By Amy Sumerlin So, you’ve survived the first couple weeks of social distancing while working from home and starting your new job as a homeschool teacher. But it’s the weekend, you’ve already cleaned all your closets, and that social side of you is just itching to come out. You still have options. Fun ones at that.
“DINE OUT WITH TAKE OUT”
I know your second favorite “F” word is food (Friday is the first, right?) and Polk County is chock full of great restaurants that make other larger counties jealous. Fortunately, most our local restaurants are still whipping up your favorites—you just have to eat it at home. In your PJs. Doesn’t sound so bad now, does it? Many of these restaurants will deliver, too. For example, Smokin’ Jim’s in Auburndale delivered to a group of my co-workers in Bartow; he just requested that the group’s total hit at least $50. Heck, I could eat $50 of his pulled pork all by my lonesome. I guess I shouldn’t say that word right now, should I?
Frescos
Located in downtown Lakeland, Frescos has started a Meals to Go Program – menus change each week – but the latest one I’m looking at included Creole Shrimp ($30 for two servings; $50 for four) or Beef Tenderloin Tips ( also $30 for two servings; $50 for four), among others. Better, you could add-on a bottle of wine for $15 or a bottle of their exclusive Frescos Barrel Pick Stranahans’ Cask Strength Single Malt for $40. To view their special weekly menus: https://frescoslakeland.com/ an-update-from-frescos/#weeklymenus also you can sign up online to be added to their email list for future menus, specials and promotions. Right now, they are also offering a buy $25 gift certificate, get an additional $5 for free.
Arabella's
Similarly, Arabella’s in downtown Winter Haven has created a to-go menu—and if you’ve never tried this Five Star restaurant, now is the time. The choices are awesome – including Veal or Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Marsala (that’s what I’m going to take home Friday night) and a Shrimp Greek Salad – and any of them are $12 per person. They are also offering a discount on their bottles of wine to also complete your meal. Menu changes, please check out their Facebook page for details @ArabellasRistorante. Call (863) 293-1797 to order. Their pizzeria, Bistro Pizza, next door is also offering great deals on pizza “to-go” as well as their regular menu: 2-2 topping 12” pizza $20, 2-2 topping 16” pizza $30, 2-2 topping 16” pizza & 12 piece wings $30! Call (863) 875-4894 to order. Check out their Facebook page for details @BistroPizza326.
Tanner's Lakeside Restaurant
Tanner’s Lakeside in Winter Haven is offering Boat-in and Drive-in for to-go orders Friday, Saturday & Sunday. They are also offering beer, wine and other beverages to-go. Come by boat and enjoy a cool refreshing frozen drink while waiting for your food: Hurricane, Margarita, Pina Colada and Rum Runners. Ask for the 10% off to-go special at the time of ordering; offer valid until April 30th (restrictions may apply). Call (863) 6625948. Check out their Facebook page for details @ TannersLakeside 8
APRIL 2020
Flightline Café
Some of our local restauranteurs are serving up their offerings with a side of humor. Flightline Café at The Winter Haven Airport is offering a variety of packs for customers to pick up. For instance, their Meat Lovers Pack gets you four pounds of pulled pork, two pounds of beef brisket, two BBQ chicken breasts, and a pound each of coleslaw and baked beans for $55—a really good price, I think. One of their other packs, the Quarantine Pack, offers you a gallon of milk, six bottles of water, a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread, one pound each of ham, cheese, and bacon; six bags of chips – and a roll of toilet paper. Call (863) 875-5869 to order or for more details. Check out their Facebook page for details @ FlightlineCafe.
Born & Bread Bakehouse
Born & Bread Bakehouse is now offering online ordering for their Saturday bakes. New menu is posted on Facebook each week. Place your order and time slot, then drive to their shop on South Florida Ave in Lakeland. Check in and wait for name to be called when your order has been filled. These will be the best Croissants, Cruffins and Breads ever tasted outside of Italy and France! Limited quantities baked for each Saturday so place your order on the Wednesday before because their fans scoop up their baked goods fast! Check out their Facebook page for details @ BornandBreadBakehouse
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