Starbucks at the corner of Baymeadows and Phillips Highway
Growing up I've never liked to drink coffee. Every now and again I would like a taste of coffee ice cream but never really felt the need to drink it. Until the day I walked into Starbucks. It took some time to find the drink I liked, but when I did I've been hooked since.
I caught wind of this new starbucks opening up off of Baymeadows and Phillips so I decided to go check it out. Their grand opening was on January 13th. When I walked in I noticed that this Starbucks looked much different compared to the others around town. The atmosphere had an old fashion coffee shop type feel to it. It even had a little bar where you could sit and drink. There were a few tables and chairs spread throughout the store along with 4 big comfy chairs. As I approached to place my order, the employees were quite friendly, and offered free samples of either lemon cake or a chocolate chip cookie. I graciously took a small piece of lemon cake. It was quite delightful. My drink of choice was a tall caramel frappacino double blended. Turns out my friend, who came along for the ride, ordered a drink that wasn't quite on the menu, but was courteous enough to make the drink with no problems.
Once our beverages were in hand we sat down to enjoy our drinks. We were lucky enough to be able to sit in the comfy chairs. While we sat back and enjoyed the atmosphere, music played in the background. I believe they were playing Tony Bennett's duets or greatest hits. Overall it was quite enjoyable. Oh and it turns out I heard one of the Barista's (starbucks employee) mention to another customer that they will start serving sandwich's. That is definitely something new for them.
All in and all I had a great experience visiting this new Starbucks. My drink was made just the way I liked, the atmosphere was comfortable and relaxing, and the employees were very friendly. So if you are in that neighborhood pop in and grab a cup of coffee. I've already gone back a few more times after my first trip there.
Until next time .....
Robin
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Introducing the one, the only, Robin!
Hello There,
I'm here today to introduce myself.
My name is Robin and I've been given the important task of blogging about places around town. I work from home so it is now my mission in life to get out more. It's a great luxury, working from home that is, however its enough to drive a person crazy.
I enjoy blogging as well as other things. I love photography, scrap booking, and most of all my pugs.
So sit back and enjoy the ride as i always seem to find some type of adventure when going out on the town. Look out for my next blog as I'm bound to go somewhere in the next couple of days.
Ciao for now,
Robin
I'm here today to introduce myself.
My name is Robin and I've been given the important task of blogging about places around town. I work from home so it is now my mission in life to get out more. It's a great luxury, working from home that is, however its enough to drive a person crazy.
I enjoy blogging as well as other things. I love photography, scrap booking, and most of all my pugs.
So sit back and enjoy the ride as i always seem to find some type of adventure when going out on the town. Look out for my next blog as I'm bound to go somewhere in the next couple of days.
Ciao for now,
Robin
Monday, January 8, 2007
Review: The Good Shepherd
I realize I'm late to the gate on this one but I did want to offer my two cents just the same. With the recent holiday's, we are far behind on our movie viewing. There are at least 3 other movies I really want to see. Hopefully I'll squeeze them in soon. On with the review...
Movie: The Good Shepherd
Theater: Cinemark Tinsletown
Plot: The birth of the CIA and the story leading up to it.
Okay...first of all, I'm really not sure why all the critics are kissing this movie's ass. Is it a good movie? Sure. Is it a great movie? I don't think so.
Here's my initial gut reaction to the movie as I walked out of the theater:
Ever watch a movie where it's so multi-layered and complex that you get the impression the creators are trying way to hard to be an epic? I think De Niro in his directing attempt here has a good movie but just tries to do far too much with it. Running at nearly 3 hours I also feel 20-30 minutes could have been edited out. At one point roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes in there was a perfect ending point which would have worked...but that was not to be.
Anyway, the point here...I've heard reference that this movie is to the CIA what The Godfather was to the mafia. I just don't see it. Honestly? The Departed was a far better movie if you want something with the dark, mysterious backdrop that yearns to have you trying to figure everything out before your wife does. I love movies that make you think. I love multi layered movies. But The Good Shepherd just pushes you too hard and I think it's easy to lose interest. An hour in and your still waiting for something interesting to happen.
Matt Damon I do believe did an outstanding job with his role. Perhaps award worthy. However, a lot of leading male competition for 2006.
Angelina Jolie, as much as I love her...just "eh". Her role was supportive at best to move the plot along. But this certainly was not a strong performance.
