Category: Featured Articles

From steak and potatoes to peanut butter and jelly, there are some food pairings that just work—but have you ever wondered why?

In today’s blog, we will be exploring the practical reasons behind some of our favorite food duos.

Now that you know why certain foods go together, which one is your favorite? Share your Stonewood pick with us below—we’ll be happy to make it for you the next time you come in for dinner!

Meat and potatoes

Any cook or food fanatic will tell you that meat and potatoes make a naturally excellent pair—possibly due to the blending of textures you enjoy when you eat buttery boiled potatoes in a beef stew, or velvety mashed potatoes alongside your favorite cut of steak. This is a perk that can’t be overlooked, and it’s probably one of the chief reasons (in addition to the superb flavors) that we seek out this pairing so often. However, did you know that science supports this strategic pairing, too? A study in the Journal of Food Science found that rats who ate red meat with potatoes or similar carbs (as opposed to meat alone) enjoyed improved digestive health. If the same holds true for us, it’s just another reason to enjoy this classic double act!

Steak and red wine

When it comes to dinner and drinks, steak with red wine is another natural combination—and once again, science is on its side! Tannins are organic materials found in wine (transferred from the grapes and the actual barrels the wine is kept in). The sharp, dry feel of these tannins is pleasantly counteracted by the fat and flavor of the red meat, bringing out the taste of the wine and making for a more enjoyable dining experience.

Sauce and pasta

Pairing your favorite pasta with a delicious sauce is so commonplace that we hardly ever think of it as a culinary choice—it’s just the way things are! While there may not be a physical benefit to consuming sauce with your pasta, we can think of one delicious reason—sauce makes virtually every pasta taste (and even feel) better. From rich, creamy cheese sauces on your macaroni, to light garlic and butter on spaghetti, sauce adds the flavor of excitement. It also adds a smooth, velvety texture to pasta with a bite, cooked al dente.

Want to teste these duos for yourself? You can find these delicious pairings (and more!) on our Stonewood dinner menu.

Make tonight extraordinary! Each of our 12 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!

If you’re guilty of perusing the kids menu or sneaking a bite or two from your child’s plate at dinner, you’re not alone! Kid-friendly classics like chicken tenders or mac and cheese don’t get any less delicious the older you get.

Today, we’re taking a look at the reasons why we love these simple dishes so much—as well as a few ways to enjoy grown-up versions of kids menu classics today!

Playful creations

One of the best parts of the kids menu is just how fun and playful the options can be. Snackable treats like chicken tenders or comfort food classics like and cheese bring us back to our own childhood days, and remind us that food can be fun as well as satisfying.

Comforting flavors

As we just mentioned, a big part of the kid menu fanfare has to do with our nostalgia for classic flavors. Young diners often have simpler palates, so menus that are crafted toward them hold a special appeal for adult diners who crave simplicity and traditional, familiar flavors.

Stonewood dishes with a creative twist

Kids menu picks are fun—but don’t be mistaken! You can enjoy the same level of creativity on your dinner plate today. At Stonewood, we have a few dishes that are especially likely to bring you back to a culinary mindset of simplicity and enjoyment at the dinner table. They include…

• Bleu Cheese Chips: Think of our flavorful Bleu Cheese Chips as an alternative to the chips and nachos you munched on as a child. While the flavors at work here are far from simple (we prepare ours with a balsamic reduction and blue cheese aioli), the crunchy, snack-worthy sensation of eating them definitely is.
• Blackened Chicken Pasta: Love traditional pasta or mac and cheese but want to try something with a little more “oomph?” Our Blackened Chicken Pasta is made with traditional bowtie pasta (a playful favorite common on kid-friendly plates), but features spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a chardonnay cream that add a bit of flavorful interest.
• Oak Grilled Cheeseburger: Next up, we have the cheeseburger—a classic treat on or off the kids menu. Ours is oak grilled to juicy perfection and is served on a brioche bun. Bonus: For a unique flavor explosion (one that will bring you back to the days when you colored outside the lines), don’t forget to enjoy the burgers on our Crafted Tuesdays! On these days, we share a one-of-a-kind rotating menu highlighted by chef-inspired picks like the Breakfast Burger, Cowboy Burger, and other creative combinations. For burger lovers who crave a side of whimsy with their meal, this is a must-do Stonewood event.

You might not order from the kids menu anymore, but you never have to give up the simple satisfaction of a tasty, handcrafted meal. Food should be fun to eat, and that’s something we here at Stonewood know best!

Make tonight extraordinary! Each of our 12 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!

It’s all gravy here!

Butter me up.

