Whole 30 x 2 + 1

I've been absent from this blog for too long now. Busy, yes, but that's no excuse. I'm back, for now, seeing how this works in my current lifestyle. Not that I have stopped blogging altogether - I have just adapted to micro-blogging, mostly via instagram.

As far as food goes, I've hit the reset button more times than I can count at this point. I used to write about it for a living, now I seldom even get out to try new places except for the occasional brunch or lunch with friends.

I don't cook as often as I'd like either, but when I do I am reminded how much I love it, and frankly, how good I am at it (at least, most of the time). I bought an instant-pot and fulfilled a decades old desire to learn to use a pressure cooker. The food might not be pretty, but sweet baby Jesus, it is delicious.

Pictured here is a Whole 30 compliant breakfast from a few months ago.  I started doing Whole 30 off and on a year ago, and it's time to get back on it, at least move closer to it. If I were left to my own devices I would eat this way most of the time.

I can't say what tomorrow will bring, but I know what I'll bring to tomorrow. A renewed sense of purpose, and a commitment to living my best life.

To do this week - Appointments. Haircut. Accountant. Visit with friends. Oh, and Outlander is back, baby!

Pancake Jones

The Madre was craving pancakes yesterday, so this morning we headed to Metro Diner and made it happen. Smile indicates successful mission.

Not gonna lie, I ate some too. I'm always down for Cinnamon anything.

Great meal, decent service, excellent company. This and a pot of coffee gave us the strength to face a morning of much needed vacuum cleaner maintenance. 

Saturday, you're starting out a-ok.

Cool Customer

The webcam has finally revealed why all those random shipments from Amazon have been showing up on our doorstep recently.  #Parker #oneclick #premium 

Love is where you find it.

These two caught my eye recently, sharing a bunk at our church estate sale.

#episcopaliansrule #loveisloveislove

Ready for some off-plan eating

The Madre and I have been adhering diligently to the Whole 30 regimen for 24 days now, and we can claim many non-scale victories, such as better overall health, energy boost, better skin and hair, little or none of the pain that accompanies inflammation. Then there are the pants I bought and couldn't quite squeeze into in December, which are hanging loose on me today. I've dropped at least one of my "extra" chins, and I bought some new Ralph Lauren eyewear that makes me feel like a nerd-queen.

That having been said, today we started discussing what foods we might start to reintroduce to our routine once the 30 days are up. We agreed, the Madre and I, that pasta is a thing of the past for us, we have no desire to eat congealed, wet flour. Zucchini noodles are the new normal for our Italian faves. I was sure the Madre would say toast would be her first add-in, but vodka edged it out. She went so far as to say she would probably never eat toast again. While that's highly unlikely (she does love her toast), I get where she's coming from with the vodka. I'd like to enjoy a glass of white wine once in a while, or the occasional craft cocktail. 

For me, it's more about the social aspects, being able to eat at a restaurant without pressuring the chef to prepare a meal within the near-draconian restrictions of the Whole 30. Don't get me wrong, we'll be back on the program as soon as we feel the return of joint pain or bloating. But until then I'd like to be able to patronize my favorite local establishments and indulge in a little non-compliant nibbling. 

Here are a few dishes I'm dreaming of ordering in another week... in no particular order.

Moules Frites - Orsay. Anything from Orsay, for that matter.

Brunswick Stew from Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails

Cocktails - like the French 76 from Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails

Luau plate from Hapa-li - bbq chicken and lumpia FTW!

And ANYTHING these two throw at me. #fusion

That's a good start. I'll keep you posted on the insta, as always!

Getting Back on Track

Not sure why I stopped blogging here.

So many things have happened in my life since my last post. I stopped writing for the paper and started work at a local church. I'm loving the work, and the people are terrific.  I discovered a better way of dealing with food - the Whole 30 Program - and lost 40 lbs. Much more to go, and I've been eating everything in sight over the holidays, so it's time to reconstitute my diet - and rev up my creative life. I guess I'll still be posting some food things too, once we get through this crazy crap year that was 2016.

Hang with me here if you'd like - or visit me on Instagram and / or Twitter. Happy Holidays!

Hurricane Grill and Wings

Hurricane Grill and Wings
Is set to open its newest location Monday in the Bartram Village Shopping Center, 12547 Bartram Park Blvd. at Old St. Augustine Road.

The chain is known for its fresh, jumbo chicken wings that can be customized with 35-plus flavors — from traditional Buffalo to signature flavors like Maple Pepper and Chipotle Raspberry BBQ.

