GRILL ME! A WEEKLY Q&A WITH PEOPLE IN THE FOOD BIZ
NAME: William F. Wright RESTAURANT: Eva’s Grill & Bar, 610 S. Third St., Jax Beach BIRTHPLACE: Collierville, Tenn.; lived in Italy and Greece YEARS IN THE BIZ: 20-plus as a family FAVORITE RESTAURANT (besides mine): La Bella Donna, Sicily FAVORITE COOKING STYLE: Greek FAVORITE INGREDIENTS: Olive oil, lemon and garlic IDEAL MEAL: Porterhouse steak with portabella mushrooms and barolo reduction, Greek roasted potatoes, feta cheese and bread WOULDN’T EAT IF YOU PAID ME: Fermented shark INSIDER’S SECRET: No shortcuts. Use the freshest ingredients possible. CELEBRITY SIGHTING AT EVA’S: Tom Coughlin, Shannon Miller CULINARY GUILTY PLEASURE: Snickers and peperoncinis
chopped pork, beef brisket, chicken tenders – all made fresh daily. Sides, too. CM. L & D, daily. 13546 Beach Blvd., Ste. 1. 992-0130. $$ THAI ORCHID Authentic Thai cuisine made with fresh ingredients, including pad Thai, curry dishes and rice dishes. BW. L & D, daily. 12620 Beach Blvd., Ste. 4. 683-1286. $$ TIME OUT SPORTS GRILL F Wings, gourmet pizza, fresh seafood and specialty wraps. FB. D, Mon.-Fri.; L & D, Sat. & Sun. 13799 Beach Blvd., Ste. 5. 223-6999. $$
JULINGTON, NW ST. JOHNS
BLACKSTONE GRILLE The menu blends flavors from a variety of cultures and influences for modern American fusion cuisine, served in a bistro-style setting. FB. L & D, Mon.-Fri., D, Sat.; Sun. brunch. 112 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste. 102. 287-0766. $$$ BRUCCI’S PIZZA F See Intracoastal. 540 S.R. 13, Ste. 10, Fruit Cove. 287-8317. $$ PIZZA PALACE F See San Marco. 116 Bartram Oaks Walk. 230-2171. $ TAPS BAR & GRILL F Taps’ chefs prepare every dish: beef, chicken and shrimp, with the freshest ingredients. Large selection of premium beers on tap. CM, FB. L & D, daily. 2220 C.R. 210 W., St. Johns. 819-1554. $$ VINO’S PIZZA F With four locations, Vino’s makes all their Italian and American dishes with fresh ingredients. L & D, daily. 605 S.R. 13, Ste. 103. 230-6966. $ WAKAME JAPANESE & THAI CUISINE F The fine dining restaurant offers authentic Japanese and Thai cuisine, a full sushi menu, curries and pad dishes. CM, FB. L & D, daily. 104 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste. 108. 230-6688. $$
MANDARIN
AL’S PIZZA F See Beaches. 11190 San Jose Blvd. 260-4115. $ ANATOLIA GRILL & BAR F This Turkish restaurant serves authentic Italian/Mediterranean cuisine, including flatbread items, calzones, pasta dishes, shishkabobs, seafood, wraps and salads. Musakka, falafel and lamb shank are house specialties. BW. CM. L & D, daily. 9825 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 1. 329-1336. $$ AW SHUCKS The seafood place offers an oyster bar, steaks, seafood, wings, pasta. Faves: ahi tuna, shrimp & grits, oysters Rockefeller. Sweet potato puffs are the signature side. CM, FB. L & D, daily. 9743 Old St. Augustine Rd. 240-0368. $$ THE BLUE CRAB CRABHOUSE F A Maryland-style crabhouse featuring fresh blue crabs, garlic crabs, and king, snow and Dungeness crab legs. FB, CM. D, Tue.-Sat.; L & D, Sun. 3057 Julington Creek Rd. 260-2722. $$ BRAZILIAN JAX CAFE F Authentic Brazilian dishes include steaks, sausages, chicken, fish, burgers and hot sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. Traditional feijoada (black beans and pork stew with rice, collards, orange salad and toasted yucca flour with bacon) is served every Sat. TO. B, L & D, Mon.-Sat. 9825 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 20. 