tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202268432024-03-13T15:05:27.624-04:00nourish the beastexploring that which nourishes us, body and soul. food, culture, life hacks, and the occasional insight. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-66915396139175636942018-11-04T21:04:00.000-05:002018-11-04T21:10:54.439-05:00Whole 30 x 2 + 1I've been absent from this blog for too long now. Busy, yes, but that's no excuse. I'm back, for now, seeing how this works in my current lifestyle. Not that I have stopped blogging altogether - I have just adapted to micro-blogging, mostly via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nourish_the_beast/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>instagram</b></span></a>.<br />
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As far as food goes, I've hit the reset button more times than I can count at this point. I used to write about it for a living, now I seldom even get out to try new places except for the occasional brunch or lunch with friends.<br />
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I don't cook as often as I'd like either, but when I do I am reminded how much I love it, and frankly, how good I am at it (at least, most of the time). I bought an instant-pot and fulfilled a decades old desire to learn to use a pressure cooker. The food might not be pretty, but sweet baby Jesus, it is delicious.<br />
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Pictured here is a <a href="https://whole30.com/whole30-program-rules/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Whole 30</b></span></a> compliant breakfast from a few months ago. I started doing Whole 30 off and on a year ago, and it's time to get back on it, at least move closer to it. If I were left to my own devices I would eat this way most of the time.<br />
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I can't say what tomorrow will bring, but I know what I'll bring to tomorrow. A renewed sense of purpose, and a commitment to living my best life.<br />
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To do this week - Appointments. Haircut. Accountant. Visit with friends. Oh, and Outlander is back, baby!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-54011220236158548652017-03-11T10:09:00.003-05:002017-03-11T10:10:21.519-05:00Pancake JonesThe Madre was craving pancakes yesterday, so this morning we headed to <a href="https://metrodiner.com/" target="_blank">Metro Diner</a> and made it happen. Smile indicates successful mission.<br />
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Not gonna lie, I ate some too. I'm always down for Cinnamon anything.</div>
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Great meal, decent service, excellent company. This and a pot of coffee gave us the strength to face a morning of much needed vacuum cleaner maintenance. </div>
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Saturday, you're starting out a-ok.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-10091810771053941072017-02-28T21:53:00.000-05:002017-02-28T21:53:43.615-05:00Cool Customer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The webcam has finally revealed why all those random shipments from Amazon have been showing up on our doorstep recently. #Parker #oneclick #premium </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-21400167278430286472017-02-28T21:27:00.002-05:002017-02-28T21:37:41.963-05:00Love is where you find it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These two caught my eye recently, sharing a bunk at our church estate sale. </div>
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#episcopaliansrule #loveisloveislove</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-8081904867944306862017-02-01T16:05:00.000-05:002017-02-01T16:58:55.730-05:00Ready for some off-plan eatingThe Madre and I have been adhering diligently to the <a href="http://whole30.com/whole30-program-rules/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Whole 30</span></a> regimen for 24 days now, and we can claim many <a href="http://whole30.com/downloads/whole30-nsv.pdf"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">non-scale victories</span></a>, such as better overall health, energy boost, better skin and hair, little or none of the pain that accompanies inflammation. Then there are the pants I bought and couldn't quite squeeze into in December, which are hanging loose on me today. I've dropped at least one of my "extra" chins, and I bought some new Ralph Lauren eyewear that makes me feel like a <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BO2w83Xh-Sp/?taken-by=nourish_the_beast"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">nerd-queen</span></a>.</span><br />
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That having been said, today we started discussing what foods we might start to reintroduce to our routine once the 30 days are up. We agreed, the Madre and I, that pasta is a thing of the past for us, we have no desire to eat congealed, wet flour. Zucchini noodles are the new normal for our Italian faves. I was sure the Madre would say toast would be her first add-in, but vodka edged it out. She went so far as to say she would probably never eat toast again. While that's highly unlikely (she does love her toast), I get where she's coming from with the vodka. I'd like to enjoy a glass of white wine once in a while, or the occasional craft cocktail. </div>
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For me, it's more about the social aspects, being able to eat at a restaurant without pressuring the chef to prepare a meal within the near-draconian restrictions of the Whole 30. Don't get me wrong, we'll be back on the program as soon as we feel the return of joint pain or bloating. But until then I'd like to be able to patronize my favorite local establishments and indulge in a little non-compliant nibbling. </div>
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Here are a few dishes I'm dreaming of ordering in another week... in no particular order.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moules Frites - <a href="http://www.restaurantorsay.com/">Orsay</a>. Anything from Orsay, for that matter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egVF0_Rl5sQ/WJIzvQ1EH0I/AAAAAAAACrg/1-8v4OWs_hM54Vif4QoKuzfwsThvofQZgCLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B11.26.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egVF0_Rl5sQ/WJIzvQ1EH0I/AAAAAAAACrg/1-8v4OWs_hM54Vif4QoKuzfwsThvofQZgCLcB/s320/2016-05-21%2B11.26.04.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brunswick Stew from <a href="http://moxiefl.com/the-food">Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZ3TFGEFB6g/WJI0mZcmb2I/AAAAAAAACro/EZInIgJbkmUTcz7vBLhgYilZB_029GNJwCLcB/s1600/2015-09-13%2B12.17.32-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZ3TFGEFB6g/WJI0mZcmb2I/AAAAAAAACro/EZInIgJbkmUTcz7vBLhgYilZB_029GNJwCLcB/s320/2015-09-13%2B12.17.32-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cocktails - like the French 76 from Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2e4y_j7agk/WJI050SeO7I/AAAAAAAACrw/WRzdUwKn5YYDf07HUCQDEDZfj43kpgKPACLcB/s1600/2015-08-03%2B12.13.14-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2e4y_j7agk/WJI050SeO7I/AAAAAAAACrw/WRzdUwKn5YYDf07HUCQDEDZfj43kpgKPACLcB/s320/2015-08-03%2B12.13.14-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luau plate from <a href="http://www.hapalijax.com/menu.html">Hapa-li </a>- bbq chicken and lumpia FTW!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a7smMlhG3hg/WJJKvfbkpjI/AAAAAAAACsE/RLkAvZQp_BcT63Q3QrrIb554BJ-nydTOgCLcB/s1600/fusion.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a7smMlhG3hg/WJJKvfbkpjI/AAAAAAAACsE/RLkAvZQp_BcT63Q3QrrIb554BJ-nydTOgCLcB/s320/fusion.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And ANYTHING these two throw at me. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Fusion-Food-Truck-632822213446444/">#fusion</a></td></tr>
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That's a good start. I'll keep you posted <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nourish_the_beast/">on the insta</a>, as always!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-54783823301859904922016-12-27T20:05:00.001-05:002016-12-27T20:09:14.675-05:00Getting Back on TrackNot sure why I stopped blogging here.<br />
