by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Medicinenet.com defines anosmia as having “no sense of smell.”
That would not be a good thing at Casa Dora. By 10 a.m. most mornings the East Forsyth Street Italian eatery is a hodgepodge of aromas — garlic mixes with sautéed butter mixes with simmering pasta mixes with fresh baked bread.
That might explain why after opening nine years ago in a Downtown that was struggling for life and devoid of such enticing smells, Sam Hamidi’s restaurant is now pretty busy from opening right through lunch.
“I knew we would make it,” said Hamidi. “The business has changed a little, but we are not quite there yet.”
The menu is classic Italian fare, made daily by Hamidi and his small staff. There are hand-tossed pizzas, baked pasta dishes, chicken and salads. The daily specials are on the sidewalk for all to see.
“Lunch every day is always busy and dinner is kind of spotty, but it is on the way up,” said Hamidi, adding events at the Florida Theatre are good for business, but not always.
That doesn’t mean many of those who play at the Florida Theatre don’t stop in for the chicken tortellini or baked ziti or lasagna. The wall above the counter is covered with autographed pictures of everyone from Tom Jones to Muhammad Ali to country star Clint Black.
Hamidi is from Gainesville and has been cooking for 32 years. He came to Jacksonville in 1986 and has been in the restaurant business ever since.
In about a month, he’ll open Casa Dora II near San Juan Avenue. He says the restaurants will be similar, but with slightly different menus. Having one place open and another on the way can make for long days.
“I get up at 7 a.m. and go to the other place to make breakfast for the workers,” said Hamidi. “Then, I come here and make the buffet for lunch, then go back.”
Hamidi may not be done.
“I want to open a real fancy Casa Dora one day,” he said.
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