Category: Featured Articles

Valentine’s Day is around the corner! The special holiday is all about love—and we here at Stonewood love making your dinners, celebrations and impromptu get-togethers occasions to remember.

When it comes to planning the perfect Valentine’s Day celebration for you and your loved one, we’ve got you covered. Read on to see our favorite ways to make the day extra sweet, Stonewood style.

Make brunch together

Today’s not your average day—so enjoy more than an average breakfast! Take some time to make a delicious brunch together to begin your Valentine’s Day fun, and feel free to indulge. Chocolate with strawberries, light, fluffy pancakes and sparkling breakfast beverages pair perfectly with the loving spirit of the day.

If baking is more your style, heart-shaped cookies frosted with Valentine’s Day flair also serve as the perfect make-together activity, or gift for the one you love.

Explore the beach

There’s a reason why “long walks on the beach” are a romantic cliché—they’re peaceful, effortless and perfect for enjoying with your Valentine! Enjoy the sand in your toes and water splashing at your feet as you make your way along your favorite shoreline. Here in the Sunshine State, you’ve got plenty to choose from!

Take a leisurely cruise…

All that shoreline also means there is plenty to explore by water, too. You can take out your boat or charter one for a special Valentine’s Day outing. Surrounded by the gentle rocking of the ocean, a gentle breeze in the air, you can admire the view, watch for wildlife or enjoy an on-board picnic with your Valentine for a truly memorable experience.

… or experience new heights

For adventurous Valentines, why not take your day to new heights? Hop aboard a helicopter tour near you and see your favorite shoreline in an all-new way on your special day.

Paint beautiful keepsakes

Wondering what to get your Valentine? Handmade keepsakes never go out of style. Try participating in a painting class or workshop where you can create beautiful works of art to gift one another. Paint outside the lines? That’s okay—you’re not aiming for perfection, but for the simple pleasure of quality time together!

Sunshine State staycation

If you’ve got some spare time on your hands, a day-or-two staycation might be the best way to make Valentine’s Day even sweeter. Make it a long weekend and explore another coast (many along the Gulf are known for gorgeous white sand, which is especially luxurious for Valentine’s Day vacationers) or venture into the towns of Central Florida that so beautifully reflect their Old Florida roots. Wherever you go, even if it’s not far at all, your miniature getaway is sure to be special.

Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt

If you two are always up for a good mystery, a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt might be right for you. Invite your Valentine to travel around and look for clues (at spots like your favorite park or a nearby museum you both love, for example), and then end the day somewhere truly meaningful to you both…

Enjoy dinner at Stonewood

To end your day with a spark, come out and enjoy a decadent dinner with Stonewood. Our cozy ambiance provides the perfect backdrop to your evening. Enjoy a special seafood dish carefully selected by our chef—our Valentine’s Perfect Pair. It’s tender lobster tail paired with diver sea scallops, sauteed in a sherry basil beurre blanc and served with lemon asparagus orzo. Toast with a glass of Sangria or your favorite beverage. Then try our Chocolate Crème Brûlée dessert that is topped with a strawberry whipped cream you are sure to love.

We hope that these ideas help make your Valentine’s Day one to remember. And remember—wherever your day may take you, we’re here to help you cap it off in style with a delicious dinner, dessert and drinks for toasting. Here’s to you!

 

From frozen dinners to fondue and everything in between, our culinary history is often defined by food trends. What’s in? What’s out? What’s here to stay?

While it’s a lot to keep up with, a flurry of culinary commentators have released their predictions for what trends we’ll see in 2019. Today, we’re taking a closer look at those trends… and how they might shake up the dinner table in the months to come. Just read on.

Food from the Pacific Rim

Several sources, including Whole Foods and the Michelin Guide, predict the popularity of Pacific Rim flavors, those carried over from places like East Asia and Hawaii. The region is often characterized by its focus on fresh seafood and vibrant fusions of ingredients in the form of slaws, salsas and other inventive pairings.

Here at Stonewood, you can jump on this trend early! Several of our favorite dishes include influences from the Pacific Rim, including our vibrant Seared Ahi Tuna and Tuna Steak—each brimming with island-inspired flavor and style. 

