CLASS IS NOW IN SESSION
When it comes to comfortable furniture or bedroom sets for those late night study sessions, we are your homework headquarters. Let us help you create study-friendly spaces that promote productivity and keep your students focused on work. And by the way - we also carry laptops and tablets. Take a look at what “&more” has to offer!
521 Hughes Rd. (863) 967-6602
a a
Auburndale 521 Hughes Rd. (863) 967-6602
Bartow 1350 N. Broadway (US 98) (863) 533-1611
a a
a a
Eagle Lake 1515 Hwy. 17 N. (863) 294-7749
Bartow 1350 N. Broadway (US 98) (863) 533-1611
a a
a a
Eagle Lake
1515 Hwy. 17 N. (863) 294-7749
Frostproof 500 N. Scenic Hwy. (863) 635-2645
a a
a a
Frostproof 500 N. Scenic Hwy. (863) 635-2645
Ft. Meade 1401 Hwy. 17 N. (863) 285-9757
a a
a a Ft. Meade 1401 Hwy. 17 N. (863) 285-9757
a a
Haines City 35495 Hwy. 27 (863) 422-3144
a a
Haines City 35495 Hwy. 27 (863) 422-3144
a a
Lakeland - Christina 6100 S. Florida Ave. (863) 646-2921
a a
Lakeland - Christina 6100 S. Florida Ave. (863) 646-2921
a a
Lakeland - Combee 1225 N. Combee Rd. (863) 665-3111
a a
Lakeland - Combee 1225 N. Combee Rd. (863) 665-3111
a a
Lakeland - Lake Gibson 6625 US 98 North (863) 858-3866
a a
Lakeland - Lake Gibson 6625 US 98 North (863) 858-3866
a a
Lakeland - North 1409 N. Florida Ave. (863) 682-8107
a a
Lakeland - North 1409 N. Florida Ave. (863) 682-8107
a a
Lake Wales 126 Hwy. 60 W. (863) 676-6515
a a
Lake Wales 126 Hwy. 60 W. (863) 676-6515
a a
Winter Haven North 1399 6th St. NW (863) 251-2039
Winter Haven North 1399 6th St. NW (863) 251-2039
badcock.com/electronics
badcock.com/electronics
30
Authentically Italian, Certifiably Lakeland
The Moriello family dishes on what has led to its success as one of downtown’s most successful establishments for more than two decades
42
Good Pairings for Great Times
Relax, because Cigar Life has you covered with aromatic and flavorful matches of cigars and beer to provide the perfect backdrop for great conversations and fun times.
Gameday Party that Never Ends
There’s no party quite like the one that has been happening in the Beacon Hill neighborhood for almost 15 years. Be inspired by the food and camaraderie, and use the recipes to up your gameday spreads.
Restaurant Directory of Greater Lakeland
So. Much. Mouthwatering. Food. Find local favorites, as well as upand-coming spots to satisfy cravings and make memories.
14 MASTHEAD
16 EDITOR’S NOTE
18 THE BUZZ
20 CONTRIBUTORS
22 METRO
30 AUTHENTICALLY ITALIAN, CERTIFIABLY LAKELAND
42 GOOD PAIRINGS FOR GREAT TIMES
52 GAMEDAY PARTY THAT NEVER ENDS
64 RESTAURANT DIRECTORY OF GREATER LAKELAND
98 HISTORY
PUBLISHER
Curt Patterson
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER OPERATIONS
Jason Jacobs
EDITOR, CONTENT STRATEGIST
RJ Walters
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jonathan Sierra
VP, FINANCE
Deb Patterson
GENERAL COUNSEL
Ted W. Weeks IV
ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449
ADVERTISING SALES
Isaac Vargas | 407.619.3508
Jason Jacobs | 863.606.8785
EDITORIAL
DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCER
Jordan Randall
CONTRIBUTORS
Adam Spafford
Jenna MacFarlane
Kayanni Walters
CREATIVE
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Briana Chenot
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jordan Randall
Jonathan Sierra
Dan Austin
Madisen Elizabeth
CIRCULATION
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Jason Jacobs
DISTRIBUTION
David Heideman
THE TASTES OF HOME
corn nuggets at Reececliff and Coca Cola cake at Mitchell’s Coffee House.
It offers fun new(er) options such as Food+Beer, Oksumi Ramen, Ax-Caliber, LoveBird, and Biscuits and Benedicts.
And you don’t have to leave town for an elevated dining experience; just head to places like Nineteen61, WACO Kitchen, Bay Street Bistro or Frescos.
a world where you’re accustomed to trying to get a ketchup stain out of your shorts before you walk back into the office or clicking through your phone to find the cheapest deal the quickest, there’s so much more to explore—and appreciate—right here in Lakeland.
We sifted through hundreds of restaurants and food spots (gas stations, anyone?) and had the pleasure of connecting with dozens of them in the process of creating this issue.
Collectively we realized that sometimes the underdog and overcomer stories of local restaurant owners are as rich as the food, we became fans of newer establishments that are creating wonderful customer experiences, and we learned there should probably be a limit on how much boba tea one consumes in a week.
Lakeland provides nostalgia that beckons back to our small-town feel: garlic knots at Palace Pizza downtown,
Our palates and our budgets for eating out are all different, but one truth remains—good food served by dedicated locals makes for great memories.
We witnessed firsthand the compassion and commitment of so many owners and managers who are like extended family to staff, and it reminded us that food is about more than economics and nutrition.
We heard about community initiatives local restaurants were spearheading or assisting with, and enjoyed the huge grins that come over restaurant staff when one of the “regulars” comes through the door.
And we experienced the passion, sometimes bordering on perfectionism, that is instilled in people who have journeyed from idea to innovation to business to lifelong pursuit. It’s a grind, it’s often a rollercoaster financially, and many restaurateurs discourage their family from following in their footsteps.
But there’s something special that still takes place at times when we put our phones in our pockets, order food made with love and plenty of flavor, and appreciate what Lakeland serves up.
RJ Walters EDITORTHE BUZZ
COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS
I am honored to be featured alongside Polk County's higher education leaders in The Lakelander's education issue – #WeArePolk
FB | Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti
For exceptional Chiropractic Care after a vehicle accident, contact Dr. Abraham and the professional team at New Hope Chiropractic in the Lake Miriam Publix Plaza.
DON’T IGNORE YOUR INJURIES.
We would love to evaluate and treat you!
CONTRIBUTORS
ADAM SPAFFORD
Adam came to Lakeland in 1999 to attend Florida Southern College and, except for a 20-month graduate school stint in Massachusetts, has been here since.
When he’s not writing page-turners for The Lakelander, he trades stock and index options.
MADI ELIZABETH
Madi Elizabeth is a California-born photographer who now resides in Lakeland. Known for her ability to capture fleeting moments with authenticity, Madi's work showcases a diverse range of subjects and settings, from landscapes to intimate portraits.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she invites viewers to experience the emotions and beauty of each captured scene. Madi's talent has gained recognition through features and publications in People Magazine, The Lakelander, Voyage Tampa, etc, solidifying her place as a sought-after artist in the field of photography.