Also on the menu are burgers, tacos, seafood and salads. A full bar features 24 beers on tap, including local craft brews from Ancient City Brewing, Aardwolf Brewing Co., Bold City Brewery, Intuition Ale Works and Veterans United Craft Brewery.

The new location has a large outdoor patio with lounge seating around a fire table and a 6-foot water wall. Happy hour is 3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, and kids eat free all day every Tuesday with adult entree purchase.

Hours are 11 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Sunday.

Book Signing Saturday, November 7 at the Main Library

If you're not doing anything Saturday, or, if you have some time in-between things to stop by the Library around 2pm... I'll be hanging out in the lounge and would love some company! There's a lot going on in town this weekend, including our beloved Main Library's anniversary celebration. I'm honored to be one of two local authors helping them mark the occasion. Chamblin Bookmine will be on hand selling copies of my book, so there's that..

Simply Tasty Thai

Still the best Thai in town - Simply Tasty Thai on Mayport Road.

Shangri-la

Jax Truckies 4th Annual Food Truck Championship - October 3, 2015

Jax Truckies Battle on the Island - August 1, 2015

Book Signing Thursday

Hello Beasties! 

I'll be at The Bookmark in Neptune Beach tonight April 23 starting at 7pm - signing copies of my new book - Jacksonville Food Trucks - Stories and Recipes from the Road!

See you There!

St. Simons Island's Southern Soul

The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting nearby St. Simons Island for the first time, as a guest of The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort. My travelling companions were fellow travel and food writers, and we were given a taste of the good life on this quiet coastal island.

The beautiful vista from my room in the Resort's Oceanfront Building made it tough to venture out, lest I should miss a moment of the spectacular sunrise or sunsets. But venture we did. Along the way, we met some of the people who call St. Simons home, and tasted some solid down-home Southern cooking. 

We started our visit with drinks in the lobby bar and "living room" area at the Resort. It was like sunshine in a glass. 

Dinner at Echo, the Resort's showcase restaurant and the island's only oceanfront restaurant and bar, after dinner drinks in the "living room" and breakfast in the sunny bar area showcased the best the island has to offer, with fresh, plentiful Georgia shrimp as a culinary focus during our stay. The name ECHO pays tribute to the Resort and St. Simons Island's naval history during World War II. 

The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort recently completed a comprehensive renovation project, and the resulting spaces are fresh and elegant. They integrate natural light and gorgeous views of the Resort's 30,000 square foot pool complex, the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The only oceanfront hotel on the island, The Resort was the perfect home base for our adventures. While they housed and fed us generously, our trip included visits to a few choice off-site restaurants as well. One standout spot was just a short trolley ride away from the Resort, and featured a bangin' breakfast buffet.

Tim and Melissa Wellford have owned and operated local favorite Sandcastle Cafe and Grill at 117 Mallery Street since it opened in 1989. The breakfast buffet is an outstanding value, and most of their breakfast and lunch entrees are under ten dollars.

Their cinnamon rolls were a big hit. They usually only do them on weekends, so plan accordingly if you want to sample them!

The island has plenty of places for shopping and refreshment. We loved combing through these little shops on our way back home.

I was thrilled when our trolley tour stopped at nearby Southern Soul Barbeque for lunch. 

Griffin Buffkin and Harrison Sapp started Southern Soul with just $700 and a smoker. They've come a long way from those humble beginnings.

Pittmaster Harrison told us how they rub, then smoke low and slow, basting with apple juice throughout the process. 

The resulting pulled pork was some of the best I've ever eaten. The ribs were completely crazy-good too, but the baked beans and Brunswick Stew really got me going.       

I've been wanting to give this place a try since Guy Fieri visited them a few years ago, on the Northern end of his swing through Jacksonville. Now I know that no trip to St Simons, or any of Georgia's coastal islands, is complete without a visit to Southern Soul. It's just that good. NO FRILLS, just honest to goodness real deal Southern Barbeque.

We toured Christ Church and its cemetery, and learned about its significance in John and Charles Wesley's founding of the Methodist and Episcopal Churches. The church's history is a tale for another day, one that launched a series of historical romance novels by Eugenia Price. 

There were some beautiful stained glass windows in the church. This one caught my attention!

No doubt, I'll return to St. Simons Island in the Spring, when everything is in bloom. If you're anywhere in the vacinity, I suggest you plan a trip, tour the island, grab some world class barbeque and soak in the sights. It really is a beautiful place.

If you need additional incentive, The King and Prince is running a Melt Away Your Everyday special, with discounted rates on select dates through March 26, 2015.

Find them online at kingandprince.com

Thanks to our hosts and tour planner for your gracious hospitality, and for creating such a lovely experience for us.  