Grazing tables

Hosting a birthday, family dinner or baby shower in 2019? Some outlets suggest skipping the prepared plating setup or catering—and opting, instead, for what they call “grazing tables.” According to Pinterest users, there’s a growing penchant for this kind of setup, which features an expansive, colorful assortment of foods laid out on a butcher block counter or buffet table. The key? Have all your guests pick from the pile of food to assemble their own plate—so it’s sort of like a buffet, minus the serving trays for a more unfussed, natural look that “wows.” Grazing table photos feature grapes laden over crackers and charcuterie, loaves of baked bread placed gently on beds of greens, and even dessert assortments clustered next to vibrant fruit medleys. It’s a daring feat (you can always start small on a platter, if you’d like!)—but if it means less dishes to wash up after dinner, maybe this trend is onto something!

Snacks 2.0

Whole Food predicts that a new wave of snacks will hit the scene in 2019, paving the way for those with a sophisticated palate, who like to nibble on smaller bites throughout the day. In lieu of the basics, more protein-packed options will become available to this discerning, snack-hungry crowd.

At Stonewood, we couldn’t agree more! Popular starters such as our Bleu Cheese Chips or Spinach, Crab & Brie Dip offer the satisfying crunch that our guests love, with the refinement of ingredients like balsamic drizzle, creamy spinach, melted brie and more that upgrade the traditional format to something a little more adventurous.

Protein-packed plants

According to the National Restaurant Association, “veggie-centric” dining will grow in popularity in the year ahead, as consumers search for items that fit their unique tastes and dietary needs. This is a trend we’re happy to embrace alongside traditional favorites like our steaks, burgers, and seafood, as vegetarian guests (or simply those who crave the color and crunch of a plate of fresh veggies) should be able to have just as many options for their dinner out. If you’re excited about this trend, embrace it with us today! Dig into hearty favorites like our Veggie Quesadilla or Fire-Roasted Vegetables with Quinoa & Farro for satisfying, protein-packed options that are sure to please.

Traditional favorites

Interestingly, even with the popularity of recent foodie trends, the National Restaurant Association predicts that 2019 will see a resurgence of traditional, back-to-basics dishes, too. We think that’s a great thing—classics become classics for a reason, after all, and it seems that consumers are hungry for meals that satisfy both their appetite and their sense of familiarity (the foods they ate at home or enjoyed as kids, for example). If this is a trend you love, you can’t go wrong with Stonewood favorites like our warm, comforting Chicken Pot Pie or a classic Sirloin Steak.

What do you think—are these trends appetizing and here to stay? Or simply foodie fads? Be sure to let us know below! And as always, whatever food trends may come and go, you can always count on Stonewood to deliver high-quality, deliciously made grill and tavern bites in an atmosphere you’ve come to know and love.

Whether you’re sporting blue and yellow or New England navy, this Super Bowl is a time to kick back and enjoy the game with family and friends—and, of course, dig into some delicious food.

We may all root for different teams, but the one thing we can agree on is the pleasure of a hearty Super Bowl meal—the chips, wings, pizza, burgers and beyond. Whatever you munch on, it’s the food that serves as the heart of every great Super Bowl party. And we’re here to help you make yours a memorable one.

Read on to see our top tips on how to celebrate the football feasting ahead!

Just wing it…

In 2018, the National Chicken Council estimated that Americans would eat 1.35 billion chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday! That’s more than four wings per person in America—and even though we’re sure some of us will sit out the wings, including babies who can’t yet eat them, that’s still quite an impressive number. In fact, that many wings would wrap around the Earth three times!

Because today’s naturally the biggest day for wings, one great food option is to simply let them shine. You can even create a “make-your-own-wing” bar of sorts, assembling plain wings, celery, dips and all the spicy sauces on one table, giving your guests the chance to mix and match their perfect wing profile.

… or have a personalized pizza party

Super Bowl Sunday is also a pretty big day for pizza lovers, who order their favorite pies in droves to feed hungry guests. For a fun spin on this easy treat, you can even host a personalized pizza party! Pick up a plain crust or two for each guest, and then give them the sauce, cheese, pepperoni, veggies and more to craft their own colorful creations. It’s a great way to get young guests involved in the fun of Super Bowl food, too!

