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| Gas Full Service Restaurant |
Since my agenda for the evening included at least three
destinations, we headed south early. To get to Gas Full Service Restaurant, we
exited at the Outlet Malls (Exit 318 – S.R. 16) , turned left and stayed on
S.R. 16 until it dead-ended on San Marco Avenue and turned right and drove into
town. After turning left and crossing the Bridge of Lions, the establishment
was just ahead on the right.
Entering the place, I was instantly pleased with the décor!
… fresh, clean and inviting, I was impressed with the owners' follow-through in
maintenance and cleaning. You know, all restaurants open up initially extremely
clean – but after awhile, you notice the occasional dead waterbug in a corner,
stained baseboards, mildewed tile grout, grimy soap dispensers, etc. Not here!
… it was immaculate – so refreshing!
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| Our server, Sami |
A menu board noted their dinner specials and … available
beer! … another plus already!
We quickly selected (descriptions per breweries' websites):
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| Red Brick Brewery Brown Ale |
Very franc in the mouth. Black fruits, plum with more intense spicy notes of canella and cloves. The texture is very delicate. The beer seems to have all characters for a beer with personality but is kind of dissociated having intense flavors at first, then some emptiness in the middle of the mouth and finishing with a bitter finish.” - Note: 6.0% ABV
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| Narragansett Lager "Jaws" Beer! |
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| Chillin' with Narragansett |
The Lager is old reliable. It was the first beer brewed
by “The Original Six” back in 1890, the bestselling beer in New England from
the 1930s to the 1970s, and the official beer of the Boston Red Sox from 1944-1975.”
JBB note – Narragansett is also the beer Captain Sam
Quint in the movie “Jaws” drinks and then crushes the can in his hand.
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| The Jalapeno Popper Burger |
Companion ordered the Black and Blue Chicken Hot Brown
Sandwich described on their menu: “Open Faced Sandwich with Blackened
Chicken, Blue Cheese Bechamel, Fried Green Tomatoes & Applewood Smoked
Bacon ($9.50).
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| Black & Blue Chicken Hot Brown |
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| Unhinging jaw ... |
The homemade potato chips we both had selected as our side
are wafer-thin, crisp and have the waffle pattern body which you can see
through. Very unique and delicious!
Somehow, I managed to dig into my “Mount Bovine on a Plate”
and the flavor was fantastic. Don't worry about the Jalapeño influence – it is
not overpowering – in fact, it is mild but noticeable – a wonderful
tastebud-pleasing effect. I was able to devour half of this monster before
requesting a to-go box.
I took a bite of companion's Black and Blue Chicken Sandwich
– the combo of the bacon, blue cheese and fried green tomatoes with the
blackened chicken was scrumptious! … hungry, he was able to empty his plate. He
winked and said he was still a “growin' boy” ...
Both entrees were excellent – companion called them “grand
slams” – ones we'll definitely order again!
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| Sea Salt & Caramel Brownie |
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| Sami & owner, of Gas Full Service Restaurant, Lindy Loose |
Dedicated to wholesome and quality ingredients, Lindy and
Ben purchase only from local suppliers offering the very best. What goes into
their finished products is all fresh, clean and natural. You can certainly
taste the difference and that it is important and notable in an industry where
the choice between “cheap but tasteless” vs. “higher quality & cost” is too often made by rationalizing while
quoting business-school axioms about bottom-line considerations. Hogwash! …
Quality In makes for Quality Out … and Gas Full Service Restaurant embraces
this quality concept – and then goes the extra mile.
On the way out, I noticed above the door as you leave, there
is a message on the wall thanking patrons for “Not Passing Gas” - which, of
course, is targeted for others than myself for we all know that Southern girls
are never plagued with that – we just get “the puffs” … however, it IS a cute
play on their name and indicative of the fun atmosphere they have created and
maintain.
I can tell you the Jax Brew Bitch will be returning to Gas
Full Service Restaurant – and soon! … it is one of those places you can feel
comfortable in recommending to your friends and family … rest assured Lindy,
Ben and Sami will make your visit there memorable and first-rate!
Jacksonvillians, if you have not tried this eatery, you are
truly missing out on something spectacular. Treat yourself! … get on down there,
cross the Bridge of Lions and make your night-out-on-the-town or weekend
getaway a very special experience by getting filled up at the Gas Full Service
Restaurant!
