Category: Featured Articles

Feliz Cinco de Mayo! The Mexican holiday, which marks the date of a major Mexican Army victory in 1862, is an opportunity to learn about history—and, of course, indulge in some classic Mexican cuisine.

Read on as we learn more about Cinco de Mayo, and share a few of our favorite Stonewood picks for enjoying Mexican flavors near you. Take a look.

Get to know Cinco de Mayo

Today, Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “fifth of May”) is celebrated widely in the United States, where participants enjoy Mexican-inspired food, drink, music and décor—but the date’s significance actually stems back to 1862, during the Battle of Puebla. It was here that Mexican forces achieved a significant victory against the French during the Franco-Mexican War, despite being outnumbered. As a result, the unlikely win boosted morale—so even though it wasn’t deemed an especially strategic win to the overall effort, the battle still made history and is remembered to this day. 

Enjoy Mexican flavors…

Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day (though it’s often confused for the holiday, which actually falls on September 16^th)—however, stateside, it certainly drums up a lot of attention and a passion for national colors, music, and, of course, food! As you celebrate Cinco de Mayo, consider trying one of these delicious Stonewood picks carried over from Mexican cuisine.

Quesadillas

Gooey cheese encased in a warm tortilla? It doesn’t get much better than that! That’s what makes the quesadilla so effortlessly enjoyable—anyone can make one, and mix in their favorite ingredients like chicken, veggies, you name it!

Here at Stonewood, our Chicken Quesadilla is served up with oak-grilled chicken breast, fire-roasted peppers and onions, tomato salsa, fresh corn and cheese, both Colby and pepper jack. Craving a vegetarian option? Our Veggie Quesadilla features the same delicious cheesy combo with oak-grilled eggplant, zucchini and yellow squash for a hearty, colorful dish.

Poblano Rice

Native to Puebla, Mexico, where the historic Cinco de Mayo battle took place, the poblano is a mild chili pepper noted for its fresh, earthy flavor. It works especially well in savory sides like our Poblano Rice, which you’ll find in Stonewood seafood favorites like our Crab Crusted Flounder or Shrimp and Scallops!

Avocado

Another green must-have from Mexico, the avocado is beloved for its buttery flavor that seems to make everything better. Enjoy it on our Two Hand Chicken Club, as part of a flavorful basil avocado mayo, or mixed into our colorful Lobster Cobb Salad.

Margarita

For the perfect pairing to your meal, try a Cinco de Mayo favorite—the margarita! Our Ultimate Margarita features 1800 Reposado Tequila, Courvoisier, Cointreau, lemon, lime, orange, and, of course, agave nectar for a touch of sweetness.

For Cinco de Mayo and all year-round, these flavors are sure to please. Come down to Stonewood and enjoy them with friends and family soon!

Spring has finally sprung—and this season, nothing complements savory creations quite like the pantry powerhouse of garlic.

Garlic’s warm, aromatic kick complements the sunshine and color that’s blooming all around you. Whether you’re wondering what to order on your next dinner out, or searching for the perfect recipe to serve at your al fresco get-together, garlic has you covered—and in honor of National Garlic Month this April, we’re exploring the ins and outs of this must-have staple. Dig in and read on!

A flavorful history

We, humans, have loved garlic for quite a while—but even die-hard foodies may be surprised to learn about garlic’s origins! Even though garlic is strongly associated with Italian cuisine (where it undoubtedly thrives), the plant is actually native to Asia! From its home in Central and West Asia, it traveled to attract many fans—eastward, it found culinary centers such as that of China, where garlic still flourishes today in flavorful chicken and veggie dishes. Westward, it reached regions such as Ancient Egypt and the Mediterranean. Preserved cloves have been found in Egyptian tombs and Ancient Greek temples, and the plant is believed to have helped feed workers as they built the pyramids.

