Tasty Travels 2011: Brick Restaurant, Jacksonville

My one and only entry of eats in Jacksonville is going to be on Brick Restaurant.  Located in the Avondale district of Jacksonville is this classy restaurant. If you're traveling with a meateater like Coby (Boyfriend), and you love seafood like me, then this restaurant is perfect for you. It's got something for everyone.

For starters, we had Paella Croquettes. Yes! They sound as delicious as the name. It's basically a rice ball, breaded and deep fried to yummy goodness. Served with a chipotle dipping sauce. I'm pretty sure if I wasn't traveling with so many people, I would have eaten all of what came on the plate! We also had a bread and cheese platter--it's their "Caramelized Brie with bread and served with pecans". I loved it. The melty cheese you can have by the spoonful... along side a pecan... or smeared on a slice of baguette... or BOTH!



For the entree: The scallops came highly recommended. BUT, I opted for something different. I guess that day I felt like some seafood. I chose the Sesame-crusted Ahi Tuna. Unfortunately for me, it was seared a bit longer than I desired. Overall it was a great dish! One of my favorite things about the Brick is that with every entree you have the choice of chilled couscous, coleslaw, french fries, baked potato, or side of the day. When I saw couscous, I was sold!!! It was delicious... with the raisins... and not overcooked or dried out at all. Served with a large tomato--kinda throws me, but is a refreshing palette cleanser when you've completed your meal.

This is the prime rib... cooked what I can only imagine to be medium-well. It's monster! And one of the pluses of this place is the well proportioned plates they serve. The prime rib was yum!

(I know it's taking me a while to get to it...) Fortunately for me, everyone at the table was kind enough to give a sampling bite of their meal. I, of course, was sitting next to the largest, juicest, perfectly cooked ribeye in the whole restaurant. Coby's ribeye (Please note: This item is not on the menu.) was so good that when he had finished three-quarters of it. I took up the task of finishing the rest! (**snicker**) [T, I hope you're enjoying the food photography on this one. Turns out I DO like to take pictures of food with a fork poking in to it!]




Warm Turkey Sandwich - caramelized onions, swiss cheese on ciabatta bread and chef's dressing

 This is the Brick's Warm Turkey Sandwich. Sounds as good as it tastes... makes you want to curl up by a fire with a blanket over your lap... and no one to share it with. You'll devour this thing on your own.  I was lucky enough to get a bite of this. I think Alex, the honored guest, ordered it with extra caramelized onions on the side. I appreciate having this sandwich on ciabatta, I think it's light enough to balance out and not overtake the turkey, swiss and onions. (and of course, not so tough that you're ripping up the insides of your mouth--if you eat a lot of sandwiches, I think you'll know what I mean.)


And finally, I must go to the Sea Scallops--they're seared with crystallized ginger, served with coconut jasmine rice, bok choy, and spinach and citrus cream sauce. This by far, is definitely a favorite at the restaurant and comes highly recommended for good reason. The chef has clearly perfected the crust and flavor palette for this dish. The rice was good--which is surprising (sorry) considering it's not an asian restaurant. And well, I've always loved scallops. 

Finally, the Brick will always hold a special place in my heart. Not just because Alex worked there, and not just because it was my last meal in Jacksonville (for now), but because it was a wonderful dining experience--the atmosphere and the service were great too!


http://www.brickofavondale.com/