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"Never resist any opportunity, not to take yourself, too seriously."
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Review votes:
731 Useful, 563 Funny, and 647 Cool
Jacksonville, FL
Yelping SinceNovember 2007
Find Me In" Vita di Lago "
My HometownBorn in Jax, Fl. but Sourthern and Northen California are home
When I'm Not Yelping...I'm writng...
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI compliment the deserved, and bash the undeserved.
The Last Great Book I ReadThe one I'm still writing
My First ConcertEither Hendrix, the Beach Boys or the McCoy's, who can remember?
My Favorite MovieTombstone
My Last Meal On EarthIf I knew it was my last day, I couldn't eat - Okay, maybe a muffin...
Current CrushMegyn Kelly
Date
Jacksonville, FL 32246
(904) 998-9511
The Cheesecake Factory
Category: American (Traditional)
-10 Stars-
A slightly sweet Thai dish with spicy flavors of curry, peanut, chile, and coconut. sauteed with light vegetables and served with white rice. This lip-smacking creamy curry sauce with a peanut sauce drizzled and coconut sprinkled over the top compliments and completes the complexities of its flavors.
Only one complaint; I wish it was a larger portion so I could bring more home.
The bread knots come plain, buttered and garlic-ed and with icing. You will love them.
2 Previous Reviews: Hide »
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8/7/2008
I went back as part of a group, so it wasn't my pick. I was alright with that, just keep the pizza away from me. In deciding what to order, I teetered between a meatball sub and the baked ravioli.
Remembering my previous review here, I felt obligated to try the ravioli. They come filled either with cheese or meat (I ordered a combo), covered by a blanket of mozzarella, then baked under the broiler. It was good, not that an Italian would like it, but by a Franco American comparison. The ravioli pillows were large, about 3"x3" and there were 3 or 4 of them. The sauce was fair, a little like their pizza sauce, Ummmmmmm? The result of baking caused the sauce to reduce to a tomato paste. The cheese melted over the top was it's greatest feature.
Others at the table were pleased by their calzones and meatball subs. That meatball sub was staring at me saying, "order me next time", it looked yummy.
We ordered 3 of their deserts, I tasted all three. Here's how they rate; Cheese Cake (4), Cannoli (3), and Tiramisu (1). The Tiramisu scores (1) because it was served hard frozen. Not a hit. Go figure?
Our server, named GOAT was eager to please and energetic, but again, she worked all the tables alone. I guess that's just the way they do it. From what I could tell, the group behind the counter and cooks looked over crowded. The service this time was excellent, and GOAT has a great smile.
So averaging it out, Baked Ravioli (3), Meatball Sub winking at me (4), and GOAT's cuteness overload (5).
If she had winked at me, (8) -
6/26/2008 First to Review
I've heard tell and I've read reviews that this place, Perard's serves authentic New York style pies. Having never lived in NY, and while I'm no expert on that, I can say I've had better tasting, NY pies. I've had better in Austin TX. and in S. California. Heck, I think I've even had better in Las Vegas. It passes the smell and taste test, but not the fold test. Those that know NY style pies, know what I mean. Ok, enough bashing the place.
On the positive side, I ordered a large Californian. It normally comes with Italian sausage, sun dried tomatoes, goat cheese and pesto. I had them hold the sausage and added ham, fresh diced tomatoes and pepperoni. The pies are made to order and it took a good twenty minutes. But, happy hour was on with two for one beers and wine. My beer went well with the complimentary Italian bread knots. They are small baked breads (pizza dough), about 2'' in diameter, sprinkled with spices, Parmesan cheese and doused in olive oil. They were nice.
When the pie arrived, it smelled incredible, but at first glance, the toppings were not as very plentiful as I would like, but ample. Our pie was only cut across twice, and not proportionately, so we had 4 normal size splices and 2 huge ones. As stated, I tried to fold my mine but to no avail. The taste was good, just wish the toppings were piled higher. The crust was medium in thickness and cooked golden brown and just crisp enough to prevent folding.
Service was good considering they only had one waitress, and she was also busing her own tables. What's the saying about a one armed paper hanger? But she did fine and we didn't suffer because of it.
