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The California Wine Dinner at The Shores Resort and Spa 2019
Wines featured by Steel Vineyards September 18th Jeff Stolowitz Daytona Shores, Florida The Shores Sip & Savor Wine Dinners bring me back to my roots as a chef. I guess you can say I have had Writers Block because it has been awhile since I have written. The Sip and Savor series in 2019 has been nothing short of spectacular leading us to the most recent dinner this past Wednesday night. Featuring 5 wines from Steele Vineyards out of Lake County, California, presented by Pablo Alfaro and 5 courses from new Executive Chef Steven Bernstein and the creative cuisine of Chef Bradford Brody. Overlooking the ocean on a spectacular evening with waves crashing many stories below and with Jeremy and Andrea of "Are Friends Electric" providing the musical backdrop a powerful great meal was served. The 1st course featured a small delectable bite of Brie En Croute, candied orange peel absolutely highlighted this first presentation which paired incredibly well with the citrus notes of the Shooting Star 2017 Savignon Blanc. As I looked around and counted there were about 28 people in attendance. The dinners have become more popular recently and there is a great reason. I realized this as course number 2 hit our table The 2nd course was one of those culinary journeys on a plate, that left you breathless as if you had just discovered a hidden waterfall. Black Tea Smoked Duck, Ramen Noodle Cake, Bok Choy & a Green Onion Oil, as I had my first bite I already knew the dish was spectacular as the aroma of smoke wafted around the table. This dish flowed like sea smoke and was more then everything you ever tasted anywhere anytime. the duck rendered to perfection, the crisp edges of the noodles, I thought "Chef Massimo Bottura" would want to recreate this Ramen perfection, a new level of sophistication and it paired perfectly with the Writers Block Grenache. The 3rd Course is simplicity and suave as they served a perfectly executed Gnocchi and Wild Mushroom plate, a touch of truffle on the nose actually accentuated the second course and paired with the Writers Block Petit Syrah it just moved you through the evening like the music just the right notes. The 4th Course featured a Faroe Island Salmon, rich smooth velvety fatty and just a delicious piece of fish served with Beluga Lentils & Cipollini Onions. At this point we have been on the land the sea and the sky so naturally a Steele Stymie Merlot Reserve 2014 was a great choice to pair the main course with. With the final and 5th course in sight a perfect espresso was served along side our Flour-less Chocolate Cake that had a Zinfandel Syrup and why not as we washed it all down with the Steele Zinfandel 2014 from Catfish Vineyard. What an incredibly successful dinner and maybe the best yet over the past two years. Join us next month for the Florida Craft Beer Dinner Oct 25th. 2637 S Atlantic Ave (0.16 mi) Daytona Beach Shores, Florida 32118 Get Directions (386) 767-7350 Send Message www.shoresresort.com   By Jeff Stolowitz Daytona Beach Shores March 2019 The Shores Resort and Spa Sip and Savor Series during bike week this year featured The Macallan Scotches for tasting. If you don't know anything about scotches The Macallan is the world's most collectible scotch, the oldest scotch that we know of that has a license to distill. On an incredibly gorgeous night overlooking the ocean with an intimate setting the dinner began. Our first course was a Delectable Bacon Wrapped Honey Drizzled Shrimp it paired with the 12 Year Double Cask Clear and with a hint of burnt orange on the nose and vanilla on the palate. The second course was a Braised Duck Leg, absolutely remarkable and reminiscent of Bobby Flay with the Smoked Corn Risotto. This paired with the 12 Year Sherry Oak Cask golden and a lingering fruit, oak and vanilla finish. With the Acoustic sounds of Dave Alexander in the background the night had just begun and out came our third course. It was a Smoked Pork chop with an unbelievable kick ass Mole sauce that will even make the best Southwestern Cuisine fans take notice. It paired perfectly with the Triple Cask 15 Year Matured Scotch. Color of wheat with the sun shining on it, incredibly balanced, chocolate, orange, rosey, spicy. Our pick for the night. We finished the evening with my favorite desert a Creme Brulee, almost fainting, I sipped the 4th paired Scotch an 18 Year Old Sherry Oak Cask A darker clear with noticeable ginger and oak. Incredibly rich finish. The series continues all year, once a month at The Shores Resort and Spa with the next date being April 24th that will feature French Wines https://www.facebook.com/events/794144804252437/?ti=cl   By Jeff Stolowitz Port Orange, Fl Feb 2019 Mulligan’s Grille and Sports Bar if you've been there once it's time to go again. If you haven't yet visited you