Category: Featured Articles

Beer, Bavarian charm and cultural thrills await at Oktoberfest, the beloved fall-time festival. Will you be there?

Since 1810, the Oktoberfest tradition has been synonymous with delicious drinks, hearty dishes, beautiful cultural flourishes and, of course, a pervasive spirit of fun and revelry.

It’s the kind of festival that attracts locals and visitors from all over the world—so whether you’re planning your itinerary, or simply crave a virtual tour of this one-of-a-kind experience, it’s a topic worth digging into! Read on as we explore this exciting event (rolling into Munich on September 22^nd) as well as a few of our favorite ways to enjoy the fun, both abroad and right here at home. Take a look.

A cheery tradition

We’ve come to associate the annual Oktoberfest with fun and good spirits—and, as it turns out, the very first “Oktoberfest” was not much different! Though it wasn’t an officially named festival at the time, Oktoberfest began with the marriage of Kronprinz Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, a happy occasion to which all of Munich was invited to celebrate. And celebrate, they did—horse races and merriment ensued, not too far off from the traditions of revelry we see today.

The wedding celebration could have just been another party lost in history—had Munich not decided to repeat the fun the next year, and in the years after that! The gathering was so widely enjoyed that they opted to host the festivities in every peaceful year that followed.

Oktoberfest today

More than 200 years after that very first Oktoberfest, what’s changed? Well, everything—and, at the same time, not much at all.

Modern travel technology, and word of mouth made breezy by way of the internet, allows people to learn about and experience the thrill of Oktoberfest with greater ease than ever before. In 2017 alone, more than 6 million people attended the event! But through it all, much of the same traditions enjoyed at earlier Oktoberfests are enjoyed today.

For one, crowds still gather at the same open meadow, Theresienwiese, or “Therese’s Fields”, named after the princess who famously got married here and started the fall-time tradition.

True to the festival’s casual, open-air roots, the fun here happens in tents, small and large. One of the big ones, the Pschorr-Bräurosl, has been run by the Heide family for a whopping seven generations and features a real Bavarian yodeler! Another notable tent is the Schottenhamel, from where all the Oktoberfest fun begins. It is here that the Munich mayor will give the first keg a tap and yell out “O’zapft is!” signaling a successful tapping. Once this is done, all the tents can start serving some of that famous Oktoberfest beer, delicious, refreshing lagers that can be found throughout the event.

Then, of course, there’s the music—lively, bouncy Bavarian folk songs (naturally featuring lots of accordions) that you can’t help but get up and dance to. 

The garb

Oktoberfest outfits characterize the experience: Callbacks to the traditional Bavarian garb of yore can be seen throughout the Theresienwiese—and for a majority of the attendees, dressing up is all part of the fun!

For male attendees, you can’t go wrong with lederhosen, a traditional style of shorts worn with suspenders, and a shirt underneath. Top off the look with a classic hat as well! Women are known for wearing classic dirndl dresses, pinafore-style pieces worn on top of a white blouse.

The lingo

It always helps to learn a bit of the local lingo when traveling, especially when your destination is Oktoberfest! You will want to know how to say such key words as “hendl,” or roast chicken (an Oktoberfest staple); “lebkuchenherz,” the beautifully-decorated gingerbread hearts you’ll see throughout the festival; “bier” and “bierzelt,” for beer and beer tent respectively; and, of course, “prost,” a.k.a. cheers!

Seeing the sights

Don’t travel to Bavaria without seeing some of its most breathtaking sights. Beyond the beer tents—which are certainly beloved destinations of their own—the state of Bavaria is home to beautiful castles, such as Hohenschwangau Castle nestled among rich, foliage-lined hills, as well as the gorgeous, idyllic fields of Englischer Garten and the picturesque facades of Romantic Road, where traditionally designed buildings might just make you feel like you’ve stepped into a dreamy, fairytale past…

Celebrating at home?

Oktoberfest in Munich is a sight to behold… but even if you don’t make the trip, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the spirit of the season right here at home.

For starters, there are ample Oktoberfest-inspired gatherings right here in the Sunshine State! Orlando has one dubbed “Blocktoberfest,” an al fresco gathering on Wall Street where people can get together and partake in the festival spirit. Oktoberfest Tampa, held at the city’s gorgeous Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, is another choice way to enjoy the great weather and delicious refreshments. Of course, we can’t forget about “Biketoberfest” held in Daytona Beach! The beloved event is an exciting, motorcyclin’ spin on the traditional gathering, featuring live music and much more.

