Category: Featured Articles

Taking your friends and family out to eat is a way to show your love and appreciation for them. When you choose one of the restaurants in Brandon, you want to look for delicious meals that you know they’ll love. 

Stonewood Grill and Tavern has plenty of savory dishes for your favorite people to enjoy. Here are some of the best meals at Stonewood to give to your loved ones: 

Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon

The Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon dish is perfect for the person in your life that loves a full flavor profile. Salmon is one of the most popular seafood dishes because of its mild flavor. This dish contains complementary ingredients that highlight all of the best sweet, savory, and salty notes a person can enjoy. 

Along with the delicious roasted salmon, this meal comes with the following ingredients:

• Apricot mustard
• Jalapeño glaze
• Sautéed green beans
• Poblano rice

The jalapeño glaze adds a kick of heat, while the apricot mustard adds just the right amount of sweetness. All of these tastes mixed together make a complex, sophisticated flavor profile. 

Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chop

Sweet tea is a classic drink that brings many people back to their childhoods. Our 10-ounce center-cut pork chops pair well with the subtle sweetness of sweet tea brine. Included with this dish are sides of potato medley and asparagus to balance out the meaty main course. 

Our pork chops are oak-grilled for a mild smokey flavor and gorgeous brown color. Each center cut is boneless and deliciously tender, making it the perfect “I love you” gift for the pork lover in your life. 

Blackened Chicken Pasta

Pasta is a classic dish that’s loved by almost everyone. Our Blackened Chicken Pasta is made from bowtie noodles smothered in rich chardonnay cream sauce. This delicious pasta dish contains sundried tomatoes and spinach for some additional plant-powered flavor. 

On the side, you get griddled garlic bread to complement the flavors of the creamy pasta. Blackened chicken has a unique flavor profile that adds depth and savoriness to any creamy pasta dish. If you know someone who lives for pasta, this is the dish for them. 

Southern Fried Shrimp

If southern comfort food is important to your loved ones, the Southern Fried Shrimp is the perfect gift meal. This dish contains crispy jumbo shrimp, tartar sauce, and pineapple chili with a side of french fries. Your guest can choose from one of our other sides as their included second side. 

The sweet-and-spicy combo of the pineapple chili mixes refreshingly with the tang of tartar sauce and seafood. Your loved one is sure to devour this modern twist on classic southern-fried food. 

Healthy sides include a baked potato, asparagus, creamed spinach, and a side salad. For more savory side options, choose from roasted garlic whipped potatoes or poblano rice. You can customize this dish to your loved one’s liking and deliver the ultimate southern shrimp meal. 

Brandon Restaurants: Gifting Meals for Friends and Family

Everyone loves to eat their favorite foods. If you need a new way to show your love to friends and family, try gifting them a meal from one of the best Brandon restaurants: Stonewood. These dishes combine complementary flavors for the perfect flavor profile that is sure to satisfy. 

No matter where you are, you can always drop by to give the gift of a hearty, satisfying meal to your loved ones. If you want a more formal celebration of your loved ones, you can reserve a table at Stonewood to enjoy fresh-cooked foods at your leisure. The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, after all. 

When it’s spring in Jacksonville or anywhere else in our beautiful sunshine state, you may find yourself wanting to get out of the house and enjoy some of the gorgeous weather with a day out on the town. Of course, any day out should include a visit to some delicious restaurants for a bite to eat. 

At any of the best restaurants in Jacksonville, you’re sure to enjoy special dishes year-round due to the high level of culinary excellence in the city. However, when spring comes around, many restaurant-goers crave lighter, fresher tastes.

Looking to try something new for date night or a night out with friends and family in Jacksonville? When you’re visiting a restaurant for the first time, it can be difficult to decide which exciting dish to try to make the most out of your visit. 

If you’re not sure what entrée to choose, you can’t go wrong with the chef’s specials, which are specially curated by the professionals behind the counter to give the establishment’s guests a truly unforgettable taste experience.

Enjoy the Springtime at Jacksonville Restaurants with These Stonewood Grill Chef’s Selections

Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or something a bit lighter during your night out in Jacksonville, Stonewood Grill has something to satisfy every taste and hunger level. Let’s take a look at five of the best springtime specials to enjoy in the warmer weather.

