Dining @ 1171 sure fire treat inspires hope ........

the bread of life was wrapped in linen cloth.......blessings to have found the bakery that saved Jacksonville upon my view

The waiter shows up with a pretty bundle of just warmed baguette peeking through the neatly made linens from none other French Pantry. Anyone that shows up at the door stoop with French Pantry in their pocket speaks eloquence......


Mussels Sevilla...imagine smoky, tender, slightly al denté with mystical memories of the eastern seaboard right down to the last chew.....

The broth held up the mussels which lent a smoother essence than expected with a good dose of sauve seasoning to justify Pavlov's theory and even Anna Pavlova's innate desires for dessert's sake.....


Blackened Salmon.....waiter, waiter there's a galette on my plate!


Scallop & Shrimp glazed over that comfort me like apples.....

I do prefer my scallop more seared, but this preparation was more reminiscent of a classical French approach. My shrimp was a tad slight over done.....yet overall I found the chef's cooking approach mysteriously sweet and rather quite sensitive to the female palate and sensibilites.

I'll be waiting for Thomas Keller making jet deliveries with cute boxes of macarons from Bouchon Bakery to Murray Hill.....well maybe in my dreams......ya never know.


now where did I land?

I finally went, dined and wined with much nudging from all corners of northeast FLA's food freaks "insisting" I must go! As always - mucho mucho thanks for the insight my friends.

1171 Restaurant & Lounge is located in that hidden alcove of a place on Edgewood Avenue in that little place has been 'up and coming' et that promised 'emerging scene' like forever. 1171 was a sure fire sweep upward for me and I did notice they have quite a following to support their endeavors.

Let's cross our legs, dot our 'i's and hold up a tier of swiftly stirred real gin Beefeater martini (the way the real martini's supposed to be) glass up with chants and praise to uplift hopes fer sure and to lush out that emerging scene that has ever so been promised....like forever.

Across the street was Moon River Pizza and I was already salivating in hopes for an after dinner pizza run....(in case I left 1171 a tad too hungry - which wasn't the case). We stepped inside the new dining establishment to be greeted by freshly scrubbed young pretty faces (20-something skin is always so lovely!) that promptly seated us to our window side table (and large clean & smooth windowsills too - I LOVE large windowsills.....very elegant - am I a freak or what?)

The ceilings scaled fairly high enough in the fresh modern black n' steel bar and lounge area, accented by natural cherry wood tones. The overall feel was upscale with your 'often frequented neighborhood relaxed mood' type of thing going on. There was a large communal table slightly off center in the dining room that anchored that upscale 'home' vibe immediately.

Oh - and don't forget the fresh cut flowers. I have a wretched thing about plastic flowers. Nice fresh cut flowers in a sexy stout vase @ la each table too.

I was heartbroken for new york and homesick for san fran my city by the bay....little did I realize just a short drive and I was reminded at least for that evening what it was like to be transfixed by culture.

This post is just a small dollop @ 1171: all the right touches in all the right places in the middle of historic Murray Hill......support local dining & the small businesses surrounding that abound.

You can read more details and see ample coverage on 1171 @ Jacksonville Confidential....great food stories there too.

I have promised the results of my melting pot recipes poll - and yes MANDU aka Korean dumplings were the on the spot winner......coming very soon @ how to make the best home spun Korean dumplings aka Mandu......

1171 Restaurant & Lounge
1171 Edgewood Avenue
Jacksonville, Florida

Tel.904.384.3160

radically alive @ Momofuku's

steamed bun: shiitake mushrooms with crunchy marinated cucumbers hidden inside......

Hey I'm back and returning to write about more food news about town. My eating trip to New York was a well fed one - yes; it was awhile back ago (s/b December '07). I am ready to blast out savory posts as promised.

I am excited to tell about my anticipated lunch at Momofuku in the East Village.

When my love called and mentioned he was free for lunch that afternoon - I was literally munching on my late morning snack from the mega buffet at Whole Foods @ Union Square. We met up and grabbed a subway to 1st Avenue and found our way to 10th Street.

Once inside, it was alive with patrons hankering over bowls of ramen, steamed buns, gooksu, and roasted brussel sprouts - you gotta love it!

We started with the steamed buns with options of chicken, shiitake or pork. We went with the shiitake bun. We were seated bar side literally in full view overlooking the kitchen in live process. The buns were assembled fresh. First a light douse of their special sauce, thin sliced marinated cucumbers and then the chewy shiitakes before the entire bun was gently rolled over.

My first bite yielded the scent of yeast and rice wine that resonated from the dough. The tender mushrooms met well with the cucumbers that also held it's own. Between bites and a few profanities from the aggravated kitchen manager behind the bar; it was a fine moment that attested my senses.

pork neck ramen: braised neck meat, ramen noodles, scallions, bamboo shoots, roasted seaweed and poached egg

The ramen - it was time for the ramen.

This is what I was waiting for.

Anticipating.

Savoring about.

The highlight of the ramen bowl were the house made noodles - chewy & dense. The braised pork meat - tender and sweet. The poached egg was not an afterthought. It was a well bred poached egg that sweltered with just enough resistance when I broke its sack. Poached to its peak; it went on its merry way to join hands with the rest of the order to celebrate their assemblage.