Supporting charecters such as Alec Baldwin, William Hurt, and Rober De Niro were great to see on film...but again, it should appear this hard.
The role of Matt Damon's son in the later years seemed to really be miscast. Not familiar with the actor, but it just didn't fit.
So, in the end...would I recommend this movie? Sure, as long as you understand what you're getting yourself into. Epic? no. Have the proper mindset and you should find this movie interesting at best.
Score: 7 Out of 10
-Adam
Movie: The Good Shepherd
Theater: Cinemark Tinsletown
Plot: The birth of the CIA and the story leading up to it.
Okay...first of all, I'm really not sure why all the critics are kissing this movie's ass. Is it a good movie? Sure. Is it a great movie? I don't think so.
Here's my initial gut reaction to the movie as I walked out of the theater:
Ever watch a movie where it's so multi-layered and complex that you get the impression the creators are trying way to hard to be an epic? I think De Niro in his directing attempt here has a good movie but just tries to do far too much with it. Running at nearly 3 hours I also feel 20-30 minutes could have been edited out. At one point roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes in there was a perfect ending point which would have worked...but that was not to be.
Anyway, the point here...I've heard reference that this movie is to the CIA what The Godfather was to the mafia. I just don't see it. Honestly? The Departed was a far better movie if you want something with the dark, mysterious backdrop that yearns to have you trying to figure everything out before your wife does. I love movies that make you think. I love multi layered movies. But The Good Shepherd just pushes you too hard and I think it's easy to lose interest. An hour in and your still waiting for something interesting to happen.
Matt Damon I do believe did an outstanding job with his role. Perhaps award worthy. However, a lot of leading male competition for 2006.
Angelina Jolie, as much as I love her...just "eh". Her role was supportive at best to move the plot along. But this certainly was not a strong performance.
Supporting charecters such as Alec Baldwin, William Hurt, and Rober De Niro were great to see on film...but again, it should appear this hard.
The role of Matt Damon's son in the later years seemed to really be miscast. Not familiar with the actor, but it just didn't fit.
So, in the end...would I recommend this movie? Sure, as long as you understand what you're getting yourself into. Epic? no. Have the proper mindset and you should find this movie interesting at best.
Score: 7 Out of 10
-Adam
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Daruma Revisited
I was hoping a third time would be a charm...however, having talked so highly of Daruma's in my last post, I thought it best to share the following...
On the negative side...
Being a newly opened restaurant one would expect a variation in service with quality in mind. My last two visits were nearly flawless hence a high expectation on my part. Today, unfortunately, we were taken care of by a waitress very unfamiliar with the service industry. Rather than give a detailed description of each incident, let me just list it out:
On the positive side...
In my last post I mentioned the number of tables. I was a little too generous in my estimation. There are 18 cooking tables spread over a very large open area.
All in all I do believe Daruma's will be a successful establishment in this area assuming they make the right employee choices.
Until next time...
-Adam
On the negative side...
Being a newly opened restaurant one would expect a variation in service with quality in mind. My last two visits were nearly flawless hence a high expectation on my part. Today, unfortunately, we were taken care of by a waitress very unfamiliar with the service industry. Rather than give a detailed description of each incident, let me just list it out:
- Took nearly 7 minutes to be addressed after being seated at our table
- Manager recognized our dilemma and assigned an individual to our table. Upon doing so, the proper waitress took offense to this and verbally brought this to the other girl's attention in front of us. Awkward situation.
- Had to repeat our drink orders and food orders a total of 3 times. Twice to the same person.
- Our waitress apologized no less that 20 times to us. I understand she's upset and probably embarrassed at this point...but she just kept going and going.
- First thing I ordered was a sushi roll. It did not arrive until I was wrapping up the main course. They adjusted my check accordingly, but I was surprised I had to mention my dissatisfaction with this.
- It took nearly 10 minutes to obtain our check after they removed our plates.
On the positive side...
- Food was again, outstanding. They have certainly set the bar high in their selection of chefs.
- The landscaping issue I discussed in my previous post has been addressed. Looks like they were ready for business before the landscaping was finalized. Understandable. The outside surroundings now look very nice.
In my last post I mentioned the number of tables. I was a little too generous in my estimation. There are 18 cooking tables spread over a very large open area.
