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| The BUZZ In... Downtown / Springfield |
August 2009
16
L. E. Levy: Author of
Harry The Hungry Frog
I’ve read that you are quite the foodie, and it
shows in the book, “The Hungry Frog.” Do you
have any aspirations to pursue a possible career in
the restaurant business? Not at this time. I have
always had a passion and enjoy cooking very much.
But my cooking is mainly for family and friends.
The most I ever cooked was for a Mandarin chili
cook-off.
Your debut children’s book, “Harry The Hungry
Frog, Harry Ventures Out” is said to teach
children about proper manners, but also to try
new and different foods. Do you believe that this
is an important aspect of a child’s development?
Elaborate please… I think it is important that
children explore different varieties of food from
different cultures. Many kids today eat chicken
and fries and that’s about it. My belief is to expand
a child’s creativity and that can be done with food
as much as with reading and imaginary play. It
opens up the possibility of creating different tastes
and flavors and can be very exciting. It also creates
interaction in the kitchen and gets the kids away
from the TV and electronic games.
I hear this is going to be an ongoing series of books
in the same vein. What values and situations can
we look forward to seeing in the next installment
of the Harry The Hungry Frog series? In all the
books I try to encourage basic lessons of respect,
courtesy and politeness. I really feel these are the
building blocks to improving and creating strong
character and personal relationships. Most of all I
want kids and those that read to them to have fun
with the books and the recipes at the end. I have
already written several stories in which Harry goes
to a Mexican restaurant, a Japanese restaurant
and other places. I am actually working on a story
where Harry judges a chili cook-off in preparation
for the Chamber’s Mandarin Council’s Chili
Cook-off in November.
What inspired you to write a book that children
can relate to? Was it hard to come up with the
idea of characters and situations that would click
with their mind-set? What do you like most about
writing children’s books. My inspiration for my
books and what gets me up everyday are my three
daughters. I have always written mostly short
stories and poems. After I sold my business, my
daughter Lea brought me a story that she wrote
about a frog that likes go to restaurants. I told her
we should take it to the next level and with help
from my other daughters and wife, the concept
was born. I think reading to kids at schools and
other settings is the most fun. They ask some of the
greatest questions.
Grab A Bite
Joseph’s Pizza:
Offering many options
for authentic Italian
cuisine, Joesph’s Pizza
continues the legacy that Joseph passed down.
This includes using only fresh, all natural
ingredients that go into these recipesthat are
made from scratch every day. 7316 N. Main St.
904-765-0335. $$
Burrito Gallery: Built
Logo on the belief that dining
should be an experience
with great food at the
center. It is the perfect place to go for lunch
and dinner alike. 21 E. Adams St. 904-598-
2922. $
Jackie’s Seafood: Open
daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
weekdays and 11 a.m.- 11
p.m. on weekends. A
separate lounge is open Thur.-Sat., 4 pm - 2am.
Tiki Bar available for a relaxing break from
everyday life. Enjoy their fresh catch everyday.
8132 Trout River Dr. 904-764-0120. $$
Zodiac Grill:
This restaurant is
a combination of
Mediterranean food,
hookahs and espresso. It has a fantastic and
fulfilling buffet and a distinct flavor that sets
it far and ahead of the competition. 130 W.
Adams St. 904-354-8283. $$
Karlene’s Deli: Eat
In, Take Out Delivery
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/
Late Nite. Full Bar Daily
Happy Hour. Catering On Line Ordering @
Karlenesdeli.comGreat Food Great Service!!
2 Independent Dr. $
Chew Restaurant:
A calming retreat
from downtown, this
restaurant offers a
passionate and artistic serving of cuisine. Great
food at a reasonable price, attentive service and
thoughtful surroundings, its hard to pass up.
117 W. Adams St. 904-355-3793. $$
Benny’s Steak &
Seafood: Enjoy the view
of the St. Johns River
from the Landing while
dining on a great selection of beautifully plated,
fresh seafood. The menu has variety of delicious
seafood, steaks, chicken and other entrées. 2
Independent Dr. 904-301-1014. $$$$
Jacksonville Princess II
Style: fine dining engagements
Location: 1201 Riverplace Blvd.
Phone: 904-738-9270
Web site: jacksonvilleprincess.com
How would you like to celebrate one of the biggest
days of your life sailing along the scenic St. John’s
Rivers in a private yacht, feasting on scrumptious
food and enjoying the company of family and close
friends ? The Jacksonville Princess II is the perfect
place to set sail on your dream wedding or any
other special occasion.
Owned and operated by Bernard Santiago, the
Jacksonville Princess II – private charter yacht is
the premier venue for fine dining engagements
and special events. The Jacksonville Princess II is
docked downtown behind the Crowne Plaza Hotel
on Riverplace Blvd. Guests of the Jacksonville
Princess II are treated to a relaxing ride along the
peaceful St. John’s River.
Since planning the perfect event can often prove to be
quite stressful, leave the cooking, cleaning, DJ-andphotographer-hunting
up to the Jacksonville Princess
II. The Jacksonville Princess II highly recommends
Brooke Images and Shamar’s Entertainment for
your music and photography needs.
The Spirit of Hospitality Catering provides all the
food and beverages for the Jacksonville Princess
II. The Spirit of Hospitality, who also cater for
the Windsor Parke Golf Club and St. Ephrem’s,
offer a wide variety of heavy hors d’oeuvres, plated
entrées, carved meats, salads and desserts.
The Jacksonville Princess II offers delectable hot
and cold hors d’oeuvres such as pork and chicken
pot stickers served with a soy ginger sauce, ham
and asparagus roulades, bacon wrapped scallops
and assorted finger sandwiches, carving stations
featuring honey glazed ham, Prime Rib and
beef tenderloins, and plated entrees such as
sesame encrusted pan seared Ahi Tuna filets,
8 oz. Filet Mignon with a port wine demi, and
cajun grilled chicken breast over dirty rice.
They also offer luncheon and dinner buffets such
as the “Hawaiian” Luau buffet featuring Hawaiianstyle
pulled pork, Teriyaki chicken breast, steamed
rice, sweet and sour steamed veggies, and assorted
cookies and the “Princess” buffet featuring an
appetizer of mini beef wellington, chicken quesadilla
cones or mini crab cakes, Prime Rib or beef, potato
encrusted salmon with orange marmalade, herb
roasted new potatoes, honey glazed baby carrots
and French baguette dinner rolls. Each buffet is
served with fresh field green salad and a delectable
assortment of mini desserts.
All food served on the Jacksonville Princess II is
priced per person, and they also offer the option
of having cash alcohol cars at your event.
Although their primary clientele is for weddings
and private parties, the Jacksonville Princess II
features cruises open to the public for special events
and holidays ( such as 4th of July on the water).
Instead of having your next big party or wedding
indoors, why not enjoy the serene view of the St.
John’s River aboard the Jacksonville Princess II?
It’s the ideal venue for beautiful scenery, great
food and an event you’ll never forget!
Dick’s Wings Express:
Now under NEW
Management, with a
new value menu to help
your dining dollars go further. Dick’s Wings
offers 365 varieties of buffalo wings & tenders.
Ask about our 2-4-1 specials. 1004 Dunn Ave
904-757-7727. $
To have your business listed please
contact us at buzz@iwantabuzz.com
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