When it comes to garlic, even a little bit goes a long way in terms of flavor—this fact, plus the low cost and high yields of growing garlic, made the ingredient a must-have for the masses. It may have been seen as a lower-status staple, but perhaps that is why garlic has grown to be the culinary powerhouse it’s regarded as today! Because garlic was so ubiquitous among early civilizations, more and more people were able to use it, passing down recipes (and a penchant for garlic’s flavorful heat) from generation to generation.

Garlicky goodness

Throughout the years, garlic gained fame as a flavorful addition to many dishes—but it’s more than just a kitchen go-to. Ancient cultures noted garlic’s medicinal value, and modern-day studies suggest they were right—some have shown that garlic, by way of diet and supplements, can help people avoid the common cold, for example. And of course, garlic’s protective powers were written about in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, with characters trying to ward off the classic monster with garlic cloves. While that might be a tough one to prove, garlic’s nutritional value speaks for itself—in each one-ounce serving, you will find 23 percent of your daily recommended manganese, as well as impressive amounts of vitamins B6 and C.

Use garlic like a pro

Wondering how to use garlic at home? A few hacks will help make the process even easier…

• Crush your cloves in a snap. Use the flat part of your knife’s blade to smash the garlic. The peels will come off pretty easily after that.
• For a fun, effective way to peel after you’ve crushed your cloves, toss them into a jar and shake away! The movement will help the cloves shimmy out of their shells, so that you are able to chop them or toss them into your dish.
• Decide how garlicky you want your meal to be, and then prepare your cloves accordingly. Crave a strong kick of your favorite flavor? Mince your garlic so that more of the enzyme alliinase is released—this is what gives garlic its classic aroma, and it’s released when garlic is chopped up (so you won’t be able to get much garlic smell out of a bulb at the grocery store). For a milder flavor, you can toss cloves into a meal as it cooks, such as rice, or chop them up into medium-sized pieces.

Looking for inspiration?

For inspiration for incorporating garlic into your next meal, visit us at Stonewood! Several of our favorite dishes feature garlic as a star player…

• Bruschetta, an Italian classic. True to Mediterranean tradition, we pair a medley of basil, garlic, aged parmesan and vine-ripe tomatoes with garlic bread for a flavorful first course or shareable snack.
• Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes, a fresh, airy twist on your favorite dinnertime side.
• Tuna Steak, an oak-grilled delight that’s all about flavor. Here, garlic comes with a chili kick that adds a touch of heat to the ahi experience.

Gotta have garlic with your next meal? Opt for one of our delicious Stonewood staples, or whip up a recipe of your own! This April and all year long, it’s one ingredient we just can’t do without. 

Like springtime itself, Stonewood’s salads are bright, fresh and easy to enjoy—so why not try one on your next dinner out?

There’s nothing quite like that first, refreshing crunch—or flavors that play together in traditional (or not-so-traditional) pairings! Read on as we profile a few of our Stonewood salad superstars, and share ideas for crafting your own colorful creations right at home.

Steak Salad

Who says salad can’t be satisfying? Our Steak Salad defies this myth in delicious fashion, fueling you up with tender oak-grilled medallions and fresh mixed greens (each packed with protein that is sure to add some power to your meal). We complete the experience with cucumber slices, grape tomatoes, roasted red peppers, bleu cheese crumbles and blackened walnuts for a delightful crunch—all tossed together with a raspberry balsamic vinaigrette, it’s a flavorful experience you’re sure to enjoy.

Asian Chicken Salad

Another protein-rich pick, our Asian Chicken salad offers a refreshing medley of flavors and textures for a meal you can’t miss out on. We start with oak-grilled, ginger lime marinated chicken breast served with crispy wontons, chilled rice noodles, fresh mixed greens and a housemade dressing made with sesame and ginger, two superstars of Asian cuisine. Finished with an Asian slaw, this salad sends you on an international culinary adventure with every bite. 