You can also hold your own Oktoberfest gathering—invite friends and family to don their best dirndl and lederhosen, then come over and enjoy delicious traditional fare!

Or simplify your fun by hosting a get-together right here at Stonewood, where the Oktoberfest spirit of fun and delicious food and drink is something we hold dear, all year-round. Plus, with plenty of warm pretzel bread and cold beer, our menu’s got something for every Oktoberfest craving you have.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this virtual tour! Whether you’re enjoying the Oktoberfest fun abroad or closer to home, it’s sure to be an exciting event.

We all love ingredients that seamlessly blend taste and nutrition—and when it comes to superfoods, they don’t come much more “super” than the intriguing quinoa.

The small-but-mighty powerhouse of a grain has earned a rightful spot of favor among foodies over the last several years, thanks in large part to its versatility and, of course, a wealth of nutritious benefits. Today, in honor of National Quinoa Day Oct. 16, we’re taking a closer look at quinoa and all the delicious ways it can be enjoyed, both at home and right here at Stonewood. Just read on to learn more!

A rich, delicious history

While quinoa, like many superfoods, may seem like another foodie fad, its history tells quite a different story—a culinary journey thousands of years in the making.

The mighty grain is a “pseudocereal,” a crop that acts like grasses, such as wheat, but is not quite the same agriculturally. Having been domesticated in the South American Andes, the quinoa grain grew to be very important to civilization there, even earning the name “chisoya mama,” or “mother of all grains.” It is said that the Incan emperor would sow the season’s first seeds using golden tools—another homage to the sheer importance of the little (but powerful) grain.  

Superfood in space?

The ancient Andean people knew something we are constantly rediscovering today—that the little quinoa grain can do quite a lot!

Few grains are as versatile or nutritionally well-rounded as quinoa—in fact, in 1993, NASA scientists said that “quinoa comes as close as any other in the plant or animal kingdom” to providing all the life-sustaining nutrients we humans need.

(This was, naturally, an important consideration for NASA, since the scientific endeavor of sending people into space calls for food that travels light but fills you up, too!)

The little grain that could…

So, just what can quinoa do?

An exhaustive list would simply take up too much space—but suffice it to say that quinoa’s gluten-free profile makes it a top alternative for flour, and other wheat-based ingredients for people who have different dietary needs.

In just one cup of the cooked quinoa (perhaps the most popular mode of prep), you will find a host of nutritional perks, too—8 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and even up to 58 percent of your recommended daily intake of manganese (which promotes healthy bones, less inflammation and a thriving digestive system, to name a few benefits…). Furthermore, quinoa’s low glycemic index means that it is a carb that “burns” slowly in your body, fueling you up so that your meal takes you even farther throughout the day. 

Enjoying quinoa today

Of course, one of our favorite benefits of quinoa is its sheer versatility! Few grains can do quite as much, while still letting us feel good about the food we’re enjoying. But quinoa can.

At Stonewood, our favorite way to dig in is with our Fire Roasted Vegetables with Quinoa & Farro. Here, you’ll find quinoa as part of a hearty five-grain medley, atop which we serve up field fresh eggplant, yellow squash, zucchini, marinated asparagus, red peppers, and a delectable Mediterranean roasted garlic tomato sauce.

At home, you can use quinoa in similar ways. Use the grain as a substitute for rice in your fajita bowl or stir-fry. Integrate quinoa into cookies and other baked goods, stuff it into peppers for a zesty appetizer, or use it to provide a textural component to meatballs and other meats. You’re limited only by the amount of quinoa in your pantry, so get started and see what you discover!

We hope to satisfy your quinoa cravings, on National Quinoa Day and all year long! When you’re looking for food that’s as wholesome as it is delicious, there’s no besting this one-of-a-kind grain.

How often do you have one of those dinners? You know the kind—where the food’s been gobbled up, but the laughter and conversation linger long into the night?

Where no one is in a particular rush to get, well, anywhere, and you’re content simply savoring each other’s company around the table?

It’s the kind of meal—or post-meal, rather—that doesn’t permit much worry about the future (besides, perhaps, your next drink order… or what’s up for dessert!).

The Spanish language has a tidy little word for this kind of experience: sobremesa. Literally meaning “over the table,” it’s a word with no direct English translation. Perhaps it comes as no surprise that the country who so favors siestas, or leisurely midday breaks, would also find worth in this unique kind of post-dinner digestif. But you don’t need to be in Spain to enjoy this sort of experience—in fact, you’ve probably found yourself in the midst of many without even realizing it!

