The Cookbook Restaurant

Have you ever been so excited for something, but keep missing your opportunity for it?

I have. And it's called The Cookbook Restaurant.

After holding the #1 spot on my to-do list for weeks, I finally had a chance to visit. Located in the historic Springfield, there is a small brick strip that houses The Cookbook restaurant, an apothecary and a barbershop with the signature rolling pole under the sign. You get the picture-this entire block is something out of a Lifetime movie. With the chalkboard sign greeting you, walking into The Cookbook is nothing short of sweet anticipation.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is a mixture of the eclectic and authenticity of a small business and the potential of something greater with a fully loaded stage for live music.

Every employee I came in contact with was so warm. You can't buy this type of hospitality. They weren’t too sweet where it was obviously fake, but just genuine. Especially Ms. Patsy who is one of the cooks, but also served us some of the best fried chicken I’ve EVER had. I can’t make this stuff up, y’all. My friend, who is known as an insufferably picky eater, demanded I give her the leftover fried skin-which would be way gross if the food was less than wonderful.

I also ordered the greens and mac & cheese. I know-I could’ve ordered something more adventurous, but I’m a firm believer that these two staples will always tell the worth of a restaurant. And they didn’t disappoint. They tasted so much like my family’s recipes, that my first thought was the chef and I must be related.

My companions had the lasagna, which was comparable to Italy itself and the fish & grits, which were not spared a crumb. We skipped desserts, but did get to take home some delicious, homemade cupcakes for the owner’s birthday. Happy 33rd Brandon!

Only time will tell if the Cookbook will remain a favorite, but from my first impression I would say this could be exactly what Jacksonville never knew it needed...

The Cookbook Restaurant

1827 North Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32206

www.facebook.com/TheCookbookRestaurant/

(904) 802-7080

Hours Vary