Category: News

Creamy mac and cheese. Sweet cold-water lobster. When it comes to culinary couples, there’s no topping this one-of-a-kind comfort food combo!

New to Stonewood’s Seasonal Flavors menu, our Six Cheese Lobster Mac is filled with fresh, familiar flavors to enjoy, all in one hearty bowl. Read on as we get to know this delicious dish, as well as the savory origins of lobster mac! Just grab a spoon and read on.

Six times the flavor

Mac and cheese makes for a delicious treat—but mac and cheese, cheese, cheese, cheese, cheese and cheese? Now that’s something truly special!

We’ve packed six times the flavor into our latest chef-inspired creation, layering cavatappi pasta with a creamy blend of white cheddar, fontina, parmesan, Velveeta, swiss and—for an extra rich touch—cream cheese. The result? A truly decadent comfort food experience. The addition of sweet cold-water lobster adds an extra element of flavorful fun. The tender meat pairs perfectly with the creamy mac-and-cheese base, delivering a dose of coastal charm in every bite. Topped with a crispy parmesan panko crust, this dish has everything you need for a comforting (and exciting!) dinner out.

Lobster mac in the making

What makes lobster mac such a delicious pairing? We know the flavor can’t be beat—mac and cheese provides the perfect, creamy backdrop for a number of mix-ins, and there’s something about the mild, tender texture of lobster that makes it a natural choice!

In recent years, lobster mac has grown in popularity—especially (but perhaps not surprisingly) in New England, where lobster reigns supreme. Google searches for “lobster mac and cheese” have been steadily increasing since about 2010, reaching an all-time high at the end of last year. In fact, December of every year sees a spike in searches for the creamy dish—suggesting that lobster mac has earned its spot among the great comfort foods we crave on cold winter days and holiday gatherings!

In addition to the rise of social media, which has no doubt helped spread the word (and delicious snaps) of lobster mac, the dish might have regional lobster numbers to thank for its popularity. In 2010, for example, Maine saw its largest-ever lobster haul at 93 million pounds. Having more than enough lobster on hand likely played a role in chefs cooking up new and exciting ways to use the meat.

Whatever the reason may be, we’re glad lobster mac is here—it’s a delicious pick for those who crave comfort food, a bit of New England flavor, or just a fresh spin on their favorite pasta dish!

For lobster mac magic at home…

Want to enjoy lobster mac at home? Here are a few delicious tips for nailing down the dish…

• Start with fresh ingredients. From the lobster to the cheese, it’s hard to go wrong with lux, gourmet flavors when trying out a new dish!
• Slow and steady wins the race. Most stovetop mac recipes call for warming up butter, milk, and flour (for French-minded foodies, a Béchamel sauce). While you may be tempted to speed up the process with a higher heat, a slow, steady approach is truly the best way to go—you won’t burn your milk, and you will be able to enjoy a smoother, ooey-gooey cheese experience.

For a creamy, cheesy treat, be sure to try this latest addition to our Seasonal Flavors menu! We can’t wait to see you soon.

Theme parks. Beautiful beaches. Plentiful parks to explore. Add culture-packed craft distilleries to the list of Florida’s most trip-worthy destinations.

Just like the state itself, these spots embody a unique kind style, an effortless blend of local heritage and spirits that can’t help but stand out. But in the case of one such spot, Copper Bottom Craft Distillery, it’s the personal touch—the family quality—that makes it a truly one-of-a-kind destination. Read on to explore.

Getting to know Copper Bottom

Located in Holly Hill, Copper Bottom offers you the chance to enjoy craft drinks by the coast—but its history extends far past Florida’s current reputation as a top vacation destination. The site does not sit far from the remnants of North America’s oldest sugar plantation and rum distillery, Three Chimneys—making Copper Bottom a destination that’s seeped in local tradition.

