Celebrate Easter in San Marco this Saturday, April 3, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in Balis Park, the gazebo in the middle of San Marco Square. San Marco Bookstore will present a special Easter Story Time. Peterbrooke Chocolatier’s Easter Bunny will be available in Balis Park to take pictures with children. Pictures are free of charge; please bring your own camera. All age welcome.

This event is part of the Saturdays in the Square events presented by the San Marco Preservation Society.

Three new restaurants are on the final steps before opening in San Marco. Who will finish first? I doubt they are actually racing each other but the idea of a food race sounds fun to me.

Meet the contenders:

Jimmy Johns – a franchise sandwich shop. One of the first in Jacksonville, Jimmy Johns is also opening in Tapestry Park on Southside Boulevard. Jimmy Johns Corporate projects to open 20 Jimmy Johns in Jacksonville over the next five years. Signage is up, tables are in, looks like it will be open very soon. My money is on Jimmy Johns.
The Green Urth – also on Hendricks Avenue, an independently owned Middle Eastern restaurant. The Green Urth is located at 1520 Hendricks Avenue. There have been lots of people going in and out the past few weeks, painting and hooking up equipment, etc.
The Q Restaurant – serving breakfast and bbq is located in the 1500 block of San Marco Boulevard. Not much is know about this restaurant. Will they serve bbq for breakfast? Can’t wait to find out.

While out and about this Saturday, stop by Southside United Methodist Church (SUMC) on “The Point” and check out the garage sale.  Proceeds from the sale will support the youth missions trips this summer. “The mission trips are a great experience for our youth”, says Amy Franks, Youth Leader at SUMC.  ” It’s provides them with an opportunity to develop real leadership skills and a chance to see the things from a different perspective. “

Lots to do and see this weekend. Get out and enjoy the neighborhood.

Celebrate: The Knights of Columbus will be hosting the annual Friday of Lent Fish Fry from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 pm. today, March 26th. The fish fry is open to the public, all ages are welcome. The Knights of Columbus is located at 1501 Hendricks Avenue, just past the tennis courts.

See: The Art Festival returns to San Marco this weekend. In the Square from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28.

Conserve: Saturday evening marks the fourth annual Earth Hour. Be part of the move to conserve by turning off all electrical devices from 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

The Art Festival returns to San Marco this weekend. this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever. Artists from around the country will display sculpture, paintings, jewelry and more. The Art Festival will run from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28th. San Marco Boulevard will be completely blocked off between T.A.G. and Firehouse so plan alternate routes accordingly. If you plan on driving to the Art Festival, look for parking behind Southside Baptist Church and along Hendricks Avenue…

This Thursday, March 25th, the San Marco Preservation Society will be celebrating their 35th anniversary. To commemorate the event, San Marco Preservation Society will be hosting an open house at South Jacksonville City Hall from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Neighbors who have lived in San Marco for 35 years will be honored. The event is free and open to the public. Join your neighbors to celebrate San Marco and all the San Marco Preservation Society does to keep this neighborhood one of the best places to live in Jacksonville.

The James Beard Foundation has announced the finalists for the 2010 James Beard Awards. We are sad to report, beloved AIX Chef, Tom Gray, is not on the list of finalists. Chef Tom Gray made the semi-final list of Restaurants and Chefs in the South. The James Beard award remains the most coveted of culinary honors. Chef Gray should be proud of his accomplishment of making the semi-final list, the competition was fierce, as always.

Finalists for the Best Restaurant and Chef South are:
Zach Bell, Cafe Boulud at the Brazilian Court, Palm Beach
Scott Boswell, Stella!, New Orleans
John Harris, Lilette, New Orleans
Christopher Hastings, Hot and Hot Fish Club, Birmingham
Michael Schwartz, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Miami

The James Beard Foundation will present Awards on May 2 – 3rd.

The Panera rumors are still flying around the neighborhood. The latest update came from a former employee of the San Marco Panera. Apparently Panera is considering a building near Tibdits, on Hendricks Avenue, to re-open next year. There is also some talks of a drive-in window at the new Panera location. The good news is Panera is coming back to the neighborhood. bad news it might not be until next year.

Have you heard any Panera rumors?

Ladies, the search is over. The ultimate purse organizer is found in San Marco’s very own The Wardroom Ltd –it’s the Pouchee.  A place for everything near and dear to our purses in one organized little pouch.  It’s available in many colors to compliment any outfit, and it is easily transferred  from one big bumbling bag to the next.  Seriously, it is quite the find! The Wardroom Ltd.  is located in the square at 1969 San Marco Boulevard.

Saturday in San Marco this weekend is action packed. To help you narrow your options, we have presented three of our favorite activities for this Saturday, March 20th.

Help: 15th Annual St Johns River Cleanup will be tackling River Oaks Park from 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Learn: Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Writers’ Festival at the Jacksonville Public Library downtown. Saturday’s event lasts from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and features readings, book signings, and workshops.

Join: Mayor Peyton’s 6th Annual Museum Hop will be making a stop at M.O.S.H. The museum will feature female authors in conjunction with their Women’s History celebration. The Hop will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.