36 minute read
FORK ON THE ROAD
BE EARLY OR BE DISAPPOINTED
Start your morning with something sweet! Oscar’s Original Donuts at 708 S. 14th St., Leesburg has just the treat for you! Whether you like cake doughnuts—blueberry, cinnamon, or powdered sugar—or you’re more the raised glazed chocolate-covered doughnut fan, Oscar’s has it all. Stop by early to pick up a dozen or so for family and friends! They are open from 5 a.m. to noon, or until they sell out!
A BONE TO PICK
There’s a new diner in town, but it’ll be familiar because there are already two other locations. Darrell’s Diner will open soon in La Plaza Grande in The Villages adding to his Pinellas Plaza and Summerfi eld locations. The good-food, good-service atmosphere appeals to customers as Darrell Warden also has seven locations in the Ocala area. Maybe it’s also the unique aspect of the owner visiting each of his diners every day. He will walk through and speak to customers and sometimes he’ll get behind the counter and help with food preparation. Guess that’s why everybody loves “Darrell’s Dog Gone Good Diner.”
Taking You Way Back
Ever get hungry while shopping at Wal-mart in Mount Dora? The newest Wayback Burgers just opened inside the popular store on U.S. Highway 441. If you want a burger that takes you back in time—single, double, triple, or triple-triple fries and a hand-dipped milkshake—you’ve come to the right place. Order your burger a variety of ways: Rodeo, with onion rings; Philly, with Swiss cheese, grilled onions and mushrooms; or Chipotle, with Pepper Jack cheese, Jalapenos, and Chipotle Mayo. Other specialty menu items include: chili cheese fries, Irish Nachos, turkey burger, cod fi llet sandwich, and salad with grilled chicken.
Joy in the Morning
If you are up and about early (8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.) Saturdays and Sundays, you can experience a little bit of heaven at the corner of U. S. Highway 441 and Wolf Branch Road in Mount Dora and a great deal of Joy—Doughnuts that is! Look for the pink truck where husband and wife Shane Conti and Jennifer Dempsey are serving some of the freshest doughnuts you’ve ever eaten! Unique fl avors include their signature Blueberry Glazed, Bird’s Nest, Frosted Crack, and French Toast—all made from original recipes. If you’re lucky, they’ll still be warm from the oven! If you’d like to preorder, you can message Jennifer on Facebook (Joy Donuts) or text her at 330.692.0035.!
AN EXTRAORDINARY MEAL
STORY: JESSY FLINN, FOOD EDITOR PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ
Can you believe it’s already November? To me, November marks the beginning of two glorious months of holiday feasting. With that, though, turkey recipes will be EVERYWHERE. But what if you want a feast that’s outside the box? One you can make for anyone, anytime of the year. I love meals like that!
So let’s talk about this feast shall we? Rack of lamb seems intimidating, but I seriously mean it when I say anyone with a good thermometer could knock this recipe out of the park. Here’s the thing about lamb, it has a bad reputation, and I believe unjustly so. In our house—or as we like to call it, The Flinn Inn—we call the gorgeous chops from this rack of lamb, meat lollipops. I would so rather have these than candy!
Since you have the oven on anyway, a perfect side dish to go with these lamb chops is Lemon and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes. I’m a big fan of simple ingredients taking a recipe to a whole new level. In this recipe, we use the juice and the zest of the lemon to really make a side dish that sings. The secret is zesting the lemon over the hot potatoes and then serving them right away. If you time it right, you can be fi nishing your potatoes while your lamb is resting. I love to serve elegant meals like this with a light and bright salad. It’s easy to assemble (ahead of time, thank you very much) and adds a lot of color to your plate. While I love having fresh herbs in a recipe, you may fi nd buying rosemary for one sprig, a waste. However, you can always substitute the fresh rosemary for a little more dried rosemary. Or splurge and buy the fresh rosemary and use it to infuse some olive oil for your next adventure in the kitchen!
Making an extraordinary meal doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen. Create a unique meal for those you love, and it’s guaranteed to be special. So put away the phones, set the table and eat, drink, and be merry.
Jessy Flinn is the head chef at Leesburg’s Gourmet Today. Besides cooking, she loves good music. Doing things differently has always paid off for the talented chef. She never wanted to prepare the same meals day after day in a restaurant. She loves the joy and freedom of testing, tasting, and creating her own recipes. Now she happily caters everything from corporate meetings to weddings and charity dinners.
Chef Flinn takes pride in using local produce and often goes to the farm to choose from the fresh offerings. Many of those vegetables show up in the home-delivery meals, which change menus weekly, as well as her fabulous banquets and galas.
The chef is happy to support the people and businesses of Lake County and beyond. Keep an eye out for her columns, where you’ll fi nd exclusive recipes and a dash of humor included in the art of preparing food your family will love.
