Category: Featured Articles

Sweet and simply satisfying, Stonewood’s selection of drinks is sure to please this spring. The only question remains… which do you choose?

When you dine in this season, the options are endless. Read on as we share a few of our favorite picks for kicking back and cooling off!

Red Sangria

Carried over from Spanish cocinas, sangria is a spring and summer staple that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare. Our take on the classic Red Sangria is no different: We pair red wine with Christian Brothers Brandy, peach and blackberry syrups and cranberry juice – then top it all off with a flavorful citrus medley of lemon, lime, and orange. It’s a fruity treat that’s sure to satisfy, especially at this time of year!

White Sangria

Love the citrus splash, and want to take it up a notch? Our White Sangria is just the ticket – with a chardonnay base and Flor de Caña Rum, our White Sangria also features peach syrup, lemon, lime, and orange. What sets it apart is a trio of pineapple juice, OJ, and Sprite, a delightfully bright and tangy team that gives your fruity sangria a welcome “pop.”

Blackberry Crush

For a flavorful fusion, try our Blackberry Crush – prepared with Stoli Citros Vodka, lemon juice, and blackberries, this cocktail comes with a kick. You’ll find it in the cool blast of mint that tops off the drink, a fresh, springy touch that can’t help but cool down your palate.

Ultimate Margarita

We’re capping off our list with a true classic: the margarita. This popular tequila-based drink is beloved in many forms, frozen or on-the-rocks, all based on the same central idea of a sweet-and-sour duo that’s easy to enjoy. Ours capitalizes on this classic formula – the Ultimate Margarita features Herradura Reposado Tequila with Courvoisier and Cointreau, perked up with lemon, lime, orange and agave nectar to balance it all out. A classically cool drink, there’s a reason why we associate margaritas with fun days by the pool or beach – they just fit together!

For a refreshment that’s truly refreshing, you can’t go wrong with any of these cool options. Find your new favorite the next time you come down to Stonewood!

Looking for ways to embrace Irish culture this month ? A flight from Daytona to Dublin clocks in at around 4,000 miles—but you don’t need to travel that far to get in the spirit.

Here in Florida, emblems of Irish culture are all around—you just need to know where to look.

Read on to learn more about the Sunshine State’s connection to the Emerald Isle… and the one-of-a-kind, immersive ways you can experience it for yourself.

Sisterly love

A slice of Irish heritage can be found in a number of Florida cities, who serve as “sisters,” or twins, to Irish towns across the pond.

One such spot? The North-Central Florida city of Ocala, whose sister city is Newbridge of the County Kildare in Ireland. The two became linked in an effort to promote cultural enrichment and exchange, as well as to recognize the similarities the two cities already share, including a passion for horse racing. When you spend time here—either catching a race or exploring the lush, colorful springs at Ocala National Forest—you’re immersing yourself in a city whose unique offerings help it go hand-in-hand with its Irish twin.

(Of course, if you ever find yourself on the other end of the Atlantic, Newbridge and County Kildare offer just as much to explore—visit the scenic Grand Canal and follow it to some of the region’s most beautiful castles and preserved pieces of architecture.)

Heritage through history

Much of Florida’s local history has been shaped by Irish influences, too. Look no further than the Halifax River that runs through Volusia County—named after George Montagu-Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax, who once served as the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

Every time you pass by some of Florida’s famous fields of cattle by the road, you can thank Scotch-Irish settlers for that; they flocked into the region from other parts of the United States in the early 19^th century, bringing livestock and helping to shape Florida’s burgeoning role in the country.

And of course, heritage through history can be seen in any one of Florida’s many Irish cultural societies—local groups of people that celebrate the blending of cultures that runs through their families.

Irish-inspired eats

We can’t forget about the foods and drinks we enjoy every day here in Florida, many of which were inspired by Irish cuisine centuries ago.

Here at Stonewood, for example, we offer a variety of whiskeys (to which the Irish lay claim, with the word “whiskey” having stemmed from the Gaelic word “uisce” for water), as well as their stateside derivative, bourbon.

In Florida, Irish culture abounds. We here at Stonewood Grill & Tavern enjoy embracing it and we hope you do, too.

