Category: Featured Articles

Happy Halloween! From pumpkins to pillowcases full of candy, this holiday is all about fun flavors—and, of course, scary monsters. Combine the two with a monster-inspired menu for your Halloween dinner! Just read on to see a few of our favorite picks.  

Follow Frankenstein’s lead with a vegetarian-friendly meal

Everyone knows Frankenstein’s Monster—the terrifying, pieced-together “person” made in a laboratory. He is one of the most recognizable figures of Halloween, but what many people may not know is the Frankenstein’s Monster is actually a vegetarian! In Mary Shelley’s famous novel, Frankenstein’s Monster (a.k.a., The Creature) delivers a speech in which he describes his diet, saying that “acorns and berries afford me sufficient nourishment” and that he will seek out these sources of food in lieu of lamb and other meats. It’s easy to follow in The Creature’s lead this Halloween! Simply dig into vegetarian-friendly dishes like our Fire Roasted Vegetables with Quinoa & Farro, a colorful combination of field-fresh eggplant, yellow squash, zucchini, marinated asparagus, red peppers, red beet puree and a five-grain medley.

Of course, you can also try to emulate the diet of Dr. Frankenstein himself. When he was not busy in his lab making monsters, he was probably out enjoying some of Bavaria, Germany’s classic culinary fare—including pretzels! Pretzels originated in Germany, so you can’t go wrong by enjoying some of our fresh-baked Pretzel Bread before your meal as part of a delicious monster-inspired menu.

Embrace your inner werewolf with a hearty, meaty meal

The werewolf is another world-famous monster, known for turning into a ravenously hungry wolf during the full moon. Halloween doesn’t fall under a full moon this year, but you can still indulge your love of hearty meats here at Stonewood—try a classic Steak or Prime Rib for a meal that even the werewolf himself would be proud of.

Ward off vampires like Van Helsing

We know that vampires like Dracula prefer blood as their “food” of choice, so why not try eating like the professor, Van Helsing, instead, who first appeared in Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula? As a professor, he used his vast knowledge to create a protective shield against Dracula in the form of garlic, which was said to have warded off vampires. In the book, he simply uses the garlic plant—but this Halloween, why not take it a step further and enjoy garlic on your plate? Our Bruschetta is a delicious Italian starter that pairs garlic (and garlic bread) with vine-ripe tomatoes, basil, aged parmesan and house-made balsamic dressing for a fresh, invigorating first course. You can also enjoy our garlic-marinated Stone Bits, Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes, and many other dishes where this powerful herb plays a key role!

Enjoy a Halloween dinner with friends

Whichever monster is your muse, satisfy your appetite at Stonewood this Halloween! Call your friends and leave a bucket of candy by the door—this Halloween, it’s all about trick-or-treating yourself to a truly memorable meal with monster-inspired flair. We can’t wait to see you soon!

Our Chef’s Day Boat Features are as unique, vibrant and full of character as the Florida cities they call “home,” each the delicious brainchild of a dedicated Stonewood kitchen. No two are alike—and the best part? These exciting seafood dishes are now being served at a Stonewood near you!

Just read on to learn more about Stonewood’s Chef’s Day Boat Features, as well as a few key ways to enjoy.

What goes into a Chef’s Day Boat Feature?

Stonewood kitchens across the Sunshine State feature some seriously skilled culinary talents, and our Chef’s Day Boat Features were built to let their creative juices flow! Putting the “boat” in Chef’s Boat Day Features, these dishes all revolve around fresh seafood. (Here in Florida, you’re never more than 60 miles away from the nearest beach—and often times, you’re even closer—so we love enjoying fresh coastal flavors whenever we get the chance!)

Each dish is completely different, shaped entirely by the chefs at your local Stonewood—plus, because these dishes change by the day, there is always something new to look forward to on your next trip. In addition to all of your go-to Stonewood favorites, these features offer you a brand-new way to experience your local environment, to try something that’s custom crafted by the people who call it “home.” The dishes may change, but you can count on an always-delicious experience, prepared with the Stonewood quality you’ve come to know and love.

