Category: Featured Articles

It’s hard to escape the coastal charm of Florida—especially when you’re never more than 60 miles away from the shore!

No one likes to end a day at the beach… but fortunately, there are many ways to enjoy the coastal mindset long after you wash off the sand and switch into your land clothes. Want to know how? Just keep reading for some of our favorite ideas.

Don your beachy best

A beachy mindset lends itself to loose, comfy clothes printed in your favorite tropical patterns. Here in Florida, you won’t look out of place donning your shore-inspired style away from the water! Whether you’re shopping or catching a quick bite to eat, sporting a pair of Bermuda shorts or a button-up floral shirt might make you feel a bit more connected to the coast in a fun way.

Take a break

Life by the beach is all about taking it easy—and never being in a rush. While you may not be able to avoid time constraints and packed schedules in your everyday life, we think it’s always worth the time to take a break once in a while and simply relax. Unwind by the pool, cozy up with a good book, or enjoy an impromptu family outing “just because!”.

Spend more time outdoors

Don’t have a beach as your backyard? Don’t worry… here in Florida, there are still plenty of chances to soak up the sun and enjoy the breeze. Try hanging up a hammock by the pool to enjoy a slice of breezy shoreline between beach trips.

Indulge in coastal flavors

Finally, don’t forget about the flavors of the water—the seafood dishes that give Florida its unique coastal flavor! Here at Stonewood, that might mean enjoying some Oak-Grilled Atlantic Salmon, or a delightfully vibrant Tuna Steak, served up alongside Crisp Asian Slaw and topped with a zesty Coconut Lime Aioli.

Whether you’re inspired by sunset at Naples or driving on the shores of Daytona Beach, we hope that today’s blog helps you enjoy that coastal charm wherever you roam.

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!

 

 

 

 

 

Going green is good for the environment… and, as it turns out, your dinner plate, too!

Embrace the rich hues of spinach, kale, and other greens for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is good for your body. See today’s blog for some of the biggest benefits!

Greens are heart-happy

Heart health is at the forefront of many of our guests’ minds… so you’ll be happy to hear that it’s a big part of our menu, too! The leafy greens you’ll find in several of our dishes are packed with folate. This B vitamin (whose name, appropriately, comes from the Latin word for “leaf”) is known for promoting heart health and a healthy cholesterol.

They provide a tastier form of sunscreen

You would never eat sunscreen… but here in the Sunshine State, you can feel especially good about eating foods that have built-in skin protectants. Carotenoids help you avoid or reduce inflammation that’s often associated with a bad sunburn… and you can find them in spinach and other leafy greens!

They are packed with antioxidants…

Your leafy greens have lots of antioxidants, the all-around good-for-you substance that can make post-workout recovery and maintaining your overall health a little easier.

… and help with smooth digestion, too

Packed with dietary fiber, green veggies are apt at helping ease digestion and keeping up a healthy body weight.

It’s what leafy greens don’t have

For as many amazing nutrients that are packed into your greens, what they don’t have is also worth mentioning! You’ll find great taste in a plateful of spinach, but you won’t find lots of calories or a high glycemic index. That means that you can confidently make leafy greens a large part of your daily food intake—and who wouldn’t mind doing that?

Now that you know how good leafy greens are for you, it’s time to find ways to enjoy them! At Stonewood, you can’t go wrong with a delicious Steak Salad with fresh field greens… or maybe a balsamic-marinated Tuscan Chicken served alongside some tasty spinach!

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!

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for a great date night idea? Go for a timeless classic: art and a delicious dinner!

We’ll provide the meal… as well as a few reccomendations for some of our favorite local exhibits. Take a look below to learn more.

Orlando Museum of Art

Head to the heart of Central Florida for an artistic experience you won’t forget! While the museum is always filled with one-of-a-kind finds, now through August 20^th you’ll be able to see something especially unique: the Orlando Museum of Art Florida Prize in Contemporary Art exhibition. For the fourth year in a row, you will be able to browse through some of the most innovative pieces compiled from artists around the state. It’s a cant-miss treat that’s easy to enjoy on your way to dinner!

Henry B. Plant Museum

Located in Tampa, the treasured Henry B. Plant Museum tells the story of the region’s Victorian roots through furniture, artwork, and an immersive trip back to the 1890s opulence the former Tampa Bay Hotel was known for. There’s a uniquely elegant, European feel in the air here, one that can’t be found just anywhere in Florida.

Ormond Beach Memorial Art Museum & Gardens

Located in Ormond Beach? This coastal city is home to an open-air experience that lets you browse through beautiful artwork surrounded by Ormond’s equally enchanting surroundings. What’s there to see this month? Something really special: tape art displays crafted by artists who prefer a sticky kind of medium. With everything from clear to electric to duct tape, the artists represented in this exhibit create art through innovation. You’ll be able to see this unique collection through September 17^th!