JENNA MACFARLANE
Hailing from Sarasota, Jenna Macfarlane is a Southeastern University graduate who fell in love with Lakeland when she arrived. Jenna earned a degree in communications and is passionate about her craft; she believes the highest form of art is hope and seeks to communicate it in every piece she writes.
@jenna_macfarlane
FIND YOUR PURPOSE. BUILD YOUR FUTURE.
Dive in to the waters of Tampa Bay and research stone crabs. Learn to trade through our student-run investment fund. Intern on Capitol Hill.
Hands-on, real-world experiences ensure you graduate with the knowhow employers and graduate schools demand.
BEST REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES
- U.S. News & World Report
BEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS SCHOOLS
- Poets&Quants for Undergrads
BEST CAREER SERVICES IN THE NATION
- The Princeton Review
TOP FULBRIGHT PRODUCER
- U.S. Department of State
#1 IN EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION
- National Society of Experiential
- Education
“A PERSONALIZED EDUCATION CATERED TO STUDENTS’ INTERESTS”
- Colleges of Distinction
98% POSITIVE OUTCOMES AFTER GRADUATION
- FSC Career Services Annual Report
Tea Largo
MONDAY – SATURDAY 7AM-8PM
SUNDAY 9AM-8PM
PREORDER AT TEALARGO.MYSHOPIFY.COM
After 15 years in business, Tea Largo owner Kristin Miller has one goal: keep encouraging people to try new things.
If you’ve visited Tea Largo, you know it by its eclectic Floridian decor; colorful murals and mosaics cover every inch of the space. “I’m not exactly a ‘less is more’ type of person,” Kristin laughs. “I don’t do ‘simple’ well.” Its menu is no different. Think layered superfood bowls, vegan baked goods, 50+ varieties of loose leaf tea, and more.
Tea Largo was born after Kristin discovered loose leaf tea in 2007 and was struck by how flavorful tea can be. She started experimenting with new brews at home, and opened her shop with the hope of helping Lakelanders infuse their days with more joy and novelty.
Among her tea concoctions, she also started making homemade boba—and it’s been on the Tea Largo menu ever since. It’s a customer favorite.
Tea Largo’s your place to go if you’re looking for a customizable experience. With more than 21 different drink inclusions, mix-ins, toppings, bubbles and swirls, everything on the menu is made to order.
KRISTIN'S RECOMMENDATION: Taro Bubble Tea
It’s purple and it tastes like a vanilla cupcake. Can you think of anything better?
Along with its regular menu staples, Tea Largo gets creative with its seasonal drinks—like this fall’s iced apple butter cider. Also new to the menu is protein boba, a rich and satiating alternative that packs a nutritional punch.
akelanders can now live in detached homes with apartmentstyle amenities without sharing walls with neighbors and without having to put down a hefty down payment, all within walking distance to restaurants, retail stores and a movie theater.
Grasslands West—located to the southwest of Grasslands off Harden Blvd., but not formally affiliated with the prominent neighborhood—is the innovation of three locals who strongly believe the community appeals to both millennials and empty-nesters alike.
Locals Rob Harper, Dan Green and Michael Myers have
partnered to develop 88 single family homes that have modern floor plans, screened in porches and a garage, along with a community pool, and views of a golf course and water.
“This type of community has become more and more popular around the country, and we’re the first one here in Lakeland,” Dan Green said. “You have millennials who really saw their parents lose their houses [and] you’ve seen their lifestyles change where they’re OK not owning…and having the
flexibility to leave. And then you’ve got the Baby Boomers who are saying, I'd rather downsize…I want to be traveling and all I wanna do is lock it and somebody take care of that.”
Harper said it’s also a great option for families moving from out-of-town who want to be centrally located and have a chance to get to know their surroundings before potentially buying a home.
There are three floor plans to choose from:
• The three bedroom, two bath Pebble Beach that is 1,560 square feet that runs around $2,700 per month
• The three bedroom, two bath St. Andrews, which covers 1,837 square feet and includes a study, and costs approximately $2,900 per month
• The two-story four bedroom, three bath Pinehurst, which consists of 2,414 square feet and includes an upstairs retreat, which rents for approximately $3,300 per month
Their floor plans were inspired by a national market study and conversations with many local builders, and they strike a balance between open concept and defined spaces.
They chose to call the community Grasslands West because people are well acquainted with the “Grasslands area of Lakeland” and because they built the homes with exterior aesthetics
that fit the beautiful golf course community that it is next to.
Grasslands West members are not part of the Grassland Golf and Country Club, but can apply for membership at the club the same as any other locals.
Grasslands is especially near and dear to Myers, not only because he owns a home in the community, but he also was a building superintendent of the construction of that neighborhood, dating back to the late 1980s.
Green is the Principal of Wheelock Communities, a company that has built a portfolio that encompasses more than 24,000 residential lots around the U.S.
Harper is owner of Land South, a property development, management and realty company, that has played a pivotal role in the growth of Polk County.
All 88 homes are expected to be complete in the next 12-18 months, but more than 30 homes are already being lived in or available for rent.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT GRASSLANDSWEST.COM OR EMAIL
LSM@LANDSOUTHGROUP.COM
"THIS TYPE OF COMMUNITY HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE POPULAR AROUND THE COUNTRY, AND WE’RE THE FIRST ONE HERE IN LAKELAND."
‘ve made only one change in 25 years,” Gio Moriello says about the signature food that has made his family’s Palace Pizza a mainstay of downtown Lakeland. Two and half decades is remarkable longevity for any business, to say nothing of the notoriously onerous restaurant industry. The secret sauce, it seems, is Palace’s unwavering pursuit of consistent, delicious excellence. Perhaps running counter to much business advice to be nimble and quickly adjust to cultural shifts, Moriello says succinctly, “I don’t change what works.”
It was the mozzarella—the change he made 14 years ago. A new cheese vendor had contacted Palace but Gio was, understandably, reluctant to change what had been working well for more than
a decade. At the urging of his father to give it a try, the vendor set up a blind taste test between Palace’s current product and the upstart competitor. The rest is Lakeland cuisine history–and the delectable cheese on Palace Pizza is now a flavor many locals can taste with their eyes closed.
This story illustrates the family foundation of the restaurant. Gio’s mother and father, having operated a restaurant overlooking the ocean in Italy, moved the family—including Gio’s brother and sister—to the US when he was 17.
“My hometown in Italy is very small, maybe 22,000 people in peak season and 15-17,000 in the winter,” he says about Monte di Procida, which is located about 15 miles west of Naples. “For work there are two choices: the shipping industry or the restaurant business. And if you move away the assumption is that you’ll work in the restaurant business in your new home.”
Begin
The Moriello family took a risk on Lakeland when the area wasn’t exactly thriving.
By the late 90s, the family owned and operated a restaurant in Kissimmee when the Palace Pizza location came up for sale. The family seized the opportunity, came to Lakeland and began to make the food that so many Lakelanders have enjoyed for so long. Although his mother and father have stepped back somewhat, Gio’s siblings and brother-in-law, along with nearly 20 employees on a busy night, continue to serve the famed pies, along with a host of other authentic Italian options.
