Last spring we threw a best of Jacksonville party for my brother and sister-in-law who were moving. Then a week ago we had some friends come to visit Jacksonville and Kristen made them a gift basket with great stuff from the River City. Now Jacksonville Magazine has just come out with its Best of Jax edition. But, I took some issue with some of there “bests”. So here are my top picks for the Best of Jax:

Best Chicken Salad: Yum Yum Tree
Best People Watching: Five Points
Best Chocolate: Peterbrooke’s Chocolate covered popcorn
Best Pediatricians: Baptist Pediatrics on San Jose
Best of San Marco: Bistro Aix, Metro Diner
Best of Avondale: Biscottis, The Fox Restaurant
Best of the Beaches: Dick’s Wings & Grill, Beach Hut Cafe
Best Dentist: Dr. Henry Breitmoser
Best Cup Cakes: The Cake Shop
Best Mexican Food: La Nopalera in San Marco or Mandarin
Best BBQ: Bono’s on Beach BLVD (only at the counter where Mr. Green cooks)
Best Movie Theater: San Marco Theater & Draft
Best Butcher: Tillman’s Meat & Produce
Best Toy Store: Lakewood Toyland
Best Haircut: Mr. Ray’s Barber Shop
Best Local Seafood Joint: Outback Crab Shack
Best Bakery: Cinotti’s
Best Surf Shop: Surf Station
Best Buffet: Osaka’s all -you-can-eat sushi
Best Sports: Bolles Swimming
Best Weekend Drive: Anywhere within three hours other than Disney
Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Visitors: The alligator Farm in St. Augustine
Best Picnic: South PV Beach with some friends, hors d’ouvres, drinks, and beach chairs, at sunset
Best Sweet Tea: Rib Shack

* I am not liable if you try these and think they are less than the best. I’m not responsible for your poor taste.

What are some of your favorite things about Jax?