Georgia On My Mind

May 12, 2025

Only About an hour from Jax, Jekyll Island feels worlds away
by Jax Maggie

It’s no secret that I love a fabulous getaway, and like so many of us living in the 904, I often crave an escape that is super close to home but also feels like it’s a thousand miles away. Jekyll Island, a ridiculously charming island nestled off the coast of Georgia, fits that bill every time. Offering both breathtaking beach and marsh views, this gorgeous and remarkably unusual barrier island offers a little bit of something for everyone. Gilded Age splendor, luxurious lodgings, delicious dining, and a bevy of indoor and outdoor spaces that dot the landscape. Jekyll seems to know that it’s an Instagram-worthy destination with the ability to please most everyone.

The history fanatic in me adores the opulence of what used to be on the island, some of which still remains. The beachside retreat was once a wintertime playground for America’s elite, including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and Pulitzers. Today, visitors can explore the beautifully preserved “cottages” (think mini mansions) as well as the grand dame of the historic district, The Jekyll Island Club Resort. For a sporty activity, fit for a robber baron, grab a mallet and suit up in your best resort casual “whites” for a round of croquet on the beautifully manicured front lawn of the resort. Wander through lush gardens, or take in a service at Faith Chapel. The original stained-glass window by Louis Comfort Tiffany is an interior highlight. For a deep dive into island history, visit Mosaic, the island’s museum. It offers a lovely glimpse back at the past of this special place and then hop on a tram for a guided tour to learn all the juicy details about many of the island’s most famous former residents. For a treat, have cocktails at the club, on the veranda or at the Alexander Bar & Boars Head Lounge. When I’m there I like to pretend I’m Cornelia Vanderbilt while I’m sipping martinis.

Be sure to drive or bike to Driftwood Beach on the island’s northern tip, to experience an ancient collection of beautifully weathered trees that look like they have been placed there as a fabulous art installation rather than a grouping of gnarled old trunks and branches. See how sea turtles are rescued and cared for at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center or head to Beach Village, a sunny hamlet that is home to an assortment of boutiques and restaurants. A splash pad is the star of the town’s green. It’s a perfect place to take the littles to cool off. Another must see is the super cute Jekyll Market. Part old school souvenir and sweet shop and gourmet food market, it’s stocked with an eclectic mix of snacks, wine, beach hats, cooking supplies, beer and more. Nestled in the back of the store is a tiny take-out restaurant, Love Shack BBQ Shrimp & Yard Bird. Orders are taken at the counter and boxed up and ready to be enjoyed at the picnic spot of your choice. Try the fried shrimp, fried oysters, or pulled pork sandwich. You won’t be disappointed.

During spring and summer the best way to soak in the island is by calling The Westin Jekyll Island hotel (pictured above), located in the heart of Beach Village, home while you’re there. This uber swanky and recently updated oceanfront property is an absolute dream. It offers every comfort that one could want in a seaside retreat. Beautifully appointed rooms, a zero-entry pool with a hip island inspired bar & grill and, of course, amazing Atlantic views. Included in the resort fee is complimentary beach chair and umbrella service (yes, please), shuttle service to the historic district (a quick ride that’s perfect on a hot day), and bikes to explore (one can ride almost anywhere on the island). For dinner, hit the hotel’s signature restaurant, Willet’s Lowcountry, for a coastal Southern dinner to die for. The low country boil is a seafood lover’s dream. Afterwards, grab a crafted cocktail from Pour Tabby’s Bar and finish the night around one of the fire pits in the courtyard.

I’ve visited Jekyll Island many times—sometimes with dear friends, on romantic getaways, for special island festivals and events, and with my fam. It’s a destination that never disappoints. Jekyll combines the best of the old and the new. If you’re looking for a bit of coastal magic, take the short drive. The minute you make the turn onto the causeway and find yourself surrounded by the beauty of the green and blue salt marshes you might just find you’ve found the road to paradise.

— Maggie
Look for more of Jax Maggie’s travels in upcoming editions of Jacksonville Magazine.

Homeward Bound

Jacksonville Magazine

May 12, 2025

The best senior living communities are eager to show off all that they offer.

Touring a senior living community is perhaps the single most important step a family can take on the journey to finding a loved one’s next home. Any property can place some nice photos on a website or boast on social media. However, seeing the community in person—meeting its residents, experiencing daily life and maybe even tasting the food—gives perspective new residents and their families the opportunity to envision living there.

After all, the truly best communities are eager to show off all that they offer. They want residents, friends and family to be happy where they live, and that means helping decide if they’re a good fit for an individual’s lifestyle and needs. Don’t shy away from asking plenty of questions during your tour—you are going to be paying to live there, right? Doing so can help you compare communities and offer the peace of mind that comes from knowing the right choice has been made. So, before you begin packing the dishes, towels and shoes for your move, here are five primary areas of consideration.

What types of homes are available?
This is a big decision, and you deserve time and space to contemplate. It’s important to know what types of homes are available and whether the options suit one’s needs. Many communities offer a wide range of options, from cozy studios to expansive luxury villas. It’s not just the home, either; you’ll also have access to a range of services to make managing the home easier. Consider asking the following:
• What sizes and floor plans are available?
• What does each home look like? Can I see one?
• What services are included in the base price?

What is the pricing structure?
Being able to afford a senior living community, in addition to any other services you want or need, is a key ingredient in the recipe for a low-stress retirement. You need a deep understanding of your own budget and how the community fits into your financial plans. Consider asking the following questions:
• How is payment structured? Do I pay an entry fee?
• What is included in the monthly fee?
• Are there add-on services? How much do they cost?

What amenities and programs do you offer?
One of the strongest selling points of any senior living community is that it enables you to easily access resources and amenities that may be inaccessible—or very expensive—when you continue to live in your current residence. These amenities and programs can be a gathering point for the senior living community, fostering social connectedness and combating loneliness. They also make it easy (and more affordable) to remain active so you can live your best, healthiest life. Some questions to ask are:
• What specific amenities do you offer, and are they included in the monthly fee?
• What are the availability hours of each amenity? Are any regularly closed?
• What sort of on-site support is available? Are staff available at the pool or fitness center?

How do you foster a sense of community?
Most happy residents cite the sense of meaningful community as a primary factor motivating a move. The best communities know that people need help to build lasting relationships, and not every resident is going to be a fearless extrovert. Be sure to ask about how the community welcomes residents and nurtures meaningful connections. Try starting with these questions:
• What can I expect from the community when I first move?
• Do you offer spiritual services? Where do they take place, and who oversees them?
• How does the community celebrate holidays, birthdays and special occasions?

How do you promote residents’ health and safety?
Be sure to explore community safety and security while you’re on a tour of the property. A high-quality community should offer significant peace of mind. Residents know there’s help available if they ever need it. They travel with ease, knowing their homes will be safe while they are gone. So, be sure to ask:
• Is there on-site security?
• Are there alarms in each unit?
• Is there any emergency number or call button?

Citrus-Glazed Salmon with Microgreens Risotto

Jacksonville Magazine

May 12, 2025

by Chef Benyamin Yousefzadeh, Poppy’s Italiano | Photos by Andy Varnes

Spring is the ideal season to enjoy bright and flavorful foods. At the area’s two Poppy’s Italiano restaurants (Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine), that means fresh herbs, citrus and seafood. Chef Yousefzadeh was reared in the kitchen under the watchful tutelage of his father, a.k.a. Poppy. The restaurants are true family affairs, places where the passion for cooking shines through in-house specialties such as spaghetti carbonara, baked manicotti, chicken piccata and grouper scampi. Here, Chef Yousefzadeh shares the recipe for a family favorite, a dish that combines Italian tradition with zesty Florida flavors.

Ingredients • For the salmon
salmon fillets
1 orange (zested and juiced)
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the risotto
1 cup Arborio rice
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 shallot, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (kept warm)
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese2 tbsp butter

For the salad
2 cups microgreens (arugula, radish, or pea shoots)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
1. Prepare the citrus glaze for the salmon. In a small bowl, combine the zest and juice of the orange and lemon. Add honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and thyme or dill (if using).
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
5. Sear the salmon fillets for about 2-3 minutes on each side to get a golden crust.
6. Transfer the salmon to the oven and bake for 5-6 minutes, or until cooked to your preference.
7. Brush the citrus glaze over the salmon fillets during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
8. Prepare the risotto. In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
9. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
10. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, to lightly toast the rice.
11. Add the white wine (if using) and stir until the liquid is absorbed.
12. Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Allow each addition of broth to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked to your desired consistency, about 18-20 minutes.
13. Stir in the citrus juice, butter, and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
14. Prepare the salad. In a small bowl, toss the micro-greens with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
15. Serve. Plate the risotto and top with the citrus-glazed salmon fillets. Garnish with the micro-greens salad on top or alongside for a fresh contrast to the creamy risotto.

The Outsider

Jacksonville Magazine

May 12, 2025

Under-appreciated during her life, the work of a Jacksonville artist is earning greater acclaim.
by Tim Gilmore

“The First Lady of Jacksonville Art,” they called her in the 1970s and early ’80s. She didn’t achieve her own striking artistic identity until her later years. She’d always been a magpie with materials, first from necessity, later from aesthetic choice. Now, 35 years after her death, the art of Memphis Wood is entering a state of reassessment.

“She draws inspiration from a van full of old quilts she sees on the street, from the cut ends of resin-beaded pine logs she spots from a bus window, from the pink ravelings of placemats she finds in the trash can.” So said wrote Cynthia Parks of The Florida Times-Union on January 25, 1970. The full-page feature, showing a photomontage of a seated Memphis Wood and a number of her artworks, was relegated to the “For and About Women” section.

Not until she was a senior in high school did Memphis see an oil painting. “Seeing Leonardo’s Mona Lisa in the Louvre much later did not move me one-half so much,” she said. Once a week, an art teacher would visit the sole high school in Dacula, Georgia, and one of her sisters paid the 50 cent fee for Memphis to take classes.

She had painted in oils for decades, exhibiting in galleries around the Southeast and in New York, but it wasn’t until she retired in 1962, after 33 years of teaching art at Landon High School, that Wood began creating the art with which her name would become synonymous.

In old audio, she sounds like any Southerner’s grandma, but her fiber artworks that began in the 1960s remind University of North Florida’s Professor of Art History Elizabeth Heuer of minimalist and maximalist painter Frank Stella. If Wood shared her magpie characteristics with “Outsider Artists,” who are typically untrained yet obsessively creative, Heuer says Wood used archetypes like the Abstract Expressionists and felt a kinship and formed a friendship with Hungarian textile artist and fashion designer Mariska Karasz. Wood first met Karasz in Miami and Karasz later visited Wood in Jax.

Toward the end of her time at Landon, Wood produced stranger and more original works. She also began to say publicly how hard she’d worked to get art taken seriously even at a school known for academic success and the higher socioeconomic status of its students’ families. “I had to nag the principal,” she admitted in 1962. “We know picture making is 40,000 years old while writing is only 5,000 years old and it developed from picture writing.” Nevertheless, art was “the first course dropped when a school goes on double session.”

Her work was changing dramatically. “I might be able to accomplish more,” she said just after her retirement, “but I always get interested and involved in what my students are doing.” She’d retired from Landon, but was now teaching at Jacksonville Art Museum, Jacksonville Children’s Museum and Jacksonville University, where for five years, she’d chair the art department. Now her art was melding together two new directions at once, becoming more abstract but using fiber media.

If typically, people think of greater abstraction as less accessible, they think of fiber arts as art brought down to the kitchen table, as feminine, soft to the touch, the work of needles and looms, just as conservatively they’ll think of the kitchen as woman’s space. What better medium then, especially for a soft-spoken North Georgian whose accent lies so soft on the letter R, to makes lines curve, to play radically with shape and color, make them flesh and organ, in fact perhaps to make them as iconic as George O’Keefe’s more famously vaginal flowers? A 1973 Florida Times-Union photo (middle left) shows Wood standing beside just such an artwork, her hands out, speaking explanatorily to three uncomfortable-looking men.

Though Wood worked “in many media–painting, pottery, sculpture, graphics,” wrote Peggy Friedmann in 1979 in Kalliope: A Journal of Women’s Literature and Art, “she is best known for her imaginative fabric collages and fibre sculpture, idioms she adopted some 15 years ago.” Wood told Friedmann, “My interests in crafts goes back to my childhood. I saw stoneware churn jars and milk pitchers. I saw my father make a beautiful ax handle that fit his hand perfectly. My aunts made fine quilts and coverlets.” Regarding the “totem” she called Beans and Sprouts, she said simply, “I’m a country girl,” but the totem resembles another called Medusa, the female figure from Greek mythology with snakes for hair whose gaze froze men solid.

Ironically, part of this resurgence in interest comes from the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville having deaccessioned its Memphis Wood collection. Since Wood lived for decades in Mandarin, the much smaller Mandarin Museum happily accepted the collection and in 2024, under the leadership of its new director, Brittany Cohill, exhibited “Memphis Wood Revisited,” curated by Heuer and artist and UNF professor emeritus Nofa Dixon, herself a friend and younger contemporary of Memphis Wood.

Wood’s most famous artwork hangs 22 feet tall behind the pulpit in architect Robert Broward’s 1967 Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville (pictured far left). Broward, a pagan naturalist who sunbathed nude atop the house he designed for himself late in life and whose daughter said he “worshiped the sun,” had been a student of Wood’s at Landon. The tapestry stands like a tree-of-life in lieu of crucifixion, strong and wood-hued, brown and bronze and golden with greens and blues on the sides and a kabbala head of orbs in circuit.

Wood rarely offered explanations for her work, saying she’d rather leave that to others, but gave Peggy Friedmann perhaps the clearest summation she ever made about art. “To be able to focus on the welter of optical signals coming to me from without and to select and make use of what I find to be compatible with my own inner vision and feeling is what I think art is all about. And I’ll tell you what I think are the two qualities of a work of art. It must be indescribable and it must be immutable.”

Photo credit: Photos: Jacksonville PUblic Libraries Special Collections; Florida Trans-Union; Mandarin Museum

Oceanside Outpost

Jacksonville Magazine

May 12, 2025

Photos by Morgan Calenberg

It rests upon a beautiful stretch of North Florida beach and while it was in operation for three wars, it never experienced a shot fired in conflict. Fort Clinch, a fixture at the northern tip of Amelia Island, has stood watch over the entrance to Cumberland Sound and the St. Marys River for nearly 180 years, nearly all of them peaceful.
• Following widespread destruction in many parts of the nation during the War of 1812, the call to protect the fledgling United States from other nations led to the construction of a series of fortifications up and down the East Coast. The first bricks were laid at Fort Clinch, named for General Duncan Lamont Clinch, in 1847. However, the start of the Civil War halted construction with only about two-thirds of it complete and zero cannons mounted on its high walls
• Confederate troops took possession of the fort and Amelia Island for a time. But, as the isolated outpost would be costly to defend and as Union forces began to take control coastal Georgia and Florida, orders to evacuate were given by General Robert E. Lee. Union soldiers marched into the fort in March of 1862 without a whiff of opposition.

