Lotus Noodle Bar: Where Every Dish Tells a Story
By Vanessa Harper If you love food and don’t know the name Chef Barry Honan, you should. Nestled in a thoughtfully renovated space on the edge of bustling downtown St. Augustine, the Lotus Noodle Bar is in bloom. Run, don’t walk, to get there. Honan has a knack for setting ambitious goals and achieving them—and if I had to wager, reservations will soon be hard to come by. Honan’s attention to detail is meticulous and is a...
SoNapa Grille: The Essence of Sonoma County and Napa Valley
SoNapa Grille represents the essence of both Sonoma County and Napa Valley, arguably two of the greatest wine regions in the United States. The restaurant embodies the California wine country lifestyle with an inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a winery tasting room. Chef-inspired Northern California cuisine is served in a rustic, yet warm and casual wine-centric atmosphere. SoNapa is more than just a restaurant—it signifies passion,...
The Drunken Horse: French-inspired Deliciousness
By Cinda Sherman Just like the old-world city of St. Augustine itself, The Drunken Horse is both charming and quaint. The French-inspired restaurant feels like the perfect transition for its owner Azman Dayakli, a Kurdish immigrant from the far southeastern part of Turkey. At age 20 Azman moved to Israel, where he watched a lot of John Wayne movies about the Wild West and thought, “There’s a drunken horse with a crazy cowboy.” Thus,...
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...
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