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So many things have happened in my life since my last post. I stopped writing for the paper and started work at a local church. I'm loving the work, and the people are terrific. I discovered a better way of dealing with food - the <a href="http://whole30.com/whole30-program-rules/">Whole 30 Program</a> - and lost 40 lbs. Much more to go, and I've been eating everything in sight over the holidays, so it's time to reconstitute my diet - and rev up my creative life. I guess I'll still be posting some food things too, once we get through this crazy crap year that was 2016.<br />
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Hang with me here if you'd like - or visit me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nourish_the_beast/" target="_blank">Instagram </a>and / or <a href="https://twitter.com/Nancy_White">Twitter.</a> Happy Holidays!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-39192874940830429722016-03-11T12:29:00.001-05:002016-03-11T12:29:48.460-05:00Hurricane Grill and Wings<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: bitter, serif; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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Is set to open its newest location Monday in the Bartram Village Shopping Center, 12547 Bartram Park Blvd. at Old St. Augustine Road.</div>
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The chain is known for its fresh, jumbo chicken wings that can be customized with 35-plus flavors — from traditional Buffalo to signature flavors like Maple Pepper and Chipotle Raspberry BBQ.</div>
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Also on the menu are burgers, tacos, seafood and salads. A full bar features 24 beers on tap, including local craft brews from Ancient City Brewing, Aardwolf Brewing Co., Bold City Brewery, Intuition Ale Works and Veterans United Craft Brewery.</div>
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The new location has a large outdoor patio with lounge seating around a fire table and a 6-foot water wall. Happy hour is 3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, and kids eat free all day every Tuesday with adult entree purchase.</div>
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Hours are 11 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Sunday.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-5954767549792269382015-11-03T06:54:00.002-05:002015-11-03T06:54:56.827-05:00Book Signing Saturday, November 7 at the Main Library <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5yrxvWOG5c/VjigDAJWZcI/AAAAAAAACo8/tDxqH3nlTbw/s1600/book%2Bsigning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5yrxvWOG5c/VjigDAJWZcI/AAAAAAAACo8/tDxqH3nlTbw/s400/book%2Bsigning.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636px;"><br /><br />If you're not doing anything Saturday, or, if you have some time in-between things to stop by the Library around 2pm... I'll be hanging out in the lounge and would love some company! There's a lot going on in town this weekend, including our beloved Main Library's anniversary celebration. I'm honored to be one of two local authors helping them mark the occasion. </span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=24768909667" href="https://www.facebook.com/chamblinbookmine/" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636px; text-decoration: none;">Chamblin Bookmine</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636px;"> will be on hand selling copies of my book, so there's that..</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-37629950624456526542015-10-31T22:45:00.001-04:002015-11-03T06:56:24.892-05:00Simply Tasty Thai Still the best Thai in town - Simply Tasty Thai on Mayport Road.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-89945447932287269992015-10-10T21:52:00.003-04:002015-11-03T06:55:09.898-05:00Shangri-la<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-26017395376942921002015-09-23T19:28:00.003-04:002015-09-23T19:34:46.403-04:00Jax Truckies 4th Annual Food Truck Championship - October 3, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/545694798902612/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnLI1EcTpNw/VgMz3i2FsSI/AAAAAAAACn4/hePRfguM_Vc/s640/2015%2BChampionship%2Bgraphic.jpg" width="433" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-85753574563431858312015-07-08T01:13:00.001-04:002015-07-08T01:13:55.885-04:00Jax Truckies Battle on the Island - August 1, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvbaDsQ4WOk/VZyxKOUxWnI/AAAAAAAACnQ/WWNJlvwKVww/s1600/battle%2Bfleming%2Bflyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvbaDsQ4WOk/VZyxKOUxWnI/AAAAAAAACnQ/WWNJlvwKVww/s640/battle%2Bfleming%2Bflyer.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-76163770384735361792015-04-23T02:21:00.001-04:002015-07-08T09:57:42.732-04:00Book Signing Thursday<br />
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Hello Beasties! </div>
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I'll be at The Bookmark in Neptune Beach tonight April 23 starting at 7pm - signing copies of my new book - Jacksonville Food Trucks - Stories and Recipes from the Road!</div>
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See you There!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-18555637286635188812015-02-15T01:38:00.000-05:002015-03-06T14:20:52.633-05:00St. Simons Island's Southern Soul<h3>
<span style="line-height: 16.3636360168457px;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort</b></span></span></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nEQv-0g3uo/VKy9qZgBI0I/AAAAAAAACfM/UjU_Cc3R-cE/s1600/king-and-prince-ext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nEQv-0g3uo/VKy9qZgBI0I/AAAAAAAACfM/UjU_Cc3R-cE/s1600/king-and-prince-ext.jpg" height="231" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16.3636360168457px;">Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting nearby St. Simons Island for the first time, as a guest of <a href="http://www.kingandprince.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">The King and Prince</span></b></a> Beach and Golf Resort. My travelling companions were fellow travel and food writers, and we were given a taste of the good life on this quiet coastal island.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.3636360168457px;"><br />The beautiful vista from my room in the Resort's Oceanfront Building made it tough to venture out, lest I should miss a moment of the spectacular sunrise or sunsets. But venture we did. Along the way, we met some of the people who call St. Simons home, and tasted some solid down-home Southern cooking. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We started our visit with drinks in the lobby bar and "living room" area at the Resort. It was like sunshine in a glass. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ANo0Q6n9eU/VKzHKc55yOI/AAAAAAAACfw/0I3QxjebAQE/s1600/kitchen-at-echo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ANo0Q6n9eU/VKzHKc55yOI/AAAAAAAACfw/0I3QxjebAQE/s1600/kitchen-at-echo.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dinner at <a href="http://www.echostsimons.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Echo</span></b></a>, the Resort's showcase restaurant and the island's only oceanfront restaurant and bar, after dinner drinks in the "living room" and breakfast in the sunny bar area showcased the best the island has to offer, with fresh, plentiful Georgia shrimp as a culinary focus during our stay. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The name ECHO pays tribute to the Resort and St. Simons Island's naval history during World War II. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvHrrAXUoNQ/VMO5emhhJeI/AAAAAAAAChk/X4j6oY2X__E/s1600/lobby-bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvHrrAXUoNQ/VMO5emhhJeI/AAAAAAAAChk/X4j6oY2X__E/s1600/lobby-bar.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kingandprince.