Although Gio doesn’t mention it, those who remember downtown in the late 90s will know that the Moriello family took a risk on Lakeland when the area wasn’t exactly thriving. In fact, entrepreneurs like the Moriello’s and the late Gerry McHugh, can be credited in part for building the foundation of today’s vibrant city center. At the time, however, Gio says, “There were only a handful of restaurants that depended almost totally on the lunch crowd from Publix and FedEx employees. Everything effectively shut down after 5 p.m. After a few years, other Lakelanders started to find us through events like the Christmas Parade. Word-of-mouth spread and helped us grow. When investments that brought the nighttime crowd to downtown increased, we began to serve even more customers.”
It’s those customers that the 42-year-old owner credits for helping Palace survive the COVID response when so many businesses didn’t. “We had the support of the incredible Lakeland community to see us through. Social media helped us make a quick transition to takeaway service and we were able to maintain all our employees at full potential.”
Moriello doesn’t view Palace’s superb customer service as a challenge because “Italian customers are ten times harder to please!”
“I recently visited a cousin’s restaurant back home and thought, ‘I’m glad my customers aren’t as demanding!’”
“I just had to replace an oven—and the replacement was made in the 1970s.”
But like any endeavor, other challenges are ongoing. The nature of a family-owned venture means everyone must agree with business decisions. Then, there are the long hours. “I have to be the captain to ensure consistently good food,” Moriello explains, “so that means being present all the time: weekends, holidays–any time people might go out to eat. When you live the restaurant life, it’s the opposite of regular life; you live differently than 90 percent of the people you know.”
The father of three loves having his kids at the restaurant but acknowledges he’s not pushing them into or strongly recommending the life of a restaurateur.
Of course as a restaurant owner, it helps to have great employees. Gio has nothing but praise for his team and specifically the man–Walter–who makes the circular foundation of Palace’s signature dish. “Walter is a pizza making machine–400, 500 on a busy weekend! He’s been here 15 years and there’s no one who can make them as fast as he can. He’s a big part of the restaurant and a blessing to have at Palace. He’d rather redo something than send out an inferior product. He’s an old-school guy with an old-school work ethic making pizzas the old-school way.”
If he had advice for his younger self, Gio says he’d try to anticipate how improving restaurant technology could help serve customers better. But Palace doesn’t have the space for more modern equipment and–more importantly–this successful old-school way is impossible to replicate. “Our New York-style pizza requires an oven with a special stone that keeps the temperature consistent. These stones can’t be found anymore and the new ovens aren’t consistent enough. I just had to replace an oven—and the replacement was made in the 1970s.”
After all, don’t change what works.
“Walter’s an old-school guy with an old-school work ethic making old-school pizzas.”
“I have to be the captain to ensure consistently good food.”
Cigars and Brews at Cigar Life
WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS PHOTOS BY JON SIERRA DESIGNED BY BRIANA CHENOTfter more than four decades in the grocery business, a friend lit the flame of a new passion for Mario and Patty Medina, and that flame ignited into a passion that was the catalyst for the couple opening Cigar Life in South Lakeland in 2017.
They joke they traded in the keys to their Corvettes for the keys to the lounge, but their dedication to cultivating an exquisite experience where locals can connect, kick back and enjoy some of the world’s finest flavors and aromas proves there is no second guessing that decision.
Cigar Life is a Diamond Crown Lounge, meaning they are part of a network of J.C. Newman Cigar Company approved lounges that carry the exclusive and limited edition Diamond Crown Julius Caesar 1895 cigar.
The lounge also offers up an impressive variety of craft beers and fine wines that pair delightfully with the large selection of cigars.
They host a weekly poker night, and Cigar Life is actively involved in and supports a number of community endeavors.
“My favorite thing about owning Cigar Life is the customers, the camaraderie—and that’s not a tagline, I mean that sincerely,” Mario says. “We’ve developed relationships here that transcend relationships we’ve had for years and years.”
As a way of inviting Lakelanders in for a time of relaxation and connecting with each other, the Medina’s shared with us a few of their most recommended pairings for having a good time and making great friends.
CLAssIC with Zundert Trappist #4
The Diamond Crown Classic features a five-year-old Connecticut Fermented Wrapper and has full aromas of cedar with a fair share of citrus freshness in this luxurious smooth cigar. Floral aromas and a little white pepper are particularly well suited in the silky transparent texture of smoke.
This pairs perfectly with a European tripel ale brewed by monks within the walls of Zundert Trappist Monastery. This beer has an aroma of caramel, herbs and spices—initially floral and slightly sweet— and its character develops from light caramel to a lovely, dry, mellow hoppy bitterness as the flavor opens.
JULIUS CAESAR ROBUSTO
with Hop Life Nuthouse Coffee Porter
This pairing is for java lovers. The Julius Caesar Robusto’s rich, bold and distinctive flavor comes from the especially flavorful Ecuadorian Havana-seed wrappers combined with a blend of fine Dominican binder and select Dominican and Central American filler tobaccos, carefully aged for five years. Lots of rich, coffee-laden smoke layers the palate with each puff. The bold coffee is balanced by sweet and spicy woody flavors and a savory finish.
Hop Life Brewing Company out of Port St. Lucie offers up an ideal mate with a beer that uses locally roasted coffee that include hazelnut, coconut and southern pecan bourbon flavors. The coffee is cold brewed and then blended with milk porter to create a medium bodied beer with a hint of chocolate, cream and roasted nut flavor.
MAXIMUS
with Cigar City Maduro
The unique and remarkably smooth, full-bodied flavor of the Diamond Crown Maximus is unparalleled, featuring the richest, hardiest and darkest tobacco from the top priming ‘corona’ of the plant. Dark and aromatic, this cigar features superb construction and a balanced profile. It delivers pleasant notes of fresh brewed coffee and roasted nuts throughout the powerful but refined smoke.
The Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale, produced out of Tampa, is a low alcohol content and moderate body drink that offers aromas reminiscent of toffee and chocolate macaroons. Semi-sweet chocolate, almond, and brown sugar flavors fill the palate but quickly dissipate into a dry, clean finish with notes of coffee grounds.
• Cajun and Southern Flavors with a Modern Twist
• Fresh Seafood, Steaks, Chicken, Pasta and more!
• Located in Beautiful Downtown Lakeland
• Happy Hour Everyday from 2-7pm
PARTY
ow in her 15th season as the “HBC” (head ball coach) of a close-knit gang of neighbors and friends on Football Saturdays, Jess Weeks won’t let anything stand in the way of serving up amazing game day grub, not even her beloved Florida Gators.
Sure, she has a TV in her kitchen so she can keep one eye on her favorite team and the other on a tray or meatball sliders, but the memories she is making are more about food and fellowship than wins or losses.
In 2009, Jess and her husband, Ted, an Auburn fan, invited a couple of families over to their house to eat food and watch football. Fast forward to the kickoff of the 2023 college football season and there are nearly 15 families that make up the roster of a regular Saturday gathering that takes place in the Beacon Hill neighborhood—often at the Weeks’ home— near downtown Lakeland.
Weeks usually lets the crew know what’s on the slate for the main course(s) and everyone else brings over finger food, dips and desserts that are rooted in their own unique upbringings.
Everyone has become identified with the food item or items they are most passionate about whether that’s Jess' wings, Dean's blue cheese chips, Kate's carmelitas or Lamar's jalapeno poppers and many others.
