A Taste of Manila restaurant has a wonderful homey feel. The owners are really friendly and accomodating, and the food is excellent.
Maybe you are in search of that made-with-love homecooked adobo (meat dish) or pancit (noodle dish) or maybe you would like to try something new, such as the chicken lumpia (eggroll). A Taste of Manila offers these favorites and so much more.
Their menu also includes mami soup, mechado, and sinigang, in addition to the popular dessert halo halo. If you have picky children (or adults) in tow, you can opt for the american dishes of sandwiches and desserts sure to please any ethnic tastebud. Breakfast is made to order all day, and it can be made American-style (such as french toast) or Filipino-style (rice and longanisa sausage).
Being a dessert lover, I must tell you about their wonderful Food for the Gods, which is offered every so often. Chopped nuts swirled into a bun of gooey goodness.
Are you salivating yet? This restaurant is on the corner of St. Johns Bluff Rd. and Beach Blvd.
Click here for a map.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Austin Karaoke Jax - St. Nicholas Area
I have been somewhat addicted to this place since my first visit two weekends ago. My favorite songs to sing are Utada Hikaru's "First Love" and "Foolish Games" by Jewel. Asian languages featured were Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and what might be either Indonesian or Malaysian. (So sorry!)
Austin Karaoke was originally owned by a good friend of mine (with the Korean name "noraebang" meaning "karaoke room"), but it has been under new ownership with its current name for quite a while now.
Two doors down is the World Food Market Asian food store.
I couldn't give you a review as well as Laura Capitano's, so here is her article.
Enjoy relative privacy while belting 'em out
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/090806/enc_4873037.shtml
Open since February 2006, Austin offers private room karaoke, much like the place Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson sing at during their big night out in Lost in Translation. Now that I've experienced this more authentic version, I can see why the Japanese are comparatively more enthusiastic about karaoke.
The private room aspect negates most of the cons of bar karaoke: the hecklers, long waits for your request to turn up, four different dudes crooning She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy over the course of the night, and the inevitable Girls Night Out group that crowds around one microphone to spill White Zin and screech I Will Survive.
Austin Karaoke in on Beach Boulevard, east of St. Nicholas, west of University Boulevard South.
At Austin, a friendly staffer greets you in the immaculate reception area and, depending on the size of your group (they can accommodate parties of up to 50), leads you down a hallway to one of nine party rooms.
The hall has characteristics of a high-class dormitory on a Friday night: clean, stylish decor, with the din of a wild and goofy party audible from behind every door.
It's easy to launch right into a toe-tapping good time when you have all the cool stuff Austin provides. Each room has a quality sound system, plenty of dance space and monitors that play humorously random video accompaniment (Material Girl featured video footage of farm animals, for example).
Rooms offer comfortable furnishings and plenty of song guides, so the whole crew doesn't have to fight over one copy.
The slim English section in the song book initially concerned us (it had plenty of Japanese, Chinese and Korean), but our group had no problem finding material and rocked steady for hours.
You even get tambourines and sleigh bells to give your performance some added flair.
The guides and equipment are user-friendly. The Speak & Spell-size remote control looks intimidating but is pretty intuitive, and we had no problems programming our play list. (Capifacto: Laura prefers any and all Madonna hits when singing karaoke. Like a Virgin is best because it's fun to make the "Ahhhhhhh!" whisper sound into the microphone.)
Each room also has a little red Montgomery Burns-style buzzer that signals a server, who pops in to take orders for cool Japanese juices and other drinks such as fruit-infused sake, rice punch - even the exotic delicacy known as Miller Lite. Servers also keep the complimentary snack tray stocked with pistachios, peanuts and little crunchies I can only describe as pre-cheesed Cheetos.
Austin is one of the best discoveries I've made since I started writing about First Coast happenings. It's a novel concept in our area, a great change of pace from the typical nightlife choices of crowded bars, overpriced movie theaters or the couch at home.
My crew was finally worn out close to the 2 a.m. mark, and we waddled out with dry throats and sore cheeks from all our smiling.
But I can manage to muster the energy for one quick encore:
"Ahhhhhhh!"
laura.capitano@jacksonville.com,
(904) 359-4370
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Asian American Heritage Celebration 2008
Description: Experience the Arts and Crafts, Exhibits, Music, Food and Cultural Entertainment of Asian Countries. This educational and fun filled afternoon will be held on Thursday, May 15, from 1-4p.m. in the Andrew A. Robinson, Jr.,Student Life Center, Bldg 14/1600s. Funded by Student Government.
