The New Orleans Cafe in Mandarin

They don't have a website, however, their myspace has upcoming events and their menu posted!

I won't give a full-fledged review on this spot, but went there last night and was pleasantly surprised. Things are starting to cool off in Jax (the 80s) so we sat outside and listened to live music while chowing down on some delicious Creole food. We had fried craw fish tails to start (big, tasty and light, crunchy breading). I had fried shrimp with sauteed veggies and hush puppies. My husband had the Indecision Medley which included gumbo, sausage, jambalaya, red beans & rice and garlic bread. Everything was just wonderful and we would totally go back. Service was a bit slow, but the top deck along the river was packed full of people, a bunch who I bet are regulars. It was their "open-mic" night and they had several different people singing cover songs and playing guitar. It really was a nice night-out. I would go back here with out a doubt and it was nice to find a place in Mandarin that has some flavor and charm to it. The crowd itself was mixed and seems like a place most people would be comfortable at.

The prices are moderate and the portions are generous. We saw several monsters of a po-boy being delivered - next time!

FUSION art wine jazz bar

View Website

FUSION art wine and jazz bar is having their grand opening tonight! Go check it out. After my first visit, I'll be sure to report back with details.

The interior shots of the place are georgous, definitely my kind of place!

They are located on Pearl Street (in between 8th and 9th) in Springfield.

Cummer Museum is FREE on Tuesdays

Just a reminder, for those who aren't aware - The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is FREE on Tuesday evenings from 4:00 - 9:00 PM. Check it out!

Taverna Restaurant in San Marco

TAVERNA

Visit Website

Official Opening: October 1, 2009

1986 San Marco Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32207
904.398.3005

A few friends and myself went to Taverna on Friday, September 18 for the soft opening. I can honestly say this is one of the best meals I have had in Jacksonville since last dining at Orsay in Avondale. The setting is contemporary and comfortable with a few rustic touches.



Their full-menu will entail a variety of Tapas, Appetizers, Salad, Sandwiches, Pasta, Pizza and Entrees. They intend on regularly incorporating new menu items and seasonal options, while also maintaining staple dishes.

Here is a sneak peak at their full-menu:



Wines by the glass are in the $5 - $10 per glass range including Sparkling Wine. Our server was helpful and offered us a tasting before committing to one specific glass. The service was marvelous, attentive and well paced. We had everything we needed from full water glasses, to warm bread with oil and balsamic for dipping without feeling like the staff was hovering.

We started off with a beautiful Cheese Plate of three assorted cheeses (Saint Andre, Triple Crème, France; Manchego, Sheep Milk, Spain; Trumboldt Fog, Goat Milk, California) accompanied by Fig Compote, Honey, Pecans and Oil Brushed Bread. The Fig Compote was a nice alternative to the standard dates, apricots and berries you traditionally see with cheese plates. Meat Selections are also available a la carte.

1 for $4
3 for $12
5 for $20



On to the next course: Salads!

We sampled three tasty leafy dishes.

Caesar, Boquerones (white anchovies), Parmesean Croutons ($12)
Refreshing spin on a Caesar Salad. The white anchovies, if you haven’t had them, are enjoyable and significantly less salty.



Olive Oil, Poached Artichokes, Shaved Fennel, Baby Arugala, Marcona Almonds, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Oranges, Picholine Olives ($10)
While I enjoyed this salad, I feel there could have been slightly more citrus to balance out the Olive Oil.



Baby Spinach, Roasted Pears, Gorgonzola, Candied Pecans, Bacon ($9)
The pears were cooked perfectly and added just a subtle touch of sweetness.



Main Course

Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp with garlic & chili) - from the Tapas/ Appetizer offerings ($10)
The server forewarned us that this flavorful dish comes with the heads of the shrimp on – something that may turn some individuals off. My friend was cool with it and thoroughly enjoyed these three jumbo shrimp.

Fresh-made Pappardelle (pasta), Lamb & Wild Mushroom Ragu (half $10/ full $20)
This fresh pasta can best be described as a wide fettuccini with a thinner, lighter texture. I could order this again and again. The lamb was tender, plentiful and married perfectly with the mushrooms and fresh cheese. The half order on this is the perfect size if you are ordering a salad or appetizer as well.



