I haven't seen that here, even in the top of the line places. But still, Harrold said, he's impressed with what's going on, particularly with ethnic restaurants. Sometimes, though, ethnic restaurants have to make adjustments for Jacksonville's tastes. At J.J.'s Cuisine and Wine in Ponte Vedra, chef Benoit Descleffs said he tried to offer only French dishes when he opened five years ago, but he had to alter them a little. He let up on the butter, and when he quit putting bacon in the beef bourguignonne, he sold more.
French food is more acidic.
So on a recent Wednesday night at JJ's, the specials included Macadamia-crusted Salmon with Sauteed Pears and Butter, and Sea Bass and Clam Pesto Bouillabaisse. All this upscale food comes with a price tag, though. Frank Gallo, owner of Sterling's, recently raised his prices. But they'll complain about prices around town. That's something Grenamyer found during his time here.