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
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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 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 ADVERTISMENTBy 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
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
http://wavestorecovery.org 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 |
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