All in all I do believe Daruma's will be a successful establishment in this area assuming they make the right employee choices.
Until next time...
-Adam
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Review: Daruma Japanese Steakhouse
I had grand aspirations to get out and about this past holiday weekend, but alas, was not meant to be. However, I did have the good fortune to patron a new restaurant last week.
Daruma Japanese Steakhouse
12640 Bartram Park Blvd, Jacksonville, Fl
904-370-1077
I'm a sucker when it comes to Japanese cuisine. If it was socially acceptable, I would eat Japanese 5 days a week. Thus far, I have negotiated a "Japanese Thursday" with my work buddies which seems to keep everyone happy. Last week was the exception to the rule.
Daruma Japanese Steakhouse opened for lunch at the Bartram Park Blvd. location for the first time last week. I've anxiously awaited this day as I have monitored the construction for this site from the beginning. I work in an area of town where good food is hard to come by. With the new development in this area though, new gems are popping up left and right. Japanese Thursday was now Japanese Wednesday.
First Impressions
9.5
I must admit, I was not expecting anything special. I have eaten at two other Daruma's in town and was not impressed by either. As we pulled into the parking lot, I was a little concerned as the lot looked a little rough around the edges (lack of landscaping). I also took note that the parking lot was virtually empty. I ventured forth with the assurance from several posted signs stating "Now Open".
As I walked into the front door I was immediately greeted by an extremely friendly host who sat us right away at a cooking table. The decor was phenomenal. Not that I'm a Japanese historian by any means, but I really felt like the restaurant's design was a cross between old world culture and new world technology. The layout was very well thought out and open. Flat panel LCD's lined several walls as we walked to the dining area. Daruma offers a full service bar as well with enough space to provide comfort for any after work type of gatherings.
When we walked into the dining area I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of cooking tables. I've been to my share of Japanese Steak Houses here in Jacksonville and abroad and have never seen as many tables in one restaurant. There must have been 30+ tables. And again, very well spaced out. The tables were top notch.
Thus far, I was very impressed.
Service
10
Daruma's again scores high in the service category. Our server was very prompt and attentive. We were greeted within 30 seconds of our arrival at the table. Our drink orders were immediately taken. No less than a minute had passed before our drinks were delivered. Our orders for lunch were then recorded.
With our lunch orders we also received a soup and salad; each delivered promptly.
Our chef arrived soon after with a very animated disposition. He truly appeared to be excited at the prospect of cooking for us. If you've ever been to a Japanese Steak House, you know that the chefs at the cooking tables greatly vary in talent and showmanship. This chef was talented. He had the traditional moves down along with a decent sense of humor and a mix of moves I've not seen before at a cooking table. Again, I was impressed.
Food
10
Eat at one Japanese Steak House, you've eaten at all Japanese Steak Houses? Wrong. I have a favorite Japanese restaurant out at Jax beach I've never been able to compare to. However, the food at Daruma's was superb. I was truly impressed. I'm debating now if I have a new favorite Japanese restaurant.
Soup and salad were fairly standard. For once, when I asked for shrimp sauce as my salad dressing, I wasn't made to feel like an idiot. It's the little things.
I ordered sushi as well and was blown away at just how fresh and delicious it was. I guess I've become accustom to the standard sushi you receive in your average Japanese restaurant. Daruma's sushi was eye opening to say the least.
With my entree, I kept things simple choosing chicken. I'm sure many think how hard is it to screw up chicken. Let me just say it is entirely possible and probable depending on the establishment. Cook it too long, you end up with a dry and chewy experience. Under cook it, and you surely know the risk. When I say our chef cooked my chicken perfectly, I kid you not. It was tender with all the right seasoning. Throw in the veggies, fried rice, lo mein, and a dousing of shrimp sauce and you have a tongue that has died and gone to heaven.
Pricing
10
Thus far I have only experienced lunch pricing and can not speak toward dinner. However, the pricing for lunch is down right cheap comparatively speaking. For my chicken dish, $7.99.
Other prices that stand out: Steak and Chicken, $8.99. Steak and Shrimp, $8.99.
I would not be surprised if in the near future they adjusted their lunch pricing. The portions provided just far surpass the money paid. The amount of food received for lunch put other restaurants to shame.
