Taco Lu Night Eye Oct 30 2013

TacoLu Baja Mexicana on Beach Boulevard is the place to be nearly every night of the week. The food is creative and delicious, and the liquor selection is something to behold. More than 130 tequilas and 25 mezcals will keep both connoisseurs and amateurs happy. The Beaches crowd makes “The Lu” a popular nightspot, but locals can spot Lu bumper stickers miles away from the ocean. The recently relocated restaurant is known for its shots, super-friendly staff and bangin’ tacos.

http://folioweekly.com/TacoLu-Baja-Mexicana-Oct-27,7878

Menu Masters Folio Weekly Oct 30. 2013

By Abigail Wright

Posted 10/30/13

With abundant local produce nearly all year ’round from nearby farms and seafood straight from the ocean, Northeast Florida chefs have the tools to concoct creative cuisine. Most diners never know what it takes to mold the menus in their hands. Chefs spend hours, days and weeks creating their selections of appetizers and entrées. Most are inspired by their family, friends and environment. Here’s a peek inside the imaginations of four local chefs.

A Chef with Moxie

Chef Tom Gray, along with his wife and partner Sarah Marie Johnston, know something about crafting menus. The founders of Bistro Aix helped make the San Marco restaurant one of Northeast Florida’s best. After 13 years, they left Bistro Aix to launch Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails in the St. Johns Town Center, due to open in late November.

Moxie‘s modern, angled exterior and urban rustic dining room differ from Bistro Aix’s appearance, but the menus differ as well. While Bistro Aix was built on international cuisine, Moxie will have an “American flavors from coast-to-coast” theme.

Gray’s travels from New York City to Napa Valley and from Seattle to Maine combine with his artistry as a cook to become his version of the “American flavor story” one plate at a time.

“The menu is a personal expression of the flavors Chef Tom and his team find most inspiring, with craft cocktails, local brews and a Cal-centric wine list to complement the offerings,” Johnston said.

The Moxie crew has invented some of their favorite meals quite by accident. Leftover party beers? No problem — use them in your pancake batter the next morning. A recipe for the tasty cakes is even being added to a cookbook from Intuition Ale Works, due out later this year. Gray blends his personal tastes with seasonal produce to make innovative dishes. He described his method of invention as artful, sensible and effective.

“When I set out to make a menu or a new dish, I don’t necessarily look at the protein on the plate first,” Gray said. “I choose the produce first always.”

He’s got the right idea: Produce changes, proteins usually not. Everything on the plate counts.

“I prefer a big flavor — with focus,” Gray said. He bases a lot of his ideas for Moxie’s menu on simple, home-cooked meals. “I think of something I make at home and then look up to see other ways to make it interesting, or different techniques folks have tried.”

He experiments with different concepts, replacing some key ingredients, making sure the dish is delicious no matter what dietary needs a diner has. Vegetarian? No problem. Beef stock can be easily replaced with mushroom stock, resulting in the same hearty flavors. He and his team taste-test multiple versions of each dish before it’s added to a menu.

Gray brought Executive Sous Chef Al Fuentes with him from Bistro Aix to Moxie, as well as Sous Chef Scott Bevis (Woodfire Grill in Atlanta), Sous Chef Dean Marcel Dowda (Cyrus in Healdsburg, Calif.) and Pastry Chef Sylvia Gould (Kool Beanz in Tallahassee).

European Taste

Chef Sam Efron of Taverna in San Marco assembles his seasonal European cuisine menu with a specific goal in mind.

“When making menu items for Taverna, my personal tastes and styles are definitely reflected to some degree because it is my food, but most important, I focus on what is the style of the restaurant that my wife and I have created and stay true to that,” Efron said. “I have other styles of food and cuisine that I enjoy to cook very much, but they would feel out of place at Taverna.”

Some of his most popular dishes are lamb meatballs with herbed ricota ravioli, ratatouille and kale; salmon with white beans, kale and warm olive vinaigrette; and cheese and charcuterie plates with selections of sheeps milk, triple crème, goats milk, prosciutto, capocollo, chorizo and more.

His approach has proved successful for Taverna. Construction on a next-door expansion began in August, and Efron plans to complete the work by mid-November. The plans include a private dining room that can accommodate parties of up to 40 people. A new bar will offer handcrafted cocktails. A quick-service lunch section will allow guests to order from the same lunch menu at a counter and take a seat in a special section while they wait for their food to come to them. Or guests may choose to be seated at a table and be waited on by a server. Dinner as well as Saturday and Sunday brunch will remain full service.

Taverna’s menu has made it a favorite on the square for four years. Efron meticulously searches for items online, in books and at cooking shows, asking opinions of friends and family, to perfect a specific vision for his restaurant. And like Gray, Efron buys local, seasonal produce for dishes such as the butternut squash soup with apples, bacon, pomegranate molasses, crème fraiche and sage.

