Dining Archives
Posted by Josh Hallett on June 14, 2008 at 09:27 PM
An article in the News Chief talks about the recent growth in restaurants in Winter Haven. There was even a 'study' done about it. According to the article the study was completed by Mainsail Development Group, the builders of Cypress Station. Yes, there has been some growth, but also some closings, Quizno's & Atlanta Bread.
What I found funny was the quote from Mike Byrum of Mainsail on why they conducted the study:
Byrum and others at Mainsail Development Group did the study "because it was interesting," Byrum said.
Hmmm, it doesn't have anything to do with drumming up interest in the large, empty retail space they own?
Posted by Josh Hallett on June 11, 2008 at 11:17 AM
I've heard that Pizza Central in Winter Haven might get a name/owner change soon? Who? Remember this 'pizza' name?
Update: There is now a Floridino's Italian Kitchen sign in the window at Pizza Central.
Posted by Josh Hallett on June 3, 2008 at 08:48 AM
In a previous post a commenter mentioned the need to 'support our small businesses'. That got me thinking....yes our area has a good share of chains, but here is a list of the locally-owned restaurants I frequent:
- Mama Dilos, Winter Haven
- Cafe Latte, Winter Haven
- Richard's Coffee, Winter Haven
- Mitchell's Coffee House, Lakeland
- Black & Brew, Lakeland
- Cafe Roti, Lakeland
- Peebles, Auburndale
Then you enter the gray area of franchises. Sure they're a 'chain' but they're usually owned by a local resident, so are you supporting local business? I think so, but a small % does go to the parent company.
What are the local restaurants/coffee shops you frequent?
Posted by Josh Hallett on December 3, 2007 at 09:38 PM
Yesterday I was eating at Crispers in downtown Lakeland with a friend. I used the opportunity to try the new Bistro Vegetable sandwich (which replaced the Garden Party). My friend asked, "how is it?"...my response, "decent enough, nothing too exciting." He quickly responded with, "Well is there such a thing as an exciting veggie sandwich?"
Actually there is and it can be found at Cafe Latte in Winter Haven. Or I should say, 'they' can be found. 'They' because Cafe Latte changes its menu almost daily and there are always good vegetarian selections.
Cafe Latte is one of my favorite hang-outs. It's small, low-key and they have great food. The recent addition of wifi makes it perfect.
If you remember the Ledger had an article about vegetarian dining in Polk County. I also offered up my favorites.
Posted by Josh Hallett on October 9, 2007 at 09:20 AM
A recent comment on an old post on my other blog from Crispers' IT Director indicates that all Crispers locations now have free wifi. Nice.
We have just completed a technology revamp at all our locations including new POS Systems and WIFI. All Crispers locations are now a WIFI hotspot, Crispers loves its customers and wants them to enjoy their visit. Whether on business or with friends and family, come in for the great food and bring your laptop or PDA..!!
I'll need to swing by the Winter Haven location to check things out.
Posted by Josh Hallett on October 5, 2007 at 10:50 AM
The new Publix plaza under construction across from Heart of Florida Hospital now has a a Crispers sign on the marquee. The store is not listed on their locations page yet. I'll have to check a menu next time I'm in a Crispers since they always list the 'Coming Soon' stores on the back.
Posted by Adam Weeks on September 26, 2007 at 02:07 PM
Well, it appears that a Quizno's is going to be put into the new shopping center "Towne Center" adjacent to Cypress Gardens. I have nothing against Quizno's (except for one small case of food poisoning that pretty much guarantees my avoidance), but do we really need 3 different locations withing 5 miles? There is another one 2 miles down Cypress Gardens Blvd across from State Farm and yet another in the Eagle Ridge plaza just south of Home Depot on 27. Is there really that much demand for the "Q"? Is the volume at the other CGB location just too much to handle?
How about a Panera or a First Watch? Is that too much to ask?
Posted by Josh Hallett on September 12, 2007 at 10:28 AM
I often get into a routine for lunch and really don't have a problem eating at the same restaurant a few days in the same week. Here are my usual hangouts:
Winter Haven
- Mama Dilos Deli: I've been going to Mama Dilos for almost a decade and I usually get the same thing each time. As an added bonus there is a sandwich on the menu named after me.
- Cafe Latte: This little coffee and sandwich shop in Orchid Springs is always good. It's small, but cozy. They change the menu almost daily so there is always something good.
Lakeland
- Mitchell's Coffee Shop: It's always a toss-up when I'm in the downtown area. At Mitchell's I get the veggie burger and a side of macaroni and cheese. Plus Mitch has free wifi
- Black & Brew: The other coffee shop in downtown Lakeland also has some great food. I order the veggie panini. Like Mitchell's they also have free wifi.
- Moe's: I'm a sucker for Moe's and as I've often lamented on this blog, there is no Moe's in Winter Haven (yet).