1. Tuscan Chicken

You can’t go wrong with the satisfying combination of a chicken breast cooked to perfection and a variety of expertly prepared vegetables on the side, and the Tuscan Chicken entrée is the perfect example! 

Savor the marinated, oak-grilled chicken topped with goat cheese and surrounded with an assortment of veggies, including sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, a potato medley, and more, dressed with a light and fresh lemon beurre blanc.

2. Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon

Nothing says spring like a light and healthy salmon dish, and there’s lots more about the Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon that appeals to the springtime palate. Spring is when many of the most delicious fruits are in season, and this dish takes full advantage of local crops with fresh apricot mustard. 

The sweetness of this mustard is complemented by a tangy jalapeño glaze, and the perfectly prepared salmon is served alongside lightly sautéed green beans and poblano rice to create a well-rounded dish.

3. Ginger Lime Tuna Steak

The best springtime dishes include an element of citrus and a hint of tanginess to complement the return of warm weather, and these flavors combine perfectly in the Ginger Lime Tuna Steak. 

The dish begins with fresh ahi tuna marinated with a sesame ginger dressing and oak-grilled to medium-rare perfection. This is served alongside Asian slaw and scallions and topped with ginger-lime dressing and sriracha aioli to complement the flavors in the ahi tuna steak while also adding a slight kick.

4. Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chop

If you enjoy a cold and refreshing sweet tea during the springtime, you’re sure to love the Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chop. This unique dish is centered around a thick, center-cut boneless pork chop that has been brined in sweet tea and oak-grilled to perfection. The 10-ounce chop is served with fresh asparagus and a potato medley.

5. Southern Fried Shrimp

Southern fried dishes can be enjoyed year-round, and the Southern Fried Shrimp is no exception. This hearty dish features a large helping of crispy white jumbo shrimp slathered in tartar and pineapple chili sauces, and it is served alongside french fries and your choice of side dish, such as a house salad or creamed spinach.

 

Which of these chef selections are you going to try this spring? We can’t wait to see you at your local Stonewood.

Is there anything better than a satisfying meal at any one of your favorite Brandon restaurants? Perhaps the only thing better than the meal itself is the delicious dessert you get to enjoy afterward. 

The best restaurants in Brandon aren’t only known for their incredible appetizers, entrées, sides, and beverages. 

The desserts you’ll find are just as memorable and enjoyable as the meals, whether you choose to share a decadent after-dinner treat with your date or enjoy a special dessert all to yourself. 

Trying a new restaurant in your area is always an exciting experience but making your selection among the many options available can be difficult, especially when so many of the dishes look amazing. However, having to choose between too many great choices is a wonderful problem to have! 

Once you’ve reached the end of your meal and it’s time to peruse the dessert menu, make sure to gauge how full you are and what kind of dessert you’ll have room for. Then, it’s time to determine what type of sweet taste you’re craving, and which incredible Stonewood dessert will be the most satisfying.

Enjoy a Memorable Dessert Experience at the Best Restaurants in Brandon

The perfect dessert can truly be the icing on the cake (no pun intended) of a romantic date night or a fun dinner out with family and friends in Brandon. Let’s take a look at some of the unique desserts at Stonewood Grill and how they could truly perfect your dining experience:

Florida Orange Cake

Whether you’re a Florida native or just visiting the area, experiencing a local dish is always a fun way to enjoy your dinner out. 

The Florida Orange Cake is a truly decadent treat, made up of four layers of moist cake as well as Bavarian orange cream, white chocolate shavings, whipped cream, and a delicate garnish of fresh orange twist to complete the dish.

Chocolate Mousse Cake

When it comes to the perfect dessert, you can’t do much better than a dish centered around one of the most popular sweet flavors out there: chocolate. This flavor is utilized to its full potential in the Chocolate Mousse Cake, with multiple layers of rich, moist chocolate cake surrounded by creamy chocolate mousse. 

The cake is topped with fudge icing, chocolate nibs, and freshly-made whipped cream. Both dark and milk chocolate work together in this dish to create a complex palette of chocolatey flavor.

