Posts filed under 'Dining'
Posted: May 10, 2010: 11:59 pm
The Sundown Southern Eatery officially opened its doors to a welcoming public on Monday, May 10, 2010. The totally renovated restaurant is bright and the decor is decidedly upscale and contemporary with three private dining areas in addition to the lounge area (pictured left) and the two main dining rooms.
The grand opening follows a weekend of soft opening practice for the restaurant’s chef and staff. And the menu is as spectacular as the New York decor. From Yukon Gold Potato Chips with gorgonzola bleu cheese to grilled romaine salad — crab cakes to “The Burger” you’ll find steaks, sea food grilled pork and fried chicken. The menu selections are creative and the presentation complements the fare. Prices are moderate and the service is friendly and focused.
The Sundown Southern Eatery is now open on the historic site formerly known as Christy’s Sundown. It is one more great dining option for Winter Haven residents. Stop in and meet Manager Michael Johnson and his fine staff.
Pictured below top left: Grilled Romaine Salad, right: Crab Cake Appetizer
Below left: “The Burger” – right: Yukon Gold Potato Chips w/Gorgonzola Bleu Cheese
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Dining, General Announcements
Posted: March 24, 2010: 11:27 am
Legendary Winter Haven Restaurateur Nicholas “Nick” Christy, 91, died on Monday, March 22. Christy came to Winter Haven in the early 1950s and purchased what was then called the Sundown Restaurant. He brought his own special flair and Greek influence to a menu that made the establishment one of the most famous and popular in the Central Florida area.
Services for Mr. Christy will take place at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2010. The church is located at 1030 Bradbury Road, Winter Haven. (This is a change from previously announced graveside services.)
Share your memories of Nick or the restaurant … comment below.
Pictured left Christy serves Marilyn Van Derbur, Miss America 1958, one of many pageant winners that visited the restaurant while appearing at Cypress Gardens.
| See other posts filed in: Dining, General Announcements, Memorials
Posted: March 16, 2010: 4:54 pm
Looking west from the Sundown lounge area into the newly expanded foyer.
Dining entrance is at right.
Major renovations and upgrades (105% by some accounts … tongue-in-cheek) will transform the iconic Christy’s Sundown into an all new dining experience when it reopens as the Sundown Restaurant in early May.
The entrance foyer is larger, encompassing what was formerly the office area. And while the legendary photo wall has been donated to the Museum of Winter Haven History, memorable moments including Nick himself will live on as back-lighted ceiling photographs in the smaller, more intimate lounge area. For the nostalgic you will find richly refinished pecky cypress accents throughout the restaurant and the elaborate woodwork throughout the dining area has been restored as well. A long hidden glass block window was saved, disassembled and now serves as a stylish room divider between foyer and dining area. The entrance to the dining areas is more direct.
There will be three private dining areas for meetings. The north room (where Johnny Carson held court and a host of other celebrities were entertained) has had the mirrors removed and will feature a board room setting for 16. The smaller private dining area familiar in the back of the first dining room has been renovated and refreshed. The east end of what used to be the lounge dance floor area and private room is now a private dining area for 40. The wine room and other appointments will provide nostalgia while totally new stacked slate, art and a piano will add new dimensions to the lounge.
Final flooring and cosmetic construction is underway. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store …
Looking west from restaurant into expanded foyer area.
New lounge area with pecky cypress accents. Fred and Michael Johnson,
owner operators of the restaurant in foreground.
Bar area is smaller and more intimate. Accents will include stacked slate
and large backlighted Sundown photographs on the ceiling.
Fred and Michael Johnson discuss final plans for completing the north dining area.
Historic woodwork has been refinished and a new tile floor is being installed.
Watch for an early May opening.
Construction and enhancements by Everett Whitehead & Sons.
| See other posts filed in: Dining, Economic Development
Posted: February 12, 2010: 2:02 pm
Mrs. William H. (Eunice) Fuller and George Wm. Tinsley, Sr. were honored as Winter Haven’s Woman and Man of the year at ceremonies Thursday evening at Nora Mayo Hall.
Mrs. Fuller, a quiet and diverse philanthropist, is known for her support of a multitude of organizations from childcare and abused women shelters to the arts and theatre. She has been a Winter Haven resident for more than 60 years. “Eunie” as she is affectionately known by her friends, credited her mother and grandmother for teaching her the importance of giving.
The Banker’s Cup was established in 1923 to recognize civic contributions. It is Winter Haven’s highest honor.
George Tinsley and his wife Seretha (2000 Banker’s Cup recipient) operate a array of restaurants (Pengeo, Inc.) including the highly successful KFC on Havendale Boulevard. Tinsley was recognized for his service to youth including troubled students who need a strong mentor. He is also known for helping his employees pursue further education and providing book grants specifically for that purpose. He and wife Seretha have made community service a part of their corporate mission.