I have had ramen many times over. I'm a noodle freak - love Japanese style noodles. This was different. It tamed away from the traditional and most often times commercially light cherry brightness of the former Japanese style noodle soups I have encountered. Momofuku Ramen had more of an earthy appeal in its broth. That was fine with me as it reminded me very well of the Japanese restaurants in the side skirted parts of town in West L.A. and Culver City California that served up Japanese homestyle cooking straight from mamasan's kitch.

There was a lotta testosterone behind the bar as we watched the kitchen staff in between our noodle slurps. The proprietor and innovator of it all, Chef David Chang was there and calmly churned out the prize winning fare with his staff.

I was duly impressed with the tight concept of the menu. Inspired by Japanese home cooking, yet harnessed with heavy Korean appeal sewn in between with southern fare like grits, ham, bacon and collard greens.

seasonal pickled vegetables platter: we ate this between bites of noodles and fanfare of pork

All is fair and happy on pork @ momofuku's.

They also offered pork belly with the noodles which I didn't order. I am an ardent fan of pork fat - I have to admit. But I prefer it roasted crisp. Perhaps like bacon with the dripping glazed over. I even love deep fried pork rinds and don't get me started on charcoal grilled pigs feet! The pork belly served up here appeared to be braised and came through with an ample amount of that underbelly fat still gelatinous. I'm sure to try it on my next return though. You've gotta at least try it once or you will never know what your missing.....and what you're missing could be really good.

Ginger Scallion: noodles below with scallions, cukes, collard greens, roasted cauliflower, bamboo shoots and a wedge of roasted nori.

What a combination!

But it all worked out in the end.

I'm glad I went - I didn't want to miss out on this opportunity.

Well.....I kept hearing the word about the chef - David Chang as 'radical' and 'innovative'....... He also garnered the 2007 James Beard Foundation Award for Rising Star Chef and also Bon Appetit's 2007 Chef of the Year Award.

Sounds too resplendent......hmmmm....I had to check it out. I can see why. The menu is tight. The concept is tight. The quality is tight. It was good.

Afterwards we walked about the neighborhood full of more restaurants, dumpling shops, sushi bars, Italian bistros, art galleries and wine bars. We finally stopped at an Italian bakery to graze over hand made cookies and latte.

momofuku noodle bar
171 First Avenue
New York, New York
Tel 212.777.7773
www.momofuku.com

Next post: My late night eating habit gives way at WONJO in Manhattan opening doors to down home Korean fare......

Bolo in Manhattan: definitely a tilt to tantalize

charcoal grilled octopus with grilled lemons, fresh oregano & garlic Oil

DEAR READERS,
Bummer news.....since this post, I recently found out that BOLO served it's last meal December 31, 2007 and has since closed it's doors after something like 15 years of service :( !!!

Yours truly,
Girl About Town

I was on a quest for tapas done right when we arrived to New York.

Often times, I found myself disappointed with what is identified as a TAPAS restaurant or TAPAS menu to be utterly nailed over the head with pre-game fixings (regarding NE Florida - not elsewhere)......

BOLO is located in the Flatiron District on 22nd Street. Once inside, it was as vibrant and becoming as I had imagined with an elegant ease. Service was relaxed, yet impeccable. The bar master was more than versed in the variety of Spanish wine offerings that rolled into an evening that became quite lush.

I had dined at MESA GRILL a couple of summers ago when shopping in the Union Square area. Thereafter, I found myself leaving with 'that' pretense of disappointment. Yet, at present no plans to go forward with a profile since my usual stance is to dine twice if the first try didn't hit the mark.

BOLO was a sensation that I was not expecting and I found myself not in any haste to leave.

The flavors were enlightening.

The visual presentation both keen and dimensional.

In entirety.....I found the evening to be blissful yet challenging to my senses.

The charcoal grilled octopus is a definite invite. When this appetizer arrived I was overwhelmed with its sight and well...........with its size.

I had never seen tentacles that large and intact.

Now I wanted to see the whole thing. You see..........it just NEVER STOPS for me!

It has been a while since I have had octopus as sweet and soft. The tenderness combined with the marinade alone would be enough to convince any person that is an 'anti-tentacles' type of eater to imbibe at least with one bite forward without toes curled or breath held back.......

The first bite down is pillow soft. Then to follow, is an amount of resistance that makes it fun to chew, plus amped with the citrus notes of the grilled lemon and fresh oregano; it was a treat alone to realize this just may be the last high note of our short stay.

But it wasn't.



Tentacles never looked so good



salmon tartare on crisp chickpea polenta cake with red pepper pesto & lemon-chive oil

Whenever I order salmon tartare; I leave the plate with my last bite thinking "Why the heck did I order this? I'll never order this again......."

I always do.

It's either boring - boring - boring - or something along the veins of; hey do you remember those tight jeans during the '70's that had that huge #$(*)%#$ rainbow stitched from the bottom of the cuff, then it arched all the way across your cr*tch area; then back down to the opposite cuff? Well; the salmon tartare appetizers remind me of something awfully contagious yet should be well forgotten.

It's okay to ask me WHAT ROCK, I've climbed from under........

Well, this one was not revived - it must have been re-invented, remade or just plain introduced to society.

Doesn't it look like a painting alone? It reminds me of Mondrian meets Chagall on a sunny day type thing.

