including Petite Filet Mignon Sandwiches, Mini Prime Cheeseburgers, Crab Cake BLTs and more.  Power Hour pricing on select wines by the glass, beers and cocktails ranges from $5 to $7.50.

Morton’s in Jacksonville is located at 1500 Riverplace Blvd. For reservations, please call 904-399-3933.

You could win $100 to use as you shop (and hopefully don’t drop) at this year’s Southern Women’s Show. The Show is October 20-23 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. If you’re the lucky winner, you can give a big thank you to American Laser Skincare. Click here to enter. Good luck!

Blackfinn American Grille is doing their part in the fight against breast cancer. Blackfinn Think Pink Happy Hours will take place the next three Fridays, October 7, 14 and 21 from 7-9 p.m., with each event benefiting a different featured charity. Anyone who makes a contribution to the evening’s featured charity during the Think Pink Happy Hours will receive complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to purchase special BlackFinn Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirts and bracelets. 100% of the proceeds raised from the Think Pink Happy Hours and sale of Think Pink t-shirts will go to the featured charity each week.

The events culminate on Friday night, October 28 with a Think Pink Party, where attendees are encouraged to dress in pink. The charity that raises the most money during its Think Pink Happy Hour will receive an additional donation from BlackFinn.

BlackFinn American Grille is located at 4840 Big Island Drive, Suite 05, adjacent to St. Johns Town Center in the Markets at Town Center.

Ellie Bing is hosting a Mariana trunk show on Thursday, October 20 from 3pm-7pm.  Enjoy a 20% discount on Mariana during this event.

In addition to the trunk show there will be Wine and hor d’oeuvres, prize drawings every half hour and a special gift to all who attend. Regular store hours ends at 1pm on the day of the event.

Ellie Bing is located at 21 12th st. South, Jacksonville Beach. For more information all 904-249-6444 or find them on Facebook.

The White Oak Conservation Center is hosting a lunch and learn series focusing on various types of animal species each month. On October 15, 2011 the topic of the lunch and learn will be, Birds.

You will enjoy a trolley ride to the animal area, an educational experience about the animal, the opportunity to take photographs and see the animals up close, and when you leave, you will receive a commemorative photograph of that day’s species!

Pricing is $75 for non members, $50 for members. For more information call 904-225-3383 or click here.

Wealth management is a term that means different things to different people. However, most agree that the word “management” is meant to be a positive—as in grow, protect, reduce risk, help me sleep at night. Jacksonville Magazine has partnered with the National Association of Board Certified Advisory Practices (NABCAP) to present a list of the region’s leading wealth managers. The list is published in its entirety in the August 2011 edition of 904 Magazine. Posted here are select profiles from the list.

The search for Northeast Florida’s top attorneys takes one down two paths—one for those named the best in a peer review survey, the other for those the Florida Bar allows to be called experts. Every year, Jacksonville Magazine publishes lists of the region’s outstanding legal eagles. The lists, provided courtesy of The Florida Bar and Best Lawyers in America appear in their entirety in the April 2011 edition. Posted here are select profiles of law firms and attorneys that made the 2011 lists.

Since 1996, Jacksonville Magazine has published a variety of lists of First Coast healthcare professionals considered tops in their respective fields. This year, we compiled a collection featuring more than 500 area physicians board certified in ten specialties. In addition, we partnered with HealthGrades to present their list of peer-approved Jacksonville-based doctors. Both lists are published in their entirety in the June 2011 edition. Featured here are select physician profiles from those lists.

When choosing a dental health provider, whom would you ask to get the best recommendation? Your neighbors? Friends? Coworkers? While all may have fine answers, the people whose opinion may carry the most weight are the dentist themselves. In our October edition, Jax Mag partnered with the nationwide peer-review survey firm TopDentists to present a list of more than 100 First Coast dental practitioners nominated by other dentists. Since the selection process is extensive and takes several months, inclusion in the list is considered a distinct honor. In addition, we compiled a list of 30 area dentists who are members of the nationally regarded American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Featured here are two-dozen profiles of dentists recognized by TopDentists and/or members of the AACD.

Joseph M. Barton, DMD, LVIM

Education:
D.M.D., University of Florida

Fellowships:
Fellow Las Vegas Institute (LVI Global)
Mastership Las Vegas Institute (LVI Global)

Affiliations:
Founding President of the IACA
President Elect of American Alliance of TMD Organizations
AACD, ICCMO, AASM, AADSM, ADA, FDA

Areas of Expertise:
Neuromuscular Aesthetic Dentistry
Dental Sleep Medicine
Beauty · Health · Balance

There’s more to dentistry than creating beautiful smiles! As part of their total health approach to dentistry, Dr. Joe Barton and his team address the signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders and Sleep Apnea through Neuromuscular Aesthetic Dentistry techniques. Only when your teeth are properly aligned and your jaw rests comfortably in its optimal position can you achieve a smile that promotes physical well-being. A healthy mouth and an attractive smile enrich your overall life experience!
Dr. Barton earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from University of Florida, and is a fellow of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). He obtained the prestigious LVI Mastership Award in 2005. In addition to his private practice, here in Jacksonville, Dr. Barton instructs at LVI, teaching other dentists his masterful techniques. If you desire a beautiful smile, are seeking relief from the symptoms of TMJ disorder or would like to explore additional therapy for your sleep apnea, Dr. Barton and his team bring you the best solutions to achieve Beauty • Health • Balance!