Happy Easter! With the holiday weekend right around the corner, we’re taking a look at a few of our favorite ways to celebrate—including some with a uniquely Floridian flair.

Let’s hop to it.

Enjoy an “adventure” of an egg hunt

Spending Easter weekend in Jacksonville Beach? On Saturday, March 31^st, you’ll find an all-new kind of adventure at Jacksonville Beach’s Adventure Landing: an egg hunt adventure for the kids!

Registration for the event starts at 8 am, and there will be big raffle prizes to try for. The best part? Admission to the hunt is just a $3 donation, which goes to the American Red Cross Volunteer Lifesaving Corp—so kids can indulge in the thrill of an egg hunt while doing some good, too!

For a discounted price, you can also stick around Adventure Landing for go-karts, laser tag and mini golf.

Color your own eggs

Wherever you are, coloring your own eggs is easy! Boil a dozen or so and paint them as a family (in a fun, mismatched variety of colors or with a chic, coordinated scheme). It doesn’t get much simpler than this dye recipe for each shade you choose:

• ½ cup boiling water
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 10 drops food coloring

Sure, painting can get a little messy—but bring it outside, where Florida’s mild springtime weather is sure to serve as a comfy backdrop to your egg-painting fun.

Put a spring in your step

Looking for a fast-paced complement to your traditional Easter celebration? Head to Daytona Beach on Saturday the 31^st, where you’ll find race day fun to kick off your weekend. There’s a 4-mile race, 2-mile fun run, and several opportunities just for the kids. Each starts and finishes at the famous Daytona Beach Bandshell. With this brisk activity—and beautiful shoreline views—what better way could there be to get your weekend started off on the right foot?

Visit a pastel paradise

When you’re not busy dyeing eggs, there’s another fun way to enjoy the bright, pastel hues of Easter—seek them out for a weekend staycation! Down south, the cottages and stilt homes of the Florida Keys, or the lux, old-Florida architecture of Palm Beach county, are laden in those pretty pinks and baby blues. Head to either for a truly scenic getaway, or the perfect backdrop to a fun family picnic.

Indulge in a classic Easter Sunday meal

Of course, there’s nothing quite like a traditional Easter Sunday meal—but you don’t need to lift a finger to enjoy one.

This Easter Sunday, head to the Stonewood nearest you for a classic meal with all the fixings. The star of the show, of course, is our Roasted Lamb—a hearty delight that’s rooted in holiday tradition.

There’s no shortage of ways to get into the Easter spirit this weekend! We hope that you and your family enjoy a very happy Easter filled with family, fun and your favorite holiday fare.

Swinging into spring break? Whether you crave a beachy vacation or want to get lost in a lush, leafy paradise, there’s a Florida destination for you.

Read on to see Stonewood’s top five picks for a spring break you’re sure to treasure.

Embark on an Everglades adventure

Endless horizons and one-of-a-kind wildlife finds characterize the expansive Florida Everglades—and for many in Florida, this famous wetland is no more than a few hours’ drive away.

You can take an airboat ride for a breezy, up-close look at many of the Everglades’ most famous faces (gators, panthers and pelicans included). Or get on your two feet—or two wheels—and enjoy a hike or bike ride along one of the region’s many trails. Maybe stick around and catch a beautiful painted sunset, the kind the Everglades is known for.

And, fortunately, while summers here are often characterized by the pesky buzz of insects in the air, many springtime days are still mild and dry enough to enjoy a calmer kind of experience—so come out and explore!

Go lake hopping

When you think “Florida,” your mind probably jumps to the scenic shores of our East or West coast. While they’re truly stunning, they’re not the only way to reach the water. Head inland and explore the aquatic expanse of spots like Lake County, a Central Florida haven where on-the-water fun abounds. Explore the Harris Chain of Lakes, where “lake hopping” from lake to lake is an easy way to spend the day (or weekend) with ease. Go wakeboarding, grab a bite by the water, or simply soak up the sun and enjoy the view—water fun doesn’t get much more local than this.

Explore Bulow Creek State Park

Daytona Beach is among the nation’s most famous spring break destinations—but a quick drive up the coast, and a jog inland, will reveal something the whole family can enjoy. Ormond Beach’s Bulow Creek State Park is filled with lush foliage (including the mighty Fairchild Oak, a centuries-old feature) and quiet, back-to-nature trails you can drive, hike or bike along to get an up-close view of the green escape.