House-Made Key Lime Pie

One of the best ways to truly experience the best that your favorite Brandon restaurants have to offer is to order their house-made dishes, and the House-Made Key Lime Pie is a great example of this. 

The House-Made Key Lime Pie starts with a hand-ground graham cracker crust and combines with tangy key lime filling to create the classic flavor profile that fans of this dessert love. Then, we add a raspberry coulis to create a unique accent and top the whole thing off with whipped cream and a fresh garnish of lime.

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Though many restaurants offer a variety of unique and interesting dessert options, most establishments have a signature dessert offering just like they might have a signature entrée or beverage. At Stonewood Grill, our signature dessert is our Chocolate Bread Pudding, which we’re well-known for around Brandon. 

Bread pudding is a classic dessert that we like to put our own twist on by including rich chocolatey flavors as well as warm bourbon sauce. Then, we top it off with a cold scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a chocolate cookie crisp made in-house.  

Today, there is a wide variety of diets and nutrition trends to follow—but how do you tell your plant-based from your paleo? Your DASH from your dairy-free? We’re here to help!

In honor of National Nutrition Month this March, we’re taking a closer look at some of the latest diets and nutritious trends—as well as a few Stonewood dishes that are sure to satisfy! Just read on to learn more.

Paleo

Named after the Paleolithic era, or “Stone Age,” the Paleo diet is all about eating like our ancestors probably did. That means focusing on foods that could have been easily hunted or gathered, and eating less grains, dairy, sugar and processed foods (or cutting them out altogether).

Prefer more modern ingredients? Don’t worry! The Paleo diet’s not for everyone, but its emphasis on clean ingredients, produce and lean protein is still a nutritious goal you can work into your daily routine—just start with simple swaps! Pair your next roast with greens in lieu of pasta, for example, or snack on almonds and pistachios instead of chips and crackers between meals—these ingredients are all “Paleo approved” and easy to enjoy. Here at Stonewood, a classic Ribeye Steak pairs perfectly with Brussel sprouts and grilled asparagus for a Paleo meal you’re sure to love.

Plant-based

What separates a plant-based diet from a vegan or vegetarian diet? It depends on who you ask—some plant-based eaters might exclude meat and dairy altogether, while others simply place an emphasis on plant proteins without entirely restricting any one ingredient. Either way, though, plant-based nutrition can be seen as a celebration of plants’ power to fuel our bodies and satisfy our appetites. A satisfying Stonewood Veggie Quesadilla, or our Fire Roasted Vegetables with Quinoa & Farro which comes complete with protein-packed quinoa, are two plant-based options every kind of diner is sure to enjoy.

Mediterranean

When most of us hear “Mediterranean diet,” we don’t need too much convincing—who doesn’t want to dine like they’re on the French Riviera or the lux, colorful coast of Naples? But it turns out that the Mediterranean diet is as delicious as it is nutritious. As a type of plant-based diet, it emphasizes fruits, veggies and healthy fats such as olive oil over butter. When it comes to meat, fish and poultry are preferred over red meat (which is enjoyed more sparingly), and the actual style of the meals is social and community-based—which no doubt helps make the Mediterranean diet even more delicious. As a result of these healthful choices, the Mediterranean diet comes with a number of body benefits—including, most notably, improved cardiovascular health. So what are you waiting for? The Mediterranean diet is easy to incorporate into your weekly routine, through dishes such as our Tuscan Chicken or any of our fish paired with colorful veggies!

DASH

DASH refers to “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.” While a doctor may recommend DASH as part of a plan to treat or prevent high blood pressure, this diet is actually good for just about anyone—U.S. News & World Report named it the number-one diet out there! That’s because DASH is low in fat, sodium and cholesterol. A day on DASH will feature lots of high-fiber whole grains, plenty of fruits and veggies, and some lower-fat sources of dairy and meat. When it comes to fish, opt for tuna and other heart-healthy picks. This fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to keep cholesterol down, and grilled prep is a great way to go.

Dairy-free

A dairy-free diet can be followed by vegan diners, as well as those who cut out dairy to help with their digestion (or both!). At home, you can swap in olive oil for butter to make stir-fry, hashes and other stovetop staples. While dining out, just ask your server about dairy-free picks or simple switches that can help make current dishes dairy-free.

