Jaxplorations

This week's Jaxploration is Crazy Sushi. The first time I came to Crazy Sushi it was probably two years ago when a friend of mine, who is a Jax native, suggested it to me. It was an instant hit with me and I have been back more times than I can count. I do need to mention that I personally don't eat sushi, I'm definitely a fried rice person. However, I have brought many friends here, who are avid sushi eaters, and they all have loved the sushi. Here's why I love it. For one, it's a small and quaint restaurant that's never really packed. For two, you can't beat what you get for a great price. The serving sizes are huge and I always end up grabbing a box to take leftovers home (so really it's like two meals for one). The fried rice is also the best fried rice I've ever had that wasn't from a big name hibachi restaurant. Usually at locally owned asian restaurants the fried rice is just bleh. Not at Crazy Sushi. The fried rice is a literal moun...

This week's Jaxploration is all about the Jacksonville Humane Society and their Grand Reopening which took place over the weekend. If you've been to the Jacksonville Humane Society before, you probably remember the trailers and outdoor dog kennels. The humane society faced a devastating fire in 2007 and has been making recovery efforts ever since. Because the Humane Society does not receive any state or federal funding, this grand reopening truly is a time for celebration. They have completely remodeled their facility and it is almost unrecognizable. The new facility is over 50,000 square feet, with plenty of room for the animals in the AC.  There are multiple hallways of kennels for dogs and different rooms for cats and kittens. Two of the cat rooms have custom built cat tree towers.  All of these major facility improvements are going to help these pets find their new forever home. Having spaces for people to go to visit, play, and interact with the anima...

This week's Jaxploration is the coolest coffee shop I have come across in my time here in Jax - and I love going to coffee shops. Their menu includes over 60 different types of coffee, all freshly brewed. I tried a frozen espresso and my friend got a mint chocolate iced latte. I was really happy with my order because I like my coffee strong, and even though this was a frozen drink, which tend to be watery, my drink had a very strong coffee flavor. The Coffee Grinder has a very unique atmosphere. The music playing is not your standard elevator/coffee shop tune, but rather electro-pop that's more reminiscent of a club than a coffee house. Inside there are lots of couches and comfortable seating options, but you can also sit outside if you prefer. There is a flat screen TV inside playing the sports channel, and a fireplace underneath it. The walls are lined with the art of Amer Kobaslija, a Bosnian artist who paints in a unique perspective with exquisite detail. Other part...