Enjoy deviled egg footballs

Deviled eggs make for an excellent Super Bowl snack. To make them extra appropriate for the “holiday” at hand, add tiny bits of chive to the prepared eggs in the shape of cross-laces and you’ve got a football-egg in seconds.

Super Bowl, Sunshine State style

The Super Bowl might not be hosted in Florida this year (tune in 2020 to watch it in Miami, though!). But you can still add some Sunshine State flair to your Super Bowl gathering. According to Google search results in 2018, there was an uptick in Florida-based searches for “shrimp” in the week leading up to the big game, signifying that Floridian viewers were preparing to enjoy the classic crustacean as part of their festivities. Prepare some citrusy, Floribbean-style shrimp for your own party and celebrate your regional roots!

Bring the fun outside

Another classically Florida way to celebrate the Super Bowl is to bring the big game outside! With a simple projector and an empty exterior wall (or an outdoor TV), you can turn your pool or patio space into an al fresco game-viewing spot your guests are sure to love.

Create a savory snack stadium

A great way to assemble all your snacks for the big game? Create a savory snack stadium! Just place all your goodies in the shape of a football stadium, and get creative. You can turn hot dogs into goal posts, and use a tray of guacamole dip as your center “field,” with other snacks like wings and sandwiches serving as the sidelines and seats.

Bring the party to us

Want to dig into your favorite dishes in a lively environment, no cleanup required? Catch the Super Bowl at our LPGA Daytona location. Enjoy an All-Day Happy Hour with $2 Sliders, $5 Sangrias, $2 House Drafts and Beer Bucket specials! The rest of your favorite Stonewood locations will re-open on Monday, February 4^th. We can’t wait to see you soon.

Sweet, simple and a true crowd-pleaser, pie is the undisputed king of holiday season gatherings—but on National Pie Day January 23^rd, we’re reminded that pie truly is a treat worth enjoying all year long.

Feeling hungry? On this sweet holiday, you’re invited to enjoy a free slice of our famous House-Made Key Lime Pie with the purchase of any entrée. Check out our Facebook offer to receive this special treat! 

As you get ready to dig in, be sure to brush up on your knowledge of this beloved dish with a few fun facts. Just keep reading!

A sweet and savory history

Humans have been enjoying pies (or pie-like dishes) for about as long as history can remember. In Ancient Greece, we know from Aristophanes’ plays that filled pastries were enjoyed in the kitchen—and then, in Rome, the tradition was expanded upon, with Romans preparing meat in plain pastries to seal the delicious juice inside.

The name “pie” likely stems from “magpie,” a black-and-white bird whose coloring might have resembled the multiple, contrasting hues of early meat pies. Another possible explanation is that the bird was known for collecting things for storage, in the same way, that a pie serves as a sort of receptacle for many different ingredients.

Pie throughout history has been enjoyed in both sweet and savory ways—and today, we still enjoy a good savory pie, as evidenced by classics like our Stonewood Chicken Pot Pie!

One of the country’s favorite pies, pumpkin pie, was first enjoyed at the second Thanksgiving, according to the American Pie Council. The pumpkin is native to North America, making it a uniquely regional ingredient for this much-loved dish.

Mathematically speaking…

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the mathematical constant of “pi” comes from pie, the dessert. Even though “pi” stems from Latin for the Greek word meaning “circumference,” the mathematical unit refers to the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. So both “pi” and “pie,” essentially, are all about circles.

Pies are part of the national vernacular

It’s hard to escape the influence of pie—it even affects the way we talk! Common phrases like “easy as pie,” “cutie pie,” “piece of the pie” or “American as apple pie” reflect our shared cultural love of this classic, familiar dish.

Pie by the numbers

The American Pie Council has lots to say about just how much we love our pie! Every year, we spend a cumulative $700 million on grocery store pies (and seven percent of us have tried to pass those store-bought goodies as homemade. Don’t worry, we won’t tell!), and one in five Americans has eaten an entire pie on their own.

Exploring the “United Pies of America”

Because the country loves pie so much, each state has its own claim to pie fame. Florida’s, of course, would be the Key Lime Pie. In 2006, it was officially ruled our state dessert—and true to Florida fashion, it is bright, refreshing and pairs beautifully with our year-round sunshine and warm weather. It also makes use of locally grown Key limes, as opposed to traditional Persian limes which are typically used in cooking. Ours is a simply satisfying celebration of fresh ingredients and classic preparation, featuring a cool, tangy filling served atop a graham cracker crust.