4152 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville, Fl 32217  • (904) 733-9144 • AdmiraDentistry.com

Holly Nadji, DMD, PA

Education:
D.M.D., Boston University
General Practice Residency, Tufts University

Areas of Expertise:
Invisalign, Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

Procedures:
Metal free dentistry, Invisalign clear braces, implants, cosmetic veneers and crowns to root canals, wisdom teeth and full mouth extractions, dentures and invisible partials, Zoom whitening, tooth colored fillings and specialists on call.

Dr. Holly Nadji received her dental degree from Boston University Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry 16 years ago and completed her residency at Tufts University in Boston. Since her graduation in 1995, she has studied extensively in the areas of Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dentistry.
As a “Preferred Invisalign Provider” Dr. Nadji has been helping many Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra residents have beautiful smiles with Invisalign Clear Aligners. Invisalign is cutting-edge technology to achieve straight teeth without metal with a series of aligners. Aligners are invisable, removable and very comfortable. In fact, Dr. Nadji wears invisalign herself. Dr. Nadji’s passion in dentistry is helping her patients with life-transforming smile makeovers which naturally lead to happier, more confident lives!
Dr. Nadji is also an active member of Health for Humanity, a channel of providing volunteer dental care to Third World countries. She has given many talks about dental health and smile makeovers throughout the state of Florida.
Her guests appreciate, her mercury free health conscious dentistry, her comfortable numbing, her gentle approach and her emphasis on prevention of disease in relation to the Mind, Body and Soul.
Dr. Nadji performs all family and cosmetic dentistry procedures and has specialists on call in case specialty care is needed. She has a passion for helping her guests achieve the “Smile of Their Dreams!” She also performs all types of dental care from Invisalign clear braces, implant restorations, cosmetic veneers and crowns to root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, tooth-colored fillings, Zoom whitening, dentures and invisible partials.

7807 Baymeadows Rd., E.,  Jacksonville, FL  32256 • (904) 731-1919 • email: info@gentleladydentist.com • Web: www.gentleladydentist.com

Richard E. Aguila, DDS
Board Certified Periodontist
Education:
Periodontics & Implant Surgery Residency, Medical University of South Carolina
General Practice Residency, Naval Medical Center San Diego
Doctor of Dental Surgery, West Virginia University School of Dentistry
B.A., Chemistry (Summa Cum Laude), West Virginia University

Board Certification:
Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology
Certified in Consicous Sedation, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology

Affiliations:
ADA, AAP, AO, ADSA, FDA, FAP, FDSA, NEDDA, JDS

Areas of Expertise:
Implant Dentistry & Periodontics

Dr. Richard Aguila has firmly established himself as one of Jacksonville’s premier periodontal and dental implant surgeons since moving here in 2007. He has a unique perspective in that he practiced general dentistry for six years before completing a three-year residency in periodontics and dental implant surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Aguila also had a very distinguished and well decorated tour as a Navy Dental Officer.
After practicing as an associate in the Mandarin area for two years, Dr. Aguila opened up his own practice in July 2010. His beautiful, state-of-the-art office has all the comforts of home and all the latest technological advances in dentistry. He has assembled a caring and highly trained staff fully committed to “patient centered care.” “Our promise to our patients is to be thorough in our diagnosis, honest in our treatment planning and fully committed to excellence in the care and service that we provide. Through the fulfillment of this promise and by educating our patients, our ultimate goal is to help our patients achieve and maintain optimum oral health for a lifetime,” states Dr. Aguila.
Dr. Aguila is a board certified Periodontist and highly trained specialist who practices the full scope of periodontics and implant dentistry including:
• Minimally Invasive Laser Assisted Periodontal Surgery (via the patented LANAPTM protocol)
• Galileos™ Cone Beam CT Guided Dental Implant Surgery (to replace missing teeth)
• Cosmetic Periodontal Plastic Surgery for Smile Enhancement (gum grafts and lifts)
• Advanced Bone and Sinus Grafting (using the latest in bone and growth factor technology)
• Autologous PRGF™ (Plasma Rich in Growth Factor) for enhanced and accelerated healing after oral surgery.
• Facial Rejuvenation (via BOTOX, dermal fillers)
• Oral and Intravenous Conscious Sedation
He is a member of several professional organizations and currently serves as Vice President of the Jacksonville Dental Society. He is actively involved in community service and has chaired the annual “Give Kids a Smile Campaign” in Jacksonville for the last two years. He is a co-founder and director of Advanced Dental Seminars of Jacksonville, a local study club that provides continuing education to over thirty of the finest dentists and dental specialists in the greater Jacksonville area.

11512 Lake Mead Ave, Ste. 532 •  Jacksonville, FL  32256 • (904) 683-4781 • www.RichardAguilaDDS.com