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>The King and Prince</b></span></a> Beach and Golf Resort recently completed a comprehensive renovation project, and the resulting spaces are fresh and elegant. They integrate natural light and gorgeous views of the Resort's 30,000 square foot pool complex, the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The only oceanfront hotel on the island, The Resort was the perfect home base for our adventures. While they housed and fed us generously, our trip included visits to a few choice off-site restaurants as well. One standout spot was just a short trolley ride away from the Resort, and featured a bangin' breakfast buffet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tim and Melissa Wellford have owned and operated local favorite <a href="http://www.sandcastleatthepier.com/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Sandcastle Cafe and Grill</b></span></a> at 117 Mallery Street since it opened in 1989. The breakfast buffet is an outstanding value, and most of their breakfast and lunch entrees are under ten dollars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Their cinnamon rolls were a big hit. They usually only do them on weekends, so plan accordingly if you want to sample them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The island has plenty of places for shopping and refreshment. We loved combing through these little shops on our way back home.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u64s1WlsicM/VOAc3EZfk0I/AAAAAAAACkM/MVLaif3y2S8/s1600/ssoul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u64s1WlsicM/VOAc3EZfk0I/AAAAAAAACkM/MVLaif3y2S8/s1600/ssoul.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was thrilled when our trolley tour stopped at nearby <a href="http://www.southernsoulbbq.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Southern Soul Barbeque</b></span></a> for lunch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />Griffin Buffkin and Harrison Sapp started Southern Soul with just $700 and a smoker. They've come a long way from those humble beginnings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />Pittmaster Harrison told us how they rub, then smoke low and slow, basting with apple juice throughout the process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The resulting pulled pork was some of the best I've ever eaten. The ribs were completely crazy-good too, but the baked beans and Brunswick Stew really got me going. </span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aEHcee9a00/VOAdDYHQh4I/AAAAAAAACkY/5D1ZcJpQuRA/s1600/southern-soul-bbq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aEHcee9a00/VOAdDYHQh4I/AAAAAAAACkY/5D1ZcJpQuRA/s1600/southern-soul-bbq.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've been wanting to give this place a try since <a href="http://youtu.be/FZrLbwXVCYo" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Guy Fieri visited them</b></span></a> a few years ago, on the Northern end of his swing through Jacksonville. Now I know that no trip to St Simons, or any of Georgia's coastal islands, is complete without a visit to Southern Soul. It's just that good. NO FRILLS, just honest to goodness real deal Southern Barbeque.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fn8DbBKSANk/VOAozj2qO8I/AAAAAAAACk0/HQMhi79Z8Gs/s1600/christ-church-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fn8DbBKSANk/VOAozj2qO8I/AAAAAAAACk0/HQMhi79Z8Gs/s1600/christ-church-2.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We toured Christ Church and its cemetery, and learned about its significance in John and Charles Wesley's founding of the Methodist and Episcopal Churches. The church's history is a tale for another day, one that launched a series of historical romance novels by Eugenia Price. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T31aj0DbTmo/VOA3OtaPVzI/AAAAAAAAClQ/lYJhIQ1Zoyc/s1600/window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T31aj0DbTmo/VOA3OtaPVzI/AAAAAAAAClQ/lYJhIQ1Zoyc/s1600/window.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />There were some beautiful stained glass windows in the church. This one caught my attention!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />No doubt, I'll return to St. Simons Island in the Spring, when everything is in bloom. If you're anywhere in the vacinity, I suggest you plan a trip, tour the island, grab some world class barbeque and soak in the sights. It really is a beautiful place.<br /><br />If you need additional incentive, The King and Prince is running a <a href="http://www.kingandprince.com/special-offers.aspx" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Melt Away Your Everyday</span></b></a> special, with discounted rates on select dates through March 26, 2015.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Find them online at </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://kingandprince.com/" style="color: #b45f06;">kingandprince.com</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thanks to our hosts and tour planner for y</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">our gracious hospitality, and for </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">creating such a lovely experience for us. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-56732280766458275602015-01-24T02:22:00.002-05:002015-01-24T10:06:51.986-05:00Southern Roots Grand Opening <a href="http://www.southernrootsjax.com/" target="_blank"><b>Southern Roots Filling Station</b></a> celebrates their Grand Opening Saturday, January 24, at 1275 King Street in Jacksonville's Riverside neighborhood. Saturday hours are 9am-3pm, and their grand opening celebration is from 4pm - 6pm.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JP and Mariah Salvat, Southern Roots Filling Station.</td></tr>
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Featuring goods from local farmers, growers, crafters and artisans, shop owners JP and Mariah Salvat say their mission is to create delicious simple vegan products
that are eco-friendly and organically sourced with no artificial preservatives
and unnecessary additives. Offerings include coffee, tea, prepared foods, and bulk/buy-by-weight items.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPVMXWmfVwM/VMNC0yXCSpI/AAAAAAAACgs/Cc5OnsFeN_0/s1600/toast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPVMXWmfVwM/VMNC0yXCSpI/AAAAAAAACgs/Cc5OnsFeN_0/s1600/toast.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beacon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I stopped in for a Chai Latte and was gifted a lovely open-face sandwich. The Beacon features Smokey seed spread, carrot slaw and local micro-greens served on bread or a bed of greens. It was so delicious I had to pick up a container of the smokey seed spread to make my own at home! There are fresh house-baked muffins, and coffee from Miami-based <a href="http://www.panthercoffee.com/" target="_blank">Panther Coffee</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ObLudcmvrDg/VMNGgR9BpNI/AAAAAAAACg4/PaUpFWlKPVY/s1600/jambar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ObLudcmvrDg/VMNGgR9BpNI/AAAAAAAACg4/PaUpFWlKPVY/s1600/jambar.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We be Jammin'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sundays promise to be delicious, with a weekly "Jam Bar" for your toast! Find their current menu and list of bulk items online at <a href="http://southernrootsjax.com/">southernrootsjax.com</a>, visit them on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/southernrootsjax" target="_blank">SouthernRoots</a>, and check out their daily specials on instagram <a href="http://instagram.com/mysouthernroots" target="_blank">@mysouthernroots</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-31966054476749197542015-01-13T13:08:00.001-05:002015-01-13T13:09:13.500-05:00Amelia Island Restaurant Week<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">January 16 through 25 is
the 7th Annual Amelia Island Restaurant Week. 30 of Amelia Island’s
most popular restaurants are participating this year. </span>Each will
offer a prix-fixe menu, including three courses and a
non-alcoholic beverage, at either $19 or $29 per person. New for 2015,
select restaurants will offer a prix-fixe lunch menu with a non-alcoholic
beverage for $12 per person. Details and a list of participating
restaurants are available online at <a href="http://ameliaislandrestaurantweek.com/">ameliaislandrestaurantweek.com</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATYpqOidqck/VLVeJ7RmpVI/AAAAAAAACgA/-xhVwvY8w9Y/s1600/DSC03208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATYpqOidqck/VLVeJ7RmpVI/AAAAAAAACgA/-xhVwvY8w9Y/s1600/DSC03208.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The week officially kicks off Thursday,
January 15, when Executive Chef Andrew Yeo of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
will gather a group of local Chefs/Owners of Amelia Island Restaurants for a
special themed meal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A Tribute to Modern Southern Cuisine begins with a 6 p.m.
wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres and a 6:45 p.m. dinner seating in Café
4750. Each chef will prepare a personal
interpretation of a Southern classic food. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vd1KJ6AMkm4/VLVee2MsYwI/AAAAAAAACgI/I_OIRp81JWU/s1600/DSC03247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vd1KJ6AMkm4/VLVee2MsYwI/AAAAAAAACgI/I_OIRp81JWU/s1600/DSC03247.JPG" height="205" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From The Salty Pelican, T.J. Pelletier offers Butternut Squash and
Shrimp Bisque with a Southern Style Shrimp Po’Boy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Espana Chef Roberto Pestana
will prepare Panco encrusted Diver Sea Scallops over Lobster, Bay Scallop and
Andouille Sausage Jambalaya. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From The Ritz-Carlton, Andrew Yeo will present
Sherry Glazed Crispy Pork Belly, Tomatillo Relish, Bacon Powder, Collard
Greens. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">29 South Chef Scott Schwartz offers Braised Veal Cheek on Congaree and
Penn Sweet Corn Middlins, Brown Butter Carrot Mousse, Hickory Smoked Almonds.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bLdvznqeBZo/VLVe29HG_vI/AAAAAAAACgQ/poF_NUPlNbQ/s1600/DSC03268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bLdvznqeBZo/VLVe29HG_vI/AAAAAAAACgQ/poF_NUPlNbQ/s1600/DSC03268.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Ritz-Carlton’s Sheldon Millett presents Key Lime Cream,
Strawberry Shortcake, and S’more Chocolate Sorbet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tickets are available with
advanced reservation, and are a great value at just $68 per person plus
gratuity. Call 904-277-1987</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-64633167904688635322014-12-07T07:02:00.002-05:002014-12-07T07:40:39.070-05:00Meet Joy of Kosher Author Jamie Geller <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_j41GGqxPaU/VIQ9dThq1ZI/AAAAAAAACd8/L3gctgizwGA/s1600/JamieGellar%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_j41GGqxPaU/VIQ9dThq1ZI/AAAAAAAACd8/L3gctgizwGA/s1600/JamieGellar%2B(1).jpg" height="310" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Jamie Geller - Photo courtesy of Winn Dixie <br />
and Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller Magazine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -1in;">Celebrate
Delicious this Chanukah season during a special kosher cooking demonstration
featuring </span><a href="http://www.joyofkosher.com/meet-jamie/" style="text-indent: -1in;">world-renowned kosher
food celebrity Jamie Geller</a><span style="text-indent: -1in;">.</span><span style="text-indent: -1in;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -1in;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -1in;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To help brighten your holiday, Geller will whip up several of her family’s
favorite fast, fresh Chanukah recipes for tasting, including savory and sweet
treats such as latkes and donuts, along with tips and tricks to wow holiday
guests.</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -1in;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b> </b>Thursday, December 11<br />5:30 - 7:30 p.m.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b> </b>Lakewood Winn-Dixie Store</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1520 W. University Blvd.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jacksonville, Fla. 32217</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -1in;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The best-selling author will also host an in-store book signing, and the first 40 attendees will receive
a complimentary copy of Jamie’s <i><b>Joy of Kosher: Fast, Fresh Family Recipes</b></i> cookbook.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYu7eS9LlQw/VIQ-A17Xa6I/AAAAAAAACeE/04zXXez7X5Q/s1600/JOK_Winn_Dixie_Chanukah_eBook_Cover-webfriendly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYu7eS9LlQw/VIQ-A17Xa6I/AAAAAAAACeE/04zXXez7X5Q/s1600/JOK_Winn_Dixie_Chanukah_eBook_Cover-webfriendly.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For more ideas on how you and your family can Celebrate
Delicious in your kitchen, visit <a href="http://winn-dixie.com/Chanukah">Winn-Dixie.com/Chanukah</a> or <a href="http://joyofkosher.com/">JoyofKosher.com</a> for
Jamie’s quick and easy kosher recipes and download a free copy of <i><b>Joy of
Kosher with Jamie Geller</b></i> Chanukah e-recipe book. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jamie is the best-selling author behind </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Quick & Kosher:
Recipes from the Bride Who Knew Nothing </b></i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
and </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Joy of Kosher: Fast, Fresh Family Recipes </i></b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">cookbooks, the founder of
Kosher Media Network (KMN), which includes award-winning magazine Joy of Kosher
with Jamie Geller and website </span><a href="http://joyofkosher.com/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">JoyofKosher.com</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mocajacksonville.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0BX-zjPXI7c/VH6I3axdX5I/AAAAAAAACds/CAowpGhwHnk/s1600/moca.jpg" height="348" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-21887316875007508072014-10-04T12:25:00.001-04:002014-10-15T00:21:32.677-04:00Sweet and Sassy Meatball Contest<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So - y'all know I like it hot. That's why I'm thrilled to have been asked to be a judge in the</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Sweet & Sassy Meatball Contest, </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> celebrating the 10th anniversary of St Augustine's Hot Shot Bakery and Cafe.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7iHHokcGRw/VDDEWqT5m_I/AAAAAAAACdU/QtG9C-6p9z8/s1600/meatballs%2Bin%2Bsauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7iHHokcGRw/VDDEWqT5m_I/AAAAAAAACdU/QtG9C-6p9z8/s1600/meatballs%2Bin%2Bsauce.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ten finalists will be invited to join owner Sherry Stoppelbein on <b><span style="color: red;">Saturday, November 15</span></b> at her Hot Shot Bakery in
historic St. Augustine, for a tasting competition, where their meatballs will be sampled and judged by yours truly</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Nancy White, bloganista in chief here at Nourish The Beast, and Dining Notes columnist for the Florida Times-Union), my friend, the lovely </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Allie</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Olsen</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, who OWNS St Augustine at </span><a href="http://www.simplystaugustine.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Simply St Augustine</span></b></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, and uber-fab food photographer </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.monicalea.com/#/984968/Home" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Monica Stouder</span></a></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Win a St. Augustine
Vacation!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One Grand Prize winner will receive a
getaway at the historic <b><span style="color: red;">St. Francis Inn</span></b>
(circa 1792), plus take home a yummy collection of Hot Shot Bakery’s datil
sauces, jams, mustards and jellies. (Mango Dipping Sauce, Nolby's Hot Mustard,
Sloppy good BBQ Sauce, Datil Pear Relish, Datil Citrus Jam and 2nd, 3rd, 4th,