Take a stroll down Florida’s memory lane

A number of Florida cities give off that classic, “Old Florida” feel—an atmosphere in which you can have fun and learn a little history along the way. Volusia County, of course, is a treasure trove for those interested in racing history; DeLand, a bit south and west, conveys a cozy, small-town New England feel coupled with flora and fauna that’s exclusively Florida. The “Athens of Florida” is steeped in artistic history to boot.

Of course, there’s Old Florida and then there’s Older Florida. Head up the coast to picturesque St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city and a well-preserved gem that speaks to the story of our state. Visit the old fortress, Castillo de San Marcos, or take your boat and cruise along the coast to see the history from the water. This is a place where treasured landscapes and culture collide, with breathtaking results.

Paddle through an untouched mangrove paradise

Finally, venture to Florida’s famous West Coast for a bit of fun by the Gulf of Mexico. You’re already familiar with the stunning cityscapes of Tampa, and its unrivaled bay, but look a little further and you’ll find a truly untouched treasure: the Weedon Island Preserve, an aquatic expanse of mangrove tunnels and islands you can paddle through. There’s no better way to get up close to nature—keep an eye out for shorebirds, lush waterfront vegetation, and mangrove formations in one-of-a-kind shapes you need to see to believe.

Of course, no matter where you roam, you’re never far from a familiar Stonewood destination to make your vacation (or staycation) feel a little more like home. Come in and enjoy a meal that’s sure to make your spring break excursion even better.

When you think Guinness, you think “great beer.” Irish tradition. A delightfully dark drink. But how much do you really know about the history of this beloved beer?

This St. Patrick’s Day—a holiday irrevocably linked to shamrocks, Guinness and all things Irish—we’re taking a closer look at the origins of our favorite drink. Stop by your local Stonewood for a glass and read on!

Savoring the stout

If you’re not already a Guinness fan, you may be wondering—what makes this brand of beer so visually different, so dark? The distinction lies in the way dry stout beer is made. It is prepared with roasted barley, which lends that characteristic hue.

But while stout means “strong,” not every stout is the strong, heavy beer its appearance might first suggest. Guinness is a great example of this…

The Guinness difference

But first—what makes Guinness special? It is, of course, more than a beer but a bit of a cultural institution, too. The Guinness Storehouse (still at its original location of St. James’s Gate in Dublin) is as beloved a tourist destination as some of Ireland’s most famous spots, and the name itself can’t help but convey Irish culture whenever you hear it.

Founder Arthur Guinness first developed the brand in 1759, beginning a tradition of innovation in the industry. When you take that first sip, you might be surprised to find that many of your preconceptions (especially based on the formidable look of the beer) seem to vanish—it is, indeed, a relatively light drink, known for its creaminess and notes that suggest chocolate, or coffee, since they also stem from a roasting process.

What’s that in my can?

We mentioned “innovation”… that’s not just praise of Guinness’ great taste, but its ability to deliver that fresh, famously creamy head in increasingly modern ways.

Take, for example, a can of Guinness. It stands out in its sleek black style, but what’s on the inside is even more unique: a floating “widget,” a small buoyant ball that looks quite like a ping pong ball (why not hold onto it after your drink for an impromptu game?). Its real purpose is not for play, but for releasing nitrogen into your drink as it’s poured. The gas escapes through a small hole in the trademark widget, so as you enjoy your drink (Guinness recommends chilling, then pouring “into a large glass in one smooth action”), you get the creamy, fresh draft experience.

Bigger than beer

Of course, the Guinness experience transcends the industry alone.

Have you ever been at your favorite bar or restaurant—maybe a night out at Stonewood—debating trivia over beer with friends? Guinness knew its customers did, so it set out to create a comprehensive resource to put high-flying claims to rest (or back them up as needed). You might know the book by the name “The Guinness Book of World Records.”

In keeping with its pursuit to make better beer even easier to enjoy, Guinness recently removed animal-based products from its filtration process, so vegans can enjoy the drink with ease, too.

