Category: Life

Taco Tour: Jax Edition

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If it’s a Tuesday, then it’s pretty much a no-brainer that tacos should be on the menu! I personally feel like true love comes from amazing tacos so, I knew my food adventure for September had to include one of my most beloved meals. After many suggestions from my social media friends and general curiosity, I went on a search to find some of the best tacos along the St. John’s River here in Jax. I was not able to visit all the places I wanted to but, I have compiled a ranking for my fellow taco lovers.

Best Pollo (Chicken) Tacos

One Night Taco Stand: Topping the list for best chicken tacos is One Night Taco Stand located in the mandarin neighborhood (2nd location in Orange Park off Wells Rd). One Night Taco Stand has been a regular favorite of mine since quarantine and I even experienced their epic Cinco de Mayo block party. The Shroom is a specialty taco filled with grilled chicken and mushrooms then topped with melted cheese. This specialty chicken taco has a sensational balance of flavors and texture from the chicken and mushroom combo.

Top to bottom: The Shroom, Fiery Fish Taco, and Surf & Turf Taco

Best Carne (Steak) Tacos

El Castillo Taqueria: One of my must-have orders at any taco place is always a steak taco. Since I tried a steak taco at each taco place I visited, it was a tough competition but, El Castillo took the crown. I love a real authentic tacos and, if you also love traditional Mexican taco with just cilantro and onions as the topping, this is the place to go. These tacos were made to order in the small kitchen visible for all customers to see. Both the fajita-style and callejero style steak tacos were amazing

Left to Right: Fajita steak (gringo style), chicken (callejero style), and steak (callejero style)

Best Fish Tacos

Señor Loco Tacos & Tequila: If I am getting tacos, I am always in search of a good fish taco! There is something about perfectly flaky fish grilled or blackened that makes me do the happy dance as I take a bite. Señor Loco is one of the newer taco places in town and I had been eager to try out and, I am happy that I did. They have a sizable patio for social distancing approved dining and a Taco Tuesday special each week (sadly, it doesn’t feature my fav specialty taco)

Left to Right: US-Mex Taco (Steak and Shrimp) and Vallarta Taco (Mahi Fish)

Best Overall Tacos

El Agave Azul: It was really hard selecting this restaurant (Food Truck too!) for an individual award because it is just all-around amazing! If you want authentic tacos made to order, then there is not much competition outside of El Agave. The steak taco was so flavorful, and the shrimp taco had the perfect amount of shrimp. The menu item that kept me coming back before trying all the places on my list were the Birria tacos. The newest taco obsession is Birria tacos, and El Agave does not disappoint with this delicious meaty treat served with consommé on the side to dip that is just as flavorful and meaty as the taco. They have a bomb Taco Tuesday deal in their store front that you shouldn’t hesitate to take advantage of. If you see their food truck around town, just hop in line and enjoy the greatness!

  • Shrimp, Steak, and Chicken Tacos
  • Birria Tacos

Honorable Mentions

  • Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant: This place has always been a fav and they are a great Tuesday night spot featuring taco and drink specials. I enjoyed the surf and turf taco and Bang Bang Shrimp Taco
  • Cantina Laredo: I love this upscale Mexican restaurant that has one of the best happy hours and ladies night in town. I always order the Pescado (fish) tacos with top shelf guacamole to start
  • Burrito Gallery: This local favorite is a must go even if you just want to feel cool on the rooftop of the Brooklyn location. I can never get enough of the Grilled Veggie and Blackened Shrimp Tacos
  • Lola’s: They were having a really rough day during my Taco Tour but I will let them redeem themselves at a later date

There are so many wonderful restaurants here on the First Coast especially local that are waiting for you to try them out. I couldn’t try all of the tacos I wanted in town but I got a pretty good start and I am ready to continue the journey to find the best tacos in the 904. What places do you think should have made the list?