Weeks said over the years, as the children in the group have grown older and palates have changed, they have at times enhanced their food offerings.
“One time for a gathering, when Hurricane Irma was coming, we did like all spiral themed snack foods, so it was like in the shape of a hurricane,” she said. “I went and got flank steak that was really flat and put blue cheese and spinach inside and rolled it up, and we had a red velvet rolled cake.”
What began as a way to enjoy games together has evolved into a group of people who do come together before a hurricane—to pray and sing worship songs—as well as have holiday parties, and ultimately, share life through the hills and valleys.
Weeks said that some of her fondest memories are of the neighborhood children playing volleyball or football in the yard or women connecting in the kitchen or seeing her husband build lifelong friendships with the guys, all with football and food as the backdrop.
Safe to say, the neighborhood children will have lasting memories on fall Saturday’s of going to this gathering for the rest of their lives.
Some memories you can see, and others you can taste. Enjoy some of this local gameday crew’s favorite foods that are irresistible, yet pretty simple to put together on a Saturday morning.
WINGS
INGREDIENTS
2 lbs chicken wings/drumettes
1 stick of butter
12 oz bottle Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
5-10 dashes of Tabasco Sauce (optional)
Canola Oil
Add canola oil to a Dutch oven or other deep pot, until it is 2-3 inches high. Heat over medium high heat until 350 degrees, as measured with a deep fry thermometer. When oil has reached temperature, add 10-11 wing/drumette pieces to the oil and fry for 10 minutes, using metal tongs to make sure no pieces are sticking to the bottom. Drain on paper towels and repeat with remaining wings, making sure the oil temperature is back up to 350 degrees before adding more wings.
While wings are frying, in a saucepan, melt butter and add Frank’s Red Hot sauce to melted butter. Add Tabasco sauce, to taste if you like your wings spicy. Once wings have drained on the paper towels, add to the sauce to coat. Serve warm with blue cheese dressing if desired.
layered
blue cheese Dean's
potato chips
Blue Cheese Sauce Chips
INGREDIENTS
1-1/3 cup milk
8 oz cream cheese
2/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
Add the cream cheese and milk to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the cream cheese begins to soften and melt.
Add the blue cheese crumbles. Stir often with a rubber spatula, and press down on the cheeses to help break them down so they'll melt into the sauce more easily. Once the cheeses have melted, bring the sauce to a simmer until thickened, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from the heat and set aside.
INGREDIENTS
Lots of Kettle style potato chips
1-1/3 cup blue cheese sauce, plus more to taste
5–10 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
8 strips bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
5–6 tablespoons fresh chives (or green onions), chopped
Make a layer of kettle chips on a platter. Drizzle blue cheese sauce over, but not completely cover, the chips (5–8 tbsp). Stack more chips on top of the first layer, piling them into a mound in the center. Drizzle the chips with more blue cheese sauce, to taste.
Sprinkle the chips with blue cheese crumbles, bacon, and chives (green onions). Serve immediately.
MONSTER COOKIES Susan's
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup M&M candies
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream the butter and sugar together really well—at least 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add peanut butter and mix well. Add egg and vanilla and mix.
In a separate mixing bowl stir together the flour (be careful to measure correctly, spooning the flour into a measuring cup, then leveling off), oats, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
Add to the wet mixture and mix to combine. Stir in chocolate chips and M&M’s.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or a little longer if you make them bigger than a 1 inch cookie scoop. Don't overbake— they will look just set.
Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the pan.
Jess Weeks
Don’t try to do it all yourself!
Assign people items or share your party theme well ahead of time.
It’s Florida, so make sure you have a lot of ice and drinks.
She recommends pooling together money from partygoers before the event to help purchase enough beverages to last the evening, or in their case, the season.
Be intentional about building community.
Weeks said people connecting over good times is a great way to build bonds that can help strengthen each other whenever there are tough times.
francine's Meatball Sliders
SAUCE MEATBALLS
INGREDIENTS
2 cans San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes (yes, the brand is important!)
1 clove garlic. minced
Crushed red pepper
Coarse salt
1/2 stick of salted butter
INGREDIENTS
1 lb ground lamb
1 lb ground beef
1 cup Italian bread crumbs (I prefer Vigo)
1 egg
Splash of milk
Coarse salt
Shake of Italian seasoning
Shake of garlic powder (not garlic salt) Give the canned tomatoes a good whirl in the food processor. Add a good sized pinch of coarse salt. Heat olive oil in a pot. Once shimmery, add the minced garlic and a light shake of crushed red pepper flakes. Let it bloom for about 30 seconds (not too long or the garlic and red pepper flakes will burn and that's not delicious), then add the tomatoes and the half stick of butter. Let it simmer on the stove while you do the rest.
Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl - but do not overmix. Form meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
Place on two parchment-lined baking sheets, about an inch apart. Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. I like to slice one open to be sure it's cooked all the way through. Go ahead and eat that one while you're at it.
Let the meatballs cool just a smidge on a paper towel-lined plate (helps some of the grease to absorb as well), then transfer them into the pot of sauce.
INGREDIENTS
32 caramel squares, unwrapped
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Combine caramels and cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until completely smooth; set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and baking soda. Pat half of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of an 8"x8" pan.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove pan from oven,and sprinkle chocolate chips over crust. Pour caramel mixture over chocolate chips. Crumble remaining oatmeal mixture over caramel.
Return to oven and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned.
Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting.
