Chef's list of Restaurants.

[stephendare]

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/florida/jacksonville/entertainment-nightlife/live-performance/boomtown-theatre-coffee

Just found this:  When we were in Springfield, Boomtown was rated 7th out of the 50 things to do in Jacksonville by Lonely Planet.  Brought a smile.

[02roadking]

Hmmm, Boomtown Springfield... Just the other day I ran across a menu from there in my to-go menu drawer. Just does not seem that long ago, but I guess time seems to fly by now.

[jason_contentdg]

As a resident of Springfield and a lover of good food, I miss the hell out of Boomtown.  It was actually one of the first places, if not the first, that my wife and I ate at when we moved to Jacksonville in 2004 and less coincidentally, the first time I met Stephen, whom chatted with us for a bit and even came out and sauteed the mushrooms table side.

[stephendare]

As a resident of Springfield and a lover of good food, I miss the hell out of Boomtown.  It was actually one of the first places, if not the first, that my wife and I ate at when we moved to Jacksonville in 2004 and less coincidentally, the first time I met Stephen, whom chatted with us for a bit and even came out and sauteed the mushrooms table side.

Thanks Jason!

[John P]

Sub picassos for moon river, uptown market for french pantry and bistro aix for orsay and you got yourself a deal.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

Sub picassos for moon river, uptown market for french pantry and bistro aix for orsay and you got yourself a deal.

I can't speak for Picasso's, but regarding the other two........  you may as well have sub'd Larry's and Applebee's. 




(meaning no comparison, JIC my comment went over your head)

[MusicMan]

Stephen, thanks for the list. I'm going to try a couple of these that I've never been to before.

BUT..................Chomp Chomp??  Ate there once during ArtWalk and was very disappointed. 

[Dog Walker]

And I ate at Bistro Aix a couple of times and was never impressed.  Degustabus non est disputandum.

[Adam W]

I really enjoyed JJ's Bistro in PV Beach when I went there a few years back. But last time I went, the quality had taken quite a nosedive, which was a real shame. They had a number of seafood dishes on the menu (which I cannot attest to the quality of, as i cannot stand seafood) - but I ate there back before I was a veggie and the lamb was very good.

I heard there is another location, but I've never eaten there.

[ChriswUfGator]

And I ate at Bistro Aix a couple of times and was never impressed.  Degustabus non est disputandum.

I think when it comes to AIX you don't need to give a disclaimer, Latin or otherwise, that place just sucks. It was good ten years ago, every time I've been since has been deplorable. Home of the $14 grilled cheese sandwich, what else can I say.

And Boomtown was a great place, I know Stephen's doing publishing now but I keep telling him he's missing his calling.

[stephendare]

Stephen, thanks for the list. I'm going to try a couple of these that I've never been to before.

BUT..................Chomp Chomp??  Ate there once during ArtWalk and was very disappointed. 

The experience can be uneven during the crush of the art walk---none of the downtown restaurants have mastered what its like to actually be busy, yet.  except hooters of course.

But again---sheerly from a chef's POV, Chomp! Chomp! is one of those places that you have to love.  Great ingredients, smart work, usually a very high quality of presentation and perfectly priced.  Seven dollars for some of the best food in jax.

But the thing that really got them included is the passion, creativity, and sheer love of food of the young chefs in the kitchen and the owners themselves.

These boys are gifted, especially considering that they are working in a street food milieu.

Hope you give it another try, musicman.

thanks for the compliment about boomtown, Chris!

[5ptscurmudgeon]

I remember Stephen's Fusion Cafe having a Serial Killer Art exhibit. Churches, City Council folks, business leaders etc. screaming bloody murder. LOL. One of the best cheap shameless media stunts ever.

[stephendare]

I remember Stephen's Fusion Cafe having a Serial Killer Art exhibit. Churches, City Council folks, business leaders etc. screaming bloody murder. LOL. One of the best cheap shameless media stunts ever.

fun times.

[Singledout18241]

I am so happy to have stumbled upon this. I am always looking for new places to eat that are filled with character, great food, and prices. I can't wait to try some of these out. If I may add my recommendation, try Brewers Pizza in Orange park.  While I have never had moon river, I have heard many great things about them. I just haven't been able to go anywhere else for pizza after tasting it. It's seriously my favorite ever.   http://www.brewerspizza.com/home/

[Dog Walker]

I really enjoyed JJ's Bistro in PV Beach when I went there a few years back. But last time I went, the quality had taken quite a nosedive, which was a real shame. They had a number of seafood dishes on the menu (which I cannot attest to the quality of, as i cannot stand seafood) - but I ate there back before I was a veggie and the lamb was very good.

I heard there is another location, but I've never eaten there.

The decline probably started when Chef Benoit DeClefs sold his share of that restaurant, left and opened Magnificat Cafe downtown.  He wanted a less demanding work life and time for his new family.  He is a fully credentialed, French culinary institute trained chef with many years of experience.  I have had the privilege of eating  full dinners that he has prepared and he ranks with the best chefs in Jacksonville without doubt.