Take it with a grain of salt.

You’ve likely used one or two of these food-centric phrases (in addition to many more!). While these sayings have made their way into popular American vernacular, their origins—when closely analyzed—might become less than clear.

In today’s blog, we will be sharing the sometimes surprising origins of these common sayings. Take a look below to find the roots of your own favorite phrase!

To butter someone up

This common phrase—which means to compliment or play nice with someone to get your way—might have its origins in the application of butter itself. Butter is often generously spread over food, much like you generously spread about the compliments when you butter someone up.

It’s all gravy

Is everything great? You might say that it’s all gravy—but why?

This fun phrase stems from a traditional English saying that compared life itself to meat and potatoes, while the luxuries were gravy. If “it’s all gravy” to you, you’re probably enjoying life and its little luxuries.

A watched pot never boils

You’ve probably heard and said this common expression a fair amount of times. It means to convey the importance of patience without focusing too heavily on the thing being waited on (a pot of water, a seemingly immobile clock, your phone as you wait for an important message, etc.). While we can’t find a conclusive origin for this phrase, it’s easy to imagine why it started. After all, every home cook knows how agonizing the wait for water to heat up can be!

Cool as a cucumber

If you’re cool as a cucumber, you’re probably pretty calm! If you ever work with cucumbers, you’ll know how full of water they are. That water keeps the cucumber cool despite exterior heat.

To egg someone on

This common food phase doesn’t actually have its roots in the egg itself, but in a similar-sounding word: edge. Both words come from the Old Norse language, and share a similar meaning, which is to push someone ahead or toward a limit.

Bread and butter

This phrase (which refers to someone’s livelihood or career) likely stems from the ubiquitous nature of bread and butter on the dinner table. Just like your career is the thing you know best, bread and butter is perhaps the staple most familiar at the dinner table—you can’t live without it!

Did any of these statements surprise you? As is often the case, the roots of common sayings tend to wear away over time, while the commonplace definitions often stick. In any case, we’re always happy to learn a bit more about the things we do and say every day!

Make tonight extraordinary! Each of our 12 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!

We all know the basics of dinner etiquette—keep your elbows off the table, for example, and always place your napkin in your lap. Have you ever wondered about the reasons behind these practical (and not-so-practical) table manners?

In today’s blog, we aim to find out!

Elbows off the table

While more formal settings might stick to this traditional rule, many families (especially while dining at home) will opt for a more laidback experience, elbows A-okay.

Whether or not you follow this practice, it seems to have long-established roots—though there are several theories as to where it first began. Some say that sailors would be used to dining with their elbows on the eating surface, since they had to balance themselves while on the rocking waves—when they carried this habit onto land with them, it was a clear-cut sign of their low status and unruly roots on the water.

It is also said that eating with one’s elbows on the table was seen as rude, since bustling medieval feasts would not allow one much room for having extra limbs take up space. If you had your elbows on the table, you might be seen as suspicious (guarding yourself and your meal from the eyes of others) or downright careless (preventing others from easily accessing their food, drinks or cutlery).

The use of cutlery

Using cutlery for meals (barring finger food or handheld classics like burgers) isn’t considered so much etiquette as it is a standard for meals across the country—but was it always this way?

Humans have long used knives to carve meat—and, later, spoons to enjoy otherwise impossible liquids. But the fork was not always seen as such a necessity, especially since most foods that we now eat with a fork (meats, vegetables, etc.) were traditionally eaten by hand or scooped onto pieces of bread for easy maneuvering. Even the earliest pasta was consumed by hand (that is, until slippery, messy sauce warranted more sophisticated tools). When the fork finally did arise, it was first seen as a dainty, unnecessary tool for the elites until it caught on in the 17^th century among the masses.

Pinkies up

Drinking or eating while sticking out one lone pinky finger is almost universally seen as a sign of class (sometimes unnecessarily so). The history behind this trend is a little less clear, however—some have suggested that it stems from the small size of cups and cutlery, forcing one to stick out their smallest digits. Others theorize that elite diners would not want to touch glasses that had been touched by servants any more than necessary. Finally (but by no means conclusively), some posit that medieval diners would eat meat with their hands and had to leave a finger or two free for dipping into spices.

Some families stick to the formalities of tradition, while others prefer a simpler approach to dining. What’s your method? You bring the table style, and we’ll supply the food and atmosphere!

Make tonight extraordinary! Each of our 12 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!

When you think “holidays,” what flavor springs to mind? If you say “mint,” you’re not alone—we see this fresh flavor a lot at this time of year, in coffee drinks like Peppermint Mocha and, of course, in the classic candy canes hanging from every tree.