Featured flavors

Wondering what kinds of dishes might be served up at your local Stonewood? Like we mentioned, these features are always changing, but a few recent selections include…

• Blackened Grouper with Dragon Fruit and Pear Nectar Sauce
• Jerk Corvina Topped with a Pineapple Salsa
• Coconut Curry Mahi Topped with a Pineapple Chutney
• Firecracker Triple Tail with a Bourbon Candy Topped with Peach Pepper
• Caprese Grouper Served with a Sweet Tomato Garden Sauce

As you can see, our Chef’s Day Boat Features showcase a wide variety of regional cuisines and culinary influences, from curry and chutney from the Indian subcontinent, to classic Italian caprese, and much more! Because these dishes are so personally crafted, they have the ability to highlight the unique style and flair that a chef can bring to the table.

How to enjoy Chef’s Day Boat Features to the fullest

Because our features change from day to day, place to place, they are perfect for enjoying on those days when you crave something new and exciting. Or if you’re traveling across the state, you can treat our Chef’s Day Boat Features as postcards you pick up along the way—pieces of the local environment that you’re sure to remember long after you return home.

Either way, these seafood dishes are something special. They don’t just satisfy your appetite—they satisfy your hunger for fun, adventure and excitement, too! Enjoy one with us on your next meal out.

Fall is all about warm, hearty, familiar flavors—best enjoyed with some quality company! Few dishes are up to the task quite like Prime Rib. Read on to see what we love about this delicious dish, as well as a few ways to enjoy it here at Stonewood and beyond.

Rich, tender flavor

One of Prime Rib’s most defining characteristics is its tender texture and rich flavor, making every bite feel effortlessly satisfying. As it turns out, “effortless” is actually key to the Prime Rib’s tender feel—this cut of beef is so juicy, with the most marbling, because it’s from the primal rib of beef, which doesn’t get as much of a workout as other areas.

Hearty versatility

Prime Rib is popularly enjoyed as a roast dish—here at Stonewood, for example, we serve ours slow-roasted with a side of horseradish sauce and, of course, au jus for dipping, with your choice of side (you can’t go wrong with a classic meat-and-potatoes pairing!). But you don’t need to save Prime Rib for special sit-down dinners—it can be just as easily enjoyed on a sandwich, such as our Prime Rib French Dip! This dish features thinly sliced slow-roasted Prime Rib and imported Swiss on a toasted brioche hoagie, served up with French fries, horseradish sauce and au jus. You can even recreate this simple, savory sandwich at home, with leftovers from your family dinner.

The bottom line? It’s always a good time to enjoy some quality Prime Rib!

Unparalleled elegance

When you need a dish that has the same gravitas as the occasion you’re celebrating—whether it’s a holiday, birthday or big achievement at work or school—Prime Rib is your go-to meal. It feels truly luxurious and timeless, not limited by trends or passing food fads but rooted in culinary tradition thanks to its hearty, flavorful appeal. Whenever and wherever it is enjoyed, it’s sure to please the whole crowd, many of whom probably have memories of enjoying Prime Rib at special occasions throughout their own lives! Our love of Prime Rib is that universal.

Prime Rib’s perfect pairings

Prime Rib pairs perfectly with many of your favorite wines, especially Cabernet and Merlot (which both come in plenty of options for our Stonewood Happy Hour!). These wines work well playing with the rich flavor and marbling of your Prime Rib, helping to bring out its subtler side for an even more delicious entrée experience.

Just in time for the holidays…

It feels like summer is hardly over—especially since we’re still enjoying warm, sunny weather! –but the holidays have a habit of sneaking up on us. Prime Rib is the perfect complement to any special occasion, including the many gatherings that you’re sure to enjoy over the course of the next few months.

If your mouth is watering, we’re right there with you! Fortunately, our Prime Rib is ready to enjoy, this fall and all year long. Swing by your local Stonewood and enjoy it as part of a family celebration or just-because dinner with friends—either way, there’s nothing like Prime Rib for a truly memorable meal.

You may not know it by the weather outside, but fall is here! Even if you’re still donning shorts and sandals, you can help usher in the season with cozy comfort foods and seasonal staples that deliver fall goodness in every bite, spoon or sip.

Read on as we share a few of our favorite fall flavors to enjoy here at Stonewood!

Heritage Onion Soup

For a true taste of fall, start off your meal with a soothing favorite: our Heritage Onion Soup. Its familiar flavor is sure to prep your palate for the meal ahead, while its warm, creamy texture delivers a dose of hearty goodness you’re sure to love.

