Coast | Where I'm Eating

A scenic drive and a short ferry ride away from our home in Jacksonville Beach, sits the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island . It's easy to assume the Ritz-Carlton is simply an exclusive retreat for those looking for a top notch getaway. You may be surprised to learn, however, that there are many luxurious amenities open the public. One of those treasures is it's new restaurant Coast. Serving up Modern American Coastal cuisine for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Coast's casual sense of style and fresh local catch will please the eye and the palate and once. Here's what to look forward to when you visit. 

On the Menu:

Starters

Deviled Eggs, Shrimp Fritters, Poblano Chicken Flatbread

Fresh Local Ingredients 

with an Emphasis on Seafood

Look for a great selection of coastal themed dishes. The freshest local seafood finds a place on your plate alongside a strong presence of traditionally Southern creations. We started with crunchy shrimp fritters, seasoned to perfection in just the right amount of breading. Deviled eggs were given an elevation oscar style with blue crab, a combination that is executed with perfection. A never fail set of flatbreads appear on the menu in the form of Truffle Mushroom, and Poblano Chicken (complete with pork belly and pimento cheese). We tried the Poblano Chicken flatbread as well and I must say the flavors were perfectly balanced and distinct. 

On the Menu:
Burrata Caprese with Shrimp

For our mains we moved on to sandwiches (Swordfish, and Burger) and my lighter choice, a Burrata Caprese with wild caught shrimp. The flavors in my salad were overwhelmingly delicious. I'm always looking out for a destination salad, and this one certainly delivered.

On the Menu:
Swordfish O.L.T. Sandwich 

The sandwiches held their own as well with hearty portions and perfectly cooked proteins. 

On the Menu:
Bistro Burger
with Pork Belly

How do you make a burger even better? Add pork belly!

On the Menu:
Bistro Burger

Dessert at Coast

Casual Elegance 

At our meal's conclusion we enjoyed perfectly portioned confections created by the Ritz-Carlton's in house pastry chef. These delightful small bites were each a masterpiece in their own right. The best part is you didn't have to choose just one. We grabbed one of each and passed them around the table for a guilt free tasting. (Everyone knows small desserts are calorie free right?)

Enjoy a bite of dessert at Coast

We couldn't get enough of each decadent dish. I look forward to returning for breakfast and dinner, after all the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Enjoy selections from a full coffee bar at Coast 

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Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Escape to Lunch at Eleven South Bistro and Bar | Lady Who Lunches

On the Menu:
Organic Baby Kale Salad with Grilled Atlantic Salmon

Lunch often gets overlooked as a non event meal. Generally it becomes a "thing" when it involves business or some of your favorite girls getting together for a ladies lunch. Personally, I love the thrill of sneaking away from my overwhelming to do list during the day to meet up with the hubby for an impromptu lunch date. Part of my inspiration for this series was to reawaken your imagination, and reveal a few great lunch spots that make the perfect mid day getaway. Eleven South Bistro and Bar is one of these special spots. You may remember them from my "Date Night Destination" series and thought perhaps it was just for date night. I'm happy to showcase their amazing lunch, which has recently undergone a little renovation.

On the Menu:
Orecchiette Pasta with Wild Gulf Shrimp

Intimate Escape

Eleven South's New Lunch Menu Features
New Weekly Specials for the Adventurous Palate

Eleven South is quite the desirable getaway for lunch time diners. If you are looking for an elegant escape with first rate menu selections prepared with finesse then this is your place. Add to that top notch service and you will leave your afternoon meal feeling positively doted upon. I love the courtyard which provides ample natural light and the soft sounds of a nearby fountain to erase the stress of your work day in a private setting. With a great climate inviting you to embrace the outdoors nearly year around, Eleven South's outdoor seating also accommodates weather fluctuations with fans and heaters accordingly, and is safely covered for those rainy summer afternoons, or you can always grab a table inside their intimate dining room.  Located in South Jacksonville Beach just steps from the sand and sea, this destination is ideal for business luncheons, and a great spot for infamous "Ladies Who Lunch" get togethers.  Sip on a selection from the miles long wine list which Eleven South has won many awards for, or taste the Bistro's signature classics. What's more, you may find a few new surprises...

On the Menu:
Tuscan Sandwich
Portobello, Fresh Mozzarella, Roasted Roma Tomatoes, Baby Arugula

Full of Surprises 

Eleven South is among the Top Restaurants in Jacksonville and one of the few fine dining destinations locally that has consistently impressed diners for years. One might think that it would be easy to kick a successful restaurant into auto pilot and stick with the basics that made it famous, but not at Eleven South. Their philosophy of maintaining a variety of classics while keeping patrons guessing with daily specials has long impressed. Now this methodology is gearing up for even more success. Over the past few years the foodie population in Jacksonville has increased dramatically. With dining being one of the top three reasons why visitors travel to the First Coast, you can be sure palates are becoming more refined. Critical tastebuds have begun demanding exotic flavors, and popular trends, and Eleven South has answered that demand with innovation. 

