Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning everybody, and welcome, good morning, good afternoon, a
good evening. Whenever it is that you're listening, I certainly
appreciate you you tune it in and hoping that you
get something out of it. So I woke up this
morning thinking, you know what, it's time to go to Jacksonville. Jacksonville, Florida.
What a great place that is the j A X.
(00:24):
We have been talking about Jacksonville for eight or nine
episodes now, and we've talked about how to get there,
what to do when you get there, what time of year,
when is the weather best, what activities are there that
may coincide with your visit. So I think we've got
a pretty good base here. We've talked about accommodations upscale
(00:47):
to some more moderately priced hotels and b rbos and
things like that. So one thing that I did want
to talk about was, you know, outside of you know,
the normal southern and Southern style and seafood restaurants that
you find in Jacksonville and most of the southern coastal cities.
(01:08):
I wanted to talk a little bit more about some
of the international flavors. So Jacksonville's culinary landscape extends way
beyond its Southern comfort food roots. A vibrant array of
just global migration and cultural exchange, the city offers a
(01:30):
surprising array of international flavors, each bite a testament of
its diverse population. This section will serve as your guide
to experience in the world through your taste Buds highlighted
some of Jacksonville's best international culinary destinations. Let's begin the
journey with the rich and aromatic spices of India. Several
(01:54):
excellent Indian restaurants dot Jacksonville's culinary map, offering everything from
curry to flavorful by rannies. And I don't know if
I've said that right. I usually don't. One standout is
is Felixes, known for its authentic dishes and warm and
biting atmosphere. I have some family that live in Jacksonville
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area and this is one of their favorites. Their butter
chicken is a crowd pleaser. The creamy tomato based sauce
perfectly complimenting the tender chicken. Don't be afraid to venture
beyond the familiar. Try their sag Payne here again, I'm
doing my best Indian Here a spinach and cheese ditch
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dish brimming with fresh herbs and spices or their lamb.
Venda Lou, that's kind of fun to say. Let's say
that again, Venda Lou. See. I put a little Indian
accent on that. Certainly no disrespect. I think it's awesome,
A fiery hot curry that will tantalize your taste buds.
Be sure to order some non bread fluff the leavened
(03:02):
leaven uh it's a flat bread that's I've had it before.
It's really good, and it is good for sopping up
delicious sauces and gravy. You know. I put the Southern
thing in there, which is gravy. For a more casual setting,
uh Rachel's offers a similarly delicious menu with a with
(03:23):
a quicker service style. Moving into the vibrant cuisine of Mexico,
Jacksonville bows a number of excellent techoreas, takoreas, and restaurants
serving authentic Mexican fair. Uh signor Tequilas is a local favorite,
famous for its freshly made tortillas, flavorful fillings, and generous portions.
(03:46):
Their tacos al pastor marinated pork cooked with verticals on
a vertical spit or must try the meat tinder and
juicy with subtle smoky flavor. Their case ideas are highly recommended.
Bursting with cheese and your choice of feelings for a
(04:08):
more upscale experience. Jacksonville has a lot of other sophisticated
venues within there, so you know you can try. I'm
trying to try to figure out which one I'm getting here. Anyway,
(04:29):
they have I can't pronounce the name, to be honest
with you, We'll just call it a Mexicano. Oh that
sounds good. Offers a sophisticated menu with a contemporary twist
on classic Mexican dishes. They're mold poblano, a rich, complex
sauce made with the chili's. I'll come back with that
name pronounced and spelled properly with a phone number. So
(04:51):
there you go. And chocolate is a true culinary masterpiece.
I mean chocolate and spices. There you go. Remember to
pair your meal with a freshing margarita or a crisp
Mexican beer for the ultimate dining experience. Next, we embark
on a culinary experience to the Far East. Jacksonville's Asian
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food scene is incredibly diverse, encompasses the cuisine of China, Japan, Korea, Thailand,
and Vietnam. For authentic Chinese food, tri Tsunami is a
reliable choice, offering a wide range of dishes from various
regions of China. The Peking duck is a showstopper. The
(05:34):
crispkin and tender meat a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
If you prefer Japanese, there are a lot of Japanese
restaurants there as well, and fantastic sushi bars at comprehensive venues,
and other traditional Japanese dishes. The raman is a comforting
(05:54):
and flavorful option, perfect for a Chile evening. For Korean
food lovers, Try So So it's must visit. Try their
Bippy Bap Bippen Bap Man. I'm not doing too well
with all of these. I'm just not doing too well.