Short Ribs with Butternut Squash Ravioli

When you think “fall,” your mind might jump to the vibrant, versatile pumpkin—but don’t rule out its fellow squash! Butternut squash, for example, is a delicious pick for those craving a touch of the season (even though it’s easy to enjoy all year long). Savor the sweet, nutty flavor of this delicious squash in our Short Ribs with Butternut Squash Ravioli, a dish that delivers a triple dose of seasonal goodness. Our tender, boneless beef short ribs are hearty and satisfying; our chardonnay cream sauce is smooth and comforting; and, of course, the star of the show, the butternut squash ravioli, is sure to deliver the harvest-style flavors you’ve been searching for.

Chicken Pot Pie

Another comfort food go-to, our Chicken Pot Pie feels especially appropriate during the fall season. Even if it’s a hot, sunny 85 degrees outside, our tender white chicken and supreme sauce will help you feel as though you’ve just come indoors after a long day of leaf crunching or pumpkin carving! One thing is for sure: Wherever in the Sunshine State you find yourself this season, our Chicken Pot Pie will taste like home.

Fire Roasted Vegetables with Quinoa & Farro

During the summertime, cool, refreshing salads might be your go-to means of getting your veggies—but if the switch of season has you craving something a little warmer, try our Fire Roasted Vegetables with Quinoa & Farro! This dish features a colorful combination of field-fresh eggplant, yellow squash, zucchini, marinated asparagus, red peppers, red beet puree and a five-grain medley to bring it all together. Since they’re fire roasted, these veggies are far from your everyday produce—instead, they deliver a powerfully warm and hearty experience you’re sure to love.

Prime Rib

If fall has you craving comfort food and a return to tradition, you can’t go wrong with a classic Prime Rib or Prime Rib French Dip! Both feature tender, slow-roasted beef that’s sure to satisfy your hankering for a warm, hearty meal.

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Dreaming about the perfect fall menu? Don’t forget about dessert! Our Chocolate Bread Pudding features a warm, decadent bourbon sauce that will soothe your soul as you dig in and enjoy.

Maple Old Fashioned

Imbue your cocktail with a sweet, seasonal touch! Our Maple Old Fashioned offers exactly that, served up with Old Forester Bourbon, Jack Rudy bitters, orange, cherry and, of course, maple syrup for a rich, velvety finish. Here in the Sunshine State, we may not see sweeping color changes in our trees, but the addition of maple syrup in this beloved cocktail reminds you that the beauty of a tree is not just about what you can see, but about what you can taste, too.

By indulging in these must-try picks, each heaping with autumnal allure, you’ll be feeling like fall in no time. Come out and enjoy a meal soon!

Wearing white after Labor Day? Good! You’re already a proven rule-breaker—now get ready to break some food rules, too. Whether you’re in the kitchen or having a night out, don’t let tradition keep you from enjoying the eats you want, the way you want. Read on as we share five food rules we love to break.

Don’t play with food

We’ve been told not to play with our food since we were kids—however, we think this is one rule worth reevaluating. Sure, the dinner table might not be the place for putting carrots in your nose or turning your slice of cheese into a holey face mask, but who says you can’t still get creative and have some fun?

Here at Stonewood, our Crafted Tuesdays present a great way to reinvent your typical weeknight meal! In addition to $2 off any craft draft, you can enjoy chef-inspired, handcrafted burgers that invite you to indulge your playful side.

Elbows off the table

Another more formal rule is to keep your elbows off the table—but we say, don’t worry about it! Often, we lean forward and place our elbows on the table without even realizing it because we’re simply so caught up in the thrill of conversation and the simple pleasure of dining with great company—and isn’t that the point of a night out, after all?

Plus, this is one of those rules made with murky historical logic. We can’t seem to remember why elbows on the table was ever considered rude at all! Some say that it’s because early dining tables were too weak to sustain the added weight; others, that dining with your elbows on the table gave away that you were probably a poor-mannered sailor who was used to using his elbows on the table as balancing supports on shaky seas. But we think it’s much less of an important rule to follow today, as long as everyone has room to dig in and enjoy! (Need some inspiration to leave old, stuffy rules behind? Look no further than the French, whose cuisine and dining culture is among the world’s most renowned. Even French foodies will often eat with their bread directly on the table in front of them, no need for individual plates for all. If they can enjoy a more carefree dining experience, so can you.)