Lobster Cobb Salad

A colorful pick, our Lobster Cobb Salad is packed with nutritious mix-ins that make every bite better—but of course, seafood is the star of the show! We’ve paired tender Maine lobster meat with fresh mixed greens, corn off the cob, sliced radishes, avocado, cucumbers, grape tomatoes and crispy bacon bits to complement the cool, mild lobster flavor. Capped off with housemade green goddess dressing, the Lobster Cobb’s medley of textures—from tender lobster to crunchy cucumbers and bacon bits—works in perfect harmony to create an exciting experience. 

Stonewood Salad

Our classic Stonewood Salad is a go-to for good reason. A colorful, filling base of fresh mixed greens, crispy bacon, bleu cheese crumbles, grape tomatoes, dried cranberries, red onions, blackened walnuts and croutons, all tossed a tangy bleu cheese vinaigrette, can stand strong on its own or serve as the perfect backdrop to your protein pick of choice—chicken, shrimp, steak or salmon, we’ve got you covered!

For savory salads at home…

Salad is a delicious option while dining out—and an easy one to enjoy while relaxing or entertaining at home, too! Here are a few tips for crafting the perfect salad, every time…

• Bring balance to your salad. The great thing about salads is that you can use them to bring together a wide variety of textures and flavors, so opt for combos that bring out the best in each other! For example, tangy, acidic mix-ins and dressings will pair well with fats such as avocado or salmon. The same goes for texture—a little crunch goes a long way, especially when it comes to livening up your traditional leafy greens.
• Use a bigger bowl than you think you need! When it comes to tossing, larger container lets you distribute your dressing and mix-ins with ease… without greens and veggies flying all over the place!
• Preparing salad ahead of time for a party, or want to whip one up for tomorrow’s lunch? For pre-prepared salads, keep away the wet ingredients (such as dressing) until you’re ready to dig in. This will help keep the salad fresh, crunchy and easy to enjoy.

We know these salads are sure to put a smile on your face, this spring and all year long. Enjoy your favorite on your next visit to Stonewood!

This spring season, we’re saying aloha to fresh flavors, new adventures, and quality time spent exploring the outdoors with family and friends.

With dishes like our latest, our Macadamia Encrusted Mahi Mahi, a taste of the islands is never far out of reach—the fresh seafood entrée, featuring roasted chopped macadamia nuts and colorful island produce, is Hawaii on a plate. Of course, if you want to take things a step further, paradise is just a flight away…

Inspired by Hawaiian flavors, we’re taking a virtual island-hopping tour of the Aloha State—its gorgeous beaches, lush, rolling landscapes, and, of course, fresh island flavors that have beckoned mainland foodies for years. Just pack your bags and take a look!

Stroll on a black-sand beach

When it comes to beaches, Hawaii breaks the mold. In addition to plenty of gorgeous, soft-sand beaches, the Big Island is home to a picturesque escape in the form of Punalu’u Beach. The striking black sand here is actually composed of old lava fragments, and forms a vivid picture against the backdrop of lush coconut palms and, of course, the rich blue water. Swimming is best when the surf is low, from a protected cove on the beach’s northeast edge—of course, you might be content to simply kick back by the palm trees and indulge in the ocean breeze! Also be sure to look out for basking green sea turtles, who are as eager to enjoy the sunshine as you are. While the sand has to stay on the beach, the memories and gorgeous photo-ops are sure to last forever.

Cruise the Wailua River

Hawaii is naturally known for its abundance of ocean vistas, but Kauaʻi is actually home to another stunning water feature—the state’s only navigable river, Wailua River. Winding its way past lush, rolling shorelines before arriving at the scenic Wailua Beach, this river adventure offers the perfect way to see a quieter slice of Hawaii life. Hop on a kayak or paddle board and enjoy the ride!

Go fishing, Oahu style

Hawaii is known for its delicious seafood flavors—which only makes sense, of course, since the islands are surrounded by some of the world’s best offshore angling!

