November 3rd, 2010
Always looking for a place to eat took me to Aqua Grill located at 950 Sawgrass Village, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. Tel. 904-285-3017. Website www.aquagrill.net.
Agua Grill is in a very visible spot, taking advantage of the traffic up and down on A1A and being that it is located right by one of the most beautiful golf courses.
It is open for lunch and dinner. Different menus are available: lunch, bar, dinner, and gluten free. Of the restaurants that I visited on this trip, it was the only one that had a gluten free menu. The other ones, adjusted the dish to the dietary requirements.
I went twice to Aqua Grill. Late afternoon for lunch, sitting outside and by the lake was very nice. I did not have a reservation for dinner but at this time of the year it was not a problem.
The restaurant, as well as the food is eclectic with a casual atmosphere. Agua Grill has been in the area for many years and everyone I asked had only good things to say about it.
For lunch I ordered rock shrimp sauteed with mushrooms, red peppers, fresh dill, scallions, garlic and shallots in a lemon meuniere sauce. It came with crispy baguettes which I proceeded to dunk in the sauce. Very good.
Another person ordered the backened fish and shrimp tacos served with grated cheddar, pico de gallo and black beans and rice. The fish was very well seasoned and the black beans were pretty good too, I must say.
A Mediterranean plate of stuffed grape leaves, kalamata olives and feta cheese was also ordered. Always a good one.
We sat there for the longest time watching, not sure yet, a bird or a snake swim for the longest time catching fish.
I had not had fried green tomatoes in a long time and for dinner I started with those. To tell you the truth they were the best I have had. Crispy bacon, fresh goat cheese, thai remoulade and cajun shrimp salad.
For dinner I had the Dynamite Chilean Sea Bass, spicy Asian, stirred fried vegetables, portobello risotto, and sesame butter sauce. It seemed that every time I could I would order the sea bass. This one was very good and the risotto was delicious, as well.
Another dinner entree ordered was the Pepercorn Marinated Ahi tuna, with Chinatown vegetable Lo-Mein, Chinese black dragon sauce, and an almond crusted shrimp.
The New Englad Cod was ordered from the gluten free menu. It had a sprinkle of crab, asparagus and hollandaise sauce. I think he liked it but would have preferred something different.
I would definitely go back to Aqua Grill. I enjoyed the setting very much. If the weather permits and you decide to try it, then eat al fresco.
And, please remember,
Talk to you later…
July 19th, 2010
Beach eateries; don’ you love them? Those come as you are small eateries that are found in all coastal towns. Their food is usually pretty good and the establishments are dependable.
We saw one on Neptune Beach this past week; The Atomic Flying Fish. Neptune Beach is right there with Atlantic Beach. Of course, we needed to try it. Had not read anything about it.
The owner, very friendly and the food was very good.
Michael had the Marvelous Mahi-7, seasoned and served with shredded cheese, pico, sour cream, and black beans.
Pico de Gallo is an uncooked condiment used in Mexican cuisine made from chopped tomato, onion and/or jalapenos or serranos, lime juice, cilantro, cucumber and even mango. Perfect for tacos and quesadillas.
I had the Super Grouper-8, which was blackened and served with cheese and pico. Fresh grouper!!
All tacos were served on shredded lettuce on 8″ flour tortillas with tortilla chips.
Atomic Flying Fish is located at 309 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, FL. Tel. 904-372-0882. Opened Tuesdays through Sundays at 11:00 a.m. You will find them on Facebook, as well, so check them out to see what is going on.
Some of the other tacos on the menu were:
Pineapple Shrimp-6, which was marinated wild-caught shrimp with cheese and pineapple.
Cali Fish-5, which was seasoned fresh-water catfish with shredded cheese and pico.
Alligator-7, also blackened with cheese, pico and spicy remoulade.
Soups: Served with oyster crackers.
Stewnami which was a spicy squid and scallop bisque, sund-dried tomatoes and jalapenos. Supposedly, creamy and delicious.
Neptune Beach Clam Chowder, with corn and blue crab.
It was so good that we went back again for more!! Well, Michael did.
Have a great day!!…Talk to you later….
July 18th, 2010
This is one of those experiences that are unexpected but leave you pleasantly surprised.
I was looking for a different type of hotel while I was staying in the Jacksonville area. I made a reservation at One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa because it was in a small beachtown and it was ocean front. Little did I know that this hotel is known for its individualized service. It exceeded my expectations; location, service, rooms, and of course, the beach.
“Luxury is not just a lifestyle. It is an art form, and only the most skillful of artists can bring it to light. One Ocean is the first masterpiece in a collection of individualized luxury resorts known as The Gallery.”
Yes, that’s where I ended up and at the end of my stay I hated to leave. But, soon I will be back.
The hotel is owned by Remington. This is an independent hotel management company. They build hotels, operate them or perform asset management duties. The company is based in Dallas, Texas and for more information, please visit www.remingtonhotels.com.
The Gallery, under which One Ocean Resort falls under, is a signature collection of luxury resorts. They have world class accomodations, dining, spas and recreation.
The One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa is located at One Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233. Tel. 904-249-7402. They have a great website, so if you want more info. please visit www.oneoceanresort.com.
The feeling I got when I entered this hotel was of serenity, the one brought by being in touch with the ocean.
I believe the hotel only has about 6 floors. It is, really the only high rise, if you consider that a high rise on Atlantic Boulevard. The valet guys were great and friendly, just like the staff I encountered. My room information was ready as I gave the valet my keys; no need to stop at the reception counter.
They want to cater to all your needs. One of the things that caught my attention was the Pet Menu. Yes, you heard me. Your pooch or cat might want to accompany you on this vacation. They have appetizers, entrees for either one and beverages. Plus, walking services can be arranged, as well.
Here goes the menu. I had to blog about it.
Appetizers: Science Diet Canned Selections, Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Paw’s Kitten Treats. Price? $3 and $4.
Entrees for Dogs: Schnauzer Spinach Salad with Corn and Chopped Beef, Chihuahua Chicken and Rice, which is diced chicken and steamed rice, and Open Faced Beagle Burger. $10 each
Entrees for Cats: Feline Tuna Carpaccio which is thinly sliced Ahi grade tuna, Siamese Salmon Filet, that being medium rare for the finicky feline, and last but not least, the Foie Gras Pate, made for only the finest breeds. Those entrees fluctuate from $8 to $14.
Beverages for both: Voss or Pellegrino waters. Or, milk.
I am not kidding you, it is true.
For the humans they have a great restaurant called Azurea. This restaurant is able to cater to all your needs, as well. You may dine indoors, outdoors, by the pool or in the privacy of your own room.
I hope you have had a great week-end. Too hot, isn’t it? Talk to you later…
Note: I think my Addy and her friends, Tucker, Bay, Mizzen or Aaron would love it here.
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