Affinity for Fresh Fish

Chef Bill Pinner of The Fish Company in Atlantic Beach takes inspiration from a busy household including his two girls and constant change. Not surprisingly, his menu is driven by the fresh catches from the sea, with new selections delivered every morning.

This seasonal approach makes him flexible: If there’s leftover fresh fish, why not add it to a ceviche or a soup?

Pinner might represent the Beaches’ chill lifestyle, but he takes his food seriously.

“I have to be fully committed to the product I am selling,” he said.

He won’t cut corners on his menu and would never add an item that wasn’t the highest quality, he said. Nothing goes out on a plate unless it passes his taste inspection.

Planning meals around the best available seafood allows him more time to invent delectable side dishes, like spinach Asiago fritters, blistered green bean medley and cheese grits.

“Sometimes the recipes just come to me — like a songwriter,” Pinner said.

Southern Comfort

Some chefs are guided by their Southern roots, like Chef Scotty Schwartz of 29 South in Fernandina Beach.

“I was classically trained, but the regional foods I grew up with are so close to my heart, it just makes sense that that is what I do best,” Schwartz said.

This award-winning artist — winner of Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax Best Chef in 2007 and 2008 and Best New Restaurant in 2006 — takes full advantage of the local ecosystem. He has 300 hens, a pair of Berkshire pigs for chops, 14 organic garden beds and even a St. Augustine beekeeper on call.

“We take our ingredients seriously,” he said. “I believe in ingredient-based cooking. In other words, I believe in the purity of the flavors on a plate and often that means less is more. Let a perfect tomato be just that, a perfect tomato, and don’t mess with it. Don’t muddle the perfection with extraneous steps and ingredients on the plate. Every good artist knows how to paint. A great artist knows when to put the paintbrush down.”

Clearly. Like most of the Northeast Florida chefs, he, too, changes his restaurant’s menu to match the season.

“Mother Nature tells us what to cook,” he said, “not our egos.”

He pours his childhood memories and world travel experiences into some of the best cuisine on the island. He earned the Spirit of Slow Food award and a Snail of Approval in 2009. In 2010 and 2011, Florida Trend Magazine bestowed 29 South the coveted Golden Spoon. His favorite menu item reflects this: a sweet tea-brined DelKat Farm pork chop on mac ’n’ cheese with warm blackberry ginger preserves.

Beer and wine also play an integral part of the dining experience.

“When I taste wines for the list I am constantly pairing them mentally to my food because it eventually helps the staff when it comes to the right tableside recommendation and sale,” Schwartz said.

Chefs can chart new territory for foodies, venturing out into the world to bring home new culinary experiences. At times, exotic items pack a high price tag that determines how and when new ingredients are used.

“Price and value definitely play a part in the decision for any ingredient, not just new ones,” Schwartz said. “I can add truffles — not an ounce per plate — but enough to get the point across and expose someone to the flavor.”

How these items arrive on the menus in our hands might be a mystery for those of us without the gastronomic gift, but the proof on our plates is all that matters.

Now, what to order?

http://folioweekly.com/Menu-Masters,7935

Night Eye Folio Weekly Miller's Ale House

Oct. 17 2013

Are you ready for some football? Or basketball, hockey or baseball? Whatever ball you sports fans chase, head to Miller's Ale House at Hodges and Beach boulevards for the game of your choice. Huge TVs, plenty of drinks and lots of folks enjoying the Southside nightlife await. No taste is too pedestrian here. "We sell PBR like it is crack around here," one bartender said.

http://folioweekly.com/Millers-Ale-House-Oct-17,7775?page_size=12&category_id=169,&sub_type=photos

Night Eye Folio Weekly Burro Bar

Oct 11. 2013

Burro Bar in Downtown Jacksonville is easily one of the most diverse nightlife spots in the whole city. Any given night, you’re likely to see a rap battle outside or a punk band inside. Burro hosts live underground music most nights of the week. Boasting the coldest cans in town and a plethora of taps, there's a beer — or some other libation — for everyone to enjoy. “Burro is like a second home for me. There’s no sense of it being exclusively a nightclub or just a venue,” Burro booking manager Jimmi Bayer said. 

http://folioweekly.com/Burro-Bar-Oct-11,7677?page_size=12&category_id=169,&sub_type=photos

Night Eye Folio Weekly Birdies Riverside

Oct. 5.2013

Ask any Riverside resident to describe Birdies and you’re likely to hear words like hipster, local and fun. You’ll find people of every age, attitude and race. What you won't find is pretension and exclusivity. It is without a doubt one of the most energetic dance places in town, with a unique attitude of its own. While not considered a club, it could easily rival any dance club with its enthusiastic patrons. From the mosaic on the outside wall to the bottle-capped bathroom walls, it’s by far the hippest place in Five Points. On Oct. 5, owner Christie Frazer celebrated the bar’s four-year anniversary — an evening of happy local heroes and loyal dancing (and drinking) patrons.