And yes - it was just as DIVINE.


from the top: seared sea scallop with hot cherry peppers, piquillo pepper stuffed with raw tuna salad, sauteed squid & bacon with garlic oil

These little tapas style dishes were from the tapas menu. The tapas menu invited the diner to choose 4 of the pretty plates from a selection 13 tapas. Other tapas mentioned: artichoke heart with quail egg & caviar, twelve layer potato with caramelized shallots as well as pan fried duck liver with sherry vinegar, honey & black pepper.


Lamb sausage on oven baked flatbread & black olives

Our dining buds ordered the flatbread. I think everyone; under the conditions of this evening; were being quite covetous about what we ordered. I didn't try this; but it did look inviting.......well essentially, my honey and I were *lambed* out. We scaled down Times Square the other night about midnight and found an all night gyro grub spot SAHARA GRILL and went crazy with a killer gyro.

They even had the audacity to allow fresh cucumber chunks and lettuce intervene....oh.....too welcome of a surprise.


milk chocolate, fig & hazelnut tart with vanilla fig ice cream


This was another dish I didn't try, but it sat coyly across from me saying 'hey girl......'

I just adore figs.

Figs remind me of California. Figs totally remind me of Northern California.

I have always had this fantasy of sitting under a fig tree and eating the figs off the tree right as they are falling off. Then I know I would be able to indulge in the merriest of figs.



frozen chocolate almond mousse & rioja cherries with marscarpone mousse



layers of delight



Check out momofuku and you'll see why i crazed: hot steamed buns with shitake mushrooms just got me going........

This is another story: Oh and momofuku is another must tell. We sat at the bar overlooking the kitchen....literally overlooking the prep work. These buns were coming out freshly packed.

I bit into my bun. Remember when you have a freshly made GOOD steamed bun the first combined scent & taste is of literally what? - - - rice wine..........remember?

momofuku is the next post.

DEAR READERS,
Bummer news.....since this post, I recently found out that BOLO served it's last meal December 31, 2007 and has since closed it's doors after something like 15 years of service :( !!!

Yours truly,
Girl About Town

BOLO
23 East 22nd Street
New York, New York
Tel 212.228.2200

eating in new york city: was it Prometheous....gluttony or the Greek template that set mundane taste buds free?

@ Rockefeller Center a tad touristy but had to see it.....

It was just a four day jaunt to one of my favorite cities. Alongside NYC is San Francisco my home base, but Manhattan will do just fine as my east coast stomping ground to revive my senses again.

I still haven't grown to the taste of 'sweet tea' since living in Florida. Something about syrup over ice: it just doesn't settle well. It's suppose to go well with anything fried. Been there, did that and it still doesn't make the mark for me.

Sort of like uni.

Before we left to New York, I had to map out exactly where, when and what I was going to eat. With the little time I had; I did a few Google searches, made a few phone calls and we were well on our way to extending our palate limitations. When traveling; especially short trips - I prefer to have some sort of general itinerary so I am not idling in confusion about my whereabouts. I have tried letting go and arriving with no destination in hand with more time wasted than enjoyed. Now don't get me wrong - I love spontaneity but I think any well managed traveler will tell you it doesn't hurt to have a few destinations in mind before setting foot. The thought of any organized tour in large hordes absolutely makes me shudder. I would be completely embarrassed to be in an organized tour of any sort. What I do prefer is meeting up with the locals or even a solo tour guide would do just fine.

We had been to Manhattan previously and I was abhorred with all the tourist traps. So this time around I did my darnedest to avoid places and especially dining destinations that housed tourists gratuitously.

This was a last minute trip and I frantically searched for a bed and breakfast or a short stay flat of sorts in the Union Square - Flat Iron district for our stay. Unfortunately to make a long story short we ended up in Times Square which is in the heart of tourist central. Eventually everything worked out and thank God for the subway that was literally next door to our hotel.

My first quest was to dine at one of Mario Batali's more than seeping handfuls of restaurants. I didn't realize how many restaurants he had in New York. I was ultimately grateful that they were not cookie cutter chains (oh so of course not!) and that each one had an intensely soulful identity of it's own. I am just saying this since I reside in chain restaurant haven. Actually, I heard Orlando Florida is the chain restaurant haven in the states, so Jacksonville may be second runner up.

As tried and trued as I could - and I even called a whole month in advanced....they were booked. Both BABBO and LUPA, my top honored choices to revel in his mastery were both: BOOKED.

By chance, and by sheer luck I was having one of those moments when everything just fell into place: I was able to getting dinner reservations at 7:00 o'clock in the evening at Bobby Flay's ever so smokey BOLO. There's more to read on that as I am slightly.....well more than slightly impressed with BOLO.


Farmer's Market @ Union Square Park

Also on my primary list was the Greenmarket at Union Square Park. I had anticipated going to this for so long since I missed the timely and abundant farmer's markets of California this was on top of my wish list during our short visit.

It was the first morning of our stay and I gladly took the subway leaving Times Square for Union Square Park.

I walked up from the subway and found the sun greeting me at the top of the stairs. I had arrived right in the middle of the Greenmarket as anticipated.....

There were rows of gallant apples and pears greeting me.

There were bakers and a glorious bread stalls with freshly baked loaves. More vegetables, hot apple cider, pastries and a rows of more stalls to follow.

Everything from hand sewn bags, to knock off designer duds, leather, gemstones, jewelry, toys, it was an infinite souk of delight.

