It's right around the Corner

That is if you live on the Southside of Jacksonville. But wherever you are, make it a point to visit one of Jax's newest restaurants, the Corner Bistro and Wine Bar at Tapestry Park Circle off Southside Blvd.

Quiet, sophisticated, very personalized service in an atmosphere that makes you believe you fell into a corner of San Francisco's restaurant district minus the trolleys. The menu includes the traditional salads and seafood but the preparation makes the Bistro stand out among the crowd of chain restaurants. Everything is extremely fresh and well garnished. This is NOT a meat and potatoes type of restaurant. If you want to enjoy a medley of flavors coming together in perfect balance, enjoy lunch or dinner at the Bistro. If you're in a hurry ... don't.

Have I mentioned the white baby grand piano in the lounge! Pianist Mark Hall entertains on Friday and Saturday evening and he is amazing. Stop for a drink and stay for the total experience. Congrats Jacksonville, this Bistro is one to brag about!

Key West Arrives in Jax

So I was one of the patrons ready to experience Bahama Breeze when it opened last week. I admit it. New restaurants with a Caribbean flavor fascinate me. This one lost its lustre after the first 15 minutes.

The bar and wait staff moved quickly, the atmosphere was friendly, but the physical ambiance was too dark in my opinion. It appeared that every attempt was made to block out the sunlight and that completely changed the freshness of the interior. I've visited Key West and the brightness, light tones, and ceiling fans moving the tropical air around are all part of the experience. Sorry, this was too close to Red Lobster for me.

However, the appetizers and entrees are plentiful and diversified and everything has an interesting mix of flavors. Lots of chicken dishes with a Caribbean flair. Portions are plentiful.

The steel drum player on the patio attracts a crowd and the place will probably turn into a popular watering hole. I'll give it another try ... probably during the week to save a long wait.

Nothin' Like a Cozy Pub on a Frosty Day ...

and Donovan's Irish Pub on U.S. 1 is just that. Very welcoming atmosphere. The establishment offers traditional dishes like fish 'n chips and even Irish corned beef sandwiches on marble rye. Not what I was seeking in my quest for a CB but good nevertheless. Bit of a sports bar atmosphere. Perfect spot to raise a pint and cheer on your favorite team.
A counter behind the bar even clicks off the days to St. Patrick's Day. Fun spot to meet friends.

LaPentola Lights up the Night of Lights

St.Augustine had its annual Nights of Lights celebration on Saturday, and it was only fitting to toast the occasion with an early dinner in the courtyard of LaPentola restaurant in the historic district.

This country French restaurant is never disappointing. I know I said French but the menu is more European. So I always get my favorite lobster ravioli appetizer with a light cream sauce and compliment it with a New Zealand sauvignon blanc. A loaf of crusty warm bread is perfect for dipping into the amazing sauces and the wait staff has no problem offering more. The seafood and veal dishes are delicate and flavorful. A very extensive menu and everything is wonderful.

When you want to entertain, impress, or just enjoy a lunch or dinner in an intimate courtyard setting, this is the best place in St. Augustine. No wonder Flagler's COM Dept. hosts all of their guests here. Excellent choice.

If you ever wander up to St. Simons Island near Brunswick, Georgia, be sure to treat yourself to an amazing evening at Delaney's on Fredrica Rd. It is a true experience. The wait staff treat you as a "guest" not customer from the moment you walk in the door. My husband probably drove our waiter crazy selecting just the right French bordeaux for dinner, but he didn't flinch a bit. The trigger fish sauteed in a light lemon butter sauce was flakey and prepared beautifully with a risotto side. Impeccable in every detail. Check it out. Bring money (lots) but worth every penny.

I should have known when there was nobody in the restaurant at 7 p.m. After hearing the radio spot and realizing that Let's Noche was open in the evening, I couldn't wait to drive over and enjoy my long awaited corned beef sandwich. Well, it was marginal at best. Huge! But the meat was borderline rubbery. Great rye bread but the contents were disappointing. However the wait staff was incredibly friendly (why not ... who else was there to talk to!) Not much atmosphere but I was there for the deli, not the ambiance. I'd try it again but order something else next time. So the hunt for the perfect c.b. continues

It's not often when I can enjoy lunch during the week in a decent restaurant but I did today. The Chryssaidis family owns Athena Restaurant on Cathedral Place in St. Augustine and the gyro was excellent. Lots of lettuce, tomato, and lamb that was amazingly tender. Great sauce too. Very diversified menu for lunch or dinner and the neat part is the atmosphere. Welcoming ... not overdone. I found a card posted on the menu near the front door for a complimentary glass of wine with dinner. You know I'll be back!