Date: 05/15/08
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sponsor: Intercultural Center for PEACE
Contact: Ana Linares (alinares@unf.edu)
904-620-2475
Date: 05/15/08
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sponsor: Intercultural Center for PEACE
Contact: Ana Linares (alinares@unf.edu)
904-620-2475
Thursday, May 1, 2008
World of Nations this weekend
Jacksonville, Fla., April 21, 2008 – Mayor John Peyton, the City of Jacksonville and
Jacksonville’s multicultural community organizations invite citizens and visitors to join in the 16th Annual World of Nations Celebration. Metropolitan Park will be transformed into a fascinating cultural destination that showcases the diversity of our planet and puts the wonderful sights, sounds and tastes of different nations within reach.
From May 1-4, visitors will embark on an exciting journey, traveling throughout the park where travelers may see more than 30 countries including South Africa, The Bahamas, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, India, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Spain, South Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Senegal, St. Lucia, Taiwan, the United States, Turkey, Venezuela and Vietnam.
Dates/Times: Thursday, May 1
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Field Trips only)
Friday, May 2
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Field Trips only)
2 - 5 p.m. (Closed)
5 – 9 p.m. International Party featuring the animated
feature film presentation of Ratatouille (free admission)
Saturday, May 3
10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
10:30 a.m. Naturalization Ceremony
2 p.m. Parade of Flags
Sunday, May 4
Noon - 6 p.m.
Location: Metropolitan Park (Across from Jacksonville Municipal Stadium)
1410 Gator Bowl Boulevard
Downtown Riverfront
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Admission: One-Day Ticket to the World $5.00
Two-Day Pass $7.00
Children 3 and under FREE
International Party-Friday, May 2 FREE
Tickets available through local multicultural organizations and at
the Metropolitan Park entrances on Saturday and Sunday ONLY.
Discounts:
• $2.00 off admission with Military and Senior Citizens I.D.
• Mint Magazine – $1.00 off admission with coupon
• Friday, May 2– International Party (5– 9 p.m.)
FREE Admission, entertainment and food and beverage
specials
• Sunday, May 4 - Church Bulletin Day – Bring your church
bulletin for $2.00 off admission.
• Education Nation. The World of Nations community takes great pride in its
long tradition of providing an award-winning educational experience for students
of the First Coast. By embracing the opportunity to learn more about the world in
which we live, today’s children will be better prepared for their future in a global
society and develop a better understanding of Jacksonville’s cultural diversity.
Schools throughout the First Coast are invited to join us Thursday, May 1 and
Friday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Field Trip Days, two days of special
multi-cultural programs and menus designed especially for children. (Due to
space limitations, only pre-registered classes will be admitted.)
• The International Party is your FREE ticket around the world. On Friday, May 2
from 5-9 p.m. enjoy free admission and an exciting array of beverages and
cuisine. Be sure to stick around for the Oscar-winning animated film presentation
of Ratatouille.
• Witness the Citizen Naturalization Ceremony on Saturday, May 3 at 10:30 a.m.
This ceremony will commemorate the citizenship of more than 50 people on the
main stage at Metropolitan Park.
• A World of Entertainment. Experience rich traditions, beautiful customs and
intriguing talents from many countries. See dragons dance, hear new music for
the first time, listen to fascinating storytellers and maybe even learn to folk
dance! The possibilities are endless! Times and performances vary.
• No trip around the world would be official without a passport! As you arrive at the
World of Nations, be sure to pick up your JEA Passport to the World. Each
country will officially stamp your passport as you explore and learn about each
destination along your journey. Passports can be turned in to the Passport to
the World booth for a chance to win fabulous prizes including IMAX Theater
tickets courtesy of Jax4Kids.com, Adventure Landing 4-pack season pass, family
pass to the Jacksonville Zoo, gift basket from San Sebastian winery, $100 gift
certificate from Learning Express, and much more.
• Enjoy the beautiful St. Johns River on a free riverboat cruise on The Lady St.
Johns. Cruises will take place throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.
• This year the World of Kids Playland is going green! This area offers kids all
ages the chance to learn about how to take care of our environment through
make-and-take crafts, live entertainment, information booths and interactive
activities.
• Free child I.D. kits presented by the City of Jacksonville will be available during
the festival. This booth will also hold lost items and provide K.I.D. Bands to help
identify young children who become lost at the event.