The only other one I'd add would be Peeble's BBQ in Auburndale, but they are only open seasonally and even then only Thursday-Saturday.
How about you, where are you a regular?
Posted by Josh Hallett on August 3, 2007 at 09:36 AM
When you register a domain name that is a combination of a few other words always make sure you check for what I call unintended readings. Looking at The Ledger this morning I saw an item about Woody's BBQ's new online ordering web site.
The web site is woodysexpress.com. Is it just me or when you quickly look at that domain do you see woodySEXpress.com?
Posted by Josh Hallett on July 24, 2007 at 06:05 AM
Driving back from the airport on Monday I noticed that the Sonic in Haines City is open again. If you remember in early 2006 the Haines City and Bartow locations closed down.
What's the status of the Bartow location? Perhaps my readers in that area can post a comment. (The picture below is the closed Haines City location from 2006)
Posted by Josh Hallett on July 11, 2007 at 04:40 PM
Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing are hosting an event with Fantasy of Flight in November but it doesn't have a name. They're asking you to help name it. From Kris Keprios at PSCM:
The three day festival will be held at Fantasy of Flight November 9-11, 2007 and will start Friday with a VIP food and wine tasting. The weekend will feature a hot air balloon state championship race, water ski demonstrations, vintage racing boats, a classic car show and airplane aerobatics featuring aircraft from all eras. The Polk County Restaurant Association, which is made up of several Polk County area restaurants, will be serving samples from their menus throughout the weekend as well. All entries must be submitted by Sunday, July 22. The winning name will receive a hot air balloon ride for two and VIP access to the entire weekend.
You can submit your entry and review the contest details at: http://visitcentralflorida.org/festival/
Posted by Josh Hallett on April 2, 2007 at 10:45 AM
A few months ago I asked about Thai food in Lakeland. Well perhaps my call has been answered. Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen recently opened in Lakeland at 743 E Memorial Blvd (near Steak & Shake and the rest of the restaurants on that row). I tried the restaurant out last Thursday for lunch.
Quick review: Good Thai, very slooooow service.
When you walk into a restaurant and 'Help Wanted' signs are all over the place you know you're in for a wait. It was somewhat busy as I arrived shortly after noon for a leisurely lunch. A man came from out of the kitchen and said I could have a seat, but didn't give me a menu. As I sat and waited a large group next to me discussed the service issue. They had a limited amount of time for lunch and were wondering if they would make it. From the looks of it, Thai Kitchen only had two people working the front of the house.
I eventually got up to get my own menu, which turned out to be a dinner/older menu (I'll get to this in a bit). After about 10 minutes somebody finally approached me to get my order, but they didn't have an abundance of vegetarian items on the menu, which is strange for a Thai restaurant. The gentleman then brought me a new/lunch menu which had a number of veggie items available. I can only assume that since I got my own menu I grabbed the wrong one.
I opted for the lunch portion of Yellow Curry with Tofu. Shortly afterward a salad appeared on my table. I wasn't sure if it was included in my meal, but oh well, it looked good and was good.
From the time I ordered, albeit late, I felt my food arrived in a decent amount of time. However a few other folks in the restaurant had longer waits. One group of nurses had to leave before they could eat, they said they had been their an hour and not received their food yet. The manager quickly apologized and wrapped up their food to go. I had a book to read and my iPod so I wasn't so rushed. I imagine that if I had been pressed for time I would have been stressing a bit over the delays.
The food was worth the wait though. The Yellow Curry had just enough spice to it for taste, but didn't overpower me. As is traditional with Thai food, the main dish was served on one side with a portion of rice on the other side. Patrons then mix the two as they see fit. The lunch portion had a generous amount of tofu, perhaps too much, but I ate all of it.
Lunch, including tip was a little under $10. Was it the best Thai I've ever had? No, but with limited Thai options in Polk County it's a welcome addition. Hopefully they'll get over the initial service issues and stick around for a while. Luckily for me, between Lemon Grass and Cafe Roti my favorite cuisine needs are met within a few miles of each other in Lakeland.
If you like Thai, give Lemon Grass a try, but be prepared to wait....but it's worth it.
Posted by Josh Hallett on April 2, 2007 at 07:20 AM
Enough Already is a blog written by 'The Bald Guy'. From his first post the purpose of the blog:
Time to put my thoughts out there about just how rotten we are treated when it comes to what has come to pass for service.
My plans are to tell it like it is about the kind of service I receive as I go about my business.
Since I don't know if anyone will read this besides me I will make a promise to myself to be as honest as I possibly can be. I will also use names so the innocent are protected. If I go someplace and am treated like some sort of dirty tourist I will be sure to post those facts.
So far he has written up a few Polk County locations including Pizza Central and Christy's in Winter Haven. Here's an excerpt from the Pizza Central review:
Service is a little iffy. If you get one of the young ladies who’s boy friend isn’t there you should get pretty good service. The goofy looking guy with the sideways hat can leave you wanting.