http://folioweekly.com/Birdies-Oct5,7599?page_size=12&category_id=169,&sub_type=photos

Night Eye Folio Weekly World of Beer

Sept 30. 2013

Northeast Florida beer lovers, rejoice! World of Beer has arrived on Deer Lake Court in Tinseltown. Every night of the week is alive with music, games, a huge crowd and a massive variety of beers from all over the world to suit even the snobbiest of the beer snobs and the rest of us average hopheads, too. Everything from Abita to Yuengling is on tap or in the bottle or can. The energetic staff is knowledgeable about every pour. Live music is featured Thursday through Saturday with local bands, including Who Rescued Who, Matt Collins, Bread & Butter and The Clayton Bush Trio. Monday is service industry night, and Tuesday is loyalty member night, shaving 25 percent off select beers for cardholders — there's even an app for that. A selection of wine is also available, and a great menu offers tasty items to soak up the brews. 

http://folioweekly.com/World-of-Beer,7480?page_size=12&category_id=169,&sub_type=photos

Night Eye Folio Weekly/ Park Place

Sept 22. 2013
Park Place Lounge on King Street is a neighborhood favorite. This Riverside gem, with a huge fan base of locals who gather there nearly every night, offers classic drink specials as well as some prized original-recipe drinks. One such concoction is the tequila pickle-juice shot: that’s right — tequila first, then pickle juice. Don’t pucker; it’s surprisingly smooth. Park Place also has a fantastic “sand bar” in the back where folks can relax and stick their feet in the sand. Inside are two bars, pool tables and dartboard. DJs spin most nights for the dancers who move to impress on the floor. Daytime specials bring the night owls out early, and Weiner Wednesdays mean hot dog days. 

http://folioweekly.com/Park-Place-Sept-22,7339?page_size=12&category_id=169,&sub_type=photos

Mellow Mushroom Sept 12.

Welcome to Pie Town USA! Mellow Mushroom in Jacksonville Beach is the spot for awesome pizza, great beer and terrific local live music. At this popular watering hole smack in the middle of what's becoming known as Restaurant Row, there really is something for everyone. Ladies' night definitely draws a crowd every Thursday night, with $1 house wine and $3 Three Olives — for both genders. A huge crowd hangs there nearly every night; not surprisingly, Mellow Mushroom has a long list of happenings and events at all five locations. (New MMs are now open in Avondale and St. Augustine.) Poker nights, live music and beer clubs lure a diverse bunch. If you’re a football fan (and who isn't in Northeast Florida in the fall?), you're covered — tons of TVs and great sound let you catch all your SEC games and other conferences, too. Mellow Mushroom is the hub for beach peeps ready to cheer, party and dance all night.

http://folioweekly.com/Mellow-Mushroom-Jacksonville-Beach-Sept12,7171

Night Eye Folio Weekly /Raindogs.

No longer does a bibliophile have to ponder in agony: Do I stay home and read and drink beer alone, or do I venture out and read among the masses at a bar? Well, fellow imbibing bookworms, your search is over. Rain Dogs in Riverside has it all. Good drinks, good eats (menu available soon) and its own precious little library.

With a plethora of books and beers from which to choose, your night is sure to be fulfilling. Opened in July by local entrepreneurs in-the-know Christina Wagner, Ian Ranne and Will Greene, the bar in Historic Five Points draws a diverse crowd — much like the surrounding neighborhood denizens.

The space also serves as a venue for travelling musicians and artists; a recent show featured The Slaughter Daughters from Oregon, and St. Augustine artist Tony Rodrigues has several pieces on display. Displaying local art is an important part of Rain Dogs' appeal, and owners Wagner and Ranne are themselves performing musicians.

Some ongoing monthly events include DJ D.O.T.S. Dance Party every first Friday (soul, funk, rock n roll on all vinyl), Dialectable Beats $BIG BUCK$ Crew every first Saturday (hip hop, funk, soul), and Tambor (five-piece Latin jazz fusion) on the last Saturday of the month.

http://folioweekly.com/Rain-Dogs-Sept-5,7009

Night Eye Folio Weekly / Dos Gatos

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Dos Gatos is the place to see and be seen in the Downtown Jacksonville scene. Directly across from The Florida Theatre on West Forsyth Street, 'Dos' is a not-so-hole-in-the-wall joint specializing in an array of cocktails. The low lights make it feel cozy and the giant couches complement the space by adding a relaxed vibe. If you're an avid imbiber, then this place is definitely for you — all the cocktails are specially made-to-order by the bartenders who ply their trade like artists. Some favorites include the Red Dawn made from seasonal berries, ginger and vodka; it's oh-so-smooth going down; El Verando is made from cucumber muddled with agave nectar, tequila and a splash of pineapple juice. The fun crowd is diverse, which makes it ideal for Trivia Night, held every Thursday.

