Posts filed under 'Dining'
Posted: January 16, 2009: 12:39 pm
RSVP Now for Networking Showcase at McGee Tires (formerly B & W Tires). Plan now to enjoy barbecue and maybe win a door prize as Bob Lanpher and McGee Tire Store hosts the next Networking Showcase on Thursday, January 22. Meet your friends and make new business contacts - 1803 Third Street, SW at the intersection of Cypress Gardens Boulevard and US 17. RSVP here.
Banker’s Cup/Taste of Winter Haven: Join your friends and enjoy wonderful food from Winter Haven’s finest restaurants as we honor a special man and woman for their civic contributions at the 2009 Banker’s Cup Taste of Winter Haven “For the Love of Communty.” A sample of the selections you will enjoy include:
Arabella’s Ristorante - Chicken Saltinbocca and Shrimp with Pistachio Creamy Brandy Sauce
Chalet Suzanne Restaurant & Inn - Baby King Crab Thermidor in a Shell, Crispy Duckling with Blackberry Sauce, Bison Tenderloin Bites with Marchant De Vin Sauce
Outback Steakhouse - Seared Ahi Tuna with Soy Dressing and Wasabi Vinaigrette, Blue Cheese Chop Salad, Pork Tenderloin Drizzled with Apricot-chili Glaze
Red Lobster - Garlic Shrimp Alfredo over Linguini, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, cool, creamy, Key Lime Pie with Raspberry Sauce
Smokin’ Jim’s BBQ - Ribs, Shredded Pork, Chicken, Baked Beans and Red Velvet Cake
Tam’s Classic Catering - Crostini with Guacamole and Chopped Vegetable, Smoked Salmon with Parmesan Caper Sauce, Chicken Rumaki
Texas Cattle Co - Skillets of Sirloin, Chicken and Mushrooms
Favor - Assorted desserts
This event is sure to sell out. Don’t miss this fabulous evening featuring Winter Haven’s highest civic honor. Purchase tickets here.
RSVP now for February 4 ‘First Wednesday Better Business Breakfast “How to Reduce the Chances of Fraud in Your Business”
Presented by: Bob Lynch, CPA, CFE, CVA, Manager – Forensic Accounting and Litigation Support Cross, Fernandez and Riley, CPAs LLP
Cross, Fernandez and Riley merged with Winter Haven’s Beckert, Price and Rowse, CPAs in August 2008. The combined firm has offices in Orlando, Winter Haven and Tampa. Join us for this timely topic to reduce your chances of losses from fraud in your business. You’ll have a great breakfast and hear timely updates from the City of Winter Haven, Main Street and the Chamber as well.
Here’s what you’ll take away from the C/F/R presentation:
Why Employees (Fraudsters) Steal?
How Employees (Fraudsters) Steal
Statistics on Fraud by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Learn “Red Flags” of Fraud
What you can to reduce the chances of Fraud
Join us Wednesday, February 4 at 7:30 a.m. in the Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium. $10 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. RSVP required and due to food guarantees, no shows will be invoiced. Make a date for great professional advice for the cost of breakfast. RSVP here.
Winter Haven Young Professionals Group - One-Year Anniversary Party
“I Love the 80’s” - Feb. 20
7 p.m. - 10 p.m. @ Arts Ensemble International
For complete details and ticket purchase, click here.
Click Here For Our Community events calendar.
Downtown Alive “Health & Fitness” - January 16. 5:30 p.m. (Today!)
Ribbon Cutting & Open House - Bond Clinic Women’s Health Center, Jan. 27, 4:30 p.m.
Bok Tower Gardens 80th Anniversary - Jan. 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Dining, General Announcements
Posted: December 9, 2008: 3:45 pm
With picture-perfect weather and several plane take-offs for atmosphere, Winter Haven dedicated its new state-of-the-art municipal airport terminal today — December 9, 2008. The 13,500 square foot facility includes a beautiful Richard’s Fine Coffees Deli and Cafe, two conference rooms, pilot lounge and other amenities. The terminal is designed to meet the city’s airport needs for the next 20 years.