5th Degree Burn Hot Sauce.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_EvJV5o0Ok/VDAfO8Sxt3I/AAAAAAAACdE/VftiLuLv928/s1600/Z5FGY6elW6OtSJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_EvJV5o0Ok/VDAfO8Sxt3I/AAAAAAAACdE/VftiLuLv928/s1600/Z5FGY6elW6OtSJ.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>One Grand Prize Winner Receives:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An overnight
stay for two at the beautiful, historic St. Francis Inn (Sunday thru
Thursday excluding holiday periods). All Inn amenities including
breakfast and afternoon social hour with homemade refreshments. <a href="http://www.stfrancisinn.com/" target="_blank">www.StFrancisInn.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sumptuous
breakfast buffet for two at the St. Francis Inn<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Complimentary
bicycles for two to tour St. Augustine <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Evening
desserts at the St. Francis Inn for two<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lunch
for two at Hot Shot Bakery<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An
assorted case of Datil B Good Jams, Condiments and Hot Sauce<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
prize-winning recipe will be incorporated into one of the restaurant’s
menus!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Official Rules: </b><br />Send your <b><span style="color: red;">Sweet & Sassy Recipe</span></b> via
email to <b>Leigh Cort Publicity ~ leighcort@bellsouth.net
</b> by November 1, 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Include:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recipe
& NAME OF RECIPE<br />(No previously published recipes will be considered).</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A
brief story about the recipe, not to exceed 100 words<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Name,
address, telephone # and email <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All
ingredients and preparation instructions.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A
photo of the dish<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Judging</b>: <b><span style="color: red;">Top 10 Finalists will bring 12 meatballs to
Hot Shot Bakery on November 15 at 12:00 noon for tasting competition.</span></b>
</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-vf3siMwmA/TqTAbpZPKeI/AAAAAAAAA14/KrK5EZ18OqI/s1600/sausage-and-kale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-vf3siMwmA/TqTAbpZPKeI/AAAAAAAAA14/KrK5EZ18OqI/s1600/sausage-and-kale.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Who can enter</b>: Entrants
must be 18 or over. There are no substitutions or transfer of prizes. Prizes
are not redeemable for cash. By acceptance of prizes, winners consent to use of
their names and/or photographs for publicity purposes without further
compensation. Finalists will be notified by <b>November 3, 2014.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For 25 years,
Sherry Stoppelbein has been growing the hot little Datil pepper that thrives in St.
Augustine, where the climate, soil and humidity are perfect. At her Hot Shot Bakery, one of St. Augustine’s fave breakfast and lunch spots, many dishes are prepared or garnished with her Datil B
Good condiments and sauces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b><u><span style="color: red;">See contest details online at</span></u></b>: <a href="http://www.leighcortpublicity.com/contest.htm" target="_blank">www.leighcortpublicity.com/contest.htm</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Hot Shot Bakery and Café</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8 Granada Street<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">St. Augustine, Fl 32084<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">904-824-7898<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hotshotbakery.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.hotshotbakery.com</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-31327548581128730782014-09-18T02:26:00.000-04:002014-09-18T02:29:52.888-04:00Soul Food Bistro: Satisfy Your Craving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pY9HDGFguJs/VBpr3y0sC4I/AAAAAAAACcA/eD55v8Crfu8/s1600/sfb-line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pY9HDGFguJs/VBpr3y0sC4I/AAAAAAAACcA/eD55v8Crfu8/s1600/sfb-line.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My review of The Soul Food Bistro's Arlington location is in the </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/food-and-dining/2014-09-17/story/restaurant-review-food-star-jacksonvilles-soul-food#.VBo1ta2ASzM.facebook" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Florida Times-Union</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> this week, so I thought I would indulge you with a few more photos here, since the paper has only so much space to indulge my obsession with food-porn.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-anSpqU0thdU/VBpsIzVgTbI/AAAAAAAACcI/C__ehGz_w1Y/s1600/soulfood_porkchops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-anSpqU0thdU/VBpsIzVgTbI/AAAAAAAACcI/C__ehGz_w1Y/s1600/soulfood_porkchops.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a><br /></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Don't tell my mama, but these are some of the best dang pork-chops you could ever want to eat! SMOTHERED is the way to go, here, people. Trust me on this one. You're gonna want to eat all that rice, too...</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNL0S85KQt4/VBpsrMaCwGI/AAAAAAAACcQ/hQNopg9MRZI/s1600/soulfood_oxtail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNL0S85KQt4/VBpsrMaCwGI/AAAAAAAACcQ/hQNopg9MRZI/s1600/soulfood_oxtail.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chef Celestia Mobley created the OXTAIL WONTON for a chef's competition a few years ago. They are completely craveable. This photo shows them served family style. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P4EQooS-95c/VBpv6uL71qI/AAAAAAAACcc/ezM2DTFqnGc/s1600/sfb_chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P4EQooS-95c/VBpv6uL71qI/AAAAAAAACcc/ezM2DTFqnGc/s1600/sfb_chicken.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Chicken is a popular choice at the Soul Food Bistro. Fried, Oven Roasted, Smothered, Grilled... <br />Just get you some.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9xWTbtxaHW8/VBpyhNMR_uI/AAAAAAAACco/K-7LmiRSvUs/s1600/mac%2Bn%2Bcheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9xWTbtxaHW8/VBpyhNMR_uI/AAAAAAAACco/K-7LmiRSvUs/s1600/mac%2Bn%2Bcheese.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">The BEST Mac n Cheese in Jacksonville, people. IMHO, that is. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">There is so much more at the Soul Food Bistro - both locations do a rockin' business. Read my review of the Arlington location in the Florida Times Union, and go. Sit. Eat. Get cake. There is a lot of cake. Pie. Cheesecake. You get the drift. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMmcVgz9nuk/VBp1ZiDuNQI/AAAAAAAACc0/CTrOW4_D1lk/s1600/sfb-cater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMmcVgz9nuk/VBp1ZiDuNQI/AAAAAAAACc0/CTrOW4_D1lk/s1600/sfb-cater.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oooh - and they cater! Get the traditional soul food stuff or call and talk about custom menus - they have a real fancy-schmancy catering staff, including a wonderful pastry chef! They specialize in delivering soulful, healthy food. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Let me leave you with this thought, from the Soul Food Bistro website:</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2lsJzWBBxeo" width="560"></iframe></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Soul Food Bistro</span></b></span></span></h2>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; line-height: 16.8831176757813px;">11876 Atlantic Blvd <br />Jacksonville FL 32225</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; line-height: 16.8831176757813px;">904-394-2801</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Thanks to Chef Celestia Mobley and her crew for inviting us to join the fun at the one year anniversary celebration of this location, where at least a few of these dishes were served to us gratis, with no expectation that we would share other than through social media. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-77526901316458258382014-07-31T02:40:00.002-04:002014-07-31T15:15:59.239-04:00Much Ado About Moxie <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsvMXMALaPo/U9nQFGIX_mI/AAAAAAAACZ8/YAqlh3kkaCs/s1600/scallops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsvMXMALaPo/U9nQFGIX_mI/AAAAAAAACZ8/YAqlh3kkaCs/s1600/scallops.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scallops with three cheese grits and lobster sauce. Get this.</td></tr>