On Oahu’s eastern shore, Kaneohe Bay offers colorful snorkeling and sandbar fun. Once you head farther out, though, you’ll discover deep-sea fishing gems. Hop onto a chartered fishing boat and try for classic catches such as mahi-mahi (Hawaiian for “very strong,” no doubt describing the fish’s powerful pull), ahi and many more.

Explore Hawaii’s culinary character

While spending time in Hawaii, be sure to discover the local food scene! Hawaii’s cuisine is characterized by fresh seafood and colorful ingredients, such as pineapple, coconut and, of course, macadamia nuts, which traveled from their native Australia to Hawaii’s Pacific shores in the 20^th century and have been a sweet mainstay ever since.

Just as important as the food, of course, is the way it is eaten. Many of the most authentic Hawaiian culinary experiences revolve around laidback waterfront spots (such as Waikiki’s Barefoot Beach Café) and lunch wagons which offer up fresh flavors on the go. These wagons, akin to food trucks, may seem unassuming, but they actually deliver some of the islands’ most beloved flavors. You can’t go wrong with a delicious plate lunch, a Hawaiian mainstay that pairs macaroni salad and rice with a flavorful entrée, or perhaps a poke bowl. Don’t forget to cap it all off with a shaved ice—this simple sweet is a popular and oh-so-satisfying way to survive those hot Hawaii days.

Back at home…

When you’re dreaming about your island getaway, Hawaiian-inspired flavors on the mainland offer up the next best thing. In addition to our Macadamia Encrusted Mahi Mahi, classic Stonewood picks like our Seared Ahi Tuna or Crunchy Mahi Mahi Sandwich offer you the chance to transport yourself to the breezy, easygoing spirit of the islands—if only just for dinner! Even smaller touches, such as our pineapple chili sauce and coconut lime aioli, serve as sweet homages to the tropical paradise. Come by and enjoy our fresh island eats soon.

Spring is all about trying new things—including fresh flavors and exciting recipes. Is your kitchen up to the task?

If not, we’ve got you covered! Read on to see our top ten must-have kitchen tech and tools for the season ahead.

Savvy food scale

Having a food scale in the kitchen can help you enjoy meals confidently, knowing that each ingredient is weighed and portioned out with accuracy—and having a smart food scale can take that accuracy even farther. There are many different types of scales available, including large-capacity ones that are perfect for complex meals, and digital scales that let you input codes to weigh and analyze the nutritional makeup of your food.

Fridge cam

‘Tis the season of fresh produce! Don’t let those bright, colorful fruits and veggies go to waste. Install a fridge cam that snaps a photo of your refrigerator in real-time—while you’re out shopping at the store or local farmer’s market, you can check to see what you have so that you don’t bring home doubles.

Sous vide cooker

French for “under vacuum,” sous vide refers to a precise cooking method in which food, such as steak, is vacuum-sealed and submerged in a water bath to achieve a perfectly even temperature (and deliciously juicy texture) throughout.

Slow cooker

Of course, the classics are still the classics. A slow cooker is a must-have addition to any kitchen, as it lets you whip up savory one-pot meals that simmer all day to juicy, aromatic perfection—from roasts to sauces to dips and everything in between, your slow cooker is guaranteed to deliver lots of delicious meals.

Digital thermometer

Don’t leave your dishes to chance—a digital thermometer can help you achieve an accurate idea of your meat’s temperature and whether or not it is fully cooked. It’s just one less thing to worry about as you prepare a delicious family meal or dinner with friends!

Air fryer

Love French fries and fried chicken, but prefer a healthier alternative? Today’s device du jour is the air fryer, a countertop tool that circulates hot air and creates a crispy exterior for your foods—without needing any oil or fat to get the job done.

Cutlery cleaner

For quickly cleaning knives—or even spoons and forks, as you wait for the dishwasher cycle to finish—pick up a simple cutlery cleaner! With bristles on two sides, you simply insert your cutlery and move it around a few times to scrub clean. It’s the perfect addition to those fast-paced dinners where you don’t have much cleanup time to spare.

