Our 15th Annual Salute to Darn Good Eats in Northeast Florida
As it is every year, the Top 25 Restaurants feature article is decided by the subjective opinions of the staff of Jacksonville Magazine. Picking restaurants is a highly subjective endeavor. Having said that, we do look for certain features and amenities that we believe are important to our readers, namely a restaurant’s cleanliness, pleasing décor, value, consistent food quality and friendly service. A new wrinkle in this year’s selection process was an added emphasis on establishments that are just plain enjoyable, neighborhood places that have that extra “something” that keeps the regulars returning time after time. Happy reading and bon appetite.
Artful Abode.
Grandiose plantation-style homes with imposing columns and gated entries are de rigueur when it comes to the homes of the wealthy and Southern. Architect Steven Hutchins and his wife Vibha, an interior designer, however, wanted a family home that fit the land, not the mold. “I’m a big believer in contextual design, ” says Steven. “I take what the site gives me and I am able to react to it and orchestrate the best-fitting solution.
Fall Bridal Guide.
Budding Romance
For one couple it was love at first sight—plus about four years. Tiffany Stephens and Eric Marus have different recollections of how they first met. She remembers a brief encounter in front of the Sea Turtle Inn; he recalls meeting her at a local nightspot while watching a ping-pong match. After nearly four years of chance encounters, they finally had their first real date. And from that moment on, they were inseparable. Read this story and others in our twice-annual bridal guide.
Island Hideaways.
The Caribbean is an excellent honeymoon and vacation destination for First Coast residents because of its proximity and relative affordability. (No Euros to exchange here, folks.) With more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays from which to choose, our brief story is by no means all-inclusive, but merely highlights some of our favorite Caribbean island getaways. Deciding which tropical paradise best suits your desires—well, that’s a choice you’ll have to make.
The Truth About Cats & Dogs.
9 Things Every Pet Owner Should Know
Seventy-one million households in this country have at least one cat or dog. You’d think with all of that experience we humans would do a better job of taking care of our four-legged friends. Unfortunately, not all pet owners are as diligent about protecting and caring for their animals as they should be. Here, then, we offer up the statistics and advice that might just give Fluffy and Fido nine lives after all.
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Dining Guide
The Guide.
Jacksonville Magazine's monthly 16-page guide to Northeast Florida food, fine dining and entertainment. Includes a feature story, restaurant listings, cork talk, neighborhood finds and more.
Cole Pepper, sports director for WOKV-AM & FM and a bonafide barbecue aficionado, has regaled Jacksonville radio listeners with stories from golf courses and gridirons for more than 11 years. As host of the Jaguars Radio Network, Pepper anchors several weekly football shows during the season. And for home games, the Avondale resident usually can be found enjoying two of his favorite things—talking about football and enjoying grilled foods. The Kansas City native launched his own line of barbecue sauces in 2003. Today, Cole Pepper’s Blackjack BBQ Sauce is served at a variety of local eateries.