Southern Roots Grand Opening

Southern Roots Filling Station celebrates their Grand Opening Saturday, January 24, at 1275 King Street in Jacksonville's Riverside neighborhood. Saturday hours are 9am-3pm, and their grand opening celebration is from 4pm - 6pm.

JP and Mariah Salvat, Southern Roots Filling Station.

Featuring goods from local farmers, growers, crafters and artisans, shop owners JP and Mariah Salvat say their mission is to create delicious simple vegan products that are eco-friendly and organically sourced with no artificial preservatives and unnecessary additives. Offerings include coffee, tea, prepared foods, and bulk/buy-by-weight items.

The Beacon

I stopped in for a Chai Latte and was gifted a lovely open-face sandwich. The Beacon features Smokey seed spread, carrot slaw and local micro-greens served on bread or a bed of greens. It was so delicious I had to pick up a container of the smokey seed spread to make my own at home! There are fresh house-baked muffins, and coffee from Miami-based Panther Coffee.

We be Jammin'

Sundays promise to be delicious, with a weekly "Jam Bar" for your toast! Find their current menu and list of bulk items online at southernrootsjax.com, visit them on Facebook at SouthernRoots, and check out their daily specials on instagram @mysouthernroots.

Amelia Island Restaurant Week

January 16 through 25 is the 7th Annual Amelia Island Restaurant Week. 30 of Amelia Island’s most popular restaurants are participating this year. Each will offer a prix-fixe menu, including three courses and a non-alcoholic beverage, at either $19 or $29 per person.  New for 2015, select restaurants will offer a prix-fixe lunch menu with a non-alcoholic beverage for $12 per person. Details and a list of participating restaurants are available online at ameliaislandrestaurantweek.com

The week officially kicks off Thursday, January 15, when Executive Chef Andrew Yeo of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island will gather a group of local Chefs/Owners of Amelia Island Restaurants for a special themed meal. 

A Tribute to Modern Southern Cuisine begins with a 6 p.m. wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres and a 6:45 p.m. dinner seating in Café 4750.  Each chef will prepare a personal interpretation of a Southern classic food.  

From The Salty Pelican, T.J. Pelletier offers Butternut Squash and Shrimp Bisque with a Southern Style Shrimp Po’Boy. 

Espana Chef Roberto Pestana will prepare Panco encrusted Diver Sea Scallops over Lobster, Bay Scallop and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya. 

From The Ritz-Carlton, Andrew Yeo will present Sherry Glazed Crispy Pork Belly, Tomatillo Relish, Bacon Powder, Collard Greens. 

29 South Chef Scott Schwartz offers Braised Veal Cheek on Congaree and Penn Sweet Corn Middlins, Brown Butter Carrot Mousse, Hickory Smoked Almonds.

The Ritz-Carlton’s Sheldon Millett presents Key Lime Cream, Strawberry Shortcake, and S’more Chocolate Sorbet. 

Tickets are available with advanced reservation, and are a great value at just $68 per person plus gratuity. Call 904-277-1987

Meet Joy of Kosher Author Jamie Geller

Jamie Geller - Photo courtesy of Winn Dixie
and Joy of  Kosher with Jamie Geller Magazine

Celebrate Delicious this Chanukah season during a special kosher cooking demonstration featuring world-renowned kosher food celebrity Jamie Geller. 

To help brighten your holiday, Geller will whip up several of her family’s favorite fast, fresh Chanukah recipes for tasting, including savory and sweet treats such as latkes and donuts, along with tips and tricks to wow holiday guests.

 Thursday, December 11
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

 Lakewood Winn-Dixie Store

1520 W. University Blvd.

Jacksonville, Fla. 32217

The best-selling author will also host an in-store book signing, and the first 40 attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Jamie’s Joy of Kosher: Fast, Fresh Family Recipes cookbook.

For more ideas on how you and your family can Celebrate Delicious in your kitchen, visit Winn-Dixie.com/Chanukah or JoyofKosher.com for Jamie’s quick and easy kosher recipes and download a free copy of Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller Chanukah e-recipe book. 

Jamie is the best-selling author behind Quick & Kosher: Recipes from the Bride Who Knew Nothing  and Joy of Kosher: Fast, Fresh Family Recipes cookbooks, the founder of Kosher Media Network (KMN), which includes award-winning magazine Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller and website JoyofKosher.com.

"If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him." ~ John F. Kennedy

Sweet and Sassy Meatball Contest

So - y'all know I like it hot. That's why I'm thrilled to have been asked to be a judge in the Sweet & Sassy Meatball Contest,  celebrating the 10th anniversary of St Augustine's Hot Shot Bakery and Cafe.