• Additional building on the outpost commenced soon after Union troops occupied the site, spearheaded by a company of engineers from New York. The war ended before construction was complete and, by 1869, the fort was left empty and unfinished. It sat incomplete and unused for 20 years, until the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. More improvements were quickly ordered, including installing guns, strengthening the fortifications and laying a minefield outside the walls. Hostilities in this conflict lasted less than a year and, again, Fort Clinch was abandoned as a military installation.

• Neglected and empty for more than 30 years, the fort and surrounding property were given new life in 1935, becoming one of Florida’s first state parks. Crews from the Civilian Conservation Corps, a New Deal program created during the Depression, began historic restorations and new construction at the park in 1936. They removed massive amounts of brush, debris and sand from within the fort, as well as built the present-day museum structure, campground facilities and roads throughout the 1,400-acre park, one of eight the CCC built in Florida.
• Another war would see the five-sided fortification return to service. During World War II, the site became a center for coastal surveillance and communications, assisting in keeping a watchful eye on the Atlantic seaboard for German submarines, ships and aircraft.

• Today, visitors can tour Clinch’s guard rooms, prison, barracks, hospitals, kitchens and a blacksmith shop—all restored and furnished as they would have appeared during the Civil War and Union occupation circa 1864. The museum contains artifacts such as small arms, soldier uniforms, and personal letters. The park welcomes guest daily at 8 AM, gates to the Fort open at 9 AM. Park admission is $6 per vehicle.

Only In Florida

Jacksonville Magazine

May 12, 2025

Strange But True Stories from Across the Sunshine State

A complaint filed by police in Clearwater stated that John Elberson, 39, intended to appropriate the property of a local business. The business? Reign Ladies and Gents strip club, said to be the largest in Clearwater with some 7,000 square feet of floor space and VIP rooms. The property? $160 worth of lap dances. Elberson was arrested and charged with petty theft, spent 12 hours in jail, and was released by the Pinellas County Circuit Court without bond. The police report mentioned that Elberson, a father of five, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol but hadn’t taken any drugs.

Speaking of VIP rooms: “Detectives monitored Jaythan Gilder for more than a dozen days at the hospital before they were able to match the serial numbers on the jewelry with the items that were stolen from Tiffany & Co.” So read a late-March Facebook post from the Orlando police. On February 26, Gilder entered Tiffany & Co. in the Mall of Millenia, posing as a representative of an NBA player. He was escorted to a VIP room and shown a pair of $160,000 diamond earrings, another pair worth $609,000, and a $587,000 diamond ring. A botched attempt at stealing the jewelry led Gilder, who has 48 outstanding warrants in Colorado, to swallow the jewelry, which could be plainly seen in x-rays taken at the Washington County Jail. “After the diamonds were expelled from his system, we were able to bring them to Tiffany’s, where they were cleaned, and their master jeweler confirmed the inscription and serial numbers matched the stolen pieces,” said Detective Aaron Goss.

Recently, John Connaughton, 51, was arrested and charged with felony battery, criminal mischief and two counts of aggravated assault, according to court records. An arrest affidavit says Connaughton “threw urine in multiple bottles into the front door of a business,” Doors, Moulding and More in St. Petersburg, reportedly causing more than $1,000 in damage. Two men gave chase to the alleged perpetrator but backed off when he raised his skateboard over his head in a threatening manner. Connaughton, a registered sex offender, was being held in the custody of the Pinelas County Sheriff’s Office on a $22,500 bond.

“I did something dumb today and I understand it.” These are the words of Bok Academy North Principal Gregory Lewis after he was arrested for shoplifting at a Winter Haven Walmart. The educator was observed in the self-checkout line placing a bag of disposable foam plates between more expensive items in order to steal them. According to a police affidavit, he was caught attempting to “skip scanning” and abscond with a pack of light bulbs, bacon, and frozen butterfly shrimp totaling $37.45. The middle school principal, who admitted to the crime, told a Winter Haven police officer during his arrest that his friends had told him about the shoplifting tactic and that he wanted to try it out for himself. “We sit around talking, ‘Hey I did this.’ Let me try and see what I can get away with,” Lewis told an officer who was wearing a body camera during his arrest.

Don’t Be A Pain

Jacksonville Magazine

May 12, 2025

When you body hurts, pay attention to what’s ailing you.

“On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your pain?” How many of us have heard that question asked during a visit to a physician’s office? Likely, most all of us. Yet, no two people experience pain in the same way.

Pain is the most common symptom of thousands of injuries and conditions one can expect in a lifetime. It can also result from treatments for conditions and injuries, as well as be the main feature of a condition—a pain disorder, for example. Arthritis, joint injuries, burns, cancer, pinched nerves, migraines, endometriosis, autoimmune disorders… the conditions that can cause pain are near-endless. And acute pain can last a short time and go away when one heals. Or it can last for months or years, as is the case with chronic pain.

While it may seem like a simple, well-understood bodily reaction to harm or injury, in fact pain is very complex, and everyone experiences it differently. This complexity is exacerbated because it’s also not something we can see, and a lot of people have invisible conditions that cause pain. These factors, and several others, often make it difficult to seek help when parts of the body call out for attention and help.

In many cases, those in pain may be worried that others won’t take them seriously or that the pain will go away on its own. And it very well may. We’ve all scraped a knee on the sidewalk or banged a shin on a coffee table. However, there are occasions when it is important to get medical assistance, even if an injury seems minor. No one should struggle through pain every day.

Depending on the cause and type of injury, it may not be possible to find total relief. Or, the pain may not get better right away. So, the goal of pain management is to improve your quality of life and functioning, like doing daily tasks, enjoying usual activities, working and/or attending school. One’s healthcare provider should work with you to recommend and adjust a pain management plan as needed.

Now, before rushing to make a doctor’s appointment, there are certain lifestyle changes that can relieve pain. If you are overweight or obese, your pain and discomfort may be sourced to those conditions. Eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water, getting quality sleep and managing stress can also help reduce pain. Physical activity (like walking or swimming) and strength training typically reduce pain, too. These exercises can improve posture and help your body work better overall. They also benefit your mental health and help with balance.

Anyone with pain—either acute or chronic pain—can benefit from a pain management plan. A comprehensive plan can help you manage pain that lasts a few days, such as after an injury or surgery. In addition, a defined plan can help those with long-term pain from health conditions.

If you don’t know the cause of your pain, it’s best to start the search for answers and relief with your primary care providers. They can start the diagnostic process and refer you to a pain management team or clinic. If you have a diagnosis, talk to your provider who manages the condition about starting a more involved pain management plan.

These are specialists who work in a field of medicine called algiatry. A team of providers in this specialty may include anesthesiologists, mental health professionals, occupational therapists, social workers and more. Once the evaluation process begins, expect to undergo things such as a neurological exam, physical checkup, lab tests (blood, urine and perhaps cerebrospinal fluid tests), imaging tests like an MRI, and electrodiagnostic studies. The goal will be finding the specific causes of your pain.

If and when causes are determined, your healthcare provider or pain management team will likely recommend one approach or a combination of several options. This may involve treating the underlying cause of pain and/or managing pain as a symptom. Of course, how well a particular treatment works varies from person to person, even for the same cause of pain. Providers typically start with minimally invasive or conservative pain management therapies before trying riskier ones. But there’s no single “right” approach for pain management for all people.

We’ll Drink to That

Jacksonville Magazine

May 12, 2025

Downtown’s bar and nightlife scene is better than many believe
by Jeffrey Spear

If you haven’t visited Jacksonville’s downtown lately, you’re most definitely missing out. There are a surprising number of bars and restaurants offering a wide variety of foods, drinks and entertainment experiences, all contributing to a vibrant nightlife. To fully understand what’s available, we visited some local favorites and discovered some wonderful new venues along the way.

A good place to start, especially on a balmy summer evening, is the rooftop patio at Cowford Chophouse. While the three-level establishment features an impressive wine list and prime cuts of beef, it’s the view of the city skyline, including the Main Street bridge and St Johns River, that elevates one’s cocktail. You might also enjoy the paintings of Florida’s Spanish cows, created by local artist Jim Draper, that adorn the restaurant’s walls. From a culinary perspective, a tasty way to begin this adventure could include Dirty Cow martinis accompanied by duck fat cornbread and smoked salmon dip.

If you’re a fan of craft cocktails, you’ll want to head a few blocks west and enjoy a beverage or two at The Volstead. As you’d expect from this speakeasy-styled destination, there’s no signage out front, only one for Snips Barber Shoppe (a working barber shop) serving as its false front. The bar itself is surreptitiously hidden behind the curtain on the shop’s back wall. Once inside, you’ll discover a dimly lit, surprisingly approachable barroom, complete with a large and somewhat eclectic collection of spirits, liqueurs and Amaros. While classic cocktails, including Sazeracs, Negronis and Old Fashions, are readily available, it’s the seasonally presented, bespoke cocktails that are most impressive.

The next two destinations of note exist side by side as neighbors—Intuition Ale Works (popular for its craft beers, especially their IPAs and stouts) and Manifest Distilling (known for its Florida citrus vodka, rye whiskey and organic barreled gin). To get there, it’s a short drive or casual 15-minute walk heading eastward along Bay Street, passing through “The Elbow,” the heart of downtown that’s home to more than 20 bars, restaurants and performance venues including Decca Live, Myth Nightclub, Underbelly, Bold City Downtown, Spliffs Gastropub and Island Girl Cigar Bar; then continuing towards the baseball grounds and football stadium. You’ll probably encounter the unmistakable hint of roasting coffee wafting through the air. That’s the scent that emanates from the Maxwell House plant that you’ll pass along the way. Just a few steps further and you’ve arrived at Intuition, one of the city’s original craft breweries.

For beer enthusiasts, Intuition Ale Works (picture above) is the place to be. With nearly 20 house-branded brews on tap, there’s plenty to sample, along with a selection of familiar snacks, sandwiches and more from the kitchen. The red brick establishment covers most of a city block and also operates the Bier Hall, a live music venue. With a stellar roster of traveling bands on the calendar, the next show is usually only days away.

Manifest Distilling is right around the corner. A visit to their Cocktail Room gives you access to everything they make, including tasting flights and a specialty cocktail menu featuring some deliciously exciting creations. If you visit their website and book in advance, you can also take a tour of the distillery that includes a tutored tasting session. Considering how close the distillery (and Intuition) is to the sporting arenas, it’s also a great place to meet up before or after game time.

The last stop on this crawl, heading back to the city center, is Dos Gatos. Established in 2009, this is one of the oldest and most respected bars in the urban core. A dark and somewhat subversive environment, Dos (as it’s known to locals) is renowned for its encyclopedic wall of spirits and craft cocktail menu. Located directly across from the Florida Theater, it’s ideal for drinks before or after showtimes. Better still, come for happy hour, then stick around for the DJ and dance the night away.

Crescent 9 THC Seltzer is Jacksonville’s #1 Alcohol Alternative

Jacksonville Magazine

March 27, 2025

Since Crescent 9 THC Seltzer made its debut in 2023, the hemp-derived THC beverage has become much more than a novelty. It has redefined what it means to be a social drinker.

Crescent 9 THC Seltzer provides uplifting and euphoric effects similar to alcohol. Crescent 9 THC Seltzer is Jacksonville’s #1 Alcohol Alternative.

Jacksonville’s nightlife and social scene are evolving, and at the forefront of this transformation are alcohol alternatives like Crescent 9 THC Seltzer. Providing a buzz without booze, Crescent 9 THC Seltzer offers Jacksonville residents a better way to unwind.

Why try Crescent 9 THC Seltzer?
In 2023, the global market for cannabis beverages was valued at more than a billion dollars, and it’s projected to be worth nearly 4 billion by 2030. Crescent 9 is one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the country.
Its explosive success is largely due to the quality of the product, its affordable price point, and the demand for alcohol alternatives as more people prioritize wellness, reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption in their lives.

Here are a few of the many reasons to try Crescent 9
• It’s a great way to get away from booze
Fast-acting and producing an uplifting buzz, THC drinks have helped many American adults who are trying to drink less alcohol. While THC edibles take an hour or more to kick in, Crescent 9 offers delightful effects in about 15 minutes.
With Crescent 9, you get to feel good without having to feel bad afterward. According to a survey of customers, more than two-thirds have reduced or eliminated their consumption of alcohol, with many saying they’ve switched to avoid hangovers.

• It’s low in calories
Unlike traditional cocktails or beer, which may pack 150 or more calories per serving, Crescent 9 THC Seltzer contains as few as 40 calories per can, making it an attractive option for health-conscious consumers.

• It’s deliciously refreshing
Naturally flavored and made from premium hemp, Crescent 9 THC Seltzer won more than 20 awards in 2024. Many hemp beverages taste bitter and leave an undesirable aftertaste. Crescent 9 is always highly satisfying and delicious, with flavors including Tropical, Strawberry Lemonade, and Raspberry Lime.
Crescent 9 THC Seltzer is great for relaxing at home and great for partying with your friends. With an array of THC potencies, as well as caffeinated and caffeine-free options, it offers a euphoric, uplifting buzz perfect for any occasion.

Where to Find Crescent 9 THC Seltzer in Jacksonville
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Take a Hike

Jacksonville Magazine

March 18, 2025

It’s been said that playing golf is a long walk spoiled. So, this spring, leave the clubs at home and let your feet do the walking while enjoying some of the region’s best spots to take a hike.

Even the most picturesque landscapes in and around Jacksonville don’t feature dramatic peaks or snow-covered mountains. No, our natural scenery is more subtle, it unfolds with swaying marsh grasses, twisted oak tree limbs, spindly palm trees and white sandy shores. These sights are no less beautiful than mountainous vistas and to truly appreciate our natural wonders one needs to be willing to explore what’s down a few paths less traveled. Here, we do just that. Join us on a journey to a handful of First Coast and Southeast Georgia destinations that allow visitors to experience nature at its best. The heat of summer isn’t quite here yet. Now’s the time enjoy Mother Nature’s handiwork—all just a short distance from your front door.

Northeast Florida is among the fastest growing regions in the state. So, to have something like the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve located here is a true natural treasure. The Reserve stretches across an astonishing 75,000 acres, from Ponte Vedra south into Flagler County. How important is it to the region’s wildlife? A species list recently compiled indicated the presence of at least 44 mammal, 358 bird, 41 reptile, 21 amphibian, 303 fish and 580 plant species.

The Guana River Wildlife Management Area, located between Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine along Hwy. A1A, is an outdoor-lover’s dream. Here, visitors can enjoy miles of open Atlantic Ocean beachfront as well as a laundry list of recreational opportunities. Hunting, fishing, biking, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, birding… this stretch of barrier island offers it all. The park is so large it will take several visits to explore it from top to bottom.

