If your a Northeast Florida resident, then you know all about the fantastic, historic San Marco area of Jacksonville. The history, shopping and nightlife can’t be beat – and don’t even get me started on the beautiful homes there too!

The locally owned restaurant, Taverna recently completed renovations and expansion and I had the opportunity to attend a preview dinner to check out the new menu.

Along with some other fun folks from the blogging world, we were able to sample cocktails made with local ingredients and classic flavors – gin, scotch, etc. Before moving into the beautiful private dining area, I sampled the new chicken salad sandwich available at lunchtime – creamy, very flavorful and a great portion size.

The Caprese salad (pictured above) were tasty – you can never gone wrong with mozzarella and balsamic. Next up, lamb meatballs with housemade ricotta ravioli. I’ve had lamb a few times and liked it, but these meatballs were fantastic. Paired with the raviolis, it was a great combination. I’ll definitely be ordering this off the menu next time I go!

 One of the biggest changes to the restaurant is the updated lunch concept – diners can choose between full-service (with a server) or casual service (order at the counter) – both providing the same menu and fantastic service. I can see this quickly becoming the new hotspot for lunch dates.

Some of the items you’ll find on the lunch menu include pizzas, sandwiches like the grilled chicken pesto, the Taverna Cubana  with pulled porked and gruyere cheese and even house-made fettuccini.  I’ve got my eye on the turkey and brie sandwich topped with seasonal chutney.

I’m excited to return soon and take my husband on a well-deserved date night.  I know he’s going to love the food and the atmosphere too!

Learn more about Taverna at www.TavernaSanMarco.com and follow along with the Taverna Facebook page too.  If you’re local to the Jacksonville area – I’m giving away lunch for two, worth $30.  Keep reading…

Enter to win Lunch for Two at Taverna ($30 value)

Leave a comment below telling me who you’d like to have lunch with at Taverna! (How easy is that?!)

Be sure you fill out the field with your e-mail address so I can contact you if you’re the big winner!

This giveaway ends on Friday, January 17th at Midnight EST.

**  I received attended a media night preview dinner at Taverna. I was offered this prize to giveaway to readers.  Thoughts and opinions here are my own. **