What is Bite Club?

Bite Club is Folio Weekly’s Northeast Florida food enthusiast’s dining club hosted by Caron Streibich. Once a month, on the first or second Tuesday evening, an area restaurant partners with Bite Club to host a private tasting event. Bite Club members receive notification first about events and sign-ups for events. 

How do I sign up to join the Bite Club distribution list? And I’m guessing space is limited, so how do I sign-up to attend upcoming events?

Membership is free. To sign up to be on the Bite Club distribution list, send an e-mail from your preferred email address, along with your full name and phone number, to biteclub@folioweekly.com. As events are scheduled, members will receive an e-mail containing information about the upcoming event and how to sign up. Sign-ups generally run for two weeks www.fwbiteclub.com, in the form of a question. If your schedule is free, and you’d like to attend the upcoming Bite Club event, post your answer to the question (there are no wrong answers) in the comment section. Your name and e-mail address will be captured and sent to host Caron. At the end of the two-week period, Folio Weekly will select attendees by random draw. Both previous Bite Club guests and new Bite Club members will be invited to attend each month. Space is very limited, so if you aren’t notified, please check back and post a comment for the next month’s event. Those selected to attend will be notified a week prior to the event via e-mail. Please respond immediately if you are able/unable to attend, and if you’re attending solo or with a guest. 

What can I expect at the monthly Bite Club events? Are they all the same?

Each restaurant is different — some are casual, while others are upscale. Some will select their most popular menu items while others will offer items that they’d like to test out, or are hoping to debut in the coming months. Typically at least three courses (appetizers, main entree, dessert) are served, with several selections. The establishment’s general manager or owner, along with the executive chef, will join the group to speak with the Bite Club attendees and answer any questions. Each restaurant hosting Bite Club works with host Caron to present a special menu for attendees. Food may be served family-style, buffet-style or tapas-style, with several small plates. Attendees are encouraged to participate by interacting with the chef, meeting other guests, and most importantly — by leaving feedback on the restaurant, food, and event on www.fwbiteclub.com after the event once the event recap is posted. Locations for the following month are announced in Folio Weekly, on FolioWeekly.com and on the Bite Club blog.

Is it completely free?
Since your meal, and sometimes a beverage, is entirely free, you are asked to leave a tip for the waitstaff. You’ll typically receive about $25-$35 in tastings, so tip according to that, and more if you’ve ordered additional beverages.

Can I bring a guest to Bite Club events?
You are welcome to invite a date or a friend to events, but they must have a spot reserved. Ideally, they should share your passion for food, and be willing to sample all of the dishes. If you are notified that you made the list for an upcoming event, let Caron know your guest’s name. If you are not bringing one that is fine too as it allows other members to attend. It’s a great time to meet new like-minded food enthusiasts too!

How long has Bite Club been around?
Since December 2009. The first Bite Club event was held at Culhane’s Irish Pub in Atlantic Beach. Some of the other venues have included Sun Dog, The Grape, Sticky Fingers, Mandaloun, North Beach Bistro, The Fish Company, and Karma.

I’m a Northeast Florida Restaurant and I’m interested in hosting a Bite Club event. How do I start?

E-mail biteclub@folioweekly.com and I will get you in contact with the correct people at Folio Weekly. I am also interested in hosting smaller, less formal meet-ups at various spots around town. If you are rolling out a new menu, or are interested in 10-15 area food enthusiasts giving their honest feedback on some of your offerings, the Bite Club members are a great resource!

I’m a PR person and want Bite Club members to know about an upcoming event, or restaurant opening. How can I let them know?

E-mail all information to Caron at biteclub@folioweekly.com. It will be sent to members via e-mail and posted in the monthly Area Food News Bites section of the homepage.

But I have more questions…

 E-mail your questions, comments or concerns to Caron at biteclub@folioweekly.com. Feedback is always welcome — positive or negative!