Some 18 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the park, including the five-mile Hammock Loop and the shorter Live Oak Loop. An observation tower overlooking the marshes and Tolomato River is a popular destination for hikers along the two-mile Savannah Loop. Another tower is located near the northern edge of the park. Picnic spots and rest areas are peppered around the reserve and restrooms are available near the South Entrance. This entry point is best for hikers, as several trails shadow the 2,000-acre Lake Ponte Vedra. The wildlife here ranges from roseate spoonbills and peregrine falcons to white-tail deer and alligators. The lake is home to redfish, sea trout and black drum, as well as crab—all of which can be caught with a fishing license.

Hidden away along the Intracoastal Waterway as it flows past Atlantic Beach is Dutton Island Preserve, a pristine salt marsh ecosystem that is favored for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Actually, two parks in one, visitors can walk three miles of trails through pine flatwoods and live oak hammocks. Dutton Island I includes an observation viewing deck and fishing pier on the north end and a kayak and canoe launch site at the south end. There is a marked kayak trail among the salt marsh to guide paddlers. Amenities include covered picnic tables, elevated boardwalks and restrooms. Primitive tent-only camps sites are available with a reserved permit. Campers do have access to bathrooms and outdoor showers. There are residential neighborhoods only a stone’s throw away but after entering the park, open daily sunrise to sunset, they seem miles away. Admission and parking are free. Pets are allowed.

Jennings State Forest covers more than 25,000 acres and straddles northwestern Clay and southern Duval counties. The sheer size of the preserve means it’s ideal for very long walks in the woods. Also, the landscape features a variety of terrain. Flat pine forests give way to rolling hills dotted with spindly oaks, which gave way to swamps and meandering creeks. The changes in terrain make the forest suitable habitat for all sorts of animals, including fox squirrels, bobcat, deer, turkey and alligators.

Trails here can stretch more than 15 miles. There are several public entrance points, so decide upon a starting point before heading into the woods or you may find yourself hours from your hiking destination of choice. For example, the Evans Long Loop is just that—a very long loop that snakes through the property for nearly 17 miles. The Pioneer Trail is a good one for shorter walks, though hikers should expect some fairly dramatic elevation changes, steep slopes and narrow paths. Much of it follows the path of a lazy creek, complete with a few tiny waterfalls. This is a good one on hot days, as there is ample shade provided by the tree canopy. Easier on the legs is the Dunn’s Farm Trail, which is a flat cut through tower pine trees.

The hiking trails are open daily during daylight hours. Plus, the property can be enjoyed for horseback riding, picnics, fishing, swimming and canoeing. And there are primitive campsites that can be reserved for overnight stays.

Fort George Island is one of Northeast Florida’s true natural and historical gems. Situated between Jacksonville and Amelia Island, the island is home to the Kingsley Plantation historic site and the Ribault Club, a beautiful event space that’s popular for weddings and receptions. There is a marked hiking trail that loops around a good portion of the eastern part of the island. Walking along the island’s bumpy and dusty two roads make for pleasant hikes as well; however, be mindful of passing cars and be prepared to hug close to a tree because the unpaved road is very narrow in spots. Off-road biking is a quicker way to take in the breadth of the property. As you walk or ride imagine this—some 200 years ago, the island was mostly farm, devoid of all the palms and oaks that grow in abundance today.

The Kingsley Plantation grounds, which is managed by the National Park Service and include the original planter’s house built in 1798 (making it the oldest standing plantation house in Florida), as well as the ruins of several slave cabins, is one of the most significant historical sites in the region. The site name comes from Anna and Zephaniah Kingsley, who lived here from 1814 to 1837. Any exploration of the island should begin here. Walk through the house, the barn, kitchen house, interpretive garden and the remains of 25 tabby slave quarters. A broad lawn overlooking the Fort George River and dotted with palms makes for a pleasant picnic spot. Watch where you drop your blanket because there are ants aplenty. You may even see a wandering gopher tortoise.

The nearly three-mile loop trail winds through what used to be a golf course, first played in the 1920s. Behind the Ribault Club is a public access point to the river. It’s a quiet spot to put in a kayak, cast a line or wade into the salty water. Be sure to stop by St. George Episcopal Church before leaving the island. Built in 1882, the church is an outstanding example of Carpenter Gothic architecture. The stained-glass windows are 140 years old.

Follow the Jimmy Buffet Memorial Highway (also known as Hwy. A1A) to the northern tip of Big Talbot Island State Park and pull off at the Bluff Scenic Shoreline Picnic Area. The beach access point here has been washed away but for those looking for Big Talbot’s signature Boneyard Beach, this is the closest place to park. Follow the marked path to reach the beach, a walk of less than ten minutes. Get the camera ready. This stretch of shoreline is awash in the tangled and sun-bleached skeletons of trees that succumbed to surf and sand. There is no shortage of picture-perfect angles for a family photo. Kids take to the fallen trees like monkeys in the jungle. Pack a picnic to enjoy the views of Nassau Sound and Amelia Island across the water. Swimming is not recommended here due to the strong currents

In all, the park contains more than five miles of beach, three miles of paved bike paths and a handful of hiking trails—all of which are relatively flat and accessible to most everyone. On the west side of Hwy. A1A are the Old Kings Highway Trail and Jones Cut Trail, picturesque walks through the island thick maritime hammock and scrubby landscape. On the ocean side of the park is Black Rock Trail, a winding path through dense saw palmetto that leads to a First Coast geologic anomaly, a shoreline peppered with tide pools and dark “rocks” poking through the sand. More weather-battered trees line the beach here, too. It’s about a half-mile to the shore—so, not much of a hike, per se, but well worth the walk to soak in the view.

Parking can be a challenge at Talbot’s public access points, especially on weekends. There are less than 20 spaces at the Blackrock Beach access. Additional spaces are located about a mile north. Time your visit to coincide with low tide to enjoy the beach at its widest. The paved Timucuan Trail runs more than three miles north-to-south and connects the various access points to the park. Joggers, bikers, in-line skaters, strollers—it’s an easy route for most anything with wheels and/or legs.

On February 20, 1864, more than 10,000 cavalry, infantry and artillery Union and Confederate troops fought a five-hour battle in the pine forests near Olustee, Florida, about 40 miles due west of Jacksonville. The battle ended with more than 2,800 casualties and the retreat of Union forces to Jacksonville until the war’s end 14 months later. Among the combatants was the 54th Massachusetts, one of the first black units formed during the Civil War, made famous by the 1989 film Glory. Although the movie does not include events at the Battle of Olustee, portions of the movie were filmed at the park.

Throughout much of the day, soldiers exchanged fire, repeatedly gaining and losing ground to the enemy. Confederate forces were close to breaking through the Union lines when they ran low on ammunition. When more arrived, the attack continued. Weary from the fight, Union troops withdrew from the battlefield and marched back east to Jacksonville. The victory kept the Confederates in control of Florida’s interior for the rest of the war

A huge reenactment of the battle is staged each year in February. The Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park (the first of its kind in Florida, dedicated in 1921 during a ceremony that was attended by veterans of the battle) is open daily and features a shady picnic area, a small museum and a memorial to commemorate the event. The interpretive center/museum provides a quick overview of the park and its history. Outside, a one-mile trail with interpretive signs follows the battle lines. A long walk it’s not. And the scenery is little more than flat land and pine trees. But the path traces the happenings during a significant day in the state’s history. Parks hours are 9 AM to 5 PM daily. Admission is free.

There are more than 50 miles of hiking trails and unpaved road lacing Cumberland Island, a Georgia barrier island located a stone’s throw across the Florida state line. Unlike most of the Southeast coast, the Cumberland Island National Seashore is nearly free of homes and other lodgings. Only a handful of private residences remain on a stretch of sand that once was a secluded retreat for a privileged few. Today, 17 miles of beach cozy up against the Atlantic Ocean, without a single home or hotel in sight.

The island can only be reached by private boat or Park Service ferry and cars are not allowed for visitors. So, unless you plan to camp overnight or stay at the uber-exclusive Greyfield Inn, your exploration will be limited to the southern tip of Cumberland. But that’s okay. There’s plenty to see, even if you can’t reach but a few miles of the island. Most one-day visitors take the Southend Loop, a four-and-a-half mile walk through the forest, past the marsh and out to the unspoiled beach flush with shells and songbirds. The trail runs right past the crumbling ruins of Dungeness, a once-grand mansion owned by the Carnegie family that caught fire in 1959, leaving only stone walls and brick chimneys standing. The grounds surrounding the old home are frequented by Cumberland’s signature wild horses. The Southend Loop is a comfortable three- or four-hour hike for first-time visitors that provides a taste of the island’s diversity.

The River Trail is about one-mile in length and runs directly north and south, connecting the Sea Camp and Dungeness docks. Use this trail to avoid bikes and vehicles along the main road. Both ends of path parallel the Intracoastal Waterway and offer postcard views of the river and marshlands. The middle portion of the trail is a great spot for birding, with a combination of forest and river habitats. Keep an eye out for bald eagles and warblers. The woodsy path is also used by the island’s wildlife, so seeing deer, turkeys and horses is common.

Many of the island’s trails cut through mature maritime forests, shaded under live oak canopies and between dense stands of palmettos. Other sandy paths lead to interior wetlands, marsh ecosystems and the island’s beaches. A bonus to staying at the south end of Cumberland is the park service’s restrooms and drinking fountains. For the more adventurous seeking a real backcountry experience, a walk along the Parallel Trail or one of the many other Wilderness trails may be in order. The Nightingale Trail is a tamer, 30-minute hike into the forest.

The Cumberland ferry schedule changes with the seasons, so check before heading north to Saint Marys, Georgia. Also, space on the boat is limited and daily sell-outs are common. Make reservations online well before your planned hiking date. And make sure you arrive at the ferry landing about an hour prior to its morning departure time, packed and ready to go with water, sun screen, bug spray and food.

You don’t need to drive miles and miles outside of the city to take a hike. Nope, there are more than three miles of trail inside Tillie Fowler Regional Park, a nature preserve that hugs Roosevelt Boulevard where it passes the entrances and runways of NAS Jax. The roar of US Navy P-8 planes and Seahawk helicopters can take the serenity out of the setting but only for brief moments. The park is complete with two hiking paths, a 2.5-mile off-road bike trail, two enclosed dog areas, picnic tables, a relatively new playground and a nature center.

The Island Trail is a loop that stretches more than two miles into the pine woods, circling back where the marsh brushes against the Ortega River. The shorter Tower Trail winds a little over one mile, roundtrip. Both begin near a parking lot and the park’s small nature center, a worthy stop for those hiking with kids. The Tower Trail ends at what you might expect, a 30-foot observation tower. The terrain here is mostly flat and because of its proximity to the river can become quite wet in some areas, especially following a heavy rain. Remnants of an old brick road built in the early 1990s and that once linked Ortega to Jacksonville cross the trails in several spots.

There is a public kayak launch located downstream on the Ortega River. The launch site is inside the boundary of Tillie Fowler Park but has a separate parking area near the Timuquana Road bridge. The nature center is open in the afternoon Friday through Sunday.

Just a few miles west of Downtown, near where I-295 crosses 1-10, lies Bulls Bay Preserve. This 1,200-acre property is part of a conservation easement that consists mostly of wetlands with tributaries to the Trout and Ortega rivers originating in the swamps that buffer the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail. The public park includes a one-mile loop trail dotted with huge oak trees and ferns. There’s also a trail dedicated for mountain bikes. While the overall distance is short, the hiking loop does have plenty of dips and rises. There’s a pretty lily pond and a picnic area. All the trail loops are linked so it’s darn near impossible to get lost. The star attraction here is a small waterfall—and we use that word liberally. A small creek spills over a drop of a few feet. Niagara it’s not. But the site is something of a natural anomaly in Northeast Florida and one of the few places where one can hear the trickling of water in nature. Parking and admission is free. Restroom on site is a nice perk, particularly if visiting with kids. Dogs especially love this park.

Heading north back to Georgia, takes us to Jekyll Island. About 120 years ago, this small barrier island was arguably the most exclusive resort in the country. It is said that the members of the Jekyll Island Club represented one-sixth of the world’s wealth when its clubhouse opened in the late 1880s. If you weren’t a club member, specifically invited by one, or employed by one, stepping foot on the island was not permitted. That rule stayed in effect until 1942. The names of Rockefellers, Vaderbilts, Goulds, Morgans and Goodyears adorn the register when the clubhouse debuted in 1888, Some built winter residences on the island, a few of which still stand and make up the island’s National Historic Landmark District.

Purchased by the state of Georgia in 1947, Jekyll continues its legacy as a magnet to vacationers—and one need not be a millionaire to enjoy its nine miles of beaches, restaurants, golf courses, summer waterpark and more. Sixty-five percent of the island has been preserved in its natural state, making it a terrific place to explore on foot or via bicycle. Miles of paved walking and biking paths circle the island, from St. Andrews Beach Park at the southern tip to the Clam Creek Fishing Pier at the northern shoreline.

Not far from the fishing pier is Jekyll’s very own Driftwood Beach, similar to those in Jax. The beach and its signature driftwood formed as a result of years of erosion. What was once a maritime forest is now a sandy shore lined with weathered tree trunks and branches. The beach is ideal for afternoon picnics or late-night stargazing.

Jekyll is not a destination for those looking to “rough it” in the wild. No, the island has too many upscale hotel rooms and restaurants for that. But for exploring a beautiful seaside setting, touring some grand old homes, sipping a margarita overlooking the ocean after a long walk—few places in the Southeast can beat it. Parking at all the island’s beaches is free; however, there is an $8 per day fee to access the island.

A Fresh Start

Jacksonville Magazine

March 18, 2025

Surviving illness and divorce, one local family builds a home to embrace what comes next.
By Lauren Weedon Hopkins | Photos by Muriel Silva Photography

“It began with a painting of a tennis court,” says Janet Thomasson, owner/designer of Thomasson Interiors. The vibrant pink and green painting by Kelly Mason Fielden of Mason Brookes Design now hangs in Casey Cohen’s kitchen. “The pop of color was the inspiration for the home’s aesthetic,” she adds. Appropriately, Casey and Janet were also tennis partners and longtime friends.

Casey Cohen has persevered through many challenges—her daughter is a pediatric leukemia survivor, her son has autism, and a marriage that didn’t survive. She had been living in the same Ponte Vedra neighborhood since 2011 when she found her new home and took the leap to purchase it. “This home was a fresh start,” recalls Casey.

With the help of Janet and her partner Serena Schupler, Casey worked with builder Brad Scott to take the home down to the studs, redo the floors, add a second story, and put in a swimming pool. It took about a year for completion and Casey’s family moved into their fully remodeled home in 2022.

Today, her son is 14 and her daughter is 12 (and cancer-free for 7 years!). It’s the perfect place for her thriving family. “I love color. This is a happy house,” exclaims Casey.