CRAVE AND COPPER
117 EAST LAKE AVENUE
AUBURNDALE, FL 33823
(863) 968-2971
CRAVEANDCOPPER.COM
BURGER BUNKER
1360 US-92 WEST
AUBURNDALE, FL 33823
(863) 280-6862
AUBURNDALE MAIN STREET DINER
415 MAIN STREET
AUBURNDALE, FL 33823
(863) 967-1700
THE BRACK SHACK RESTAURANT AND KICK YO BUTT CATERING
231 EAST LAKE AVENUE
AUBURNDALE, FL 33823
(863) 875-8540
BRACKSHACK.COM
LAKE WALES FAMILY RESTAURANT
109 EAST STATE ROAD 60 WEST
LAKE WALES, FL 33853
(863) 676-8799
LWFAMILYREST.COM
FRESCO'S
132 SOUTH KENTUCKY AVENUE LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 683-5267
FRESCOSLAKELAND.COM
CHARLIE'S FAMILY RESTAURANT
2614 LAKELAND HILLS BLVD. #8 LAKELAND, FL 33805 (863) 683-2999
DECISIONS GRILL & BAR
1621 EAST EDGEWOOD DR. LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 686-6441
DECISIONS-GRILL-BAR.BUSINESS.SITE
FAT JACKS
2940 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 687-0262
FATJACKSDELIPUBINC.COM
CHOP SHOP
126 SOUTH KENTUCKY AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 603-4040
CHOPSHOPBURGERS.COM
SUPER DUPER SPOT
640 EAST MAIN STREET #7
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 608-9455
SUPERDUPERSPOT.COM
S&L RESTAURANT
2915 SOUTH COMBEE ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 665-0731
FORD'S GARAGE
879 LAKELAND PARK CENTER DRIVE LAKELAND, FL 33809 (863) 337-3673
FORDSGARAGEUSA.COM
REECECLIFF
940 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 686-6661
REECECLIFF.COM
FRED'S MARKET
RESTAURANT
2120 HARDEN BLVD.
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 603-7080
FREDSMARKET.COM
MARKET CAFE
20 NORTH MARKET STREET
LAKE WALES, FL 33853
(863) 676-8510
GLORY DAYS GRILL
3790 LAKESIDE VILLAGE COURT
LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 225-8958
GLORYDAYSGRILL.COM
TEXAS CATTLE CO
735 EAST MAIN STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 686-1434
TEXASCATTLECOMPANY.NET
ANDY'S IGLOO
DRIVE-IN
703 3RD STREET SW
WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880
(863) 293-0019
ANDYSIGLOO.COM
AX-CALIBER
204 EAST ORANGE STREET LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 592-3500 AXCALIBER.COM
SIZZLING GRILL
21400 US HIGHWAY 27
LAKE WALES, FL 33859 (863) 676-4898
SIZZLINGGRILLFL.COM
BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S
NORTH 1070 WEDGEWOOD ESTATES BLVD
LAKELAND, FL 33809 (863) 853-9464
BEEFOBRADYS.COM
BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S
SOUTH 4810 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 646-7757
BEEFOBRADY.COM
BRITT'S CAFE
NORTH
6617 NORTH SOCRUM LOOP ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33809 (863) 583-4252
LOVEBRITTS.COM
BRITT'S CAFE
SOUTH
3662 HARDEN BLVD
LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 940-4300
LOVEBRITTS.COM
HARBORSIDE
2435 7TH STREET SW
WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880 (863) 293-7070
HARBORSIDEFL.COM
THE FIRE RESTAURANT
325 WEST CENTRAL AVENUE
WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880 (863) 875-5544
THEFIRERESTAURANT.COM
NUTWOOD
132 AVENUE B SW
WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880 (863) 229-7770
NUTWOODWH.COM
THE ORIGINAL
MIKE'S GRILL
1037 NORTH BROADWAY AVENUE BARTOW, FL 33830 (863) 800-3130
ZEST BAR AND GRILL
315 E. SUMMERLIN STREET SUITE A BARTOW, FL 33830 (863) 800-3181
LOVEBIRDEATS.COM
ZESTBARTOW.COM
CURRY MANGO
6625 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 940-2275
MYCURRYMANGO.COM
MAGIC WOK OF LIN
2129 EAST COUNTY ROAD 540A
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 709-1688
MAGICWOKLAKELAND.COM
FEASTS OF PERSIA
3304 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 272-9330
PEKING HOUSE
2411 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 688-9022
THEPEKINGHOUSE.COM
PHO TAN
2920 SOUTH COMBEE ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 665-1312
SABU RAMEN AT THE JOINERY
640 EAST MAIN STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 940-2050
SABURAMEN.COM
SPICE THAI & SUSHI
3895 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 709-8321
SPICETHAISUSHIRESTAURANT.COM
SAIGON BISTRO
1554 TOWN CENTER DRIVE WEST LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 686-6560
SAIGONBISTROFL.COM
TERIYAKI MADNESS
304 NORTH KENTUCKY AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 500-8623
TERIYAKIMADNESS.COM
THAI OISHI
1535 TOWN CENTER DRIVE WEST LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 333-0657
THAIOISHIRESTAURANT.COM
ATO POKE
640 EAST MAIN STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 225-9752
ATOPOKE.COM
FANCY Q SUSHI & THAI NORTH
4304 US HIGHWAY 98 NORTH LAKELAND, FL 33809
(863) 608-7622
FANCYQLAKELAND.COM
FANCY Q SUSHI & THAI SOUTH
5615 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 646-6666
FANCYQLAKELAND.COM
GOSH! ASIAN
BISTRO & SUSHI
4742 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 701-9818
GOSHBISTRO.COM
HIBACHI EXPRESS
5351 NORTH SOCRUM LOOP ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33809
(863) 815-9888
LAKELAND.HIBACHI
EXPRESSJAPANESE.COM
NEW MOON
4231 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 647-1212
NEWMOONSUSHI.COM
4790 FLORIDA AVENUE S. LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 500-8333
OKSUMIRAMENBAR.COM
SCREAM 'N TUNA
270 EAST BAY STREET #2150
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 413-0264
SCREAMNTUNA.COM
BAKERIES COFFEE &
BANKERS BREW COFFEE
600 NORTH BROADWAY AVENUE
BARTOW, FL 33830
BANKERSBREWCOFFEE.COM
BORN & BREAD BAKEHOUSE
1113 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 450-4513
BORNANDBREADBAKEHOUSE.COM
THE MARKET AT CAFE ZUPPINA
4417 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 603-8113
CAFEZUPPINA.COM/THE-MARKET
BLACK & BREW AT LAKELAND LIBRARY
100 LAKE MORTON DRIVE
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 500-9500
BLACKANDBREW.COM
CHARLIE'S MINI DONUTS AND COFFEE
1023 EAST COUNTY ROAD 540A
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 500-1414
CHARLIES-MINI-DONUTS-COFFEE.BUSINESS.SITE
BLACK & BREW DOWNTOWN
205 EAST MAIN STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 682-1210
BLACKANDBREW.COM
BLACK & BREW SOUTH
4209 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 250-8554
BLACKANDBREW.COM
CONCORD COFFEE
1037 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE #135
LAKELAND, FL 33803
CONCORDCOFFEE.COM
DIVICIOUS DELI AND COFFEE SHOP
128 EAST MAIN STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 940-9779
DIVICIOUSDELI.COM
UNFILTERED LAKELAND
801 EAST MAIN STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 603-3088
HAVEN COFFEE ROASTERS
140 3RD STREET SW
WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880
(863) 251-9619
HAVENCOFFEEROASTER.COM
HAPPYFASTDELICIOUS DRIVE THRU COFFEE
3601 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(813) 540-5129
HAPPYFASTDELICIOUS.COM
HILLCREST COFFEE
119 HILLCREST STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33815
(863) 398-9155
HILLCRESTCOFFEEFL.COM
MITCHELL'S COFFEE HOUSE
235 NORTH KENTUCKY AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 680-2944
MITCHELLSCOFFEE.COM
PRESSED COFFEE
213 EAST BAY STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 603-3166
PRESSEDLKLD.COM
BAR AND LOUNGE
FOOD + BEER
3615 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE
SUITE 1350
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 535-0820
EATFOODDRINKBEER.COM
1916 IRISH PUB
2900 BUCKINGHAM AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 834-2384
1916IRISHPUB.COM
THE BACK NINE
124 SOUTH TENNESSEE AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 510-5723
THEBACKNINELAKELAND.COM
THE BRASS TAP
1515 TOWN CENTER DRIVE
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 680-9994
BRASSTAPBEERBAR.COM
BREW HUB
3900 SOUTH FRONTAGE ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33815
(863) 698-7600
BREWHUB.COM
BREWLANDS
5733 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 646-2600
BREWLANDSBILLIARDS.COM
LAFAMOSA CIGARS & PIPE TOBACCO
2118 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 687-4168
VELAZQUEZ CIGAR COMPANY
812 EAST MAIN STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 500-3717
VELAZQUEZCIGARCOMPANY.COM
GROVE ROOTS
BREWING CO.