Gluten-free

Whipped or baked potatoes and veggies make excellent accompaniments to entrees for our gluten-free guests! Just scan your Stonewood menu for the gluten-free asterisk, and let your server know so they can help find the perfect option for you.

Probiotic-friendly

Probiotic-friendly foods are slated to take off even further in the year ahead—and we’re all for it! Ingredients such as sauerkraut, pickles, yogurt, kefir (a fermented milk drink) are easy to work into your existing routine, and are known for their ability to promote good gut health.

Wondering what’s right for you? You and your doctor can work together to find your perfect nutrition plan—and once you do, you can count on Stonewood for a variety of fresh, flavorful options to satisfy your unique appetite!

Choosing a restaurant for a group outing is different from arranging a meal for just a few people. While it’s true that in all instances you want excellent food, refreshing drinks, and impeccable service, when planning for a group get-together, there are special considerations you should make.

Choosing from the Best Restaurants in Ormond Beach

You’ll need to plan for convenience, atmosphere, and comfort when choosing a restaurant for your group. You’ll also have to think about any unique tastes or culinary preferences they might have. 

Following are a few things to consider when picking a restaurant for a group get-together.

The Size of Your Group

Some Ormond Beach restaurants are better suited than others to host large groups, so be sure you know how many people will attend your get-together. 

Call ahead to ensure that the restaurants you’re considering have private rooms or other adequate service spaces. You’ll also want to find a place with a large enough staff to accommodate your group’s needs.

The Menu

Check out menus beforehand to make sure they include something for every preference, especially if anyone in your group requires a specific diet, like vegetarian or gluten free. Some of the best restaurants in Ormond Beach offer the opportunity to taste menu items ahead of time, so you might consider doing that if the option is available.

Your Budget

Determine what the ideal cost per person will be for your group, and don’t forget to figure in gratuity, taxes, and beverages. Many restaurants offer special menus or packages for groups, so find out whether the restaurants you’re most interested in offers these packages.

Seating

It’s always a good idea to figure out a seating arrangement ahead of time. Think about pairing dinner partners and having name cards at each seat to make the gathering go smoothly. Choose a restaurant in Ormond Beach that’s willing to help organize a seating arrangement for your group.

Location

Consider where your group members will be traveling from and try to choose a restaurant that will be as easy as possible for everyone to get there. If anyone in your group will be coming from out of town, choose a restaurant for your gathering that’s near meeting spaces and hotels.

Reservations and Confirmation

As soon as you’ve chosen a restaurant, reserve an area in advance for your group. Make sure that you receive confirmation about the number of guests for the menu, your dining event, your seating arrangement, and anything else your group needs.

Personalization

Whether your group will be celebrating a special event, having a meeting, or anything else, you might want to add a personal touch to the restaurant decor. Consider asking the restaurant if personal decorations are permitted, such as a banner, flowers, or centerpieces. 

Taking the time to set things up in advance can make all the difference when it comes to holding a successful group get-together at one of the finest Ormond Beach restaurants.

 

No matter how many times you have planned a date-night dinner out with your special partner, it’s always a good idea to plan every romantic date well. You’ll want to put forth the effort to always keep love from becoming mundane, and even if you frequent the same beloved restaurant time and time again, a little pre-planning can go a long way in keeping things fun.

Whether you’re going out to one of the elite Jacksonville restaurants to celebrate an anniversary or looking for more casual Jacksonville dining for a first date, there are some things you can do to make a date-night dinner out more fun. Here are three ways to do exactly that!

1. Dedicate a Toast to Your Partner

Even though date nights should be inclusive and a bit private between two people on a date, you can shake things up a bit in a good way if you make a toast to your date. 

You can have a fun or flirty drink at dinner to add some “color” to the evening. Try a new cocktail, sip on a classic favorite like wine or champagne, or spice things up with a blended beverage, like a margarita.

Making a toast before dinner can help to break the ice, and it also lets your date know that you’re thankful they are there with you. It only takes a minute, but it’s a gesture that can inspire some great conversation between the two of you.

Dedicating a toast eloquently will require a little bit of pre-planning on your part, but with a little practice beforehand, it’s a simple gesture that can mean a lot.