Sautéed Mussels & Clams, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Saffron Chorizo Broth (half $12/ full $24)
Here you will see the half order, which is a pretty sizeable portion. Just like the Gambas al Ajillo, the broth on this is full of flavor and well seasoned.




Desserts

Cream Catalana with Summer Berries & Biscotti ($8)
Very close to traditional Crème Brulee and just as delicious.



Assortment of Cookies included Hazelnut Biscotti, Lemon Thyme Cookies and Pine Nut (Pignoli) Cookies
These were compliments of Taverna, which is why you do not see a price. Pignoli Cookies are one of my favorite, favorite cookies and these did not disappoint.



Chocolate Pavé with Whipped Mascarpone and Candied Pistachios ($8)
This can best be described as chocolate cake meets a wonderfully rich chocolate mousse. It is moist, sweet and almost impossible to stop eating.



We ended our meal perfectly; enjoying these sweet treats over cappuccino and espresso.

I look forward to visiting this eclectic spot in San Marco again and welcome the addition to the neighborhood! If you have the opportunity, be sure to check it out.

Puerto Plata Restaurant

Puerto Plata Restaurant in Ortega
Latin Cuisine

2045 Blanding Blvd | Jacksonville, FL 32210
(904) 388-5888

Menu:
http://www.allmenus.com/fl/jacksonville/209984-puerto-plata-resturant-/menu/

Karoake Saturday Evenings 10 PM – 2 AM
Happy Hour on Sundays 2 PM – 6PM





Myself and some friends headed out to Puerto Plata on a typical hot, steamy Thursday evening in Jax and started off with some delicious Sangria ($3.50 per glass). It was sweet, but not too sweet, with a nice kick to it. The only thing that would have made it better, is if they scooped some fresh fruit into each glass.

Yours Truly being goofy




We opted to share a couple of appetizers. We ordered the Tostones ($2.25) which are fried green plantains served with a tasty garlic sauce and an Empanada De Pollo ($2.75). The Empanada is a fried pastry turnover filled with shredded chicken and veggies and is also available in beef. The plantains were hot, fresh and plentiful. The Empanada was a bit on the dry side, but nothing an extra side of garlic sauce couldn't cure.



After appetizers, we were ready for them to bring on the entrees! Most dinners come with a small tossed salad with house dressing (garlicy Italian-style vinaigrette) and your choice of yellow or white rice and red or black beans. We ordered the Pernil ($8.95 Roast Pork), Camarones Al Ajillo ($10.95 Garlic Shrimp) and the Ceviche con Tostones ($10.95 Shrimp marinated in citrus juice with diced onions, tomatoes and spices and served with fried green plantains).


Pernil


Camarones Al Ajillo


Ceviche con Tostones



The pork was tender and flaky and topped with sautéed onions. I ordered the Camarones Al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) and was pleased. I really enjoyed both the garlic sauce on the shrimp and the yellow rice. I can see how some people might expect larger and more plentiful shrimp, but I felt the portions were fair for the price. The citrus marinade on the Ceviche was refreshing and a nice compliment to the shrimp.

All in all, we enjoyed our meal. The atmosphere is comfortable and great for families. The service, while I won't rave on and on about it, was decent.

Next time I go back, I'm trying the Cuban Sandwich or the Chivo (Goat Stew) for something different!

Fu Hao Bistro

Fu Hao Bistro - Asian Fusion Cuisine in 5 points

1001 Park St
(904) 798-8686

M - T 11 AM - 10 PM
F 11 AM - 11 PM
Sat 5 PM - 11 PM
Sun 5 PM - 10 PM
Closed 3 PM - 5 PM

Checked out Fu Hao in 5 points for the first time this evening and had a great experience! The interior space, as well as the service, is warm, friendly and inviting. They offer a nice mix of traditional Chinese and Thai food offerings.







My husband and I started out with two appetizers - Crab Ragoon (6 for $5) and Shrimp Lettuce Wraps ($8). Both were wonderful. The Crab Ragoon was hot, crunchy and served with a tasty duck sauce. The Lettuce Wraps consisted of lettuce leaves, a thick teriyaki style sauce with a hint of peanuts and lightly breaded shrimp over crunchy rice noodles. Let me also mention that for appetizers, they were sizable portions.