No fat

When it comes to cooking and eating, we’re often told that fat should be avoided, but this isn’t entirely true! In fact, portions of certain healthy fats can actually promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and boost brain power, too. These include the monosaturated fats found in kitchen staples like olive oil and avocado (a star player in our Lobster Cobb Salad), as well as the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of ways to get this fish fix at Stonewood. Try it atop your Stonewood Salad, in our Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon, Ginger Lime Salmon, Atlantic Salmon, or even our House Smoked Salmon as a savory starter! Whatever you choose, you will be treated to a dish that tastes good and does good for your body, too.

Never pair red wine with seafood…

The general rule of thumb is to pair red wine with roasted meats, especially beef, while white wine is better suited toward lighter, subtler fare like fish. However, this rule is worth breaking every once in a while—it all depends on the fish. For example, did you know that red wine, especially pinot noir, is a great choice for certain hearty seafood dishes like our Tuna Steak? The new “rule” is to get to know the different types of fish and don’t be afraid to pair your dish with something unexpected! You never know when you might find a flavor fusion that wows.

… and don’t cheese it up!

Another seafood rule you might have heard is to never prepare fish with cheese. This rule has its roots in Italy, where, according to Smithsonian Magazine, it might have formed because the country’s great cheese-making happened inland, away from fresh seafood, and thus local chefs never got the chance to pair the two together. But we know better. When approached with balance in mind (always taking care to use cheese in a way that complements the fish, instead of overpowering it), you can enjoy cheese and seafood with ease! Here at Stonewood, our Crab Crusted Fresh Catch is a great example of the power of cheese and seafood to work together. We prepare our fresh catch of the day with a crust made of tender lump crab, white cheddar, parmesan and a lemon beurre blanc, resulting in a flavor experience that’s fresh and exciting in every bite.

What are your favorite food rules to break? Let us know! Be sure to stop by Stonewood for a delicious dinner with friends and family—and, perhaps, break a few food rules along the way! We look forward to seeing you soon.

A perfectly paired bottle of wine delights at dinner—but did you know that it can bring warmth, light and laughter into your home long after the meal is done? Read on as we share five fun ways to use old wine bottles around the house!

Light up the night with a warm, bottled glow

Looking for a unique way to add light and ambiance to your space? Use a set of battery-powered string lights and an old wine bottle or two to make it happen! As light passes through the tinted glass of your bottle, it will create a soft, subtle glow that adds just enough light to your space to add visual interest and a cozy atmosphere, without ever being too harsh for a relaxing dinner with friends. Use it on your kitchen countertop, as an effortless centerpiece, or even by your wet bar where it will blend seamlessly with other bottles for a subtle decorative flourish.

Showcase fresh flowers in a ready-made bottle vase

You’re hosting a dinner party and your friend graciously brings you some seriously beautiful flowers—but you don’t have an empty vase to put them! No problem. After you’ve served everyone a glass of wine, wash out the bottle, remove the label, add water and voila, you’ve got a ready-made vase (or at least a convenient container to display a few beautiful buds). Later on, you can even paint your new vase or add twine or other touches to enhance its style. The end result is a stylish vase whose elegant, rustic flair is sure to blend in with the backdrop of any room it’s placed in.

Turn a bottle of vino into a stylish soap dispenser

For a stylish, eco-friendly alternative to disposable dish soap bottles, use a wine bottle! Once you have thoroughly washed out your bottle, simply fill up with dish soap, add a pump (you can find specially sized bottle pumps online!) and you’re good to go.

Create the perfect tool for wine-and-cheese nights

The wine bottle from one wine-and-cheese night can be used to host your next! For a fun, custom touch, you can remove the handle from a store-bought cheese spreader and insert the metal part into a wine cork. Add glue, if needed, to secure the new spreader. It’s a subtle but impactful way to add your own personal flair to your silverware set—the kind of craft that might even have friends asking, “where did you buy this?” before they learn the truth.  

Foster effortless entertaining with wine cork placeholders

Another easy cork craft is to create custom placeholders for your next dinner party or holiday gathering. Carefully use a craft knife to create a slit in a cork, where you can easily add a name card for each guest. Next, cut off the opposite, rounded side to create a flat surface so the cork can stand straight on your table. And that’s it! You have an easy yet elegant option for hosting friends and family at home. (Tip: Save your wine corks throughout the year for these crafts and any others you may discover down the line!)