RACK OF LAMB PROVENÇAL
Ingredients:
1 Frenched Rack of Lamb (you can easily double this recipe for 2 racks) Kosher salt Fresh ground pepper 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
Crust:
3 tablespoons butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup panko breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Directions:
Season rack of lamb with salt, pepper (to your liking), and garlic powder. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear rack on all sides, 1-2 minutes per side. The curved side will not sear completely, and this is OK. Remember to do both small sides, standing the rack upright to do so. Remove from pan when fi nished.
Remove excess oil from pan. Reduce heat to medium low. Add butter to start crust mixture. Gently sauté garlic, careful not to burn it, for 1 minute. Add breadcrumbs and parsley. Stir to combine. Set aside to cool for 3-5 minutes.
With a small brush, brush Dijon mustard over the top of the rack of lamb. (the largest part where fat covers the meat).
Transfer lamb to baking dish. Pat crumbs over Dijon mustard to form a crust., which will be a little thick. Some of it will fall off during cooking, moving, and carving so it will be fi ne. Roast uncovered for 15 minutes—check internal temperature. See notes below for further instructions. Once lamb is out of the oven, cover with foil and allow to rest 5 minutes before carving. To carve: Stand upright with bones facing upward, cut down between bones, to cut each chop off the rack.
Be sure to remove meat from oven 5-10 degrees before preferred internal temp as it needs to rest before carving and will carry over cook while resting.
Rare: 125 to 130 degrees F Medium rare: 130 to 140 degrees F Medium: 140 to 150 degrees F
ROASTED POTATOES WITH LEMON AND ROSEMARY
Ingredients:
3 pounds smaller red potatoes, halved 2 tablespoons olive oil Juice of 1 lemon 4 cloves garlic, minced 1½ teaspoons dried rosemary Kosher Salt and Black Pepper to taste 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Zest of 1 lemon 1 sprig fresh rosemary (removed from stem and chopped fi nely
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly coat a baking sheet with sides with nonstick spray. In a bowl combine the potatoes with the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Transfer dressed potatoes to baking sheet in a single layer to help them to get golden brown. Roast potatoes 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Once potatoes are cooked through and brown, add butter to roasting pan and stir well to coat. Garnish potatoes with lemon zest, fresh rosemary, and additional salt and pepper, if desired.
that price tag. In the same review, several of the highly rated Syrah/Shiraz wines were more than $200 a bottle. At the other end of the spectrum, several top-value Shirazes were less than $20.
The best way to learn if you prefer Shiraz or Syrah is a side-by-side tasting. I recently tried several Syrah/Shiraz wines from around the world, and I defi nitely came away with a clearer understanding that climate and winemaking styles make the same grape truly distinctive.
Syrah/Shiraz from Around the World:
2010 Domaine Michel Poinard Crozes-Hermitage, France
This biodynamic Syrah blend is considered a”junior” version of Hermitage, often called the Rhone Valley’s “manliest” wine. It has less concentration and aging potential but it costs much less. It’s a robust, full-fl avored “Old World” wine that wine guru Hugh Johnson says is ideal for grilled foods and parties. $24.
2011 d’Arenberg “The Footbolt” Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australian
This very dark wine honors racehorse owner Joseph Osborn and his winning horse. With lots of intense fruit fl avors and mouth-puckering tannins, this wine was not my favorite during a recent tasting because I thought the alcohol was overpowering. I was in the minority, however, because four of the fi ve other tasters loved it and voted it the best of the night. $19.99
2012 Jemrose Syrah, Cardiac Hill Vineyard, Sonoma County
This California Syrah certainly got my heart pumping with its rich plum fl avors and earthiness. Cardiac Hill is a steep, rocky hillside that challenges the vines as well as those who climb it, say the winemakers. The tannins and acidity were well balanced, but the price makes it a special occasion wine for most people. $34.99
2014 “The Pundit” Syrah, Washington State
This Syrah-dominant blend is a collaboration between winemakers from Chateau St. Michelle in Columbia Valley and France’s Michel Gassier of the Rhone Valley. It’s smooth—a little sweeter—than the wines made with 100-percent Syrah grapes. $27.99.
THE GRAPE
Syrah is a dark-skinned grape variety grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce medium-to-full bodied wines. Climate where the grapes are grown greatly affects the style and fl avor. In moderate climates—like France’s northern Rhone Valley and Walla Walla, Washington—the wines tend to have high levels of tannins with blackberry, mint, and black pepper fl avors. In hotter climates—like Australia’s Barossa Valley—the wines have softer tannins and spicy notes of licorice and anise.
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS
Lamb, Game meats, Sirloin steak (grilled), Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Note: Prices can vary depending on retailer.
ABOUT THE WRITER Mary Ann DeSantis is a 2016 fellow of the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers, Napa Valley. An award-winning journalist, she has written for Lake & Sumter Style since 2006.
ATHENA NY DINER IT’S GREEK TO ME!
STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ
Athena NY Diner has a following of regulars who crave Greek and New Yorkstyle cuisine, and they’re pleased to get the dishes they love at the restaurant’s new location in Lady Lake.
Formerly known as Athens New York Restaurant, the eatery was in a smaller location in The Villages’ Spanish Springs Town Square for fi ve years before the owners chose not to renew the lease. The new site at 360 U.S. Highway 441 offers ample parking, a relaxing, larger dining area with plenty of long tables to seat big groups, and an inviting touch of Greek décor.
My friend and I went at lunchtime and we enjoyed perusing several menu choices. My Athena Haddock was cooked to perfection and topped with sautéed spinach, garlic, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese in a slight lemon butter wine sauce. It was served with a house salad and choice of a side item—my rice pilaf was tender and delicious.
There are several other tasty ways haddock can be ordered at Athena NY Diner, including beer battered, fried, potato crusted, French-style or broiled with different seasonings.
Shrimp Scampi, ribs, brisket of beef are among menu offerings, along with lamb shank, Greek combo platter, and Mousaka—layers of potatoes, ground beef, and sliced eggplant topped with béchamel sauce and served with Greek salad and pita bread.
My friend raved over the thick and hearty Chicken Parmigiana sandwich she ordered, which featured fresh breaded boneless chicken topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. It was served with fresh, crisp fries.
We were thrilled to learn freshly made specialty desserts were available, too, yet the offerings vary daily, such as strawberry cheesecake, éclairs, and a chocolate mousse cheesecake. The sweet treats we sampled—cannoli, baklava, and Mexican wedding cake cookies—were heavenly and the crowning touch to our meal.
Our server invited us to come back to savor breakfast at Athena, where traditional favorites of buttermilk pancakes, Belgian waffl es, French toast, omelets, Philly Benedict, Italian Frittata, steak and eggs, and breakfast sandwiches are available. Breakfast is so popular at Athena that the meal is served until 2 p.m. on weekends.
4 FORKS
(OUT OF POSSIBLE 5) ATHENA NY DINER
360 U.S. Highway 441 Lady Lake, FL. 32159 352.750.5227
FORK REPORT: Casual dining. $$//Seated immediately (lunch hour) Wait for meal: 18 minutes
OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY START-
ERS ($4.95-$12.95): Fried Calamari, Saganaki, Spanakopita, Tzatziki, Athena Feta Platter, variety of soups. ENTREES: ($9.95-$16.95): Ribeye steak, twin pork chops, Chicken Marsala, Haddock Fish Fry, Athena Haddock, Shrimp Scampi, liver, lamb shank, baby back ribs, among many others.
HOW FORK ON THE ROAD WORKS
Our reviewers are objective and unbiased. This is not a paid feature. Our reviewer makes one unannounced visit and we pay for our meals.
MOUNT DORA PIZZA AND SUBS THAT-SA SOME BIG CALZONE!
STORY: DEBBI KIDDY PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ
Mount Dora Pizza and Subs, in Mount Dora Plaza Shopping Center, is celebrating 37 years of business. The casual yet homey décor makes it a great place for lunch or dinner with family and friends. We were seated quickly into a cozy booth and drinks were served promptly.
The extensive menu means it takes a little extra time to decide which of the Italians meals you want to enjoy. We began with an appetizer of fried mozzarella sticks—one of my favorites— which arrived at our table crispy, warm, and oozing with mozzarella goodness.
The menu featured the Specialty Calzone, so I ordered one to share. When it was delivered, I was surprised at its size, and there was more than enough for my friends to enjoy. The fresh dough was stuffed with pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, and mushrooms with plenty of ricotta and mozzarella cheese throughout. The rolled calzone was baked golden brown with cheeses oozing out on the fi rst cut.
We were in calzone heaven!
My friends ordered Ravioli Florentine and Alfredo Chicken. I wanted to sample several dishes, so I ordered the Combo Plate. Each entrée comes with garlic toast or garlic rolls. Defi nitely order the garlic rolls!
Our dishes arrived shortly after the appetizers, and we enjoyed sampling each other’s meals. The chicken Alfredo had plenty of tender chicken, but it was a tad salty. The combo plate was a baked casserole with meatball, eggplant parmesan, lasagna, and manicotti. I might have preferred each item separately (the fl avors did run together), but they were very tasty, and the meatball was especially tender and seasoned to perfection.
The Ravioli Florentine was fl avored with fresh, pungent herbs and the ravioli was tender and stuffed with the delicate cheese. Overall, we were happy with our choices, and the Specialty Calzone was defi nitely king!
MOUNT DORA PIZZA AND SUBS
2817 West Old U.S. 441, Mount Dora, FL 32757 352.383.5303
TIKI WEST RAW BAR AND GRILL SEAFOOD DELIGHTS TAKEN TO NEW HEIGHTS
STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ
This is a favorite place for us to enjoy a family meal, which means all our adult children are in town, and we’re looking for a great evening of food, fun, and fi lling up!