Today, we’re exploring sobremesa—why we love it, and how to enjoy many more to come. Take a look.

A sense of camaraderie

Time with friends is, as they say, time well-spent! When you indulge in sobremesa, you’re adding to a sense of camaraderie that extends far beyond the dinner table alone. We’re all used to speaking in formal settings, at work, for example, but the casual environment of your dining room, or your favorite table right here at Stonewood, allows for more expression, more laughs and more conversational tangents—the kind that lead to destinations you’d never expect, making you wonder, how did we get on this topic again…?

Adding to this sense of camaraderie is the community aspect of dining together. We might not know the people we share a bus or office space with very well, but we do know the people we dine with—they’re friends, family members, loved ones we’ve chosen to break bread with and savor a meal all together. Few things can bring a group closer together than a meal—even one which, at first sight, seems all so simple.

The value of “tuning in”

When it comes to conversation, there’s an inherent value to “tuning in” –listening to the words being spoken and trying to be present in the moment, even if (like we mentioned) you’re not quite sure where the conversation is going. Those are the best kinds of talks, after all!

Besides the dinner table, what better place is there to talk—and really talk? Free from paperwork from the office, or news on the TV, there’s nothing but company and the shared experience of a delicious meal in front of you. Tuning into that company not only lets others feel heard, but gives you the chance to catch up in a meaningful way that everyday chats might not provide.

Creating an inviting atmosphere

While sobremesa might not have a direct English translation, one thing’s for sure about its definition—it’s not something you can plan for! The art of a meaningful conversation, the kind that carries long into the night, is not something you necessarily plan to happen—but it is something you can help unfold, by setting the perfect atmosphere.

Part of that includes leaving out the technology—the phones, headphones and other potential distractions. When you’re enjoying a meaningful heart-to-heart, or even just a much-needed laugh session, your email can wait just a little while longer. Keep the flow going!

Another key to the inviting atmosphere is your physical environment. At home, that might mean creating a comfy space where the party can pick up and continue—sofas set up near your dining room, for example, and perhaps the addition of a fire you can light to make the atmosphere extra comfortable. When dining out, it’s even easier—just pick a place where family fun and conversation can’t help but flow! It’s the sort of environment we’ve strived to create right here at Stonewood, a place where a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere makes you feel right at home. The kind of place where food is a delicious part of the overall experience—but not the only part!

Ready for some sobremesa? You bring the company, the stories, the laughs—we’ve got you covered with everything else you need for this one-of-a-kind experience.

Bright, vivid and ever-colorful, veggies don’t just look good—they taste amazing too.

With a bit of care and some kitchen pizzazz, we here at Stonewood have worked to bring delicious veggie flavors to the forefront of your dining experience—and we can’t wait for you to try them.

Read on as we share a few of our favorite veggie-centric picks on the menu, as well as tips on how to enjoy veggie dishes in your kitchen at home! Take a look.

For those who love Mexican food…

If you can’t get enough Mexican food… we’re right there with you! While the cuisine is rich, varied and filled with a number of dynamic dishes, some of its most popular offerings are the ones that don’t call for a fork and knife—just two hands and a hearty appetite.

One such favorite is the quesadilla, a dish characterized by cheese and other mix-ins, sandwiched between a warm tortilla crust. The result is gooey goodness—and while chicken or other meats are often combined with the cheese, that’s not the only way to dig in! For those who love veggies in fresh, fun ways, why not try our Veggie Quesadilla? We pair Colby and pepper jack with oak-grilled eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, fire-roasted peppers, onions and corn. It’s a textural medley and a flavorful one, too, one that’s sure to fill you up and satisfy your craving for a Mexican classic.

For those who crave a new kind of entrée…

When you’re craving a hearty dinner, you’re not limited to the classic combo of meat and a side dish or two. Try a dish that puts fresh, delicious veggies at center stage! Our Fire Roasted Vegetables with Quinoa and Farro is a great pick for a filling entrée that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to the appetite. Here you’ll find field-fresh eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, marinated asparagus and red peppers, paired with a zesty Mediterranean roasted garlic tomato sauce and a five-grain medley you’ll love. The dish isn’t just colorful—it’s packed with a hot, fresh-from-the-fire flavor that’s sure to “wow.” It’s a meal that proves vegetables, too, can hold their own as an entrée when you give them a chance to shine! 