Crab Ragoon


Shrimp over Rice Noodles for Lettuce Wraps



For entrees, we decided on Szechuan Style Chicken ($11) with fried rice and Mongolian Beef ($13) with white rice. Most entrees come with rice (your choice) and either soup (your choice) or salad. Their house salad comes with a delicious house ginger vinaigrette that is amazing (notably different than Japanese-style ginger dressing). They offer several soups - my husband opted for Hot & Sour Soup which did not disappoint. This can best be described as an egg drop soup that packs some heat with fresh mushrooms and tofu tossed in for even more flavor.


House Salad and Hot & Sour Soup


Mongolian Beef

The Mongolian beef was tender, flavorful and the veggies added a nice semi-crunchy texture.


Szechuan Style Chicken

So far no complaints. Fu Hao actually reminds me a bit of P.F. Chang's but with more charm and local flavor. On each table you will find a bottle of spicy chili sauce (a necessity!) and soy sauce.

We finished with the "Xango" ($6) dessert. If Fu Hao had a banana split, this would be it. Banana egg rolls surrounded by fluffy cheesecake, vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, whip cream and drizzled with strawberry sauce and chocolate sauce, this sweet ending is heaven on earth.



For the food portions and overall quality of the experience (food and service), the prices are reasonable and this isn't a typical Chinese take-out spot by any means.

When they brought us the check, we each got a fortune cookie. Mine said, "A fun party is soon to be in your future".

Here is a link to their menu online at Urbanspoon: menu

Cool Moose Cafe in Riverside

They do not have a website or Facebook, here is a link to their MySpace

2708 Park St
(904) 381-4242‎

M - Closed
T - F 8am - 3pm
Sat 8am - 4pm (Breakfast served until noon)
Sun - 8am - 2pm

Scroll down for pics.

Surprisingly, this was my first visit to Cool Moose. I lived in Avondale in 2002 and have been meaning to visit since then. For some reason (not that this would have been a bad thing), I was expecting it to be small and have a very light menu - maybe some bagels, muffins and a few light sandwiches. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into a space with 2 rather good sizes rooms full of people. People playing scrabble, reading, talking and eating. They offer an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, but not to the point of being overwhelming. I also had no idea they offer some decent beers on draft (Redhook IPA and more), wine and morning-time cocktails.

They offer daily specials and yesterday I opted to try one out. I went with the Portabello Mushroom, Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pesto on pressed panini with a side of cheese grits and an unsweet tropical iced tea for $10. Cheese grits probably wasn't the best accompaniment, but it sounded good and I wasn't disappointed. My friend Mandy went with the French Dip and Sweet Potato fries and polished most of hers off.

I love the vibe of this place and would definitely go back with friends or alone to read and grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee (they serve Green Mountain). They have a good chunk of one wall dedicated to Moose "stuff" which I thought was pretty cute.

A+



French Dip + Sweet Potato fries


Portabello Mushroom Panini + Cheese Grits

Five Points Coffee & Spice Company

Here is a link to their Facebook page - their website is a bit outdated, under-construction. Scroll down for pics.

Become a Fan of Five Points Coffee

Phone:
(904) 791-3427

Mon - Sat:
3:00 pm - 3:00 am

They are located on Lomax right next to Steamworks and Sake House.

Went here yesterday after work to get an espresso and work on some illustrations for a project. Very charming and reminds me of Uncommon Grounds (in San Marco, that unfortunately closed), except I like it better. For a $1.50 I got a piping hot delicious double-espresso with the perfect crema. They offer a light menu, sandwhiches and dessert and maybe a few more items that I failed to notice :)

After I had been there a while some guy came in to DJ and was spinning some awesome old 80s/ early 90s music - Madonna - Like a Prayer, Bobby Brown - Every Little Step. I love 80s music so this was a treat for me and kinda fun to draw to. They also have a small TV that was playing some bizarre 80s movie that was cracking me up... they don't have an 80s theme or anything... it just added to the charm somehow. I felt like I was in an old relative's living room or something.

I think it would be a great spot for me and some friends to gather on a Sunday afternoon to play board games. The owner was friendly and the fact that they keep such late night hours is an added bonus. Check it out!

