Around the island . . .

Submitted by Gerry Clare

Roving Reporter

Saturday early risers will be happy to know that there are actually a few places on the Island to have a breakfast at 7 a.m. That is for those that haven’t partied the night before or still are.  We ended up this Saturday at the Marche’ Burette Market and Deli at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation and were pleasantly surprised at the large variety of breakfast options.  Freshly made quiche of the day with a great crust, biscuits and gravy, eggs, breakfast sandwiches and beautiful croissants and pastries served with fresh seasonal fruit were on the menu and reasonably priced.  A good cup of Peet’s coffee was also a happy touch. 

If you are in the mood, you can also purchase wines and gift items while you wait for your food, inside or outside on the deck, facing the fountain and the Amelia Farmer’s Market.  This market moved from the downtown Fernandina location earlier this year and is now located around the pond across from the Shops at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation (open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays).

Promised Land
Photo on File

Saturday night was back downtown Fernandina Beach and dinner at the old First Baptist Church on North 5^th and Alachua, put on by the Promise Land Church.   A wonderful display of Spanish food from various countries was at the buffet and all for a donation (at your discretion) to the church. These dinners are held on the last Saturday of the month at 5 p.m.   

Speaking of food, we had dinner earlier that week at Applebee’s and asked about the rumor that Applebee’s was closing.  Our waitress told us that Doherty Enterprises, Inc. had purchased 38 Applebees in Florida and 3 in Georgia from Georgia based Gator Apple.  According to their website, this is the largest acquisition by Doherty’s since it was established in 1985.  It also owns restaurants in New Jersey, Staten Island, Long Island, Queens and Brooklyn.  This is good news for Applebee fans.

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.

September 4, 2013 3:45 p.m.