by David Ball
Staff Writer
Legal Art Works owner Jeff Davis is used to handling the occasional weekend emergency. Usually an attorney will need one of his company’s unique medical presentations or multimedia creations right away for an impending case, and Davis works overtime to make it happen.
This, however, wasn’t just a simple work problem. This was serious.
“We’ve got a margarita emergency,” Davis shouted as he weaved through a crowd of local attorneys, clients and friends during a Mexican-themed Saturday night soirée at his offices on West Bay Street.
An electrical circuit lost power to one of Davis’ two margarita machines, but another outlet was found and the party continued without a hitch. Guests in the open atrium of the Daniel Building perused an expansive taco buffet and enjoyed Mexican beer, sangria and the aforementioned margaritas. All the while, the Jeremy Fratti Quintet — made up of current and former University of North Florida music students — jammed an impressive list of Latin-inspired jazz favorites.
“Great party,” “just fabulous,” “awesome,” the guests repeated to Davis and his wife, Lesley. The party was a success, Davis said, and the next one is sure to be even better.
“This was the first big thing we’ve done at our new location,” Davis said, “but it shall not be the last.”
Davis has become known for his penchant for entertaining. During the three years at his first location on North Laura Street, Davis hosted at least 100 Friday cookouts and served up countless free hot dogs and hamburgers. The ability to cook and entertain was one of the determining factors for moving into the current location.
“I would look at office spaces, and they would have beautiful views,” Davis said, “but the first thing my guys would say is, ‘What is the grill factor?’”
Davis said the “grill factor” Saturday night was spot-on. “Both margarita machines are working, the lighting is great, the band is playing. It’s real nice,” he said.
As for his next bash, Davis said he’s already thinking about it.