Northeast Florida is having fun with an impartial steakhouse renaissance
by Jeffrey Spear
Though we’re listening to loads about plant-based meals, there are nonetheless loads of carnivores looking for excellent cuts of beef. Some relish the thought of a chewy, tacky Neapolitan pizza loaded with pepperoni, bacon and Italian sausage. Others discover nirvana in a juicy burger, topped with all of the fixings. Most will say the “greatest meal ever” is a superbly ready steak, cooked medium uncommon, accompanied by an distinctive bourbon or advantageous wine.
Discovering a purpose-driven steakhouse that understands these preferences, sources higher cuts of beef, and is aware of learn how to grill them to culinary perfection requires cautious consideration. It’s additionally vital to acknowledge that eating experiences can differ wildly when it comes to culinary prowess, worth and expertise.
In Jacksonville, there are a number of independently operated steakhouses that meet these excessive requirements. Some are fairly informal, approachable and simple on the pockets. Others are significantly extra formal, luxuriously appointed, preserve spectacular wine cellars and chef-driven kitchens and cater primarily to well-heeled visitors or those that’ve been saving up for a long-awaited special day. The excellent news is that there are alternatives.
A Westside landmark since 1995, Cross Creek Steakhouse nonetheless operates as a steak and BBQ vacation spot from its Florida-style ranch home. Each acquainted and comfy, its partitions are adorned with historic photographs, work and looking trophies. Take pleasure in a cocktail of their Fin & Feather barroom. Higher nonetheless, sink your enamel into a couple of menu favorites together with fried inexperienced tomatoes ($10), Roadhouse ribeye ($29) and beef brisket plate.
In Mandarin, you’ll discover the equally casual Salento Colombian Steakhouse. Whereas they serve loads of steaks, together with a 16 oz. ribeye ($44) and 16 oz. New York Strip, there’s significantly extra. Factoring of their Colombian roots, the menu additionally consists of conventional arepas, empanadas and plantains. When you’re within the temper for Colombian specialties, the Bandeja Paisa ($26), that includes carne asada, chorizo, pork rind, arepa and fried candy plantain, delivers a beautiful ethnic expertise.
There are 5 significantly extra trendy locations with elegantly appointed eating areas, expertly ready meals, artfully conceived shows, and repair that’s a notch above, all approachable with out breaking the financial institution.
Working as The Tree Steakhouse since 1969, new possession upgraded operations in 2015 and adjusted the identify to Chophouse 13. Right this moment, this much-loved Mandarin vacation spot maintains its status for praiseworthy steaks with a traditional chophouse vibe. Just a few extremely really useful dishes are the grilled Australian lamb chops ($55), Licensed Angus bone-In cowboy ribeye ($76) and the pistachio-crusted salmon salad ($34). When you’re within the temper for a cocktail, calm down within the Oak Bar, a richly appointed, darkish wooden bar with a powerful number of prime shelf whiskeys.
Equally, Metropolis Grille & Uncooked Bar affords every thing you’d count on from a standard steak home. Their bar is a superb place to begin, maybe sipping martinis and slurping freshly shucked oysters. Their eating rooms differ in design, one a bit formal, one other backyard impressed. If yours is a sizzling date, ask for an intimate desk for 2 of their “tree home.” Every little thing on the menu, from the top-shelf wine listing and contemporary picks on the uncooked bar, to their Ora King salmon tartare ($17) and 18 oz. hand-cut prime ribeye ($66), is certain to impress.
Opened late final yr by the identical people that function Chophouse 13, Chophouse at Nocatee affords a contemporary strategy to steakhouse eating. With an open-air rooftop, elegantly appointed eating areas and intensive menu, there’s one thing for each event. Wonderful selections embrace Wagyu carpaccio ($28), Hawaiian Bigeye tuna tartare, and a 6 oz. filet mignon ($48).
Lastly, there are two steakhouses that function on the pinnacle of favor, class and culinary excellence. Whether or not it’s their extravagant wine lists, meticulously ready dishes or class that exudes from each nook, these eating places are distinctive.
Housed within the fantastically rebuilt Bostwick Constructing within the metropolis heart, Cowford Chophouse is an open, multi-level eating house that includes excessive ceilings, arched home windows, muted colours and distinctive cow themed work by native artist Jim Draper. You’ll like their rooftop bar as nicely, taking in a little bit contemporary air and panoramic views of town. With a complete wine choice and menu that appeals to all preferences, a couple of dishes to not be missed embrace their duck fats cornbread ($23), A-5 Satsuma Wagyu ($28 per ounce), and the Snake River Farms American Wagyu spinalis ($107), a top-of-the-line boneless ribeye steak.
Simply opened within the Deerwood space, 14 Prime is undeniably trendy, pays impeccable consideration to element, delivers personalised service, and proves its culinary prowess with each dish. When you like to observe the kitchen in motion, e-book one of many restricted seats on the Chef’s Desk. Creatively conceived cocktails, together with their Cloud 9, topped with a bubbly head of mulled wine air ($21), are scrumptious and entertaining. Don’t miss their wild Burgundy escargot pot pie ($27), hand-stretched mozzarella ready tableside, and a 12 oz. Sales space Creek Farm Kansas strip ($135). Verify, please.