I saw some other dishes come out that I will have to try. I think one was baked ravioli's covered in melted mozzarella cheese. If that tastes as good as it looked, that would be marvelous.
Pros - Extended Happy Hour, (4p till close), daily specials, good looking deserts, and excellent crust as standard pizza joints go.
Cons - Not NY style, topping need to be more chunky and plentiful, limited tap beer selection, they need more servers, and only open until 9 most nights, 8 on others.
3 stars teetering on 3.5, until I update after having the ravioli's.
The chicken salad was far too chunky, super bland and not a good value. I ordered it on a pita and the LDC a bed of lettuce. We both gave it a one star vote at first bite. I wish it had been just 50% more like the Sisters chicken salad sold on Blanding several years ago, but that's no longer available. The accompanying potato salad was far better and actually had some good flavor.
SERVICE - I can't say she was rude, but just not friendly and a little curt. I have a feeling she's been handing out far too many chicken salads for far too many years. It seemed more a routine to her that accommodating. Does anyone remember the waitress in the move "Five easy pieces"? If she had asked how we liked the food at some point during lunch, I would have returned it but she never inquired. And after handing us a final check, she completely ignore us for 15 minutes plus while BS-ing in the kitchen.
One Star C-Salad, and One Star Service and Three Star coconut custard pie, that's it.
I wish I knew what everyone sees in this place that went missing when we were there. Maybe it's the crepes?
Rider and 32 oz. lime aide about @ $6.50.
Sorry, I didn't go in and check the restroom first. I used the drive-thru. But even though this is J-ville, I can't assume it was filthy dirty and spelling of urine like Dale would expect it to be.
And a merry old soul is he;
He called for his pipe, and he called for his bowl
And he called for his fiddles three.
Every fiddle he has is a fine fiddle,
And a very fine fiddle plays he;
But I understand, and I have this first hand
The way to his soul, is thru his pipe and his bowl
Oh there's none so rare, as can compare
With King Steve Cole and his fiddles, pipes and bowls
We miss you bass man.
Jacksonville, FL 32205
(904) 387-2669
Fox Restaurant
Category: American (Traditional)
But this weekend we got it right, I say facetiously. As we stood, 8th in line for our chance to be seated, I looked across the street at the empty Brick Restaurant and asked, "what is it about The Fox that makes people line up here like this?" I studied the crowd, both coming and going. I studied the chatter amongst the 18 to 30 year old group around us. My conclusion? They consider themselves chic for attending this weekend morning happening. How lucky for the owners of The Fox having become the provider of a fad. I was just hoping the food and service equaled all the hype.
I ordered the pancake breakfast - 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, 3 bacon and home fries. The LDC ordered the French Toast breakfast - scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, and home fries.
3 Stars - Pancakes - Not very light or fluffy but an interesting vanilla cake taste.
2 Stars - Bacon - Was not hot, was tough to bite, tasted like it was precooked, not to order.
4 Stars - Eggs - Very rich yellow yokes, great taste, cooked scrambled and over easy, were prefect.
2 Stars - Home Fries - Not to my liking. They are deep fried wedge cut potatoes. I prefer fine chopped and grilled.
3 Stars - French Toast - LDC said it was okay.
2.5 Stars - Turkey Sausage - LDC said it tasted like hot dog.
4 Stars - Service - Waitress was friendly, professional, and attentive.
4 Stars - Seater and Greeter - Very friendly, good job dude.
As far as I can tell, The Fox is just another choke and puke, just another greasy spoon, just another diner. I was truly hoping it might be similar to Metro, something unique. It must have been the hype, or the exceeding expectation but we were not impressed. The crowds that line up here in abundance every weekend must be yearning for that neighborhood, good feeling thing. But if they think this is the best Avendale has to offer, all they need do is take a short walk across the street.
Case in point; the network or channel you're watching, be it ESPN, CNN, FOX or what have you, goes into a station break. These breaks and contained commercials are generated from a main network source for broadcast throughout the nation but the local (Jax) division will sometimes cover-over a group with commercials that they've sold for the local market. They don't make any attempt to back time, jump in or out clean and they lack any sibilance of continuity with their inserts.