The chairs come from the long line of restaurant owners who want you to eat it and beat it. They are not really comfortable. So don’t plan on sitting and chewing the fat with friends, your ass will give out before the conversation does.
Christy's gets a better review:
Our server name was KAREN. This young lady knows her way around a table. We could not have asked for better service. She brought our beverages and inquired if we would like to take our time and enjoy our time before ordering. We never wanted for anything that was not handled by KAREN in a jiff.
Bald Guy reviews a few other places and for the most part I agree with just about everything he has had to say. We'll see if he keeps it up.
Posted by Josh Hallett on February 23, 2007 at 03:11 PM
Black and Brew Coffee House & Bistro in downtown Lakeland recently celebrated their first anniversary. Even though I initially wrote a bad review, I quickly changed my opinion about them. Chris and Mike run a great, personable operation.
Perhaps most importantly, they listen to their customers and try to provide them what they need. Shortly after they opened Steve and I suggested they install wifi, within a few days it was done. That's service. Plus they have a great veggie panini.
Congrats guys and good luck on the second year.
Posted by Josh Hallett on February 17, 2007 at 11:55 AM
For the longest time you couldn't get Indian food in Polk County, but Cafe Roti changed that. Now how about some Thai food? I don't know of any Thai restaurant in the area. Typically I am going to Orlando, but I'd love to see one in the area. How about you, what type of food is Lakeland/Polk County really missing?
Posted by Josh Hallett on February 15, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Billy Townsend at the Tampa Tribune has the news on some restaurants moving to downtown Lakeland.
Watt’s For Dinner, the gourmet wine, meat and cheese shop on South Florida Avenue is relocating to the bottom floor of the developer Jerry Herring’s new condominium tower, which is currently under construction.
Right next door, in a large space currently being used for pool table storage, the upscale Italian restaurant Arabella’s is planning to relocate from Winter Haven.
Posted by Josh Hallett on January 11, 2007 at 12:31 PM
The Winter Haven Chamber Blog is reporting that Christy's Restaurant is being sold to James Bronkhorst, owner of Bronkhorst, Inc.
Bronkhorst began his restaurant career as a dishwasher. He currently owns and operates at least three Polk County restaurants including the Reececliff and Harry’s in Lakeland and Harborside in Winter Haven. Initial reports indicate Mr. Bronkhorst will operate the restaurant as Christy’s.
The chamber blog is only a few weeks old and it's already breaking news. Of course a chamber is usually in the know about a number of business dealings in the community.
If you remember there was much speculation about the sale/closure of Christy's last year. Looks like it's finally happening.
Posted by Josh Hallett on November 1, 2006 at 07:18 PM
I understand that businesses need to advertise/market themselves, but littering my neighborhood with signs (including one in my yard) is not the best way to win over customers. In fact, NY Pizza Baby just lost my business. I would normally rotate my pizza consumption around a few local stores, but NY Pizza Baby just got dropped from that list. Now I'll spend most my money at Pasquales or Dimagio's (both in Winter Haven) or Palace Pizza when I'm in Lakeland.
We've all seen these types of signs along the roadway. Typically they're advertising 'Cash for Houses' or some other fly-by-night operation. I guess that's what NY Pizza Baby wants to compare themselves to.
Posted by Josh Hallett on October 27, 2006 at 05:58 PM
Peeble's Barbecue in Auburndale, Florida was featured on 'The List' in the August issue of Delta Sky Magazine. The magazine had asked their readers to submit the names of their favorite BBQ joints. Peeble's made the list along with seven other Florida locations.
Here are some Peeble's photos from last summer (when they're closed). I think we might be heading there tonight....mmmm.
Posted by Josh Hallett on October 15, 2006 at 10:43 PM
I have heard from four different people now that Winter Haven dining legend Christy's Sundown Restaurant will be closing shortly. Is it true? The rumor is that folks behind Fred's Market in Lakeland have purchased the restaurant.
Update 01/11/07: The Winter Haven Chamber Blog reports that Christy's has been sold.
Posted by Josh Hallett on October 12, 2006 at 09:44 AM
The Ledger reports that Daily Grind Coffee House is looking to open two franchises in Polk County. Reading the article it says they have "two leads for potential franchises". That doesn't sound very firm.
I wonder if this is the 'national' coffee house that has been calling other coffee shops and asking if employees want to work at a new 'national' coffee chain?
Posted by Josh Hallett on September 11, 2006 at 02:32 PM
If you're a big fan of Palace Pizza in Lakeland you can get your fix on the other side of the county in Auburndale. Yep, Auburndale has a Palace Pizza.
The store is located at 213 E. Lake Ave in the downtown area. The interior is not as big as the Lakeland store, but that's not a big problem.
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