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
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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 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
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 By Jeff Stolowitz
Daytona Beach Shores Friday nights around here have changed and the upscale dining scene begins to grow in the Daytona Beach area. Once again I attended another wine dinner and pairing at The Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Shores. The wine dinner this evening featured wines from Foley Vineyards presented by Kim Braddock. The meal was prepared by the great team now run by Executive Chef Devin Gainor and Sous Chef Patrick Ransom. The evening began with a first course of a play on Oysters Rockefeller. It featured a delicate Lemon crumb topping, Goat Cheese and a Kale Pesto. This went perfectly alongside the Roth Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc... 100% of the varietal. The traditional notes of Grapefruit were balanced by hints of Green Melon. A smooth starter for the rest of the dinner. Our second course arrived as the sounds of a duo playing live acoustic music began to drift through the room. My table facing the ocean I was treated to an incredibly executed Sea Scallop with a Smoky Corn and Calabrian Chili sauce that had just the right combo of sweet, smoke and spice.
Our server Natalie poured the Chardonnay by Foley Johnson. It was perfect reminding one of summertime in a Peach Farm. Next up was an interesting dish a Porchetta.
A pork roll with a bark like spiced candy and a fermented Salsa Verde. This was a sauce the venerable Mark Miller of Southwestern Cuisine fame would deem worthy of his restaurant Coyote Café. Then the surprise of the night a Pinot Noir. No I mean a real Pinot Noir. The nose the color the balance, pepper and spice and everything nice by Banshee. Yes this Pinot Noir screamed Pinot Noir and maybe the name is just apropos. Our main course was here.
Skirt Steak with a Red Chimichurri they flirted with each other like two fiery lovers. Swooning already I reached for my Dessert a Glass of Chalk Hill Sonoma Red Blend. 6 varietals blended together to wash down the greatest meal all summer long. As always outstanding results are achieved by those who break the mold and the culinary staff at The Shores Resort and Spa does just that each and every time. 2637 S Atlantic Ave (32.43 mi)
Daytona Beach Shores, Florida 32118 Get Directions (866) 934-7467 www.shoresresort.com ADVERTISERS By Jeff Stolowitz
The music just begged for a black and white photography shoot this past Saturday. A perfect blend on a Saturday Night at Main Street Station in Daytona Beach. Thanks to Brian Tanturri a regular at this great Night Life spot for asking us to take a few shots. Hayfire (https://www.facebook.com/Hayfire/) just lights up the night with its colorful versio of upbeat Country Western sytle music. Dancing is definetly allowed. #lifeisbetterinthegarage www.masinstreetlive.com 316 Main Street Daytona Beach, Fl 32118 By Jeff Stolowitz Thursday's are usually reserved for quiet time before the weekend here at Behind Daytona. However while driving my late night UBER shift a request came through from "Mark" on Seabreeze it was 3AM. I knew who I was picking up, and chuckled. Mark Rosenthal, a friend now manages the strip of the Seabreeze Entertainment district. Mark informed me that Thursday night this past week was going to be packed with great music, he didn't lie. 5 Time Shag, Pulp Free Fiction, Michael Makepeace, Dellacoma and Days to Come. He was absolutely correct. Lets start with 5 Time Shag a popular Local Band fronted by Scotty and backed up by incredible musicians Giullio, Eric and Patsy on the Kit, the smallest drum kit we have seen with the largest sound you ever heard. Next up at what I call Ricks Incubator, "The Patio" was Pulp Free Fiction. A new young band about to break out and hit the muzic scene here in Daytona. You could smell the Ganja coming out of the notes played by the guitar, just hot. Ok so this was then followed by the Band "Days to Come" out of Albany Georgia. Hard driving rock led by vocalist Justin Goodson. The presence on stage is raw, biting and something we have not seen here in Daytona for some time. They have opened for some great bands including Saliva who are set to appear at Main Street Station Labor Day. The headliner this night was "Delacoma" This was just kick ass stuff as the band features the former guitarist from Shinedown, Justin Todd and on the Drums and Keyboards Jarrod Medwin a consumate proffesional. The performance was just what you would hope for. Loud, Tight, Driving, Energetic and Deep. The Rok Bar and the Entertainment that comes out of it has come of age. I look forward to years of great music. Thanks and hats off to Mark Rosenthal and Richard Kitt great supporters of local Live Music 5 Time ShagDays to ComePulp Free FictionDellacomaBy 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 By Jeff Stolowitz Daytona Beach Behind Daytona was fortunate enough today to get a hard hat tour of the brand new Cocina 214 that's going to be opening beachside on A1A in Daytona at the end of January. The building is nearing completion and the owner and founder of Cocina 214, Lambrine Macejewski was telling us how she's going to having a job fair onsite Jan 2nd, and can't wait to start hiring locals. Training begins soon. Lambrine Macejewski by all accounts is the exact type of entrepreneur the city is beginning to attract. As we talked with her she mentioned that restaurants are in her blood. Having been