For co-founder Jenni Craig, starting Copper Bottom and sharing that tradition with Stonewood Grill & Tavern was about more than just business—in many ways, it seemed to be fated from the start. Jenni had worked at Stonewood locations throughout college, and remembers seeing philanthropist and Stonewood CEO Gale Lemerand’s name everywhere she went: from her fitness center to a street name at the University of Florida, and even the auditorium at her dream job at Embry-Riddle. When Copper Bottom first got started, then, it only made sense that Stonewood would be the first restaurant to proudly feature a Copper Bottom cocktail: the achievement of one of its very own.

The family element began with the very earliest makings of Copper Bottom—Jenni and husband Jeremy knew they wanted to start a family business, and Jeremy’s father and both grandfathers had backgrounds in brewing. But it took one fateful European excursion and a few big changes—namely, the growing of their family and Jeremy’s company being sold—to catapult Copper Bottom into existence.

“Our business plan started on a beverage napkin on a high-speed train in Italy,” Jenni remembers.

Jenni, her mother and father-in-law, and Jeremy decided to begin their business—and used all of their unique backgrounds to do it: Jenni with marketing, for example, and her father-in-law’s experience with the industry.

“We all brought something significant to the table,” she says. To this day, family remains an integral part of Copper Bottom. The award-winning brand is up-and-coming, expanding across the state of Florida, and the whole crew’s been there to help at every step of the way.

As for the unique name itself, “Copper Bottom” doesn’t just sound good. It, too, possesses a personal significance to the distillery. It stems from 18th century British Royal Navy ships, which were clad in copper sheathing to speed up the boats, make them bulletproof, and keep the wood seaworthy for as long as possible. “Copper Bottom” came to be a symbol of strength on and off the water, of a steadfast, genuine, fear-nothing dedication that the distillery itself exemplifies.

Copper Bottom’s most famous export would, naturally, have to be its rum: Silver or Gold, each making use of the unrefined sugar cane that once defined Florida’s east-central coast. You can explore the behind-the-scenes work that goes into each on a tour or visit to the tasting room. When you’re bringing the whole crew along, book a private trip for an even more personal experience, one that’s sure to enhance your appreciation of the spirits you already know and love.

While you’re in the area…

Making the trip from out of state? Or simply want to make the most of your coastal craft tour? One destination that’s not to be missed is the St. Augustine Distillery. Another spot that’s packed in historical significance, this distillery is located in America’s oldest city—and its spirits boast fun, local references, with names like “New World Gin” and the aptly-named “Florida Cane Vodka.”

While the distillery itself might be a growing enterprise, its location is familiar to local history buffs. The renovated ice manufacturing plant, a relic of early 20th-century St. Augustine, serves as the distillery’s beloved home.

Like the family at Copper Bottom, the St. Augustine Distillery promises to make your visit worth the trip. Guests can enjoy tours or time in the tasting room to enjoy small-batch spirits, free of charge. Like the fortress Castillo de San Marcos, or St. George Street, the St. Augustine Distillery is steadily becoming a beloved attraction for locals and visitors alike.

A Stonewood must-do

Looking to enjoy your favorite flavors, like Copper Bottom Rum, closer to home? Your local Stonewood Grill & Tavern is serving them up! One must-do drink is our Copper Bottom Mojito. The recipe is simple but worth savoring: we combine Copper Bottom Rum with lime, mint, and simple syrup. With the quality foundation provided by Copper Bottom, the perfect drink is never complicated.

When you visit any of Florida’s finest distilleries, there will be just one thing on your mind: “cheers!”. Take a tour to see the dedication that goes into crafting your favorite spirits—then, enjoy them firsthand right here at Stonewood.

A Holiday Tour in Historic St. Augustine As America’s oldest city, St. Augustine offers an immersive peek into the past—a historic treat nestled at the heart of Floridian paradise.

During the holidays, the allure is only amplified, making it a fitting excursion for locals and visitors alike.

Why St. Augustine?

It’s especially fitting to celebrate winter festivities at St. Augustine—because the town’s ties to the holiday season extend far back into its history. In fact, some have suggested that St. Augustine played host to America’s first Thanksgiving, a humble event that took place 56 years before the Pilgrims broke bread at Plymouth. When Spanish Admiral Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés arrived on shore in 1565, he and the new colonists—about 800 in total—took part in a Catholic mass to give thanks for their safety, and afterwards shared a meal with the indigenous Timucuan people.