What is it about minty treats that we just can’t get enough of during the holidays? In today’s blog, we’re taking a closer look at the famous ingredient.

The cool blast we love

For mint lovers, it’s not just the taste of mint that’s so enjoyable—the cool, fresh sensation is equally important to the experience!

What’s the science behind that cool blast? It’s all in the menthol of the mint, which activates cold receptors in the body—otherwise known as TRPM8—and makes you feel that instant of cool air, even if the weather outside or the food itself isn’t quite cold. That’s why you can pop a stick of room-temperature mint gum and still get the unique, refreshing feeling.

The perfect match

Just like mint is popular at this time of year, the pairing of it with another sweet ingredient—chocolate—is a combination that can’t be beat. We can’t quite explain why—maybe it’s the combination of cold with sweet, comforting chocolate—but it’s a flavor mix we can’t get enough of!

A historical precedent

So the ultimate question remains—why is mint so prevalent at this time of year? It could be that the cold sensation reminds us of snow and the wintertime. Of course, a likely answer lies in one of the oldest holiday treats around—the candy cane! Legend has it that a 17^th century German choirmaster invented the candy cane for the children in his church, creating the bent shape to tie it back to the shepherds in the Christmas nativity scene.

Do you have a hankering for a minty sweet? During your next holiday outing, be sure to stop by Stonewood Grill & Tavern to enjoy this quintessential flavor of the holidays with our Chocolate Mint Crepe. It’s our own take on the fresh, flavorful fusion of chocolate and mint—and it might be just what you need to satisfy your sweet tooth this season!

 

 

 

 

 

 

No matter where you are in Florida, you can count on there being a Stonewood Grill & Tavern—and lots of special things to do and see—nearby.

We know that the holiday season calls for a switch-up of routines and a sense of fun and excitement along the way. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best things to do in and around each of our Stonewood locations across the state. Let’s get started!

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is famous for its white-sand beaches and oceanfront experiences that are just far removed enough from the bustling downtown to be truly relaxing. There are lots of holiday events to enjoy at this time of year, too, including the Community First Jacksonville Light Boat Parade, a fantastic display of lights and holiday spirit that winds through the St. John’s River. It takes place on December 30^th, and admission is free!

Ormond Beach

Head to the charming city of Ormond Beach for walks along the beach or a day of fishing at Cassen Park. To truly get into the holiday spirit, you can lounge around and enjoy an outdoor viewing of “White Christmas” by the Halifax River on December 9^th! The movie starts at 6 pm and will be played at the Rockefeller Gardens Park.

Port Orange

Another prime Volusia County spot, Port Orange, is home to its share of natural beauty as well! You can enjoy a stroll along Riverwalk Park (whose first phase was completed earlier this year), or even launch your kayak and enjoy the view from the water itself. The cooler, dryer weather will be the perfect backdrop to your outdoor adventures.

Heathrow

For your holidays in Heathrow, a great activity is to simply enjoy the view from your very own neighborhood—stroll up and down the street and enjoy the holiday lights with some hot cocoa. You can also head over to nearby Lake Mary, the “City of Lakes” that lives up to its name. Spend some time in the lush oasis that is Estella Park and enjoy fishing on the pier!

Orlando

Orlando during the holiday season is a magical time. For travelers (or just those who love the thrill of a good roller coaster), each of the area’s major theme parks will be throwing holiday events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World or Grinchmas at Universal. You can always enjoy the city’s charming downtown venues, stroll past light displays and feel the cheer in the air!

Brandon

Spending the season in Brandon this year? Bring the family to Paul Sanders Park for some outdoor fun! Whether you bike around the park or wind down at the playground, it’s a great and simple way to spend a winter afternoon.

Tampa Palms

One of Florida’s favorite west coast cities is the perfect spot for all things outdoors—walks by the bay, rounds of golf, or visits to the zoo! Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo will have select “Christmas in the Wild” nights where you and your family can see the sights and sounds of the zoo in all-new, brilliantly lit setting.

Sarasota

You’ll find Stonewood locations in both North and South Sarasota. This is the spot for breathtaking ocean vistas and on-the-water fun in places like Lido Key or nearby Siesta Beach, where you’ll be pleasantly greeted by cool, white-sand beaches. Finally, head to the Historic Spanish Point in Osprey to see the homes decorated in vivid holiday lights all month long.

Fort Myers

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is a popular destination for those looking to soak up some local culture against a sunny Florida backdrop—during the holidays, however, the trip is extra special! Guests will be able to tour the grounds at nighttime and see the space decked out in luminous bulbs.

