William V.'s Profile

Arrived in Jacksonville looking for a good place to eat. After asking for a recommendation, I was directed to Grinder's Cafe. Grinder's is located in a strip mall off of Atlantic Boulevard.

As we entered, we were immediately seated. From first reviewing the menu, I noticed that most of Grinder's Cafe's menu items were for breakfast and lunch. Nonetheless, I opted for the pork chops. The pork chops came with a selection of two sides. For the sides, I selected Cinnamon apples and macaroni and cheese.

After a couple minutes, our food was served. I was very happy with the portion and preparation of the food. The pork chops were cooked just right.

Prices range from about $6 to $15.

Additional Notes:

- For dessert, I recommend the Banana Cream Pie.

Sushi House is located in a strip mall within the "St. John's Town Center." Upon entry, we were greeted by friendly service.

After reviewing the menu, I opted for both the Teriyaki Steak dinner and Sweet Shrimp. The Teriyaki Steak dinner came with miso soup, salad, and steamed rice.

I would best describe the food to be average. Certainly, nothing special -- but not terrible, either.

Prices range from about $5 to $9 for sushi. Entrées range from about $9 to $16.

Flew into Craig Airport in Jacksonville, FL. Sky Harbor Aviation is located at the center of the airport. Although the building is older (when compared to other airport Fixed Based Operators), there is a pilot's lounge with a television, and a flight planning room.

Staff was friendly. Best of all, they had newer courtesy cars that seemed to always be available!

I visited Reasor's during a quick trip to the Tulsa, OK area. This particular Reasor's location appeared to have been newly constructed and very clean. I would best compare Reasor's to Whole Foods or the Central Market stores in Texas (although much smaller).

Reasor's is a combination grocery store and restaurant -- with the eating area and freshly prepared food selection being on the right side entrance. A few examples of Reasor's fresh food offerings range from pizza, burritos, tacos, briskets, ham, and turkey. There is also an assortment of sides -- a few of which include macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, vegetables.

The staff was extremely accommodating and friendly!

Prices range from about $5 to $12 for meals.

Additional Notes:

- They also serve fresh coffee beverages.

Courtesy car? I have yet to visit an airport [fixed based operator] that requires that you refuel any fuel consumed when borrowing a car! Hence, the term "courtesy car."

Twin Peaks? Certainly there was an intention to imply a pun (just refer to the restaurant's logo). Nonetheless, my friend and I were quickly seated. Service was friendly and somewhat expedicious.

To start, my friend and I ordered the "Queso and Chips." When we ran out of chips, we were given more chips at no additional charge (which is always good).

I ordered the flat iron steak. The flat iron steak was good... but not great. The steak came with butter, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

Prices range from about $8 to $16.

In summation, Twin Peaks is great for those that desire a "Hooterisque" enviornment. While the food is decent -- and prices are affordable -- I would not visit solely for the food.

Feeling in the mood for Filipino food, I decided to visit "D'Kusina." D'Kusina is located in Richardson -- aside a nail shop.

Upon entering, I was quickly greeted by the waitress. The waitress provided me with two menus -- one was the regular menu and the other outlined the daily specials.

Before reviewing the menu, I ordered Gulaman at Sago. Gulaman at Sago is a cold, sweet drink made of brown sugar, tapioca, and jelly. The Gulaman at Sago was great!

I then opted to start with the Lumpia Shanghai -- which is essentially a Filipino egg roll. I then opted to try the lechón kawali and pancit bihon -- which was one of the two daily specials. The daily specials also come with soup and steamed rice.

After a couple minutes, my food was served. The food was flavorful and its freshness was apparent. However, I was not a big fan of the soup...

I recommend D'Kusina to those that 1) want homemade Filipino food; and 2) to those who have yet to try Filipino food and are feeling a bit adventurous.

Also, don't expect an extravagantly decorated restaurant -- as D'Kusina is plainly decorated.

Prices range from about $6 to $16 per plate.

Additional Notes:

- D'Kusina is closed on certain days of the week. Call ahead for business hours.

I first heard about Plush from a friend. And after some convincing, I decided to give this place a visit. Plush is located near the [somewhat] busy intersection of Main and Griffin Streets.

The wait to get in was about 5 minutes. We visited on a night when a DJ was visiting from Los Angeles. My initial impression of Plush was of its overwhelmingly loud music. But don't get me wrong... the music selection was great (just don't plan on having a conversation with anyone).

I also enjoyed the crowd, which was very diverse (and not the rowdy type).

I found drinks on the second floor to be watered down, with excessive amounts of ice. Drinks on the second floor are about $8 each. Conversely, drinks on the first floor are made stronger -- with just the right amount of ice -- and are $5 each.

Additional Notes:

- If you are unable to find parking, parking -- for a fee -- is available at the "City Park" parking garage, which is located on Griffin Street -- west of Main Street.

Sherlock's is best suited for when its late at night, you want a drink, and you are [perhaps] in a mood for something to eat.

The ambiance consist of dark lighting and loud music.

In summation, if you want a place to just have a drink -- and perhaps a bite to eat -- with friends (amid a loud atmosphere), Sherlock's isn't a terrible choice.

Additional Notes:

- Parking is scarce on weekend nights.

My only visit was on a Friday night at about 11 PM. I would best describe this place as a hybrid bar/restaurant with a dance area. The sushi was decent. The service was slow, but friendly.

Additional Notes:

- You can park using the underground parking garage. Parking is free (just tell the valet that you would like to park yourself).