Restaurant Orsay Unveils New Menu and Exquisite Renovations
By Laura Riggs Nestled in charming Historic Avondale, Restaurant Orsay has long been regarded as the gold standard of upscale dining in Jacksonville. For over 16 years, this culinary gem has captured the hearts (and palates) of locals and visitors alike with its expertly curated dishes that blend traditional French techniques with modern American southern influences. With a commitment to excellence, Orsay continues to evolve, recently...
Eleven South: Focused Fine Dining
By Buzz Thomas Spaniards say legado. Italians say eredità. The French say héritage. We Anglophones say legacy. That’s the word that comes to mind when you consider John Nagy’s impact on the First Coast. He and his wife Karen Belloit Thomas are icons of North Florida’s culinary landscape. They’re responsible for bringing us 3 Palms Grille (now closed), City Grille and Raw Bar (the critically acclaimed new restaurant in San Marco), and...
Pesca Vilano: Coastal Cuisine at Its Best
Fine Dining, Fine Wines, and Fine Times By Buzz Thomas Experienced travelers can likely recall one of two experiences when the term hotel restaurant is mentioned. It’s either a bland, disappointing, no-name bar and grill, or it’s a memorable culinary journey (akin to Salt at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island). Pesca Vilano most definitely falls into the latter of those two categories. Allow me to introduce you to Chef Michael...
Gold Star Restaurants
Making Jacksonville a Foodie Destination Discovering new dining options and old favorites that offer exceptional quality and consistency is what makes our annual Gold Star restaurant list so remarkable. As we continue to explore the diverse dining options in our community, we are reminded of the incredible resilience and dedication of the restaurant industry. This year’s Gold Star list is a celebration of those who have...
City Grille & Raw Bar: An Unparalleled Dining Experience
By Laura Riggs For anyone who ever visited the Wine Cellar in San Marco, it was a sad day when they closed their doors after 47 years in business. The restaurant had been a downtown staple for fine dining and well known for its wine collection. Business meetings, prom nights, first dates, wedding proposals, anniversaries, and so many other celebrations had taken place in one of Jacksonville’s oldest upscale restaurants for almost five...
Hospitality: Taverna Oceana Delivers the Speed of a Diner with the Skill of Fine Dining
By Laura Riggs Sam and Kiley Efron opened Taverna in 2009 and have consistently won some of the best restaurant awards locally and nationally. The couple has brought a fresh perspective on Italian dining with seasonal menus focused on simple ingredients and an incredibly curated wine selection. Whether visiting for a special occasion, or an everyday meal, Taverna offers an upscale dining experience with an approachable atmosphere....
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