http://folioweekly.com/Dog-Gatos-Aug-29,6843

JCCI Young Professionals Party

March 2013

Networking as a young adult can be crucial for ‘making it’ in the business world. Long lasting professional relationship require a certain amount of rapport that can sometimes be difficult to establish and attending events sponsored by up and coming groups like JCCIforward aids in facilitating bonds that may otherwise be labored if one is not ambitious enough. Effectively, there were over 100 people eager to shake hands and weave through 927 Events for the JCCI sponsored Pizza Party. The  Kick off following the March JAX2025 meeting supported the “In-Town vs Downtown Forum” by JCCI.. The organization with the most young professionals representing their affiliation won tickets to the “Prom” themed party on June 8. Aiming for the honor were several groups; United Way Atlantic Circle, TransformJAx, The Republican Revolt Group, FDOT, Jax Parks, Dragstravaganza, One Spark, and JCCIForward to name a few. The tickets were won by Rotaract of Florida’s First Coast with 8% of the total attendees. Their vision is to enhance our community through the common bonds of professional development, service and friendship. In 2nd place was United Way Atlantic Circle. Intuition Ale Works donated plenty of libations from their brewery and the party was catered by the in house chefs from 927 Events. Ennis Davis, a civic activist spoke about the power of the people in our surrounding downtown boroughs and how getting involved can make such a difference in the vibrancy of our community. One Spark outreach and engagement director, Aschelle Morgan was also on hand to speak on behalf of the foundation in order to inspire existing volunteers to recruit more friends to the crowd funding festival in mid-April. Michelle Simkulet, volunteer coordinator for JAX2025, explains that the “In Town vs Downtown” forum will help give a better understanding of the obstacles and challenges that face those citizens trying to improve the core and surrounding neighborhoods. She added, “There is so much interest in downtown and in our neighborhoods but sometimes we forget that downtown is actually multiple neighborhoods connected.” The conversation topics begin with, “Framing the Issue, Neighborhoods: New and Old, Mobility and Connectivity, Public Spaces: Parks and The River, Arts, Culture and Entertainment.” They will be held on Wednesdays from March 27 through April 24 inside WJCT’s community room. All the JCCI events are always welcome to the public and not limited to a YPO or any other affiliations.

Kids Eat Free- Well Almost

Going out to eat can sometimes be a gamble when you have children’s appetites to satisfy. It doesn’t have to be a hassle! Enjoying time with your little ones while still staying on a budget is within reach. Several area restaurants offer free or discounted meals for kids.

San Marco/ St. Nicholas/ San Jose/Lakewood

Captain D's

7619 Atlantic Blvd (904)721.1533

2 free kids meals per adult entree purchase. Thursdays

European Street Café

1704 Beach Blvd (904)398-9500

Kids Eat Free every Monday (10 and under)

Famous Amos

6315 San Juan Ave (904)786-4940

1 free kids meal per adult entree purchase. Monday and Wednesday 5pm-9pm.

Hurricane Grill and Wings

1615 Hendricks Ave (904)393-7933

Kids Eat Free Tuesday starting at 4p.m.

The Loop San Marco

3721 San Jose Place (904)399-5667

Kids Meals are $1.99 all day Saturday

Mama Fu's Asian House

11111 San Jose Blvd (904)260-1727

1 free kids meal per adult entree and beverage purchase. Mondays

Players Grille

4456 Hendricks Ave (904)448.6670

1/2 price kids meals Tuesdays 6pm- Close

Steak 'n Shake

10661 San Jose Boulevard (904)886-3484

One free kid's plate per $8 spent every Saturday and Sunday

Tropical Smoothie Café

1808 Hendricks Ave (904)399-1514

Kids 12 and under get a free Big Kahuna Combo with the purchase of a Paradise Combo on Sundays

Woody's BBQ

9825 San Jose Blvd (904)262.3995

Kids eat free with adult meal purchase. Mondays 2pm-close.

Riverside/Ortega/Murray Hill

Carmines Pie House

2677 Forbes Street (904)387-1400

Kids Eat for around $3.00 every day

Captain D's

904 Edgewood Avenue (904)388-6824

2 free kids meals per adult entree purchase Thursdays

CiCi's Pizza

4495 Roosevelt Blvd Ste 106 (904) 388-2464

3 and under eat for free 10 and under $2.99 everyday

Harpoon Louie's Restaurant

4070 Herschel Street (904)389-5631

1 free kids meal per adult entree purchase. Monday 5pm-10pm.

Moe’s Southwest Grill

4403 Roosevelt Blvd (904) 389-5299

Kid’s Night Tuesdays with clown entertainment .Free Kids meal with Purchase of adult entrée.

