Sometimes even though you want to explore new places, you return to a restaurant you’ve already been because the food was just that delicious.
READ BLACK SHEEP BRUNCH PART 1 HERE.
Returning for the Service?
I wasn’t returning for the service, though I wouldn’t describe it as bad – it was definitely efficient as our Black Sheep Sunday brunch waiter responded to questions and promptly brought our order. He just seemed like he sorta hated his life that day. But maybe that’s because he was wearing black and we were sitting on the hot patio.
This visit’s server was much peppier and the staff, along with the host kept us informed of future party goings on, to ensure we could get comfy in our seats and not get booted. Greatly appreciated.
Orlando Visitors Sitting Back on a Jacksonville Rooftop
For this adventure, I took my out-of-town guests to the rooftop – which I had to inquire about at the host stand to find. To the elevators and then the fourth floor, she said. And we went.
Atop the corner of this fairly unthrilling building was a modern lux expanse. With a bar, a bench area and fancy open fireplace and a sprinkle of little tables, this was a perfect local for a holiday’s eve party. They were actually setting up for two when we arrive, but we made it in time for a prime pickle barrel spot.
It was late afternoon – not quite time for dinner, so we opted for appetizers and drinks. Again, not being one for the experimental and chemically-altered glam of craft cocktails, I found myself pleasantly surprised. There were three of us, so I got to sample a few ditties.
Happy Hour News: Craft Cocktails Win Again
We chose our drinks from the happy hour menu which had a solid list of options (including Jai Alai for you Cigar City beer drinkers).
I tried a charcoal and rum sort of martini. Delicious and full of whimsy.
A champagne flute with a swiftly dissolving sugar cube – classy but slightly boring.
The Dusty boot with a salt and pepper rim (my apologies for not remembering the other bevs exact names, but go to the restaurant and see for yourself!). This was spicy and interesting.
And also, one other old fashioned type drink that was full of flavor. A lovely bouquet, well-crafted, indeed.
Continuing the Poutine Tour
I continued my Jacksonville Poutine tour, and found another delight, although still I’ve tried better back at Houlihan’s restaurant. The gravy was homey and tasty. The cheese curds added an interesting texture and richness. And the fries were not that shoestring nonesense, but good sized and tasty.
My friend ordered the fried green tomatoes. The tomatoes tasted fresh and well salted, but the cornstarch breading was a bit unusual. Finally we sample fried green olives with pimento dip. My friend described them as a delicious salt bomb. I agreed.
Beyond the treats and drinks, the rooftop bar provided a wonderful view of the town and down the street a glimpse of the river and sunset. Realizing we were so close to water, we paid our checks and took a stroll toward the river.