For those who love a fresh kick…

For flavorful kicks, look no further than our delicious Stonewood sides—a menu that’s filled with fun, exciting veggie picks to snack on alongside your entrée. If you love the sweet kick of Balsamic flavor, you’ll enjoy our Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts, as well as our colorful Corn & Tomato Sauté, both available as gluten-free options as well! And finally, for an exciting twist on a classic treat, you can’t go wrong with Espresso Roasted Cauliflower.

More than “just” a veggie

Veggies can do so much, so why relegate them to side ingredients in the kitchen? Know your veggies and familiarize yourself with all the different ways to prepare them—they can be roasted for a rich, full flavor, paired with olive oil and spices, or even grilled, the perfect solution for summertime. When you’re craving veggies as a main course, opt for versatile options like eggplant, which you can grill and use in lieu of classic meat dishes like burgers and steaks, or spaghetti squash, which can be cooked and shredded to produce a tasty, textured base for classics like, you guessed it, spaghetti and marinara. The options really are endless.

Who knew veggies could be so versatile? See them in action on your next trip to Stonewood!

When you think “Stonewood,” what jumps to your mind?

It might be your favorite steak dish, a tasty drink or dessert you just can’t get enough of—but perhaps even more likely, it’s the memories you make while you’re here!

For every night out, birthday party, dinner with friends or family celebration, we strive to create a cozy dining environment—one that’s warm and exciting, yet never far off from the comforts of home. What if you could bring that signature style back with you?

We think you can! For a home dining space that’s inspired by signature Stonewood flourishes, we’ve got you covered—just keep reading for a few of our favorite ideas.

Texture is key

Isn’t it funny how tips for a good meal, also apply to your living space? Just as we believe in the kitchen, texture is key to any good dish… or dining room.

Take a walk into any Stonewood location and see what we mean! Like our name might suggest, both stone and wood feature prominently throughout. These two natural elements play nicely against one another since they convey a sense of comfort and familiarity, and a call-back to natural beauty, while still offering a refined touch—and since they’re so grounded in color and texture, they contribute to a dining experience that’s just as authentic.

Why not work stone and wood elements into your own home? A few great ways to do this include adding a stone accent wall, or decking out your fireplace in perfectly-imperfect slabs of stone, creating a go-to conversation piece with ease. As far as wood goes, natural options include coffee or dining tables, as well as repurposed bookcases that can be used to show off everything from family photos to your favorite cookbooks.

Embrace ambiance through lighting (and beyond)

To complement the sense of nature you’ve imbued in your space, opt for lighting that’s equally down to Earth. While bright, white light makes a great addition to your office or study space, where you really want to concentrate. Warmer, less harsh tones are perfect for those places where you want to unwind in the company of friends (and a delicious meal!). Having many different options, in lieu of one or two big lights, can allow for greater customization—so be sure to consider decorative wall sconces, a vintage lamp and, come dinnertime, a candle or two. You can’t go wrong with a bright, glowing medley like this.

Integrate food and drink into your décor

If you’ve ever been in one of our group dining rooms here at Stonewood, you might have been greeted by walls with built-in wine racks and a few of our favorite bottles on display. This isn’t just a practical measure—we love decorating spaces where we eat and drink, with the very items we’re enjoying! At your home, that might mean something as simple as a decorative fruit bowl or vintage countertop jars, or as elaborate as your own wine rack, replete with your favorite go-to bottles as well as those you save for the special occasions. Either way, it adds both function and design—a surefire way to bring life and character to your dining space.

Get comfortable

Above all, your home dining space should be comfortable! Here at Stonewood, you might enjoy sitting at a booth or in a particularly cozy corner—why not achieve the same effect at home?  Breakfast nooks offer a great place to utilize a built-in bench as well as classic chairs, letting you line your table next to the wall, saving some space in the process, too.

The right backdrop can make all the difference—and with these tips, we hope you enjoy crafting a space you love to eat, talk, laugh and live in. We’ll see you on your next night out!

Sweet blueberries. A lemony twist. The refreshing “ah” of a mule sipped over ice. When you’re searching for dinnertime satisfaction, you can find it in a glass—or, rather, a copper mug.

Stonewood’s Blueberry Citrus Mule offers everything you love about the traditional Moscow Mule, with the addition of a fruity fusion that keeps it fresh and exciting from start to finish. Ours is prepared with a simple quad-team of characters: blueberry syrup, lemon juice, Gosling’s Ginger Beer mixed with the renowned Stoli Blueberi Vodka. 

