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
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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 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
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: Sarah Kat Video Contributor Bill Jolley Saturday is typically a day that most families congregate and spend time together. This past Saturday was no different. Local Angels a local charity hosted a family fun day at the Doug Out Sports Bar and Grill. The charity was accepting donations, and provided entertainment for the children as well as haircuts for those in need. Local Angels assists children with any obstacles in life that arises, by offering services to children with special needs, emotional needs, and terminal illness as well as at risk teens. They assist with keeping families together that are struggling to maintain custody. The day offered a variety of activities to partake in. There was a bouncy house, Clyde the miniature horse, two owls on display, carnival games and hot dogs for the kids to nosh on. They were handing out clothing and accepting donations. The Seabreacher Florida came and made an appearance as well. It was displayed out front of the restaurant and even Clyde had to get his photo taken. All for a great cause. Clyde is a miniature horse and very loving therapy horse that specializes in working with special needs children. A healthy outlet for the kiddos to work through the trauma they’ve suffered. Elaine, his handler, takes him to various events around town and offers lessons as well. Wild About Birds is a local non-profit organization that is involved with the preservation and education of Florida’s natural habitats to maintain them for wildlife. They had Frodo the Screech Owl as well as Miko the Barred Owl on display for this event. Their handler, Gina Holt, took the time to answer each and every single question asked and was delighted to do so. You could tell that these owls were loved and well taken care of. If you are interested in donating children’s clothing or school supplies, please look up Local Angels or Elaine Holt on Facebook. They are always in need of donations. From clothing to school supplies to sporting goods, all donations are welcomed. For more information on Clyde, please visit Elaine Holt Horses on Facebook for details. Local Angels can be found on Facebook for more information Visit their page https://www.facebook.com/Localangelsormondfl/ or call Elaine at 386 290-3040 Check out the video Shot by our Associate Bill Jolley Photography https://www.facebook.com/jolleyaerialphotography/videos/2184019025150808/ 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 FictionDellacoma By Jeff Stolowitz Daytona Shores The wine series at Azure in 2018 is off to an incredible start and it featured the decades old Cakebread Cellars. That says a lot as Cakebread Cellars is an original Napa Valley Winery and is one of the most recognized Vineyards in the wine world. From the time Jack Cakebread and his wife Dolores planted their first vines in 1972 to their first release in 1974 to the present day the Winery continues to shine. I knew we were in for a treat as I looked at the pairing menu. Chef Patrick Ransom the talented young chef that isn't afraid to take chances and go outside the box. Five wines, 5 courses and a spectacular view of Daytona was on tap and he nailed it. I was seated with Dan and Kathy Cusumano. Dan is representative of Bar Harbor Seafood and Kathy is a Licensed Realtor with Gaff’s Realty Company, foodies by any rights. They have attended many of these dinners and we all agreed we were in for a great evening. Our first course was Grilled Prawns with a Rock Melon, Radish and Mustard Green medley that was accented by the 2016 Sauvignon Blanc. The dish was crisp as was the wine. The rock melon a bit bitter was sweetened and highlighted by a slight honeydew nose and finish from the wine. Our second course arrives and I was stunned that anyone would do this. Cold smoked lobster. Smoking Lobster??? Chef Ransom explained his play on a lobster roll as the Brioche he created for this was done to enhance the Chardonnay. In one word. This dish and the wine were “Butter” Easy to eat as it disappeared from my plate. The vintage a 2016 is a classic Cakebread creation. Next up was the Giant Lollichop. Purple Peruvian Potatoes and a spicy Chipotle and Currant mix was delicious and left me wanting more. Then I looked over and there was our waitress was pouring the 2016 Pinot Noir, pepper and spice currants and everything nice. Just a awsome delicioush dish. Just when I think it can't get any better in comes the Main Course a Faux Filet. Explained as a dry Aged NY Strip trimmed to the center and marinated in a secretive lard. The resulting finish has a thin bark and the texture of filet. It didn't hurt that the chef as and his team also added grilled asparagus, Couscous and Quinoa for the wow factor. This was purposely paired with the 2014 Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon. A classic tasting vintage that should age well in the bottle for years to come. It retails for a bargain price of $891.00 a case. The night finished with a Brownie Trifle I giggled like a kid as I tore through this dessert like it was the last time I would eat. They paired this with a 2014 Merlot While not my favorite grape this paired well as the Cherry notes cut through the deep chocolate and peanut flavors. Once again just one incredible event to attend. 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 By Monty Montgomery In mid-December, Behind Daytona was invited to a special showing of a new service offered by Mellow Mushroom. This great establishment, owned by local resident Robert Hargrave and located in Port Orange, has been a tremendous addition to our area with their beer taps and pizza. Now they are offering catering! Mellow Mushroom has evolved there excellent regular foods into a worthy selection of specialty catered sandwiches and salads. As for what I tested the evening of the introductory showing: Sandwiches we tried CALIFORNIA CLUB Made with all-natural grilled chicken with sun-dried roasted tomato's, applewood smoked bacon, fresh avocado and garlic aioli on multigrain ciabatta. COUNTRY CLUB This was a nice mix of turkey, avocado, crisp romaine lettuce, mayo, tomato, the wow factor, bacon jam and provolone on sliced multigrain. Salads we tried OH, KALE YEAH! They use baby kale and spring mix with fresh avocado, dried cherries, house-made candied pecans and bleu cheese crumbles, served with vinaigrette. CHILL OUT PASTA SALAD Their house-made recipe with spiral pasta, sun-dried roasted tomatoes, fresh spinach, portobello mushrooms, pesto, shaved parmesan tossed with our herb vinaigrette. There were several other options including pizzas to order for this service. The options for Lacto-ovo vegetarian were a pleasant find for catering. Cathryn Keifer is heading the catering side of this venture and it is our opinion that she has hit a home run! If you are planning any event that might want to use catering I cannot recommend Mellow Mushroom enough as this spread was fantastic and professional. Find them online by visiting. https://mellowmushroom.com/location/fl-port-orange-5790-journeys-end-way-32127 Or visit them at 5790 Journeys End Way, Port Orange, FL 32127 Mellow Mushroom another great find for some good food and drink Behind Daytona Behind the Stove is Sponsored by
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