Guinness boasts great flavor—a taste that’s only amplified when you enjoy it amongst friends. Have a glass here at Stonewood, as the complement to a dinner you’re sure to remember.

 

 

Tart, tangy and one-of-a-kind, the margarita has long served as a symbol of vacation time … and many a Cinco de Mayo get-together.

But you don’t need to wait for May to roll around to enjoy this classic cocktail! In honor of National Margarita Day on February 22^nd, we’re exploring the sweet-and-sour history of the margarita, as well as a few ways to enjoy it right here at Stonewood. Just keep reading.

The margarita’s muddled history

Classic preparation for a margarita calls for you to shake, then strain, the tangy mixture until it is well-mixed and frosty. It seems pretty straightforward—but the history of the first margarita is anything but.

We know that the margarita came from Mexico sometime in the first half of the 20^th century. It was featured, by name, in a 1953 issue of Esquire, so it naturally had to arrive on the scene beforehand. But… where?

Some point to Juarez, Mexico, where it’s said that Francisco “Pancho” Morales concocted first margarita on July 4^th, 1942. Others account for the drink’s name by attributing its creation to Margarita Sames, a Dallas native who purportedly mixed the drink for the first time on vacation in 1948. Or perhaps it was Don Carlos Orozco, an Ensenada bartender who first prepared the drink for Margarita Henkel, daughter of a German ambassador, in 1941.

What makes a margarita?

So as far as cocktails go, the margarita is relatively young—having only made its way to the mainstream less than a century ago. But it quickly caught on, and its tried-and-true pairing of Mexican ingredients (including tequila and, interestingly enough, the key lime versus the Persian lime that’s favored throughout the US) has become a staple ever since.

But what goes into a margarita? The breakdown is simple. Combine tequila, triple sec and lime juice for a delightfully tangy trio—but don’t forget the salt! The addition of salt looks good (what’s a margarita without it, anyway) and actually serves to counteract the other flavors’ bitterness. The end result is perfectly balanced and is served over ice… or, perhaps, frozen for a cool poolside variation.

The ultimate way to indulge

Here at Stonewood, our love for the margarita knows no bounds. That’s why we’ve crafted the Ultimate Margarita, a delicious medley of Herradura Reposado Tequila, Cointreau and lime. Then, for a little something extra, we add Courvoisier, lemon, orange and a sweet bit of agave nectar, which helps make the drink that much easier to enjoy.

Pucker up! The margarita may be tangy, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Enjoy a margarita with Stonewood and toast to a night of fun with friends and family who love the sweet-and-sour treat just as much as you do.

 

Florida is home to well-traveled roads.

Some are long and winding, others run close to the coast and offer stunning ocean views. Some even see cars driving 200 miles per hour on race weekend!

But whatever road you find yourself on in Florida, one thing holds true—no matter where you roam, you’re probably not very far from a Stonewood location you love.

Read on as we explore some of our favorite highways, byways, and backroads—as well as the Stonewood stops worth making along the way. Let’s take a look.

A1A

Since Florida’s scenery so heavily revolves around the beach, we’re starting here for our interstate journey!

One of the best ways to catch those classic coastal views is from the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway. While beauty abounds all along Florida’s Atlantic coast, the stretch that runs along Florida’s east-central coast (hugging cities like Daytona Beach and Port Orange) is especially scenic, offering picturesque views that alternate between busy beach hubs and tranquil, almost-untouched shores. This journey is steeped in tradition, too, and history buffs can enjoy choice destinations like Ormond Beach’s “Birthplace of Speed” park along the way.

To fuel up… Stop by Stonewood locations in Port Orange or Daytona Beach for a delicious dinner that’s never far from the coastal allure you love.

Green Mountain Scenic Byway

Mountains, in Florida? While the Green Mountain Scenic Byway doesn’t necessarily offer mighty mountain peak views, it does give you the chance to enjoy a hilly ride around one of Central Florida’s best-kept secrets, Lake Apopka, and the surrounding small-town-style stops that abound here.

To fuel up… Head east toward Heathrow, where proximity to local lakes means the aquatic journey never has to stop.

Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail

The Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail is another must-do journey. It’ll take you past the Halifax River and out toward the beach itself—but not before bringing you under a lush green canopy of trees, delivering a back-to-nature experience unlike anything else in Florida.

