The Return of The Happy Hour

Happy Friday to you, Bloggies!!

It is the advent of Food Friday! I can't wait to talk food with you all. I have some really good stuff (I hope) this week, and so let's just jump right into it, shall we?

Restaurant:

Blue Fish Oyster Bar
Jacksonville, Fl (Avondale)
What to get: Happy Hour

O.M.G Bloggies. This is a game changer. Though Blue Fish has been on the food scene in Jax for over a year, I think locals are just now starting to realize the potential in this hotspot, and in turn the owners are responding. The Happy Hour is THE BEST in town. Their drinks specials are awesome, don't get me wrong ($4 champagne? Yes, please!), but it is the FOOD that makes it stand out. From 3pm - 7pm every day, Blue Fish offers a drink and food menu at the bar that includes baked brie with truffle oil and herbs for $10, truffle fries with Parmesan for $3, ahi tuna/kimchi/spicy pork tacos for $3, mini filet served over homemade mash $4, oysters on the halfshell for $6/dozen, and on and on and on. Oh, did I mention mini pizzas?? PIZZA! For under $5!! And the kicker? The food is amazing! It is local, it is fresh, it is delish. And the place itself is beautiful. It is like stepping into an artfully designed under-sea dream. Blue jewel tones and aqua touches are the theme, with local art, blue glass installations, and crystal chandeliers round it out. I went there with the BFF for ladies' night out last week, and had two (ok, four) glasses of champagne, a tuna taco, and one (ok, two) orders of truffle fries, and my bill was under $29. CAN'T. BEAT. IT. So, go. Go now. Oh, and did I mention the complimentary valet parking?? In Avondale, no less.

You are welcome.

Recipe:

Sweet & Spicy Chili

This is no ordinary chili, though it eats like any man-pleasing bowl of meaty yummyness. The allspice and white pepper are the secret to this comfort food.

You will need:

1.5 lbs ground beef (I like sirloin, but then I'm fancy like that)
2 cans red kidney beans
1 15ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 large Spanish or sweet onion, diced
2 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp white pepper
2 tbsp ground cumin
2 tsp allspice
1 tbsp garlic powder
pinch cayenne pepper
pinch cinnamon
s&p to taste

In a large, high-sided skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add beef and onions and all spices, and cook until browned and tender. Add beans and tomatoes, and turn heat to medium low. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn heat to low, cover and simmer for one hour. Enjoy!

Isn't that the easiest recipe EVER? And it is soooooooooooo good. I like to serve mine with tortilla chips, diced red onion, diced jalapenos, chopped cilantro, and sour cream. And by serve, I mean make myself a huge bowl of it, and then go to town like no one is watching. Which I pray to God they are not because no one should have to see that display.

Also, this is a great recipe to make (probably a double batch) for a party, and set up a chili bar. Guests can help themselves, and I think it lends a fun and casual tone to any gathering. Just be sure to provide lots of napkins.

Now, since I happen to have some made, I am going to excuse myself so I can enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Have a great weekend!

Love,
Shana