On the Menu:
Smoked Salmon Bruschetta

Now instead of a few daily specials including an entrée, a soup, and an app, you will now see weekly menu changes that are available in short runs just as you might see on a "Chalk Board" style menu. A classic set of local favorites will still remain, but now the chefs will have the opportunity to express themselves creatively more each week while exploring current trends, and seasonal specialties. You'll want to visit often to stay on top of each new dish, which to me only adds to the fun! 

On the Menu:
Ahi Tuna Tartare with Crispy Wantons

Personally, I can't wait to see what exciting new dishes rise as shining stars on this new adventurous menu. During my sit down I couldn't get enough of selections like Smoked Salmon Bruschetta which is smoked in house and balanced well with the salty tang of capers. The Organic Baby Kale Salad had me returning again recently with the family for more, and the playful spin on Coffee and Donuts has a magical combination of Panna Cotta and Beignets. 

On the Menu:
Coffee and Donoughts
Espresso Panna Cotta and Cinnamon Sugar Dusted Beignets

Unlike some finer dining destinations Eleven South doesn't skimp on the meal size and you can be sure when you leave you will have received a great portion of an incredibly conceived dish. So come enjoy this intimate getaway on the First Coast and embrace "destination lunch". Let's make lunching an event again, I think you will agree Eleven South is certainly one of the best places to start. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

See more of my Eleven South Lunch Experience on Facebook

Read More of my "Lady Who Lunches" Series 

Hawkers Asian St Fare

Best Kept "Secret" Tea Garden

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@likelovewantneed.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Lady Who Lunches News Recap | Amy on News 4 Jax Morning Show

Featured on this months "Amy West Travel" News 4 Jax Morning Segment are my favorite "Lady Who Lunches" destinations. If you missed the piece, get the recap right here. You'll find a few already featured on the blog, and a few honorable mentions that I just couldn't leave out. All of them are so darn good, you should really put them on your Lunch list Now!

Featured on my Blog:

Hawkers Asian St Fare

Read my review here

Hawkers Facebook

Location - Jacksonville, FL and Orlando, FL

- Small Plates Restaurant

- Large percent of menu comes from family recipes passed down over the years

- Mixture of Asian dishes from Thailand, Korea, China, Malaysia and beyond

- Great location in the heart of 5 Points

- Catering to foodies of all ages with an adventurous palate

Ashes Boutique and Tea Garden

Read my review here

http://ashesboutique.com

Location - Jacksonville Beach, FL

- Best Kept Secret at the Beaches

- Half Boutique, Half Tea Room

- Extremely tasty tea sandwiches and desserts

- Harney and Sons tea, top quality, incredible flavor

- Intimate atmosphere perfect for a lunch out with your bestie, daughter, or a business meeting

- Not just for the ladies, I've seen plenty of men there, even an engagement 

- Great also for parties, baby showers, little girl birthdays, etc

Eleven South

Read my review here

www.elevensouth.com

Location - Jacksonville Beach, FL

- Not just for date night

- Incredible locally sourced menu

- 8 Consecutive Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence 

- Great dishes like grouper, amazing salads, sandwiches, cheese boards

- Lovely patio that is perfect in all weather

- New Chef on board

- New lunch menu rolling out soon with great new specials! 

- Perfect location for business lunches, and ladies luncheons 

Honorable Mentions:

Funkadelic Food Truck

Funkadelic's Facebook

Location - All around the Jacksonville Area

- One of my favorite local food trucks

- See them around town. I commonly find them at the Beaches Car Wash

- Hearty Comfort food with a twist

- Loved their BLT with avocado on grilled bread

- A growing crowd favorite is the Beet Fries

- OMG the grilled cheese. Just order it and thank me later. 

- Check their Facebook to find out where they are from day to day. 

French Pantry

Location - Jacksonville, FL

• 6301 Powers Ave
• Jacksonville, Florida 32217

- Only open for lunch

- Ranked #1 on Trip Advisor for restaurants to visit in Jacksonville

- They make bread for many of the restaurants around town

- Line starts around 10:30 am in the morning to get a seat for lunch so go early!

- Large portions of locally sourced specialties

- A legendary local favorite that everyone should experience

I loved this tasty crispy scallop salad. 

Riverside Arts Market

http://riversideartsmarket.com

- A taste of the best of Jacksonville

- Best Atmosphere

- Find gifts, and take home fresh veggies while you are at it

- My favorite is Pele's Wood Fire truck and the Kettle Korn.. and don't forget Orsay's Ice cream 

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Watch me discuss my finds on News 4 Jax here. 

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@likelovewantneed.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.