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Chef Tom Gray's <b><a href="http://www.moxiefl.com/" target="_blank">Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails</a></b> in the St John's Town Center is one of my new favorite places to grab a bite. I have enjoyed most everything I've tried there, some more than others. <br />
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My review of Moxie is in the <a href="http://members.jacksonville.com/entertainment/food-and-dining/2014-07-29/story/restaurant-review-moxie-perfect-name-energetic" target="_blank">Florida Times-Union</a> this week, so I thought it would be good timing to drop a couple more photos here, since the paper has only so much space to indulge my obsession with food-porn. I wouldn't want you to miss out on some of the tastiest lunch, dinner, brunch and happy hour options that await hungry diners.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTufJ8DMGO8/U9nRP0X3kII/AAAAAAAACaE/-tJCvVaVRLA/s1600/mexican+toasts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTufJ8DMGO8/U9nRP0X3kII/AAAAAAAACaE/-tJCvVaVRLA/s1600/mexican+toasts.JPG" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican Street Corn Toasts - share this.</td></tr>
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It took me a few months to get out to Moxie after it opened last November, but I have been making up for that lately by stopping in whenever I'm in the area. I've dubbed the little table at the end of the downstairs bar "the blogger's table" since the two large windows ensure there will be plenty of natural light for snapping pics. Also it is a little off the beaten path, so it is usually quieter than most other areas. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtfdxc6U4c4/U9nS2R6dB4I/AAAAAAAACaQ/W6KpvbyMC2s/s1600/Chicken+and+Waffles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtfdxc6U4c4/U9nS2R6dB4I/AAAAAAAACaQ/W6KpvbyMC2s/s1600/Chicken+and+Waffles.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken and Waffles makes me want to lick the plate.</td></tr>
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I usually have a go-to dish when I frequent a place. With Moxie, I am content to switch it up and try something new every time. Soon, though, I will need to get back around to this decadent dish of Chicken and Waffles, maple mousse and pepper jelly. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJz-78kmijI/U9nUiDXE2UI/AAAAAAAACac/y2rrnLywPjA/s1600/2014-03-26+17.49.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJz-78kmijI/U9nUiDXE2UI/AAAAAAAACac/y2rrnLywPjA/s1600/2014-03-26+17.49.24.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charcuterie selections make for a light nosh.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m9dKZMXSKPA/U9nZeIqIxcI/AAAAAAAACaw/OEOIMtJD-Yw/s1600/2014-04-07+15.42.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m9dKZMXSKPA/U9nZeIqIxcI/AAAAAAAACaw/OEOIMtJD-Yw/s1600/2014-04-07+15.42.41.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behold, The Moxie Burger. </td></tr>
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With the selection of better burgers growing as new eateries come into the market, the double stacked Moxie Burger, with patties of beef, pork, and BACON ranks pretty high on my list. What this dish says to me is, don't wait for a special occasion to eat at a special restaurant. YOU make it special. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ge9JX-Sf6pI/U9nhdkUFzlI/AAAAAAAACbA/9jjGww-PQGI/s1600/salmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ge9JX-Sf6pI/U9nhdkUFzlI/AAAAAAAACbA/9jjGww-PQGI/s1600/salmon.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't miss brunch - Saturday and Sunday 11 - 2:30</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unuKvnStEVY/U9njfXQnYQI/AAAAAAAACbM/HBLs7zIwBxk/s1600/2014-04-09+13.35.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unuKvnStEVY/U9njfXQnYQI/AAAAAAAACbM/HBLs7zIwBxk/s1600/2014-04-09+13.35.58.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desserts are an art form at Moxie - but not too precious to eat.</td></tr>
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See you at Moxie!<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/44/1776460/restaurant/Southside/Moxie-Kitchen-Cocktails-Jacksonville"><img alt="Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1776460/biglogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a><br />
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<b>Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails</b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.88311767578125px;">4972 Big Island Dr,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 16.88311767578125px;">Jacksonville FL 32246 </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 16.88311767578125px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 16.88311767578125px;">904.998.9744 </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 16.88311767578125px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.88311767578125px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.moxiefl.com/">www.moxiefl.com</a></span></span></h3>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-71071399192378713932014-06-23T18:34:00.001-04:002014-06-23T22:08:33.339-04:00Favorite Hidden Gem, Jacksonville: El RanchitoWhen people ask me what's my favorite restaurant, it should come as no surprise that my answer includes not just one, but several places. Over the summer I'll be sharing some of these faves - new and old. I'll start with my <b>FAVORITE HIDDEN GEM </b>in Jacksonville, El Ranchito.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>(This is excerpted from my original review, which appeared in the <a href="http://members.jacksonville.com/entertainment/food-and-dining/2014-03-26/story/restaurant-review-el-ranchito-humming-latin-vibe-and" target="_blank">Florida Times-Union</a>.)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Q4ftsDVCDM/U6inVz6RM3I/AAAAAAAACYM/c3OnJIcGpzw/s1600/El+Ranchito.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Q4ftsDVCDM/U6inVz6RM3I/AAAAAAAACYM/c3OnJIcGpzw/s1600/El+Ranchito.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbian, Mexican, Cuban all under one roof. GOAL!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I love a good
“mom and pop” restaurant, someplace you feel welcome, regardless of whether you
speak the language or hail from the same part of the globe. One that makes my
list of favorites is <b>El Ranchito</b>.
Cue the collective gasp from regulars who would prefer their favorite spot to remain
their little secret. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Located on Beach
Boulevard in Pablo Station near the northwest corner of Beach and San Pablo, <b>El Ranchito </b>hums with a Latin vibe.