My Soul Is Crying

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A page from my diary– June 2020

God, my soul is crying. Every part of me is weeping! To be Black in America is a blessing disguised as a wicked curse. I have so much pride in who I am but I fear being black continuously. We have been on a stay at home order for months due to the Coronavirus with little to no relief is given by the government, then a string of wrongful deaths of MY BLACK People by racist AND cops now has our country torn. The peaceful protest and riots of the weekend show we are tired. Tired of being treated less than and pretending everything is ok. We are letting our country burn in hopes that as the phoenix something new will be rebirthed. I hate to see my people suffer! I hate how real racial tension is but hating the problem doesn’t stop it. God, I pray that there is a transformation in this land I call home, the only home I have ever known. God, I pray that you reveal to the seemingly blind the oppression in the world that they have the privilege to ignore. I wish I was as lucky as them, to pretend that injustice doesn’t exist. But as a Black woman in America, I have experienced the pain first hand since childhood like so many of my black brothers and sisters. God my whole being grieves! I have experienced every emotion from rage, pride, and disgust this past month. God grant me peace, renew my hope, and God please bless America.

That Rona and Other Pet Peeves

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As I head into my fifth week of a stay at home order due to COVID-19 or coronavirus, guys I’m tired! I feel blessed that at this time I have job security and can work safely from my home while essential workers must risk their life daily and millions of Americans go without work altogether. With all of the talk about trump checks and travel cancellation, I decided to push through the heaviness in the air and share my feelings about the current state of the year 2020 and what I am really tired of!

  1. Netflix/Hulu/Disney+: Anybody who knows me is aware that I don’t do TV or movies. I get this form of screen time at most once a month but often only every other month. Y’all I have watched 5 movies in the past 3 weeks and my mind is blown that I can even do it. I have never been the person to watch a show just because everyone is talking about it so I have still managed to keep my weekly tv hours low but I fell into a trap or two. I tried to tell myself I would stream a show or movie with someone but to be honest I’m not because I already need a break from the TV
  2. Conspiracy Theories: Y’all I love a good read even a good documentary but I just can not handle scrolling down my timeline another day to read the crazy conspiracy theories y’all have floating around. We are in the middle of a GLOBAL pandemic as in countries all over the world are facing this same virus but we are finding anything to blame it on except a poor health care system, poor government regulations, racial and wealth disparities, and slow nation-wide response. But I will let y’all continue to argue over 5G towers, human guinea pigs, and vegan superpowers.
  3. Don’t Rush Challenge: Ok it was real cute at first but ya’ll know how to run something until its all the way broke down on social media! I enjoyed that song and now I dread hearing it at this point. You guys have managed to make remix after remix for young men, nurses, doctors, families, moms, old men and I am tired of it all! I hope that this week somebody makes up a new challenge for me to get tired of because I am about to starting muting this one as of today because I am done!
  4. Instastories Challenges: During the first week in the house the pushup challenge was cute and the shot challenge was manageable. But as we cross this one month mark I don’t want to get tagged in any more challenges to do anything on camera! My story needs to consist of me looking my past best on throwback and not my current crispy dry hair and persistently in pajamas self.
  5. Lack of Care: I have certainly take my share of maybe unnecessary trips to the grocery store or to pick up food. Despite an occasional in-home house meet up with a friend or two I can not understand people who take no precautions and continue with life as usual. I have seen way too many videos over the past few weeks of block parties, mansion parties, and large hangouts in public places. I barely want to wear my clothes into the house after being out but people are throwing huge gatherings as if black people are not dying at a disproportionate rate.

You guys may similarly be tired of these same things as we face at least a few more weeks safely in our homes. It may seem as if the only thing we have to do now is to scroll through social media, make Tik Toks, and stream every show and movie we can think of but don’t forget to prioritize other forms of self-care. I separate from screen time by taking walks, exercising, reading and journaling. Whatever you choose to do with your newly discovered free time if you have it just make the best if it. -Jaz

Life Alert!