Interior design is in Janet’s blood. Her mother and her big sister were both interior designers. However, even though her college roommate was majoring in design, Janet decided to major in business. After college, she worked in Chicago and New York in marketing positions. She enjoyed helping friends decorate their homes but it was just a hobby at the time.

After having children and with her husband’s encouragement, she and a partner opened a design studio in Annapolis, Maryland in 2009. Then, her family relocated to Ponte Vedra, and she started her own design business in 2014. She joined forces with partner Serena Schupler in 2020. “I prefer neutrals, clean lines and a classic look,” Janet shares of her design philosophy. “Casey loves color, which was fun to incorporate. Color is happy.”

Janet believes one’s home should tell a story and reflect their unique personality. “Adding something old and personal, every time you walk by it in your house, it will remind you of those memories,” she says.

The home she designed for Casey features fun bursts of color and beautiful furnishings, but it also had to be practical and functional to accommodate her two children and two dogs, Bolt and Pumpkin. Bolt, a Bernedoodle, was her daughter’s “Dream” at age 3 through Dreams Come True, a local nonprofit wish-granting organization for children battling life-threatening illnesses. Pumpkin is a mini doodle.

Guests can experience the vibrant color of Casey’s home even before they step foot inside. Her front door is painted a stunning aqua, which is carried into the foyer and a table on which “the queen of the house” vase welcomes all.

“That vase was the first piece Janet and Serena bought for the house, along with a lemon bowl for the kitchen,” says Casey. “When I saw the pieces, I adored them right away and I knew I was going to love everything about working with Janet and Serena to decorate my house.” The design duo had traveled to Palm Beach for market and sourced many accessories, furniture, wallpaper and fabrics there.

“I love the Palm Beach feel and the little details Janet and Serena incorporated, like the striped awning on the front of the house,” she adds.

Wallpaper is another design aesthetic Casey appreciates. One bathroom features the signature Dorothy Draper Brazilliance wallpaper of the classic banana leaf pattern. The master bedroom has grass cloth wallpaper. “I would paper the whole house if I could,” Casey laughs.

Janet’s favorite room is the family room because it’s functional and fun. The built-in bookshelves feature custom hardware with pink jewels at the center. “I always wanted a green velvet sofa and Janet found one for me.

The children’s bedroom designs reflect their hobbies. Swimming is Casey’s son’s favorite pastime. He enjoys the ocean, the beach and sharks, a theme Janet wove into his bedroom with antique lanterns and shark head clips as clothing hooks.

Casey’s daughter’s bedroom is very cheerful, with pretty pinks and bright yellows. Her gold flamingo lamp is a whimsical favorite. Her bathroom design was created around a painting of a butterfly gifted to Casey by a close friend as a birthday/Christmas gift as Casey was born on Christmas Day. It features fuchsia pink wallpaper and a feminine, scalloped-bottom vanity.

After many tough years, Casey and her children are now flourishing, much like the joyfulness reflected in their new home. “This is a warm, cozy cottage and a comfortable haven for our family,” she says.

Lemon Orzo Chicken with Kale

Jacksonville Magazine

March 18, 2025

By Chef Matthew Medure | Photos by Andy Varnes

Matthew’s Restaurant has been a San Marco fine dining standout for a quarter-century. Founder and executive chef Matthew Medure’s culinary roots run deep in Northeast Florida, dating back to 1991 when he arrived to help open the signature restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Since then, he and brother David have created an award-winning collection of eateries ranging from gourmet burger joints (M Shack) to a classic bistro (Rue Saint Marc) to a Ponte Vedra Beach favorite (Restaurant Medure). If one can cook it, chances are Matthew has, and done so many times. Here, he shares the recipe of a relatively simple dish of Lemon Orzo Chicken with Kale, one sure to please even the most finicky gourmand.

Ingredients
2 Tbls butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 lemons. one sliced thin & one juiced
6 chicken thighs, bone-in
2 Tbls olive oil
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup avocado oil
1 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup white wine
2 cups chicken broth
8-10 oz. kale, picked and washed
5-6 fresh thyme sprigs

Procedure
1. Place a heavy bottom cast iron casserole dish on medium heat and melt the butter
2. Add the minced garlic and lemon slices and gently cook on both sides for a few minutes until softened
3. Transfer lemons and garlic into a small dish and reserve for later use
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season generously with salt and fresh ground pepper
5. In the same pan, turn the heat up to medium high and add the avocado oil
6. Place the chicken skin side down and brown for a few minutes, then do the same on the other side. Transfer to a resting plate leaving the fat in the pan
7. In the same pan, add the orzo and lightly brown for a minute, then add the wine
8. Reduce the wine by half (about two minutes) then add chicken broth and kale
9. Transfer the chicken, skin side up, back to the pan, top the chicken with the reserved lemon slices and thyme
10. Add the juice of one lemon, place the lid on top and bake in a 350-degree oven for one hour
11. Remove the pan from the oven and let rest covered for 30 minutes before serving

Smothered & Covered

Jacksonville Magazine

March 18, 2025

Comfort foods that lift your spirits and nourish your soul.
by Jeffrey Spear

Whether it’s the existential threats posed by nefarious weather, combative political climate, upheavals at work, or a relationship on the rocks, it’s easy to understand that mood-boosting, high-fat and high-sugar comfort foods can be an effective remedy during stressful times. While some of the most popular are pizza, ice cream and chocolate, the early days of Spring may call for something considerably warmer and cozier. Whether you’re working to overcome dramas, or simply want to bring a little warmth and sunshine into an otherwise dreary day, there are places in Jacksonville serving deliciously smothered and covered comfort foods.

Crispy French fries, especially those loaded with toppings, are at the top of the list never-fail foods. If you agree, Epik on Atlantic Boulevard has more than a dozen highly creative, flavor-forward options that should not be missed. Of note is the Big Fatty Fries layered with bleu cheese, cheese sauce, gravy, sriracha aioli, sunny egg, chopped bacon, scallions and hot sauce ($16). Well known for juicy burgers, Epik’s J’ville Poutine pairs datil seasoned fries with cheese curds, gravy, bacon, datil sauce, hot sauce and scallions ($12). If you prefer Asian flavors, its Korean barbecue fries are tossed in gochugaru red pepper flakes, then topped with gochujang aioli, sriracha aioli, scallions and kimchi ($8).

If the one-two punch of potatoes and pulled pork lifts your spirits, head over to Coop 303 for the Loaded Tots, dripping with barbecue pulled pork, queso, Fresno chiles and hot sauce aioli ($13). Similarly, Valley Smoke in Palm Valley offers a brisket poutine, a hearty serving of barbecue brisket, white cheddar cheese curds, smokey gravy and Alabama white sauce ($14).

Foods smothered in an abundance of gravy are another way to beat the blues, warming you from the inside out. Head over to Shut Em Down, a classic Southern joint on the Westside, for the pork chops ($16), fried chicken ($12) or meatloaf ($12), each generously coated in brown gravy, as well as oxtail in oxtail gravy ($18). You may also enjoy some of the options at Barbara Jeans on the Water in Palm Valley. Whether it’s the country-fried steak consisting of hand-battered cubed steak drenched in your choice of cream or brown gravy ($19), chicken fried chicken with cream gravy ($19), or meat loaf, proclaimed as “better than Mom’s or Grandma’s,” served with either tomato sauce or brown gravy ($19), one of these classics is sure to lift your spirits. Or at least fill your stomach.

Of course, one of the most soothing, satisfying and warming dishes to come out of the South is biscuits and gravy. Metro Diner (seven area locations) offers this classic, served with two eggs and hash browns ($12). If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try the chicken and waffles from the recently arrived Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar, a dish that tastefully marries malted waffles, crispy chicken tenders, sunny side eggs, maple syrup and house country gravy ($20).

Another top contender in the world of comfort food, also a Southern classic, is mac-n-cheese. While frequently listed on menus as a side dish, the best ones are proudly served as a main course. This is certainly the case at Spliff’s Gastropub in Riverside, where you can enjoy the String Cheese Incident, an incredibly cheesy presentation that blends cheddar, Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, smoked gouda and goat cheeses ($15). If you like mac-n-cheese with a bit more flair, they have a long list of tasty options from which to choose.

While the world’s turmoil can dampen one’s outlook from time to time, there’s plenty of tasty and soul-warming relief available all over town. Just pick a destination, grab a fork, dig in and smile.

Weight For Me

Jacksonville Magazine

March 18, 2025

Obesity continues to be a significant global health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide.

Recognizing the urgency to combat this pervasive issue, medical advancements have paved the way for the development of various weight-loss drugs or anti-obesity medications. These pharmaceutical interventions aim to assist patients in achieving their weight loss goals by supplementing lifestyle changes and promoting sustainable results.

But, as with any medication, questions and concerns naturally arise among patients considering or prescribed these anti-obesity weight-loss drugs. It is important that patients have accurate information and a clear understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with such medications.

For example, some are oral medications while others are self-administered once-a-week injections. Also, prescription weight loss medications work in different ways to treat overweight and obese patients.

Some medications make it harder for your body to absorb fat from the foods you eat, according to the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Anti-obesity medications may also target cravings, food preferences and thoughts about food.

“GLP-1 medications work by helping your body manage blood sugar levels and control appetite,” says Hannah Nelson, APRN, Nurse Practitioner at Jacksonville’s Serotonin Centers. “They mimic a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate how much insulin you produce and how quickly your stomach empties. This can make you feel fuller for longer, which helps with weight management. Essentially, they support your body’s natural processes to help you achieve your health goals.”

The first generation of weight-loss drugs was developed in the 1930s through the 1960s. These agents were stimulants—such as dinitrophenol and methamphetamine—and are only approved for short-term use for weight-loss because some are amphetamine-based, which is a cause of concern of addiction. With the withdrawal of fenfluramine—part of Fen-Phen—and dexfenfluramine as well as a better understanding of obesity, a second generation of weight loss medications were developed. These targeted the central regions of the brain as well as the digestive system, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Now there are newer weight loss drugs that have turned their attention to gut hormones—such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)—which are involved in appetite and weight regulation. The newest anti-obesity medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is semaglutide, which is known as Wegovy. This is a higher dose of the same medication, Ozempic, which was approved four years earlier for type 2 diabetes. Saxenda (liraglutide) is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist and is the same class as semaglutide.

“Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, bloating, appetite changes, and injection site reactions,” says Nelson, adding that the duration of GLP-1 medication use varies, but it could be a year or longer. “It depends on how well you adhere to your program. Sometimes, hormone optimization can lead to significant improvements beyond the need for GLP-1. These medications are suitable for individuals looking to lose a significant amount of weight or those aiming to shed the last 10 to 20 pounds.”

Another medication that has been making headlines is tirzepatide, which is sold under the brand name Mounjaro. Use of tirzepatide resulted in more than a 20% weight reduction in those with obesity. But this has not been approved by the FDA for use as an anti-obesity medication. It is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, though, and the drug trial’s sponsor is working towards FDA approval for weight loss, according to Yale Medicine.

Additionally, a new anti-obesity medication that has completed a phase 2 trial is from Eli Lilly. The phase 2 trial was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and showed that patients with obesity lost an average of 58 pounds at the end of a 48-week treatment course. This weight-loss drug from Eli Lilly is an injectable called retatrutide. It has not been approved yet.

“Weight loss results can vary as we consider all “5 Pillars of Health,” including sleep optimization, food intake, supplementation, and workouts (cardio, resistance training, and core/stability),” says Serotonin Centers’ Nelson. “Our goal is to help you make lasting changes at the cellular level and develop new, beneficial habits.”

Of course, working together with a medical professional is the best way to determine if a medication to treat obesity is the best option. When choosing a medication, it is important to keep a few things in mind, including the likely benefits of weight loss, the medication’s possible side effects, a patient’s current health issues and other medications being taken, and, of course, the cost. So, what are you weight-ing for?

Do You Mind

Jacksonville Magazine

March 18, 2025

Are you constantly multitasking, with your thoughts racing from one idea to another?

Does this describe you? Does preparing for the future or reliving the past take up the better part of your day? Constant mental chatter such as this can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of disconnectedness from the present moment. Mindfulness, a practice rooted in ancient Eastern traditions, offers a powerful antidote to these contemporary challenges. The practice involves using different tools and techniques to help your mind become more aware of the present moment. Also, it encourages not being critical, not holding on too tightly, and accepting the whole journey, even when it’s tough.

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help people—kids, teens and adults—become more aware of the things that cause stress and one’s reactions to them. So, by staying present and non-judgmental, practicing mindfulness allows many to manage stress more effectively. In addition, mindfulness can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety disorders. It teaches people to observe anxious thoughts and physical sensations without judgment. This awareness can reduce the intensity of anxiety and prevent rumination, ultimately helping individuals gain better control over their anxious responses.

In a nutshell, the concept of mindfulness encourages self-reflection and self-awareness. The philosophy says people can gain insights into their behavior and reactions by paying attention to their thoughts and feelings. This self-awareness can help identify harmful thought patterns and habits, allowing for positive changes in behavior and self-perception.

Proponents say mindfulness exercises, such as meditation, strengthen the attention muscle. Practitioners learn to sustain their focus on the present moment, improving their ability to concentrate and resist distractions. This can be particularly helpful for people with attention disorders or those who struggle with productivity. It’s an idea that’s gaining traction, especially for kids and teens.

Imagine introducing mindfulness techniques early in childhood as a way to help decrease negative thoughts and behaviors and build self-confidence before a child reaches a level of crisis. What parent wouldn’t want this for their children? After all, in the post-Covid 19 era, emotional and behavioral struggles are front and center in homes and schools across the country. Every tool to help kids navigate their most impressionable years is welcomed and needed, perhaps now more than ever.

When many think of mindfulness, they first think of yoga. While it is true yoga is a form of mindfulness, there are many other tools, too. Simply put, mindfulness is all about awareness, of the right here and now. It is the practice of paying attention to one’s thoughts, body sensations and sounds around us. Most importantly, mindfulness teaches one the power of responding versus reacting. In fact, research shows that mindfulness can be beneficial for children in a variety of ways. For example, it promotes empathy and optimism, helps regulate stress, improves impulse control, and can lead to lower levels of depression and aggression.

For many, the mind is often focused on daily worries, fears, anger, and regrets, and they are not thinking of just being present. This state is frequently referred to as “forgetfulness”—you are there but you are not. One is caught in the past or in the future, and is not there in the present moment, living your life. The opposite of forgetfulness is mindfulness. Instead, picture yourself breathing in and out mindfully, bringing your mind back to where your body is. Practitioners believe when your mind is in tune with the body, you are established in the present moment. Then you can recognize the many conditions of happiness that are in you and around. As a result, happiness comes more naturally.

In addition, research shows that mindfulness-based therapy supports treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use disorders, stress disorders, and other mental health issues. Many believe practices such as mindfulness meditation, guided meditation and deep breathing, may even reduce symptoms of mental health issues and lessen fatigue, pain, and insomnia, and negative thoughts.

