Lip-smackin' Sips and Bites at Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ Held at Historic Florida Theatre, Jax

The Florida Theatre's Blues, Brews & BBQ,
presented by Publix Super Markets Charities

August 27, 2018: An entertainment venue such as The Florida Theatre usually evokes thoughts of "sights and sounds." On Thursday, August 23, attendees at the annual Blues, Brews and BBQ fest, held at the historic downtown Jacksonville landmark, could also add the sensory perception of "tastes" to the repertoire, as this event featured lip-smackin' sips and bites from local breweries and restaurants. From the bales of hay at the check-in doors to the red-checkered tablecloths and aromas of barbecue throughout, the theatre was transformed into a tasty night of food, craft beer, and music.  

The pictures pretty much tell the story, so let's get to it! While the photos are unable to convey the taste delights that undoubtedly made tongues and taste buds happy, this site cannot be responsible for any hunger pains or thirst that might result ... 



The evening began with an early hour reserved for the VIP ticket-holders upstairs in the third floor lounge, with local breweries pouring beer samples, and eateries providing appetizers -- just wetting the whistle for the main event. 

Upstairs at the pre-party in the third floor lounge

Local brewery representatives from Intuition Ale Works, River City Brewing, Veterans United Craft Brewery, Seven Bridges Grille and Brewery, Bold City Brewery and Wicked Barley Brewing were ready with sample pours of some familiar and not-so-familiar beers:

Familiar faces from the local breweries: Intuition Ale Works, River City Brewing,
Veterans United, Seven Bridges, Bold City Brewing

Decisions, decisions: beer, food, beer, food: from smoked fish dip to hot links to sandwiches, to desserts.

Yes, yes, and yes

Bold City Brewery's "Fat Elvis":
Bacon Peanut Butter Banana Doughnut Strong Ale
Sounds about right!

The Publix Cooking School table served several dishes,
 including smoked fish dip

Next stop, first and second floors. Alongside the six participating local breweries were local barbecue kitchens of Monroe's Smokehouse, Gilbert's Social, Mojo No. 4, Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q, and newcomer ABBQ. Oh, and don't forget those desserts by Nothing Bundt Cakes. 

The first overhead look from the second floor balcony in the historic theatre:

Hold that thought: didn't look like this for long!

Meanwhile, silent auction items were assembled and ready for bidding. Items included an autographed guitar by country singer Miranda Lambert, Jacksonville Jaguars ticket package, dining and merchandise certificates, photography packages, hotel stays, legal advice packages, furniture, jewelry, and food and beverage gifts. 

Silent auction ready for signatures.

Of course, food and beer awaited, and the floors were now open!

The food and beer tables dotted both levels, while bluesy renditions by Beale Street Band and Snacks Blues Band provided live entertainment and a backdrop for the barbecue dishes. With a menu of sliders, sandwiches, corn, burnt ends, cole slaw and more, plates began to fill.

Groovin' to the tunes

You could even get a little saucy!

Yes, another, please!

A retro-inspired setup from River City Brewing

 Wicked Barley Brewing served the Brews and the BBQ:
Burnt ends and coleslaw with a few brews

Tis the upcoming season! from Seven Bridges

Corn on sticks from Monroe's

ABBQ in action

A chat and a beer with Bold City Brewery

The crowd grew!

And, what about those desserts?
The Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl cakes
from Nothing Bundt Cakes were out of this world.
Don't tell anyone, but I had two (shhhh)

And, last but not least, how about a little Theatre history?

Did you know.....

The annual fundraising event for The Florida Theatre once again provided a delicious evening all the way around for a great cause! 

The Florida Theatre is located at 128 E. Forsyth St., downtown Jacksonville. The 2018 event season is sponsored by Community First Credit Union. For a list of all concerts and events with ticketing options, visit the Florida Theatre events website page. 

Definitely a sensory experience! Food, beer, music, and a great venue! 

Til next time!

Cheers,

Linda




Linda Johnson,
Certified Cicerone®
www.brewnymph.com

(all photos by Linda Johnson)

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