Naples

Few cities offer as a brilliant a mix of charming downtown destinations and quiet stretches of palm-tree-dotted beaches as Naples. Offshore, the Marco Island Christmas Style Boat Parade is the place to be to watch fun, festive boats make their way past the paradise landscape—it takes place 6 pm on December 10^th!

Wellington Green

The last spot on our Stonewood tour is Wellington, found in resort-style Palm Beach County where luxurious beaches and premiere shopping opportunities abound. The Mall at Wellington Green is among the best of them. Head here for shopping, a tasty bite to eat, and holiday festivities like the December 10^th Musicthon, where local students will play holiday tunes for all to enjoy.

What’s your holiday destination? Whether you’re sticking close to home or traveling across the state, we’ll be there to help you make amazing seasonal memories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does listening to your favorite holiday tunes ever make you hungry? Or give you a hankering for something sweet? The reason is in the lyrics—many of our favorite seasonal songs include lines about sweet desserts, family dinners, and more!

In today’s blog, we will be exploring the food items mentioned in some of our favorite songs—from the classic and traditional, to the unique dishes you might not have heard of before.

Pumpkin pie

“There’s a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy

When they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie.” – Sleigh Ride

This quintessential holiday hit showcases one of our favorite treats of the season—pumpkin pie! Its associations with Thanksgiving and the holidays likely began soon after the Mayflower arrived in America—while we weren’t yet preparing the pie itself, this is when settlers first discovered the flavorful fall-time squash that is native to the North American continent. Centuries later, pumpkin pie arose in American cookbooks and became a staple of holiday dinners.

Marshmallows

“There’ll be parties for hosting,

Marshmallows for toasting,

And caroling out in the snow…” – It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Toasting marshmallows might sound a lot like a summertime activity—but as this classic Christmas song shows, there’s no wrong time for enjoying the warmth of a fire and a gooey marshmallow treat!

Roasted chestnuts

“Chestnuts roasting on the open fire

Jack Frost nipping at your nose…” – The Christmas Song

While chestnuts can be eaten raw, they taste much sweeter and have a more pleasant texture after being roasted—so it’s no wonder that this famous tune featured them so heavily. If you want to try this treat at home, you can cook yours in an oven, no peeling required— just toss them with some sugar to get an ever sweeter taste.

Latkes

“Gather round the table, we’ll give you a treat

Sevivonim to play with and lakes to eat.” – Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah

It’s impossible to listen to this classic Hanukkah tune without thinking about the delicious potato pancake—although it first started out as a cheese dish! We saw the shift toward potato latkes in the 1800s, when crop challenges in Eastern Europe led to many more potatoes being planted, making it an easy basis for the beloved treat.

Figgy pudding

“Now bring us some figgy pudding,

Now bring us some figgy pudding,

Now bring us some figgy pudding,

And a cup of good cheer.” – We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We’ve all heard the lyrics—but what, exactly, is a figgy pudding, anyway? A figgy pudding is an English kind of pudding—a more substantial dessert than the creamy pudding we’re familiar with in the United States. It is said that the actual pudding could’ve started out as a plum-based pudding, not figs as the song suggests. It may not be eaten with frequency, especially here in the States, but you can try it for yourself this holiday to understand what the urgency in this song is all about!

We hope that today’s blog satisfied your hunger for insight on your favorite holiday tunes—now to take care of your actual hunger, try out a favorite family recipe or come on in to Stonewood for a meal you won’t forget!

 

 

 

There are few times of year as joyous—or as hectic—as the holiday season. If you’re already scrambling to create the perfect experience for your loved ones, we want to help!

Read on to see how Stonewood can help you simplify the season ahead.

For family dinners…

One of the best parts of the season is, of course, the opportunity to enjoy delicious dinners with the ones we love most. Lots of these meals will take place at home—but if you’re looking for a special place to dine, or simply want to enjoy a hands-off experience as a break from all that cooking, Stonewood will take care of it! Whether you’re hosting a group large or small, we’ll be able to make your dining experience a special one, and can accommodate even larger groups with a specially-designated dining room just for you. As always, be sure to check with us for special holiday dinners like our Thanksgiving Day feast.

For sustenance on your busy day…

Not every meal out has to be for a special occasion—because every day is an occasion in and of itself! What about those days where you’re rushing from work to school pickup to your child’s Christmas pageant? Or when you’re thoroughly worn out by a day of gift shopping? We can help make your busy days a little less stressful by giving you the food, atmosphere, and service you’ve come to know and love—without you ever having to lift a finger.