There are three primary techniques to beginning mindfulness practice. For starters, carve out some time and create a pleasant space yourself. Even just one minute of mindfulness can be a great introduction if you’re unfamiliar with or hesitant to begin. Over time, as you feel more comfortable, add to your time and remember to release any judgments or expectations of yourself or the practice.

Also, note that it is natural for your mind to wander. When it does, let go of the interruption by returning to the tool. Your eyes can be closed, or if that is not comfortable, relax your eyes on one spot. Make sure the body is comfortable. For some, sitting in a chair is more comfortable. For others, sitting on the floor or even lying down can be most comfortable. Whichever position feels right for your body is the best way to begin to practice mindfulness—which can range from five-minute breathing exercises to extended periods of full-blown meditation. Regardless of your practice, consistency and intention are key.

Walk in the Park

Jacksonville Magazine

March 18, 2025

Close to Orlando but world’s away in charm

I have always been a sucker for a small town. Or at least the idea of a small town where everyone knows each other, and all the activity usually takes place on a picture-perfect Main Street that’s home to myriad fun places and quirky characters. The funny thing is, while this idea seems super fun, it turns out that I, like so many of you, have a bit of an elevated sense of what today’s amazing small town should be. Do I really want to eat at Al’s Pancake World (Stars Hollow) or shop in a store where Aunt Bea might have purchased a floral house dress (Mayberry)? I’m thinking, no! I’m a Floridian so obviously I enjoy things that are quirky or even a bit rustic. I love a good hole-in-the-wall seafood shack but I also adore fabulous shopping, fine dining, and boutique hotels that offer upscale amenities.

If you’re like me and are looking for a small, walkable town for a weekend getaway that fits this bill, you’re in luck. Jacksonville is an easy drive to uber-cute Winter Park. Located a little north of Orlando just off of I-4, this hamlet brings all of the main street “feels” that one desires. Stay in the beautiful Alfond Inn, where you can enjoy poolside cocktails, spa treatments, or a meal before walking a few steps to the bustling village just around the corner.

The main thoroughfare is Park Avenue and it’s surrounded by Central Park, a lovely green space that’s perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Park Avenue itself is filled with independent boutiques, antique and curiosity shops, and chef-owned restaurants. Don’t miss The Briar Patch for breakfast or lunch but plan to arrive early. There is usually a line of customers waiting for the mimosas and to-die-for brunch fare. After a day of shopping, hit Prato for dinner and sample modern takes on classic Italian dishes. This chic spot boasts a beautiful outdoor patio and is a favorite for wood-fired pizzas and seasonal pastas.

Soak in a bit of culture with a visit to the Morse Museum of American Art, where you can view the most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the world. Or, head back to the Alfond Inn to admire their collection of contemporary art. Installations change periodically and are courtesy of the Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College. For the ultimate weekend treat, take one of the hour-long Scenic Boat Tours that launch daily from 312 East Morse Blvd. Enjoy gorgeous views of historic homes, parks and natural areas while cruising through a chain of lakes and scenic canals.

Wrap up the weekend by strolling through the beautiful Spanish Mediterranean architecture of Rollins College. You might be lucky enough to catch a play or choral concert while you’re there. One of the best parts of this small town is that all the places shared with you are within walking distance of each other. Jax Maggie & Co love that! Winter Park is more than just a pretty face. It’s a true Florida gem that combines a small town feel with a modern sense of luxury, historic charm and natural beauty.
— Maggie
Look for more of Jax Maggie’s travels in upcoming editions of Jacksonville Magazine.

If These Walls Could Talk

Jacksonville Magazine

March 18, 2025

The Handy Dandy was more than just a neighborhood corner store
by Tim Gilmore

Through these front corner doors at Herschel and James streets in Riverside, in the old corner grocery, the Handy Dandy, deep Jax histories cross, stories of hippie musicians not yet famous, of the old Lebanese family that’s given the city two mayors, of a dog named Stonewall who almost died but instead was loved into a long life.

In 1925, the wood-frame building was home to a Whiddon’s Cash Store and Hiram Jones Meats. For a nickel, you could purchase a Whiddon’s coupon the size of a dollar bill that was worth a quarter. For much of the 20th century, two of the Jacksonville’s most prominent Middle Eastern families owned or operated this corner grocery, the Nasrallahs and the Hazouris, years before Tommy Hazouri was elected mayor in 1987 or his cousin Donna Deegan became the city’s first female mayor in 2023.

Rumors still float around Riverside that musicians from this band or that played upstairs, but city directories list the apartment as “vacant” in the late 1960s. Donna Goddard doesn’t remember it happening; she hung out all over the neighborhood and her first husband Gary played the Willowbranch Park “be-ins” in 1968 with his band, Wapaho Aspirin Company. Richard “Hombre” Price, the classically trained musician who played bass in Sarasota and then Jax with the band The Load, doesn’t recall it.

Then Linda Miller tells me, “That’s where I first took LSD.” She’d met a bassist named Berry Oakley and stayed with him once at the Pickwick Apartments downtown. Then he came to her place above the Handy Dandy and stayed. “We’d all go hear the Second Coming play at The Scene,” Miller says. “Then we’d all come back to the apartment, Berry and John [Meeks, a drummer] would play their acoustic guitars, and we’d all sit around, making the room all smoky and listening to music.”

The Second Coming would partially morph into the Allman Brothers Band. The Scene was a psychedelic music club on the Westside. Oakley and guitarist Dickey Betts, both Allman Brothers Band founding members, Dickey’s wife Dale, who sang and played organ, and Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt, who later played guitar with Iron Butterfly all played in Second Coming and all came back to the apartment over the Handy Dandy late at night.

Miller, who later married Oakley, remembers so much from the few months, February to June, 1968, that she and Oakley lived upstairs, before they moved into the infamous Green House on Riverside Avenue. They made calls from the payphone downstairs in the grocery and when people called, Dorothy Hazouri would holler for them to come down. “Berry and I would wake up late in the morning and he’d go down, or we’d go down, and we’d buy bologna and white bread and fresh tomatoes and cottage cheese and cookies and sodas.”

John Meeks and Miller both loved to draw and Miller’s first acid trips coincided with their own Magic Marker murals of Lewis Carroll illustrations. She says the first night she tripped might have been the night they all listened to Jefferson Airplane’s Surrealistic Pillow and albums by Cream, Donovan, Country Joe and Bob Dylan. Another night Linda Miller the White Rabbit and Meeks drew the Queen of Hearts and her cards.

She remembers laying back and watching their illustrations like a movie. “The cards were flipping through the air, the caterpillar was smoking his hookah, the White Rabbit was checking his pocketwatch. Everything was moving.” A friend who later rented the apartment told her the owners had painted over the wall drawings, but they still showed eerily from underneath the whitewash.

Almost 30 years later, in 1995, Richard Ceriello, a speech pathologist from Long Island, bought the building for a song. Eight months later, his longtime partner, Tony O’Connor, died from AIDS. Thirty-year-old photos show Tony and the couple’s dog Stonewall standing out front. “Stonewall showed up in our driveway almost dead,” Ceriello recalls. “He had been hit by a car, had a dislocated rear leg, was starving, and as we found out when we took him to the vet, had a bullet in his chest.” Stonewall was about nine months old. He lived for the next 16 years.

Ceriello restored an original front wall of windows long enclosed with newer smaller windows beneath a metal awning. The front door was plywood, covered with locks. The whole house had sunk where the freezer had rotted out the floor and sills beneath it. It was hard to open the front door, because the floor, “linoleum on top of linoleum on top of patched plywood,” tilted dramatically.

He kept some of the original shelving. An original Coca-Cola ad and butcher block inhabit the large front room. Ceriello says a story of the freezer being used “to chill bodies” during the wait for funerals came from Edna Starling, an elderly neighbor who died in 2012. He describes her as “somewhat difficult to talk to, but I think she was correct.”

This old building has been lots of things to lots of people over the years. Decades before Ceriello moved in, lost his partner and found Stonewall, Dorothy Hazouri sold shampoo and frozen steaks, while her husband stealthily sold beer on the Lord’s Day. Meanwhile, Linda Miller recalls, “We had that whole big apartment upstairs and hardly any furniture, it was like being in the body of a big ship, and we would fill it up at night with friends and smoke and music.”

Only in Florida

Jacksonville Magazine

March 18, 2025

Strange But True Stories from Across the Sunshine State

“I will do anything for you, Daddy.” So was the promise made by 22-year-old Hooters waitress Sophia Ross during a reported November 2024 traffic stop. A Sarasota Police Department officer’s body camera recorded the interaction following a traffic stop. “I can’t keep my hands off you,” she added, repeatedly calling him “Babe” and “Daddy.” “Unfortunately, you’re gonna have to,” the officer responded. The arrest report states witnesses saw Ross’s car driving erratically and the driver was asleep when first approached by police. Ross, who admitted being under the influence, explained she was not driving. “Swear to God,” she insisted. She was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Her blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit.

Speaking of police interactions, in December, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stopped driver Jason Arrington because he allegedly drove through a red light. Bodycam video shows Arrington being compliant during the stop, even telling an officer that he had a pistol on his person. A second officer, Mindy Cardwell, attempted to extract the gun from Arrington’s waistband. Camera footage shows Cardwell tugging on the gun several times, including one when it discharged, with a bullet striking Arrington in the leg. Arrington’s traffic citation was dismissed a week later. CBS News reported Cardwell was fired from the Sheriff’s Office.

Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, 47, became the principal of Roosevelt Elementary School in Cocoa Beach in May of 2024. According to the school’s website, she was “over the moon excited to be the new principal.” Apparently, she was so excited she decided to host a party—one at which more than 100 underage kids attended, many who were consuming the alcoholic beverages available in coolers at the home. Also attending was teacher Karly Anderson, 45. Both face charges of child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, say police reports.

In January, an unnamed Florida man was admitted to Tampa General Hospital with a very unusual condition—painless yellow lesions all over the soles of his feet, palms and elbows. The patient, approximately 40, reported that he had begun a carnivore-style diet eight months prior and was only eating meat, fish, eggs and cheese. He admitted to consuming up to nine pounds of cheese and butter per day. Doctors determined that excess cholesterol was the cause of the lesions, as it was oozing out of his blood vessels. Tests showed his cholesterol levels were five times more than normal.

Real. Good. Food.

Jacksonville Magazine

January 24, 2025

The 50 restaurants in Northeast Florida you need to try. And a few extras, too.
Jeffrey Spear & Kim Brown contributed to this feature

It’s a question we hear with some regularity: Where in Jax should we eat now? It’s not possible to offer a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. In fact, it’s getting more difficult all the time as the region’s dining scene grows and becomes more diverse in flavors, locales and food services. So, we keep our ears and eyes open for what’s new, what’s unusual and what people are talking about. For this compilation—and as we do with nearly all of our feature focuses—we limited our culinary exploring to homegrown restaurants and shied away from franchise operations. After all, Jax Mag is local and we’ve been supporting mom-and-pop businesses and restaurants for 40 years.
So, the question we ask now is, who’s hungry?

Aqua Grill • Ponte Vedra Beach
As its name implies, Aqua Grill is an airy, contemporary restaurant offering an eclectic selection of artfully prepared dishes. Guests can enjoy dining indoors, on the outdoor deck that overlooks a small lake, or in the lively, full-service bar. The menu, including an extensive wine list, has plenty to offer. Starters such as calamari served with pepper aioli ($16) and deviled eggs Seattle style that feature smoked salmon, capers and caviar ($9) are popular. Noteworthy entrees include grouper cioppino ($42), wasabi pea-crusted Hawaiian Ahi tuna ($42), bang bang cod ($34) and Cantonese style whole local snapper ($39).

bb’s Restaurant & Bar • San Marco
Long-rooted in the Southbank neighborhood just across the St Johns River from downtown, bb’s is favored for its impeccable style, hospitable service, and adventurous menu—all of which make it one of Jax’s most popular dining destinations for some 30 years. With a menu that caters to every culinary preference, the duck wonton Napolean ($17), white truffle pizza ($20), ancho spiced rotisserie turkey sandwich ($18) or pan Asian chop chop salad ($19) may be just what you’re looking for. Along with an exceptionally well stocked bar, what’s not to like? If you believe that dessert is the best course, you may want to indulge in a slice of cake. Or two.

Caffe Andiamo • Ponte Vedra Beach
For more than two decades, Caffe Andiamo has been preparing modern Italian fare based on traditions and recipes that come straight from Salerno. A spacious and comfortable setting, guests have consistently enjoyed Italian hospitality and artfully prepared dishes such as carpaccio di pesci (thinly sliced, cured Ahi tuna and salmon, $15), cannelloni stuffed with spinach, veal, vegetables ($18), sogliola (flounder) putta-nesca ($23) and scaloppa di vitello forestiere (veal scaloppine, mixed mushrooms, $26). Along with an assortment of pizzas, pastas, salads, seafoods and meats coupled with a well-stocked bar that maintains a wide selection of beers and wines, the warm, rich and flavorful Italian influence is unmistakable. Mangiare!

City Grille & Raw Bar • Southbank
As the name implies, the grill and seafood raw bar are the stars of the show here, an establishment named one of Florida’s Top 15 new restaurant by USA Today in 2023. Raw bar highlights include oysters on the half-shell ($18 per half-dozen), Peruvian ceviche ($18) and the Seafood Tower for Two, a literal tower of Maine lobster, jumbo shrimp, oysters, and lobster salad ($94). The dinner menu is equally impressive, laden with Cape Cod diver scallops ($38), braised beef short ribs ($37), and 30-day dry-aged New York strip steak ($58). An extensive Sunday brunch menu (crepes, steak and eggs, eggs Benedict, etc.) is an added bonus and something not offered enough in these parts.

Coop 303 • Atlantic Beach
Located in the heart of the Atlantic Beach and steps to the ocean’s edge, Coop 303 is a great place to dine while soaking in the beach vibe. Relax in their light and airy dining spaces or enjoy the sea breezes from their patio or rooftop garden. Serving modern regional cuisine, the house specialties are not to be missed. Start with a creatively inspired cocktail from their full-service bar, followed by peaches & cream (a creative interpretation of fried green tomatoes, $12) or lamb lollipops ($17). For entrees, their hot honey glazed salmon ($28), chimichurri shrimp ($27) or steak frites from the grill ($39) are all excellent choices.

Cowford Chophouse • Downtown
A visit to Cowford Chophouse is must-do when Downtown. Operating in a restored Renaissance Revival landmark building in the urban core, this is one of the city’s most stylish and elegant dining destinations. A stone’s throw from the St Johns River, cocktails on the restaurant’s rooftop bar are made complete with views of the water and skyline. The extensive wine list and enticing menu offers everything you’d expect from a top-end steakhouse, starting with oysters, caviar and steak tartare to grilled cuts and chops. In addition, there are plenty of options for those preferring something other than beef.