Ten finalists will be invited to join owner Sherry Stoppelbein on Saturday, November 15 at her Hot Shot Bakery in historic St. Augustine, for a tasting competition, where their meatballs will be sampled and judged by yours truly (Nancy White, bloganista in chief here at Nourish The Beast, and Dining Notes columnist for the Florida Times-Union), my friend, the lovely Allie Olsen, who OWNS St Augustine  at Simply St Augustine, and uber-fab food photographer Monica Stouder.

Win a St. Augustine Vacation!

One Grand Prize winner will receive a getaway at the historic St. Francis Inn (circa 1792), plus take home a yummy collection of Hot Shot Bakery’s datil sauces, jams, mustards and jellies. (Mango Dipping Sauce, Nolby's Hot Mustard, Sloppy good BBQ Sauce, Datil Pear Relish, Datil Citrus Jam and 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Degree Burn Hot Sauce.

One Grand Prize Winner Receives:

• An overnight stay for two at the beautiful, historic St. Francis Inn (Sunday thru Thursday excluding holiday periods). All Inn amenities including breakfast and afternoon social hour with homemade refreshments. www.StFrancisInn.com
• Sumptuous breakfast buffet for two at the St. Francis Inn
• Complimentary bicycles for two to tour St. Augustine
• Evening desserts at the St. Francis Inn for two
• Lunch for two at Hot Shot Bakery
• An assorted case of Datil B Good Jams, Condiments and Hot Sauce
• The prize-winning recipe will be incorporated into one of the restaurant’s menus!

Official Rules: 
Send your Sweet & Sassy Recipe via email to Leigh Cort Publicity ~ leighcort@bellsouth.net  by November 1, 2014.

Include:

1. Recipe & NAME OF RECIPE
   (No previously published recipes will be considered).
2. A brief story about the recipe, not to exceed 100 words
3. Name, address, telephone # and email 
4. All ingredients and preparation instructions.
5. A photo of the dish

Judging: Top 10 Finalists will bring 12 meatballs to Hot Shot Bakery on November 15 at 12:00 noon for tasting competition.

Who can enter: Entrants must be 18 or over. There are no substitutions or transfer of prizes. Prizes are not redeemable for cash. By acceptance of prizes, winners consent to use of their names and/or photographs for publicity purposes without further compensation. Finalists will be notified by November 3, 2014.

For 25 years, Sherry Stoppelbein has been growing the hot little Datil pepper that thrives in St. Augustine, where the climate, soil and humidity are perfect. At her Hot Shot Bakery, one of St. Augustine’s fave breakfast and lunch spots, many dishes are prepared or garnished with her Datil B Good condiments and sauces.

*See contest details online at: www.leighcortpublicity.com/contest.htm

Hot Shot Bakery and Café

8 Granada Street

St. Augustine, Fl 32084

904-824-7898

www.hotshotbakery.com

Soul Food Bistro: Satisfy Your Craving

My review of The Soul Food Bistro's Arlington location is in the Florida Times-Union this week, so I thought I would indulge you with a few more photos here, since the paper has only so much space to indulge my obsession with food-porn.

Don't tell my mama, but these are some of the best dang pork-chops you could ever want to eat! SMOTHERED is the way to go, here, people. Trust me on this one. You're gonna want to eat all that rice, too...

Chef Celestia Mobley created the OXTAIL WONTON for a chef's competition a few years ago. They are completely craveable. This photo shows them served family style.    

Chicken is a popular choice at the Soul Food Bistro. Fried, Oven Roasted, Smothered, Grilled...
Just get you some.

The BEST Mac n Cheese in Jacksonville, people. IMHO, that is. 

There is so much more at the Soul Food Bistro - both locations do a rockin' business. Read my review of the Arlington location in the Florida Times Union, and go. Sit. Eat. Get cake. There is a lot of cake. Pie. Cheesecake. You get the drift. 

Oooh - and they cater! Get the traditional soul food stuff or call and talk about custom menus - they have a real fancy-schmancy catering staff, including a wonderful pastry chef!  They specialize in delivering soulful, healthy food. 

Let me leave you with this thought, from the Soul Food Bistro website:

Soul Food Bistro

11876 Atlantic Blvd
Jacksonville FL 32225
904-394-2801

Thanks to Chef Celestia Mobley and her crew for inviting us to join the fun at the one year anniversary celebration of this location, where at least a few of these dishes were served to us gratis, with no expectation that we would share other than through social media.