• USA: Sports popular in America. Learn about baseball, basketball, football,
lacrosse, soccer and NASCAR. Participants will have the opportunity to read
about the history of each sport and its best athletes and teams. Grab your
teammates and enjoy the fun in the USA area filled with interactive games,
activities and information from your favorite sports.
• Don’t miss the inspirational Parade of Flags, Saturday, May 3 at 2 p.m. lead by
Jaxson de Ville Children from each country proudly carry their native flag through
the festival, dressed in authentic traditional wardrobes to represent the many
cultures of our world.
• The World of Nations Celebration is proudly produced by the City of Jacksonville
Office of Special Events with support from these generous sponsors: Clear
Channel Radio: The New WQIK 99.1, 92.7 The Beat, 93.3 KISS FM, First
Coast News WTLV-12/WJXX-25, and JEA.
• Where in the world is Metropolitan Park?
From South of Jacksonville
Take I-95 north, take the Main Street Exit, cross the Main Street Bridge over the
St. Johns River. Take the Newnan Street exit off of the bridge. At the stop sign,
turn left. Turn right onto Bay Street and follow it East. Make a left onto Liberty
St., go north until Monroe Street. Make a right onto Monroe St. follow that to the
Sports Complex. Make a right onto Duval St. Stay on Duval St. until you reach A.
Philip Randolph Blvd, make a right onto that. Stay on that until you reach Gator
Bowl Blvd., make a left. Metropolitan Park is directly across the street from
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, on the St. Johns River.
From North of Jacksonville
Take I-95 South, take the Union Street Exit. Follow Union Street through
downtown. Follow the signs for Arlington Expressway/Jax Beaches/Sports
Complex. Exit at Haines Street/Sports Complex. Stay right in the fork in the
ramp. Follow the curve around Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Metropolitan Park
is just past WJCT on the left.
From West of Jacksonville
Take I-10 East to I-95 North. Exit at Union Street. Follow Union Street through
downtown. Follow the signs for Arlington Expressway/Jax Beaches/Sports
Complex. Exit at Haines Street/Sports Complex. Stay right in the fork in the
ramp. Follow the curve around Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Metropolitan Park
is just past WJCT on the left.
From Beaches/Arlington area
Take the Mathews Bridge across the St. Johns River. Take the exit for the Sports
Complex. Follow the curve around Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Metropolitan
Park is just past WJCT on the left.
For more information contact the City of Jacksonville Office of Special Events at (904)
630-3690 or visit www.coj.net.
Source: http://www.downtownjacksonville.org/pdf/WONCNEWS%20RELEASE2008%20_3_.pdf
Jacksonville’s multicultural community organizations invite citizens and visitors to join in the 16th Annual World of Nations Celebration. Metropolitan Park will be transformed into a fascinating cultural destination that showcases the diversity of our planet and puts the wonderful sights, sounds and tastes of different nations within reach.
From May 1-4, visitors will embark on an exciting journey, traveling throughout the park where travelers may see more than 30 countries including South Africa, The Bahamas, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, India, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Spain, South Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Senegal, St. Lucia, Taiwan, the United States, Turkey, Venezuela and Vietnam.
Dates/Times: Thursday, May 1
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Field Trips only)
Friday, May 2
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Field Trips only)
2 - 5 p.m. (Closed)
5 – 9 p.m. International Party featuring the animated
feature film presentation of Ratatouille (free admission)
Saturday, May 3
10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
10:30 a.m. Naturalization Ceremony
2 p.m. Parade of Flags
Sunday, May 4
Noon - 6 p.m.
Location: Metropolitan Park (Across from Jacksonville Municipal Stadium)
1410 Gator Bowl Boulevard
Downtown Riverfront
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Admission: One-Day Ticket to the World $5.00
Two-Day Pass $7.00
Children 3 and under FREE
International Party-Friday, May 2 FREE
Tickets available through local multicultural organizations and at
the Metropolitan Park entrances on Saturday and Sunday ONLY.
Discounts:
• $2.00 off admission with Military and Senior Citizens I.D.
• Mint Magazine – $1.00 off admission with coupon
• Friday, May 2– International Party (5– 9 p.m.)
FREE Admission, entertainment and food and beverage
specials
• Sunday, May 4 - Church Bulletin Day – Bring your church
bulletin for $2.00 off admission.
• Education Nation. The World of Nations community takes great pride in its
long tradition of providing an award-winning educational experience for students
of the First Coast. By embracing the opportunity to learn more about the world in
which we live, today’s children will be better prepared for their future in a global
society and develop a better understanding of Jacksonville’s cultural diversity.