Biscottis • Avondale
Biscottis is a cherished Avondale dining destination, renown for its great food and neighborhood gathering spot hospitality. Serving lunch and dinner all week, and brunch on weekends, guests can choose from an extensive menu featuring small bites, soups, salads, pizzas, sandwiches and dinner specials. A few dishes of note are the crab and artichoke fondue ($14), Thai chicken salad ($17), wild mushroom and Spanish chorizo pizza ($15), fried zucchini sandwich ($16.5), grilled beef tenderloin ($42) and four-cheese white lasagna ($22). No meal is complete, however, without something from the dessert case, featuring freshly baked treats (including biscotti, of course) from “B the Bakery.”

Blue Orchid • Riverside & Intracoastal West
For Thai cuisine that’s in a class all its own, pay a visit to Blue Orchid. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed, impressed by stylish artwork, intrigued by fragrant aromas and delighted by this country’s flavorful cuisine. Relying on carefully sourced Thai ingredients, a few specialties worth a taste include their violet-hued flower buds ($19), coconut shell curry ($38), and honey duck ($42). The menu also features plenty of noodles, stir fries, soups, curries and salads, all beautiful examples of authentic Thai preparation.

Dwight’s Bistro • Jacksonville Beach
Located out of the way in an unremarkable strip mall on Penman Road, first impressions of Dwight’s and its unassuming storefront are contrary to the experience diners have inside. Upon entering, you’ll find comfortable, artfully appointed dining rooms, servers eager to please, an appealing menu described as “continental” and wine list that does not disappoint. Known for exceptional jumbo lump crab cakes ($56), their lamb chops with mint jelly ($56) and sea scallops scampi style ($49) are equally good. If you prefer pasta, try their handmade fettucine carbonara ($26), fettuccini alfredo ($24) or angel hair puttanesca ($26). For dessert, the Banana’s Foster is the perfect finale.

Eleven South • Jacksonville Beach
At this Beaches mainstay, fine dining is both elegant and fun. Named for its location just blocks from the ocean, the extensive lunch and dinner menus feature seasonally inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy beet & goat cheese salad ($15), bacon gouda steak burger ($16), stuffed fresh figs ($15), burrata & winter truffle ($16), poached pear & blue cheese salad ($16), Cape Cod diver scallops ($35) and an assortment of mesquite grilled steaks. Coupled with an award-winning wine list and a full-service bar that stocks a selection of rare whiskeys, cognacs, ports and liqueurs, a visit to Eleven South is an experience worth repeating.

Matthew’s Restaurant • San Marco
Considered among Northeast Florida’s finest dining establishments, chef-owned and operated Matthew’s (named for co-founder Matthew Medure), has been earning raves and awards since the late 1990s. Not one to rest on past laurels, Medure and team strive to stay current while maintaining high standards for its 50-seat main room, chef’s table, lounge and two private dining spaces. Can you imagine Regalis Grandeur caviar ($205), gochujang-marinated steak tartare ($18), escargot in sherry cream emulsion ($17) and beef tenderloin with potato puree, ratatouille and wild mushrooms ($49)? If you can, the picture you drew is Matthew’s. For truly special occasions, one can’t miss with the chef’s six-course tasting.

Mesa • Avondale
Open for just a few years now, Mesa is the little restaurant that could. The menu is laced with South Indian curries and spices, with a touch of Florida tossed in here and there. For starters, you may start with hummus and naan chips ($12), tamarind-ginger glazed wings ($16) or the Kerala beef puff stuffed with brisket and a side of cilantro creme fraiche ($18). The mussels curry is swimming in coconut milk and turmeric, served with choice of Basmati rice or masala fries ($33). No liquor is served, but there is wine and beer. A small patio is a bonus dining option when weather allows. A five-course tasting menu is offered for those looking for a culinary adventure.

Mezza Luna Ristorante • Neptune Beach
One of the more popular dining destinations at the Beaches, and a favorite among locals, is Mezza Luna. The menu features Italian classics such as cioppino ($34), fresh pappardelle ($29) and linguine pasta primavera ($23) along with a crowd-pleasing selection of wood-fired pizzas such as basil-arugula pesto ($23) and wild mushroom ($24). Their full-service bar serves favorites including Lemon Drop ($12) and Ancho Mango Refresco ($11) along with choices from a sizable wine list. Guests are welcomed to enjoy their meal from one of three distinctive spaces—the bar and lounge, covered outdoor patio or the slightly formal main dining room.

Nineteen • Ponte Vedra Beach
Nineteen is located inside TPC Sawgrass clubhouse, home of The Players Championship. Serving throughout the day, guests can enjoy themselves in the dining room or take in the fresh air and views of the 18th hole on the verandah. A top-shelf wine list, rotating selection of draft beers and seasonal craft cocktails, their menu features American and globally inspired dishes including crispy brussels sprouts ($16), plum braised pork bao buns ($18), lobster tacos ($19), short rib pasta ($32) and 18-oz. bone-in ribeye ($65). For dessert, try their chai creme brulee ($12) or enjoy a finishing moment with a dessert cocktails.

Gemma Fish + Oyster • San Marco
Gemma is one of Jacksonville’s newest fine dining destinations. Located in the heart of San Marco, their indoor and rooftop dining spaces embrace clean and modern design, complementing its fresh and flavorful seafood. The menu embraces both local and global culinary influences, starting with lobster pimento cheese ($16), Cajun roasted gulf oysters ($18) and lobster tempura bao buns ($22) to Scottish salmon ($34), stuffed rainbow trout ($40) and Moroccan chicken ($26). There’s caviar and a raw bar as well, serving daily selections of oysters, house made ceviches, tartares, and poke. Lots of desserts for a sweet finish.

Josephine • Avondale
Josephine is an Italian American, neighborhood-friendly restaurant located in fashionable Avondale. While their menu is Italian inspired, there’s innovation in the kitchen that breaks with tradition, contributing to undeniably memorable dining experiences. Whether it’s expertly prepared cocktails, something from the collection of old and new world wines, or several of the inspired creations from the kitchen, you’re in for a treat. Have the sourdough focaccia ($10). Then enjoy the Calabrian gazpacho ($15), Josephine rigatoni, a house favorite ($27), agnolotti giardino ($28) or the scallops ($40). Make sure to include something from the dessert menu. You’ll be glad you did.

Marker 32 • Intracoastal West
This chef-owned establishment has been a staple of Jacksonville’s dining scene for more than 20 years. Standing alongside an active marina, guests can enjoy relaxed dining in a waterfront setting that’s perfect for sunsets and boat watching. The menu features impeccably prepared dishes that are both coastal and regionally inspired. Their M32 broiled oysters are a longstanding favorite, as is the local catch hoppin’ john ($29) and blue crab cakes ($26). Along with a selection of beers and wines, there are creations from the bar, including the Hot MaMa ($12), Bees Knees ($12) and Texas Mule ($12) that infuse a little fun and excitement into every meal.

Oaxaca Club • Jacksonville Beach
Located just a short walk to the sands of Jacksonville Beach, Oaxaca is the place to discover regionally distinct flavors of Mexico amidst the action as people come and go to the beach. The menu takes flavorful advantage of Oaxacan cuisine, especially spicy moles. Served in a spacious dining room that extends out to a streetside patio, be sure to try their ceviche mixto ($14), barbacoa enmoladas (beef barbacoa enchiladas, $22) or marisco en coco (shrimp and soft-shell crab, $29). Lots of small plates, salads and, of course, margaritas, cocktails and flights of mescal and tequila from an agave-centric bar.

O-Ku • Jacksonville Beach
If you’re in the mood for upscale Japanese cuisine, O-ku fits the bill. Serving traditional and contemporary dishes in a sleek and stylish setting, everything is creatively conceived and well presented. A few items of note include Black Magic, a small plate featuring squid ink rice, lobster, spicy aioli ($24), Blazing Saddles, a hand roll with angus beef, tempura shrimp, avocado, cilantro aioli, eel sauce ($19) and Gangnam Style, a signature nigiri with bincho maguro, cilantro, shallots, kimchee puree ($9). Cocktails are equally inventive, available in the main dining room as well as rooftop patio that offers a view towards the beach and Jacksonville Beach Pier.

Orsay • Avondale
Orsay is a perennial favorite for fine dining in Jacksonville. Picture a stylish yet unpretentious French bistro serving a mix of traditional Parisian classics alongside regional southern specialties. Guests are greeted by friendly and well-informed servers, can enjoy selections from a well-stocked bar and extensive wine list along with a menu that is consistently appealing. Starting with freshly shucked oysters, followed by house made charcuterie, curated cheeses, assorted appetizers including lobster mac n cheese ($18) and entrees of note such as cassoulet ($38), lobster pot pie ($50) and pan roasted duck breast ($44), everything is prepared to the highest standards and continues to impress.

River & Post • Riverside
Tucked inside an office tower along busy Riverside Avenue, River & Post features a savory seafood-forward menu, formal dining room and an exceptionally popular rooftop patio with one of the best views in town. Their menu includes delectable appetizers such as local beets and burrata cheese ($14), broiled market oysters and seared Ahi tuna ($18). Entrees from the sea including bouillabaisse ($36), shrimp & grits ($31) and fried seafood plates are equally good. Of course, there are steaks, burgers and chops to round out their offerings. Along with an assortment of inspired craft cocktails, beers and wines, this place is a keeper. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays, 11 AM – 4 PM.

Rue Saint Marc • San Marco
Rue Saint Marc evokes the warmth and comfort of a classic French bistro. With its menu offering a selection of artfully crafted hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, mains and desserts, the one-room eatery has become one of Jacksonville’s most acclaimed restaurants. A good start is a classic cocktail, or one of their artfully prepared appetizers, followed by a selection from their sizeable wine list to accompany your meal. With dishes such as foie gras mousse tartines with huckleberry jelly ($8), garganelli pasta with braised rabbit ($19) and halibut almondine ($41), you’ll understand why Rue has become a much-loved dining destination.

Salumeria 104• Atlantic Beach
Salumeria is a trattoria-style restaurant serving traditional Italian classics and chef-inspired specials. Its friendly and attentive service, coupled with consistently impressive cuisine, makes this beachside establishment a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its selection of salumi, impressive charcuterie boards and broad selection of Italian favorites including ravioli del salumiere ($24), chitarra cacio e pepe ($28), pork milanese ($32) and truffle scallops ($42), the small eatery exudes old world charm infused with a casual beachfront vibe.

Taverna • San Marco
Taverna, an ever-popular dining destination in the center of The Square, serves a mix of Mediterranean and Italian-inspired fare with a focus on culinary craftsmanship, fresh seasonal produce and exceptional meats sourced from local purveyors. The menu offers Italian specialties including cheese & salumi, pizzas, pastas and a spectrum of main dishes including Sicilian seafood stew ($37), smoked short rib ($36) and sauteed mussels and clams ($32). While their desserts are noteworthy, the tiramisu cheesecake ($15) and creme brulee ($12) may be the finishing touch you’re craving. Their award-winning wine list, selection of regional craft beers and assortment of handcrafted cocktails come together to complete the Taverna experience.

Taverna Oceana • San Marco
If the name sounds familiar, Oceana rests immediately next door to its sister restaurant Taverna. Like its neighbor, it’s stylishly and modern, with seafood-forward concept featuring a raw bar and contemporary takes on classic favorites. While New England clam chowder ($12), peel & eat shrimp ($18) and mussels & clams ($20) are coastal traditions, Vietnamese seafood stew ($36), miso glazed Chilean sea bass ($45) and cioppino ($45) are inspired by culinary ideas from around the world. Of course, a meal of this caliber would not be complete without house cocktails, award-winning wines, an extensive selection of sparkling wines and sake, all under one roof.

Town Hall • San Marco
Another top foodie favorite in San Marco Square, Town Hall is a casually contemporary gathering spot for good food, good drink and good company. Its menu, inspired by seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers, features a diverse selection of noteworthy dishes. Start with their cured & aged charcuterie board, duck fat cornbread ($11), seared octopus ($16) and Town Hall loaded fries ($13). For the main event, try their house-made pasta & sugo, a longtime favorite ($18), the feta-stuffed cauliflower ($24) or perhaps the seared scallops ($30).

Abstrakt Filipino Essence Restaurant • Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville has a sizable and deeply rooted Filipino community. Being a Navy town has its perks, with one of them being a wonderful collection of shops and restaurants specializing in Filipino eats. Among the best is Abstrakt, a brick-and-mortar eatery/food truck combo that packs tremendous flavors into traditional favorites such as chicken pancit, ground pork and beef lumpia and crispy pork belly “sandwits.” Winter is the ideal season for the shrimp sinigang ramen, a piping bowl of garlic shrimp in tamarind broth with vegetables and a soft egg. The one-room spot is far from fancy, but no one cares when the food is this good.

Al’s Pizza • Multiple Locations
With five locations peppered across Jax and the Beaches, one is never too far from an Al’s and its lengthy menu of family friendly Italian fare. Mozzarella cheese sticks with marinara dipping sauce ($12), spicy Caribbean chicken flatbread ($14) painted with creamy pepper sauce and melted mozzarella, and veggie calzones the size of a catcher’s mitt and stuffed with green peppers, onions, Roma tomatoes, mushroom and black olives ($16)—what’s not to love? Of couse, the hand-tossed pizzas are the signature here, baked and topped with everything from pineapple and jalapeño peppers to feta cheese and vegan sausage. Yes, please!

Argyle • Ponte Vedra Beach
Don’t let Argyle’s location behind the gates of Sawgrass dissuade you from venturing out for a bite for lunch, dinner or brunch. The restaurant embraces its country club setting with a casual and playful courtside setting (pickleball, anyone?), while also presenting refined dishes, wine and cocktails. From jerk chicken wings ($15) and soba noodle salads ($11) to corned beef reuben sandwiches ($18) and burgers topped with blue cheese ($18), the daytime fare offers something for most every appetite. Dinner is a bit more refined with chorizo and octopus skewers with shishito peppers and saffron aioli ($22), spicy shrimp Fra Diavolo in pink vodka sauce ($26) and 16-oz. ribeye steaks ($59).

Refinery Jax Beach • Jacksonville Beach
The Refinery is located practically at the water’s edge. Offering elegant dining and ocean views on the second floor, this beachfront destination specializes in Euro-American cuisine. Dishes of note include ginger cashew crusted salmon ($35), apple bourbon pork chop ($39) and short rib ($37). Tempting desserts, including key lime layer cake ($12) and peach melba brown butter cake ($13), are not to be missed. On the ground floor, guests can grab a bite at the more casual Ocean Bar, enjoy music and special events in the Lounge, or gather with friends for a snack, some drinks and watch the game in the First Street Pub.

Culhane’s Irish Pub • Atlantic Beach & Southside
Great Irish pubs all have a few things in common, namely a welcoming atmosphere, music, amiable staff, stiff drinks, draught beers and hearty fare, dishes that are stick-to-the-ribs satisfying. At Culhanes, one can put a check next to all of these. For starters, try a few menu staples like the Scotch egg and sausage lightly fried and set atop potatoes and gravy ($11) and “Mary’s” baked cauliflower tossed in spicy Buffalo sauce ($10). Get both and share. Of course, there is bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and Guiness beef stew—all perfect for a cold winter’s night. The beer-battered fish and chips with steak fries and house coleslaw ($21) always satisfies. Another pint of Smithwick’s while we’re here? Serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday and late-night bar bites till 1 AM.