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So some of you may have been asking Jaz where have you been? (If you weren’t just don’t tell me). Well, I am back from this not too long break with major life updates. This summer I made a blog post titled Goal Digger where I reflected on how to adjust my action plan to meet the goals I set for myself in the new year. SO GUESS WHAT GUYS?!? I actually crossed some items off my list and had to take a small break for the transition. So you may be wondering girls what is this big update?!? Well after starting my seventh year in the classroom, last month I transitioned into a position with a non-profit which I am loving. Leaving the classroom was probably one of the hardest decisions of my adulthood thus far because I had to give up a profession I was comfortable with and did well in plus those amazing breaks (I’m really going to miss summer and spring break). I had to really reflect on the professional goals I had set for myself and make the decision to challenge myself to reach for the next level. When you set your New Years Resolutions over the next few weeks as we move into 2020 make sure you are measuring your actions against your goals. If you want to be somewhere else in life then get there! I have constantly been transforming over this year and it’s tough at times discovering the new you or in some cases the old you. I encourage all my readers to take those scary steps, reach out to those seemingly unreachable people, and dig deep for those goals. Until next time guys! -Jaz

Life is the greatest love story ever written

-Jaz (www.jazbeonit.com)

Sunday Funday Bucket List

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Brunch and more!

If you know me, then you know I love to have a nice fun weekend around town. Many people in Jacksonville often feel like it’s not much to do here on the weekends, so I decided to compile a list of some places and activities I enjoy when having Sunday Funday with my friends. 

On Sundays We Brunch: My number one favorite Sunday Funday outing is brunch because I love breakfast food and bottomless mimosas make everything better! Here are some spots I frequent on Sundays with the gang

  1. Metro Diner: Metro is a local favorite and though they do not have bottomless mimosas, you can bring champagne to enjoy with your meal. Some of my favorite menu items include the crab cake Benedict, their famous chicken waffles, and house-made corned beef hash.
  2. Whiskey Jax: Whiskey was one of the first brunch places I ever tried and it’s always a great choice for parties big and small. I love that they have live music every Sunday during brunch and $10 bottomless mimosas make for a great afternoon.
  3. Casa Marina: Casa Marina has a wonderful brunch buffet on Sundays that includes an omelet station, fresh fruit, seafood, and breakfast favorites. While you enjoy your meal seaside you can also enjoy bottomless mimosas or poinsettias which is included in the brunch price. 
  4. Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar: Blue Fish is another fav spot in the heart of Avondale. With each brunch entree, you also can enjoy the cold bar which has fresh fruit, dessert, and appetizers. While enjoying your seafood fix or classic brunch favorite you can sip on $5 bottomless mimosas. Yes, I said $5 how can you resist such a great deal?

Screaming from the rooftop: Jax may not have reached big city status yet but there are great rooftop bars and restaurants that you can enjoy on Sunday afternoons that will make you feel like you’ve almost arrived.

  1. Hoptinger- Five Points: Hoptinger’s riverside location has a great rooftop bar where you can enjoy cocktails, lounge with friends, and shoot a game of pool. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed which is all you need to enjoy a Sunday outing
  2. River and Post: River and Post has one of the best rooftop views in the city to enjoy while you sip delicious cocktails and snack on appetizers. I love their couch sitting that includes a fireplace so that you can still enjoy as temperatures drop.
  3. Cowford Chophouse: Cowford has a great rooftop in the heart of downtown that anyone could love. They have a nice mix of seating types and a full bar to indulge in your favorite cocktail 

Baby pass me the hookah: Sunday Funday never ends with brunch and a hookah lounge is a great stop to continue the party with a great group of friends. Jax has a great selection of hookah spots to choose from and here are some of my favorites below!

  1. The Spot: The Spot is a relatively new hookah lounge on Beach blvd and it has a great set up with comfy couches for you and your pals to gather on while you enjoy hookah and drinks. Last time I was there I tried their house glass hookahs and sipped on perfectly blended mimosas. Hard liquor is not sold but there are lots of beer and wine options and huge screens if you want to catch Sunday Game Day.
  2. Taverna Yamas: Yamas is a house favorite for me and my gang and is often our meetup before or after Sunday fun. The plus with Yamas is they have a full bar so that you can enjoy your favorite cocktail, brew, or wine as you pass the hookah around the table. 
  3. Casbah: Casbah is another intimate hookah lounge in the heart of historic Avondale. There is inside and outside seating to choose from and plenty of great food to munch on while you laugh over hookah with your closest friends. 