There were fine artists and musicians.

It saddened me that very little of this is supported in the Jacksonville area that I live.

I was glad to be back in the city.


the sweetest carrots ever....


I bought a bunch that survived the trip home....my kids looked at me like; where are the souvenirs?

Another destination was Whole Foods Market. It was located right across the street from the park. I made my way through the bazaar and enjoyed an awesome lunch there. The endless buffet was welcoming as hardly anything was fried. What a relief I thought to myself.


chicken and rice soup at Whole Foods Market

Pre-made soups always tend to be too salty. This chicken and rice soup was perfectly seasoned. An added plus were the shitake mushrooms.


greetings from the Whole Foods salad buffet o'rama.....

Sprouts, baby peas, sliced fennel bulb, red beets, chinese dumplings, hearts of palm, itty-baby octopus and calamari to name a few.

My *love just had to see Rockefeller Center. It was a perfect stroll at least to knock off some calories.

Prometheus greeted us at the Rock

Okay, I have to take a breath now. I wasn't expecting to be coiled in too deep by BOLO.....but it happened.

DEAR READERS,
Bummer news.....since this post, I recently found out that BOLO served it's last meal December 31, 2007 and has since closed it's doors after something like 15 years of service :( !!!

Yours truly,
Girl About Town

BOLO: oven baked flatbread with lamb sausage & kalamata olives was a plus....

We had dined at MESA GRILL a couple of summers ago and left slightly perplexed.

So I thought to give it a second try at BOLO, since I have been seeking tapas with that untimely twist anyways.....

Tapas that are eventful and something to 'walk about' for.

I was seeking tapas that were hot.

Tapas to write about.

Tapas that would delight into another incarnation of tastes perhaps.....

Well this was quite a becoming surprise.


BOLO: Charcoal grilled octopus with grilled lemons, fresh oregano & garlic oil

More words to follow about BOLO and about outrageous eating in New York in sucha short time.....

Bolo
23 East 22nd Street
New York, New York 10010

Tel. 212.228.2200

bb's.......always pretty & always good to chew: beyond the song & dance

a weekly habit: bb's tuna tartar.....extra horseradish on the side please....


a lunch time special: swordfish steak made us linger...


smokey sausage hangs well with shrimp and penne.....


bb's in San Marco has been my stand by restaurant when I just gotta get out and don't want to be disappointed or go home with a wretched stomach after gallant dining expeditions in the city of Jacksonville.

I have had on 'my never ending list' of places to post about; like forever......so finalement, here it is.

The occasion I arrived for dinner to cover this post - I left slightly miffed at the server. I did not leave miffed at the establishment or the other service that is for the most part highly well quipped as ever and applies fine dining with an ease filled elegance as if I am in my own dining room sans the wreckage of my great room of course.

Case in point:'the server' asked as soon as I sat down if I have ever been to bb's before. That's not what bothered me; since I am a regular there and this guy was obviously new. What annoyed me #*%#@ outta moi; was his arrogance as he served us. His suggestions off the menu were specifically what we needed to go by and if not; he made us feel it with a brush of silence and all the forget-me-nots a scorned woman may vibe off in slight utterances....

Anyhow, case in point again: At least they had my favorite cheese bread sticks available. At least they had my favorite tuna tartar. They also had decent Viogner by the glass; which made everything all right at the end.

Okay - so beyond this 'girl' moment I was having; bb's has been a main stay to local elegant dining in a relaxed setting. I always feel like I am at 'home' there and many of times and usually all of the time; the service, food and hospitality is a notch way above others.

I just came back from nyc.

I forgot what it was like to SAY WHAT YOU MEAN.

I forgot what it was like to go out 'dining'.

I have this 'thing' about customer service. Exceptional customer service was everywhere in nyc - and if it wasn't they TOLD IT LIKE IT WAS, and there's no second guessing. Man, I like that so much. Takes my brain energy away from nonchalance. When I worked in Bev Hills - yes I did; back when rental off Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills the 90210 area was like $800 for a cool looking one bedroom apartment. I had an awesome apartment back then. Way better than Melrose Place. Not as dramatic goings on though.

Back to nyc stuff: The clients I worked with in the Bev Hills office were in nyc or from ny. Boy - they TOLD IT LIKE IT WAS.

Oh - nyc: the food.

That's my case in point for the next post: real food & nyc.

bb's
1019 Hendricks Avenue
Jacksonville, Florida
Tel 904.306.0100

ultimate pumpkin roll: bulging at the seams....literally

the ultimate pumpkin roll as if faint with pixie dust....it was THAT good.


It appears I am on 'blogger' hold or perhaps 'blogger's block'.

This can't be, thus true while I have a stock pile of photos and posts from dining about town and luscious moments of slicing, dicing and cooking as it should be an ultimate covert operation in my own kitchen alongside my laptop sashayed with brown sugar, hauntings of nutmeg, smudges of ginger and remnants of cinnamon as pixie dust.

Korean duk mandu soup: rice cakes n' dumplings......my very own recipe....refined


Well, with that said.......I so much appreciate your readership and patience. As I get through this moment of p a u s e to break for Thanksgiving.