Now that you’re an expert in all things pie, enjoy a slice with us here at Stonewood. On National Pie Day and all-year-round, it’s the perfect way to sweeten up your meal and put a smile on your face. And isn’t that what dining out is all about?

Here in the Sunshine State, we’re lucky to enjoy winters that are warm, sunny and bright. Of course, every now and then, a cold front gives us the chance to indulge in our cozy side with sweaters, hot cocoa… and, of course, deliciously warm-and-hearty dinner picks.

Wondering how to chow down on cold days? We’ve got you covered. Read on to see a few of our favorite picks for cooler moments when you simply want to curl up to warm, familiar foods and deliciously comforting beverages. Take a look.

Espresso Rubbed Beef Medallions

The espresso delivers a flavorful jolt, its roasted notes blending beautifully with the hearty grilled beef. With our Espresso Rubbed Beef Medallions, a warm, comforting medley of flavor and texture awaits—the perfect complement to a cool winter’s day. Paired with the hearty elements of a velvety bourbon mushroom sauce, creamy Romano cauliflower mash and roasted organic heirloom carrots, this dish is sure to warm you up and put you at ease.

Heat of the Moment Margarita

Another member of our Flavors of the Season lineup, our Heat of the Moment Margarita is tropical and satisfying thanks to its agave nectar and passionfruit puree. But as its name suggests, this exciting cocktail can warm you up, too, thanks to just a touch of jalapeno. When you crave a sweet, island-style drink, but still want that hot kick to balance out a cool day, this is your go-to.

New England Clam Chowder

The warm, thick, creamy feel of a New England Clam Chowder is exactly what you crave when the temperature starts to dip. While we enjoy this classic dish all year round, it becomes especially coveted during cooler days where it feels most at home. After all, is there any better cure to shivers and cold hands than a dish that can warm you up and lift your spirits in seconds?

Chicken Pot Pie

Another classic comfort food pick, our Chicken Pot Pie gives wintered-out diners the chance to slow down and enjoy the seasonal chill—because it creates an environment where this savory meat dish can really stand out.

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Like the season of winter itself, our Chocolate Bread Pudding offers a welcome balance of warm and cold. Vanilla bean ice cream pairs deliciously with the warm, gooey decadence of the bread pudding below. A further blast of warmth can be found in our Jim Bean bourbon sauce, which makes the dish that much more comforting, and easy to enjoy on cool winter days.

Cappuccino

Is there ever a better time than a cool winter evening to enjoy a cappuccino after your meal? We can’t think of one! Sit back, relax and warm yourself up with the help of a cappuccino. Not only does it help with digestion; it will deliver a warm, cozy touch to cap off your meal and enjoy the rest of your evening, wherever it may take you.

What is your go-to dish for cold weather days? Be sure to let us know below… and come down to Stonewood to enjoy it soon!

Sometimes, the greatest gifts come in small packages—and for foodies, this is especially true!

From kitchen gadgets to sweet treats and everything in between, foodie-friendly stocking stuffers are a great way to share the love this holiday season. Wondering where to start? Just read on for a few of our favorite ideas.

Hot sauce

Do you know someone who’s always adding hot sauce to their food—no matter the meal? Treat them to a stocking-sized bottle of hot sauce, perhaps even one that comes on a keychain, for a simple yet meaningful gift.

Tea and coffee

Packets of your giftee’s favorite tea, or their preferred coffee pod flavor, are sure to please. Who doesn’t want a warm mug of sweet, soothing goodness on Christmas morning?

Flavored lip balm

As a fun novelty gift, flavored lip balm (from your giftee’s favorite soda to baked goods to, yes, even bacon and pizza) is sure to brighten anyone’s day.

Mini cocktail guide

For the aspiring at-home bartender, a miniature cocktail guide makes for a wonderful stocking stuffer. It will allow the recipient to whip up classic cocktails in a flash, whether they are entertaining at home or attending a friend’s birthday party… and they’re sure to remember you every time they shake, stir and serve up increasingly delicious drinks.