Summary
Overall Score: 9.9 out of 10
In summary, I highly recommend Daruma's. Great service, comfortable atmosphere, and outstanding food. I enjoyed it so much, I returned Friday and had virtually the same experience. Check it out next time you're in the area. You'll be glad you did.
Daruma Japanese Steakhouse
12640 Bartram Park Blvd, Jacksonville, Fl
904-370-1077
I'm a sucker when it comes to Japanese cuisine. If it was socially acceptable, I would eat Japanese 5 days a week. Thus far, I have negotiated a "Japanese Thursday" with my work buddies which seems to keep everyone happy. Last week was the exception to the rule.
Daruma Japanese Steakhouse opened for lunch at the Bartram Park Blvd. location for the first time last week. I've anxiously awaited this day as I have monitored the construction for this site from the beginning. I work in an area of town where good food is hard to come by. With the new development in this area though, new gems are popping up left and right. Japanese Thursday was now Japanese Wednesday.
First Impressions
9.5
I must admit, I was not expecting anything special. I have eaten at two other Daruma's in town and was not impressed by either. As we pulled into the parking lot, I was a little concerned as the lot looked a little rough around the edges (lack of landscaping). I also took note that the parking lot was virtually empty. I ventured forth with the assurance from several posted signs stating "Now Open".
As I walked into the front door I was immediately greeted by an extremely friendly host who sat us right away at a cooking table. The decor was phenomenal. Not that I'm a Japanese historian by any means, but I really felt like the restaurant's design was a cross between old world culture and new world technology. The layout was very well thought out and open. Flat panel LCD's lined several walls as we walked to the dining area. Daruma offers a full service bar as well with enough space to provide comfort for any after work type of gatherings.
When we walked into the dining area I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of cooking tables. I've been to my share of Japanese Steak Houses here in Jacksonville and abroad and have never seen as many tables in one restaurant. There must have been 30+ tables. And again, very well spaced out. The tables were top notch.
Thus far, I was very impressed.
Service
10
Daruma's again scores high in the service category. Our server was very prompt and attentive. We were greeted within 30 seconds of our arrival at the table. Our drink orders were immediately taken. No less than a minute had passed before our drinks were delivered. Our orders for lunch were then recorded.
With our lunch orders we also received a soup and salad; each delivered promptly.
Our chef arrived soon after with a very animated disposition. He truly appeared to be excited at the prospect of cooking for us. If you've ever been to a Japanese Steak House, you know that the chefs at the cooking tables greatly vary in talent and showmanship. This chef was talented. He had the traditional moves down along with a decent sense of humor and a mix of moves I've not seen before at a cooking table. Again, I was impressed.
Food
10
Eat at one Japanese Steak House, you've eaten at all Japanese Steak Houses? Wrong. I have a favorite Japanese restaurant out at Jax beach I've never been able to compare to. However, the food at Daruma's was superb. I was truly impressed. I'm debating now if I have a new favorite Japanese restaurant.
Soup and salad were fairly standard. For once, when I asked for shrimp sauce as my salad dressing, I wasn't made to feel like an idiot. It's the little things.
I ordered sushi as well and was blown away at just how fresh and delicious it was. I guess I've become accustom to the standard sushi you receive in your average Japanese restaurant. Daruma's sushi was eye opening to say the least.
With my entree, I kept things simple choosing chicken. I'm sure many think how hard is it to screw up chicken. Let me just say it is entirely possible and probable depending on the establishment. Cook it too long, you end up with a dry and chewy experience. Under cook it, and you surely know the risk. When I say our chef cooked my chicken perfectly, I kid you not. It was tender with all the right seasoning. Throw in the veggies, fried rice, lo mein, and a dousing of shrimp sauce and you have a tongue that has died and gone to heaven.
Pricing
10
Thus far I have only experienced lunch pricing and can not speak toward dinner. However, the pricing for lunch is down right cheap comparatively speaking. For my chicken dish, $7.99.
Other prices that stand out: Steak and Chicken, $8.99. Steak and Shrimp, $8.99.
I would not be surprised if in the near future they adjusted their lunch pricing. The portions provided just far surpass the money paid. The amount of food received for lunch put other restaurants to shame.
Summary
Overall Score: 9.9 out of 10
In summary, I highly recommend Daruma's. Great service, comfortable atmosphere, and outstanding food. I enjoyed it so much, I returned Friday and had virtually the same experience. Check it out next time you're in the area. You'll be glad you did.
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