Every beautifully repurposed wine bottle starts, of course, with dinner and drinks. Bring along friends to enjoy a midweek treat with our Wine-Down Wednesdays, where you can enjoy half-off select bottles of wine all evening long. We look forward to seeing you soon!

From its sparkling blue waters to its charming cliffside abodes—and, of course, all that delicious food—Greece is a dream destination for many a world traveler and foodie alike. But did you know that you can enjoy Greek flavors closer to home, too?

As we dream about this irresistible summer escape, we’re sharing a few delicious ways to enjoy Greek culture and cuisine right here in the Sunshine State. Take a look to learn more.  

Study your Greek

Before digging into delicious Mediterranean flavors, it’s time to practice your Greek! Not the language, of course, but your Greek culinary knowledge. For example, you probably already know that olive oil is one of the major cultural and culinary exports of Greece (the country is still one of the world’s top producers, in fact)—but did you know that the Greeks may lay claim to one of the earliest cookbooks, too? In the 5^th century BC, a cook named Mithaecus—with a passion for gastronomy—wrote what is believed to be an early cookbook while facilitating culinary exchange between Sicily and Greece. We don’t have that cookbook today, but we do know that the book’s sole surviving recipe was for a seafood dish, perhaps not surprisingly!

Enjoy a glass of wine

Another not-so-surprising truth about Greek cuisine is that it pairs perfectly with wine! The one-of-a-kind climate of the Mediterranean has long lent itself to world-class varietals—so for your Greek-inspired dinner at Stonewood, be sure to enjoy a glass from this region of the world, such as Greek’s next-door neighbor, Italy. Whichever wine you choose, be sure to toast with a classic “yia-mas,” “to good health” in Greek!

Start with a Greek seafood staple

In addition to its tradition of wine and olive oil, Greek culture also delivered a beloved seafood staple: calamari, or, as the Greeks called it, kalamari, which was derived from the word for “reed” or “pen,” perhaps due to the infamous ink of a squid!

It’s no wonder that this squid dish thrived in Greece, a paradise surrounded by water and all sorts of seafood below. Here at Stonewood, our Calamari is easy to enjoy with friends and family. We prepare ours with hand-breaded, flash-fried, tender calamari and jalapeno rings for an added kick. Much like the Greeks, we love lemons, and so pair our calamari with a housemade lemon aioli, grilled half-lemon and a pineapple chili sauce.

Dig into a delicious steak, topped off with Mediterranean flair

As far as entrees go, Greek cuisine famously includes lots of grilled meat—so you can’t go wrong by enjoying a delicious steak on your Greek night out! Top your oak-grilled steak off with a complement of our Mediterranean Topping, featuring regional staples like baby spinach, artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, roasted garlic, fresh dill, goat cheese and more for an authentic (and appetizing) experience.

Discover a slice of Greek life in the Sunshine State

Looking to pair your Greek dinner with a day trip? You’re in luck. The Sunshine State is actually home to the city with the highest percentage of Greek Americans anywhere in the United States! We’re talking about Tarpon Springs, a West Coast town whose gorgeous Gulf views no doubt remind visitors (and Greek families themselves), from time to time, of a pristine Mediterranean expanse. Greek immigrants built a community here, and you can see the cultural influence by way of picturesque storefronts, restaurants and even sponge diving relics that point visitors toward the tradition of Greek divers who made Tarpon Springs their home more than a century ago.

Thousands of years ago, the Greeks made a lasting impact on global cuisine and culture—an impact that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon! Enjoy the fruits of their labor (literally!) with a delicious dinner out at Stonewood, or a trip to a slice of Florida’s Greek paradise.

Protein-packed fuel, delicious fixings and no need for a fork or knife? It’s easy to see why sandwiches are the reigning go-to meal among kids, adults and foodies of all kinds.

In honor of National Sandwich Month, we’re sharing a few of our favorite Stonewood go-tos, as well as tips for crafting the perfect sandwich at home! Take a look.

Two Hand Chicken Club

Like its name might suggest, this sandwich is no mere on-the-go snack! You’ll need to make an effort to hoist up all the flavors inside the Two Hand Chicken Club—but once you do, you’re immersed in a truly satisfying sandwich experience. We’ve carefully layered oak-grilled chicken breast, hardwood smoked bacon, imported Swiss, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle atop a toasted brioche hoagie, served up alongside basil avocado mayo and French fries. The result? A hearty, colorful dish that elevates the classic chicken sandwich to another level.