Tom & Betty's Restaurant

4409 Roosevelt Blvd (904)387-3311

1 free kids meal per adult entree purchase. Thursdays 6pm-8pm.

http://www.pageturnpro.com/Resident-News-Group,-Inc/44774-Resident-News-San-Marco-April-2013/index.html#32

Top Ten Healthy Picnic Ideas From Area Restaurants

Top 10 Healthy Picnic Foods (Riverside/Avondale/Ortega)

                 What makes the perfect picnic? Think outside the basket and visit some of our neighborhood’s many great local eateries that offer excellent and healthy options for a perfect Springtime Lunch. Counting down our Top Ten Picks for your al fresco meals are: 10. Bold Bean Coffee Roasters will get you moving in the AM with their extensive and locally ground java. The staff is super knowledgeable about the process of coffee roasting- from the bean to your cup. 9. With healthy specials everyday it’s hard to discount Cool Moose’s original take on omelets and sandwiches. ‘The Nubble’ was one such special – an omelet made from shitake, kale, pancetta, and swiss cheese with a side of multigrain strawberry pancakes, rib eye eggs, and toast! Cool Moose is located on Park Street. 8. Grassroots Natural Market also on Park Street has an expansive array of fresh, organic local produce to cover the side items. If you’re more of an evening picnic-er you might want to include some the craft brews and wines they have to offer from places like Intuition and Bold City Brewing Companies. Grassroots also helps out the common man’s recipe problem by sharing simple but tasty recipes to stretch your culinary wisdom. 7. For the vegan palette, European Street Riverside located on Park Street has a spread of Shakti Life Kitchen products prepackaged and ready to add to your picnic. To go orders are an option and have you covered with anything from the Athena’s Gift which is a vegan sausage sandwich or a Tempe BBQ pita. Don’t forget to check out the vegan treats in the cooler, too. 6. The newest sweet shop in Riverside, Sweet Theory has tons of vegan and gluten free treats great for special dietary needs to round out your meal. 5. The Veggie Bin is a food and grocery store on McDuff catering to customers that are thinking globally by buying locally. Tons of fruits and vegetables are available to add to your perfect outdoor dining experience. Be sure to check out their Facebook page before you go for up to date hints and recipes. 4. For the pizza lover in all of us Carmines Pie House on Forbes Street will substitute dairy cheese for vegan cheese making your pie a little more healthful. 3. If you’re wondering what the perfect beverage is for an active person to enjoy on a picnic look no further than Smoothie King on Riverside Avenue. Dozens of choices make for a great pick- me –up. They’ll even add in energy boosters or fat burners to give you the extra push. 2. Tres Leches on Stockton Street offering baked goods and deceivingly healthful fare ranging from omelets to spinach artisan bread sandwiches- both available after 10am. The number 1 pick for the healthful picnic items goes to Riverside Arts Market. Where else can you shop from numerous local farms and sit outside to enjoy your perfect lunchtime gathering? Jacksonville’s outdoor arts and entertainment venue boasts dozens of booths specializing in fresh and organic food for the health- conscious buyer. 

San Marco/San Jose/ St. Nicholas

What makes the perfect picnic? Think outside the basket and visit some of our neighborhood’s many great local eateries that offer excellent and healthy options for a perfect Springtime Lunch. Counting down our Top Ten Picks for your al fresco meals are: 10. Pulp located on San Marco Blvd gets you fueled for the day with various smoothies and juices blending veggies and fruits alike for a delicious and healthy jump start. 9. Switch up the mundane cereal for an Acai Bowl from High Tide Burrito Co on Hendricks. Included in the bowls are options like bananas, granola, beets, honey and goji berries.

8. Maple Street Biscuit Company located in the heart of San Marco on the Blvd, specializes in gourmet biscuits and even has some vegetarian options like the Rural Oatmeal made with real oats and pure maple syrup. 7. San Marco’s own European Street offers the favorites to go for your perfect picnic- house favorite The Riviera is a Provolone, hummus, spring mix, cucumbers, banana peppers, onions, tomatoes and olive oil honey-wheat flour tortilla wrap. 6. Next on the list is Mediterranean restaurant, The Olive Tree on Hendricks Ave. Mediterranean food has long had a reputation as healthy fare and this place has it all, from dolmadas to hummus. They also deliver to the area. 5. Think you can’t get smarter options at a wing place? Think again! Hurricane Wings and Grill on Hendricks Ave has colorful salads and grilled fish for the more health conscious consumer. 4. Jimmy Johns on Hendricks Ave will get your food to you ‘freaky fast’ so you can enjoy the sunshine- they deliver a bevy of subs, with baked meats, guacamole and low calorie veggies. 3. Sushi is a notoriously clean dish and can be a great way to mix up an average picnic and is perfect for sharing with friends. Fuji Sushi on San Marco Blvd has lunch specials and is open every day of the week. 2. The San Marco Deli in Historic San Marco offers choices like wraps, salads, and sandwiches perfect for carting to the park. The number 1 picnic pick-me-up place is Green Erth Bistro located on Hendricks Ave. Dedicated to the vegetarian and vegan communities, the peaceful catering company boasts organic and fresh food fitting for a perfect springtime picnic.