We usually start with the chargrilled oysters with beer cheese. Since there are 11 of us, we have to order double, but there are no leftovers. After enjoying our appetizer, some of us order from the all-you-can-eat menu— snow crab legs or boiled crawfi sh—to enjoy with Tiki slaw and fries or rice and beans. The beauty of the AYCE menu is once you’ve ordered you can not only get more of your favorite, but you can also order anything in the menu below it—fried clam strips, fried mahi mahi, or fried tilapia. For sure, no one goes home hungry.
And I can’t leave out the raw oyster bar. Though I don’t partake of this delicacy, my son and my husband do, and the oysters are shucked by the Clark brothers daily. They’re served raw or steamed.
Since we’re such a large group, we always make reservations, and they’ve always got a table waiting for us. Service is quick and effi cient, and reorders come out in a timely manner even when the restaurant is packed.
Sometimes we can even make it to dessert, which features homemade key lime pie or the dessert of the day, which was a decadent chocolate cake when we were there.
TIKI WEST RAW BAR AND GRILL
118 W. Ruby Street Tavares, FL 32778 352.508.5783
Destinations of good taste
dining IN YOUR CITY $: $5 – $14 $$: $15 – $24 $$$: $25 – $40 $$$$: $40+ Kid’s Menu Beer, Wine or Cocktails
Astatula
Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 $
Astor
Sparky’s Place 24646 State Road 40 352.759.3551 $$
Bushnell
Beef O’Bradys 2586 W. CR 48 352.568.7000 $ Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 $ Coyote Rojo 2082 W. CR 48 352.569.0302 $$ Hong Kong Restaurants 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-888 $$ Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 $ Sonny’s Bar-B-Q 2684 W. CR 48 352.569.0200 $ TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877 $$ Waffl e House 2571 W CR 48 352.793.5656 $ Waller’s Restaurant 138 Bushnell Plaza 352.793.2592 $
Clermont
Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 $$$ Calabria Ristorante 13900 County Road 455 407.656.5144 $$ Cheeser’s Palace 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 $ Flippers Pizzeria 2523 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.242.2214 $$ G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd. 352.243.8900 $$$ Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077 $$ Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd. 352.242.1910 $$$ Lyn’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe 824 W. Montrose St. 352.536.9935 $ Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 $$ Robata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 $$ Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club Restaurant 2601 Diamond Club Dr. 352.243.0411 $$ Spiro’s Pizza 1203 W. Hwy. 50 352.394.5538 $$ Sugar Mama’s Bake Shoppe 648 Eighth St. 352.241.9738 $$ Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 $$
Eustis
1884 Restaurant & Bar 12 East Magnolia Ave. 1.800.856.1884 $$ Barnwood BBQ 50 W. Orange Ave. 352.630.4903 $$ Beach Bums 12 S. Bay St. 352.308.8504 $ Dam Smoker Barbeque 36721 County Road 19A 352.357.6555 $$ Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 $$$ King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 $$ Maria’s Latin Dinner 1 N. Eustis St. 352.357.5555 $ NightOwl Caribbean Restaurant 929 S. Bay St. 352.589.0256 $ Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. County Road 44 352.589.9100 $$ Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022 $$ Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949 $$ The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 $$ The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 $$ The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 $$$ Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 $$
Fruitland Park
Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575 $ Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 Fruitland Park 352.728.0006 $$
Groveland
Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. State Road 33 352.429.2997 $$$
Howey-inthe-Hills
JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd. 352.324.3600 $$ Mission Inn Resort & Club’s El Conquistador 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$ Mission Inn Resort & Club’s Nickers 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$
Lady Lake
Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffi n Rd. 352.753.7000 $$$ Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 $$ Texas Stockyard BBQ 360 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.750.5229 $$
Leesburg
Bloom’s Baking House and Restaurant 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 $$ Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442 $ Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 $$ Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177 $$ Habaneros 3 Mexican Restaurant 10601 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.315.1777 $$ HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 $ Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 $ Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 $ Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 $$ Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.323.1616 $$
Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd. 352.728.0788 $$ Stavros Pizza 755 N. 14th St. 352.326.4202 $$ Takis Pizza Restaurant 1205 N. 14th St. 352.787.2344 $$ The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 $$ The Latin Cafe 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 $$ Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 $$ Vic’s Catering 352.728.8989 $$$$
Mascotte
Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd. 352.429.2093 $$
Minneola
Jack’s Barbecue 100 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.2673 $ Lil Anthony’s Pizza 205 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.1516 $$ Tiki Bar & Grill 508 S. Main Ave. 352.394.2232 $$
Mount Dora
Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668 $ Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 $$$ Blackbear Smokehouse 18750 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.2327 $$ Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 $ Cecile’s French Corner 237 W. Fourth Ave. 352.383.7100 $$ Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 $ Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000 $$ Cupcake Delights 122 E. 4th Ave. 352.383.2200 $ Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 $ Incredible Edible Cakes 4295 W. Old Hwy. 441, Suite 2 352.223.3581 $ Ivory’s Take Out 1325 N. Grandview St. 352.735.6797 $
Destinations of good taste
dining IN YOUR CITY $: $5 – $14 $$: $15 – $24 $$$: $25 – $40 $$$$: $40+ Kid’s Menu Beer, Wine or Cocktails
Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 $ Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 $ One Flight Up - Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Suite 100 352.758.9818 $ Pisces Rising 239 W. 4th Ave. 352.385.2669 $$$ PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092 $ Shiva Indian Restaurant 140A W. 5th Ave. 352.735.4555 $$ Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 $ Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 $ The Frog and Monkey Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.1936 $$ The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059 $$$ The Health Basket of Mount Dora 18834 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.735.1166 $$ The Windsor Rose English Tea Room 142 W. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2551 $$ Village Coffee Pot 425 Donnelly St. 352.383.3334 $ Zellie’s Pub 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855 $$
Sorrento
Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 County Rd. 437 352.383.8882 $ Gi Gi’s 25444 State Road 46 352.735.4000 $$
Summerfi eld
Francesco’s Italian Ristorante and Stone Fire Pizza 16770 South U.S. Hwy. 441 352.693.2008 $$
Tavares
Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 $$ Buzzard Beach Grill 12423 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.5267 $$ Casa Mia Cafe 505 W Main St 352.742.9940 $ Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.508.5137 $$ Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 $$ Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 County Road 448 352.343.6823 $ O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157 $$ Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 $$ Sinbad’s of Lake County 1050 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.343.6669 $$ Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd. 352.343.7744 $ The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 $$ Zac’s Pressed for Time Cafe 505 W Main St. 352.253.4663 $
Umatilla
Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 State Road 19 352.669.3922 $ The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535 $$
The Villages
Bob Evans 2199 Parr Dr. 352.259.1224 $ Bonefi sh Grill 3580 Wedgewood Ln. 352.674.9292 $$ Bonifay Country Club 1033 Pinellas Place 352.205.7455 $$ Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 $$ Carrabba’s 650 U.S. Hwy. 441 N 352.430.1304 $$ Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 $$ China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 $ City Fire Brownwood Paddock Square 352.561.2078 $$ Olive Garden 3680 Wedgewood Ln. 352.259.0304 $$ Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evans Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 $$ Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 $$ Hemingway’s at Havana 2484 Odell Circle 352.753.1475 $$$ Las Tapas Brownwood Paddock Square 352.399.5516 $$ The Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd. 352.753.1475 $$$ The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800 $$ Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd. 352.753.3824 $$ NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 $$ Outback Steakhouse 710 N. Hwy 441 352.430.2590 $$ Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.391.9939 $$ RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 $$ Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 $$ Scooples 2718 Brownwood Blvd 352.750.6263 $ Square One Burgers & Bar 2542 Burnsed Blvd. 352.689.2191 $$ Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 $$ TooJay’s 1129 Canal St. 352.430.0410 $ VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887 $$
Wildwood
Aztec’s Mexican Restaurant 348 Shopping Center Dr. 352.748.2250 $ Beef O’ Bradys 840 S. Main St. 352.689.0048 $ Buddy’s BBQ 1210 N. Main St. 352.330.0338 $$ China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 $ Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 $$ O’Shucks! Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 $$ Polly’s Pantry 819 S. Main St. 352.330.4002 $$ Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 $$ Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 $$
Yalaha
Yalaha Bakery 8210 County Road 48 352.324.3366 $$
Destinations of good taste
1884 RESTAURANT AND BAR
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: 11A.M.–12A.M. // LUNCH, DINNER, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 12 EAST MAGNOLIA AVENUE, EUSTIS // 1.800.856.1884 // WWW.1884RESTAURANTANDBAR.COM
Located in the historic Ferran’s building in downtown Eustis, 1884 Restaurant and Bar is a must for all to discover. The restaurant, which is open from 11am to Midnight 7 days a week, has everything from Boar’s Head wraps and pressed sandwiches at lunch to hand-cut fi lets and the signature double-bone, two-inch thick pork chop at dinner. Sushi Bar 7 days a week, lunch and dinner! With more than 10,000 square feet, 1884 can accommodate an intimate dinner for two to a private event in one of the 3 semi private rooms. Diners can also enjoy the full-service bar while ordering custom craft cocktails and eight rotating beers on tap. “Wine Down Wednesday” features $4 house wines. By using the most local and fresh ingredients, the chefs and bartenders will amaze you with their talent. Dinner and daily specials begining at 5 pm with happy hour from 4:30 - 6:30. No doubt, there’s something for everyone at 1884. This restaurant has won in 6 categories for the 2016 Lake and Sumter Style’s Hot list: Best Server - Shelly Jaggers, Best Bartender - Chelsea Harkness, Best Cocktail, Best Dessert, Best Karaoke, and Best Girls Night Out. They were also named as Open Table’s Restaurant of the Month.