Fresh Catch Sandwich

We’re in the Sunshine State, where fresh fish abounds! Our Fresh Catch Sandwich features our grilled, blackened or fried catch of the day with lettuce, tomato and onion on a toasted brioche bun. French fries and peach pepper aioli, or a housemade tartar sauce, complete the experience and provide a delicious backdrop to fresh-from-the sea flavors. All you need is a swimsuit and the ocean breeze and it’s like you’re already on the water…

Lobster Roll

Another delicious seafood pick, our Lobster Roll, delivers the best of New England’s seaside towns directly to your neighborhood Stonewood! Dig into chilled, tender North Atlantic lobster meat, lightly dressed and perfectly paired with the warm crunch of a traditional griddled split-top bun. Cap it off with seasoned house chips and you’re good to go! This is a delicious dish all year round, especially during these late-summer days when you crave a sandwich that’s as filling as it is refreshing. Our chilled lobster has you covered.

Prime Rib French Dip

Our Prime Rib French Dip features everything you love about prime rib, on a sandwich! Tender, thinly sliced and slow-roasted prime rib is the start of the show, served alongside imported Swiss on a toasted brioche hoagie. Dig in with French fries, horseradish sauce and, of course, au jus for dipping. Discover what makes this such a classic go-to in your very first bite, and don’t forget to dip for extra juicy flavor.  

For the perfect sandwich at home…

Wondering how to achieve the perfect sandwich at home? Just like a new home or building, you’ll want to start with a solid foundation—in this case, quality bread! Pretzel bread (reminiscent of the kind served here at Stonewood before your meal!) is a great bet, standing out from the rest in a delicious way. Take time placing your ingredients so that each bite offers a taste of it all (cutting or slicing larger chunks can help with this, especially if you’re working with big, irregular shapes like leftover steak or carved turkey). Finally, embrace balance on your sandwich! Cool ingredients like the lobster in our Lobster Roll, or even a good chicken salad, pair perfectly with warm, toasted bread. Cool, crisp lettuce and tomato can add a delightful dimension of texture to a burger or cold cut sandwich, too.

Nothing satisfies quite like a sandwich—especially when you don’t have to make it yourself! Come visit us for a meal you’re sure to remember.  

It’s back-to-school season! Even if you’re not sporting a backpack yourself, you can still get an A+ when it comes to brain sharpness and memory. It all starts with a delicious meal!

Did you know that the right foods can have a positive impact not only on your overall health, but on your brain’s cognitive abilities, too? Just read on to see what the experts have to say about a few key foodie brain-boosters, and how you can incorporate them into your diet with ease.

Leafy greens

We all know that vegetables, especially leafy greens, are good for us—but you might not have known just how good. As it turns out, this group of veggies (including kale, spinach and broccoli) is chock-full of nutrients that your brain can’t get enough of, like vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene. The result? A healthy mind that stays cognitively younger, longer, than its non-green-eating counterparts—as much as 11 years younger, according to one study! So maybe the saying shouldn’t be “young at heart,” but instead “young in mind?”

A great way to enjoy greens at Stonewood is to dig into a delicious salad. Our Stonewood, Steak and Lobster Cobb salads are all refreshing picks, and actually include some of the other ingredients you’ll find on our list as well! You can also dig into spinach as part of our Tuscan Chicken or Blackened Chicken Pasta, to name a few flavorful picks.

Fatty fish

The omega-3 fatty acids in certain fish can also keep your brain healthy and working its best! Salmon is a great source of this healthy, unsaturated fat; you can enjoy it as part of several satisfying entrees, including our Atlantic, Ginger Lime, Cedar Plank Roasted salmon dishes; and even as a flavorful start to your meal, with our House Smoked Salmon! Or add salmon to your go-to salad for a hearty, healthy complement.

Olive oil

Olive oil is a versatile addition to many dishes, from salads to sautés and everything in between. Studies have suggested that this kitchen staple can lower inflammation while promoting healthy blood vessels, which each play an important role in brain health as well.  

Berries

Your love of sweet, juicy berries goes beyond flavor alone. According to a Harvard Health article, the flavonoids in these fruits (which cause berries’ beautiful colors) can also promote healthy memory as well. No wonder the memory of a fresh-picked summer strawberry or blueberry seems to stick around so well.