880-3313. $$ BROOKLYN PIZZA F The traditional pizzeria serves New York-style pizza, specialty pies, and subs, strombolis and calzones. BW. L & D, daily. 11406 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 3, 288-9211. 13820 St. Augustine Rd., 880-0020. $ CLARK’S FISH CAMP F Clark’s has steak, ribs, AYCE catfish dinners, 3-pound prime rib. Dine in, out or in a creek-view glass-enclosed room. FB. D, Mon.-Fri.; L & D, Sat. & Sun. 12903 Hood Landing Rd. 268-3474. $$ DON JUAN’S RESTAURANT F Authentic Mexican dishes prepared daily from scratch, served in a casual atmosphere. FB, CM. L & D, daily. 12373 San Jose Blvd. 268-8722. $$
ENZA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Family-owned, Enza’s offers fine Italian dining, featuring veal and seafood dishes. Daily specials. FB, CM, TO. D, Tue.-Sun. 10601 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin Landing. 268-4458. $$$ GIGI’S RESTAURANT Breakfast buffet daily, lunch buffet weekdays. The Comedy Zone (Best of Jax winner) has an appetizer menu. FB. B, L & D, daily. I-295 & San Jose Blvd. (Ramada Inn). 268-8080. $$ (Fri. & Sat. buffet, $$$) GOLDEN CORRAL See Intracoastal. 11470 San Jose. 886-9699. HALA CAFE & BAKERY F See Southside. 9735 Old St. Augustine Rd. 288-8890. $$ HARMONIOUS MONKS F American-style steakhouse features a 9-oz. choice Angus center-cut filet topped with gorgonzola shiitake mushroom cream sauce, 8-oz. gourmet burgers, fall-off-the-bone ribs, wraps, sandwiches. FB. L & D, Mon.-Sat. 10550 Old St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 30. 880-3040. $$ LeGRAND’S THE STEAK & SEAFOOD PLACE F Locally owned and operated, LeGrand’s offers aged beef cured onsite in the dry aging room and cut in-house, as well as seafood, chicken and a variety of sides. FB, CM. L & D, daily; Br. Sun. 11290 Old St. Augustine Rd. 268-3663. $$$ MAMA FU’S ASIAN HOUSE MSG-free pan-Asian cuisine prepared to order in woks using fresh ingredients. Authentic Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Thai dishes. BW, CM. L & D, daily. 11105 San Jose Blvd. 260-1727. $$ MANDARIN ALE HOUSE 30-plus beers on tap. FB. L & D, daily. 11112 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 19. 292-0003. $$ METRO DINER F Best of Jax 2012 winner. See San Marco. 12807 San Jose Blvd. 638-6185. $$ NATIVE SUN NATURAL FOODS MARKET F Best of Jax 2012 winner. Organic supermarket with full deli and salad bar serving wraps, quesadillas, chopped salads, vegetarian dishes. Fresh juice and smoothie bar. Indoor and outdoor seating. Mon.-Sat. 10000 San Jose Blvd. 260-6950. $ PICASSO’S PIZZERIA F Specializes in hand-tossed gourmet pizza, calzones, homemade New York-style cheesecake and handmade pasta. Fresh local seafood and steaks. BW, CM, TO. L & D daily. 10503 San Jose Blvd. 880-0811. $$ POMPEII COAL-FIRED PIZZA See Orange Park. 9825 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 24, Outback Plaza. 503-2230. $$ RACK ’EM UP SPORTS BAR This cigar & hookah lounge offers bar food and more than 200 beers, imported and domestic. D, nightly. 4268 Oldfield Crossing Dr. 262-4030. $ THE RED ELEPHANT PIZZA & GRILL F This casual, familyfriendly eatery serves pizzas, sandwiches, grill specials and pasta dishes. FB, CM. L & D, daily. 10131 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 12. 683-3773. $$ TANK’S FAMILY BAR-B-Q F Owned and operated by the Tankersley family, this place offers made-from-scratch Southern-style fare, featuring their own sauces. CM, BW. L & D, Mon.-Sat. 11701 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 23. 351-8265. $$ VINO’S PIZZA F See Julington. L & D, daily. 4268 Oldfield Crossing Dr. 268-6660. $ WHOLE FOODS MARKET F 100+ prepared items at a fullservice and self-service hot bar, soup bar, dessert bar. Madeto-order Italian specialties from a brick oven pizza hearth. L & D, daily. 10601 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 22. 288-1100. $$