 Which of these artful experiences do you plan to enjoy this season? Let us know… then come on in and enjoy your favorite Stonewood flavors. It’s the perfect complement to an artistic night out!

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!

 

 

 

 

 

This August, we can’t think of a holiday more delicious than National Filet Mignon Day.

This celebration, which takes place on August 13^th, is worth enjoying alongside friends and family for a scrumptious dinner out. Before you head to Stonewood to get your filet fix, check out today’s blog for a few fun facts about this time-treasured dish!

It’s all in the name

Filet mignon is one of those dishes with an irresistibly charming French name—one that oozes elegance. But what does it really mean? As it turns out, filet mignon is pretty self-explanatory. “Filet” refers to the boneless cut of meat, while “mignon” means small, or dainty. While the filet mignon may literally mean “small filet,” however, its flavor is anything but!

There’s a reason for all that tenderness

No one can pass up a deliciously tender steak, the filet mignon being among the very juiciest. That’s because it comes from the most tender cut of beef, the tenderloin. Because of its position, the filet mignon does not support weight, so it lacks tough muscle and is instead perfectly tender, which is exactly the kind of texture so many steak lovers crave.

It’s a dish best served rare

While everyone has their own steak preferences, the filet mignon is one steak that truly is best served on the rarer side. Why is that? Because of this unique cut’s position, it doesn’t have the same marbling that other cuts do. Those juicy, marbled patterns add to the flavor of steak—so without them, the filet mignon should be cooked rare to maximize the existing flavor inherent in the meat itself.

Of course, there’s more than one way to enjoy a delicious filet mignon here at Stonewood! Dig into the classic fare, a tender 7 or 9-oz. steak alongside your favorite side (and maybe topped off with some sautéed button mushrooms?). Or try that filet flavor in a new way, marinated in garlic in our flavorful Stone Bits starter. Either way is a true treat.

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!

 

 

 

 

 

Craving something new? Try a summertime menu that’s inspired by everything we love about Florida!

Our new Sunshine State of Flavor menu is chock full of diverse dishes to enjoy, whether you’re a local or are simply visiting for the season. The best part? Each of these entrees is only 16 dollars, so it’s easier than ever to enjoy one-of-a-kind flavors.

Take a look below to find a dish you can’t wait to enjoy on your next trip to Stonewood!

Lemon Basil Chicken with Ricotta

This carefully-crafted fusion of flavors starts with a Stonewood staple: marinated chicken breast, oak-grilled to perfection. We add ricotta-coated pasta for a creamy complement, then a vibrant medley of grape tomatoes, green beans, sugar snap peas, diced red peppers and asparagus tips. To complete the dish, we cap it off with a rich, buttery lemon basil beurre blanc that adds one more dimension of flavor.

Mediterranean Shrimp

For our Mediterranean Shrimp, we worked to combine some of the standout ingredients that Mediterranean cuisine is most known for. That of course includes an herbed tomato sauce, which we sauté the shrimp in before adding a few more choice Mediterranean staples: Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and an aromatic roasted garlic couscous. It’s like a trip around the sparkling coasts of Italy and Greece, conveniently served up on one dish.

Pork Marsala

Chicken Marsala may be the more well-known marsala dish—but we couldn’t pass up the chance to pair our tender, oak-grilled pork steak with the famous marsala flavor. We place it alongside a mushroom and shallot marsala sauce, then onto a bed of linguine for a hearty finishing touch.

Brick Chicken with Blackberry Port Reduction

Blending sweet and savory flavors creates something wholly new and incredibly delicious. That’s what we had in mind when we topped off our oak-grilled chicken breast with a vibrant blackberry port reduction. Scalloped potatoes and a tasty vegetable medley complete the dish.

Of course, we couldn’t forget something sweet, too…

Salted Caramel & Toffee Ice Cream Sandwich

To satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in our Salted Caramel & Toffee Ice Cream Sandwich. It’s like the classic frozen sandwiches you enjoyed throughout childhood summers—but with a flavorful twist. We use cinnamon ice cream instead of standard vanilla, completing the sandwich with two decadent caramel-toffee cookies. And finally, a salted caramel drizzle brings it all together in a delightfully sweet way.

We hope that these dishes inspire you to try something new, both here at Stonewood and throughout your travels this summer.

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!

Just like summer, the right daiquiri is delightfully simple and coolly refreshing. And we’re serving it up here at Stonewood!

In honor of National Daiquiri Day on July 19th, we’re exploring the origins and makeup of this effortlessly classic cocktail. Take a look!

Straight from the beach

There’s a trend in cocktail history you might have noticed—the exact origins of a drink are often a bit difficult to pinpoint. The same holds true for the daiquiri, making it hard to pay thanks to its creator (but we would if we could!).