My moments have been spent amplifying the half dozen and one hats I've committed myself to wear as well as my mode to perfect the feast of all feasts, relenting to this boggish weather, placid pale skin - gone is the tinge of sunkissed summer skin, elastic waist band pants will do just fine and thank you very much, pumpkin rolls, pumpkin pies, my mother's caraway seed stuffing, making the brine with purified water so the brown sugar and Kosher salt will dissolve in its own abyss, finding that neckbone in that frozen cavity of it all and leaving the gravy making for my beloved.

this was from LAST SUMMER: my FAVORITE tortilla soup....cali-girl style via mission district....


Can you tell it's been a long day....a long month?

I hope these little tastings from my library of 'to posts' are inviting enough.....that I will be back....for more postings & merry making that is.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and I will see you next week.......

wild meanderings, foraging recipes and another dining out venture: Heirlooms Bistro

weak in the knees with tuna tartare


duck ravioli reprised


swordfish and grits come hither


triage me lovely with crab cakes, beef tenderloin, potatoes and onion rings galore


a song of salmon, spinach and pasta


It was a Saturday evening and the boys were gone camping - so what's a girl to do other than *girls night out*: that's what!

Florida in October is the perfect month often reminding me of the perfect summer weather for this sfGirlbythebay back then and when: the sun's a shining - mellow warm with just enough heat and zippo-minus any humidity. Yes and that was what it was like that come hither evening in northeast Florida.

So we found ourselves walking about at the new Bartram Walk shopping center. Whenever I visit there or any other 'planned' Florida shop & walk sort of contraption it reminds me of a Ray Bradbury short read from Martian Chronicles.

'Ya know the idyllic setting sort of scenario, the perfect family in the 'burbs,the perfect evening out, with the perfect set of friends 'ya really have known forever and then...............

The only 'and then..............' scenario for me that evening didn't reveal in martian form or anything quite hideous other than my wallet that is still recovering from an expensive haircut, shopping, dining and dessert that was totally unnecessary. At the end of the day that becomes an exhausting effort for this Girl About Town, consultant, writer, critic and wandering forager of recipes vaulted soon to be released sort of girl that I am.

It's either the meanderings or excessive exercise on my part that is effecting my postings as of late. But I really think it has something to do with the surprises found here and there in northeast Florida tapping at my taste buds and challenging my motives.

Useless rant I know.

I'll blame it on the weather as my fixation for stews, dumplings and cobblers begin to intensify once the leaves start turning and my foraging instincts begin to prevail.

Heirlooms Bistro
104 Bartram Walk, Suite 101
Jacksonville, Florida

Tel 904.230.3999

You know when I ramble like this and bear not too specific that something went askew.

I have more chewi-licious pictures from OHIO soon to follow.

National Pizza Competition: Joseph's Pizza of Jacksonville

everything is always good*

pre-flip pizza photo*

I received a press release a few weeks ago with a fabulous announcement from Joseph's Pizza of Jacksonville.

Joseph's has always been one of those pizzeria's that have been 'word of mouth - you gotta go there; they have great dinners too.....and they are the sweetest family....let's go meet and eat.....' seriously; there are a handful of those places known for their 'comforting' atmosphere and its often passed down via 'word of mouth' ayknow.

Joseph's is on my list of dining destinations once I eat past about a half dozen more places.....pause.....swallow.....write.....post.....pause.....repeat.

According to the press release, Joseph's Pizza earned 2nd place by the United States Pizza Team at the PMQ National Pizza Competition in Orlando Florida.

Here's a penchant from their press release dtd September 19, 2007:

"Joseph’s daughter, Sabrina Bateh, stunned the crowd at the PMQ National Pizza Show and Best Pizza Competition in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, September 8, 2007 when she tossed a pizza that delighted the judges and earned 2nd place. For a first time competitor, Sabrina, representing family owned Joseph’s Pizza, not only tossed a pizza that nationally ranked, but she also earned many accolades from the judges about the unique combination of ingredients and overall quality of the pizza."

Joseph's Pizza
30 Ocean Boulevard
Atlantic Beach, Florida
Tel 904.270.1122

7316 North Main Street
Jacksonville, Florida
Tel 904.765.0335

*photos courtesy Joseph's Pizza

I will be posting more shortly. Thank you for your patience. So much to eat.....so much to write......so much to post.......so much to dance off........yum.....

museum dining: cafe nola @ moca jacksonville

shrimp & grits: Mayport shrimp, white wine sauce, fresh wild mushrooms & bacon served with smoked cheddar grit cakes and sun dried tomato crostini dinner menu)

Last week was back to back dining adventures. I couldn't stop eating and had very little time to process my photos and post.

honey rolls with peach butter

I revisited Cafe Nola @ MOCA Jacksonville and enjoyed my meal as much as I did this past summer. Earlier this year the restaurant management had changed and I'm delighted to experience once again that Cafe Nola has not drifted into some sort of mundane fry me friendly bland expose know for this part of town and especially downtown J.

soft shell crab BLT: tempura soft shell crab, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato & avocado aioli on fresh baguette, house salad, balsamic vinaigrette (lunch menu)

I went to lunch with a gal pal soon to be *expecting*. I had forgotten what is was like to eat when you have a *bun in the oven*.