2. Take Some Photos During Dinner

When you’re out on a romantic date, set aside some time to take some photos. Don’t hesitate to ask your server to grab a few snapshots of the two of you together.

You can take casual, candid photos along with some that are a bit more posed. Try to choose a background that includes some of the incredible atmosphere around you. Whether you have a candlelit dinner or you’re taking in the sunset from a rooftop, balcony, or patio, grab some photos while the conversation and drinks are flowing!

3. Add Some Relaxation Time before the Big Dinner Date

While many people still will go out for “dinner and a movie,” another activity to pair with dining at Jacksonville restaurants is to get a couples massage beforehand. 

Adding some time in for a relaxing break is an excellent way to show your partner that you care for their well-being. A pre-date massage can help you to relax more and add an air of happiness and excitement to the evening. 

Couples who have been together for quite some time might opt for a more intimate couple’s massage.

Fun Dates at Jacksonville Restaurants

There are many other ways to make a dinner-date night fun, from choosing a brand-new restaurant in Jacksonville, to trying all-new menu items, and sharing sampler plates.

Every once in a while, an evening comes along that calls for carry-out from one of the best restaurants in Tampa. Maybe you’ve been working late and have a hungry family waiting at home. Perhaps you’re planning a romantic dinner for two in-house. 

 

Either way, Tampa steak restaurants like Stonewood Grill & Tavern can provide you with a mouthwatering family bundle to save the evening, as well as your sanity.

Stonewood Family Bundles for Curbside and Delivery

When you bring Stonewood home for your family, you’ll save time and reduce stress without compromising the quality of the food you serve to the people you love. 

Unlike some Tampa steak restaurants, Stonewood offers bundle options that include more than just the main course and a side. With Stonewood bundles, you’ll always get a sweet finish to your meal.

Whether you choose to pick up your family dinner bundle curbside to go, or you’re in for the night and want it delivered, you’ll never be disappointed with the selections available from our menu.

Popular Curbside and Delivery Meals in Tampa

Stonewood Grill & Tavern offers four wildly popular menu options for family bundles to appeal to everyone’s tastes. Deciding which one to order will be a difficult decision, for sure!

Cheesesteak Pasta

This is no run-of-the-mill pasta dish. Created by Stonewood’s expert food designers, the Cheesesteak Pasta is a mixture of marinated tenderloin and ribeye cuts with tender pasta, caramelized onions, peppers, and mushrooms topped with the finest creamy cheese sauce in Tampa. 

This family bundle also comes with family-style salad, griddled garlic bread and butter, and fresh-baked chocolate chunk cookies for dessert.

Tuscan Chicken

You haven’t tasted the best Tuscan chicken in Tampa until you’ve ordered it from Stonewood. This family meal features oak-grilled brick chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, mushrooms, fresh herbs, spinach, lemon beurre blanc, and other tasty ingredients. 

Choose not one, but two, family-sized side dishes to complete your meal. Fresh-baked chocolate chunk cookies are included as well.

Blackened Chicken Pasta

One of the most popular family bundles from one of the best restaurants in Tampa is Stonewood’s Blackened Chicken Pasta dish. When you dive into this one, you’ll enjoy bowtie pasta with spinach, asparagus, and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich chardonnay cream sauce with our famous griddled garlic bread.

This meal bundle comes with fresh-baked chocolate chunk cookies for dessert, bread and butter, and a family-style salad. 

Stonewood’s Kid Meal Bundle

If you’ll be ordering a couple of adult entrées for the evening and have little ones to feed as well, the kid meal bundle offers you the option to add any two kid meals to any two adult entrées.

Kid meal options include all the best-loved dishes that are time-tested and approved by our youngest guests.

The Best Tampa Steak Restaurants

If you’re looking for the best Tampa steak restaurants, look no further than Stonewood Grill & Tavern. Our expansive menu includes everything from appetizers, soups, and salads to crafted bowls, hand-cut steaks, sides, desserts, and much more. 

It can be intimidating choosing the right cut of steak when you’re at your favorite restaurant or supermarket. With so many different options, how do you make the right decision?