However, the daiquiri’s original location, at the very least, is not too hard to figure out. It’s named after a coastal village in Cuba, and is likely tied to the iron mines that existed there. Popular origin stories claim that either mining engineer Jennings Cox or Congressman William Chanler (both, of course, Americans) brough the drink home with them after working in that area.

Of course, a drink doesn’t become a classic overnight. In the case of the daiquiri, rationing during World War II saw an increased popularity in rum, the daiquiri’s principal ingredient, since whiskey and vodka were not so easily accessible.

How it’s made

There’s not a lot to the daiquiri, and it’s almost as simple to make as it is to enjoy. The basic recipe calls for rum, sugar, and lime juice or another citrus (or sometimes two at once!). To get that cool, refreshing quality, the drink is shaken with ice and then strained into a glass.

Of course, that’s one way to do it. A popular feature of pool parties and resort bars is the even “cooler” frozen daiquiri, which is served blended, with ice, for a smoothie-like consistency. The strawberry daiquiri is probably the most famous of these.

Embracing simplicity

Here at Stonewood, we keep our daiquiris deliciously simple—but not without a sweet surprise! Our Hand Shaken Daiquiri is made with Mt. Gay Rum, simple syrup, and not only lime juice but a bit of grapefruit as well.

It combines the best of two unique citrus flavors in one glass—and we’re excited for you to try it on your next night out.

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!

 

 

 

A delicious steak dinner, hand-crafted ambiance, friends and family by your side…

There’s nothing better than a night out at Stonewood—except, maybe, one you weren’t even expecting!

A surprise party at Stonewood is our favorite way to say “happy birthday,” “congratulations,” and just about anything else you want to express. Wondering how to pull it off? Take a look below for our five best tips!

Sign them up for the Stonewood Insider E-Club

If a friend or family member’s birthday is coming up, they’ll definitely want to be signed up for the Stonewood Insider E-Club! Drop a hint (but don’t let on that there’s a party coming up) so that they can enjoy special offers, news, and—most importantly—a birthday bonus for their big day!

Reserve a group dining space

The perfect part is carefully planned, so be sure to make reservations ahead of time! You can easily do so online—just click to find your preferred location and go from there. If you’re planning on bringing along a larger crowd, or if you simply want a cozier get together, a group designing space is perfect for you.

Find a diversion

Of course, due to the “surprise” element of the party, you’ll probably need to come up with a cover story for the guest of honor. Invite them to go shopping, to look at furniture, to have a quick bite… whatever will get them out the door and to the party that’s waiting for them!

Let your server in on the plan

It’s always smart to clue your server into your plans. They can help make the occasion even sweeter with everything from dish recommendations to that picture-perfect snap of the whole party.

Order up some favorites and enjoy

So you’ve pulled it off, successfully surprising your guest of honor—now it’s time to dig in! Before they even arrive, you might consider ordering some appetizers ahead of time, like our delicious Bleu Cheese Chips or whatever their favorite may be. For the main course, you can’t go wrong with a good steak such as our  14-ounce New York Strip, oak grilled to tender perfection.

Here at Stonewood, we love a good surprise party—and can’t wait to help you throw one! Call today to reserve a space for your special night—we look forward to seeing you soon.

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!

 

Wondering how to spice up your summer? Take the literal route… and enjoy dishes seasoned to perfection right here at Stonewood Grill & Tavern!

Today, we’re taking a look at some of the most common spices, herbs and seasonings… as well as the ways they feature in the not-so-common dishes at Stonewood. Dive in to learn more.

Basil

There’s a reason why basil features so heavily in so many different dishes and cuisines—it’s got quite the proven track record!

The herb is believed to have come from India, where it was grown for thousands of years before seeping into the culture and cuisine of other areas, such as Ancient Greece. Botanists of the time like Dioscorides and Theophrastus were familiar with it, and were perhaps responsible, in part, for passing it on to surrounding civilizations like the Roman Empire. It’s no wonder we think of basil when we imagine Italian food (right after red sauce and pasta, of course!).

So how is basil used? When used as a seasoning, it’s usually added last so that it can better preserve its strong, sweet flavor. However, when it’s the star of a dish, it can be worked with from the start. Take, for example, pesto sauce! This uniquely flavorful sauce owes its rich green hue to basil. You can find it a deliciously cheesy linguine in our Shrimp Palermo.

Pepper

The oh-so-subtle kick of black pepper makes it as widely-used as its counterpart, salt, when seasoning everything from chicken to steak to fish to pasta. It’s a multi-talented spice, the foundation of many more complex flavor profiles.

Capers

What are those little round, flavorful bits found on many pasta dishes, or on Stonewood’s own Fish Dip? Known as capers, these buds of the caper bush are known for their sharp, salty taste. Because it’s so strong, you probably wouldn’t like to eat them solo—but paired with gentler, milder flavors, they add a welcome “wow” factor you’re sure to remember.