Columbian, </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Cuban and Mexican standards are all represented, and the crowd is as
diverse as the menu. One day it is a bright, quiet spot to grab lunch or dinner,
the next it’s filled with cheering </span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">fútbol fans, jostling
for</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> space with a stream of regulars,
including more than a few in-the-know foodies. The space is small and neat,
with minimal décor, indoor and outdoor seating. Banners advertising the World Cup festoon the small counter area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZfUDtptT1E/U6inlKZbz7I/AAAAAAAACYc/kU36F-d4buo/s1600/Short+Rib+Soup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZfUDtptT1E/U6inlKZbz7I/AAAAAAAACYc/kU36F-d4buo/s1600/Short+Rib+Soup.JPG" height="247" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Sopa de Costilla de Res</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">El Ranchito’s
“mom and pop” for just over four years now are </span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ana and Jorge Argueta</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. She’s Columbian, he’s Guatamalan. Son Kenny and daughter
Christina work with them, greeting customers as friends old and new, waiting
and bussing tables. Kenny is quick to point out their Facebook page, and
recommends checking it out for the specials. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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On
a recent visit, I particularly enjoyed the special <b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sopa de Costilla de Res</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> ($4.99). Meaty chunks of beef short
rib, tender and falling off the bone, nestled in with potatoes, carrots and
cilantro in a flavorful broth which gets its reddish hue from achiote. This
simple, yet satisfying Columbian dish is the epitome of comfort food. Here it is
often available on Wednesdays and Saturdays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fz6nDAMGGqQ/U6in0_u902I/AAAAAAAACYk/Lv8wD9tPO1c/s1600/Cuban+Empanadas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fz6nDAMGGqQ/U6in0_u902I/AAAAAAAACYk/Lv8wD9tPO1c/s1600/Cuban+Empanadas.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Empanadas Cubana</b></td></tr>
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My
dining companion and I shared crispy, warm <b>Empanadas
Cubana</b> ($3.50), two fried flour turnovers amply filled with ground beef and
Cuban spices. </div>
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In contrast,<b> </b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">E</span></b></span><b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">mpanadas
Columbiana</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> (6 for $4.99,
12 for $9.99) </span><strong><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">feature a slightly sweet cornmeal shell and Columbian spiced beef. </span></strong><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Meat lovers and
big eaters in general will embrace the combination of sirloin steak, pork
sausage, </span><span style="background: white;">chicharrones</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> (pork rind), plantains, corn cake, white rice, beans, and
avocado salad that make up Colombia’s national dish, <b>Bandeja Paisa</b> ($12.99). It’s a lot of food. Plan to share, or take
home leftovers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2RKlg_Opns/U6in-Ds56eI/AAAAAAAACYs/md6Jz2H_QRQ/s1600/Tacos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2RKlg_Opns/U6in-Ds56eI/AAAAAAAACYs/md6Jz2H_QRQ/s1600/Tacos.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Tacos de Carne Asada</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tacos de Carne Asada</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> ($9.99) hit all the right notes –
perfectly seasoned chopped beefsteak, onion and cilantro are served on steamed
corn tortillas, with a wedge of lime. This simple, authentic dish shares billing
as “Traditional Mexican” with more American inventions such as the Chimichanga
(9.99) and Fajitas (11.99-12.99). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Cuban classics
are here –succulent <b>Lechon Asado</b> ($7.99
lunch / $8.99 dinner) is fresh-roasted pork, seasoned with a slightly tart,
garlicy mojo; and <b>Ropa Vieja</b> (8.99
lunch / $11.99 dinner), shredded flank steak prepared in a savory sauce of
tomato, pepper, onion and garlic. Another Cuban standout is <b>Arroz Con Pollo</b> ($10.99), tender chunks
of chicken cooked with yellow rice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYgaRt-zZpA/U6ineyrrhrI/AAAAAAAACYY/CMyAvZi_R4g/s1600/camarones.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYgaRt-zZpA/U6ineyrrhrI/AAAAAAAACYY/CMyAvZi_R4g/s1600/camarones.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Camarones Al Ajillo</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Camarones Al
Ajillo</b> ($14.99)
are sweet, tender shrimp sautéed in toasted garlic oil, served with plantain,
rice, beans and salad. The crispy little bits of garlic in the oil are what transform
this simple sautéed shrimp dish. I sopped up every last bit with the yellow rice.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Soupy
Columbian red beans were soft and silky, and not over-salted. Alternate choices
are white rice and equally delicious Cuban black beans, and your choice of
savory or sweet plantains. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0c6oleLZ0qo/U6ioRZSdSTI/AAAAAAAACY0/PtY9fuYD8vE/s1600/tres+leches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0c6oleLZ0qo/U6ioRZSdSTI/AAAAAAAACY0/PtY9fuYD8vE/s1600/tres+leches.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Tres Leches</b></td></tr>
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Desserts
are made in house by Ana, and the <b>Tres
Leches</b> ($4.00) is one of the best I’ve tasted. Suitably dense, moist vanilla
cake soaks in the sweetened milks and whipped cream as you eat it. Overall it
is light and fresh, not too heavy, and not cloyingly sweet as it can sometimes
be. <o:p></o:p></div>
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El
Ranchito serves beer and wine, coffee, tea, juices, soft drinks (including
Columbian, Mexican and Cuban favorites) and Horchata, a traditional Mexican
drink made with rice and cinnamon. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Give me a clean,
locally owned, one of a kind place with simple food made from scratch and
reasonably priced, and I’ll return again and again. I’ll be returning to El
Ranchito.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/44/480574/restaurant/Southside/El-Ranchito-Jacksonville"><img alt="El Ranchito on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/480574/biglogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a></span></span></div>
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<h3>
<b>El
Ranchito</b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14333-
22 Beach Blvd</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, </span></span><span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jacksonville</span></span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="region">FL</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/zip/44/32250/Jacksonville-restaurants.html">32250</a><br /><span style="color: #333333;">(904) 992-4607</span></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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www.facebook.com/elranchitojax</div>
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<br />
Hours:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mon-Thu 11:30-8<o:p></o:p></div>
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Closed Tuesday<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fri 11:30-9<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sat 12-9<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sun 12-8</div>
<br />
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Price
range: $4-18<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-51979407845397444552014-06-19T14:58:00.001-04:002014-06-19T15:00:01.157-04:00I've Got The Georgia Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBHghhCmjuU/U6MhQBrxMQI/AAAAAAAACXM/QpAbpoUxdug/s1600/2014-05-21+10.25.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBHghhCmjuU/U6MhQBrxMQI/AAAAAAAACXM/QpAbpoUxdug/s1600/2014-05-21+10.25.36.jpg" height="193" width="320" /></a></div>
I've got the Georgia Blues.<br />
<br />