For quick, meaningful gifts…

We can’t forget about the gifts themselves! One of the greatest gifts you can give a loved one is the chance to enjoy a special meal together—so why not gift them with a Stonewood gift card of their own? To make it easy, we have virtual cards that can be sent to your loved one… even if they live in Jacksonville and you live in Tampa! And, to make it an extra special gift, we’re giving you the chance to enjoy it, too—when you purchase $100 in gift cards, we’ll throw in a $20 bonus card for you just to say “thanks!”, and to make the season a little sweeter. You’ll also get an additional 20 percent in bonus cards for every additional $50 that you spend. That’s what we call a gift that keeps on giving!

What’s your holiday game plan? Whether you’re searching for gift ideas or a perfect place to enjoy your holiday dinner, we’ve got you covered. Come on in and enjoy!

Make tonight extraordinary! Each of our 12 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!

 

If there’s one underdog of the dinner table, it’s salt. While we love to sprinkle table salt onto our plates, we often overlook the crucial role salt has played throughout history, in and out of the kitchen.

Don’t believe it? Take a look at salt’s story and special properties below!

Salt as a preservative…

Before modern technology and the invention of refrigeration as we know it today, people had to keep their meat preserved and safe to eat somehow. That’s where salt comes in. For centuries, people covered cuts of meat with salt, which would absorb moisture from the meat and prevent bacteria from growing there. It’s surprising that something we keep in our pantries was able to provide sustenance for hunters and families for all that time!

…and a currency

Perhaps even more surprising than salt’s role as a preservative, is its history as a pivotal piece of currency. In parts of Africa, it was used as coins; in Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart, the Salzach River ran through an area rich in salt deposits–both the river and the city, in fact, were named after the German word for salt, salz. Salt was important to the Romans, too—so much so that Roman soldiers were sometimes paid with it! The word salary stems from this practice.

The powerful electrolyte

Salt doesn’t just make food taste a bit better—the sodium actually serves as an electrolyte in our bodies, regulating fluid and helping to maintain nerve and muscle function. While it’s still recommended that we enjoy salt in moderation, it’s impossible to overlook the seasoning’s crucial role in our diets!

The storied job interview

You may have heard the legend of the corporate executive who would take prospective employees out for lunch. It’s said that this executive (who has been told as everyone from Thomas Edison to Henry Ford) would observe whether or not his applicant salted his food without tasting it first—if he did, that was seen as a poor judgement call and he would immediately fail his interview. While we may not have proof of this happening, it definitely stands to share a lesson!

Stonewood’s recommendation? Taste your food first! We take care in ensuring that every dish is perfectly seasoned, and you’ll likely find that what’s on your plate is just perfect already.

Make tonight extraordinary! Each of our 12 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!

Nowadays, it seems like there’s a special holiday for just about everything—even household chores! November 15^th—National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day—is one such example of a silly holiday, but we think its timing could not be better. As you prepare to stock up on Thanksgiving foodstuffs, use this day as a chance to clear out your space, make room for more, and enjoy some creativity along the way.

Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite ways to celebrate the day, and make this chore feel a little less like a chore.

Put your leftovers to work

If your refrigerator is like that of many households, it’s probably stuffed to the brim with leftovers in plastic containers that you meant to get to—but never did. To make those leftovers more appealing the second time around, why not put them to use in all new ways? You can create mashed potato pancakes for a savory take on the traditional breakfast, or create a leftover casserole (supplemented with fresh noodles or a hearty soup), a recipe that will come in handy in the days following Thanksgiving.

Get creative

Don’t feel like cooking up a storm to get rid of your leftovers or unused foods? Hand off the task to the entire family, who can try out their own unique recipes like an at-home version of your favorite cooking competition show. You can also use this time to evaluate the foods your family loves best, and what they can do without next time.

Donate unopened, unexpired foods

Of course, if you have any foods that are unused but are still good to eat (like unopened condiments or premade meals you no longer need), donate them to a nearby food pantry and make your refrigerator cleaning doubly beneficial.

Use your cleaning day as a much-welcomed excuse to dine out

If you ever needed an excuse to dine out, today might just be it! After cleaning out your refrigerator, you might find that you’re running low on meals for the family, refreshments or must-have sides—and if your next grocery trip isn’t for a few days, a dinner with Stonewood might be just what you need. It’s a great way to reward yourself and your family for having completed this tricky task!

Are you ready to clean out your refrigerator? While it may not be the most exciting item on your to-do list, there are still plenty of ways for you to make it fun and rewarding in the process.

Make tonight extraordinary! Each of our 12 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!