ORANGE PARK
ARON’S PIZZA F The family-owned restaurant offers eggplant dishes, manicotti and New York-style pizza. BW, CM, TO. L & D daily. 650 Park Ave. 269-1007. $$ GATOR’S DOCKSIDE F For 18-plus years, the sports-themed family place has served wings, ribs, sandwiches. FB. L & D, daily. 9680 Argyle Forest Blvd. 425-6466. $$
GOLDEN CORRAL Best of Jax 2012 winner. See Intracoastal. 582 Blanding Blvd. 272-0755. $ THE HILLTOP CLUB She-crab soup, scallops, prime beef, wagyu beef, chicken Florentine, stuffed grouper. Chef Nick’s salmon is a hit. FB. D, Tue.-Sat. 2030 Wells Rd. 272-5959. $$ JOEY MOZARELLAS The Italian restaurant’s specialty is a 24-slice pizza: 18˝x26˝ of fresh ingredients and sauces made daily. CM, TO. L & D, daily. 930 Blanding Blvd. 579-4748. $$ PASTA MARKET & CLAM BAR Family-owned-and-operated. Gourmet pizza, veal, chicken, mussels, shrimp, grouper. The pastas: spaghetti, fettuccine, lasagna, calzones, linguini, ravioli, made with fresh ingredients, homemade-style. CM, BW, sangria. 1930 Kingsley Ave. 276-9551. D, nightly. $$ POMPEII COAL-FIRED PIZZA Pizzas are baked in coal-fired ovens. Popular pizzas include Health Choice and Mozzarella. Coal-fired sandwiches and wings, too. BW. L & D, daily. 2134 Park Ave. 264-6116. $$ THE ROADHOUSE F Burgers, wings, deli sandwiches, popular lunches. FB. L & D, daily. 231 Blanding Blvd. 264-0611. $ THAI GARDEN F Authentic traditional Thai fare made with fresh ingredients, served in a relaxed atmosphere. Curry dishes and specialty items include crispy duck, pra-ram, pad Thai, seafood. BW. L, Mon.-Fri.; D, Sat. & Sun. 10 Blanding Blvd., Ste. A. 272-8434. $$
PONTE VEDRA, NE ST. JOHNS
AL’S PIZZA F See Beaches. Open daily. 635 A1A. 543-1494. $ AQUA GRILL Upscale cuisine: fresh seafood, Angus steaks, Maine lobster, vegetarian dishes. Outdoor patio seating. FB. L, Mon.-Sat.; D, nightly. 950 Sawgrass Village Dr. 285-3017. $$$ THE AUGUSTINE GRILLE *Bite Club Certified! Chef Brett Smith’s global cuisine is seasonal and local. Selections include prime steaks, New York strip, lamb and lobster Napoleon. FB, CM. D, nightly. 1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Sawgrass Marriott. 285-7777. $$$ BRUCCI’S PIZZA F Authentic New York-style pizza, Italian pastas, paninis, desserts. Family atmosphere. CM. L & D, daily. 880 A1A, Ste. 8. 280-7677. $$ CAFFE ANDIAMO Traditional Italian cuisine: fresh seafood, veal, homemade pastas and wood-fired pizza prepared in a copper clad oven. An extensive wine list is offered in a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Dine indoors or out on the terrace. L & D, daily. 500 Sawgrass Village. 280-2299. $$$ LULU’S WATERFRONT GRILLE F On the Intracoastal Waterway, LuLu’s can be reached by car or by boat. Seafood, steaks and pasta dishes with a sophisticated flair. FB. L & D, daily; Sun. brunch. 301 N. Roscoe Blvd. 285-0139. $$ MULLIGAN’S PUB F The new Irish gastropub, at Hilton Garden Inn, offers a variety of favorites and Irish dishes. FB. D, daily. 45 PGA Tour Blvd. 280-1661. $$ NINETEEN AT TPC SAWGRASS In Sawgrass’ Tournament Players Club, Nineteen features more than 230 wines and freshly prepared American and Continental cuisine, including local seafood, served inside or al fresco on the verandah. L & D, daily. 