Blueberries, that is. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Agriculture and tourism are Georgia's top two economic drivers, so it made perfect sense to me to mix the two during a recent visit. I was invited, as part of a team of <span style="font-family: inherit;">registered dietitians, food writers and photographers, to tour Georgia's booming blueberry agri-business. We were guests of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, and </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">MBG Marketing (aka "The Blueberry People), </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">a producer owned blueberry marketing cooperative. <br /></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii570Ep70HM/U6MrcJ03KLI/AAAAAAAACXc/saqBocPXFIs/s1600/_DSC0579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii570Ep70HM/U6MrcJ03KLI/AAAAAAAACXc/saqBocPXFIs/s1600/_DSC0579.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start;">Brandon Wade (from left), of Alma Berry Farms in Alma, Ga., <br />Derrin Wheeler, director of MBG Marketing's Sunbelt unit, <br />Lorrie Merker, MBG’s VP of grower relations, <br />and Lane Wade, owner of Alma Berry Farms</span><span style="background-color: #ededed; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Our tour guides prepared a great itinerary for our day in and around Alma, Georgia. What I had envisioned as a stroll through a blueberry farm with possible a side-trip for a slice of pie, turned out to be a well-or</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">chestrated over-view of the state's blueberry production, in which we learned how the crop is grown, packed, processed and distributed. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Blueberries, it turns out, are big business. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">According to the USDA, Georgia is on track to become the country's largest producer of blueberries.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Georgia produced 68 million pounds of fruit last year, but this year’s crop is expected to exceed 80 million pounds. Blueberries out-produced peaches in the late 2000s in Georgia, and have been racing ahead ever since, according to the USDA.</span></span></div>
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You heard me right. The peach has been toppled from its throne, and there's a new fruit wearing the crown. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1wpiDlGKVc/U6Mwbd-YRWI/AAAAAAAACX8/cxT4g-7s7-8/s1600/2014-05-21+11.42.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1wpiDlGKVc/U6Mwbd-YRWI/AAAAAAAACX8/cxT4g-7s7-8/s1600/2014-05-21+11.42.04.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">The blueberry boom came about in part as Georgia farmers were looking for replacement crops for tobacco acreages. One of the facilities we toured was a warehouse that had also been converted from tobacco to blueberries. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The MBG cooperative owns and operates state-of-the-art blueberry receiving, pre-cooling, and shipping facilities in Alma, Georgia and Grand Junction, Michigan, i</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">n addition to facilities in Michigan, North Carolina, Indiana and Florida.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"> During our tour we saw first hand why they are called The Blueberry People. </span></div>
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I thought while we were in the height of Georgia's blueberry season, I would dabble in some blueberry recipe development. Stay tuned for some fun with the blues! Thanks to our tour guides and sponsors - you'll see more of them in upcoming posts. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-43578878838380800562014-05-24T08:44:00.003-04:002014-05-24T08:47:05.342-04:00We Be Jammin' - Mango Style<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fhs84_tgdWI/U3mI8L3f4iI/AAAAAAAACUo/u1IP-eKWT-Y/s1600/2014-04-19+09.02.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fhs84_tgdWI/U3mI8L3f4iI/AAAAAAAACUo/u1IP-eKWT-Y/s1600/2014-04-19+09.02.05.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Champagne Mango</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Every year around this time the supermarkets in Florida are inundated with Mangoes. They start out a bit pricey, but as the season stretches on they begin to proliferate, and prices begin to drop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love to eat them fresh cut, raw and unadorned, or chopped into a simple yet refreshing salsa with fresh jalapeno, red onion and cilantro. It's great as a topper to broiled or baked fish, or tossed in a taco with fresh cooked shrimp and cool crisp cabbage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />I'll chop them up and pop them into the freezer along with bananas, berries and cherries, then whir them into smoothies in the blender or into a fresh-frozen treat using my new favorite kitchen toy, the</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00532A6YK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00532A6YK&linkCode=as2&tag=nouthebea-20&linkId=SWTEMEEHM4GD64LE">Yonanas Frozen Dessert Maker</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=nouthebea-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00532A6YK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">From April to August, I seek out the smaller, sweeter, golden yellow Mexican Ataulfo variety, also known as Honey or Champagne mango. These are also great to eat right from the peel, but this year I decided to take my Mango-madness to new heights by cooking up some <b>Champagne Mango and Meyer Lemon Jam</b>. I was pleased with the results - Sweet and spicy mangoes melding with tart, fragrant Meyer lemons, with just a hint of ginger and cinnamon backbeat. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-540skarRKFQ/U3mCRrd4BZI/AAAAAAAACUY/g18YKq567f4/s1600/champagne+mango+jam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-540skarRKFQ/U3mCRrd4BZI/AAAAAAAACUY/g18YKq567f4/s1600/champagne+mango+jam.JPG" height="230" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Champagne Mango and Meyer Lemon Jam on toast.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm still perfecting the recipe, and apparently mango can be tricky to thicken in jams, but I didn't use any preservatives or pectin, so if you try it, plan on keeping in the fridge for two weeks tops. Or make a batch, then invite the neighbors over for mango-jam topped waffles and blast through it all in one sitting!</span><br />
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<b style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Champagne Mango and Meyer Lemon Jam</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I like sweet and tart
jams, so I upped the pucker quotient of this honey mango jam by adding not only
the zest and juice of two small, lovely Meyer lemons, but the pulp of a third,
chopped into small, juicy chunks. You can omit the chunks and reduce the lemon
quotient to the juice and zest of one lemon if you want a sweeter outcome. I
also added a little spice – you can omit these if you want, but I like how they
punch up the mango’s exotic flavor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">10 ripe champagne or honey
mangoes<br />
3 Cups organic cane sugar<br />
1 Tablespoon fresh grated ginger<br />
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon<br />
½ teaspoon ground cloves<br />
juice of 2 Meyer Lemons<br />
zest of 2 Meyer Lemons <br />
pulp of 1 Meyer Lemon (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Set a small plate with four teaspoons in the freezer. This
will be your test for doneness. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wash, peel, seed and chop the mangoes. Keep the chunks as
large as you’d like to see in the finished product. Alternately, you can puree
the finished jam for a smooth consistency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In a large, non-reactive pan, mix the chopped mangoes,
sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, lemon juice and pulp. Set aside for 15
minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cook mixture on medium low, stirring occasionally, until
sugar is dissolved, then add the lemon zest.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Continue to cook for 35 - 40 minutes. <br /><br />Test for doneness by
pulling one of the spoons from the freezer, loading a small amount of the jam
onto the spoon, then replace it in the freezer for 1/2 minute. Pull it out and
check how solid the jam is remaining. Does it coat the spoon, and stay solid
when you turn it slightly? It’s done. If it is still loose and weepy, keep
cooking. Test this way until it holds together but remains soft. It will firm up a little more when it cools. When done, remove from
heat and allow to cool completely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When the mixture is cool, ladle into the jars and close the
lids tightly. You can proceed to canning these for long term storage, or simply
pop into the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 2 weeks. <br />
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My ten small mangoes yielded just over 2 wide-mouth pint jars full. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="color: orange; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fun Fact:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> In the 1700′s, the word </span><i style="color: orange; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>mango</b></i><span style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> was used as a verb meaning </span><i style="color: orange; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>to pickle</b></i><span style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. For a time, anything pickled was called a mango, including peppers. This misuse of the word continued well into the 1970s in parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania. When groceries carried actual mangoes, the sign would sometimes read "</span><i style="color: orange; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Fruit Mango" </b></i><span style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">so as not to confuse shoppers. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Century gothic', Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18303331959762553154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20226843.post-79535007271942822052014-05-14T08:44:00.001-04:002014-05-14T08:44:20.960-04:003rd Annual Jax Truckies Food Truck Championship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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