Enjoy berry goodness with Stonewood picks like our Steak Salad, which stars a vibrant raspberry balsamic vinaigrette that’s sure to please—and maybe just jog your memories a bit better, too!

Walnuts

Another key player on our Steak Salad (and Stonewood Salad, too) is blackened walnuts. You love this mix-in for its toasted flavor and crunch, but did you know that walnuts are full of protein and healthy fats that keep brain sharp and your heart healthy, too?

Caffeine

Though it’s not actually a food, the caffeine in your daily tea or coffee may be able to help you make (and keep) memories—so a cup of coffee at dinner with friends and family might just help make the feeling of the moment last a little longer! The benefits of caffeine go beyond the short-term, though, and one study showed that people who consumer more caffeine in general tended to score better on cognition tests.

Quinoa

Whole grains are great for your body, and quinoa is one of our favorites! One study connected quinoa to improved brain function in older adults. You can find this powerful super-grain in our Fire Roasted Vegetables with Quinoa & Farro, alongside a medley of other nutritious (and delicious) flavors, too.

Bonus tip: Eat together!

Did you know that the way we eat can also have an impact on our cognitive performance? For example, studies have linked teenagers who engage in family meal-time to increased rates of academic success—an especially important consideration for back-to-school season. Plus, eating together is pure fun!

We hope that today’s guide to brain-boosting ingredients helps you enjoy your food in a whole new way! Visit us at Stonewood to feed your brain with these dishes and many more. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Find yourself counting down the days until Friday? We’ve all been there! But by filling your weekly schedule with fun outings and delicious dinners with friends and family, you will start to feel as though the weekend never really left.

In honor of back-to-school season, we thought now would be the perfect time to nail down a new kind of routine! Read on as we share our tips for achieving the perfect week with Stonewood.

Monday: Make lunch plans or enjoy a Happy start to your week

Whether you’re dropping your child off at school, heading to school yourself or beginning the workweek, it can be hard to get into the swing of things after a long, fun, lazy weekend (we don’t judge!). The first day of the week could use some spicing up, so why not treat yourself to something special and start looking forward to Monday every week?

You might do this by making standing lunch plans with a friend. Several Stonewood locations are open for lunch, so you can easily meet up, catch up and fuel up with your favorite flavors as you enjoy some serious quality time together.

Or, make plans to meet up for Happy Hour! Here at Stonewood, ours features delicious drink specials from open to 7 p.m. every day, so you can get your week off to a great start with ease. Whatever you do, making Monday a “fun day” will help take away the stress that goes along with ending the weekend!

(Another great tip for making Monday meaningful? Take a few minutes on this day to jot down your plans for the week—the fun and the functional, like pick-ups, drop-offs, appointments and more, as well as any goals you have and want to follow through on! By sketching out your schedule, you will be able to visualize the days ahead and make a plan for success.)

Tuesday: Get crafty

Like we said, you don’t need to wait for the weekend to have fun—or get creative! Our Crafted Tuesdays provide the perfect opportunity to do both, as well as indulge in some of your favorite Stonewood flavors like you’ve never seen them before. Crafted Tuesdays feature chef-inspired, handcrafted burgers and—for the grown-ups—$2 off any craft draft. Make it a Tuesday tradition and enjoy with friends and family!

Wednesday: Relax with friends!

Craving a midweek pick-me-up? Call your crew, come down to Stonewood, and we have you covered! Our Wine-Down Wednesdays are made for sharing in the fun with friends—and sharing your favorite wine, too. Enjoy half-off select bottles of wine all night long.

Thursday: Get a head-start on weekend fun

If you’re part of the camp that lovingly calls Thursday “Friday, Jr.” our Stoli Thursday specials are made for you! Get a head-start on weekend fun with $5 Stoli martinis and cocktails, all night long. This is your chance to enjoy a victory dinner with friends, to celebrate a week well-done and look forward to the weekend fun ahead.

Friday: Enjoy a classic night out

Speaking of weekend fun, this is where it all begins! Friday nights are great for classic dates, like dinner and a movie, as well as fun with the family where you can catch up on the week’s events over a delicious meal. Any way you slice it, Stonewood is the place to be—the reason you never have to wonder what should we do tonight? again.  

There is no shortage of ways to sweeten up the week with Stonewood—and, of course, some great company! We hope that these ideas help you achieve your perfect weekly routine.