Novelty ice molds

Another great gift for cocktail connoisseurs? Novelty ice molds! From stars to hearts to letters, anchors, rings, you name it, these molds are easy to stuff into a stocking and will provide plenty of great laughs over drinks (including right at your holiday dinner!).

Spiral potato twister

The key to a “potato tornado” and other spiralized dishes is a handy little tool—essentially a spiral-shaped twister—that you can insert into a potato, resulting in ribbons and ribbons of potato to fry, salt and dress up in a bevy of delicious toppings.

Specialty foods

From a bag of special gourmet pasta to a gourmet rub to chocolates from your trip abroad, small specialty food gifts make for excellent stocking stuffers. They might seem small, but their impact will be enormous (and delicious) as they are enjoyed at your next family dinner.

Cookie cutters

There’s no better time than the holiday season to gift a loved one with cookie cutters! Specialty shapes like characters from their favorite movie, letters to spell out funny words or even food-shape molds (who could say no to a pizza-shaped sugar cookie?) are all worth gifting this holiday.

Favorite recipes

One especially meaningful stocking stuffer idea? A hand-curated collection of your favorite recipes! Whether they are passed down from generation to generation, or simply pulled from your favorite celebrity chef’s website, the gesture is a beautiful one. Nothing brings us together quite like food, and the gift of recipes (assembled in a small box or booklet) sends the message that you hope for many more delicious meals together.

A gift card for great food

Finally, for a simple but oh-so-satisfying stocking stuffer, opt for a Stonewood gift card! This is a gift that promises delicious food and even better memories to come—plus, this holiday season, you earn a $20 bonus card for every $100 you spend in gift cards. As you likely already know, the gift of good food is one that keeps on giving!

We hope that these ideas help you stuff stockings with love, warmth and the gift of great food this Christmas. From our family to yours, we hope you have a very happy holiday!

Happy holidays! We hope that your season’s been merry, bright and full of good cheer. Of course, to make things even more cheerful, you can’t go wrong with seasonal refreshments that make holiday get-togethers that much sweeter!

Read on as we share a few of our favorite holiday drinks to enjoy this season, both at home and while dining out at Stonewood. Take a look.

While dining out…

Wondering what to enjoy alongside your meal this holiday season? We’ve got you covered with a few of our favorite Stonewood picks…

12 Wines of Christmas

You know the classic song—“on the 12^th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”

Here at Stonewood, we’ve put a fresh spin on the holiday tradition by introducing the “12 Wines of Christmas.” Throughout the season, we are introducing three new wines each week in the spirit of enjoying refreshing, vibrant holiday flavors. We know you’ll find a wine you like, too, as we have selected wines that are each rated 90 points or higher. Come and enjoy a new pick with your dish every week… and perhaps come away with your brand-new favorite!

Sangria

The fresh, flavorful blend of sangria embodies the spirit of the holiday season. The Spanish-born drink is made to be served up family-style—at home, you will often prepare it in pitchers and punch bowls, making it easy for the whole crew to enjoy. What’s more, its fruity flavor complements a wide variety of festive dishes. For fish dishes, often enjoyed on holidays like New Year’s Eve, opt for a light, bubbly White Sangria to serve as the perfect pair. Hearty beef and other roast dishes, on the other hand, blend beautifully with the rich flavor of Red Sangria. No matter how you enjoy it, sangria is sure to lift your holiday spirits and ensure a meal that’s merry, bright and filled with laughter (the way the best holiday meals are!).

White Chocolate Raspberry Martini

Craving something even sweeter? For a decadent liquid dessert, opt for a White Chocolate Raspberry Martini. Not only does its bright red-and-white look convey the Christmas spirit—its Godiva Raspberry Vodka, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur and a touch of Chambord combine as a playful medley of sweetness, reminding you of the candies and chocolates you enjoyed as a kid in holidays past.

At home…

As you head home for the holidays, you’re sure to brighten up any party you go to with these tasty refreshments up your sleeve…

Eggnog

You don’t need us to tell you that eggnog is a must-have holiday treat. It’s comforting, familiar flavor, made even sweeter with a dash of fresh nutmeg, pairs nicely with rum for a spirited kick. Serve warm with a bit of added brandy for another tasty version, the deliciously frothy Tom and Jerry cocktail.

