by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
Food is more than a feast for the mouth. It can also be a feast for the eyes. We focus here on places that do a beautiful job of presenting food on the plate, from neighborhood Thai to upscale continental. While these aren’t the only places to get a beautiful meal, they sure are a great start.
1173 Edgewood Ave. S. Murray Hill. 904-389-8424
Murray Hill got a little swankier, with the addition of Aurathai. Try their delicious, traditionally prepared thom yum soup or Kaeng Kiew Wan (also known as green curry). The whole fried snapper, golden-brown and served with assorted veggies has one of the most beautiful presentations. A colorfully chic décor gives Aurathai a modern, fun and classy feel. If you’ve eaten at Taste of Thai on University, Aurathai is the more upscale version. Justin Sellas, son of the owners of Taste of Thai, decided to open his own place with his own stamp on things. Beer, Wine & Sake. Open 11 am-2 pm Mon- Fri; 5 pm- 9 pm Mon-Thu; Fri 5 pm-midnight; Sat 5 pm- midnight; late night menu after 10 pm. $$
1440 San Marco Blvd. Southbank. 904- 398-1949
A favorite spot among local foodies, this Continental bistro is known as a “fancy” restaurant. They serve up bistro-style flat bread, wood-fired pizzas topped with ingredients such as goat cheese, elegant appetizers, including seared tuna, and entrées such as organic salmon and filet mignon. Save room for one of their oh-so-pretty desserts, they taste as good as they look. Full Bar. Open 7 days a week; 11 am- 10 am Mon-Thu; 11 am-11 pm Fri; 5 pm- 11 pm Sat; 5 pm- 9 pm Sun. $$$$
333 N. Laura St. Downtown. 904-366-6911
If you can find the Museum of Contemporary Art on Laura Street, next to the library, you’ll be able to find Café Nola. Tucked away inside the museum, with huge picture windows, it has a view of the fountains in Hemming Plaza, as well as the bustling life out on the sidewalk. Step out of the bustle of downtown for some nouveau Spanish cuisine. Selections include the asparagus goat cheese salads, sexy sandwiches and seasonal entrées. Full bar. Open 11 am -2:30 pm Mon- Fri; now open for Wed. dinner 5 pm- 9 pm; 10 am- 2 pm Sun brunch; Closed Sat. $$
14549 Beach Blvd. Intracoastal. 904-223-1534
With a sunset view of the Intracoastal Waterway, you’d think it would be hard to find a plate to match the view. Not so at Marker 32. The ever-changing menu is always cunningly presented, with innovation and style. Though they’re known for their focus on fresh seafood specials, one artistically presented fish that’s always on the menu is their pan roast tilapia, served with jasmine rice and lemon braise spinach, sprinkled with toasted almonds and Spanish tomato concasse. Full bar. Open 5:30 pm – 10 pm mon- Thu; 5:30- 10:30 Fri- Sat; Closed Sun. $$$$
60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach. 904-247-0060
One of the bistro’s trademark dishes is a whole fried fish, dusted in a light cornmeal, perfectly scored (so you can lift the fish right off the bone), and served with yucca fries, a Napa cabbage salad and a brandy citrus dipping sauce. Martini’s, upscale bistro fare and art are the three things they serve up at Ocean 60. If you want to peruse the art on the walls as well as on the plate, make sure you request a table on the martini bar side, where they have a rotating gallery. Full Bar. Open 5:30 pm- 10:30 pm in the main dining room and till 2 am with a limited menu at the martini bar Mon- Sat; Closed Sun. $$$$
110 North First St. Neptune Beach. 904-249-5573
Since Chef Tony Pels has won awards for his sweet confections, you might want to save room for dessert. The tiramisu is called a tiramisu tini and is served in a martini glass for a very lovely presentation. While much of the menu pays homage to the Italian roots of Mezza Luna, with a sure focus on Mediterranean style cuisine, there are plenty of dishes that make a nod toward the fusion or world cuisine that has become popular in the last ten years. Wine aficionados ordering dinner at Mezza Luna will love the extensive wine list and those who enjoy mixed drinks will be glad of the full bar. Open 5 pm- close Tues- Sunday; Closed Mon. $$$$
