Some nights you just don’t feel like the latest hip craze or sensation, all you want is good old fashioned comfort food like Grandma used to make.
Maybe she still does but wants a night off.
Grab her and anyone else that enjoys a good home cooked meal and head over to the Mangham’s house in Old Ortega.
Sure the sign says Simply Sara’s but make no mistake about it, it’s their home, Sara AKA Sally, and James Mangham.
There are no fancy furnishings, there was no out of town decorator with the name no one can pronounce consulted. James painted the walls salmon and bright green and they hung up pictures of their family, many of the same family members you’ll find working side by side with Sally and James.
And you too, because when you walk through their door, you’re family.
Just a simple family meal or as Sally says; “Good food doesn’t have to be complicated – and the best things in life are those that are given from the heart, no matter what it is.”
Nothing fancy or complicated on their walls or in their kitchen. They bake and cook from scratch; cookies, cakes and pies, dressings, sauces and jams, they make it all.
No processed meats, only fresh baked ham and turkey breast.
They use fresh chicken, local meats, and daily trips to local farmers markets for fruits and vegetables.
The extra effort and quality ingredients are evident in every bite.
Tuesday is Chicken & Dumplings Night.
Wednesday is Fried Chicken Night.
Friday is Shrimp and Seafood Night.
Fresh cooked Southern Style Sides to make your mouth water and your stomach holler for more; Knife Cut Corn, Pole Beans, Collard Greens, Creamed Corn, Cucumber Tomato Salad, Fruit Salad, Sauteed Broccoli, Sweet Potato Casserole, Squash Casserole, White Acre Peas
and Sauteed Cabbage.
Complete menu may be found here.
Fresh baked cookies are on the counter, in cookie jars of course. There are cakes, pies and enough other homemade delectables to satisfy any sweettooth.
Take out is available, as are gift baskets and they prepare meats, sides and baked goods for most holidays..
So load up the kids, young and old alike, go over the river and through the woods of Old Ortega.
Maybe Simply Sara’s isn’t Grandmother’s house but their kitchen lays out a spread just like Grandma, maybe better. Shhh, don’t tell Grandma.
Whether you go by sleigh or car allow extra time to take the scenic route over the Ortega Bridge. Maybe stop off at Stinson Park, Baker Point or Stockton Park and work up an appetite.
There’s also Cortez Park, just West of Simply Sara’s which is located at
2902 Corinthian Ave Jacksonville, FL 32210 in The Village Store, a 90 some year-old Colonial Revival building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Simply Sara’s
Southern Cuisine and Homemade Delectables
For Reservations or Take Out – (904) 387-1000.