The Cellar Wine Bar at Three Layers

The Cellar Wine Bar

I'm going to keep this one short and sweet. Checked this place out last week - it's awesome.

a) happy hour 4 - 7pm. $2 Bold City and $3 house wine (that doesn't taste like rubbing alcohol)

b) a beautiful sanctuary of a garden that I would have enjoyed more had it not been raining

c) great service

d) delicious chicken salad

Go. There. Now.

Poppy Love Smoke Cigar Bar comes to Downtown!

Poppy Love Smoke doesn't have a website right now, but they are on Facebook - do a search for "Poppy Lovesmoke" and they'll pop right up. Scroll down for photos.

Here are their hours:
Mon - Thur >> 3 pm to midnight
Fri - Sat >> 3 pm to 2 am

A friend and myself went to check out this new spot this past Wednesday for Art Walk from about 5:30 - 7:00. There was a steady stream of people coming in and the guy taking care of us (which I am assuming was the owner or manager) was really nice. He had a genuine interest in what we thought of the place and what side of town we lived on, etc.

The interior of the space has a nice urban, modern feel while still being comfortable and casual. While we were there, a lady passed out home-made mini cheesecakes with fresh fruit on top - tasty!

They offer domestic beers starting at $3.25 and wine starting at $7/glass. My wine was rung up at $6, so I am thinking they must have happy hour pricing. For just opening, they had a decent selection, although it would be nice to see them expand upon it in the future.

I didn't have a cigar this time around, but plan on it during my next trip when I'm not as pressed for time. Great new addition to the downtown area and I can't wait to go back!




Board we got to sign.


Art above Bar Area.




Who ever made these treats - thank you!

The Blue Crab Crabhouse Restaurant & Bar

The Blue Crab Crabhouse Restaurant & Bar

3057 Julington Creek Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32223

904-260-CRAB

Hours:
Tue - Sat 5-10 pm
Sun 12:30-9 pm

Menu

On Friday, June 26, 2009, Brett and I headed out to try a seafood place in Mandarin. Not sure how long it’s been there, but it’s new to us – The Blue Crab! It was exactly what I was hoping for – a seafood place kind of like Sliders out at the beach but closer to us (we live in Mandarin now).

We opted to sit on their outside deck since it was below 90 degrees. All of their tables are covered in craft paper – ready for people wanting a pound of blue crabs. Our server was friendly and helpful. We were surprised it wasn’t busier for a Friday, but he said since it was the weekend after Father’s Day, they anticipated being slower.

For appetizers, we got the Crabmeat Martini ($5.95), Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail ($6.95) and Steamed Mussels in Garlic Butter ($5.25). All were tasty and for the prices, the portions were on target. At a lot of places, shrimp cocktail and mussels can run $9 and $10. For the Crabmeat Martini, I think Brett was expecting something more citrus-y vs. a dip or a tuna salad with mayonnaise, but it was tasty, had a nice kick to it and went great on club crackers.


Crabmeat Martini


Shrimp Cocktail and Mussels - after already eating some (I always forget to take pics!)

For dinner, I couldn’t decide between 1lb of Snow Crab or Dungeness Crab – both entrees are $19.95 and come with 2 sides and hush puppies. I asked the server the difference and he said they are about the same but he prefers the Dungeness. You can get either with Old Bay Seasoning, but I opted for plain Dungeness since I enjoy the taste of the meat solo. I thoroughly enjoyed the Dungeness, but now having both that and Snow Crab, I think I will stick with Snow Crab. The bodies on the Dungeness were delicious and stuffed with tons of flakey white crab meat. The legs are where the difference is; Dungeness to me is a bit less sweet and a little drier. The broccoli, cole slaw and hush puppies all accompanying my meal were great too.
























Crabs - there were 2 clusters, I just already ate them. That and most of my broccoli and cole slaw haha

Brett got the Mandarin Shrimp for $11.95 with broccoli, red beans and rice, and hush puppies. The Mandarin Shrimp is two skewers of medium-sized shrimp glazed in a pleasing teriyaki sauce. I sampled the shrimp and would have been just as happy ordering that.

Overall, the prices are reasonable for a seafood place, the portions are good and the environment is casual and comfortable. We’ll be back!

* Full bar, beer, wine and Kid’s Menu available.