http://www.pageturnpro.com/Resident-News-Group,-Inc/44774-Resident-News-San-Marco-April-2013/index.html#32

In Memoriam Dale Regan

On March 6 under the majestic oak tree at Episcopal High School a congregation of family, friends, students, and colleagues gathered to celebrate the life of Dale D. Regan, former head of school at EHS. It was a year to the date that she was taken from the community. The oak tree on the campus had meant so much to her and her family. She along with her sons, John and Duke Regan, would spend time together playing on the grounds under the great tree as a family, even taking family photos there. It was fitting that she was honored with the memorial plaza underneath. Behind a stage decorated with vibrant colored ribbons and kites was a platform of friends and family. 7 flags behind them had one word printed on each of them representing what Ms. Regan meant to so many people: Mentor, Love, Faith, Teacher, Friend, Family, and Legacy. It was evident by the hundreds of people that came to show support that she touched many people’s lives. State Attorney Angela Corey remembered her from the perspective as a former student of hers at Englewood High school. “Dale saw more potential in us than we could see for ourselves." Oldest son John Regan recalled a quote by Martin Luther that inspired his mother, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” That seemed to be the overall sentiment of the morning-to carry on and rejoice in the time the people shared with such a remarkable and well-loved woman. Dale Regan’s legacy will certainly live on in the hearts of her community.

http://www.pageturnpro.com/Resident-News-Group,-Inc/44774-Resident-News-San-Marco-April-2013/index.html#2

Words

It was Carl Sagan who said, "Across the millennia, an author is speaking clearly and silently inside your head, directly to you." It is a way for the dead to communicate with us and reveal their souls to the generations that come after them. The four characters that make up the word 'word' may be simple and short but have come to unify Babel in so many ways.  Books have become a way for authors to inspire mankind throughout the centuries.

            The art of language is not unlike the art of dance. Certain moves and positions of the body let an audience know that the performer is telling a story. The narrator is explaining, through fluid motions of his anatomy, any number of emotions. The short pause of a semicolon is like a glissade of a sentence, linking together two ideas — or more. That brief pause that lets you know what's about to come next is as important as what was just written, or said, or performed.

            Words have the ability to make believers out of nonbelievers, to marry people and ideas, to change lives for better or worse, and to save lives. It is so easy to become seduced by the smooth vernacular of a practiced bibliophile. It's not always the million-dollar words that make you fall in love with language and books — sometimes it's just the simple ones, little words or phrases and the accompanying expressive punctuation that let you glimpse the true meaning and intent that the author feels compelled to share.

            Without words ,what do we have? How do we express who we are? Language has given us a wellspring of expressive utterances to show how we care: love, hate, indifference and tolerance. By just speaking the three little words "I love you," you can literally change someone's life — and your own. The flipside of that phenomenon is that you can ruin someone else's life, too. Choose your words carefully. For some, words come easily; for others, not at all. What separates those who have a way with words from those who do not seems to be an adoration for phraseology and style, providing they're not so book-bound that they become tongue-tied.

Crossing the Ditch

Leaving home for the first time — it's most often when a person goes off to college, gets married or makes a major life change. My new life began as the old one ended. Not with a bang but with a whimper, as they say. I had simply aged out of my community at the Beach. I began to venture out into my new city and loved the rush, pace and animation of the crowd of various people bestirring themselves from one point to another. I knew I had to be here. Finding the calm in the park within the bustling streets sparked such a yearning in me, I simply could not ignore it. Everyone back at my beach areas asked me if I'd miss the ocean, the ease, the blasé loitering around which our lives revolved. I didn't bother answering that I was a mere 30 minutes away; rather, I simply said, "I'll find out."

            What I have come to find out is that Riverside/Avondale and the Beaches are like parallel universes. There are similarities that I'm pleased to say surprised me. In Riverside, there are coffee shops, bookstores, cafes — much like at the Beaches. They just happened to be owned and or operated by people with serious tattoos, vibrant blue hair and ironic sleepy looks. Obviously, the big selling point of the Beaches is the ocean, where people spend their time chasing the daylight and catching the surf. In my new digs, we have the River. People are throwing frisbees, trailing kites and playing chess on park benches. I admire the way everyone seemed to be eager to invite strangers into the games and onto the fields. Doesn't feel that way on the sandy beaches anymore.

            I feel that now, more than any other time in my life, I need to be a part of something big, to contribute to the place that I now call home. After all, when you're in the heart of the city, you should hear its beat. I found myself searching the papers and circling any event where I believed I could further my knowledge of the community. What I came to realize is that this knowledge led me to meet the people who make up the heartbeat of our city, the vibrant ones who pulse along in its adventure of becoming a more culturally advanced community: the One Sparkers, the Captivators, the Artwalkers and the CoRkers. And I fell in love with them. To be welcomed in with open arms made me stop and really contemplate the significance of each individual who has made a difference in our community. In those moments, I knew that I, too, could be one of them.