Microwave cleaner

Microwave cooking is all about a quick, one-two-three process—and now, microwave cleaning is just as easy. We’ve seen steam-powered microwave cleaners in the shapes of volcanoes and even plastic people—fill them up with water and a touch of vinegar, and then relax as the cleaner releases steam and loosens up microwave grime as it cycles around.

Novelty tools

Novelty kitchen tools help make cooking, baking and clean up a little more exciting! From dinosaur-shaped soup ladles to nesting doll measuring cups, these tools are as fun as they are functional.

Produce tote

Though it’s not quite a tool, you will want to have a good produce tote on hand as you visit farmer’s markets this spring! Opt for a trusty, heavy-duty bag that can stand up to your heaviest hauls of fruit-and-veggie goodness.

We hope that these tools help you enjoy springtime snacking, meals and messes, too—after all, what’s fun in the kitchen without a spill here and there? Of course, if you prefer a hands-free night, we can help with that. Treat yourself to a dinner at Stonewood and find flavorful inspiration for your next kitchen adventure!

 

 

Like a breath of fresh air, springtime is back—and with it comes the breezy delight of picnics, dinner parties and just-because gatherings with friends.

It’s the season of entertaining al fresco, and we can’t wait! Today, we’re sharing our top tips for tackling the warm, sunny, fun-filled months ahead. Take a look.

Opt for breezy yet practical touches

When it comes to outdoor entertaining, flourishes that are fun and functional are the way to go! For example, lighting a citronella candle and turning on your outdoor ceiling fan can help keep mosquitoes at bay while simultaneously creating a breezy ambiance. Hanging a curtain over your sliding glass door helps create an airy atmosphere, while also making it easy to pass in and out of the house for drink refills and other tasks.

Don’t overlook the drinks

Next to a delicious dinner, picking the perfect drinks can sometimes feel like an afterthought—but as the weather gets warmer and warmer, the right dinnertime refreshments are more important than ever. In addition to classic options such as a good bottle of wine, you’ll want to have some cool picks on hand—think red and white sangria or fruit-infused water served up in iced mason jars, for example, or even a classic lemonade with a strawberry twist.

Layer your space with music

When entertaining outdoors, the right sounds can make all the difference! A moving water feature, such as a decorative fountain, can help create a relaxing atmosphere while muffling unwanted sounds like nearby traffic. Layer the environment with a curated playlist of dinner music (think jazz, acoustic pop, etc.) and play it over your outdoor speaker for an effortless addition your guests are sure to enjoy.

Bring the classics (and the not-so-classics)

If you’re a guest at a springtime dinner party, classics are classics for a reason! Feel free to pair a traditional bottle of wine with a fresh bouquet of colorful flowers for a fun, seasonal touch—or opt for something new like a potted succulent. Among plant collectors, this sturdy desert-style plant is growing in popularity, and it’s sure to be a hit for hosts since it is easy to care for and admire wherever it’s placed.

Go bar-style…

Bar-style entertaining (think salad bars, s’mores bars, make-your-own taco bars, etc.) are the dinner party option du jour since they let you spend more with your guests and less time plating up dinner. A buffet table filled with all the fixings is casual yet modern, a perfect addition to any dinner party or impromptu get-together with friends.

… or reserve a room for stress-free entertaining

For a very special occasion, such as a birthday party, engagement or anniversary, you might prefer to focus more on the celebration and less on the specifics of planning a dinner. We get it! Reserve a group dining room at Stonewood so that you can focus on having fun and enjoying a delicious meal with the people you care about most. We’ll get the dishes.

We hope that these tips help you enjoy this season to the fullest! Whether you’re dining out at Stonewood or kicking back with a poolside dinner at home, there’s always something to celebrate—find that “something” and enjoy!