302 3RD STREET SW
WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880
(863) 291-0700
GROVEROOTS.COM
COB & PEN
1221 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 937-8126
COBANDPENLAKELAND.COM
LUGO'S CRAFT
DISTILLERY
2500 DRANE FIELD ROAD
SUITE 208
LAKELAND, FL 33811
(863) 816-3330
LUGOSCRAFTSPIRITS.COM
REC ROOM
202 N. MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 213-4073
RECROOMLKLD.COM
REVIVAL
119 SOUTH KENTUCKY AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 606-6090
REVIVALLAKELAND.COM
CIGAR LIFE
5724 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 603-8495
CIGARLIFELLC.COM
SWAN BREWING
115 WEST PINE STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33815
(863) 703-0472
SWANBREWING.COM
BAR61
215 EAST MAIN STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 688-1961
NINETEEN61.COM/BAR61
PEEBLES BBQ
441 DIXIE HIGHWAY
AUBURNDALE, FL 33823
(863) 967-3085
PEEBLESBBQ.COM
SMOKIN' JIM'S
HOUSE OF BAR-B-Q
3615 HAVENDALE BLVD
AUBURNDALE, FL 33823
(863) 965-0230
SMOKINJIMSBARBECUE.COM
GRANGER & SONS
BARBECUE
8121 US HIGHWAY 98 NORTH LAKELAND, FL 33809
(863) 858-7572
LIP SMACKING GOOD RESTAURANT
550 EAST MAIN STREET BARTOW, FL 33830 (863) 537-6347
BLUE DOG CRAFT BARBECUE
640 EAST MAIN STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 956-6466
BLUEDOGCRAFTBARBECUE.COM
FIRE HOT POT AND BARBECUE
4250 US HIGHWAY 98 NORTH LAKELAND, FL 33809
(863) 858-8804
FIREHOTPOTLAKELAND.COM
GALA HALL OF FAME
PRESENTED BY
4 RIVERS
SMOKEHOUSE
4729 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(844) 474-8377
4RSMOKEHOUSE.COM
MOJO FEDERAL SWINE AND SPIRITS
130 SOUTH TENNESSEE AVENUE LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 937-4226
MOJOBBQ.COM
MISSION BBQ
4014 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 225-8433
MISSION-BBQ.COM
OVATION BISTRO AND BAR
4715 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 262-3000
OVATIONBISTRO.COM
RED TOP PIT STOP
12160 US HIGHWAY 98 NORTH LAKELAND, FL 33809 (863) 853-9222
Carrie Jara Hair
PROFESSIONAL STYLIST
OVER 17 YEARS OF HAIR STYLING
TRAINED IN NEW YORK CITY
TOP HAIR COLORIST IN LAKELAND, FL
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!
BRUSTER'S
955 EAST COUNTY ROAD 540A
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 619-5030
BRUSTERS.COM
DOU BAKEHOUSE
830 N. MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(407) 779-4299
DOUBAKEHOUSE.SHOP
DESSERT
SWEET MAGNOLIA'S CAFE & GIFT SHOP
135 SOUTH CENTRAL AVENUE
BARTOW, FL 33830
(863) 537-6083
TWISTED SUGAR
3958 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
COOKIE JAR
BAKESHOP
305 EAST MAIN STREET
BARTOW, FL 33830
(863) 519-3333
COOKIEJARBAKESHOP ANDEATERY.COM
BLUE VELVET GOURMET CUPCAKES
3800 US HIGHWAY 98 NORTH #846
LAKELAND, FL 33809
(863) 532-0244
THEBESTBLUEVELVETCUPCAKES.COM
CAKE MAKERS STUDIO
115 SOUTH KENTUCKY AVENUE
BARTOW, FL 33801
(863) 937-8451
CAKEMAKERSSTUDIO.COM
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES
4754 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 345-7922
NOTHINGBUNDTCAKES.COM
SHAKE SHOPPE
101 MAIN STREET
AUBURNDALE, FL 33823
(863) 967-3528
TWO CRAZY NUTS
125 SOUTH CENTRAL AVENUE
BARTOW, FL 33830
(863) 940-7314
THEBESTBLUEVELVETCUPCAKES.COM
LA MICHOACANA
TRADICION NATURAL
77 U.S. HIGHWAY 17-92 NORTH
HAINES CITY, FL 33844
(863) 547-4409
MIMI'S ITALIAN ICE
3120 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 816-3163
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 816-3103
TWISTEDSUGAR.COM
MEL'S DESSERTS & DELIGHTS
3548 ISLAND OAKS NORTH
LAKELAND, FL 33805 (217) 691-4072
MELSDESSERTS.COM
MAYDAY ICE CREAM
LAKELAND
640 EAST MAIN STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801
MAYDAYICECREAM.COM
LAKELAND ICE CREAM COMPANY NORTH
2973 DUFF ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33810
(863) 337-5652
LAKELANDICECREAM.COM
LAKELAND ICE CREAM
COMPANY SOUTH
2972 LAKELAND HIGHLANDS ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 337-6653
LAKELANDICECREAM.COM
CARMEN'S ICE CREAM
PARLOR
922 SPRING LAKE PLAZA
WINTER HAVEN, FL 33881
GOT DESSERTS
190 SOUTH WILSON AVENUE
BARTOW, FL 33830
(863) 853-9999
GOTDESSERTSLAKELAND.COM
PELICAN'S SNOBALLS
2510 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 816-5800
PELICANSSNOBALLS.COM
RITA'S ITALIAN ICE & FROZEN CUSTARD
3115 US HIGHWAY 98 N MARKET SQUARE
LAKELAND, FL 33805
(863) 606-5822
RITASICE.COM
JEREMIAH'S
ITALIAN ICE
2117 EAST COUNTY ROAD 540A
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 500-8055
JEREMIAHSICE.COM
ANDY'S FROZEN CUSTARD
4046 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 937-5604
EATANDYS.COM
GOOD FUN.
At Publix GreenWise Market, we want you to have fun discovering good food. Our FINDS specialists are here to help you find wine, cheese, and charcuterie pairings you’ll love. Come say hi.
GOOD FOOD. GOOD FUN.
The Preserve Marketplace
2175 Sembler Drive
Odessa, FL 33556
Water Street Tampa
555 Channelside Drive Tampa, FL 33602
At Publix GreenWise Market, we want you to have fun discovering good food. Our you find wine, cheese, and charcuterie pairings you’ll love. Come say hi.
The Shoppes at Lake Miriam Crossing
4747 S. Florida Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33813
The Preserve Marketplace
2175 Sembler Drive
publixgreenwisemarket.com
Odessa, FL 33556
Water Street Tampa 555 Channelside Drive Tampa, FL 33602
The Shoppes at Lake Miriam Crossing
4747 S. Florida Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33813
publixgreenwisemarket.com
Drink responsibly.
