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Newsy Nuggets: Storm damages beachfront restaurant, a new Tornatore podcast, and dispatches from the districts of Milk, SoDo and Audubon Park

Written By Scott Joseph On November 15, 2022

Chases storm damageChases on the Beach, via Facebook

Chases on the Beach, the New Smyrna Beach mainstay, sustained major damage in last week’s storm. Ironically, the bar and restaurant had closed at the end of October to undergo renovations. A post on its Facebook page said: “We are devastated as we look at the photos of what was once the deck. Since we still in the beginning of our remodel process, we will keep everyone updated on what the future looks like for Chases on the Beach.”

Though the name is unapostrophe’d, the restaurant at 3401 S. Atlantic Ave. is named for owner Chase Breiner. A hotel was previously on the site, and when I reviewed it in 1996 a manager told me that local laws restricted them to rebuilding only on the existing foundation. So it had various structures and shapes and included a swimming pool that was a focus of the beachfront deck. The food was good, though not destination worthy in itself. But paired with the location, the food got somewhat better. Especially after a few cold beers.

Speaking of renovations, Tornatore’s Ristorante in College Park has completed its redo. Also, owner Denny Tornatore has launched his new podcast, “Denny Tornatore Eats the World My Way.” New episodes drop every Tuesday morning so go to this link to find the latest.

South Steel SJO March AD copy

Tornatore podcastIllustration by Briana Vega

Itsa Chicken, the literal hole-in-the-wall operations – the hole being a window and the wall belonging to Whiskey Lou’s bar in the Milk District – closed on Nov. 6, about one year after opening. According to the Sentinel’s Amy Drew Thompson, Black Magic Pizza will move in shortly after the new year. BMP, which has been operating on a popup basis, also plans to plop down sometime next year in a space next to Rockpit Brewing in SoDo.

Over on Corinne Avenue in Audubon Park, Bikes, Beans & Bordeaux, also known as B3 Cafe, announced Tuesday that it will close on Nov. 23 after more than 14 years. In my Chow Hound review of May 2008, I noted the many menu item names that would be understood only by die-hard cycling fans. “For instance, there’s the Rasmussen, named for Michael Rasmussen, whose nickname is the Chicken (chicken salad); s.a.g. stop special, short for supply and gear stop, where cyclists get basics during a break (peanut butter and bananas); and the Lance-wich, named for Lance Armstrong, who for some reason inspired this ham and turkey sandwich.” (We would eventually learn what a turkey Armstrong really was.) The menu today is less obscure, modernized to include a Peloton Pizza on the kids menu. B3 was a pleasant place and a favorite of locals long before East End Market made the district a destination.

And it was kind of owners Jen and Darrell Cunningham in their closing announcement on Facebook to remind people holding B3 gift cards to redeem them before next week.

If you’ve ever wondered what Hannibal Square tastes like, you have your chance on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Taste of Hannibal Square from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets, purchased at the site, are $30 and will get you five plates from the seven participating restaurants, including Mynt, Chez Vincent and Vinia.

We hope you find our reviews and news articles useful and entertaining. It has always been our goal to assist you in making informed decisions when spending your dining dollars. If we’ve helped you in any way, please consider making a contribution to help us continue our journalism. Thank you.

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