I once worked for two local TV affiliates and I know what proper procedures should be taken in this practice and Comcast either doesn't hire competent video switchers, or it's very poorly executed automatically or just doesn't care. I suspect a combination of all the above.
1 Star - Burger - They call it their new Bubba Burger - Thick, high quality 1/3 lb. meat patty, melted provolone or jack and grilled chili's and onions, lettuce and tomato. Those ingredients were great but the bun sucked. Too thick, too dry and on the stale side. Someone suggested all they had to do is steam them
All others at the table had the same complaint and when we brought it up to the waitress and manager's attention, they acted as though they've known about this for some time. I was taken back by their caviler attitudes instead of telling us in advance that it may not suite us. Or not adjusting our bills after the fact. Would be 5 Stars with soft buns.
5 Star - Vanilla Milk Shake - Excellent, one of the best in town if not the best. Made from scratch and had extra malt as requested.
3 Stars - Service - Except she did level with us, she was very attentive and nice.
Manager indicated they had been looking for a replacement bread company for some months now. He said they were getting in new ones on Wednesday to try. He also told me the ones they've been using come in frozen. What a shame to ruin an otherwise good product.
I'd call before going back.
1 Previous Review: Hide »
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4/12/2008 First to Review
We went here for a pre-arranged birthday party. Before we were seated, we noticed a cork board covered with some 100 photos of patrons that had apparently devoured the "Wall Of Fame Burger". This being their enormous, gargantuan, mammoth, colossal, 1 1/2 lb burger, $16.99. I would call it Gag-normous. Our table for 16 was ready and we were seated promptly. Only one in the party ordered the BIG one and he ate it all, and had his picture taken. Not being too hungry, I ordered a large baked potato, with sauteed onions and bacon. It was very good. Most everyone else ordered regular burgers and I heard no complaints.
This place also has a standard fare of soups, salads, steak and seafood entrees and sandwiches. Deserts, milk shakes and malts are available. The bananas foster bread pudding looked interesting, but none of us ordered it with birthday cake on the table.
Our server, 'Anastasia' was very accommodating as well as very attractive, and had a cute personality. Or is that my third glass of Blue Moon talking??
Jacksonville, FL 32205
(904) 695-0380
Good Drive In Cleaners
Category: Dry Cleaning & Laundry
1 List
Had heard through the grape vine that I MUST go try their pulled pork, so I did. During my meal I had the opportunity to chat with the co owner John Shepard (Sandy his Wife being the other),and I asked him to sit at my table so we could talk Que. I ask how he cooks his incredible pork butts and his answer was, low and slow. Puts them in the smoker about 8 to 9 PM and they cook all night until 9 or 10 the next day. My rating will follow my further discussion. I was real curious if his ribs and brisket were equal in flavor and tenderness and I admit I told him I would be writing a review here in YELP.
He accommodated me with a small sample of each, ratings to follow.
They have only been open for business just under 4 months but he didn't master this art overnight. And he is a master.
During our discussion he told me he had added fried shrimp and fish to the menu and the reasons why. So before writing this review, I had to return and try the shrimp. If anyone knows me here on yelp, I'm serious about good fresh shrimp, rating to follow.
Pulled Pork - Tenderness - 5.0, Smokey Taste - 3.5, Moistness - 5.0, Lack of Fat Content - 4. and Personal Preference compared with other - 5.0 Overall Average - 4.7
Pork Rib - Tenderness - 4.9 Smokey Taste - 4.0, Moistness - 4.7, Lack of Fat Content - 4.7 and Personal Preference - 4.8 Overall Average - 4.2.
Beef Brisket - Tenderness - 5.0, Smokey Taste - 4.0, Moistness - 4.8, Fat Content - 4.8 and Personal Preference - 5.0 Overall Average - 4.7
Fried Shrimp - Coating Crispness and Thickness - 5.0, Tenderness - 5.0, Sweetness - 4.5, Serving Temp - 5.0, Lack of Greasiness - 4.8, Tartar Sauce - 4.0, Overall Rating - 4.7
Mom and Pop (John and Sandy) have a great thing going and what appears to be a good start and local following. Lets hope the great food, warm hospitality, complimentary nanner puddin' and homemade cakes are not compromised by this floundering economy.
I'm gong back first chance I get. ~~ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ~~