The French Pantry Pinegrove Deli
Mr. Taco
Six Degrees of Exploration
The Floridian
Several local restaurants take some finding, but they are more than worth the hunt
A
s a food blogger and Folio Weekly’s Bite Club host, I always aim to support local restaurants and make an adventure out of finding new spots. Having lived in Jacksonville for 11 years, I’ve explored restaurants all over Northeast Florida. The most authentic places are always off the beaten path and often unearthed not by advertising, but by word-of-mouth, and may require a good GPS system to find. I’ll share a few of my favorites, but I encourage you to get out there and try new places: Explore strip centers, small stand-alone spots and those places you overhear co-workers talking about. The key is an open mind and a hungry stomach.
Mr. Taco 6426 Bowden Road, Southside
Adjacent to a convenience store and tucked away off I-95 on Bowden Road, Mr. Taco is a spotless, authentic Mexican spot with a fun salsa bar (salsas range from mild to super spicy) and delicious tortas. There are also several options for tacos, served on soft or hard homemade shells with cheese, cilantro and onion. Mr. Taco serves sodas imported directly from Mexico. It’s open for lunch and dinner and quickly fills up by midday. What to order: Start with the guacamole or queso. Then try the bean torta (unbeatable at $4) — beans, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and creamy avocado on an amazing fluffy grilled bread — or the trio of tacos special.
City Kidz Ice Cream Café 1303 N. Main St., Springfield
A fun find in the heart of Springfield, this is more than just an ice cream shop. City Kidz has partnered with leading educational institutions to promote financial literacy programs that enrich the lives of neighborhood children. The Springfield eatery opened in 2009 and serves ice cream (and pretzel cones!), smoothies, baked goods, gourmet sandwiches and homemade soups. What to order: The all-white-meat homemade chicken salad served on a pretzel bun. Add the nuts and raisins! Anthony’s Lump Crabcake is a close second choice.
The French Pantry 6301 Powers Ave., Southside
It took living in Jacksonville nine years to find this gem. The French Pantry is hidden behind a nondescript storefront in an industrial-looking building off University Boulevard and Philips Highway. Open weekdays at lunchtime, there’s guaranteed to be a line out the door. Crispy, freshbaked bread arrives with dipping oil and spices prior to the meal, and don’t dare skip the dessert case. Personal favorites include a brown betty tart with fresh berries and wedding cake. What to order: Any of the bruschettas. Toppings include shrimp, rich goat cheese and artichoke hearts and proscuitto, buffalo mozzarella and
artichoke hearts. Served with marinated tomatoes over a bed of lettuce, this item is big enough for two people to share.
The Floridian 39 Cordova St., St. Augustine
Fresh, local ingredients are in the spotlight at this cozy gem near Flagler College. Touting “innovative Southern fare,” The Floridian serves several locally sourced vegetarian dishes. The cornmeal-dusted fried green tomato bruschetta is a great starter, and the restaurant also serves a FGT (fried green tomato) hoagie with creamy cilantro mayo, crunchy cabbage slaw and melted pepperjack cheese. This hoagie comes with a chili cumin aioli and goat’s milk feta cheese. What to order: The shrimp remoulade po’boy or the Florida Sunshine Salad with Jose’s tempeh and datil strawberry dressing.
Soul Food Bistro at The Potter’s House 5310 Lenox Ave., Ste. 1, Northside
If you’re craving soul food, head west to Lenox Avenue. Located inside Potter’s House Christian Fellowship, this place offers all the best Southern fixins’ served cafeteria-style. There are lots of individually wrapped treats at the end of the line, so save room on your tray. Portions are plentiful, and the prices are just right. You won’t experience anything else like it in town. What to order: Grab a fried chicken drumstick, savory macaroni and cheese, collard greens and a wedge of cornbread. I recommend adding a slice of red velvet cake. Fried chicken not your style? Try the smothered pork chops (fried, then smothered) with blackeyed peas and collards.
Pinegrove Deli 1151 Pine Grove Ave., Avondale
Pinegrove has been an Avondale fixture since 1968. Inside you’ll find quality dry-aged steaks, freshly baked pitas and a variety of breakfast and lunch staples. Seating is limited, but making friends is encouraged among a smattering of communal-style tables. Get the pressed Cuban sandwich: tender, juicy roast pork, honey ham, melted swiss, sweet pickles and spicy mustard on crunchy, warm Cuban bread. The hamburgers are huge and all the specialty sandwiches are delicious. What to order: Da Stu — chicken salad, bacon and tabouli on pressed Cuban bread. Add a side of onion rings and ranch dressing and dig in. Caron Streibich biteclub@folioweekly.com
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AUGUST 9-15, 2011 | FOLIO WEEKLY | 51