Treylor Park • Nocatee & St. Augustine
Some restaurant menus are a treat to read. Count Treylor Park, a Southern string of eateries that spouted in Savannah and grew to include two locations in Northeast Florida. Grilled apple pie sandwich with chicken ($16), a double wide foot-long hotdog ($16) and shrimp and grits tacos lets diners know this isn’t your average diner. Need more proof? How about the poke pizza with marinated Ahi tuna, soy ginger sauce, sliced avocados, and mozzarella topped with pickled vegetables, mango and sesame seeds ($16). Save room for the fried Oreos. Serving brunch, lunch and dinner.

Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar • Neptune Beach & Avondale
We’ve said it many times before, but all visits to Flying Iguana must start with an order of guacamole and chips. Prepared fresh right at your table, the mix of mashed avocado, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, tomato and lime is perfection on a crispy corn chip. More than a standard taco spot, Flying Iguana’s menu flies into more unusual and tasty territory with Peruvian chicken soup ($11), chargrilled Mexican street corn on the cob ($6) and red pepper chimichurri ribeye with crispy herb and garlic potato wedges ($43). They’ve got tacos, too. Slow-roasted pulled pork, blackened shrimp, crispy pork belly, beer-battered cod and more, all less than $7 apiece.

Cruiser’s Grill • Jacksonville Beach
Nearly 30 years churning out juicy burgers, handmade milkshakes, and crispy fries is Cruisers. And its many loyal diners are glad they are. The menu is classic Americana with a fun twist tossed in here and again. There’s the cheesy bacon burger ($18) and a patty melt smothered in cheese and grilled onions on rye ($17). Many regulars swim toward house favorites such as the “Royale Wit Cheese,” a half-pound of burger with provel cheese, candied bacon, pickles and the house secret sauce on a brioche bun ($18), or marinated deep-fried chicken chunks with a side of ranch ($14). Don’t forget a side of fries. Make it a large order.

Coastal Wine Market & Tasting Room • Nocatee
The owners and staff and Coastal don’t just sell wine, they live it—from hosting exclusive tastings to finding customers bottles that are, quite simply, hard to find, to pairing the impressive inventory of red, whites, sparkling and more with small bites that cause guests to linger—some find it hard to just pick a bottle and return home. And with custom charcuterie boards, Ahi tuna tartare, housemade hummus, Angus sliders, spinach and artichoke dip, and chocolate lava cake, why would you want to? Look for a new location coming later this year.

J.J.’s Liberty Bistro • Ponte Vedra Beach
For 30 years those in need of baked brie, French onion soup, salad nicoise, quiche or steak frites could always turn to Hwy. A1A mainstay J.J.’s. The petite menu is grand in flavors and features French standards such as mussels simmered in a garlic, tomato and rosemary cream sauce with crisp fries ($27) and bouillabaise ($29), a traditional seafood stew awash in shrimp, mussels, fish and potatoes in saffron tomato broth. Magnifique! The retail wines, dessert case and outdoor seating are nice extras.

Lemongrass Thai Bistro • Bayard
It wasn’t that long ago that Bayard was considered far removed from Jax proper. That’s no longer the case and among the best spots to grab a bite here is Lemongrass, a contemporary Asian eatery that serves spicy classics like pad Thai ($21) and drunken noodles ($22). The interior is bright and airy, perfect for creatively presented plates of grilled chicken satay, shrimp pot stickers, and panko-crusted grouper. We recommend starting with the crispy blue crab Rangoons with sweet and sour dipping sauce ($12).

Midtown Table • St. Johns Town Center
In a slice of town overflowing with franchise dining operations, Midtown Table stands above with a combination of wonderful Italian-inspire food and pleasing atmosphere. Town Center as a whole doesn’t have much of a “neighborhood” vibe, but Midtown does with a lively dining room and covered patio seating. The lunch menu showcases its creativity side with dishes such as sweet Calabrian shrimp ($16), prime rib French dip sandwich ($17) and the “Paradiso” with pistachio pesto, burrata, mortadella, prosciutto, arugula and honey. The pizza coming out of the flaming red pizza oven are favorites, especially the classic Margherita with San Marzano tomatoes, pecorino, fresh mozzarella and basil ($14). Housemade fettuccini, roasted chicken with baby carrots and potato puree, and eight-layer lasagna are among the standout dinner entrees. Love the outdoor seating and fire pits.

Mojo BBQ • 5 First Coast Locations
There are now eight variations on the Mojo theme peppered across the state. Each is different in some ways but the core of the menu remains the same across the chain. Chicken wings, St. Louis-style spareribs, pulled pork, Texas hot links, turkey breast, beef brisket—if you can smoke it to deliciousness, they likely serve it here. The smoked chicken nachos appetizer ($14) is plenty big enough for a meal. Barbecue pulled pork, chopped brisket, and smoked turkey sandwiches ($15) come on toasted buns with a side (collards, mac and cheese, hand-cut fries, blackeyed peas, among others). Banana pudding for dessert, if you have room to indulge. The Avondale location is favored for its selection of whiskeys. If you get a chance, visit the Mojo Federal in Lakeland. It’s housed in a restored historic building in the heart of the old downtown.

Norikase • Southside
Arguably the city’s finest Asian eatery, Norikase is a true feast for the senses. It’s visually gorgeous, dressed in bold greens and black, all enhanced by the subdued lighting. Plate presentations are works art. As are the cocktails. Sushi rolls and sashimi selections are numerous including mackerel, sea urchin, king salmon, bluefin tuna, salmon roe and Alaskan king crab. The list of entrees is highlighted by Yuzo diver scallops ($30), pan-seared duck breast ($38) and tempura octopus with rosemary taco, lotus root and pickled cucumber aioli ($22). For the truly adventurous, reserve a seat at an Omakase experience, a 17-course chef tasting menu ($175).

Peony Asian Bistro • Mandarin
The old saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” fits Peony quite nicely. Located in an Old St. Augustine Road strip mall, it’s not much to look at from the outside. But step inside for house favorites like roast duck, crabmeat Rangoon, and steamed pork dumplings. The interior decor is serviceable, if not a bit uninspired. Not to worry, the food more than makes up for the lack of visual pizzazz. The house specialty here has to be the Peking duck ($34), a whole marinated bird, roasted to a crispy golden brown and served with pillow-soft Bao buns.

RP’s Fine Food & Drink • Jacksonville Beach
It’s hard to picture Jax Beach without RP’s and it’s menu staples, Billy’s crab and spinach dip, crab mushroom soup, conch fritters with lime mustard sauce and the famous house burger. Lunch and dinner menus are basically the same and feature a mix of seafood classics, salads, sandwiches and appetizers such as pimento cheese with hot pepper jelly, toasted pecans and Ritz Crackers ($10). The “Fry-Up Basket” with choice of chicken, clams, shrimp, French fries, hush puppies and slaw ($12-$19) is a top seller, as are the crab cakes ($23), and the Shrimp 308, a plate of sautéed locally caught shrimp drenched in spicy Cajun butter over rice ($19). Check out the blackboard for daily drink and food specials. Open everyday but Monday, including 10 AM for Sunday brunch.

Salt Life Food Shack • Jacksonville Beach, Amelia Island, St. Augustine
We love the contemporary surfer style of all three First Coast Salt Life locations. Though, if asked, we’d probably admit the Amelia Island restaurant is our favorite. Or maybe St. Augustine. The rooftop bars and dining tables are tops. The menu is appropriately salty with a variety of fruits of the sea—Bahamian conch chowder, tuna tostada, fried calamari, crab-baked oysters, sushi and more. The “Beach Boil” ($30) is a steaming and hearty melange of snow crab legs, shrimp, sausage, corn, onions and potatoes, all spiced with a little extra kick. There’s also wood-grilled mahi ($25), almond-crusted grouper with lobster ($30) and pan-seared chicken with lemon-caper butter served over fettuccine ($20).

Sliders Oyster Bar • Atlantic Beach
A seat at the patio bar is highly prized real estate at the Beaches dining landmark. Sliders is uber casual and welcoming, a perfect fit for its beachy locale. So, it’s not surprising that the oyster bar portion of the menu receives a lot of attention, and for good reason. Peel-and-eat Mayport shrimp ($14 and $22), steamed clams ($9 and $18) and baked oysters Rockefeller stuffed with spinach, shallots, provolone, parmesan and topped with panko—we’ll take one of each. The shrimp scampi is pan-seared and tossed in garlic and white wine butter sauce atop fettuccini ($18). Order a bucket of Corona and you may never want to leave. Brunch starts at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

TacoLu Baja Mexicana • Jacksonville Beach
Newcomers might not know that the spacious, rambling eatery that is TacoLu today got its start some 15 years ago in a tiny spot a couple miles down the road on Beach Boulevard. The little idea has grown into a true First Coast favorite, much loved for its hospitable staff, funky artwork, large backyard deck and tasty tacos and tequila. For starters, we love the queso fundido with chihuahua cheese, roasted garlic and sautéed mushrooms ($11) and Mexican street corn slathered in cotija cheese and chipotle crema ($9). As for the tacos… almost too many from which to choose. Blackened scallops, seared tuna, grilled filet mignon, marinated skirt steak, carne asada, roasted chicken and on it goes. Most are $5 each.

The Local • Miramar & Neptune Beach
Both of the homegrown Local eateries are super stylish without being stuffy. The interior decor is a little more quirky at the Miramar location, but each shines in its own way. Love the bar and patio at the beach. Same for the cozy loft-like vibe in town. The menus vary slightly at each but diners can expect many of the same bold flavors and creativity. How about a Fruity Pebble waffle ($10) with whipped cream for breakfast? Yep, they’ve got that. A short rib patty melt with pepper jack cheese on toasted sourdough for lunch? Sure, no problem. You wouldn’t have ginger and wasabi-crusted salmon ($29) over quinoa fried rice? You betcha. You may need a cocktail or two to go with that order. They can do that, too. Serving brunch, lunch and dinner.

The Bearded Pig • San Marco & Jacksonville Beach
Chances are you will pick up the scent of the wood-fire pit long before entering either of the two Jax Bearded Pigs. And that’s a very good thing because diners know favorites like the dry-rubbed brisket, beef ribs, pork spare ribs and chicken are being kissed with smokey goodness. The Frito Pie ($12) is a house specialty, with brisket and beans served over a bag of Fritos and topped with cheese sauce. Yum!. The “King’s Sandwich” ($15) is a hearty portion of pulled pork, sausage, brisket, cheese sauce, slaw and two jalapeño poppers. Yum again! The covered patios are enjoyable even in the heat of summer.

The District • Springfield
If you can, try securing a table on the backyard patio, an eclectic garden space that features an assortment of mis-matched tables and chairs and tents and covered patio seating. Oh, and a Mongolian yurt. The interior is just as fun and funky. The menu is packed with surprises like maple bacon deviled eggs, Kung Pao Brussels sprouts ($12), wasabi cream-stuffed chicken, French onion pasta, vegan sausage étouffée, beef Wellington ($30) and braised short ribs. For brunch, you can’t beat the bread pudding French toast or the chicken and biscuits with sausage gravy ($16). Dinner service starts at 3 PM, weekend brunch opens on Friday at 11 AM.

The Fish Camps • Four Locations
Neptune Beach, Palm Valley, Julington Creek and St. Augustine—all are lucky enough to be home to one of the much-loved Fish Camp eateries. North Beach is the original and the new additions follow the uber successful model it established, including simple decor and lively dining rooms. The menu is laden with seafood dishes such as blue crab cakes with caper dill aioli ($24), grilled salmon with horseradish hollandaise ($28), and spicy linguini dripping with sea scallops, shrimp, calamari and clams in white wine, garlic and tomatoes. St. Augustine and Palm Valley have outdoor seating.

The Fish Company • Atlantic Beach
If only we all were fortunate enough to have a neighborhood gathering spot like The Fish Co. close to home. It’s not fancy—just fun, lively and ideal for a watching a game on the TVs, hanging with friends at the raw bar or enjoying a bowl of Mayport shrimp and cheese grits bobbing with mushrooms and Andouille sausage ($23), or the loaded potato wedges drenched in white cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions and sour cream ($10). For our money, you can’t beat the seafood combo platter with fried oysters, shrimp, fish, a crab cake, fries, coleslaw and hush puppies ($42). Plenty big enough for two, if you wish to share. Oysters Rockefeller, poached mussels, smoked fish dip, snow crab legs, fried chicken, Key lime meringue pie… the deliciousness is near-endless.

Indochine • Downtown
We remain eternally hopeful that one day Downtown Jax will be awash is great locally owned dining spots. Until then, we’re happy we can savor establishments such as Indochine, a true Adams Street pioneer of outstanding dining in the city’s center. For more than a decade, the kitchen has been producing memorable steamed dumplings, Vietnamese pho, fried rice and a variety of curries. Two duck specialties are standouts—duck breast curry ($22) in sweet red curry with snow peas, tomatos, peppers, onions and basil, and the basil duck served in a semi-sweet basil sauce with seasonal vegetables. Diners can choose their spice level, from mild to “Thai Hot.” And hot it is. Serving lunch and dinner.

Salento Colombian Steakhouse • Mandarin
This ten-year-old family-operated dining spot is a casual carnivore’s dream come true. There are a number of South American franchise steakhouses around town but we prefer the smaller joints, those with individual personality. Salento has lots of that, from its casual decor and comfy bench seats to a menu flush with plantains, corn cakes, grilled beef, beans and rice. The Hawaiian arepas ($7) with ham, pineapple and cheese is an unusual and tasty treat, as are the fried green plantains with guacamole. The grill is the star of the kitchen and it’s from here that salmon, pork chops, ribeyes, burgers and more come. Be adventurous when ordering here. It’s worth it.

Whitey’s Fish Camp • Fleming Island
This slice of Clay County has literally grown up around Whitey’s, a waterside landmark for 60 years. Come by boat or car for baskets of fried shrimp, catfish, gator tail, clam strips, mahi and more, all with sides of slaw, chips and hushpuppies for $16 or less. The menu is enormous and ranges from crab legs and fried pickles to shrimp scampi and 14-oz. Angus ribeye steaks. Among the favorite house specialties are Fish Camp Boil ($25), a sizable serving of steamed shrimp, corn, mushrooms, Creole sausage, and the flounder filet stuffed with crab meat and bathed in white wine cream sauce ($24). The people-watching on the waterside deck and at the tiki bar is legendary.