Dining in Sarasota: A Guide to Steak Cuts

The cut of steak you select will determine how lean, how tender, and how flavorful the meat is. As such, knowing the differences between cuts of steak will play an enormous role in your enjoyment of this delicious dish.

Each type of steak cut is taken from a specific part of the cow, which is what gives it its level of tenderness, texture, and flavor.

Ribeye

The ribeye is definitely a favorite in Florida and Sarasota restaurants. This cut of steak comes from the cow’s upper rib area. Ribeyes are incredibly fatty and boast buttery flavors. As such, many people choose ribeyes because of their taste and tenderness. 

Furthermore, you’ll find both boneless and bone-in cuts. However, the two have identical flavor profiles, and the best ribeye for you depends on your personal preferences.

T-Bone

T-bone steak cuts are taken from a cow’s “short loin” or back. These cuts of steak are popular among people dining in Sarasota because they contain two different types of meat — a strip steak on one side and a tenderloin on the other. For this reason, a T-bone steak can offer two different flavor profiles and textures on one cut of meat.

Porterhouse

A porterhouse is similar to a T-bone because it’s also cut from the short loin and contains both a tenderloin and a strip. However, the differentiating factor is that a porterhouse is larger than a T-bone and a bit less tender because it’s cut further towards the more muscular leg area. 

To classify a steak as a porterhouse cut, the USDA states that the tenderloin portion must have a thickness of 1.25 inches at its widest point.

New York Strip

The New York strip is a classic staple among restaurant-goers dining in Sarasota. This beef cut comes from the cow’s short loin and isn’t as tender as ribeyes or filet mignons. However, New York strips do offer an excellent flavor with a unique blend of lean meat and fat. 

Filet Mignon

The filet mignon is the most tender cut of steak, and it comes from a section of the tenderloin. This cut of beef is so tender and soft because the tenderloin remains relatively unused and is a non-weight-bearing muscle.

However, the filet mignon contains less marbling and fat when compared to popular steaks like the ribeye or New York strip. Filet mignons are typically cut in small circular portions that are two to three inches thick. 

Flank Steak

Flank steak is cut from the underbelly and bottom abdomen of the cow. This cut of steak doesn’t hold too much fat because of its long, hard-working muscle fibers. However, it can still be extremely tender when cooked properly.

Flank steaks are best used for other dishes such as stir fry, steak sandwiches, or fajitas.

Whichever cut of steak you choose for your next dining experience, surely it will be amazing! From the different tenderness and flavors from each cut of steak you will be able to find your go-to option!

 

The only thing better than a great seafood meal is a delicious, refreshing cocktail to go along with it. If you’re dining at the top seafood restaurants in Tampa, you have a taste for the finer things. You deserve nothing less than a well-rounded dining experience with your next reservation! With that in mind, today, we’ll answer the question: Which cocktails go best with seafood?

The Best Cocktail Pairings at Seafood Restaurants in Tampa 

Wondering if certain cocktails make particularly good pairings with cuisine at your favorite seafood joint? Next time you’re browsing the menu, consider these high-quality cocktails to go along with your dinner selection. 

Best All-Around Cocktail for Fish: The Gin & Tonic

There are so many different types of fish to order at seafood restaurants in Tampa, but they all have one thing in common: they pair particularly well with a gin and tonic! 

The G&T is a staple cocktail for good reason — its bright, citrusy flavors pair well with fish. This is especially true if you order a lemon or lime as a garnish. You can even ask for some salt around the rim. 

Make sure to ask your waiter for high-quality gin to ensure that you get to enjoy the best flavor profile possible. 

Best Cocktails for Crab: A Tom Collins

Crabmeat tends to be delicate. It almost has a sweetness to it, especially when prepared by expert hands at the best restaurants in Tampa. That’s why crab should be paired with a cocktail that will complement — but not overpower — its rich flavor. We recommend a Tom Collins for the job.

Darker liquors might mask the subtle flavors of your crab meal, but the light, refreshingly citrusy quality of the Tom Collins creates a perfect balance. 

Just make sure your bartender goes light on the sugar, as you don’t want to knock the flavor profiles out of sync. 

Best Cocktail for Lobster: The Mai Tai

Well-prepared lobster tends to have a more robust flavor alongside its tender, succulent texture. Nothing complements this complex taste profile better than the Mai Tai. 

