The dining scene in Jacksonville just keeps getting better. This month I visited three new or evolving places for great eats and tasty treats. First stop, C Street Bistro.
Restaurant meals are only as well-prepared as the chef. At C Street Bistro, we’re blessed to have chef/owner Paul Becking cooking for us. Chef Becking first earned a degree in Sculpture and Fine Arts from UC, Santa Barbara, then graduated first in his class from Santa Barbara City College of Culinary Arts. The two degrees married well as not only does his food taste amazing, but visually tantalizes as well. Now after eight years in the C Street location, Chef Paul recently added a fresh temptation sure to please the most critical pizza snob—delicious craft pizzas that bake at lightning speed in his new oven.
There’s a lot of mediocre pizza out there. I’d nearly given up on the predictable pie. Then I tasted C Street’s organic, house-made chicken sausage pizza on crisp, organic Rise Up dough (there’s a delicious Udi’s gluten-free option) with scallions, red onion, roasted garlic béchamel with five cheeses, fresh basil chiffonade, and arugula. Pizza love was instantly rekindled. I tried interviewing Chef Paul, but ignored the fork and began folding heavenly wedges into my mouth while he talked. Yes, it was that good. Visit the website at www.cstbistro.com for hours of operation and to salivate over the list (with pictures) of lunch and dinner offerings.
I asked Chef Paul what made his food so superior to average fare. “I think a pretty deep background. All the way back to when I was a kid. I used to travel with our family quite a bit and our dad would always take us to the nicest restaurants around town. I think I had an appreciation at a young age.” Chef Paul believes in cooking with real food and the freshest ingredients without chemicals. He’d just made a mushroom haul at the Medford Grower’s Market.
‘Tis the season to stretch out on C Street’s patio and enjoy a fistful of savory pizza with an ice cold Paradise tea or a lush red wine from Roxy Ann. Even beverages are a glass-above at C Street Bistro.
After pizza, I thought I’d best walk the few blocks to G. G. Sugarplum’s Bakeshop located in the historic Orth building on Oregon Street and formerly occupied by The Liege.
Owners, Danielle Glarum with her sister, Mary Sheard, come by their love of baking naturally. Danielle explained. “We called her Grandma Sugarplum growing up. She was always baking and taught us that you eat dessert first ‘otherwise you’d be too full after the meal,’ and ‘that pie with a scoop of ice cream is an acceptable breakfast because you have your bread, fruit and milk…’”
This is their second storefront, having been a sweet presence in Grants Pass for several years. They also take orders for custom cakes and party treats.
“We bake from scratch and try to come up with unique flavors and fun desserts. Some menu items are recipes our grandmother taught us and some are ideas she gave us that we made into our own. We love looking up new recipes and trying to find ways to make them extra special.”
Their assistant, Sai, took my order as I looked over the decadent cupcakes, beignets, and other goodies. But what grabbed my eye and wouldn’t turn loose was a mound of toasty browned coconut macaroons. I took one for later and moved down to the Frusta Gelato, a whipped cream based ice cream they make from scratch. “The flavors change often depending on what ideas our staff has that week!” Danielle added. I tried a single scoop of the chocolate mint for $2.50, which was large enough for two of me. I chose a stool looking out on the fair streets of Jacksonville and dove in.
After dinner, I remembered my prize. That macaroon was the best I’ve ever tasted—crispy on the outside, chewy and full with coconut and almond flavor throughout. What is Danielle’s personal favorite? The chocoholic cupcake. I’ll be back.
Later in the week I stopped by La Fiesta under the new ownership of Jesse Nunez, owner of the popular El Paraiso Mexican Cuisine restaurant in Ashland. After freshening things up, new coats of paint here and there, and refurbishing the bathrooms, Nunez reopened May 3rd. La Fiesta’s name will remain. “It’s short, fun and I’ve always liked it,” Jesse said.
It’s good news for the community that long-time previous owners, Fernando and Mai Serano will remain in Jacksonville enjoying some well-deserved relaxation. “They did a fantastic job.” Jesse’s known them for a long time. “My brother was a chef here for 23 years.”
While I munched through a plate of Tacos Tijuana on the deck, Jesse continued. “There are a few other things I’d like to get done. I’d like to see a lunch menu and let the people know about being open every day. I think that’s very important.” Hours are Sunday-Thursday, 11:00am-9:30pm and Friday and Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm.
As far as offerings, much will remain the same, keeping loyal customers happy, but Jesse plans to streamline the menu. “And sides don’t have to be beans and rice. I’ve been thinking about salads and vegetables, like a satay or steamed vegetables, and whole beans.”
I asked about possible plates from the Ashland location. “We’ve done very well with ceviche in Ashland. We have a dish called Molcajete Trio, which has a beautiful presentation. It has wonderful flavor between three sauces, red, green and a touch of habanero sauce makes a nice blend. It’s spicy at the same time. We do skirt steak, shrimp and chicken (pollo asado) with it. They sauté the meats with the three sauces. It’s a big plate.”
“I plan to highlight margaritas. We go heavy on fresh lime, a real margarita. It’s done very well. Fresh and not too sweet. Basically tequila, lime on the rocks, blue agave, some Grand Marnier and you’re good to go.”
Jesse Nunez is a delight, with friendliness an obvious priority. “I love making people happy.” So, kick back at La Fiesta and meet new owners, Jesse and his brother, Luis.
Celebrate the summer of yum in Jacksonville!