6 More New Restaurants in Jax You Must Try

Lately it seems a new restaurant is popping up almost every week here in the River City. It's one of the perks of my job to keep up with these new additions. Currently new restaurants are opening at such a rapid rate, I can barely give them all a taste before reporting on them. I consider that a great problem to have. Here are my latest finds to add to your must try list. 

1. The Bearded Pig BBQ
San Marco

The Bearded Pig has opened in Jacksonville's historic San Marco neighborhood to much fanfare. Recently named one of Jacksonville's most family friendly restaurants, this BBQ joint features a fresh modern interior and open backyard for families to relax in. Food is served a la carte in the Texan way. Order your meat by the pound and stock up on fresh sides, Southern desserts, and local brews. 

Photo provided by Coast

2. Coast
Amelia Island

Coast is the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island's most recent update to it's award winning list of restaurants. Serving up Modern American Coastal cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Coast gives the resort guests a casual atmosphere to dine on fresh local seafood, and Southern staples. Mayport Shrimp, Chicken and Waffles, and Cherry Plank Salmon stand out on a menu full of locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy the newly updated dining area, or sit outside on the Terrace and take in the beauty of Amelia Island's pristine coastline. 

Picture sourced from This Chick's Kitchen 

3. This Chick's Kitchen
Jacksonville Beach

Chef Rosaria Anderson brings her fresh concept to Jacksonville Beach in the form of This Chick's Kitchen. Modeled after the European concept of in home pop up restaurants, This Chick's Kitchen boast's an intimate setting to enjoy elevated cuisine fresh from the farm. Touted as one of Jacksonville's "Best Kept Secrets", you'll enjoy the daily made from scratch menu as Chef Anderson serves up highly technical dishes created with a whole lot of heart. 

Photo by Amy West

4. American Gator Club 
Ponte Vedra Beach
Check out my full review here

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa introduces their newest addition in the form of patio restaurant American Gator Club. Handhelds and small plates dominate the menu along with colorful cocktails that refresh the palate on a hot day. Fresh Southern inspired dishes tease the tastebuds with a selection that emphasize local ingredients. Gator Tail Tacos, reinvented Cuban Sandwiches, and hearty salads provide ample selection for all types of foodies. 

Picture by Amy West 

5. Brixx Pizza 
Brooklyn - Unity Plaza

Wood fired pizza, fresh salads, signature cocktails, and tasty small plates make Brixx Pizza a must taste destination. This family friendly restaurant is the newest restaurant to call Jacksonville's trendy Brooklyn neighborhood home. Taking up residence in Unity Plaza, Brixx Pizza is a casual destination with a creative menu. 

Picture provided by Wicked Barley

6. Wicked Barley
Baymeadows

Wicked Barley recently opened their stunning brewery in Baymeadows right on the water. Boasting a large selection of their own ales, Wicked joins a growing craft brewery scene on the River City. The menu is small yet full of variety with Garlic and Ginger Fries, Onion Rings that will have you day dreaming about them for weeks to come, and a delightful selection of Brats. Pulled pork, pizza, and burgers can also be found on the menu creating a great selection you'll want to pair a stout glass of craft brew with.  

Picture provided by Wicked Barley

Any new favorites I'm missing? I always welcome your comments and new finds! Give me a shout and your favorite may be featured next. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West


www.amywesttravel.com 

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Azurea's Adventurous Palate Review

Just in time for their new spring menu release, I was recently invited to taste The Chef's Adventurous Palate at One Ocean Resort's restaurant, Azurea. Although we had visited Azurea a few times before (once for the filming of my TV show and the other for a review of their delightful Brunch), I had never had the pleasure of enjoying the personalized approach of the Adventurous menu. From start to finish the dinner was exceptional. Three courses of farm fresh fare prepared by some of the city's most talented chefs. Read more for the full dish.

Chef's menus are a great way to discover new flavor combinations and get away from your "usual" rut. Allow the talent in the kitchen to get creative and taste something unique. Azurea knows how to deliver the finest service and I was impressed that they catered the entire menu around my "expecting" needs. Being pregnant there are certain foods I'm supposed to avoid like anything raw, soft cheeses, and rare meat. Additionally the menu can be paired with wine by one of their Sommeliers and in my case I couldn't enjoy but my husband could so they made me feel included by creating some clever "mock-tails" to compliment each course for me. 

Azurea's Adventurous Palate menu changes weekly with customization offered for dietary needs and restrictions. 

One of the refreshing mock tails Azurea's bartenders imagined up for me. This one was similar to a mojito with refreshing lime and mint. 

This miniature caprese salad was used as a palate cleanser at the beginning of the meal to awake our tastebuds. Perfection!

This Pea and Mint soup was the perfect spring combination. Well balanced with just a hint of mint to contrast with the earthy taste of peas. Served chilled. 

This Foie Gras tortellini was the epitome of indulgence. Every bite was like a piece of heaven. 

Another palate cleanser. A delightful sorbet. 

Beef tenderloin medallions. Tender and savory. 

Humboldt Fog fromage blanc cheesecake by Pastry Chef James Victorino. So decadent and creamy.

Our experience with the Adventurous Palate was a journey through fresh fare, and flavorful combinations. The service was exceptional with our expert server also operating as a level two Sommelier. The Chef's made our dinner even more special by explaining each dish and being available for any questions we had. Choosing the Adventurous Palate is much like traveling to a new destination. Each taste reflects the local regional fare, and each detail is thoughtfully created for the ultimate taste experience. 

Visit Azurea for exceptional fare, fantastic service, and a sophisticated ambiance with ocean views. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Here's a little revisit of our "Best in Brunch" series featuring Azurea.

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