Help with a Romantic dinner location... (Jacksonville, University: apartment, hotels, travel)

[kcr02]

Hello Everyone!

I was a frequent lurker over the summer while hunting for an apartment and first I must say THANK YOU for all of the posts and advice about locations. I ended up very satisfied and safe in the Southside thanks to the many posts on this website.

Next, I have been looking around online for the past week or so trying to find a romantic restaurant for a dinner this weekend with my sweetheart. We are big travelers and love trying new things, I am addicted to restaurant review sites and the like but I am exhausting myself with this search and thought someone here might be able to help. I don't want to go to far from home- the Southside/Baymeadows area- nothing that would be ridiculously expensive in cab (as we will be diving into the wine)... I don't want to feel like I can't laugh out loud because I might get kicked out (you know those types of restaurants??) but I want it to be unique and special. It will actually be our first outing in Jax as well as our one year anniversary.

If anyone could recommend something I would really appreciate it!!!

[HIF]

JJs Bistro on Gate Parkway...not sure, though if it was the atmosphere or the company, but it was very romantic. And had a great selection of wine.

Happy anniversary!

[EchoCharlie]

This is a Hard one. Not Sure what's too expense, what Cab fare's look like around here, or what the tastes are...

Here are some of my favs:

Athens Cafe on St. Augustine Rd close to University - Greek Food - 10-15/meal

Biscotti's in Avondale - might be too far for a cab, but Very Nice! Good Fru Fru food and GREAT deserts

Casbah Café - a few doors from Biscotti's - middle eastern food - hookas (water pipes w/ mellow tobacoo - NOTHING ELSE!) nice, but MUCH more laid back

Mediterania is at Baymeadows and San Jose is a medley of Greek/Italian - pretty good - Great Service - I know of people that went there for prom (cough 12 years ago cough).

Heard GREAT things about this place:
Tento Churrascaria - Brasilian SteakHouse
528 N. First St.
Jacksonville Beach
(904) 246-1580
But Expensive 100-150 for 2 ppl (with drinks)
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-onlin..._5512756.shtml

There are alot of new places downtown I know NOTHING about. Also, I'm foreign to the beach, so I can't vouch for anything there. On the other hand, if you can swing a lunch too I HIGHLY recommend the French Pantry on Powers by University!

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonvi...02/story6.html

[David in JAX]

Matthew's in San Marco is by far the best restaurant in Jacksonville and sounds like exactly what you are looking for. The prices are steep, but there is nothing else like it in this area. The two of us got out at $200 for our anniversary which included two seven course meals with wine pairings, before / after dinner drinks, etc. The ambiance was great and carried on pretty loudly and had a fantastic time.

main

The Wine Cellar on the south bank of downtown is also a great pick. The food / wine / service is great and you can have a great time.

The Wine Cellar

[HIF]

Excellent suggestions.

I thought about the Wine Cellar, too. Then they could walk over to Simons for a little live jazz and a few glasses of wine while snuggling on a comfy couch!

I've never been to Matthews....but if I could pick any place in town, that would be first on my list.

[kcr02]

Thanks everyone these are wonderful suggestions. Before posting on here I was actually looking at Matthew's and wasn't quite sure if it'd be a good fit. There were some not so great reviews about the waitstaff being young and inexeperienced and for the price you pay at a restaurant I would expect a smooth experience... I read something about a "tasting menu" but can't find it on their website- is that what you did David?

I also am loving this idea about eating at the wine cellar and then going to simons, that sounds very romantic. Does anyone know anything about the cost of cabs around here though?

EchoCharlie, you are the second person to tell me about French Pantry, I have got to get out there and try it- do you know if they do any sort of a Sunday brunch maybe??

Thank you everyone!

[HIF]

I don't know about cabs...but if they are too high, you might just get a room at one of the hotels on the river.....make it a surprise and whip out the room key at the end of the evening

bb's, across the street from Simons is good, too, but not romantic. Very poor acoustics. I like to go for dessert after a show.

Just discovered the French Pantry. Also not romantic, but really good for lunch. They have very limited hours. I think a major part of their business is catering.

And since we seem to be expanding this away from the romantic aspect- Tidbits on St. Augustine near University- another diamond in the rough and nice for lunch.

Truffles in Mandarin is nice for a weekend breakfast. They have indoor and outdoor seating. I've heard that they now have live music on weekends- sort of a coffee house set up, but haven't gone to it. Not sure if it is one night or both.

[David in JAX]

Originally Posted by kcr02

Thanks everyone these are wonderful suggestions. Before posting on here I was actually looking at Matthew's and wasn't quite sure if it'd be a good fit. There were some not so great reviews about the waitstaff being young and inexeperienced and for the price you pay at a restaurant I would expect a smooth experience... I read something about a "tasting menu" but can't find it on their website- is that what you did David?

Our waiter was about 30 and was very good. I think their waitstaff was the best that we have experienced in Jacksonville so far. He had a good knowledge of wine, scotch, the food and his personality was very enjoyable to be around. We did the tasting menu with the wine pairing and it was fantastic. You won't see it on the website because it changes daily. My only complaint was that they didn't have Laphroaig, but he had another scotch from the saim region so I forgave him.

[5FLgirls]

Just have to throw in that I've dined at Restaurant Medure in PVB (Same owner as Matthews) several times and it is fabulous. Food, wine list and service at A+. It was romantic but still noisy enough that we could have a real conversation. Make sure to tell them that you're celebrating something special and you want a great table. They're good about stuff like that. Also, call in advance because both places fill up with reservations quickly.

On another note, if you want to make a night out of it, we had a romantic evening at the Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island. The hotel is fabulous. And the food at Salt is unbelievable. We did the tasting menu there and the waiter even invited us into the kitchen to meet the chef. Brunch at Cafe 4750 was delicious also.

[kcr02]

I think I am stuck between the Wine Cellar or Matthews... Matthews is closer, but there is more to do over by the Wine Cellar...

David, can you tell me how long the tasting lasted, were you rushed through it or was it a nice and relaxed experience? The other thing was if there were a food allergy (ie mushrooms) do you think they would work around that or suggest you just order of the menu?