Ep 19. Hungry in the Jax

In this episode of Cheap Eats, the host Ali Khan ventures into the food scene of Jacksonville, Florida to find the best eats that won't break the bank. Hungry in the Jax takes Ali on a culinary adventure through a diverse range of cuisines, flavors and textures.

The episode begins with Ali meeting up with a local chef at 1748 Bakehouse, a bakery that's been creating artisan breads and pastries for over a decade. The chef introduces Ali to the art of making sourdough bread and gets him to sample their legendary cinnamon roll. Ali is blown away by the flaky, buttery goodness of the baked goods and promises to return for a hearty breakfast.

Next, Ali moves on to the historic Five Points neighborhood where he discovers a cozy eatery called Derby on Park. The restaurant serves up English-style pub grub with a Southern twist. Ali enjoys their signature dish of fish and chips, which is made with locally sourced fish and served with cornmeal hushpuppies. He also tries their spicy pimento cheese, which combines the flavors of jalapeno peppers, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese in one mouth-watering dish.

Ali's next stop takes him to The Local, where he is introduced to a new kind of pizza - the Roman style pizza. The pizza is made with a thin, crispy crust that's topped off with quality ingredients. Ali gets to customize his pizza with handmade sausage, locally sourced mushrooms, and fresh arugula. He also tries out their amazing meatball sub, which is made with fresh ciabatta bread and a generous helping of meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.

Ali's exploration of Jacksonville's food scene continues with a visit to The Southern Charm, a soul food joint that's been serving hearty meals since 1957. Ali gets treated to classic soul food dishes of fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet cornbread. The flavors of the dishes blend in beautifully, leaving Ali feeling fully satisfied and grateful for the hospitality.

The last stop on Ali's Cheap Eats tour takes him to the critically acclaimed Orsay, a French bistro that combines French cuisine with Southern hospitality. Ali tries out their mushroom ravioli, which is drizzled with a creamy marsala sauce and truffle oil. He also gets to enjoy their steak frites and a side of Brussel sprouts for a healthy alternative. Orsay's desserts are a must-try, and Ali indulges in the delectable profiteroles which are delicate puffs with a vanilla mascarpone filling and caramel sauce on top.

With such an array of food choices on offer in Jacksonville, Ali Khan creates a memorable episode of Cheap Eats with Hungry in the Jax, a show that inspires viewers to discover their local gems and savor delicious food experiences without breaking the bank.