Her taste buds were as elevated as mine (and I'm not *expecting*); and I found it quite fun and refreshing to eat with someone that was as crazy about the visual antics of presentation as well as the savory taste of food.

chocolate mousse pyramid: sweet indulgements

Pregnancy has a way of heightening everything from your taste buds to your waist line; and since my hey day - my taste buds have never ever settled back to what they were before. It took me quite a while to shrink the state of my stomach too - but I think it has rubber banded back into that bottomless abyss recently: especially after the last two weeks of eating & wandering & eating from one place to another.

sweet potato crabcakes

For lunch, I ordered the soft shell crab BLT. Anytime it says BLT or bacon or avocado I am SOOOOO THERE! This was no exception - they make a tasty take on BLT and that crab was both crunchy and tender.

It was also definitely minus the heavy oil factor and the tempura batter was as delicate as a whisper.

The crabcakes were definitely pretty to the punch. But I am a hard-lined crabcake eater and have only come across ONE set of crabcakes that settled to be the amuse croquette they might have been contrived to be.

I was at a wedding YEARS ago in Boothbay Maine. The reception was catered in the bride's family summer home overlooking Boothbay Harbor.

The crabcakes were formed to the size of a dollar coin and about three quarters of an inch thick. With one fell swoop it was crispy on the outside. To the bite its resistance was perhaps a reminder of biting into the graphite of center earth (but sweeter with that savory taste memory crab meat always provides to linger): very whole crab meat driven, thick and packed with a sockdolager finesse.

No mush factor at all.

To this day: I have not met a crabcake that could stand up to that experience.

Meanwhile, back in Jacksonville Floria at Cafe Nola - I did find their dinner menu of exception as well.

Last summer we dined there with the kids on opening night for dinner. The wait staff were quite pleasant with the kids and the white craft paper on the table was a perfect palette for them while the adults lounged over a glass of wine prior dinner.

I ordered the shrimp & grits reluctantly - only because I love Mayport shrimp to support the local shrimpers; yet grits are not the california girl thing.

Yet, as a food blogger I make myself adamant about trying things at LEAST a dozen times; because you never know!

The shrimp and the grits were graciously combined. I found the dish savory, soothing and sultry enough for recent dreams of returning for more.

'ommercial break and tasteless ranting: check out my updated ABOUT TASTEMEMORY page with photo insert of yes: MOI.

I was thinking not to include the entire big head photo and maybe just the smile but that looked kinda creepy. As I know not all food bloggers want to be via front page type photo - but this is what I'll start with for now.

contemporary caesar salad: we asked for the cheese and dressing on the side since this was an order for the kids. Check out the greens: so gorgeous, clean and not a wilt in sight! The chef has an awesome inspection program down!

fresh tuna & hearts of palm: this one had issues.....


flat bread with cheese: perfect.....

I did try calling Cafe Nola to get the facts straight about some of the dishes and details for this post but found it a slight conversation from the other end. I tried to get titles and details about their succulent rolls and savory butters they serve upon seating. Well; it must be a guarded 'name & ingredients' type of thing as I just wanted details details details of what everything was and it ended up being a bit difficult. I'm a details girl btw though 'tis the best I have!

hmmmmm....I may have called when they were pulling their greens from the garden. With that said; everything there is so *fresh*

Cafe Nola
MOCA Jacksonville
333 N. Laura Street
Jacksonville Florida
Tel 904.366.6911 x2311

www.mocajacksonville.org/cafe

Carnivore at St. John's Town Center: Ted's Montana Grill

barbecue bison short ribs: I arrived famished as I just had a pear for breakfast all morning. I'm a pear freak and have been obsessed with the Forelle pears that have been available lately. But this morning I ran out of those and had a boring standby: the Bartlett. Spent the entire morning writing PR stuff about food and analyzing a recipe format on an empty stomach. Who ever heard of a food writer working on an empty stomach? I do that too often and end up eating half a cow before the end of the day. The short ribs hit the spot; although my recipe is better and a bit more outlandish than this one. Yet I found this dish quite acceptable. I liked the fact they were still on the bone and the one I was plated had the marrow looking right up at me. I love bone marrow; reminds me of southern France. Since living in the South (Florida!); I have finally become accustomed to overcooked-over salted green beans; which I ordered alongside the ribs. I actually crave it now. You could see how hungry I was by the mega bite on my biscuit (see left of this photo)


fresh pickling cukes arrive as you sit down


bleu creek burger aka bleu cheese burger shown here accosted by grilled onions AND deep fried onion rings


can't leave a place like this without an onion ring: thick slices of meaty white onions......did not come across any onion skins....a pet peeve of mine

I know....I know....this is a chain restaurant.....yet I had to think quick on my feet and find a place pronto for the 'girls' to lunch and this spot was middle ground to all of us. Plus I had been there several times prior and it will seem bizarre yet refreshing to let you know that Ted's Montana Grill in Jacksonville is probably ONE of the ONLY chain restaurants here in town that has decent service and sanitation since I've been.....

I've been there about three times and every time I've dined I am amazed that I have been served with eloquence and decency from the hostess to the wait staff.

The other thing I like is my arms don't stick to the table; but that might be because they have that rustic craft paper on all the tables but anyhow the last three visits have been sobering COMPARED to the other chains located in close proximity to this establishment. At THOSE places I felt like THEY WERE DOING ME A REAL FAVOR just by slapping me down on a greasy table and showing up to serve me food.