should. Mulligan, the term, means a do over golf shot, but it also means a stew made from odds and ends. This place is not like the definitions of the word, in fact just the opposite. Tucked away in a strip mall on Nova and Dunlawton in Port Orange the place is fantastic. I stopped in on a random Saturday Afternoon for Lunch and the place was packed. Who knew? We sat at the bar because all the tables were full and this is unusually good news. 2pm Saturday afternoon nothing going on, race week over, something told me I was in for a treat and I was. Service even though it was busy was prompt, and on point, even if surprised at my order. I was hungry. I ordered Ribs and Fries to start. Absolutely outstanding fall off the bone, moist and meaty with the perfect stick to the ribs Tangy Bbq Sauce. I couldn't help but think how I have been missing out. My companion ordered a Taco Salad all I could say is “Huge” Kaboom everything you could think of in a taco right there in a fried Tortilla. Then there's the house salad a simple crispy salad with all the right stuff, it had Red Onion which was nice, I don't see that in a lot of places. For my meal I ordered a special from the Chalk Board, I am from NY and was hungry there was a Pastrami Reuben for under $9.00. Ordered and eaten in NY minute. Perfect with marbled Rye Bread, Mustard, Sauerkraut and the best Pastrami I've had since moving here 10 years ago. The place has nightly Entertainment, Trivia Night an Open Mic Night and Karaoke a local favorite Nightlife activity. They are open 7 days a week, feature a full bar, full menu lunch and dinner, and Happy Hour 11am to 7pm. What a great staff and a warm and welcoming owner. We definitely like this place as a true Behind Daytona find even if it is Behind Port Orange. Mulligans Grille and Sports Bar 3830 S Nova Rd B1 Port Orange, FL 32127 386 788-3268    By Jeff Stolowitz Daytona Beach January 2018 It was our second year attending this fun filled event hosted by the Shores Resort and Spa and Presented by Daytona Beverage Company. Florida Beer, great stuff the Craft Breweries around the state are presented here for the tasting. From Ormond Beach to Tampa and right here in Daytona Beach there is incredible craftmanship taking place. Two of our favorites from the day were Night Swim Porter by Coppertail and the Signature Blonde Pale Ale by Alan at Daytona Brewing both packed a whopping amount of flavor. With a Cornhole tournament and music by Local Favorites 5 Time Shag the day just perfect. Beer Music Pretzels and Cornhole and to funish it all off the Full Blood Moon rising while Clayton Sturgeon played live in the Lounge. We caught a few images of the day, enjoy and Cheers to the Beers  By Jeff Stolowitz January 2018 The Pub Crawl has without any doubt become a great way to meet new people and experience new places. This was my 3rd version the First two were pirate themed. The group has grown each time we put one of these on. This month we dressed as Gangsters and Flappers and visited four places all on Main Street in Daytona Beach. 1. The Roof 2. Burgey's Tiki Hut 3. Peanut and Georges Pub 4. Main Street Station The weather was perfect as we strolled down the street for hours. Onlookers snapping pictures. Tourists joining the crawl. Bartenders and owners benefiting. The whole feel of Main Street changes and the end result is a win win win win. This crawl we give partial proceeds to the Daytona Beach Blues Society which helps fund The Chase Academy and Kids Rock the Nation. Our next Crawl is in April see everyone there. Cowboys and Indians stops and details to follow. Check the event out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/266731207524931/?ti=cl   By Jeff Stolowitz January 2019 40 Years of Dining History, I kept wondering why I had never been here. The Daytona Shores, notorious for the Police Pulling everyone over for any reason. Maybe that was the answer but in reality it was my bias regarding Pizza in Florida. That was about to change. Porto Fino is a throwback to another era. Where Joe Pesci might meet Ray Liota or Deniro to discuss who sleeps with the fishes. With era appropo music playing "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees. This place has stayed alive in an era where foams moleculer gastronomy, and hand crafted everything this place slays you with great straight forward standard favorites. This is good food. I could tell as the aroma wafted from the kitchen into the dining room. Our appetizers were simple the Fresh Fried Zuccini sprinkled with Parm Cheese and a House Salad with a house made Italian Vinagrette perfection in every bite. The main courses were even better. House Speciall Marsala and Stuffed Shells. As I sat starry eyed after tasting the Marsala, I remembered being taught how to make this dish and the velvety taste of the wine that deglazed the pan and reduced with the mushrooms, magic!!! No not magic