FINE DINING
THE CLUB AT EAGLEBROOKE
1300 EAGLEBROOKE BLVD LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 701-0101
EAGLEBROOKE.COM
GRASSLANDS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
1600 GRASSLANDS BLVD LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 680-1600
GRASSLANDSGCC.COM
WACO KITCHEN
3900 DON EMERSON DRIVE LAKELAND, FL 33811 (863) 583-4004
WACOKITCHEN.COM
HUNTINGTON HILLS GOLF &
LONE
At Chamberlin’s, we value what the earth gives us, in all its simple, organic, truly natural goodness. With straightforward ingredient lists and a thoughtfully sourced product selection, we always know exactly what’s in our boxes and on our shelves. No need for artificial additives. No need for harmful pesticides. No need for over-processing. Because we know nature is wonderful – just the way she is – from vine to shelf to table.
MESSIEH ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC
Leader in anterior hip replacement in Central Florida since 1991
Less-invasive surgery for the active patient looking for a quick recovery and a quicker return to work
Leader in anterior hip replacement in Central Florida since 1991
Less-invasive surgery for the active patient looking for a quick recovery and a quicker return to work.
Two Locations 1601 Sixth Street SE Winter Haven, FL 33880 863.419.9301
3200 Physicians Way Sebring, FL 33880 863.471.9700
THE PATIO LAKELAND
850 TENNESSEE AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 816-3101
SCARPA'S
1833 EAST EDGEWOOD DRIVE
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 937-8940
SCARPASITALIAN.COM
TERRACE GRILLE
329 EAST MAIN STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 603-5420
TERRACEGRILLELAKELAND.COM
ARABELLAS
346 WEST CENTRAL AVENUE
WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880
(863) 293-1797
ARABELLAS.US
CHEF T'S GARDEN GRILL
1525 EAST GARY ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 687-4386
CHEFTSGARDENGRILL.COM
ATHENIAN RESTAURANT
1215 ARIANA STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 682-6477
CAFE ZUPPINA
4417 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 644-5144
CAFEZUPPINA.COM
LOUIS PAPPAS FRESH
GREEK LAKESIDE
1318 TOWN CENTER DRIVE EAST
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 284-1010
LOUISPAPPAS.COM
MEDITERRANEAN
FRESH GRILL
6035 CYPRESS GARDENS BLVD
WINTER HAVEN, FL 33884
(863) 633-4745
MEDITERRANEANFRESHGRILL.COM
THE KRAZY GREEK
6366 CYPRESS GARDENS BLVD
WINTER HAVEN, FL 33884
(863) 875-2753
THEKRAZYGREEK.COM
NINETEEN61
215 EAST MAIN STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 688-1961
NINETEEN61.COM
GREEK
HEALTHY
MARIA PETIT
FOOD BOUTIQUE
227 EAST LAKE AVENUE
AUBURNDALE, FL 33823
(863) 326-8815
CRUSH IT NUTRITION
270 SOUTH WILSON AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33830
(863) 537-6346
CRUSH-IT-NUTRITION.BUSINESS.SITE
ANTHONY'S HEALTH HUT
5329 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 644-5330
BAHIA BOWLS
4784 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 646-0836
BAHIABOWLS.COM
FRESH KITCHEN
4520 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 315-9060
EATFRESHKITCHEN.COM
SO FRESH
4756 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 622-1369
LOVESOFRESH.COM
GOOD THYME
1037 DIXIELAND MALL LANE
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 603-8296
GOODTHYMELKLD.COM
JUICE BOX CAFE
4295 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 225-5961
JUICEBOXCAFE.COM
KRAZY KOMBUCHA
1030 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 816-3869
KRAZYKOMBUCHA.LIFE
ROOTED LAKELAND
5327 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 254-1860
VEGETATION CAFE & KITCHEN
1439 EAST GARY ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 216-8534
VEGETATIONPLANTFOOD.COM
VEGAN MONARCH
BAKERY
371 AVENUE D NORTH-WEST
WINTER HAVEN, FL 33881
(863) 734-9148
TEA LARGO
4632 CLEVELAND HEIGHTS BLVD
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 688-6816
TEALARGO.MYSHOPIFY.COM
PALACE SOUTHSIDE
4780 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 619-5919
PALACESOUTHSIDE.COM
PALACE ITALIAN RESTAURANT
6120 US HIGHWAY 98 NORTH
LAKELAND, FL 33809
(863) 853-1316
PALACERESTAURANT LAKELAND.COM
TUA PASTA
315 EAST MAIN STREET
BARTOW, FL 33830
(863) 800-3759
NEOPOLITAN ITALIAN EATERY
645 INGRAHAM AVENUE
HAINES CITY, FL 33844
(863) 353-2576
NEAPOLITANITALIAN EATERYHC.COM
PICCOLINA
TRATTORIA
18720 U.S. HIGHWAY 27
LAKE WALES, 33853
(407) 288-5790
PICCOLINATRATTORIA.COM
A TASTE OF ITALY
116 KENNY BLVD.
HAINES CITY, FL 33844
(866) 584-5527
L'INCONTRO
ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
35 STATE ROAD 60 WEST
LAKE WALES, FL 33858
(863) 676-7400
LINCONTROFL.COM
ROMEO'S PIZZA & PASTA
2346 GRIFFIN ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33810
(863) 816-8100
ROMEOSPIZZAPASTA.COM
HAVANA DELIGHTS
CAFE & CATERING
155 EAST MAIN STREET
BARTOW, FL 33830
(863) 533-6947
HAVANADELIGHTCAFE.COM
3615 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 607-6030
ILFORNOLAKELAND.COM
CUBAN DELIGHTS CAFE
1039 EAST COUNTY ROAD 540A
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 701-0190
CUBANDELIGHTSCAFE. GETSAUCE.COM
DON CRIOLLO BAKERY & RESTAURANT
201 EAST HINSON AVENUE
HAINES CITY, FL 33844
(863) 438-4974
DONCRIOLLO.COM
ELENA'S CUBAN CAFE
2246 EAST EDGEWOOD DRIVE
HAINES CITY, FL 33803
(863) 777-5784
ELENASCUBANCAFE. GETSAUCE.COM
JULIO'S SANDWICH
SHOP
4525 FLORIDA AVE SOUTH SUITE 33
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 686-1713
JULIOSSANDWICHSHOPAT
ITALIAN LATIN
ALAMOPLAZA.COM
WEST CARIBBEAN
CUBAN RESTAURANT
2215 SOUTH COMBEE ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(866) 606-5954
ZARZA LATIN FOOD AND GRILL
4648 CLEVELAND HEIGHTS BLVD
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 607-3702
ZARZALATINRESTAURANTS.COM
MISTER FISH
715 EAST PALMETTO STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 688-4280
MISTERFISH.ORG
PURPLE ONION
316 NORTH KENTUCKY AVENUE LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 688-5590
SUBS N SUCH
1008 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 686-9035
SUBSNSUCH.COM
UNCLE NICK'S ITALIAN DELI