Call 1.800.856.1884 to reserve your table or book your party now. Join the email list at www.1884restaurantandbar.com to be the fi rst to know of all specials, entertainers and events.
BUSTER TUBBS
110 N. NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE., TAVARES 352.742.7676 // WWW.BUSTERTUBBS.COM
Voted the “Best Sports Bar” in the “2016 Hot List” of Lake and Sumter Style magazine’s August issue, Buster Tubbs is the “neighborhood watering hole” in Tavares with comfort foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a great happy hour. It’s the go-to place to watch football, or enjoy karaoke Wednesday nights with Rudy and Belva on the new stage, music trivia Thursday nights, and live music on Friday nights. Buster Tubbs also has been generating raves from regulars for our delicious bayou barbecue, specialty coffees, Hazelnut Lattes, Peanut Butter Pie, amazing crab cakes, Buster Blue burger, Seaplane Fish, fried green tomatoes and so much more. Fans also rave about the atmosphere and friendly service. Come check out Buster Tubbs!
HOURS OF OPERATION
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK AT 7A.M. SAT-TUE: OPEN UNTIL 3P.M. WED-FRI: OPEN UNTIL THE MUSIC STOPS
COUSIN VINNIE’S FAMILY SPORTS RESTAURANT
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK: 11A.M.–9P.M. // FOOD, SPIRITS, MUSIC, SPORTS 10700 U.S. HWY. 441, LEESBURG // 352.253.2442 // WWW.CVINNIES.COM Cousin Vinnie’s is located on U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Home Depot. Owner “Cousin” Vinnie Vittoria and his family have created a unique atmosphere by combining a sports bar with a family restaurant. As soon as you walk into Vinnie’s you will immediately notice why they are famous for outstanding comfort food and service! They also have been voted BEST WINGS in Lake County every year since opening in 2008. Additional menu items offered are killer ½ lb. burgers, personal pan pizzas, amazing ribeye cheese steaks, healthy wheat wraps, fresh homemade salads, chicken strips that totally melt in your mouth, 16 awesome appetizers and their signature deep fried Ice Cream and Snickers Bars! Every Tuesday night is “Family Night” from 4–8p.m. when kids 12-andunder eat free. Wednesday night is “Trivia Night” when the fun starts at 6:30p.m. with prizes given to the top 3 teams. Every Saturday watch your favorite college team (including the SEC Package) while enjoying appetizer specials and $2.00 domestic draft beers all day and night. On Sundays they offer “The Sunday NFL Ticket,” catch any game… any time! Cousin Vinnie’s also offers, free Wi-Fi, great music, and an enthusiastic staff ready to exceed your expectations. “I absolutely look forward to serving you and your family very soon!” says owner Cousin Vinnie.
Destinations of good taste
THE GOBLIN MARKET RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
331-B DONNELLY STREET (REAR ALLEY), MOUNT DORA 352.735.0059 // WWW.GOBLINMARKETRESTAURANT.COM
Nestled on a back alley in downtown Mount Dora, the Goblin Market Restaurant has been charming locals and tourists alike since 1996. The restaurant, housed in a renovated warehouse, features three intimate, book-lined dining rooms and a full-service lounge furnished in soothing, muted tones with tasteful modern art. The private, tree-shaded courtyard and garden patio are open year-round for al fresco dining. Low lighting and “new age” music add the fi nishing touches to the restaurant’s casual elegance. Owners Vince and Janis Guzinski embrace a simple philosophy of offering the highest-quality products, served in a unique and romantic atmosphere by a personable and attentive staff. The Goblin Market’s wine list and menu represent a refreshing mix of ideas from its culinary team. The diversifi ed origins and background of each member ensure exciting menu offerings and nightly selections.
HOURS OF OPERATION: LUNCH: TUESDAY–SATURDAY 11A.M.–3:00P.M. DINNER: TUESDAY–THURSDAY 5–9P.M., FRIDAY–SATURDAY 5–10P.M., SUNDAY 11A.M.–3:30P.M. JOIN US FOR OUR NEW “LIGHTER FARE” DINNER MENU, GOURMET SOUPS, SALADS, AND SANDWICHES. TUESDAY– THURSDAY FROM 3–9P.M. (REGULAR DINNER MENU ALSO AVAILABLE).