            Before I came to the Downtown Jacksonville area, I never really gave strangers a second chance. Anyone who happened to look a little different from my friends and me wasn't given a second glance or opportunity to be among us. Now I can honestly and humbly say that my justification for not branching out has been proved very wrong. And I could not be happier. "Crossing the Ditch" turned out to be the best decision I have ever made.

Riverside Avondale Preservation Soceity Honors Outstanding Members

The Riverside Avondale Preservation Society’s annual meeting on Feb. 21 recognized outstanding members of the historic districts. Douglas Coleman, Jennifer Mansfield, Sally Robson, and Erin O’Brien were recognized for their service on the RAP Board. Robson, who served the board by establishing a community garden currently in the planning process, also won the award for Best River Friendly Yard for her home on Remington Street. 

Michael Williams, Cheryl Corrado and Zack Nettles accepted the Outstanding Business Renovation award for Derby on Park in 5 Points for their exceptional transformation of the building on Park Street. The Outstanding Home Renovation Award went to three residences: Julia Starr Sanford, an architect, owns a home built in 1905 on Challen Street; home owner John Summerlin and contractor Sean Larkin led a six-month project on Oak Street for their renovations on a house built in 1917, and Courtney McEwan and husband Peyton Rogers took home the honor for their home on Pine Street, built in 1920.

David Case received the award for Outstanding Historically Compatible New Construction for the home on Richmond Street. Dolf James represented CoRK Arts District for Outstanding Neighborhood Contributing Business sharing the honor with Riverside Dental.

Awards for Outstanding Neighborhood Advocates included Tommy Donahoo, Mark Anderson, Alicia Grant, Susan Fraser, Tom and Ida Rae Merten. RAP honored volunteers Judy Bristol and Rhonda Bryant, and Luminaria Committee chair Malcolm Jones won Outstanding Board Member.

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Carpet Man Business Profile Riverside Resident

We've heard that after buying a home and a car, the most important big-ticket purchase one can make is buying flooring. And it's not just something we walk on. In fact, it's one of the most thought-out purchases a person can make for a home (at least, it should be). It’s often the first thing people notice about someone else’s house, whether they realize it or not. You can showcase cleanliness and personal flair at a glance, depending on what style and type of flooring you choose. 
It isn’t an easy decision, full of variables and what-ifs, and that’s why people like Jason Judge and Chris Jackson of The Carpet Man are here to help. Jackson, owner of The Carpet Man, has been in the flooring business for more than 12 years. With locations on Beach Boulevard, Philips Highway and Wells Road, the company can offer a wide range of diverse flooring options, from carpeting, hardwood, tiling, and vinyl to area rugs. Jackson boasts a 24,000-square-foot showroom at the Wells Road location; it's the largest single facility for carpet and carpet cleaning in all of Florida. 
Jackson offers some friendly advice for first-time flooring buyers: Educate yourselves on the product and shop around. He urges customers to learn more about the investment they are making for their home and to visit his showrooms to expand their knowledge of the possibilities. The impressive warehouse is neatly organized and is easily maneuverable, making it less intimidating for the consumer than other constructed carpet showrooms. 
The Carpet Man stocks various grades of carpet and flooring options, ranging from wool — the Rolls Royce of carpet material, — to more economical choices, such as polyester and nylon, which are colorful and durable.
Jason Judge, The Carpet Man cleaning supervisor, has helped well over 1,000 area homes sparkle. If his money-back guarantee isn’t motivation enough to visit him at one of the three locations, his no-gimmick and honest policy will get you to contact him for all your floor-cleaning needs. The team at The Carpet Man has an infectious enthusiasm for what they do; it's apparent they have a lot of pride in building customer relationships. They're even gracious enough to share some helpful tips on how to maintain your carpet after the patina may have worn off: Always take off your shoes, wear socks, and try not to over-use what they refer to as ‘box store’ cleaning products — a simple white cloth and good old-fashioned water does the trick most of the time. When in doubt, give Jason a call to come save the day!
Jason Judge sports a three-quarter-ton Ford van for his carpet cleaning adventures and has been in the business for more than 16 years, serving the greater Jacksonville area, including Resident territories of San Marco and Riverside. He offers free cleaning options for Realtors and the best in quality removal of dirt, pet stains and grime. Using steam and hot water-extraction, The Carpet Man is able to renew most any type of flooring, making it appear brand-new, without the brand-new price.
The Carpet Man is located at 9776 Beach Boulevard (240-1312) and 9475 Philips Highway (363-6280), both in Jacksonville's Southside area, and at 1988 Wells Road (272-8430) in Orange Park. Call them today for a bright, clean floor tomorrow!

