Liz Van Hooser| Florida Times-Union
Palm Valley Fish Camp
The owners of the fine-dining spot Marker 32 have launched a second restaurant, but don't expect fine linens or crystal goblets at this eatery.
Two weeks ago, Lisa and Ben Groshell opened the Palm Valley Fish Camp near Ponte Vedra Beach. Complete with shrimp and grits and oysters on the half shell, the fish camp is fun, informal and even a bit rowdy at times, Lisa Groshell said.
Located right on the Intracoastal, at 299 N. Roscoe Blvd., the fish camp can be accessed by car or boat.
"The emphasis at Marker 32 is seafood, so it was a natural transition to do another seafood restaurant. But we knew we wanted to do something very different," Groshell said.
Groshell grew up in Palm Valley and said she has fond memories of the original fish camp there. She wanted to create a similar neighborhood feel.
Prices at the fish camp are moderate. A Low Country boil for two with shrimp, clams, crawfish and andouille sausage costs $24. Buttermilk fried chicken over grits with collard greens and tasso gravy is $12. And a broiled seafood platter with scallops and shrimp is $14.
Groshell said the seafood for both restaurants comes from Mayport.
"As far as I'm concerned, we should not be importing any seafood into this area," she said. "We've got dive boats going out every day pulling out grouper, snapper and triggerfish. We're in the prime location for seafood."
Take-Away Gourmet
After being closed for about three months, Matthew's Market and Catering in San Marco has been reborn as Take-Away Gourmet. The to-go restaurant features an extensive list of hot foods, all of which sell for $8 a pound. There are too many items to list, but here's a sampling of the food: organic beef short ribs, fried chicken, beef stir-fry, shepherd's pie, poached salmon, and macaroni and cheese. There is a salad bar and also carving stations with turkey, prime rib and other meats.
The eatery will also feature some frozen items, such as lobster pot pie, as well as desserts, wine and cheese.
Chef Matthew Medure, who still owns the business, said the decision to take his name out of the marquee was intentional.
"It's a value-driven economy right now, and my name is associated with high quality, but it's also associated with high prices," he said. "I'm trying to get over that stigma, but it just sticks with you."
Previously, the spot at 2103 San Marco Blvd. featured upscale food items from hard-to-find caviars to prime meats.
Medure said his Medure's in Ponte Vedra Beach, which closed last year, is being remodeled and will reopen this summer, possibly by the end of June.
In a related note, on Sunday, Matthew's in San Marco will host An Evening of Taste to benefit the Children's Home Society. Beginning at 8 p.m., the evening will feature wine and a specially created menu. Tickets are $150. and can be bought at the door.
Bites
• Restaurant Orsay, 3630 Park St. in Avondale, is now serving Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to classic brunch items such as eggs Benedict ($14), scones ($5) and mimosas ($6), Chef Brian Siebenschuch will also prepare house-made Duck Confit Hash ($14) and Steak Tartare ($12).
• The penthouse at the oceanfront Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant at 691 First St. N. in Jacksonville Beach is now open weekends from 1 to 5 p.m. for lunch. The menu includes a Warm Spinach Salad ($7.95) and a shrimp saute ($11.95).
• Broadway Ristorante & Pizzeria, the Southside restaurant located in Reedy Branch Commons near 9A will offer $1 cheese pizza slices through the end of the month from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• JJ's Liberty Bistro at 330 A1A N., Suite 209, in Ponte Vedra Beach is hosting its third-annual French Wine Festival for Hope from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16. The event will feature 20 wines from six different regions of France as well as hors d'oeuvres. Clothing from three nearby boutiques will also be for sale, with proceeds benefitting Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door.
• If you've wanted to try one of those wholesale clubs but don't want to make a membership investment, BJ's has a deal for you. The Web address is a bit unwieldy, but it will lead you to a free 60-day pass: www.bjs.com/about/news/content/item1,008.shtml.