GREAT CHICAGO FIRE BREWERY & TAP ROOM
311 W. MAGNOLIA ST., LEESBURG 352.474.2739
It’s a fun, friendly place to hang with friends and to meet new ones. Our Chicago/Firefi ghter themed Tap Room offers 6-8 of our own “session” beers featuring fresh Florida fruits and other local ingredients. Our beers are brewed on premise. We also offer (10) guest taps featuring beers from small craft breweries across the U.S. There is something for everyone. Our “Chicago” Style food menu features items like real Italian Beefs with Giardiniera peppers. Italian Sausage, the Maxwell Street Polish Sausage, Gyros, Pizza Puffs, Tamales and even the original Chicago Hot Dog “Run through the garden.” All your favorite footballs teams are playing on (6) TVs with the NFL Package. Enjoy our spacious outdoor seating area with live music many weekends. We are located Historic Downtown Leesburg which offers a great shopping experience with specialty shops, antique stores, and a host of unique food and drink establishments. Every third Thursday, we partner with Gator Harley in Leesburg for our Bike Night; Live music, beer and food specials, BBQ, prizes and more, right here at the brewery! HOURS OF OPERATION:
MONDAY-THURSDAY 11 A.M.-10 P.M. FRIDAY-SATURDAY 11 A.M.-12 A.M. SUNDAY 12 P.M.-6 P.M.
FIND US ONLINE:
JOIN US FOR BIKE NIGHT ON NOV. 17TH
SPONSORED BY:
MASON JAR
37534 STATE ROAD 19, UMATILLA 352.589.2535
Established in 1979, The Mason Jar is well-known for southern style, downhome cooking; sparkling clean, casual dining room; family-friendly hospitality and reasonable prices. Located in Umatilla at 37534 State Road 19, and family-owned, the restaurant is a welcome sight for travelers and locals alike. Seven days a week patrons enjoy breakfasts of homemade grits, real fried potatoes, fl uffy biscuits, country ham, and mile-high pancakes. If you are a late riser, you can still enjoy daily specials: Monday-Meatloaf; Tuesday-Beef Tips and Noodles; WednesdayLiver and Onions; Thursday-Fried Chicken; Friday-All you can eat Fish Fry; Saturday-Fried Chicken Livers and Sunday-Award-winning, allyou-can-eat Fried Chicken. Other favorites include various beans (pintos, lima, northern) with rice, served with onion slices and corn muffi ns, homemade soups, fresh vegetables for sides, and of course, the meal wouldn’t be complete without a glass of southern sweet tea! AWARDS:
ORLANDO SENTINEL’S BEST FRIED CHICKEN IN LAKE COUNTY (MARCH, 2015) ORLANDO SENTINEL’S BEST BREAKFAST IN LAKE COUNTY (MARCH, 2015) HOURS OF OPERATION:
MONDAY–SATURDAY 6 A.M.-8 P.M. SUNDAY 6 A.M.-2 P.M.
Destinations of good taste
MOM & DADS
304 U.S. HWY. 441, LADY LAKE // 352.753.2722
This little place in the heart of Lady Lake is a local favorite. All the food at Mom & Dad’s is authentic and homemade, from the famous sauce to pastas to the incredible desserts. Made from scratch in-house ravioli and lasagna. Many diners automatically order Spaghetti al la Bruzzi, which is the house specialty. This baked spaghetti has a meat sauce, mushrooms, and three cheeses. Add to that the homemade bread Papa prepares every day, and you’ve got a memorable meal. You can’t stop with the entrée, however. Mama’s homemade cakes are amazing! Moist and delicious German Chocolate, creamy, luxurious Red Velvet, Cannoli, and who doesn’t love Spumoni. If you’re looking for a great Italian dinner that will remind you of home and all the goodness of eating there, try Mom & Dad’s.
Mom & Dad’s also offers a full gluten free menu featuring pizza, lasagna, ravioli, and desserts all made in-house from scratch.
HOURS OF OPERATION: TUESDAY - SATURDAY 4 P.M. – 9 P.M. CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY
PUDDLE JUMPERS
Casual lakeside dining at its fi nest is what patrons experience at Puddle Jumpers overlooking Lake Dora in Tavares. The restaurant is a local favorite and has generated raves of being a great place for good fun with friends and private events. Come check out the offerings of delicious food and drinks from a fully stocked bar, including a wide array of fresh seafood specialties, appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, homemade soups, steaks and ribs from the grill. Puddle Jumpers is also the “go-to” place to enjoy live music and entertainment on most weekends. If you’ve never been to Puddle Jumpers, it’s absolutely time to take the plunge!