Simple enough for a modern craft you’re sure to enjoy! Of course, this innovative mule works thanks to a combination of factors—careful chemistry and the successful history of the traditional Moscow Mule, to name a few. Read on as we explore the ins and outs of this satisfying Stonewood staple.

A match made in Heaven?

Before we explore this sweet Stonewood cocktail, we wonder… what makes lemons and blueberries such a natural, delicious pairing?

As it turns out, there’s definitely some chemistry between these two. Just close your eyes and think of each fruit, and imagine what comes to mind…

For lemon, we naturally think of bright, zesty dishes: salads, light pastas, citrusy chicken, lemonade and other treats that make our mouths pucker up in preparation for the sour, tangy experience.

But then, for blueberry, we tend to think of wholesome, grounded dishes—comfort foods like blueberry pies, cobblers and other baked goods that are sweet and easy to enjoy.

When the two fruits come together, we get the best of both: a sweet, familiar flavor made fresh and exciting thanks to the addition of its culinary counterpart, the sour, lively citrus.

(Of course, while many people view blueberries as simply sweet, they are not always without the slightest bit of tartness—that special something that makes them closer “pals” to lemon than we might first think…)

The makings of a Mule

So, we can see how lemons and blueberries make for great companions in the kitchen—but do they belong in the traditional setting of a Moscow Mule? Well, we certainly think so!

The cool drink traditionally comprises vodka, lime juice and spicy ginger beer, all served over ice for a refreshing touch. Our exciting spin on the Mule (which may be named for its flavorful “kick,” similar to the kick of its animal inspiration) maintains that citrusy touch while lending a bit of sweetness to the overall experience. It’s the perfect treat for a relaxing night out, especially for those who prefer their drinks a touch sweet, without sacrificing any of the exciting “oomph” for which the Moscow Mule is so well-known.

How to enjoy

You can enjoy our Blueberry Citrus Mule with a great variety of dishes—but for those looking for that “perfect” pairing, why not try it with a Ginger Lime Salmon or Asian Chicken Salad? Each dish features ginger, making them flavorful complements to the ginger beer in your Mule. Or, enjoy a Blueberry Citrus Mule with your dinner, then try a similar combination of flavors at dessert with our Lemon Blueberry Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich! This is a sweet, family-friendly treat inspired by the same flavor fusion behind our Mule.

Ready to enjoy? Come down to Stonewood for dinner and drinks, and get to know—firsthand—the exciting combination of citrus and berry that awaits. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Take Italian grapes—a hand-selected variety, say, Trebbiano. Add time, and lots of it. What do you get?

One of our favorite culinary staples here at Stonewood!

It might sound like wine… but we’re actually talking about balsamic vinegar, the sharp, tangy lifeblood of many a beloved Stonewood dish! It’s what gives starters like our Bleu Cheese Chips their characteristic spark, and we don’t know where we would be without it.

But did you know that balsamic vinegar goes quite a long way before it appears on your plate as a delicious reduction or vinaigrette? Read on as we explore the fascinating ins and outs of balsamic vinegar—and its myriad of culinary uses. Take a look.

A grape’s journey

So—how does balsamic vinegar make its way to your table?

Tradition states that it begins in Italy—originally in the picturesque regions of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Right after the white grapes are harvested (usually Trebbiano), they are boiled down to get to the must, a concentrate of seeds, stems and all parts of the grape.

That concentrate is then put into casks—and it doesn’t come back out for quite a while, for years, in fact! (The longer, the better, as this tradition goes.) During this time, science—and a bit of magic, some might say—takes place, transforming the must into something sweeter, stronger and thicker, taking on that characteristic, oozy balsamic texture we’re used to seeing.

An “angel’s share” also evaporates from the casks during this time, further intensifying the vinegar that remains inside. Once the desired amount of time has passed, a bit of the vinegar is removed from the cask—now looking a lot more like the balsamic vinegar we’re accustomed to!

More than vinegar?

You might have noticed that, during this entire process, there are no actual balsam trees involved. That’s because balsamic vinegar is only “balsamic” in name, borrowing from the word’s second definition—meaning “curative,” as in aceto balsamico or curative vinegar.