6955 OLD ROAD 37 LAKELAND, FL 33809
(863) 333-4917
UNCLENICKSITALIANDELI.COM
LUNCH MEXICAN
THE DELI BASKET
3078 CYPRESS GARDENS ROAD WINTER HAVEN, FL 33844
(863) 325-9800
THEDELIBASKET.COM
SILVER RING CAFE
306 SOUTH CENTRAL AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33815
(863) 937-9002
HACIENDA MEXICO
195 EAST MAIN STREET
BARTOW, FL 33830
(863) 533-7600
DON MARTIN MODERN MEXICAN
15N SOUTH 5TH STREET
HAINES CITY, FL 33844
(321) 730-2779
DONMARTINMODERN
CUISINEHAINESCITY.COM
EL AZUCARERO RESTAURANT
15 10TH STREET
HAINES CITY, FL 33844
(863) 204-8061
2009 GEORGE JENKINS BLVD LAKELAND, FL 33815
(863) 688-3202
LA FIESTA MEXICANA
94 MAXCY PLAZA CIR
HAINES CITY, FL 33844
(863) 422-2200
LAFIESTAMEXICANA863.COM
TAQUERIA DON GONZALO
103 HIGHWAY 17
HAINES CITY, FL 33844
(821) 419-0784
TORTILLERIA LA MEXICANA
701 EAST HINSON AVENUE
HAINES CITY, FL 33844
(863) 422-1227
LAMEXICANA5.COM
FLAVORS DE ROSITA
1786 EAST HINSON AVENUE
HAINES CITY, FL 33844
(863) 216-4189
ORDERFLAVORSDEROSITA.COM
LA BOTANA
2415 EAST STATE ROAD 60 LAKE WALES, FL 33898
(863) 679-3335
AZTECA D'ORO MEXICAN RESTAURANT LAKELAND
1235 NORTH PARKWAY FRONTAGE ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 606-6682
AZTECADORO.COM/
DONA JULIA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
5375 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 648-0858
DONAJULIAS.COM
SWEET CUP CAFE
1401 LAKELAND HILLS BLVD
LAKELAND, FL 33805
(863) 603-8464
PIZZA
TAPATIO'S RESTAURANTE MEXICANO
734 EAST MEMORIAL BLVD.
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 686-6958
TAPATIOSMEMORIAL.COM
TAPATIO'S RESTAURANTE MEXICANO SOUTH
6645 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH SUITE #11
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 646-2199
TAPATIOSTOGO.COM
TACOS MY FRIEND
3899 RECKER HIGHWAY
WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880
(863) 837-7416
THE LAKEHOUSE KITCHEN
3071 CYPRESS GARDENS ROAD
WINTER HAVEN, FL 33884
(863) 269-5028
THELAKEHOUSEKITCHEN.GETSAUCE.COM
PALACE PIZZA
105 EAST MAIN STREET
BARTOW, FL 33830 (863) 533-9300
PALACEPIZZABARTOW.COM
AVA NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA
640 EAST MAIN STREET
LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 808-4025
THEJOINERYLKLD.COM/AVA
PALACE PIZZA
114 SOUTH KENTUCKY AVENUE LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 688-0045
PALACEPIZZADOWNTOWN.COM
J.BURNS PIZZA
SHOP SOUTH
5615 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH #101
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 377-9997
JBURNSPIZZA.COM
LAKELAND STADIUM PIZZA AND ITALIAN GRILL
1035 EAST COUNTY ROAD 540A
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 646-0700
STADIUMPIZZA.NET
MJ'S PIZZA AND WINGS
1747 EAST EDGEWOOD DRIVE
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 816-6950
MJSPIZZAWINGSMENU.COM
JET'S PIZZA
3234 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 709-0999
JETSPIZZA.COM
JET'S PIZZA NORTH
4973 US HIGHWAY 98 NORTH
LAKELAND, FL 33809
(863) 333-0322
JETSPIZZA.COM
KC'S ARTISAN PIZZA & WINE BAR
6645 FLORIDA AVENUE SUITE 5
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 644-8000
MELLOW MUSHROOM
3555 LAKELAND HIGHLANDS ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 825-6000
MELLOWMUSHROOM.COM
THAT 716 PIZZA & PASTA
1950 SOUTH COMBEE ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 884-4252
THAT716PIZZAJOINTMENU.COM
CIAO BELLA PIZZA & PASTA
5369 NORTH SOCRUM LOOP ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33809
(863) 859-9075
J. BURNS PIZZA SHOP
2306 EAST EDGEWOOD DRIVE
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 450-2986
JBURNSPIZZA.COM
PIZZERIA VALDIANO
1610 TOWN CENTER DRIVE
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 686-3730
PIZZERIAVALDIANO.COM
SORRENTO'S PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT
2977 DUFF ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33810
(863) 859-4911
SORRENTOSLAKELAND.COM
BISTRO PIZZA
326 WEST CENTRAL AVENUE
WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880
(863) 293-1797
ARABELLAS.US/BISTRO-PIZZA
PRIMO'S PIZZERIA
1031 SOUTH COMBEE ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 669-1020
ORDERPRIMOSPIZZERIAMENU.COM
TANTRUM'S
LAKESIDE GRILL
330 DENTON AVENUE
AUBURNDALE, FL 33823
(863) 875-3974
TANTRUMS-LAKESIDE-GRILL. BUSINESS.SITE
CRAZY FISH & BAR
802 HENRY STREET
LAKE WALES, FL 33853
(863) 949-6907
MELANIE'S
SEAFOOD CO.
120 EAST PARK AVENUE
LAKE WALES, FL 33853
(863) 949-6879
MR. & MRS.CRAB
3770 LAKESIDE VILLAGE COURT
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 413-0899
MMCSEAFOOD.COM
HARRY'S SEAFOOD
BAR & GRILL
101 NORTH KENTUCKY AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 686-2228
HOOKEDONHARRYS.COM
BONEFISH GRILL
225 WEST PIPKIN ROAD
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 701-9480
BONEFISHGRILL.COM
FISH CITY GRILL
1485 TOWN CENTER DRIVE SUITE D112
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 683-1243
FISHCITYGRILL.COM
MY COTTAGE GARDEN
327 NORTH KENTUCKY AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33801
(863) 688-9686
SWEET MAGNOLIA'S
TEA BISTRO
212 HOWARD STREET
AUBURNDALE, FL 33823
(863) 965-1684
MAGNOLIATEAROOMAND
GIFTSHOP.COM
LAVENDER 'N
LACE TEAROOM
430 NORTH LAKE SHORE WAY
LAKE ALFRED, FL 33850
(863) 956-3998
LAVENDERANDLACE
TEAROOM.COM
WINNERS CIRCLE
4215 FLORIDA AVENUE SOUTH
LAKELAND, FL 33813
(863) 644-9464
WINNERSCIRCLE
SPORTSBAR.COM
BEDROCK WINGS
2064 EAST EDGEWOOD DRIVE
LAKELAND, FL 33803
(863) 698-7923
BEDROCKWINGS.COM
UNCLE APPS
1046 MARTIN L KING JR AVENUE
LAKELAND, FL 33805
(863) 937-9064
UNCLEAPPS.HRPROS. HEARTLAND.US
THE END ZONE
6206 US HIGHWAY 98 NORTH
SEAFOOD TEA ROOMS WINGS
LAKELAND, FL 33809
(863) 858-7226
THEENDZONELAKELAND.COM
1934
Local residents dine at the Thelma Hotel restaurant in celebration of the movie “Dinner at Eight” showing at the Polk Theatre. The Thelma Hotel was built in 1913 located at the corner of Kentucky Avenue and Lemon Street. Unable to compete with newer suburban motels and hotels, the Thelma closed its doors for the last time in April 1962. It was demolished a month later.
Courtesy of Lakeland Public Library