1937 Spirits & Eatery • San Marco
It’s a little hidden out of the way on Kings Avenue, but 1937 is worth finding. The main dining room and bar is a wide-open space with high ceilings, high-top tables and lots of elbow room. There’s even more outside in the shaded backyard. Bar eats like pretzel bites and chicken wings ($14) share space with more refined plates of blackened salmon ($19) and tuna poke. The house burger ($17) is huge, a literal mouthful, as is the “Hot Mess” burger. Tacos, chili, fried gator tail, fish and chips round out a menu that covers much ground. Also, they take cocktails seriously here. Try the “In A Pickle,” made with gin or vodka and pickle juice. It’s good, really. Serving lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends.

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St. Augustine
Let’s head south for a few quick bites at our favorite Oldest City eateries.

Cap’s on the Water
Located along the Intracoastal Waterway in Vilano Beach, Cap’s may well be one of the prettiest places to dine and watch the sunset in North Florida. It has an expansive patio with ancient live oaks and an unimpeded view of classic Florida wetlands. Keeping with the coastal theme, the menu pairs seafood with Southern and Mediterranean flavors. The locally loved Crab Cake Dinner comes in at just under $35. Try the Southern fried pork buns that marry bao buns with local pork and house-pickled veg ($15).

Casa Reina Taquería & Tequila Bar
With ‘Tequila Bar’ in the name, it’s no surprise Casa Reina has an extensive cocktail menu featuring an impressive selection of tequila, mezcal and craft drinks. Inspired by Mexican, Latin American and Florida Coastal cuisine, the waterfront dining room and open-air rooftop patios are bright and airy, with dark wood beams, rich azure tiles and simple, clean lines. Go classic with house-braised tacos, or take it up a notch with the decadent short rib chile relleno, sure to be a new favorite.

Collage Restaurant
This romantic date spot has been featured on numerous ‘Best Of’ lists. It has the low-lit atmosphere of a neighborhood bistro but with a sophisticated twist. Its global menu focuses on scratch-made dishes featuring local seafood, steaks, lamb, and veal prepared with international flavor profiles. Start with velvety beer tenderloin tartare ($20), continue to plump homemade lobster ravioli ($54) and finish with Collage’s signature dessert, Bougainvillea ($12), named after the flowering shrubs thriving just outside the front door.

Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar
This fine dining establishment is located inside the luxurious Casa Monica Resort & Spa in the downtown Historic District. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with a decadent weekend brunch, Cordova embraces the flavors of Old World Spain and Morocco. The décor echoes the inspiration with rich jewel tones, custom metalwork and a bespoke private dining room. The menu is bold and flavorful, with dishes such as foraged mushrooms, 16-oz. Allen Brothers prime ribeye, and a Moroccan-spiced grilled branzino.

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
We love the garden patio at Harry’s in the Oldest City. When the weather is just right and live music is playing, a nicer spot for a drink and bite to eat is hard to find. In fact, as it’s just a steps from the Bridge of Lions, the two-story restaurant is easy to find, mostly because there is usually a line of people out front waiting for table. The menu is a lengthy homage to New Orleans and the Creole and Cajun fare that came out of the Louisiana bayous. You’ll never go wrong with an order of blackened redfish with collards and rice ($25), French-baked scallops capped with parmesan ($28), or the Andouille-crusted grouper ($29). Of course, the house jambalaya with shrimp, chicken and sausage ($22) is a Harry’s classic. Bayou bloody Mary or a Bourbon Peach Smash cocktail, anyone?

Llama
Llama Restaurant is a rich cultural experience, taking Peruvian home- and street-cooking and elevating them into a refined dining experience. Llama’s dining room features the colors and textures of Peru, with living moss artwork and bright, colorful textiles. Meals are created for the palate but plated for the eye. The Anticuchos are served under a glass cloche filled with woody smoke, evoking the dishes’ street cart roots. The Ceviche Clasico is pure art, exploding with fresh colors and flavors.

Asado Life
Here, the focus is on Argentine-inspired, live-fire grilling, making the preparation a performance. It has a bright and airy inside dining room, but the true star is the large, covered patio (there’s even a boat dock for water arrivals). Asado Life just rolled out a new à la carte menu, or diners can enjoy pre-ordered entrees prepared over live fire and ready to eat when you arrive. The 40-oz. tomahawk is a meat-eater’s favorite ($149). Vegetarians can enjoy a smoky, rich ember-roasted spaghetti squash with chimichurri ($35).

Lotus Noodle Bar
Ramen has come out of the dorm room and into a world-class eatery. Lotus is a culinary exploration of traditional Japanese flavors that is complemented by classical French training. Chef Barry Honan’s menu changes seasonally, with dishes reflecting the available ingredients, but noodles are always at the forefront. Each dish features scratch-prepared components and custom-imported delicacies. The dining room and deck are minimalist and elegant. You can’t miss with the bacon and egg ramen or vegan miso kinoko, both at $26.

Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen
Whimsically inventive and utterly original, Odd Birds feels like a stunning tropical apiary, with leafy plants, bold tile and bright red umbrellas dangling from the ceiling. Its food offerings embraces distinctly Latin flavors with a global twist, like cheesy elote gnocchi or the gyro quesadilla. Drinks are served with a flourish at the central bar. Real birds know that behind the restaurant’s central bookcase lies the Charlotte 33 Speakeasy, a nod to the restaurant’s original pop-up location. Here, bartenders create innovative cocktails using hard-to-find spirits.

The Ice Plant
Take a step back in the early 20th Century at this restaurant, bar and visitor attraction. Housed in a former ice plant built in 1927, the restaurant embraces the art deco design aesthetic, from the décor to the staff’s outfits. The food and drink program is deeply committed to the farm-to-table ethos, using grass-fed proteins, local seafood and house-pressed juices. The house-made pimento cheese with guava-datil jelly ($14) is a wonderful way to start, but leave room for the skillet fried chicken and hoecakes ($29), a true Southern staple, served with sawmill gravy.

River & Fort
Situated just steps from the front gate of the Castillo de San Marcos, River & Fort is a large, multi-level space that offers several different dining and drinking experiences in one location. The second and third floors have rooftop lounges with cocktails and a limited menu of flatbreads and pizza. The indoor dining room and bar features banks of windows and a shiplap ceiling. Out back, diners can retreat to a covered patio. The menu is packed with Southern continental favorites. The Fruits de Mar Grand Platter ($85) is a seafood celebration and the rustic chicken thighs and dumplings ($29) are better than Grandma’s. She’d agree with that.

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Amelia Island
The Isle of Eight Flags’ dining scene requires a road trip or two. Who would like to join us?

Salt at The Ritz-Carlton
Fine dining in Northeast Florida attains its pinnacle inside the posh oceanfront resort. Salt, the Ritz-Carlton’s signature restaurant, only recently reopened following a months-long reimagining project. Executive Chef Okan Kizilbayir aims to keep his establishment’s AAA Five Diamond rating, so patrons can expect the same extraordinary cuisine, albeit in a shiny new setting, one dressed in warm woods and bronze metals. Also, Salt has introduced al fresco dining for the first time with the addition of a coastal pergola, the Seaview Terrace, a private space with seating for up to 20. While the menu changes with the seasons, diners should expect dishes such as lightly baked scallops, confit duck, grilled Dover sole ($89), and seared lamb loin with mint jus ($70). For a truly special evening, the Chef’s Tasting Menu—yellowfin tartare, lobster with emulsion of bisque, halibut baked in butter, Wagyu beef, and champagne-poached pear for dessert—may be in order ($195).

David’s Restaurant & Lounge
David’s, an Amelia Island fine dining institution, is an upscale, contemporary eatery in the historic district of downtown Fernandina Beach. The ambiance is sleek, uncluttered and approachable, letting the food and plates shine. The restaurant is much-loved for its private dining and is focused on quality ingredients and creating a memorable experience. Many dishes have a distinct Southern flair fused with global influences, such as grilled octopus ($25) dressed with plantain and passion fruit, and the filet lobster Oscar mignon ($69) with Béarnaise sauce.

Burlingame Restaurant
Walking up to Burlingame feels akin to arriving at a close friend’s home for dinner. The gabled roof and crisp landscaping are the first impressions of a dining gem offering a twist on American classics. The seafood gumbo ($44) is packed with local shrimp, diver scallops and blue lump crab meat. For a fun riff on a classic morning treat, the coffee & donuts ($14) dessert pairs housemade pastry with rich coffee ice cream. The cocktails are delicious and creative, such as the “Young Americans” with vodka, Aperol, St. Elder liqueur, lime and rosemary.

POGO’s Kitchen
This charming eatery aims to be a haven where patrons can unwind and replenish with a good meal and even better company. There is a warm, comfortable dining room and a bright, breezy patio, perfect for connecting modern Italian dishes with vegetarian options that go beyond the ordinary, including the rich mushroom stroganoff. Its small plate menu offers a taste of everything, with calamari, she crab soup and a bread board, designed to be shared with someone special.

Lagniappe
Lagniappe (lan-yap) is a Louisiana French Creole word meaning “a little something extra.” That ethos runs throughout this establishment. Inside the brick-accented façade is a modern and lush interior, with dark ceilings and intimate lighting, while the patio offers outdoor seating accented by a firepit and a stately live oak tree. Inspired by the culture and flavors of New Orleans, Charleston and Savannah, the menu presents French Creole with unique twists, such the po boy on Leidenheimer’s French Quarter pistolet ($18), and the Country Captain salmon ($32).

Bob’s Steak & Chop House
Located inside the gates of the Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa, Bob’s has all the qualities of a classic steakhouse. The menu features prime-cut steaks, chops and seafood. The clubby space features private dining rooms, comfy banquette booths, a large patio surrounded by ancient maritime hammocks and a relaxed lounge complete with a fire pit. The Prime “Côte De Boeuf” Bone-In ribeye ($90) is served with the restaurant’s “famous” glazed carrot and a choice of potatoes. Browse the sommelier-curated wine list for the perfect accompaniment.

Verandah at the Omni Amelia Island
With ample natural light and soft wood beams, the Verandah exudes a refined coastal vibe. Enjoy housemade pasta and local seafood prepared with a nod to the Mediterranean. Preparations are simple, allowing the fresh and seasonal ingredients to shine. Start with the ten-year sourdough with butternut squash and sage ($15) and leave room for the tagliatelle stuffed with cold water lobster, local mushrooms and an herb ricotta ($42). The house hazelnut tiramisu features coffee roasted right on Amelia Island.

Cucina South
Rustic wood tables and earth tones immediately announce that Cucina South is going to offer some delicious home-style Italian enhanced with regional Mediterranean accents. The chef’s house-prepared marinara sauce is perfectly paired with the calamari fritte and shines in the marinara pasta. Classic pasta preparations such as carbonara and parmigiana are elevated with impossibly fresh ingredients and meticulous preparation. Sit in one of the two main dining rooms, relax over a drink at the bar or, if the weather permists, enjoy the firepit on the patio.

Sunrise, Sunset

Jacksonville Magazine

January 24, 2025

By Lauren Weedon Hopkins | Photos by Jessie Preza

How does an interior designer choose to decorate her own home? “I am used to making many decisions every day and quickly for my clients,” says Coleen Norris, founder of Nesting Place Interiors. But when it came to creating her own space, it was not as straightforward. “As a designer, I see and feel and experience so many ideas,” she says.

Coleen and her husband of 34 years, John, have been blessed to build several homes over the years, and it had always been a dream to live right on the ocean. They found an untouched lot in Ponte Vedra Beach in 2020 and enlisted architect Michael Stauffer to create their sanctuary.

Coleen prefers to work from the outside first, then to the inside. Her vision for the home’s exterior was inspired by her travels abroad as well as nearby Alys Beach, Florida, with its European coastal architecture and pristine white sand. “I knew I wanted the exterior design to have a Dutch Colonial feel,” she says. The finished look was a unique concept for her neighborhood, including parapets and gambrel roofs with curved eaves.

It took nearly three years for the home build. Unfortunately, the construction start was delayed due to the need to relocate the gopher tortoises’ habitat on the undeveloped lot. Once the protected animals were moved to safety, builder Heritage Homes Jax began their work. The 4,800 square home was completed in the fall of 2023.

Coleen describes the home’s interior as “very relaxed, with a French flair” as well as functional to accommodate sandy feet and playful puppy, Banks. The rough-sawn, whitewashed distressed beams, sourced from barns in nearby Callahan, and multiple reclaimed French doors from an antique dealer in Alabama, are standout interior features for Coleen. “I love their old-world charm,” she says.

Coleen’s passion for creating beauty began at a young age. From her childhood in Alexandria, Virginia, she was always immersed in designing and crafting, driven by a boundless enthusiasm for making things. She nurtured her creativity further while studying at Flagler College in St. Augustine. After graduating, Coleen pursued careers in design and hospitality in the Washington, DC area. Following her time with Scalamandre at the DC Design Center, she was inspired to launch her own independent interior design firm in 2010.

Today, as the founder of Nesting Place Interiors, Coleen channels her passion into designing beautiful, functional spaces for her clients. By blending style and practicality, she creates environments that capture the essence of each client. Her designs are a balance of sophistication, simplicity, and elegance.

Since the Norrises love to entertain, their home’s outdoor spaces are a focal point. “We love to have Low Country boils under the pergola and play bocce ball with friends on the weekend,” she says. They also have a putting green and a golf simulator, which are favorites of John’s.

To capitalize on its beachfront location, the architect designed a sunrise balcony on the backside and a sunset balcony facing west on the frontside. Coleen added outdoor swings to both for easy spots to enjoy the expansive views of the Atlantic Coast.

Another favorite spot is the sizable wine room, which showcases a collection of vintage wines as well as a section of bourbons, framed by reclaimed eyebrow arched doors from France. “I found the doors first, and built the room around them,” says Coleen.

Her business is known for designing custom-made bunk beds for bedrooms and the Norris home is no exception. “We have two grown sons and when they were in college, they would bring friends home and comfortably stay in the bunk room in our previous house,” she says. “Now when I have friends come visit, it’s a fun way to accommodate even more people.” This room also interestingly has wallpaper on the ceiling.

Overnight visitors may also opt for the guest suite, featuring a custom rope bed that appears to be hanging. “It’s a relaxed, chill space where you can let your hair down,” says Coleen. The room has a natural, beachy vibe, thanks to the unique bed at its center.

Another highlight which demonstrates Coleen’s love of texture is the chandelier made with coco shell slivers in the dining room. A mixture of wicker and linen cotton chairs add to the room’s distinctive feel. In the kitchen, Coleen tried something she had never included in a home design before—a single marble slab cut out as a backsplash. The result? This new idea brings the whole room together.

Overall, Coleen and John Norris’ oceanfront home unites a relaxed and peaceful coastal vibe with European accents, due to its predominately white décor and furnishings. It’s the perfect showcase for the designer’s passion for creating beautiful spaces.

Credits:
Interior Designer: Coleen Norris, Nesting Place Interiors
Architect: Michael Stauffer
Builder: Heritage Homes Jax
Photography: Jessie Preza
Stylist: Leah Kennelly

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