So, can balsamic vinegar actually do more than boost the flavor of a food? Perhaps. In its earliest days, balsamic vinegar was used to heal pain and wounds. Today, it is especially known for its digestive benefits. In fact, the highest quality variants (i.e. the oldest ones) are sometimes consumed in a glass, as a post-meal digestif. Who knew?

Of course, body benefits aside, balsamic vinegar is perhaps best-known for its flavor—sharp, sweet, instantly recognizable wherever it’s used…

How to enjoy

Wondering how to enjoy balsamic vinegar at home? You’ll often find recipes that call for a balsamic vinaigrette—which balances off the balsamic “punch” with the addition of oil. You can find that vinaigrette on Stonewood dishes such as our Steak Salad (where it plays nicely with raspberry) or our Herb-Encrusted Grouper, for seafood fans.

Its intense flavor is also used to pique your interest at the beginning of a meal—balsamic vinegar is a popular topper for assorted antipasti, such as the classic tomatoes and mozzarella (a deliciously simple party app!), as a sweet reduction on Stonewood’s Bleu Cheese Chips or in a dressing on the classic Italian Bruschetta. When those Mediterranean flavors get together, they form a truly unstoppable force.

And of course, for just a touch of that balsamic goodness on the side, try a serving of Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts! It’s our take on an everyday dish… made a little less every day thanks to the addition of that classic balsamic zing.

What’s your favorite Stonewood dish that features a balsamic touch? We’d love to hear it! Share it in the comments below, then come by and enjoy it with a delicious night out.

Celebrating a birthday this September? You’re not alone!

According to data analyzed by Harvard researchers, this is indeed the most common month to have a birthday.

September is, of course, also a time of transition—from summer to fall, vacation to the everyday school-and-work routine. So, if you find yourself pressed for ways to celebrate the big day (yours, or that of someone you love), we want to help make it as breezy—and exciting—as possible! Read on as we share a few of our top birthday tips for celebrating Stonewood style. 

The perfect locale

That old real estate saying—“location, location, location”—is just as important when it comes to birthdays! Here in the Sunshine State, there are a great many beautiful destinations to choose from, too.

One choice location is a real no-brainer: the beach! Whether you take a drive along the famous shores of Daytona Beach or dig your toes into the West Coast’s famous white sand, a birthday on the beach is a birthday well spent. You can even drum up the fun with beach-themed party favors, like personalized towels or fun novelty hats. You can wrap up your day with a dinner at your nearest Stonewood (perhaps dining on seafood dishes to complete the by-the-water trend!).

Another great option is to see a concert or show for the big day—it can even be a surprise outing! Check with your local performing arts center or concert venue’s schedule to see what events are coming up. If you’re by Daytona Beach, an easy pick is the Bandshell Summer Concert Series, which offers free Friday and Saturday night concerts all through September. The classic combination of dinner-and-a-show is a surefire way to celebrate a memorable birthday.

If the birthday guest is a nature lover, why not opt for a day of fishing, hiking or exploring the outdoors? The Florida Wildlife Corridor, a chain of natural lands that runs through the state’s entirety, is one worthy destination to consider, as are the local swamps and springs that surround many Central Florida cities.

Wherever you roam, you can come back “home” to a beautiful dinner at Stonewood. A group dining room makes the experience that much more personal and comfortable all around!

A themed occasion?

You can’t go wrong with a fun, themed occasion! This is an especially fun option for those big milestone birthdays. For a loved one’s 21^st birthday, for example, you can enjoy a night out sipping on signature cocktails (for fun, flavorful fusions, you can’t go wrong with a drink off our Modern Craft Menu!). Turning 30? A scavenger hunt for 30 things around town can culminate in a delicious dinner out.

Of course, themes don’t need to really follow any rhyme or reason. Have everyone wear black and white for an elegant look, or try a birthday that follows the food and style trends of a specific decade, like the 80s—this one’s rich in great, silly hairstyles (think big hair) and fun outfits your guests can don for a great photo op.

Gifts for every kind of foodie

We can’t forget about gifts! You can never really go wrong with food or drink-focused goodies since these gifts naturally come with good times and cheer. Pick up your birthday guest’s favorite bottle of wine, or have them choose one while enjoying dinner here at Stonewood! Or opt for a kitchen staple they’ll use time and time again. “Food Dice” will let them leave dinner to chance when they just can’t decide on a meal; personalized oven mitts offer a custom, heartfelt touch; and food subscription services (to meals you can make at home, or perhaps deluxe wines and cheeses) ensure they always have a new, exciting dish to look forward to every month.