HOURS OF OPERATION:
11 A.M.-10 P.M. MONDAY-THURSDAY 11 A.M.-12 A.M. FRIDAY-SATURDAY 11 A.M.-8 P.M. SUNDAY
SULLY’S SMOKEHOUSE
If you’re really hungry, you may want to try the Jumbo Pulled Pork Sandwich at Sully’s Smokehouse. It’s so big you can share it. Sully’s, which is rated No. 7 our of 97 restaurants in Leesburg on Trip Advisor, also prepared meals for catering events from 20 people to 500 people. Customers pick up their orders. Meals include ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and smoked sausage with sides of homemade Brunswick stew, cole slaw, baked beans, and collard greens, along with pasta salad, mustard potato salad, and mayo red-skinned potato salad. This family-run business has been around for nine years. For information or to order catering, call the restaurant at 352.483.RIBS (7427) or call owner Trent Sullivan’s cell phone at 352.267.4861.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
WEDNESDAY–FRIDAY 11 A.M.–8 P.M. SATURDAY 11 A.M.–6 P.M
Destinations of good taste
SUBWAY
WWW.SUBWAY.COM Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and fl atbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food. LADY LAKE // 208 W. Guava St. // 352.750.4929 EUSTIS // 469 Plaza Dr. // 352.357.7827 MOUNT DORA // 18870 U.S. Hwy. 441 // 352.735.4376 LEESBURG // 2013 Citrus Blvd. // 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. Hwy. 441, Suite 4 // 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4 // 352.314.8847 THE VILLAGES // 1580 Bella Cruz Drive // 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane // 352.750.9991 1070 Lake Sumter Landing Drive // 352.205.8535 349 Colony Blvd. // 352.391.1657 WILDWOOD // 480 W. Gulf to Alantic Hwy. // 352.748.8800
HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–SATURDAY 10A.M.–10P.M. SUNDAY 10A.M.–9P.M.
TIKI WEST RAW BAR AND GRILL
118 RUBY ST., TAVARES 352.508.5783
Daily specials draw large groups to Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill. Diners are thrilled the upbeat, colorful Tavares restaurant overlooking Lake Dora has expanded its outdoor dining area with live music on the patio. Diners also love the “all-you can eat” crab legs (available with fries and coleslaw or rice and beans) for $39.99; peel-and-eat-shrimp—hot, cold, or fried—for $24.99; boiled crawfi sh for $20.99; fried Mahi Mahi fi sh, $16.99; or fried clams, $15.99. Among the lunch specials are $1 off sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and oysters, and $2 off half pound of peel-and-eat shrimp. There are discounted oyster buckets and $10 buckets of domestic beer on Sundays that draw football fans to watch their favorite teams on more than 10 fl at-screen TVs. Happy Hour is all day, every day!
HOURS OF OPERATION:
SUNDAY—THURSDAY 11 A.M.-10 P.M. FRIDAY—SATURDAY 11 A.M.-11 P.M.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR RESTAURANT IN OUR DINING SECTION? CALL US AT 352.787.4112
American Cancer Society’ s
TURKEY DAY TRAGEDIES
Memories of Thanksgiving Day do not always conjure the famous Norman Rockwell painting that we all hope to emulate.
The fi rst Thanksgiving I can remember is when I had just turned fi ve. My memory doesn’t look anything like Norman Rockwell’s 1942 “Freedom from Want” painting; instead, it’s a rather bizarre image of a headless turkey running through my grandparents’ back yard.
For some ungodly reason, the menfolk in my family thought it would be a good idea – or maybe a more authentic experience – to butcher a turkey for the family gathering. Considering we lived in the city and not on a farm, I still fi nd this decision rather baffl ing more than 50 years later. I didn’t actually see my grandfather take an ax to chop off the turkey’s head, but I did see that poor creature’s body upright and running for what in my impressionable mind seemed like the entire afternoon. In actuality, it was probably just a few seconds.
I next remember my grandmother straddling a large metal basin plucking feathers, and she did not look pleased. She certainly didn’t resemble Rockwell’s matriarch all prim and proper in a clean apron. Of course, the testosterone-infused family members who had developed the brilliant idea in the fi rst place had disappeared during that messy ritual.
Unfortunately, (or maybe fortunately) I do not remember much else about that particular Thanksgiving. I suspect I didn’t eat any turkey – and it’s a wonder I didn’t become a vegetarian.
Nevertheless, I did eat turkey again and even tried to cook a few of the grocery store varieties myself. Shortly after college, I was living far from home and decided to cook Thanksgiving dinner for some friends. I knew enough to remove the gizzards and neck bone from the bird’s cavity, but somehow I failed to tie up its legs securely. An hour or so later – with guests looking over my shoulder – we peeked into the oven to see Tom Turkey sprawled out spreadeagle and not looking too appetizing. Thank goodness I had learned how to perfect cranberry salad.
Years rolled by and my husband took over the turkey roasting. He was rather good at it, but one year he decided to use his new smoker. Smoking meat is not a fast process, and it can go downhill rather quickly. That year, the bird looked perfect but it was a dry and tasted like wood. I vaguely remember someone mentioning something about eating a board.
Although I’ve since had some pictureperfect Thanksgiving meals, I fi nd it amusing that the ones I remember most are less than perfect. The best memories were not the meals, but the laughs and time we shared with family and friends. Our family numbers have dwindled over the years, and I cherish those memories more than ever.
And I always smile when a turkey receives a presidential pardon every November. After all, that’s one bird that won’t be running around headless in someone’s backyard haunting children for a lifetime.
May you have a happy – and memorable – Thanksgiving!
ABOUT THE WRITER Mary Ann DeSantis has written for Lake & Sumter Style since 2006.