110 Championship Way. 273-3235. $$$ PALM VALLEY FISH CAMP This intimate restaurant, owned by the Groshells, is the real deal – local seafood served by a professional crew, right on the Intracoastal Waterway. Popular items are the shrimp & grits, blackened mahi with tasso gravy and bread pudding. BW. CM. L & D, Tue.-Sun.; D, nightly. 299 N. Roscoe Blvd. 285-3200. $$$ PUSSER’S BAR & GRILLE *Bite Club Certified! F Freshly prepared Caribbean cuisine, including red snapper Ponte Vedra Jamaican grilled pork ribs and barbecued salmon tower. Tropical rum drinks include Pusser’s Painkiller. FB. L & D, daily. 816 A1A N., Ste. 100. 280-7766. L, $$; D, $$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Best of Jax 2012 winner. See San Marco. 8141 A1A. 285-0014. $$$$ 619 OCEAN VIEW Dining with a Mediterranean touch; fresh seafood, steaks and nightly specials. FB, CM. D, Wed.-Sun. 619 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Cabana Beach Club. 285-6198. $$$ TABLE 1 This new upscale, casual restaurant has a variety of items, from appetizers to entrées to salads, as well as a wine bar featuring an extensive list of wines by the glass. FB. L & D, daily. 330 A1A N. 280-5515. $$$
RIVERSIDE, 5 POINTS, WESTSIDE
AL’S PIZZA F See Beaches. 1620 Margaret St. 388-8384. $ BLACK SHEEP RESTAURANT Orsay’s sister restaurant serves new American favorites with a Southern twist, made with locally sourced ingredients. Rooftop bar. L & D, daily; Br. Sun. 1534 Park St. 355-3793. $$$ BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS Chef Adam Burnett F Best of Jax 2012 winner. Artisan-crafted, small-batch roasted specialty coffees from its certified organic roastery and brew bar, including lattes, local pastries, craft beers. BW. 869 Stockton St., Stes. 1 & 2. 855-1181. $ CARMINE’S PIE HOUSE F The Italian eatery offers pizza by
the slice, gourmet pizzas, appetizers, classic Italian dishes (calzone, stromboli, subs, panini) and microbrews served in a casual atmosphere. BW, CM, TO. 2677 Forbes St. 387-1400. $$ COOL MOOSE F Classic sandwiches, eclectic wraps and desserts. An extensive gourmet coffee menu with Green Mountain coffees and frozen coffee drinks. B & L, daily. Sun. Br. 2708 Park St. 381-4242. $ COZY TEA CAFÉ It’s moved down a few spots, and is again serving weekend Indian dinners, along with weekday lunches. 1023 Park St. 329-3964. $$ DERBY ON PARK New owners, new space and new menu. L & D, Tue.-Sat.; Br. Sun. 1068 Park St. 379-3343. $$ EDGEWOOD BAKERY F Best of Jax 2012 winner. For nearly 65 years, the espresso and pastry café has served fresh breakfast pastries, petit fours and pies, sandwiches, smoothies and soups. B & L, Mon.-Sat. 1012 S. Edgewood Ave., Murray Hill. 389-8054. $ EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ F See San Marco. 2753 Park St. 384-9999. $ GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET Deli Supervisor Nicole Gurgiolo F Organic and natural market with juice & smoothie bar. Wide selection of organic produce, gourmet cheeses, humanely raised meats. Grab-and-go sandwiches, wraps, salads and sides. Craft beers, organic wines. B, L & D, Mon.-Sat. 2007 Park St. 384-4474. $ HOVAN MEDITERRANEAN GOURMET F Dine inside or on the patio. Mediterranean entrées include lamb, and beef gyros. L & D, Mon.