This sweet and decadent cocktail pairs excellently with a lobster dish to create a burst of flavor.

Interested in switching things up a bit? Try adding some mango or coconut rum to create a unique, tropical experience. 

A Touch of Class with Oysters: A Daiquiri

Oysters have an unmistakably briny flavor that isn’t for the faint of heart. However, if you enjoy a well-prepared plate of oysters from time to time, we suggest pairing this delicacy with a Daiquiri.

This light, sweet cocktail is a great partner to the intense flavor of oysters and creates a palette cleanser between each bite. The experience is made even better by adding a wedge of lemon or lime to your beverage.   

The Perfect Pairing for Shrimp: A Bloody Mary

Shrimp is one of the most popular seafood dishes for its succulent texture, which is often enhanced with a complex array of seasonings. What better way to complement such a dish than a cocktail that brings a similar sensibility to the table?

Next time you order shrimp at your favorite seafood spot, order a Bloody Mary alongside it. The unexpected pairing of the Worcestershire sauce in your meal and the vodka in your drink will create a delightfully savory flavor profile.

Finding out what refreshing cocktail to pair with your delicious seafood dinner can change your whole dining experience! Next time you find yourself at a seafood restaurant give one of these pairings a try!

There’s nothing quite like the savory appeal of a perfectly cooked steak. Whether you slap it on the grill unadorned, pan-sear it with butter and S&P, or prefer the oak-grilled perfection found at the best Tampa steak restaurants, a perfect porterhouse or petit filet makes for a decadent dining experience. 

Of course, variety is the spice of life. In addition to choosing the cooking method and deciding how well you want your steak cooked, you can add a range of toppings that enhance the flavor, texture, and overall appeal of your leftover steak at home!

While you’ve probably already tried standbys like caramelized onions or sauteed mushrooms, not to mention tangy blue cheese or gorgonzola, there’s a whole world of innovative toppings that might just blow your mind. Here are a few options to consider when you want to spice up your leftover steak.

1. Zesty Chimichurri Sauce

This refreshing sauce — sometimes referred to as “Argentine barbecue sauce” — brings a lot of color and flavor to your steak, thanks to traditional ingredients like:

• Parsley
• Oregano
• Vinegar and olive oil
• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Depending on how you like it, you can keep chimichurri fairly neutral or ratchet up the heat. Add some orange or lemon zest for a surprising hit of brightness on the palate if you want a fresh twist on this classic. 

2. Peach Reduction

Sure, you can add flavor and fiber with fruit or veggie sides, but if you’ve never added fruit flavors to the top of your steak, you’re missing out on a sweet, bright balance that truly complements the salty, savory appeal of steak. 

A reduction of pureed peaches paired with beef stock, vinegar, and brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweet and sour flavors to make every bite of steak really pop. 

3. Berry Balsamic

Balsamic vinegar can add tons of flavor to any recipe with its rich, complex flavor profile. If you want a sweet and tart experience, a balsamic reduction with blackberries or raspberries is just the ticket. Use sparingly, though, to not overwhelm the delicate flavor balance. 

4. Bacon Jam

If a steak just isn’t enough meat for you, what better protein to add than bacon? To take it to the next level, skip the strips of greasy goodness and opt for a fancy bacon jam. 

Bacon jam recipes usually start with the following ingredients:

• Bacon
• Onions
• Garlic
• Vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Spices

The beauty of these recipes is that you can really make them your own. Some people amp up the sweetness with maple syrup, while others mix in cayenne pepper or even coffee. The good news is that when you whip up a big batch, you can enjoy it with tons of other meals, as well. 

5. Seafood — A Must-Try Experience

Surf-and-turf is a classic combo, but you don’t necessarily have to cook up a lobster tail on the side when deciding to add a hearty option to your leftover steak. Instead, opt for a seafood topper like oak-grilled shrimp or a crusted crab recipe that perfectly blends the brine of surf with the umami of turf. 

With a bit of imagination and a sense of culinary adventure, you can take any leftover steak that’s delicious to begin with and make a truly tantalizing dish that transports your taste buds to flavor nirvana.