Of course, the ultimate gift might just be a surprisingly simple one: a gift card to Stonewood! The promise of a delicious dinner out is a meaningful way to say “happy birthday,” “I love you,” “I care”… and all those other intangibles that good food can communicate with ease.

We hope that these tips help you throw a one-of-a-kind birthday party! For reservations, special requests or ideas on how to make the big day even better, just call Stonewood today—we’re here to help make it a great one.

Here in Florida, there’s never a wrong time to enjoy a cool, refreshing Key lime pie. But there is one day that’s especially apropos: National Key Lime Pie Day on September 26^th!

A day for savoring the bright, famously Floridian flavor of our beloved state dessert and all it represents: from our fresh produce to the fun-loving Key West spirit we try to emulate every day…

To hold you over until dinner, we’ve compiled a few fun facts that add an extra layer of charm to this delicious dish. Just take a look below.

How a pie becomes “official”

You’ve heard before, at parties and Sunshine State get-togethers, that Key lime pie is the official dessert of Florida. That’s not a fact that needs too much research—after all, what else could it be? But what you may not have known is that the State Legislature officially declared the Key lime pie the state dessert in 2006 (in essence, our love for Key lime is basically written into law…).

It took a while to get here, though. Some lawmakers pushed for pecan pie instead, perhaps as a way to note Florida’s Southern side, or to celebrate its role in the pecan industry. One lawmaker even wanted sweet potato pie!

But we’re glad the Legislature went with Key lime instead. Though pecans are grown here, there is no denying that Key lime pie holds a special place in the heart of many Floridians, as well as the visitors who travel here just to get a taste of its sweet, gentle flavor.

Serious about sweets

In addition to naming the Key lime pie Florida’s official dessert, days of legislation past have proved one thing: we Floridians are serious about our sweets. Especially our Key lime pie.

In 1965, one lawmaker, Florida State Representative Bernie Papy, Jr., proposed a law that would charge a $100 fine to anyone who advertised Key lime pie that was not made with real Key limes. Though that bill did not past, it’s worth noting what makes a “real” Key lime, anyway: The real deal is smaller, with thinner skin, a yellower color and a distinct aroma—the sort that makes Key lime pie the treat we know and love it to be.

Speaking of authenticity… if you spot a Key lime pie that looks a little too green, run the other way!

Alright, you don’t actually need to run. But know that Key lime pie, when made with true, yellow-leaning Key limes and no food coloring or other additives, usually takes on a much more understated hue, typically a pale yellow, like you’ll find here at Stonewood!

From the largest Key lime pie…

If you’re a Key lime pie aficionado, you probably can’t get enough of the dish. The World’s Largest Key Lime Pie was made for you.

Presented at the 7th Annual Florida Key Lime Pie Festival earlier this year, this record-breaking pie weighed in at 1220 pounds, spanning 12 ¼ feet across! To make the enormous dessert, the Florida Key Lime Company used 480 cups of graham cracker crust and nearly 13,000 ounces of Key lime pie filling, and perfected the top with giant paint rollers. Needless to say, there was enough to go around!

… to the smallest (bring a magnifying glass!)

On the other hand, it would be pretty hard to dig into the World’s Smallest Key Lime Pie… but that doesn’t make this culinary feat any less amazing.

Debuted at the Key Lime Festival down in Key West, this mini-sized treat was made with “the juice of 1/1000 of a Key lime,” as well as 16 grains of brown sugar, 1/24^th of a can of condensed milk, and 72 graham cracker microns.

It’s certainly an amazing feat of fine motor skills—just about the finest—but as for us, we prefer our Key lime pies somewhere between these “smallest” and “largest” record-breakers!

How to enjoy

Wondering how to enjoy Key lime flavor? One of our favorite ways, naturally, is to dig into a good-old-fashioned slice right here at Stonewood Grill. Our House-Made Key Lime Pie is prepared with the classic touch: the deliciously soft, cool and tangy filling served in a graham cracker crust with whipped cream on top.

If you get cravings on the go, though, you can try your hand at a Key lime pie milkshake! Recipes for this delicious treat abound online, and usually involve pairing Key lime pie with ice cream or milk (for a creamy consistency), then blending it all up and topping with whipped cream and a sprinkling of graham cracker crumbs on top. 

On National Key Lime Pie Day and all year round, enjoy a sweet, satisfying slice of Key Lime Pie to cap off your dinner here at Stonewood! Don’t forget, of course, to impress the table with your newfound knowledge of this one-of-a-kind dessert.