mushrooms but I was in a euphoric state. To finish the meal Cappucino, Espresso and the last sips of our Ruffino Chianti Classico. This my first visit it certainly will not be my last. To another 40 years I say, "Vine Vide Vici" Porto Fino 3124 South Atlantic Ave Daytona Beach, Florida 32118 Advertisers  By Jeff Stolowitz Just another night out and we tried the new Coastal Grill and Raw Bar and we got lucky, Port Orange got Lucky the place is a smash. We tried the Oyster Po Boy perfectly Crispy. Along side that we had a unique starter "Chowder Fries" and we left that picture out because we ate them before we could Snap a picture and yes they are that good. We also sampled the Mac and Cheese and we wiped up the cheese with our fingers, just scrumptious. Then a Porterhouse Pork Chop, I had a foodgasm. To wash it down one kick Ass Mule with Local Copper Bottom Craft Distillery Vodka The Homemade Pickles were to die for The Creme Brulee is executed perfectly. Our Waitress/Mixologist Kristy, we hope that we spelled that right was great. Music by Anthony was Calypsific, yes "Calypsific" is a made up word. Coastal Grill & Raw Bar is different and it is a great addition to the Daytona Beach Area Foodie's scene. We did expect more Seafood but everything was so awesome it really didn't matter. We will be back and highly recommend visiting the establishment. Coastal Grill and Raw Bar 1078 Dunlawton Ave, Port Orange, FL 32127 ADVERTISMENT  By Jeff Stolowitz December 2018 Each year the line grows for our Dinner said Main Street Station owner Phaedra Lee. This year was special as we recalled the fund raising events this year. From the Battle of the Babes to The Shriners to the Freedom 100 Ride. Customers helped raise over $10,000 for various causes and charities from Kids to Vets in 2018. The dinner is just another way to give back, this time to those who give or in many cases just need a meal on the Holidays. With the sounds of Penta killing it on the stage with versions of Pink Floyd that were simply as close as you will get the Pot Luck was rolled out. "If you don't eat yer meat, you can't have any pudding. How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat?" Deviled Eggs, Baked Ziti, Meatballs, Roasted Red Potatoes, Vegetable fresh Herb Medly, Smithfield Ham, Pies, Cookies, Fudge and more. All smiles and full bellies at the end of the day said it all.  
By Jeff Stolowitz
Photos By Jeff Stolowitz On any other night Wednesdays around here is Bike Night with hundreds of Riders going back and forth to end up at Main Street Station or Bam Bam's but this week we were once again lucky to be invited to the Wine Dinner Series at The Shores Resort and Spa. Something a little magical occurred this night as the dinner featured a duet called Memory Lane playing. in that duet is a guitarist who plays with the Band Miss Intent one of the most popular bands now in our area. With St Francis wines as the headliner having Memory Lane was the touch that caused the dinner to be the most interactive dinner since we started attending them, about 30 attendees were treated to a fabulous 4 course extravaganza. With the first course arriving the wine began swirling, a 2015 Chardonnay, Buttery and balanced, the wine had the perfect nose of peach and burnt oak. It paired with Chef Patrick Ransom's Sassafras infused White Lafourche Shrimp Gumbo. A shining example of what working with fresh ingredients can mean.
. Next up was the ORA KING a farm raised fatty Salmon from New Zealand bred to be just that fatty and flavorful this paired with my favorite wine of the evening the 2015 Pinot Noir a shining example of a 100% Pinot Noir with clarity and visuals that leave you shaking your head. I asked for another glass. lest not forget the Golden Beets that added an earthy undertone that made this dish an experience. We chatted a bit with food blogger for the West Volusia Beacon Ryan Rougeux and I both agreed this was a special meal and then the third course arrived. Ox Tail Osso Bucco, yes it was and not since my days eating a Blue Ribbon Restaurant in NYC delving in Bone Marrow with Oxtail Marmalade have I melted into a dish so eagerly. For me this was the highlight of everything great they have done this year. Of course it was paired with a Cabernet Blend 2014 it needs that tannin to cut through the delicious cartilage, marrow meet and fat that made me want more. The evening finished with a dessert few would endeavor to attempt a 10 layer Crepe Cake, Chocolate & Raspberry yummy goodness and the tenacious Chef Ransom pulls another Rabbit out of the hat and completes the meal with a 2015 Old Vine Zin reminiscent of what you'd expect roots, earth, bittersweet chocolate the perfect touch to a perfect meal. The Shore Resort & Spa 2637 S Atlantic Ave (32.41 mi) Daytona Beach Shores, Florida 32118 Get Directions www.shoresresort.com |
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