Plus I love the fact that their restaurant & MEATS are Eco-friendly, natural and hormone free. It's always good to minus the extra hormones; like women need any more of that....

Lately, I've been dining and eating more than I can POST.

So please be patient as I have a backlog of photos and posts of delectable dining adventures to share with you. At the same time trying to manage my treadmill and computer time while trying to eat (more than pears).

Tomorrow I'm going to favorite spot that changed ownership approx. 8 months ago. I have dined there once since and it was *smashing*.

It's an excuse to dine there twice to give them a proper profile. It's in downtown -I'll tell you about latr.....

I love the paper straws Ted's supplies with all their drinks. Do you remember paper straws?

We sat there with our ice teas while our straws bobbed against the glass. I noticed everyone had a different shade of lipstick on their straw. I kept holding myself back from wanting to get the tip of my straw really really wet so it would tear and shred. I remember doing that as a kid and I had to refrain myself from odd habits as that.

If you love meat, love potatoes and enjoy being served properly when dining out....Ted's is quaint visit and a good excuse chill at Sephora afterwards.

the bison short ribs can be found under their blue plate specials


I almost never made it there the first time due to the fact that I was with someone that couldn't stand Ted Turner and wouldn't dine there to support Ted Turner et al.

Well it worked out that day to my advantage because I am a girl and I wanted to eat meat THERE on THAT DAY; so he reluctantly gave in and to his amusement enjoyed himself immensely.

Ted's Montana Grill is located in St. John's Town Center as well a Orange Park. I have only dined at the St. John's Town Center location and have no idea if the OP location is comparable is service and so forth. The only issue I had was the 'plating' as I'm always about presentation. It does look pretty on their website as well pretty good going down.

Ted's Montana Grill
10281 Midtown Parkway, Suite 221 at St. John's Town Center
Jacksonville, Florida
Tel 904.998.0010

www.tedsmontanagrill.com

French Pantry in Jacksonville: gem of a find

this drew me . . . .


grilled chicken salad with ruby red tomatoes and mozzarella on toasty crusty bread


tempura chicken salad with meaty portions of grilled portabella mushrooms and drizzled with balsamic vinegar


french fries that can't go wrong


This week has been an upheaval of elements. With the overcast skies and down flux of the weather - WINTER is impending; ugh what a poor element of surprise for me in northeast FLA!

Now northeast Florida does have SEASONS. It's not always sunny subtropical and I'm not saying I cringe from change; but I always get so accustomed to the lovely dewy humidity and SUN that it becomes at times hard to fathom the concept of WINTER.

I have absolutely nothing to complain about; esp. since I lived 5 years of my life in Cleveland - I guess I'm still t h a w i n g from that experience.

Subject of bread - namely FRENCH BREAD which is near impossible to find in Jacksonville that passes my taste test.

With the exception of FRENCH PANTRY.

Which is a quiet institution around here and an absolute NOT TO MISS lunch spot.

They are only open for lunch and they also yield a powerful pack as a bakery.

You will also find a gorgeous selection of muffins, cookies and beautifully formed artisanal breads that are so gem like that you will have to haul a take home bag of goodies right after your lunch.

Be cautious to arrive early though - at least by 11:30 a.m. as seating is extremely limited and there is literally a line up of passionate patrons at the door.

Table side seating is awesome in the communal seating arrangements and makes for fun dining too.

Check it out and don't forget what I said about their french bread: straight from the San Francisco girl's mouth!

French Pantry
6301 Powers Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32217

(904) 730-8696

I'm going Indian again for lunch today .

Be back with more *insight*

a pretty dress a pretty face: Giovanni's Restaurant

Tuna Tower: *bless my soul* diced sushi grade tuna layered with lump crab and surrounded with fresh avocado. Alongside wasabi aioli & dressed with Atlantic caviar.


Insalata Alla Sicilian: *disguised to cross the asian border* big bites of roasted eggplant, red peppers, fresh mozzarella; lovingly blanketed with arugula & our dear friend prosciutto.


Capesante Veneziana ;- wake me up when we get there: Pan roasted scallops & orecchiette pasta tossed with cherry tomato, black olives and capers with fresh basil.


Chocolate Creme Brulee - a reflection of my past


Limoncello speak easy: now why did clooney & devito just kept going.....?


Living in both San Francisco and Cleveland gave me a deep appreciation for Italian food.

I moaned and complained about the eight months outta the year of black skies, snow, sleet, ice(is that the same as sleet?) and absolutely no sight of an ocean those bleak years in northeast Ohio.

I ate a lot too.

Cleveland's Little Italy was our safe box for date night and now I wonder why I didn't appreciate the brisk walks on Mayfield Road to Guarino's as the lake effects wind would slather my neck on those endearing January nights.

*btw* the historic Tremont district in Cleveland was another FAV enclave where suburbanites dared to go.

But here I was in the middle of the Midwest (not really the middle) but dying formidably for culture and my 'city' fix so with pioneering efforts I discovered refreshing hubs of areas like the historic Tremont district, Coventry, Little Italy and also the Warehouse District in Cleveland just baring their sole in art studios and offbeat fixings.

Which reminds of my first confrontation with limoncello.

My in-laws brought us a bottle back from their trip to Sicily and said, "THEY SAID to keep it in the freezer - keep it in the freezer".

So I kept it in the freezer.

One night after the house finally closed down; I decided to see what it was about.