in the industry for 40 years I could see the drive and passion in her eyes. It is unmistakable. They light up when you ask her questions like, what type of entertainment they will provide and she pointed to an area between Cocina and the soon to open by Jimmy Buffett. Saying, “that will be green space with access to the ocean, it will be shared and they intend on doing outdoor sit on the lawn events.” The restaurant will hold 345 people and is an impressive 7857 square feet. It features an outside Tiki Bar, Private Dining area, outdoor fire pits and views from inside of the Atlantic Ocean. Breathtaking and fantastically planned the contractor and master builder John McCann was able to get the best out of this space. It's impressive. He even thought through the material that will be used to make the bar outside so that it will weather the extreme elements we can experience on the beach. A massive kitchen will allow Executive Chef Isidoro Alvarez and his team to focus on their inventive Tex-Mex cuisine with fresh local ingredients and made from scratch dishes, can you say “Homemade Tortillas”. While there will be a wide variety of wine and beer and a full bar, Lambrine is all about the Margaritas, made always with fresh lime juice and ingredients. This means tequila, lots of it. Coquina will be an awesome compliment to the growing dining scene in the city. It will be the first restaurant to open on the beach in decades and by all accounts signals the great boom in Daytona is here and here to stay. We are looking forward to the Grand Opening and to many years of dining on the ocean drinking margaritas and eating Tex-Mex cuisine at this location. Dining Beachside on Facebook Behind Daytona or Online Behind Daytona Cocina 214 357 S.Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach,Florida 32118 www.cocina214.com Behind Daytona is Sponsored by By Jeff Stolowitz Daytona Shores I attended the Monthly Wine Dinner at Azure. An Italian experience consisting of 5 courses paired with Villa Banfi Wines. I was invited by the Executive Chef Michael Bartscher and upon arriving a happy surprise, he was actually promoted to Food and Beverage Director. Villa Banfi meets Chef Patrick Ransom. Patrick has been the second in command as the Chef De Cuisine and was responsible for creating what was to be a unforgettable dining experience. This in a setting to die for, overlooking the churning Atlantic Ocean With the promotion of Executive Chef Michael Bartscher to the Food and Beverage Manager of the Daytona Shores Resort and Spa he has implemented a monthly Wine Dinner which is heartily attended. As I look around at least one notable Restaurateur, Ross Wylie from the Corkscrew Bar and Grill in New Smyrna Beach. To make things even better another Nick Antalek a knowledgeable manager that has been part of the foodie scene appears. I met Nick while briefly working at the now closed SW Grill. He has a firm grasp on the hospitality industry and wine in general. The wine is poured by our hosts and the first course arrives, it is a wonderful pairing and start. A San Angelo Pinot Grigio along side a Antipasto of Compressed Cantelope and Honeydew, Duck Prosciutto on a Mozzarella crisp drizzled with White Balsamic Vinegar. A crispness in the wine simple and bright notes of minerality was the perfect match The atmosphere is relaxed and easy going as the representative from Banfi gave us a history. Did you remember “Riunite on Ice”? she asked. With Mr. Bartscher putting on a personal touch sitting with guests. The dinner is off to a great start and I think Wine has come a long way since those days of Riunite and Mateus Our next course arrives it is Wood Roasted Pheasant and it is paired with an exquisite Amarone. This wine was the highlight for me. It was Supple, Tannic, Spicey but not to bold and finished with Cherry notes and of course Chef Ransom highlights this by using dark soaked cherry along side and white Carrot puree for the Pheasant. I asked the server Denise if she could pour a little more a she graciously did. This wine gets a 93 rating by me. If I actually rated wines like Robert Parker. Pausing for a minute, I remind myself how lucky I am to be sitting here and can only imagine how hard it will be for Napa and Sonoma to recover from the recent Fire Storms. Damaged or destroyed we're many wineries including Stags Leap. We send our condolences to those who lost their lives. A small quiet toast at our table is made. The third course Lobster Ravioli with Grilled Shrimp. Wait just wait. You know that feeling you get when you bite into the most perfectly cooked bite of food yes that's what happened. This dish highlighted Chef Ransom's skill and technical ability. Everything completely from scratch because the chef cares about what he's doing no I mean really completely from scratch even the guy who caught the lobster was at the dinner so we know where the lobster came from. Our Main Course arrives it is a Roasted Pork Loin stuffed with Prosciutto and Crusted with Herbs de Provence. They served the 2012 Banfi Brunello di Montalcino. A red wine that will continue to age extremely well but is incredibly deep and intense already. Then a surprising finish to the meal a Butterscotch Budino it reminds one of a deconstructed Creme Anglais Creme Brulee. Infused with dark berries. The whole experience was well worth it 4 Incredible Wines and 5 spectacular courses. The next event is in November. We can't wait. Azure Located in: The Shores Resort & Spa Address: 2637 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 Phone: (386) 767-7356 |
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