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
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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 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
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 By Jeff Stolowitz
Daytona Beach Sunsetters Riverfront Bar & Grill has hired Josh Overstreet as their new Chef. Now in the middle of their second year the growing business has finally reached the stage where instead of a Kitchen manager they are upping the ante by putting in place a sous Chef. We spoke with proprietor Gerri Shoaf about the change. She said, "It was time for a menu change with that the decision was clear new menu, new Chef. Josh has been cooking for 15 years. His travels took him from Oklahoma to Colorado, to Texas to now here in Daytona Beach. Since 2011 he has honed skills at multiple area locations including the Halifax Marina Yacht Club and the now the closed Blue Grotto. After a short stint at Cocina 214 he was offered the chance of a lifetime and accepted the challenge presented to him of running a large established location by offering his style of cooking. Josh says he likes Italian and creating new dishes with what is available so you can expect to see some of that begin to make its way through specials to your plate. Chef Josh loves his Rum, drinks domestic beer and is a lefty guitarist and as well.
We asked a fun question based on an old you tube video. Has anyone ever ordered an Eggless Omelet from you? His response was spot on, "Yes" and he created the dish from all the other ingredients. Happily married with no kids they both love the lifestyle of living Beachside in Daytona. Sunsetters is open 7 days a week, they have live entertainment daily specials and a fantastic brunch. One things for certain the view alone from the outside deck is super cool. Make your reservations today.
Sunsetters is located at the foot of the Main Street Bridge 115 Main St. Daytona Beach, Florida 32118 (386) 333-9798 Advertisers The Winners
Millie's Restaurant and Catering A fantastic small family eatery. One of the best dining spots to open in years. The freshest fish and locally sourced produce are a key ingredient to this eatery headed by Chef Jeremy Wimmer Creative and affordable. Floridian Cuisine no doubt. We recommend Shoestring fries and Pineapple Upside Down Cake Bonus they deliver. A fantastic addition to the Daytona Shores scene. WINNER: BEST NEW RESTAURANT Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor
This place is quintessential Florida. Situated at Ponce Inlet, the entire restaurant was rebuilt by Restauranteur Michael Schaler after it was destroyed by the last two Hurricanes. A brand new look and feel combined with the fish from the area that literally jump off the boat into your plate. Live music and a friendly upbeat staff make this the Shangri La of Dining in our area WINNER: COMEBACK OF THE YEAR Azure in the Shores Resort and Spa (Daytona Shores)
The chef became the F&B Manager but that has not affected anything regarding the delicious food. Most certainly the view has not changed. A mainstay in the hospitality industry in our area. The creativity is still a focus as is the way they incorporate exotic produce to pair with aged steaks or Piranha Ribs. Pricey but worth it. WINNER: BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT DINING & BEACHFRONT VIEW Ice Plant (St. Augustine)
About as unique place as you will ever find anywhere in the world. The Ice Plant was exactly that at the turn of the century. The building now converted serves up a blend of contemporary cuisine mixed with a craft cocktail hipster bar, Shaped Ice Cubes, Smoke and Steel WINNER: MOST UNIQUE EATERY Main Street Station (Daytona Beach)
By an overwhelming margin Main Street Station is the place to visit. Concerts, Fashion Shows, Fundraisers, Comedy, Culture, History and so much more. The owner Phaedra Lee has created and preserved Daytona's cultural iconic building owned by NASCAR's Bill France As she likes to say #lifesbetterinthegarage No loss for diversity either as they host Latin Night, Blues Night, Bike Night and Comedy Night on a monthly basis. Paired with bigger shows Main Street Station is the place locals call home. WINNER: BEST PLACE OVERALL The Seabreeze Entertainment District (Daytona Beach)
Richard Kitt is an eclectic entrepreneur to say the least. He has created a strip of bars and eateries he collectively named the Seabreeze Entertainment Center. It is locally known for its 420 munchies and best burgers. They host an incredible array and blend of local talent along with some very unique underground national acts. We call this the incubator and it is great to catch some of the young talented teens that play on the outside stage fondly called The Patio. WINNER: BEST LATE NIGHT 420 MUNCHIES Cocina 214 (Daytona Beach)
Opened in 2018 the is the first brand new restaurant opened on the beach in decades. Mexican food, fresh margaritas and fajitas. The view is like no other in Daytona Beach as you dine outside facing the immense Atlantic Ocean. There is nowhere else in Daytona they have fresh Homemade Tortillas and the Ceviche is always fantastic WINNER: BEST MEXICAN, SECOND PLACE FOR OCEANFRONT DINING Sunsetters Riverfront Bar and Grill (Daytona Beach)
The view is spectacular when the sunsets, its the perfect spot during Biketoberfest and Bike Week to view the Motorcycles as they cross over the Mainstreet Bridge. Live music on the deck, sunset shots, and a tasty menu are just part of this slice of Florida in Daytona Beach. Fried Softshell Crab Sandwich, Loaded Chicken Tenders, Oysters and a Free Sunset Shot Every night and the traditional blowing of the Conch greets patrons as they watch the sky go by. WINNER: BEST SUNSET DINING Burgey's Tiki Hut (Daytona Beach)
Now in their second year Burgey's is a great find on the Beachside, Mainstreet in Daytona Beach. There Crinkle Cut fries are second to none and the Burgess family has embedded itself in the heart of our community featuring local musicians and incredible fish tacos and the incredible Walking Taco WINNER: MOST FRIENDLY BEST SERVICE The Bounty at Flagler Tavern (New Smyrna Beach)
Our best kept secret. Upscale perfection on Flagler Ave in New Smyrna Beach. Craft Cocktails with a unique viewing perspective of one of the oldest cities in America , New Smyrna. The attention to detail is incredible. A must for the foodie in you. WINNER: BEST SPEAK EASY By Jeff Stolowitz
Staff Writer Photo Contributors Jeff Stolowitz Karen Romano Adams One of the best things about Daytona Beach is that it is the World's Most Famous Beach and recently it has been absolutely living up to its reputation with the openings of Millie's Restaurant and Catering in the Daytona Shores and Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor in Ponce Inlet followed by the grand openings of Cocina 214 and the Landshark Bar & Grill on Beachside and that is just the tip of the iceberg. It sure has been chilly this winter but things heated up this week call meeting with the ribbon cutting at both places VIP events on Wednesday night and Thursday showcased incredible food that both places have to offer and the hospitality that will be shown guests as they come to these places Fresh Tortillas freshly made margaritas and LandShark beer that Jimmy Buffett made famous are but just a few of the things that people can try while visiting these places featuring outdoor bars, fire pits an outdoor stage, shopping and access to the beach. For vision this new Daytona Beach look is striking with it's Ocean Backdrop. It took guts to pull this off in a short 6 Month period. We have an album of photos showing various phases of construction xxxx Insert Gallery. It is also certain that the music scene already booming with places like Main Street Station, Sunsetters Riverfront Bar and Grill, and now Burgey's Tiki Hut. Will no doubt bring new talent and offer local musicians new places to entertain. Event Promotion and planning are on the rise and so it goes. With the Mayor Derrick Henry, The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, Executives from Tomoka Consolidated, County Executives, Owners, friends and families from both locations, a full staff and a crowd of about 200 people cheering, the ribbons were cut and Restaurant History was made Behind Daytona Make your reservations now!!! FULL PHOTO ALBUM By Stknthe80's Photography |
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