University of Florida professor Michael Gannon noted that “It was the first community act of religion and thanksgiving in the first permanent settlement in the land.” From then St. Augustine has served as a sort of foothold of Spanish culture in the Americas, and the effect can still be seen: today, beautiful porticos, colonial architecture, and cultural traditions—in and out of the holiday season—serve as cherished relics of Spanish influence.

Exploring the old city

St. Augustine’s Spanish heritage makes it a haven for holiday traditions—and its biggest, the vibrant Nights of Lights, is just one of many activities to enjoy while you’re in town. Consider exploring…

St. George Street

You won’t need a car to explore this quaint street, a pedestrian‐friendly excursion that features shops and cafes that come alight during the holidays. Step into history as you stroll past gift stores where you can discover that perfect present, or snap family photos by the colorful storefronts and balconies that so aptly reflect the Spanish colonial aesthetic.

Wine and carriage rides

For your perfect holiday date night, a wine and carriage ride through Old St. Augustine to see the sights, the people, and those beautiful light displays. The ideal ambiance awaits. For family‐friendly fun, The Tasting Tours provide a Rockin’ Red Roaster Ride that gives the whole crew to take part and enjoy the simplicity of this back‐to‐basics mode of transport.

Beautifully‐trimmed B&Bs

You won’t find skyscrapers and lux penthouse suites in St. Augustine—when you visit, your accommodations come in the form of charming inns and bed‐and‐breakfasts, cozy destinations where people come first—and you can’t help but feel right at home.

At this time of year, these destinations get a chance to express their spirit and tradition through the form of bright, elaborate light displays and holiday flourishes. Each has its own unique look—the inns vary from elegant Christmas trimmings to colorful, kid‐friendly displays of Santa Claus and toys galore. Whether you’re checking in, or simply want to admire the ambiance, St. Augustine’s inns are certainly worth a visit.

Live music

Holiday tunes are beloved—live holiday tunes, even more so! St. Augustine’s holiday offerings include live music that is often played on cool weekend nights, at the Plaza de la Constitución’s gazebo. After dinner, stroll up and sway to your favorite songs or just reflect on the warm, cozy spirit of the season. When they play, the musicians add a festive vibrancy to St. Augustine’s streets that you can’t find anywhere else.

Nights of Lights

Of course, all these activities revolve around the main event—the Nights of Lights. When it comes to big, beautiful holiday displays, St. Augustine knows no bounds, and lets the lights shine from November 18th all the way through the end of January! So no matter how hectic the season may be, you can always find time to delight at the age‐old tradition of lights, which dates all the way back to Spain’s earliest holiday traditions. Spanish people would put candles in their windows at Christmastime as a sort of homage to the Biblical story of Mary, Joseph, and their search for an inn that might welcome them inside.

There’s no “one way” to see the lights—for St. Augustine explorers, every spot offers a new opportunity to “ooh” and “ah” at the vibrant displays. Take a trolley ride through town for a relaxed way to soak in the sights, or take a boat tour. You can also visit the tree at the Plaza de la Constitución, or venture toward the Bridge of Lions for a sparkling, waterfront view of the lights.

For family fun or date night adventures, the warm, classic charm of St. Augustine makes it a must‐do for all. Rediscover a brighter, cooler side of Florida and get to know a destination that oozes culture and tradition, both at Christmas and beyond.

‘Tis the season of light, cheer, and spending time with the people you love. Why not celebrate them all with a holiday feast, decked to perfection?

In a season that can be as fleeting as it is festively fun, you deserve the chance to take a break and enjoy it all with friends and family. Read on, relax, and we’ll show you how!

Go for gifts in an all-new way

Gift-giving is, of course, an integral and time-honored part of the holiday season. But the shopping scramble shouldn’t be stressful, especially when the very point of your holiday feast is to unwind and relax! Make the gift-giving process a little simpler (and a lot more fun) by turning it into a game, where each person only needs to bring one gift—instead of checking every other guest off their list.