Minty Irish Coffee

Irish coffee served up in a traditional dessert glass is sure to win over family and friends this holiday season. The original recipe of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and cream is effortless to make and enjoy. With a dash of peppermint, though, it takes on an all-new identity—a bright, festive holiday spin on the perennial favorite.

We hope that these drinks help add warmth and seasonal spice to your next holiday gathering. Now tell us—what’s your go-to drink to enjoy during the holidays? Be sure to let us know below!

Happy New Year! 2019 is almost upon us, which means it is once again time to reflect, resolve… and, of course, choose your plans for New Year’s Eve.

Feeling scrambled? Don’t worry—we can help. For Sunshine State locals, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy this holiday, and we’re highlighting a few of our favorites. Just take a look below!

Jacksonville: Game, downtown fun and an icy polar plunge

For our readers up in Jacksonville (and those traveling to the state’s largest city for New Year’s fun), there are plenty of exciting options to enjoy. Do one or do them all!

First up, you’ll want to catch the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl—this year, it’s the NC State Wolfpack up against the Texas A&M Aggies. After the big game, stick around to hear live music and, of course, fireworks at midnight! Throughout the evening there will be food trucks, vendors, music and more along the St. Johns River downtown. All in all, it promises to be an exciting event.

The fun doesn’t end on New Year’s Eve, though. Head to the SeaWalk Pavilion on January 1^st to take part in an Atlantic polar plunge! Rushing into the water, no matter how cold, is a great way to begin your year with a bang (and let’s face it—our polar plunge promises to be a little more pleasant than those held up north!).

Daytona Beach: Music and fireworks at the beach

Another great New Year’s event takes place down the coast in Daytona Beach. Here, gather around the Bandshell for a free concert, performed by an Aerosmith tribute band, and sway to the music and ocean breeze as you count down the minutes to midnight. Once the big twelve-o arrives, and earlier, too, at 8 p.m., feast your eyes on the vibrant fireworks above. The beachside celebration is uniquely Florida, and a definite can’t-miss event for those who prefer beach chairs and board shorts over winter coats and ski caps for their New Year’s style.

Tampa and Orlando: Theme park thrills

If you find yourself in Central Florida this New Year’s Eve, looking for a family-friendly way to ring in 2019, why not head to one of several theme park celebrations nearby? Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, Universal and Disney World all offer their own spin on countdown fun.

Some other ideas…

Cozy cap-off

Prefer to call it an early night? You can’t go wrong with a family dinner at Stonewood followed by home movies and at-home party favors. This cozy night in is the ideal for those who believe a New Year is best begun with a good night’s rest!

Bright-and-early start

On the other hand, early risers might prefer to begin their year as bright and early as possible. Why not head over to your favorite East Coast beach spot, grab some coffee and watch the first sunrise of 2019? You can stick around as the sun moves to the center of the sky—make sand “snowmen,” ride the waves or simply sit back and enjoy the view while thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. Here’s a hint—if one of your resolutions was to spend more quality time with the family, you’re already off to a great start.

Where will you be when the clock strikes midnight on January 1^st? Wherever you roam this holiday, be sure to begin your evening with a delicious dinner at Stonewood to cap off 2018 in style. We wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!

We have sand instead of snow, and palms instead of pines—it’s easy to see that the Sunshine State’s holiday season is something truly special.

All across the state, locals and visitors alike can enjoy a vibrant medley of traditional and modern takes on the holiday season. There’s a lot to see and do—and today, we’ve got a quick guide to exploring some of the best local must-dos.

Just read on to learn more!

Christmas on Canal Street

Some of the season’s first activities kick off Black Friday, November 23^rd, on Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach. You will get to immerse yourself in the charm of the city’s historic district, where there will be a tree lighting, live entertainment as well as a visit from Mr. Claus himself. That’s just the first day, of course—on Saturday, enjoy an al fresco shopping experience at the Coastal Christmas Market, where you can get a head-start on picking out gifts and artisanal décor, too. Holiday shopping in late November? Now that’s seasonal fun, Sunshine State-style.

Downtown for the Holidays

Over in Orlando, you can go “Downtown for the Holidays.” Visit the city’s downtown center at its heart, Lake Eola, where holiday happenings will be hosted all throughout December. See the Lake Eola tree light up in time with music starting on November 30^th, and catch movies as well as musical performances at the amphitheater all season long.

