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The Captain's Guide to Hearty Eating
Or a Review of Good Restaurants
1 St. Mate's Comments too!
Fast Food Home Cooking Fine Dining


Last Update 12-05-03
 Reviews and opinons are strictly my own, based on personal dining experiences at the restaurant .




Fine Dining


rateing 5 Santioni's

Bruno and Silvana Santioni have a long history of providing fine dining and excellent food. There are 2 locations, one at: 11531 San Jose Blvd (SR 13) and the newest in 3535 HWY 17 at Fleming Island ¾ mile south of the Dr. Lake Bridge in a brand new shopping center. But don't let the "new" part worry you. The service is impeccable and the food wonderful. Intimate dining experience with crystal trimmings. Tuscany decor. This is the best Italian food I have ever had. And I have eaten in New York's finest. The staff goes well out of their way to make you feel at home. Don't be surprised to see the chef or even Bruno or Silvana asking how you like your food. and I guarentee your will like your food! Prices are moderate. Sorry no dock available.





rateing 5 Chart House

The Chart House is located downtown on the south bank riverwalk. Unique architecture and great food! Their steaks are so tender you can cut them with your fork. Sunday Brunch is a treat! A tremendous selection of gourmet food served buffet style. Omelets prepared to order, eggs benedict, Virginia ham, Russian caviar, and breakfast steaks, turkey, and snow crab legs. Well worth the run upriver, you can arrive by wheels too. Its just east of the Main Street Bridge. Plenty of floating dock space too. No reservations on Sunday.





rateing 5 Clark's Fish Camp



Located at the end of Hood Landing Road at the Boat Ramp. On Julington Creek. Clark's is pretty good! Their atmosphere is terrffic, if you like dining "au Tarzan." The drining rooms resemble a jungle of sorts. The advantage of being able to tie the boat up and have some really good grub is sauce for the goose. Their smoked fish dip is mouthwatering good. Steaks are big and juicy, Salads are fresh and crisp! They have all sorts of exotic meats. Even Kangaroo and Elephant. The Gator Tail Dinner is one of the best around, and a personal favorite of the Captain.

The outside deck is an added attraction for the smoking crowd, and provides a good place to view native flora and wildlife. You can toss a bit of food to the ever-present turtles or gators, which they will greatfully consume and hang around wanting more. You will often see large fish trolling about the dock as well.





rateing 3 Outback Crab Shack


Not to be confused with the steak house, Outback Crab Shack is a great place to tie up and enjoy a plate full of fresh caught Blue Crab. Their other dishes are palatable too, but the joint is very pricy. about $85.00 for 1st Mate and self. (No alcohol included.) Service is poor to terrible!. Brand new docks.





rateing 1 Lava Grille


Accessable by boat and right down Julington Creek just before the bridge. (SR.13 & bridge) Dock at Mandarin Holiday Marina. $10.00 docking fee. Food is good but not great. Service is passable. Best thing about the place is live music on upper deck, where one can exercise their right to smoke!











Home Cooking



home cooking Fish Lips Grill Located at the corner of Cassat Ave and Nomandy Blvd. Another location in Starke FL. Well prepared seafood! Generous portions and good iced tea. The waitress is a little pushy and you feel as though you are being rushed through your meal. Prices moderate.





home cooking Pot Bellies ---CLOSED---. Hendrick's Ave. Is a good place to get breakfast, but not if you are in a hurry.





LeYung's Chinese Restaurant


Located in Outback Plaza in Mandarin. If you like chinese and home cookin, this is the perfect blend of both. Mrs, Leyung's hand rolled spring rolls and cream chese rolls are great!. Her Moo Goo gai Pan has mushrooms in a sauce I crave at least once a week. The first mate sometimes chides me for going too often! But, they are my taste buds!