Some ideas include Secret Santa, where each participant picks out a random friend’s name and brings a gift for them, saving the big reveal for the very last minute. You can also try a variant of White Elephant, the fun party game that has everyone bring one gift with universal appeal. Participants take turns picking gifts and unwrapping them—but the players that follow them can either unwrap a new gift, or steal one that’s been opened, adding an element of fun and suspense to the game.

Think about themes

Whether it’s a lavish dinner feast or laidback holiday get together, your party is the perfect place to host a “theme night” of sorts. Ask everyone to don their ugliest, tackiest Christmas sweater—or perhaps tell them to dress like their favorite holiday movie character. No matter the theme you choose, these simple ideas add an aspect of fun and festivity to your party—a must-have at this time of year.

Consider DIY décor

Pinched for time when it comes to decorations? “DIY” them! The do-it-yourself approach will save you some cash and time scrambling to the party store, all while helping you craft meaningful handmade pieces. If your holiday party includes young attendees, they’ll love a chance to get involved on the fun, too. Have them doodle on butcher paper for easy DIY gift wrap or banners, or create tissue paper poinsettias for a colorful, festive addition to your table.

Play table games

Looking for ways to keep the conversation flowing? Come to your party prepared with a handful of table games you can play! We’re not talking chess or checkers—rather, games like “guess that Christmas song” or “who am I?” where each guest wears a name tag, while those around them provide clues as to the person or thing that’s on that tag (for example, “Rudolph” or “The Nutcracker”). It’s a table-friendly take on charades, one that’s sure to elicit lots of fun and laughs.

Relax—it’s contagious

Above all, have fun! Your relaxed, laidback attitude is sure to be contagious, so it’s the easiest way to ensure a party that flows. After all, you won’t remember the perfectly-placed name cards and flower arrangements fluffed to perfection—just the smiles, laughs and stories you share along the way.

As you search for ways to relax, why not bring your holiday party to Stonewood? We’ll take care of the menu—and the ambiance, too—so you can focus on the simple pursuit of time and conversation with the people you love most. We make it easier than ever to host the perfect party. You can even reserve a group dining room online, perfect for those cozy family gatherings where you crave a space of your own.

For gatherings big and small, for the kids or kids-at-heart, we hope these tips help you achieve the perfect holiday experience. Come visit Stonewood to enjoy the seasonal festivities in a vibrant, no-fuss atmosphere the whole crew is sure to enjoy.

This fall, why not heat up your palate as the temperature outside is cooling down? Now is the perfect time to indulge in spicy foods with a kick!

Take a look below to see some of our favorite Stonewood picks that are worth the heat (and the extra glugs of water!).

Fish Dip

For a fun seafood starter—one that’s sure to kickstart your dining experience—try our Fish Dip! We balance out the mild taste of smoked white fish with a lively medley of flavors in the form of capers, diced red onions, and, of course, sliced jalapeño that’s sure to “wow.”

Stone Bits

If you love Stonewood’s tender Filet Mignon, try it on a smaller, spicier scale with our Stone Bits! This dish is served up with horseradish sauce, whose heat is famously felt through your sinuses. Wonder why that is? Like mustard, horseradish contains isothiocyanate, which reacts with the air and your mouth to create a thoroughly hot sensation.

Scallops on Fire

This delicious dish sure lives up to its name! The “fire” aspect of this dish is two-fold: first, we flash-sauté bay scallops with shallots. Then, we bake them in a fiery sriracha cream sauce that’s sure to invigorate your taste buds.

Tuna Steak

For a flavorful seafood entrée, our Tuna Steak can’t be beat. While the vibrant colors of this dish are sure to catch your eye, it’s the addition of chili garlic to the steak that really packs a heated, flavorful punch.

Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon

Don’t forget about our Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon! Roasted to perfection, we top our salmon off with an apricot mustard jalapeño glaze that adds a spicy kick to the already-flavorful fish.

Which of these hot options are you most excited to try? Let us know below—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!