To fuel up… Stop by Stonewood’s Ormond Beach location for a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy after a day of adventuring.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is, well, just about what it sounds like. This famous bridge takes you across Tampa Bay in impeccable style—not only is the cable bridge itself a work of art, gently sloping upward to give you a clear view of the horizon, but the journey across is beautiful, too. Watch as the bright blue of the sky meets the rich, cool blue of the water—or, at sunset, catch the vivid purples, reds, and oranges come together over Florida’s west coast.

To fuel up… Stonewood’s Tampa location will get you closest to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, but nearly stops in both Brandon and North Sarasota are equally worth exploring!

 

The holidays may be over, but who says you have to part with your favorite pies? One delicious dessert, the Key Lime Pie, is a Floridian rite of passage-and it’s the cool, tangy cousin to your traditional pumpkin and apple.

In honor of National Pie Day on January 23rd, we’re taking a closer look at the one-of-a-kind Key Lime Pie-and how you can enjoy it right here at home! Just read on.

A fruity foundation

At the heart of every Key Lime Pie is, of course, the titular fruit: the Key lime. But where exactly does this oddball fruit come from?

Like its name would suggest, the Key lime has been calling Florida-specifically, the Florida Keys- “home” for quite a while, as it was naturalized here in the early 20th century. Though a hurricane hurt the crop, and caused Floridian harvesters to opt for the hardier Persian lime instead, the persistence of the “little fruit that could” has earned itself a spot in Floridian culture.

The fruit itself is unlike the Persian limes you’d find in any grocery store. It’s smaller, with thinner, more yellow-leaning skin-and when it comes to flavor, there’s something truly special going on. Though it’s tart, as you might expect, it also has a unique aroma that lends itself to flavorful pastries and pies.

Sailor’s delight

Now, for the main attraction-the pie itself! It is often traced to ship salvager William Curry, who received the recipe from a chef known only as “Aunt Sally.” Before she served it up, a variation of Key Lime Pie was enjoyed by local sailors. On the ship, they didn’t have many ingredients to work with, and devised a simple mix of limes with condensed milk on board. Since the key lime juice binds with the condensed milk on its own (a reaction that reduces the need for hefty baking times to this day), the sailors could enjoy the meal with ease. And the rest, as they say, is history! Though modern variations of Key Lime Pie include some added ingredients the sailors didn’t have access to-such as eggs, crust or whipped cream-the root stays roughly the same.

But with the deliciously tart foundation provided by the Key lime, why mess with perfection anyway?

The “key” to Key Lime Pie

There are many ways to prepare Key Lime Pie, and each chef likely has a recipe they swear by. At Stonewood, ours is simple and familiar-a longtime favorite of locals, and a guaranteed favorite for any visitor who stops by. The smooth, custardy texture of the filling is balanced nicely with a graham cracker crust-then it’s all topped off with whipped cream and lime for good measure.

Enjoying Key Lime Pie in Florida

Can’t get enough of Key Lime Pie? You might run into some likeminded friends down in Key West this June, when the annual Key Lime Festival is set to kick off! Here you will find a celebration of all things Key lime-including, of course, your favorite dessert, with a Key Lime Hop and other culinary events. There will even be a Key Lime Pie Drop, where desserts are dropped from the lighthouse rigged up in creative ways to keep them safe and secure. We have to imagine that a pie, having survived a fall like that, can’t help but taste extra delicious.

Few things say “Florida” quite like a cool Key Lime Pie-so if you haven’t tried one yet, now’s the time! Come into Stonewood and enjoy our own take on the state’s favorite dessert.

Whether it’s in the form of chips or a bucketful of movie popcorn, let’s face it-we love crunchy food!

With today’s modern chefs finding more and more ways to integrate that oh-so-simple crunch into everyday dishes, it’s never been easier to satisfy your crispy cravings.
But what is it about that crunchy texture that we love so much? As it turns out, there are a few good reasons. Read on to learn more!

Texture makes food fun

First and foremost, we seem to like crunchy textures because they add a bit of whimsy to our meal. While we’re all told from a young age not to play with food, the light and playful “crunch” of chips or fried onions can’t help but put a smile on our faces.