-Sat. 2005-1 Park St. 381-9394. $ JOHNNY’S DELI & GRILL F A Riverside tradition, serving 60+ fresh deli and grill items, including hot sandwiches. L, Mon.Fri. 474 Riverside Ave. 356-8055. $ KICKBACKS GASTROPUB F Best of Jax 2012 winner. This neighborhood spot serves favorites 20 hours a day, every day. 655+ bottled beers, 84 on tap. CM. 910 King St. 388-9551. $$ MONROE’S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ Smoked meats include wings, pulled pork, brisket, turkey and ribs. Homemade-style sides include green beans, baked beans, red cole slaw, collards. BW, CM. L & D, Mon.-Sat. 4838 Highway Ave., 389-5551. $$ MOON RIVER PIZZA F Best of Jax 2012 winner. See Amelia Island. 1176 Edgewood Ave. S. 389-4442. $ MOSSFIRE GRILL F Southwestern menu with ahi tuna tacos, goat cheese enchiladas and gouda quesadillas. Dine inside or on the patio. FB. L & D, daily. 1537 Margaret St. 355-4434. $$ MY MOCHI FROZEN YOGURT See St. Johns Town Center. 1661 Riverside Ave., Ste. 128. 900-1955. $ O’BROTHERS IRISH PUB F Innovative Irish fare and traditional faves are offered, like lambburger with Stilton crust, Guinness mac & cheese, Shepherd’s pie and fish-n-chips – plus 18 beers on tap. L, daily except Mon.; D, daily. CM, FB. 1521 Margaret St. 854-9300. $$ PELE’S WOOD FIRE At this innovative restaurant, Chef Micah Windham uses a wood-fired oven to create traditional, authentic Italian fare with a modern (Hawaiian!) twist. CM, FB, TO. L & D, daily; Br., weekend. 2665 Park St. 232-8545. $$ PERARD’S PIZZA & ITALIAN CUISINE Traditional Italian fare with fresh sauces and dough made from scratch daily. Large selection of gourmet pizza toppings. CM, BW. L & D, daily. 11043 Crystal Springs Rd., Ste. 2. 378-8131. $ PERFECT RACK BILLIARDS Upscale billiards hall has burgers, steak, deli sandwiches, wings. Family-friendly, non-smoking. BW, CM. L & D, daily. 1186 Edgewood Ave. S., Murray Hill. 738-7645. $ SAKE HOUSE #1 JAPANESE GRILL & SUSHI BAR F Japanese grill and sushi bar features sushi, sashimi, katsu, tempura, hibachi and specialty rolls. CM, BW, sake. L & D, daily. 824 Lomax St. 301-1188. $$ SOUP’S ON JACKSONVILLE F Best of Jax 2012 winner. This casual place offers good-for-you soups, sandwiches and salads without the usual fat and salt – hot and cold gourmet seafood and meat dishes, vegetarian, vegan dishes. Take-out fresh/frozen soups. L & D, daily. 1526 King St. 387-9394. $ SUMO SUSHI F Authentic Japanese fare, traditional to entrees and sushi rolls, spicy sashimi salad, tobiko (flying fish roe), Rainbow roll (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, California roll). BW, CM. L & D, daily. 2726 Park St. 388-8838. $$ SUSHI CAFÉ F A variety of sushi, including popular Monster Roll and Jimmy Smith Roll, along with faves like Rock-n-Roll and Dynamite Roll. Sushi Café also offers hibachi, tempura, katsu and teriyaki. BW. Dine indoors or on the patio. L & D, daily. 2025 Riverside Ave. Publix Plaza. 384-2888. $$ TAPA THAT This place puts a modern spin on traditional tapas-style service, using locally/organically grown items as much as possible. Specialties include duck confit spring rolls and Cuban rice & beans cake. CM, BW. L & D, Tue.-Sat. 820 Lomax St. 376-9911. $$ 13 GYPSIES Best of Jax 2012 winner. The intimate bistro serves authentic Mediterranean peasant cuisine, specializing in tapas, blackened octopus, risotto of the day and coconut mango curry chicken. BW. L & D, Tue.-Sat. 887 Stockton St. 389-0330. $$ TWO DOORS DOWN F Traditional faves: hotcakes, omelets, burgers, pork chops, liver & onions, fried chicken, sides and desserts. CM, TO. B & L, Mon.-Fri. 436 Park St. 598-0032. $
JANUARY 9-15, 2013 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 47