117 W. Adams St. Downtown. 904-355-3793
Putty greens, clean lines and industrial/urban warmth (yes, there is such a thing) mark the décor, with oh-so New York white paper lights, green tiled pillars and frosted glass. Serving reasonably priced, beautifully presented soups, salads and other breakfast and lunchtime favorites. Patrons come back for their fried green tomato BLT and their incredible, adorably plated croquet-Madame, topped with a fried egg. Salad offerings include the signature Chew salad with shitake mushrooms, the apple and goat cheese salad, fresh citrus salad, fennel and spinach salad, black mission prosciutto and classic Caesar. Each salad on the menu is paired with its own dressing, made to complement it. Open 8 am- 3 pm Mon- Fri. $$
2525 Riverside Ave # 204. Riverside. 904-384-2888
One of the most visually interesting things to ever grace a plate is sushi. For form and variety, you just can’t beat a good-looking plate (or boat) of sushi. Presentation is half the fun at Sushi Café. Try a gorgeous rainbow roll, or for a real treat ask for their dragon roll or love boat, each filled with their artfully arranged sushi. The quickly classic, beloved Jax 5-Points sushi stop is a local favorite for a reason—quality sushi served fresh. Sushi Café has a very open feel, with blonde wood as the center of the décor. They’ve got a fantastic view of historic brick buildings and the leafy greens of Memorial Park through picture windows. Beer, Wine & Sake. Open 11 am- 10 pm Mon- Thu; 11 am-11 pm Fri- Sat; Noon- 10 pm Sun. $$
1314 Prudential Dr. Southbank. 904-398-8989
The dish that draws gasps of wonder because its artful presentation at the Wine Cellar is the Fried Lobster Tail, which is presented tail up, on their creamy potatoes. Another delectable and attractive choice is their luscious rack of lamb. Wine Cellar is the oldest wine bar in the Southbank area, making it the classic wine bar for the Jacksonville area. Their continental cuisine can be paired with your choice from their enormous wine list. Put on your evening clothes and make it a formal night. Open Tuesday- Friday 11 am - 2 pm; Monday - Saturday 5 pm - 10:30 pm $$$$
3820 Southside Blvd. Southside. 904-646-1478
The always beautiful fusion of Blue Bamboo won’t leave anything to be desired. Take a taste of their Honey-Soy BBQ Ribs, artfully arranged over a bed of shredded oriental-style slaw. Finish your meal with their striking version of red velvet cake, presented in round form instead of the typical sliced, the rich red exposed in all its glory. Full Bar. Open 11 am- 2 pm Mon-Fri; 5 pm-10 pm Mon-Thu; 5 pm -11 pm Fri-Sat; Closed Sun. $$$
2400 S. 3rd St. Jacksonville Beach. 904- 241-7697
For a special occasion, the fine food at Roy’s is great place to go and be treated well. Leave your table for a moment and a waiter will have folded your napkin before you get back. The excellent service is matched only by the incredible Hawaiian fusion cuisine, always presented in the most pleasing way possible. Try Roy’s classic roasted Macadamia nut Amberjack fish, an excellent cut of fish, springy and tender, close to mahi in texture. Topped with asparagus, a divine and creamy Maine lobster sauce, and perched on a mixture of potatoes, the dish is very French in its richness and presentation. Full Bar. Open 5:30 pm- 9:30 pm Mon- Thu; 5:30 pm- 10:30 pm Fri- Sat; 5:30- 9 pm Sun. $$$$
25 Cuna St. St Augustine. 904-810-2400
Appetizers often plate the prettiest, and the Tasting Room plates their tapas with artistry and care. Try the Chef’s Daily Flight, for a trifecta of beauty and taste. Many of the ingredients that are part of the tapas selections at the Tasting Room are exclusively made in Spain, like the Manchego cheese and the Serrano ham. Those who haven’t had grilled romaine lettuce simply need to try this dazzling presentation at the Tasting Room. The smoky flavor coupled with the crisp lettuce will leave you thinking about their salad for days. Ours was topped with roasted red peppers, onions, pine nuts, chives, a sherry cream sauce and scrumptious little anchovies. Beer & Wine. Open 1:30 pm- 11 pm Tues- Wed; 1:30pm - 12:30 am Thu-Sat; Closed Sun & Mon. $$$$.
|
EU Critic’s Choice Awards