More than 250 people enjoyed an elegant evening filled with delicious samples from area restaurants presenting the Taste of Winter Haven. Participating establishments included Arabella’s, Chalet Suzanne Restaurant & Inn, International House of Pancakes, Florida Leadership Training Center, Outback Steakhouse, PenGeo, Inc., Sonny’s BBQ, Sundown & Fred’s Southern Kitchen, Richard’s Fine Coffees and Tanners.
Past recipients gathered for a group photograph. (L to R)Charles McPherson, Vaughn McAshan, Richard Straughn, Ron Morrow, Ann Darby, Gary Schemmer, MD, Judy Cleaves, George Tinsley, Frank Fischer, MD, Eunice Fuller (seated), Ellie Threlkel, Cheryl Beckert (kneeling), Glenda Jones, Scottie Beasley (kneeling), John Stewart, Angeline Davis, Seretha Tinsley, U.J. Johnson and Howard Beckert.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven, Dining, Success Stories
Posted: February 9, 2010: 9:34 am
The menus are in and guests at this year’s Banker’s Cup/Taste of Winter Haven are in for an evening of delicious fun and celebration. Sample the following …
Arabella’s
Bistecca di Manzo – Sliced NY strip in a mushroom brandy sauce.
Penne alla Genovese – Penne pasta sautéed with pesto and shrimp sauce.
Chalet Suzanne
Chalet Suzanne’s Curry Chicken & Basmati Rice
Artichoke Dip with Pita chips
Florida FFA Leadership Training Center
Blackened Beef Tenderloin on Bruchetta Ciabatta with Boursin horseradish creme Applewood Bacon wrapped porktenderloin on goat cheese-chive potato cake with bourbon apple relish
IHOP
Nutella Crepes
Outback Steakhouse
Blue Cheese Salad
Ahi Tuna
Steak & Chicken from the Barbie
Pengeo, Inc
Fiery Wings Grilled
Grilled Chicken Martini
Brownie Bites
A selection of Richard’s Fine Coffees
Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q
Sliced beef with Bar-B-Q beans, Mild, Sweet & Smokin’ sauce.
Sundown and Fred’s Southern Kitchen
Shrimp and grits,
Sundown Bread Pudding w/ Whiskey Sauce.
Skillets of corn casserole
Tanners
Blackened Mahi Mahi w/Creole Butter Sauce
Seared Flank Steak w/grilled mushrooms, onions and peppers
Garlic Bread
Good Seats Remain … Join us for an elegant evening, celebration
and a tasting extravaganza!
Get your tickets today here.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Dining
Posted: February 3, 2010: 1:06 pm
M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m! In just little more than a week you can enjoy an exquisite “Taste of Winter Haven” at the Banker’s Cup Awards banquet Thursday, February 11 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The black-tie optional affair is anevening of wonderful food and our highest civic award presentations.
Join us at Nora Mayo Hall for an evening to savor and celebrate. Here are menus from some of our fine participating restaurants … come ready to sample!
Arabella’s
Bistecca di Manzo – Sliced NY strip in a mushroom brandy sauce.
Penne alla Genovese – Penne pasta sautéed with pesto and shrimp sauce.
Chalet Suzanne
Chalet Suzanne’s Curry Chicken & Basmati Rice
Artichoke Dip with Pita chips
IHOP
Nutella Crepes
Outback Steakhouse
Blue Cheese Salad
Ahi Tuna
Steak & Chicken from the Barbie
Pengeo, Inc
Fiery Wings Grilled
Grilled Chicken Martini
Brownie Bites
Sundown and Fred’s Southern Kitchen
Shrimp and grits,
Sundown Bread Pudding w/ Whiskey Sauce.
Skillets of corn casserole
Tanners
Blackened Mahi Mahi w/Creole Butter Sauce
Seared Flank Steak w/grilled mushrooms, onions and peppers
Garlic Bread
and more menus are on the way…
Tickets are still available but the event is expected to sell out.
Get your tickets today here.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Centennial Celebration, Chamber Events, Dining, Success Stories
Posted: January 26, 2010: 12:27 pm
The deadline for nominating a deserving man or woman to receive the 2010 Banker’s Cup Award is Wednesday, January 27 at 4 p.m. in the Chamber
lobby. One well documented nomination is all it takes. Here’s the nominating criteria:
• To honor persons dedicated to making Winter Haven better for their having lived here.
• Consider the range of activities and the involvement of the person you nominate and their positive impact on our community.
• Neither age nor occupation should be a factor. Every living resident of Winter Haven, of exemplary character, is a potential candidate.
• Social standing is not relevant; respect and integrity are.
• Traditionally an award is voted by the Selection Committee for both a woman and a man, if worthy candidates are presented.
• Activities should be considered only if they were truly for the community good. For example, work done for one’s personal hobby would be given less importance than work volunteered to serve the needs of others.
• It is not a popularity contest. The number of letters received is never a deciding factor; one sincere, well-documented letter may be enough.
• If merited, a previous recipient may receive the award again.
• It is appropriate to honor person for freely-given service over a period of years.
• The question is, “Who has made the most positive impact on making the Winter Haven area a better place to live?”