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No Meat March Helps with Lenten Devotionals

The kitchen table is a universal gathering place to break bread and commune with family and friends. In the Lenten season (February 13- March 31) many devout followers of Christ forego various favorite things (and some vices) to represent and honor Christ's standing against the temptations that Satan prodded Him with in the desert. Some of the more common yet undeniably difficult form that restraint takes is the denying oneself of meat and dairy. Julie Watkins, founder of Jacksonville-based Vegan Advocacy organization The Girls Gone Green, has been a vegan activist for more than 16 years. She recently shared some helpful tips about how to ease the stress of going vegan for those seemingly interminable 40 days and 40 nights. During the Lenten season, those who do decide to fast and give up myriad habits have numerous support groups in their home churches.

Some people may find that going vegan or raw for the first time can prove to be more difficult even with meditations and spiritual affirmations. So it's a good thing that The Girls Gone Green hold events throughout March helping connect newbies to veterans of the fold. “Eating is extremely social and nothing will make you feel more like an outsider than showing up to a family dinner as the only vegan,” she says. Watkins wants to urge omnivore friends to continue to take part in dining out with those observing Lent by eschewing all meat and dairy items.

Just because someone is giving up something for Lent doesn’t necessarily mean that a non-vegan host has to put favorite recipes away on the shelf. There are many ways to maintain traditions and keep the spirit of communion alive. Branching out and looking for the information is as easy as the click of a mouse. Watkins recommends educating yourself: “The Internet has made hosting those with different eating habits simple and easy. You'll find over a million different veg-friendly recipes by just typing in the word "vegan" or "vegetarian" in a search engine. Also, don't feel like you have to give up your favorite dishes or can no longer serve them. My mom still makes mince and tatties, but she now uses the meatless ground crumbles instead and you can't tell the difference. It'll taste good and be good for you. You can't say that about conventional meat.”

People tend to fear that which they do not understand, and there are certainly many concerns regarding health while fasting for Lent or beginning a new way of life. There are a lot of questions surrounding the lifestyle including: Where would one get protein? Do you lose muscle mass? Are all vegans thin? Watkins assures reluctant vegans that one can indeed get plenty of protein and nutrients. “People don't realize how much protein is in fruits, vegetables and legumes and that it's the last thing you'll ever need to worry about when cutting out meat. Luckily, many misconceptions are being quieted by better education of food and how it affects our body,” she assures.

The Girls Gone Green group offers a Vegan-Friendly Dining Guide on the website www.vegjax.com to help accommodate vegans and vegetarians who are trying enjoy a night out in Jacksonville, listing local restaurants that serve a bevy of fresh vegan, vegetarian, and raw menu options. Categorizing the restaurants by neighborhoods, it breaks down menus and lists ingredients so that everyone can enjoy the unity and togetherness during Lent — and beyond — wherever you choose to dine. No Meat March begins March 1; a kickoff party is held at Buddha’s Belly Thai Bistro, right off Third Street South in Jacksonville Beach. The Girls Gone Green will be at the Riverside Arts Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  March 2 to answer all of your burning No Meat March questions. If you miss picking up your No Meat March card at the kickoff party, just stop by the RAM booth, 715 Riverside Avenue, under the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge, Riverside.

Julie Watkins Executive Director, The Girls Gone Green

info@thegirlsgonegreen.com

www.nomeatmarch.com

www.vegjax.com

www.nfvegfest.org

Libraries May Need Tax District to Survive

Friends of the Murray Hill Library held their annual meeting at Edgewood Bakery Tuesday, February 19th, to discuss the opportunities to educate and enhance public awareness about the 44-year-old library’s current petition to place a straw ballot on the Fall 2014 ballot. 25,977 petitions must be signed before Fall 2013 by registered voters in order for it to be proposed. President of Friends of the Murray Hill Library, Helene Kamps-Stewart, welcomed guests and introduced the new officers. Missy Jackson, Vice President of FMHL, shared a history of the Jacksonville Public Library. “Lifelong enrichment starts here,” said Jackson, who expressed a love for reading and encouraged more use of our library system. Her presentation showed that more than 165,000 children and teens attended a program sponsored by the Jacksonville Public Library; that’s nearly all the youth in Duval County. Enthusiasm like that for the library and learning in general are essential to keeping the library alive and operational. Still, efforts to sustain the system need to be made. Dr. Laura Lane of Jacksonville Community Council Incorporated expressed concern and offered relief alternatives over the funding in the form of the straw poll. The purpose of the poll is to allow residents the opportunity on a future ballot to choose whether or not Duval County should have a library district. It goes on to suggest that such a district, like those in Alachua and Orange Counties, is able to provide better stability in local libraries through an independent tax district. “The goal is to establish independent funding and governance within an independent tax district without increasing the millage cap.” JCCI believes that the Jacksonville Public Library must have operational control and contends that the best way to accomplish that is to follow the example of Alachua and Orange County which have proven attainable structure in stability and momentum within their districts. Petitions can be picked up now at the Murray Hill Library and signed petitions will be collected in Fall 2013 at early-voting library locations and at polling locations on Election Day, November 6, 2013.

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