And, of course, they make food more interesting. While we eat to fuel up, we also want to enjoy the experience, too-and when there’s more textures to notice, it can’t help but make the meal a more memorable one.

Like music to your ears

We smell food, see food, and certainly taste food-but have you ever realized that we hear food, too? The sound component of our favorite foods should not be overlooked; according to John Allen at the Chronicle of Higher Education, “one reason that crispy foods have such an appeal lies in their ability to stimulate our hearing as well as our senses of taste and smell.” Dining is not just a task to check off your list, but an experience in itself. You can’t help but feel more engaged in your meal and the occasion (whether it’s a special dinner or your best friend’s birthday) when all your senses are engaged. Crunchy food helps you do that.

Just the right amount of crunch

Of course, there is the delicate balance of adding just enough crunch to a dish. After all, a crispy coating on top of mac n’ cheese is delicious-but we still want the gooey, melty cheese and pasta to show through, too.

In addition to putting complementary flavors together, a chef must also know what textures play nice. Here at Stonewood, it’s a constant process of innovation that lets us find new, fun ways to add that delightful “crunch” to your meal. You’ll find it in our Grilled Chicken, Asparagus & Brie Salad, where onion straws complement the smooth, leafy texture of our fresh field greens.

Another way to add that alluring crunch is by trying out new spins on familiar flavors. We all love garlic bread-but on several Stonewood dishes (including the heart of our Bruschetta) you’ll find a crispier variant, Grilled Garlic Bread, the perfect way to reimagine the goodness of this classic comfort food.

Enjoying crunchy goodness at home

At home, and wondering how to add an element of crunch to your meal? One surefire way to start is with homemade bread crumbs, which can be used to bread chicken or top off your favorite baked mac n’ cheese.

You can wait for store-bought bread to dry out, or simply cook cut-up pieces in the oven at 350 degrees until they are hardened (but not burnt). Then, put the pieces in a food processor until you have the small, crumbly consistency you want. Save it in the fridge or freezer and enjoy.

Craving that crunch again? Stonewood can help! Come in today for a delicious meal, a medley of textures, and bites that sound as good as they taste.

Somewhere between band practice and the late-night homework scramble sits an opportunity for fun, laughs… and delicious food.

It’s a family dinner at Stonewood, and it’s one of our favorite ways to make school nights a little sweeter! Take a look below as we explore some of the easiest ways to work a weekly dinner out into a jam-packed calendar.

Make it a standing event

The best way to ensure that your weeks are never without a family dinner out? Schedule it in! Don’t leave those fun moments to chance. Treat your meals like a standing appointment, so that the whole family knows when to expect a delicious dinner out (whether that’s a prelude to the week ahead, or a Friday night chance to catch up and relax). It’s easier to plan your week this way… plus it gives everyone, parents and kids alike, something constant to look forward to no matter what the week may bring.

Take advantage of specials

Stonewood specials are a way to make your week night, well, special! You already know about Stonewood’s weeknight deals on things like wine (our Wine-Down Wednesdays) or cocktails (on Stoli Thursdays). These nights are easy ways to make your weeknights a little more fun. But did you know that there’s something equally great for the kids to look forward to? On Crafted Tuesdays, for example, the whole family can enjoy hand-crafted burgers inspired by our chefs’ innovation!

Work out the day’s questions

The moments between drinks and dessert are surprisingly perfect for working out questions of the day, lessons started at school that could use a fresh take at dinnertime. Dinner is where you feel most relaxed and at ease, surrounded by loved ones, so it’s naturally a great opportunity for brainstorming as well!

Opt for brain food boosts

Speaking of brainstorming… the dishes you enjoy at Stonewood can help you fuel your family’s brains for conquering the rest of the week or pesky homework questions. Dishes like our Blackened Chicken Pasta, for example, come with fresh spinach that’s as good for your muscles as it is for your mind. That’s simply another excuse to enjoy a dinner out you can feel good about!

Make tonight extraordinary! Each of our 10 Stonewood locations has its own unique community flair–but they all commit to the same excellence in fine ingredients and kitchen expertise. Find a Location and be sure to Sign Up for our E-Club for news and special offers!