Light Up Volusia

In Volusia County, families will enjoy the free “Light Up Volusia” event, held December 1^st at the Ocean Center. Enjoy the sea breeze and scent of salt in the air as you listen to live music, watch the Christmas tree light up, meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus or take part in the gingerbread house competition.

Victorian Christmas Stroll

If the holiday season has you longing for something a little more traditional, why not step into history at the Henry B. Plant Museum in Tampa? The museum’s annual Victorian Christmas Stroll kicks off tours on December 1^st, and gives visitors the chance to experience, firsthand, the allure and elegance of a 19^th century holiday.

The entire experience pays homage to its namesake’s 19^th century roots, with live holiday music, authentic toys and décor from the era, beautiful trees and ornaments and delicious cider and cookies served daily on the veranda. The stroll is an opportunity to learn more about Florida’s historical side, which blends beautifully with the palm trees and sunny, warm-weather escape outside.

Sunshine State-inspired fun

There are, of course, endless ways to get into the holiday spirit here in the Sunshine State. In addition to these exciting events, families can flock to the beach to create sand “snowmen” and “snow angels,” turn palm fronds into reindeer keepsakes with googly eyes and a red pom-pom nose, and much more.

We hope that these ideas help add some spice to your holiday season in the weeks ahead! Of course, these are just the beginning—stay with Stonewood as we highlight exciting events on the horizon throughout the end of the year.

Be sure to share your own must-do activities, as well as some of your favorite traditions of spending the holidays, Sunshine State-style!

Need a pick-me-up? Enjoy one in the form of National Espresso Day on November 23^rd!

Just in time to fuel those early-morning, Black Friday shopping adventures (and the general hustle and bustle of holiday season festivities), National Espresso Day offers us an excuse to indulge in our favorite coffee concoctions, many of which are built on a base of espresso.

But just what is that mysterious (but much-loved) coffee treat, anyway? Read on as we dive in to learn more, and to find a Stonewood espresso-based menu pick you’re sure to love. Just take a look.

Explaining espresso

Espresso is a type of coffee. Its name, though, does not refer to a specific kind of bean—rather, to the process that makes an espresso unique. In it, near-boiling water is “expressed,” or pushed, through finely ground coffee beans. The brew time is much slower for regular coffee, and espresso’s higher caffeine content naturally lends itself to those who prefer quick pick-me-ups in the form of small cups, or shots poured over dessert style drinks (aka “affogato”) for that extra touch of energy.

Does spelling count?

It can feel counterintuitive to say “espresso” with an “s,” especially since many variants in America are spelled “expresso.” The “x” is a uniquely American addition because there is no “x” in the original Italian alphabet.

But if you actually travel to Italy, it all becomes a sort of moot point, anyway, since there, espresso is the standard way to prepare coffee! Just ask for a “caffe,” a coffee, and you’ll blend right in.

How to enjoy

Here at Stonewood, we have several ways to enjoy the strong, bold flavor of espresso—and not all of them come in a cup!

• Espresso Rubbed Beef Medallions: Adding an extra, rich touch of flavor to our famous oak-grilled method results in a unique dinnertime medley: a combination of espresso-rubbed, oak-grilled beef medallions, bourbon mushroom sauce, creamy Romano cauliflower mash and organic heirloom carrots, roasted to perfection.
• Espresso Roasted Cauliflower: You’ll also find that the rich, roasted, down-to-earth espresso notes play nicely against the roasted veggies in our Espresso Roasted Cauliflower.
• Espresso Martini: For a delicious way to cap off your meal, try a liquid dessert in the form of our Espresso Martini. It features Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka, Kahlua, Baileys and just a hint of vanilla, a sweet touch that truly wraps together the dessert-in-a-glass experience.
• Espresso: The classic tradition of an espresso—or double espresso—after dinner is rooted in its digestive power. It started in Italy, where a national love of food and coffee alike resulted in a routine that paired the best of both. Have an espresso after dinner to help your body digest the meal you just enjoyed!

Espresso may be most popularly enjoyed in a mug—but as you can see here, that’s just the beginning! Come down to Stonewood to enjoy fresh takes on espresso, as well as your tried-and-true favorites, real soon.