Rhythm, Football, and Vibes: Sunday isn’t a fun day without some great music and large screens to watch your favorite football teams. During the fall most Sunday plans include a nice place to watch the game or to enjoy some music, dancing, and drinks.

  1. Lemon Bar: When I think Sunday Funday Lemon Bar is what comes to mind. Its one of the best weekly parties on the coastline with great music and drinks to get the party started and keep it going. Lemon Bar has live music most Sundays for the perfect seaside vibe.
  2. The D​aq Shack: My personal favorite Sunday evening spots is The Daq Shack which features a live band every week along with dinner which is complimentary with a drink purchase. Live music is from 7-9 pm every Sunday and dinner is served at 8. There are plenty of TVs inside so you can keep up with your favorite team while you enjoy a signature frozen daiquiri or mixed drink which are 2-4-1 while the band plays. 
  3. Miller’s Ale House: I know you might be thinking seriously Jaz Alehouse?!? To my defense, the best outdoor bar in the city belongs to Ale House on the south side making it the best place to watch football on Sundays. They have TV screens all over the restaurant playing multiple games at a time so you can even catch that game that everyone else isn’t watching. They have awesome drink specials and I personally love wings while screaming How ‘Bout Them, Cowboys!

I hope that you plan a fun-filled Sunday soon and check out some of these great spots around Jacksonville. Just grab a group of friends then skip around town and enjoy yourself. Remember life is the greatest love story ever written so don’t be afraid to live it! -Jaz

Goal Digger

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In January like most people I made goals for myself and placed them on a vision board. I have had decent results using a vision board before but this year I wanted to do better. It took me almost a month to complete my vision board this time around because not only did I have to make myself goals, I pushed myself to also make action steps for each goal. I even told myself that these were not goals I was making but affirmations for my life that I wanted to speak over myself. Since I have been an educator for a few years shy of a decade I am familiar with making smart goals, so I always break my goals into categories such as career, health, or financial before getting specific about them, so I can measure if I have reached it and then set a deadline for completion. Well it’s summer and the year is halfway over, so I decided to see if I was sticking to these goals and affirmations I set for myself. Well first I looked at my vision board and thought “oh no” what have I been doing with my life! The thing with vision boards are that they don’t spell out your goals and timelines or the action steps you have chosen to get there. You may also not have everything on your vision board you want to carry out because you couldn’t find a visual that fit. Thankfully before I even create my vision boards each year I use a journal which I affectionately call my “GOD Did It “Journal to write down goals, actions steps, and notes of gratitude once I achieve something. When I went through my journal I looked at each category of goals and realized I have been crushing it in the career section! I can say that my career was my biggest focus of the year and probably caused me the most stress, and I was relieved to see that I was on track in that area. Then I had to reflect on all the goals that had taken a back seat these first six months if I was going to do majority of what I set out for myself. For this last half of the year I want to put my spiritual and financial goals first since they tie closely together. With my mind set on achieving these other goals I set for myself I will have to buckle down and actually complete the action steps I chose. If you are reflecting on how you are doing so far this year, don’t beat yourself up because you haven’t checked everything off yet but push yourself to get closer to the vision you mapped out for your life. Remember life is the greatest love story ever written so write it out and start living!

    I am Jaz

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    Hi I am Jaz a millennial on a mission to use my words to write my life. These past six years I have been in the classroom molding up the next generation and now I’ve decided to groom myself a little more by sharing my love of poetry, food, and travel. I am Florida girl that loves brunch at the beach, weekend boat rides, and a nice outdoor scenary while I put the the pen to the paper. Along with my original pieces of writing, you can find reviews and post about places I love to dine while home or on the road, and my travel adventures. Hey like my friends say Jaz be on it!

    Life is the greatest love story ever written

    -Jaz