Rosemary

This Mediterranean herb is noted for its strong, aromatic flavor—which is why it’s so often paired with the last item on our list, the milder thyme. On its own, however, rosemary is perhaps most enjoyed as a seasoning for grilled meats, especially lamb (another Mediterranean staple). Enjoy it with our Grilled Rosemary & Garlic Lamb Chops where you can really appreciate its flavor at work.

Thyme

As we mentioned earlier, thyme is a milder herb with a somewhat minty flavor. It nicely balances out the strength of rosemary, and you’ll often find the two together, such as in Stonewood’s Bleu Cheese Chips!

For a fresh blast of flavor, these dishes are just the tip of the iceberg. Come over to Stonewood for an inspired dinner you’re sure to love and come back for, all summer long.

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!

 

Whether it’s at the dinner table or a summertime pool party, there’s a reason why chicken wings are often first snack to be gobbled up. They’re effortlessly delicious.

But there might be more to the chicken wing than meets the eye! With National Chicken Wing Day coming up on July 29th, we’re sharing a few fun facts about this beloved finger food. Take a look.

They’re an American favorite…

We probably didn’t need to tell you this, but chicken wings are a ubiquitous hit among Americans. Maybe that’s because they offer a little something for everyone—whether you have a big appetite or just want a snack, crave something spicy or a little more toned down, there’s a plate of wings waiting for you.

Just how much do we love wings? Well, as a country, we ate around 1.25 billion of them for Super Bowl XLIX alone!

An interesting aspect of wings is that their popularity varies from coast to coast. Out west, for example, diners are 34 percent less likely to opt for wings with their meal. It seems that a lot of the country’s wing consumption numbers are focused further east!

… and a national pastime of sorts

You know about the Super Bowl… but what about the Wing Bowl? For wing fans, this is just as momentous of an event. On the Friday before Super Bowl Sunday, competitors hash it out to see who can eat the most wings in 30 minutes. 2017’s winner, Bob Shoudt, ate an incredibly impressive 409—however, the all-time winner remains 2015’s winner Patrick Bertoletti who chowed down a whopping 444 wings!

Why do we eat chicken wings with celery?

You may be wondering why chicken wings are so often served with celery, carrots, and a tangy dressing like ranch or bleu cheese. While part of the reason may simply be attributed to “that’s the way it’s always been done,” (the creator of the Buffalo wing, Teressa Bellissimo, did it this way), it actually makes a lot of culinary sense. The celery and carrots are different, taste and texture-wise, from the wings, helping you to cool off as you eat and balance out the flavor. As far as bleu cheese, it’s just a delightfully tangy complement!

Has all this chicken wing talk inspired a craving? Don’t worry—we can help! Stop by Stonewood for a plate of our popular Tavern Wings, which we toss in a mild sauce before pairing with celery, carrot sticks, and tangy bleu cheese dressing.

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!

Fresh, poppable, and deliciously satisfying, shrimp makes for a natural dish choice all summer long.

Wondering how to enjoy this classic treat at Stonewood? Take a look below as we explore some of our favorite shrimp picks!

For starters…

Feeling hungry? Or maybe want to split a dish with a friend? You’ll want to dive in with a starter. These shrimp picks are worth enjoying as your first stop at Stonewood.

• Oak Grilled Shrimp. The flavor in this delicious dish stems from a few key sources: a careful basting of herbs, a flavorful avocado basil dipping sauce, and—of course—the Stonewood oak grill that cooks the shrimp to tender, mouthwatering perfection. Paired with grilled garlic bread, this dish is sure to satisfy as you peruse the menu and catch up with friends!
• Buffalo Shrimp. In our book, Buffalo sauce is for more than just wings! We throw some onto lightly fried shrimp for this flavorful fusion. Topped with crumbled bleu cheese and an equally sharp bleu cheese aioli, this is a fresh twist we know you’ll enjoy.

Entrees with oomph…

When you’re ready for the main course, dig into a hearty dish like the ones below!

• Shrimp and Scallops. Fresh from the oak grill, this classic dish combines the best of two seafood favorites, served alongside steamed broccoli and rice pilaf for some added flavor. As an entrée complement, you can also enjoy this tasty combo alongside your steak dinner!
• Shrimp Palermo. For our signature Shrimp Palermo, we toss tender sautéed shrimp with linguine, roasted red pepper and a zesty tomato basil pesto. This, plus a touch of garlic and a sprinkling of parmesan, makes for a thoroughly satisfying meal you’ll want to slurp right up.

Prefer a lighter dinner? When you enjoy a Stonewood or Caesar Salad, you don’t have to forego that delicious seafood flavor—just order it on top of your dish, and you’re good to go!

Shrimp may be small… but the flavor in these dishes is anything but. We hope that you and your family enjoy these dinners and more, all season long!

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!