(06:14):
A colorful mixed rice dish with vegetables. But you guys,
if you like this, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Meat and fried egg or their bulgogie, a marinated grilled
beef that's both tender and flavorful. These are just a
few examples. Exploration will reveal countless other hidden gym. Beyond
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these specific example, Jacksonville's international food scene offers a wealth
of other options. Exploring the city's diverse neighborhoods often reveals
hidden culinary gems. Consider venturing into areas with large immigrant populations,
as these often house authentic restaurants that cater to their
respective communities. Looking for Ethiopian food, You're lucky to find
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a fantastic restaurant in a neighborhood with a significant Ethiopian
population serving in jarra bread and flavorful stews craving the
bold flavor of Vietnam folk. Similar to neighbor similar neighborhoods
will likely have an option offering this staple dish. So
don't be afraid to explore and discover the diverse options
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hidden within the Jacksonville neighborhoods. And this is really what
it's all about. I mean, you can go off the
main road and just pull into a parking lot in
Tampa and have whatever you want, whether it's a chain,
a small chain, or just an individ direct but it's
going to be right there in the middle of everything.
So getting off the beaten path and going down a
(07:42):
side road, going into a different neighborhood and doing a
little exploring and finding out, you know, some restaurants on
your own. I mean that's something that you'll remember a
lot more than you know, just pulling off the interstate
and having a meal, so, you know, and get on
the you know, to check out the restaurants. Get online
(08:04):
and research your potential destination. Check online review sites like Yelp,
Google Reviews, and trip Advisor to see what other diners
have said about food, service and atmosphere. Pay attention to
reviews that mention authenticity because this is often a key
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element when seeking international cuisine. A restaurant praised for its
authenticity is more likely to offer a truly representative experience
of that particular culinary tradition. Also consider the restaurant location
and accessibility. While some restaurants may be tucked away in
less accessible locations, that doesn't necessarily mean that they're not
(08:45):
worth visiting. However, if you're short on time and prefer
a more convenient location, it's important to check the restaurant's
proximity to your hotel and other planned activities. Knowing that
restaurant location and accessibility will help you plan your culinary
adventure effectively. And you know, don't hesitate to engage with
(09:09):
the restaurant's staff. Uh not just to ask about their
dishes and their ingredients and the history of their restaurant,
but you can also learn so much more about what
else Jacksonville has to offer because people in food and
bev I mean, they know a lot about about the
area and different restaurants and bars and nightlife. They're just
(09:30):
a wealth of information. So by all means, you know,
engage with your waiters, the hostess, if you get a
chance to talk to one of the one of the
chefs or cooks, I mean, ask what their favorite is.
I mean, there really are just a ton of information
and then you can just you know, just from memory
and just go back and then you can you can
(09:51):
google that or you can check it out on one
of the websites and see if that's the place is
for you. I mean, I think that's a great way
to go. And also just kind of otis where the
locals go, right, I mean, just you know, ask one
ask of someone that lives there, you know, where their
favorite restaurant in this area is. I guarantee you they
(10:12):
would love to share, because we all love to talk
about ourselves, right. So if you if you want to
find something out, ask somebody about what they like and
about them, and you're going to get an honest response.
And it may be something that you're interested in, it
may not, but you know, always be appreciative and say
thank you and at least pretend like you're very interested.
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Most people are very proud of where they live, so
exploring Jacksonville's international food scene offers a chance to not
only satisfy your hunger, but to also engage with different
cultures and broaden your culinary horizons. The diversity of cuisines
readily available, whether you can pronounce them or not, allows
you to experience a global culinary tour without ever leaving
(10:59):
the city. Remember to research, explore, and savor the unique
flavors that Jacksonville has to offer. The city's diverse food
scene is a testament to its vibrant and welcoming community.
From the subtly spiced curries of India to the bold
flavors of Mexican cuisine and the nuanced taste of East
African Asian dishes, a world of culinary adventure awaits you
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in Jacksonville. Embrace to unexpected, savor the flavors and allow
yourself to be transported to different parts of the world,
all within the vibrant culinary landscape of this Florida city.
Your culinary journey through Jacksonville's international flavors promises to be
a memorable and delicious adventure. Enjoy the exploration and remember
(11:44):
to always check online reviews and confirm hours of operation
before you head out to your chosen restaurant. So also,
it was always smart. You know, if you're checking on
that you're trying to find the restaurant you're looking on,
and you find one that seems very popular by all means,
go ahead and make that reservation right now. That way
(12:08):
you don't have to worry about it. You don't have
to have a plan. B you know, you've got a
place to go, so when you're on vacation, time is valuable,
So don't be disappointing. Make that reservation all right. Well,
you guys, have a great day and I'll see you
next time. And God bless