This back-to-school season, there are ample opportunities to learn all around—including right in the kitchen, or your favorite restaurant.

The culinary world is chock-full of science, math, amazing reactions and edible oddities worth exploring. With every soufflé, stir-fry, and steak, at-home chefs get a little closer to understanding the ins and outs of the food they so lovingly prepare. After all, while it’s absolutely true that food is an art—filled with love, color and personality—it is, indeed, a science, too!

Today, we’re tackling the scientific side of food—how it works, and why some flavors simply “sing” like music to our ears. Read on as we dig in!

Why do fruits turn brown?

No one likes to cut into a deliciously juicy apple or pear, only to have it turn brown before they’re ready to dig in! Fortunately, that familiar browning does not actually mean the food is unsafe to eat—so feel free to enjoy all the same.

What causes this reaction, though? As it turns out, these fruits have polyphenol oxidase, an enzyme that is released from inside and reacts with oxygen to cause a change of color. (As you probably already know, everything from makeup to a rusty bike can also oxidize and shift color in a similar fashion.)

Fortunately, just as science causes this colorful effect, it gives us a way to prevent it, too. You can apply lemon juice to the flesh of an apple if you aren’t ready to eat it right away—it won’t turn brown quite as quickly since the polyphenol oxidase reacts with the acid of the lemon before it reaches the oxygen in the air. A similar process happens when you mix cut-up apple pieces with grapefruit and orange slices for a colorful fruit salad. Being exposed to the juices of other fruits might change the original taste of the apple when you’re ready to dig in… but who says that’s a bad thing? You might just walk away with a new favorite flavor combo.

Why does fried food taste so good?

What makes fried food delicious? Besides that satisfying crunch, we have a chemical process called the Maillard reaction to thank for creating the delicious golden-brown creations we love so much. In this reaction (which happens when sugars and proteins latent in your food are exposed to high heat), the chemical makeup is broken down and changes—for the better! This reaction applies to food that is also seared, like a delicious, juicy steak, as well as French fries or grilled dishes, like Stonewood’s Oak Grilled Shrimp.

Just how many “tastes” are there?

Scientists used to believe that each part of our tongue was dedicated to a different “taste”—sweet, sour, salty or bitter.

Today, we know that this is a little misleading: Different parts of the tongue may be more sensitive to sweet or salty tastes than others, but you can still enjoy a well-rounded flavor experience regardless of where the food falls on your tongue. Not only that, but we also know that there’s another taste entirely! That would be the fifth taste, a.k.a. “umami,” which refers to the mouth-watering, savory flavor of vegetables (especially juicy tomatoes), seafood and many different kinds of meats.

To dig into the umami flavor, why not try a marinated Tuna Steak, whose flavorful fusion promises a delightful, multi-taste experience? Or perhaps a colorful Lobster Cobb Salad, where tender Maine lobster meat pairs beautifully with umami-laden avocado and grape tomatoes?

Why don’t I like cilantro?

A great deal of the popular Tex-Mex cuisine incorporates cilantro, a.k.a. coriander. So you may feel left out if all of your friends love the herb, and you simply can’t stand it. If it tastes inedible to you, though—perhaps even a little soapy—you’re not alone! Recently, studies have suggested that your genes may to be blame. Those who don’t enjoy cilantro may actually have genetic receptors that cilantro lovers don’t have—receptors for an organic compound in cilantro’s chemical makeup that, yes, tastes a little bit soapy.

Why does my favorite dish taste better when someone else makes it?

Looking for a reason to enjoy a delicious dinner out? Here’s one: food may actually taste better when you’re not the one making it!

While science still doesn’t know exactly why this happens, there is certainly some psychology to back it up: According to psychologist Daniel Kahneman, “When you make your own sandwich, you anticipate its taste as you’re working on it. And when you think of a particular food for a while, you become less hungry for it later.” So perhaps it’s the unseen aspect of food prepared by a friend, or the kitchen at a restaurant, that makes it especially delicious—since you’re not exposed to the “making-of” process, it feels new, exciting and inviting when it is brought out to you on a plate.

Have you learned something new? Don’t worry—there’s no test! Simply enjoy cooking your best meal, or savor a night out at Stonewood, and get to know your favorite flavors in an all-new light. Those little “aha!” moments that go with learning the science behind your food are just icing on the cake.