• There are no forms to be completed. Groups or individuals are invited to send nomination letters to Bankers Cup Selection Committee, c/o Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 1420, Winter Haven, FL 33882-1420. Deadline for 2010 Nominations is Wednesday, January 27.
Watch tomorrow for a sample menu from our fine Taste of Winter Haven participating restaurants.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven, Dining
Posted: October 29, 2009: 8:34 pm
A number of Downtown events will make the most of Halloween both Friday and Saturday nights this weekend. There’s fun and fright for most anyone and everyone. Mark your calendar and bring your friends and family. All the details below:
Ghoul’s Night Out
Friday Night, October 30
The City of Winter Haven will present a great night for ghosts and goblins of all ages at Ghoul’s Night Out from 6 – 9 p.m. Downtown the fun starts in the parks.
Terror on the Ridge – Bedlam Asylum
Friday and Saturday Night, October 30 and 31
Ridge Art presents “Terror on the Ridge – Bedlam Asylum” recommended for ages 12 and up. Special “Lights On Tour” from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Friday only) for the faint at heart. ($3 per person) Then, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. the Terror returns. Be the first to be “committed!” ($8 per person) Halloween Night they’ll be open the asylum from 7:30 p.m. to Midnight. ($8 per person)
Saturday, October 31
Downtown Street Party for Adults (Central Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets
Arabella’s Ave. Bar and Tanner’s Pub present this first ever Halloween evening for Grown Ups! Dance in the street to music by the New Beginnings Band. 8:30 p.m. to Midnight. Costume Contest with CASH PRIZES at 11 p.m. DJ Bob in Tanner’s Courtyard and DJ Smooth on Tanner’s Main Stage inside. So much fun … it’ll scare the bejeebies out of you! Brought to you by the Boys and Ghouls of
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Crazy Things To Do, Dining, Downtown
Posted: October 12, 2009: 3:48 pm
Plan on great fun, music, beer and bratwurst as Main Street Winter Haven presents the Second Annual Octoberfest Community Fall Celebration. The festivities all take place this Friday, October 16 – ah, and cooler weather is predicted.
Bring your friends to Central Park, downtown Winter Haven from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Live music by BandHaven. Beer and bratwurst may be purchased individually, or V.I.P. tickets are available for $15 each, or two for $25 (include food and admission to the beer-tasting tent allowing guests to sample more than 15 specialty beers).
The sponsors are Bernie Little Distributors, Inc., the City of Winter Haven and Main Street Winter Haven, Inc.
As long as you’re downtown you can also have the bejeebies scared out of you (for those with too many bejeebies) from 7:30 to 10 p.m. when you visit Ridge Art’s “Terror on the Ridge: Bedlam Asylum” … a haunted house for adults and children age 12 and up. Based on an insane asylum theme, this will be an intense experience created in 13 rooms of sheer horror. Located just east of the historic Ritz Theatre, there is a $7 admission fee that benefits the arts group.
Make this Friday a night in Downtown Winter Haven!
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Dining, Downtown, Main Street Winter Haven
Posted: September 30, 2009: 11:07 am
RED, WHITE & BREW INTERNATIONAL WINE , BEER AND FOOD TASTING – THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
5:30 – 8:30 P.M. AT THE CHAMBER
Ticket sales end today at 4 p.m. in the Chamber Lobby
Here’s the menu and the wine pairings by Grape Expectations:
Arabella’s Ristorante: Chicken Saltimbocca (topped with prosciutto and fresh sage in a light white wine and cream sauce),
Pasta in a light vodka sauce.
Wine: Bella Pinot Grigio
Blue Sapphire Sushi Bar: An assortment of fresh sushi
Wine: Sonoma Vineyards Savignon Blanc
Brock’s Smoke Hut: Smoked Pork Spare Ribs
Wine: Trapiche Malbec
Outback Steakhouse: Tender sliced roasted filet with a cool, crisp wedge of fresh Iceberg lettuce,
Blue Cheese dressing, grape tomatoes, red onions, bacon and
Blue Cheese crumbles, drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze.
Wine: Sycamore Lane Cabernet
Tijuana Flats: Assorted Tex/Mex dishes
Wine: Volteo Tempranillo
DESSERTS
KC’s Big Dipper:
Vanilla/Chocolate, Banana pudding, Red Velvet cake & Black raspberry frozen custard
The International Club from Webber International University:
From JAPAN: Orange Kanten Jelly — From ENGLAND: English Rice Pudding –
From GERMANY: Apfelstrudel (Apple Struddle)
From FRANCE: Duo de Mousse au Chocolat (Chocolaté Mousse)
Acoustical Guitar Selections by Hunter Smith
Tickets available through September 30 in the Chamber Lobby 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Dining, Downtown
Previous Posts
The Sundown Southern Eatery officially opened its doors to a welcoming public on Monday, May 10, 2010. The totally renovated restaurant is bright and the decor is decidedly upscale and contemporary with three private dining areas in addition to the lounge area (pictured left) and the two main dining rooms.
The Official Website of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
