New on the local restaurant scene

Submitted by Gerry Clare
Roving Reporter
October 15, 2015 3:45 p.m.

This reporter and her husband have been busy moving, traveling and dieting this summer. After we returned from a cruise to Nova Scotia with 42 friends we did the Great Circle Loop with in 2007, we had to diet again. However, this week we had to stop by and check out a few of the new eats in town.

Tom Demario opened Coastal Pizza this week in the Verizon shopping center on A1A SR 200 east of Blackrock Road and we just had to sample the pizza. Tom and his wife, Mary Clare, moved here from North Carolina to open this new venture. The remodel of this space is stunning, bright and inviting and the walls are lined with Scott Moore’s photographs. But the stars of the place are the pizza (can’t tell you the secret ingredient), the fresh salad and the lemon mascarpone cake. There goes the diet. Great food, great prices and a marvelous host make this a must on our list. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can look at their Facebook page for more information. By the way, beer and wine are also available.

Facebook friends have been waiting for Larry’s Giant Subs to open off island and it finally has, located in the Goodwill shopping mall off the eastbound lane of A1A SR 200. Larry’s had a great following on the island for freshly made subs New York sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, Cuban sandwiches, Greek gyros and more. This corporate store, managed by Mark Reed seems to be doing well in its first month of business with the most popular items being its New York Reuben sandwich on rye and the everything Italian sub. Fresh food from Larry’s own Raikes Farms brings that farm to table element to all the stores. Even their condiments are lined up on the counter to show customers that the best are being used.

The day a friend and I went for lunch, they featured Chicken Noodle, Cheesy Chicken Tortilla, Chili and Crab Bisque soups were on the menu and Tony’s world famous clam chowder was on the menu. Larry’s is open 7 days a week 9 to 9 Monday through Friday and 10 to 9 on Saturday and Sunday. Reed and his staff are pictured during a busy lunch period.

Back on Amelia Island we are awaiting the opening of Jersey Mike’s Subs next to the old Starbucks location on Sadler Road. Hopefully, it will open next week, according to workers there. Jersey Mikes in Savannah specializes in New Jersey specialties, such as the “Jersey Shore sandwich.” Okay, I was raised at the Jersey shore, so I just can’t wait.

Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen . . . We reviewed it when it opened but is now doing smokers on the weekends and don’t forget to check their pop-up menus for special items, such as Japanese last week. It also looks like their BBQ place is almost ready next door on South 8th Street. Watch his latest venture develop next door.

Also, of note, LaMancha’s on Sadler Road offers lunch Thursday through Sunday and we found the lunch menu to be fantastic, offering tapas, hamburgers, chicken wings, and salads as well as the regular La Mancha specialties.

Downtown in Fernandina Beach, we are awaiting the opening of the new Luca’s American Bar and Grill on the corner of Centre and South 7th, the new Amelia’s Tavern at the old O’Kanes location and on Ash Street, The Patio Place, a creperie and French restaurant with deck and patio….there goes the diet.

Editor’s Note: Gerry began free lance writing for fun and is the author of a published book (available on Amazon and at Books Plus) about funny real estate experiences. Gerry is a longtime member of our local American Business Women’s Chapter, a volunteer cancer driver and church deacon who loves to read, travel and meet interesting people.