It very well reminded me of sucking on fresh lemons (flesh & rind altogether)with sugar drenched atop when I was a kid.

Alas, with a shotgun stance: this had a strong aftermath that plunged through your throat and nostrils all at the same time.

Was that the sicilian kiss?

Giovanni's Restaurant
1161 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Tel 904.249.7787

www.giovannirestaurant.com

mid-week dinner woes to I WANT INDIAN: Cilantro's Indian Cuisine

Chicken Lolly pop goes with my lolly pop girls


One *SMASHING* looking chicken in chartreuse.....too eighties....?


Garlic Nan


Tika Chicken begin counting the ways.....

Since I'm lost for words to find that ULTIMATE neighborhood Chinese; I have surprised myself (again) and discovered a back up for 'those' kinda nights.

Cilantro Indian Cuisine on San Jose Blvd. in a recently revamped strip mall familiar to many Jacksonvillanese types will find this place homey with a suppertime feel alongside the vibe you are 'out for dinnah' Tuesday night.

That's what I need every so often with this glamorous life of dining and blogging which has jaded my taste buds and when I opt to return to the familiar.

But with moi; perhaps it's the familiar with a soulful mix of humm and throat tingling spices to save the day.

I do love Cilantro's dinner menu that plays also on northwestern Indian cuisine. The other night; the chef was delighted to go over the menu with us detailing a host of their dishes.

Forewarning us of some of the spices - "HOLD ON" I exclaimed - I'll GO for the HEAT and just bring it on!

It was an awesome dinner contrived of:

A glass (& two) of the Nobilio New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Each sip had a nice bite. Reminded me of late summer northeast Ohio vine ripened grapes but not sweet - slight fruit forward and oak less with an ease of minerality in between.

Mulligatawny soup - a lovely delectable blend of softened ground lentils with lemon, peppers and faint spices.

I love this soup and always order with a side of their garlic nan studded with roasted garlic and fresh cilantro.

It is a savory mix of fresh, earthy and feisty resistance on the palate and proceeds deep throttle.

Chicken Madras - dolled up pieces of chicken cooked in creamy coconut curry that is tempered with mustard seeds, spices and my ultimate favorite: CURRY LEAVES.

Remember those afternoons eating sunflower seeds on the sidewalk?

Well, I can sit all day chewing on curry leaves - not too sure what it will do to me; but I do love the texture and faintness of it.

Of course this is served with basmati rice; our fluffy & nutty confident.

I also recommend the Balti Baingan which is fresh eggplant precisely simmered with bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and balanced seasonally with ground spices.

The Balti reminds me very much of the sofrito in Spanish restaurants.

Cilantro Indian Cuisine is very popular for the Sunday buffet brunch as well as their lunch time buffett service.

But I highly recommend them as a dinner destination as I have found their dinner entrees handled with enticing loving care.

The buffet is generous and tasty; yet the taste memory itself of their dinner menu flaunts great care that I often return as I earlier mentioned when seeking comfort, an ease of service & excitement on my dulled palate!

Cilantro Indian Cuisine
9825 - #6 San Jose Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida
Tel 904.262.9577

www.cilantrojax.com

Botan Restaurant: This review no longer applies due to management change since original post

Do you recall ONE SIZE FITS ALL? This one absolute does.......


Can't stop raving.......ask Chef Andy for HEART SUSHI


My design professors at CCAC would love this divine presentation


Too sexy to......fry me amiable


photo courtesy *m*: guess what luv? this is what started it all........

Dear TasteMemory.com readers - ownership has changed since I have written this post earlier in August 2007. I returned to Botan in October 2007 to find the management had changed, the sushi chefs mentioned in this post have changed as well as a different menu.....

Hello darlings......

I'm actually out and about eating around far far and away from Jax'ville...........

Will report about that later (upon return from chain central....)

Here's a *close up* though on Botan Japanese Restaurant; hey.......ya think I'm obsessed about sushi?

I think I'm more into the challenge of it.

Kinda like biting into olives.

Have you been to those Manhattan delicatessens with like THE abundant 20 something some odd olive varieties?

I've always said "A man that won't bite into OLIVES; is afraid of RISKS......"

I guess it could apply to women too....but t'hink about that one......esp. if you know someone that will not BITE into an UNFAMILIAR olive.....hmmmmmm (perhaps I have too much time on my hands to think about things like this; but wanted to share this passionate insight with you).

Grocery story black olives and generic green olives need not apply.

I'm into exotic olive biters (another story).

Anyways; this place BOTAN floored me though - most of all because it was completely unexpected and *m* hauled me out; reminding me it would be a formal 'review' on my part.

Which meant I had to haul my camera equipement; and I COULD NOT eat in a relaxed state of mind realiSing I was AT WORK.

So with that last stoke: I AM OBSESSED and must go back THERE; so as I rouse back into Jax'ville......for the best RAW sushi in town.

Dear TasteMemory.com readers - ownership has changed since I have written this post earlier in August 2007. I returned to Botan in October 2007 to find the management had changed, the sushi chefs mentioned in this post have changed as well as a different menu.....

Botan Japanese Restaurant
4076 Belfort Rd. #9
Jacksonville, Florida 32216

Tel 904.296.0770

Botan Restaurant post #2: This review no longer applies due to management change since original post

My Heart goes out to you.....