Riverside / Avondale Blog

Black Sheep in Riverside Opens its Doors for Brunch

By Alan Aptheker Posted on February 12, 2013

Black Sheep Restaurant in Riverside - Brunch

Black Sheep is one of the newer eateries in the Riverside/Avondale district, and like its sister restaurant, Orsay, its opening late last year was widely anticipated. Like Orsay, its physical design/decor, and notably fresh, home grown menu ingredients are perpetuating what has become a new standard for dining in Jacksonville, especially with the savvy foodies that tend to frequent that part of town.

Since its opening last October, it has garnered favorable reviews for lunch and dinner. It's upscale urban, with a minimalist feel to the menu, as they are clearly emphasizing the artisan nature of their offerings. The newest wrinkle for Black Sheep is Sunday Brunch, which kicked off with a soft opening in Mid-February. We were delightfully pleased to take part, and equally delighted with the food and service. Where it is fashionable to serve uber-sized brunch entrees, as is the case with Orsay and Metro Diner, for example, the portions at Black Sheep were more subdued, but no less tasty.

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New Riverside YMCA will be a Reality

By Alan Aptheker Posted on January 14, 2013

New Riverside YMCA exterior rendering

Back in October, the Claude Yates Family YMCA announced its “Riverside Y” project. Just last week, it got the go-ahead from Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB).

It’s official. The new, slick building will be right on the river (actually, on a park, on the river) between the St. Joe and Haskell Company buildings. You’ll have a fantastic view of the river, downtown and the Jacksonville Landing while you’re sweating on the stepper, bemoaning the locals there as they down their margaritas and chicken wings. But isn’t that why you’re shvitzing in the first place?

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Sweet!! Riverside Welcomes Tres Leches Bakery Cafe to the Neighborhood

By Alan Aptheker Posted on October 4, 2012

Tres Leches Bakery - Riverside Jacksonville

The owners of Tres Leches Bakery Café, Eddie and Irene Sweda made a decision to relocate their business to Riverside from their former location at 1839 North Pearl Street in Springfield. They originally opened on 2011, and their Pearl Street bakery has always been known for its cakes and desserts, but they decided that street traffic would be better in Riverside. In an effort to grow their business, they made the move to 869 Stockton Street, next to The John Gorrie Condominium. They’ve already seen an improvement in foot traffic.

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The John Gorrie -- An Amazing Transformation from Historic High School to Upscale Condos in Jacksonville's Riverside-Avondale Neighborhood.

By Alan Aptheker Posted on June 7, 2012

John Gorrie Condos - Reading Room

Trivia Quiz: Every Florida resident should know this one. Who invented the first air conditioner? The answer is at the bottom of this article. (Do not skip ahead!)

John Gorrie Junior High School was built in 1923, and for decades was the center of learning for thousands of middle-schollers throughout the years. John Gorrie Junior High School closed in 1997 and was purchased by J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver in February of 2009. The school has been completely renovated to house upscale condominium units, and given the sheer size of the building, its Riverside location and historical significance, the renovation of the schol is a great example of the continuing revitalization of the Riverside-Avondale district.

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New Mixed Use Rental and Retail Development Slated for Riverside's Brooklyn Neighborhood

By Joi Perkins Posted on March 13, 2012

There’s news out this week that Hallmark Partners is planning to develop a stretch of Riverside Avenue into a mixed-use community, which will include a seven- story, 294-unit apartment complex, and nearly 15,000 square feet of retail space.

The Builder Hallmark owns 6.5 acres within the Brooklyn section of Riverside, within the boundaries Riverside Avenue, Forest, Magnolia and Jackson streets. They’re planning to begin construction in the summer, and estimates are that the $37 million project could be completed by the end of 2013. One of the unique features of the development is the inclusion of an urban park and amphitheater.

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Intuition Ale Works Celebrates One Year of Great Craft Beer in Jacksonville

By Posted on November 14, 2011

Intuition Ale Works One Year Anniversary One of Jacksonville's great hometown brewery's celebrates their one year anniversary celebration November 19th. Intuition Ale Works in Riverside will begin releasing a new beer every day starting Tuesday November 15th and on Saturday the 19th they will have TWENTY new brews on tap.

Saturday November 19th will not only have 20 new beers to try but also some great food vendors will be on site including Corner Taco, Monroe's-On-The-Go, SunKissed Dogs and John's grab and go.

Hope to see you there.

Bold City Brewing Celebrates 3 year anniversary.

By Donny Mak Posted on October 14, 2011

Bold City Brewing Jacksonville FL We are fortunate in Jacksonville that we have a great microbrewer like Bold City Brewery. Join them Saturday October 15th at 1pm to celebrate their 3 year anniversary.

If you love great craft beer as much as I do you need look no further than our local Bold City Brewery. While they offer many different styles of beer my personal favorite is Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale. This Saturday they will have a special release of Duke's aged in Woodford Reserve oak bourbon barrels. All pints will be only $2 including this special Ale Saturday so don't miss the anniversary celebration.