My heartfelt appreciation to Lindy, Ben and Sami for making
their place a new and exciting regular stop on Jax Brew Bitch St. Augustine
Prowls!
To view more photos from Gas Full Service Restaurant, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.276389362446680.66864.181100418642242&type=3
To view more photos from Gas Full Service Restaurant, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.276389362446680.66864.181100418642242&type=3
 |
| J.P. Henley's in St. Augustine, FL |
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| Dogfish Head's Namaste |
Namaste was originally brewed at our pub in Rehoboth
Beach with our Italian friend Leo from Birra del Borgo. It was a tribute to
our friends at 3 Fonteinen brewery in Belgium, who had devastating production
loss (1/3 of their annual production) in 2009.”
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| JP Henley's Roasted Chicken Salad |
Companion and I apparently “killed the keg” of the Namaste
after only one small glass each – but there were other motivated Dogfish Head
fans there before we arrived!
Thanks to J.P. Henley's for being a solid beer venue in the
St. Augustine area!
This unique beer-cinema event was starting at 8:00 pm and
the movies being shown were:
“Beerfest” (2006) and “Strange Brew” (1983)
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| Perfect seat in the house! |
Peggy joined us there and she secured her own seat on one of
the other sofas near the TV. This was her first visit to Mile Marker and she
loved it – she stayed out a lot longer than she had planned because of the good
beer she enjoyed and the great folks she met during the evening.
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| Mile Marker Brewing's Coconut Porter |
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| Steve, the JBB and Mike |
Mike Fierro's background is, in a word, amazing. His
previous business successes include Vitamin Water and Honest Tea – a
well-seasoned professional in the beverage industry, he is now focused on Mile
Marker Brewery and its consistency of quality.
Investor Steve said that during interviews, all those
involved with the brewery were very impressive – they are living, breathing
examples of motivated believers – those who not only talk a good game but show
their dedicated spirit in how much and how hard they each work. You hear
phrases like “sweat equity” a lot in business, but Steve said this level of
personal ownership in the success of Mile Marker went beyond the financial
realm. It is their “baby”, he said – a
wonderful labor of love – each is firmly committed, knowing there will
be growing immense satisfaction for all involved as their “baby” grows up.
Notably, Steve mentioned owner Mike Fierro was “all in”, which meant a great
deal to him. In fact, he said that perception was one of the deciding factors
influencing his decision to invest with his pocketbook – and heart.
I also had the chance to say hello to owner Vance Joy making
his way around the brewery and tap room during the evening. Of course, Houston
was there, spreading the canine love to all who ventured in. As Official
Ambassador for Mile Marker Brewery, Houston holds sway over the establishment.
Matt Hopcraft, one of the brewers at Mile Marker was there
and I was able to speak with him and his lovely wife Amanda (with a last name
like that, these two were born to be in the brewery business!). Amanda is an
amazingly talented make-up artist and is soon opening her own spa in St.
Augustine, providing hair styling, manicures, pedicures, facials and many other
spa treatments.
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| Luke, Caleb & Ben |
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| Sweet new additions to the Mile Marker family. |
Time flew by and way too soon it seemed, it was closing
time. Bidding farewell to Houston and the gang at Mile Marker Brewery, we
buckled ourselves into the Jeep and headed North by Northwest. I knew I would
soon sleep soundly, having enjoyed such a wonderful evening - one so satisfying,
it was the perfect Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.
It is said “if you don't know where you're going, any road
will do” - I can tell you without a doubt that Mile Mark Brewery knows where
THEY are going and the road they are traveling is headed toward a place called
“Success”.
Jacksonvillians, exciting adventures await just a short trip
south … I urge you to climb aboard the Mile Marker Brewery Express ... hold on
to your pints ... and enjoy the ride!
A meaningful Jax Brew Bitch “thank you” to Ben, Vance, Dennis, Mike, Steve, Dorothy,
Matt, Amanda and all at Mile Marker Brewing for delivering yet another
delightful and unique event, for providing our friend Peggy with an outstanding
first-time experience – and for making me and companion feel so very welcome!
To view more photos from Mile Marker Brewing, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.276402435778706.66867.181100418642242&type=3
To view more photos from Mile Marker Brewing, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.276402435778706.66867.181100418642242&type=3
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