Schools throughout the First Coast are invited to join us Thursday, May 1 and
Friday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Field Trip Days, two days of special
multi-cultural programs and menus designed especially for children. (Due to
space limitations, only pre-registered classes will be admitted.)
• The International Party is your FREE ticket around the world. On Friday, May 2
from 5-9 p.m. enjoy free admission and an exciting array of beverages and
cuisine. Be sure to stick around for the Oscar-winning animated film presentation
of Ratatouille.
• Witness the Citizen Naturalization Ceremony on Saturday, May 3 at 10:30 a.m.
This ceremony will commemorate the citizenship of more than 50 people on the
main stage at Metropolitan Park.
• A World of Entertainment. Experience rich traditions, beautiful customs and
intriguing talents from many countries. See dragons dance, hear new music for
the first time, listen to fascinating storytellers and maybe even learn to folk
dance! The possibilities are endless! Times and performances vary.
• No trip around the world would be official without a passport! As you arrive at the
World of Nations, be sure to pick up your JEA Passport to the World. Each
country will officially stamp your passport as you explore and learn about each
destination along your journey. Passports can be turned in to the Passport to
the World booth for a chance to win fabulous prizes including IMAX Theater
tickets courtesy of Jax4Kids.com, Adventure Landing 4-pack season pass, family
pass to the Jacksonville Zoo, gift basket from San Sebastian winery, $100 gift
certificate from Learning Express, and much more.
• Enjoy the beautiful St. Johns River on a free riverboat cruise on The Lady St.
Johns. Cruises will take place throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.
• This year the World of Kids Playland is going green! This area offers kids all
ages the chance to learn about how to take care of our environment through
make-and-take crafts, live entertainment, information booths and interactive
activities.
• Free child I.D. kits presented by the City of Jacksonville will be available during
the festival. This booth will also hold lost items and provide K.I.D. Bands to help
identify young children who become lost at the event.
• USA: Sports popular in America. Learn about baseball, basketball, football,
lacrosse, soccer and NASCAR. Participants will have the opportunity to read
about the history of each sport and its best athletes and teams. Grab your
teammates and enjoy the fun in the USA area filled with interactive games,
activities and information from your favorite sports.
• Don’t miss the inspirational Parade of Flags, Saturday, May 3 at 2 p.m. lead by
Jaxson de Ville Children from each country proudly carry their native flag through
the festival, dressed in authentic traditional wardrobes to represent the many
cultures of our world.
• The World of Nations Celebration is proudly produced by the City of Jacksonville
Office of Special Events with support from these generous sponsors: Clear
Channel Radio: The New WQIK 99.1, 92.7 The Beat, 93.3 KISS FM, First
Coast News WTLV-12/WJXX-25, and JEA.
• Where in the world is Metropolitan Park?
From South of Jacksonville
Take I-95 north, take the Main Street Exit, cross the Main Street Bridge over the
St. Johns River. Take the Newnan Street exit off of the bridge. At the stop sign,
turn left. Turn right onto Bay Street and follow it East. Make a left onto Liberty
St., go north until Monroe Street. Make a right onto Monroe St. follow that to the
Sports Complex. Make a right onto Duval St. Stay on Duval St. until you reach A.
Philip Randolph Blvd, make a right onto that. Stay on that until you reach Gator
Bowl Blvd., make a left. Metropolitan Park is directly across the street from
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, on the St. Johns River.
From North of Jacksonville
Take I-95 South, take the Union Street Exit. Follow Union Street through
downtown. Follow the signs for Arlington Expressway/Jax Beaches/Sports
Complex. Exit at Haines Street/Sports Complex. Stay right in the fork in the
ramp. Follow the curve around Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Metropolitan Park
is just past WJCT on the left.
From West of Jacksonville
Take I-10 East to I-95 North. Exit at Union Street. Follow Union Street through
downtown. Follow the signs for Arlington Expressway/Jax Beaches/Sports
Complex. Exit at Haines Street/Sports Complex. Stay right in the fork in the
ramp. Follow the curve around Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Metropolitan Park
is just past WJCT on the left.
From Beaches/Arlington area
Take the Mathews Bridge across the St. Johns River. Take the exit for the Sports
Complex. Follow the curve around Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Metropolitan
Park is just past WJCT on the left.
For more information contact the City of Jacksonville Office of Special Events at (904)
630-3690 or visit www.coj.net.
Source: http://www.downtownjacksonville.org/pdf/WONCNEWS%20RELEASE2008%20_3_.pdf
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