Following a ribbon cutting ceremony that involved an actual propeller (without the plane) guests were toured through the facility. Among the goals the city has for the new improved facilities is taking advantage of airport-related economic development opportunities.
Mayor Yvonne Brooks expressed the city’s pride in the upgraded terminal and flightline. You’re invited to visit the cafe and see first hand the handsome new building. The restaurant also features an outdoor seating area so bring the family and take a close look at the future.
Pictured below: Guests assemble for the dedication ceremonies. Further below a scene from the entrance foyer. The facility is a beautiful addition to our City assets. The dedication attracted representatives from nearby communities as well as County Commissioners and state officials.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Dining, Economic Development, Transportation
Posted: November 7, 2008: 11:53 am
Welcome to our twice monthly business blog update. Based on our 2008 member survey, 75% of you prefer electronic correspondence from the Chamber. The first and third Friday of each month we will share late breaking news with you via our blog post.
Chain of Lakes Boat Parade is on for December 6
(Please note that this post was updated as of November 12 to note that we have dropped Lake Cannon from the parade route. The parade will begin in Lake May at 6:30 p.m. It will then proceed into Lake Shipp and run counter-clockwise around that lake. It then returns thru Lake May around the eastern shore and into Lake Howard where is will make a counter-clockwise circuit ending at Old Man Frank’s Restaurant.)
What’s Christmas in Winter Haven without the Boat Parade?! We are happy to announce that lake levels appear to be good enough to “float your boat” on Saturday December 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Lake May.
The parade route will involve lakes Shipp, May, Howard and Cannon (due to current water levels the parade will NOT go into Lake Cannon). It may be necessary to “trim” your outboard motor in one or more locations but the Canal Commission has offered to be on hand to assist boaters where possible. We do not recommend that boats requiring deep draft participate. (It is recommended that your motor have the capability of trimming (lifting the prop upward). We do recommend that you drive the route the weekend before the parade to test your ride.
We will publish further details in mid-November. Deck those hulls!
“What Now Your Honor?”
Best Business Practices: HR and Employment Law November 12
11:30 a.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
Best Business Practices luncheon to focus on human resource and employment law Issues. Actual court cases will illustrate challenges for small and large businesses.
Admission (includes lunch) is $10 for Winter Haven Chamber members and $20 for non-members.
Click here to RSVP.
Young Professionals Lunch and Learn November 13
11:30 a.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
Winter Haven Young Professionals Group Lunch & Learn “Community Involvement and Volunteerism” Speakers: Terry Worthington, president of the United Way of Central Florida, and several community leaders.
Admission (includes lunch from Tijuana Flats): $10 for WHYPG members and $20 for non-WHYPG members. (No shows will be billed). Click here to RSVP.
November Networking Showcase: Thursday, November 20, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Presented by Platinum Bank and Straughn and Turner Attorneys
1285 First Street South Details and RSVP here
A Couple of Future Dates to Save …
Thursday, February 3 - 2009 Banker’s Cup Awards
Friday, March 27 - 2009 Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament
Weekend Options as detailed at the Chamber’s Online Calendar:
Friday, November 7:
Main Street Winter Haven Wine Taste
Saturday, November 8
Roar and Soar at Fantasy of Flight
Sunset & Symphony at Bok Tower
Sunday, November 9
Roar and Soar at Fantasy of Flight
This Week’s Special Chamber Offer:
“Wine Down at the Sundown” (Look for new options at an old favorite!)
- Wednesdays - 5 to 9 pm
- Samplings of wines from around the world. Have a taste or a whole glass. Samplings of appetizers from Christy’s Sundown. Live relaxing music, not full bands. Come and have a great time, and network with others in the Winter Haven business world.
- $15 for Chamber Members (print and present this ad or show Advantage Card)
- $20.00 dollars non-members
Do you have news for the blog or this bi-weekly update? chamber1@winterhavenfl.com
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, Chamber Events, Dining
Posted: October 31, 2008: 10:13 am
Chamber Will Intro New Info Vehicle Next Friday … Here’s a sample.
In our 2008 Member Survey 75% of you told us you preferred to receive Chamber news electronically. With that in mind we will introduce a twice monthly “blog post” that will publish the first and third Fridays of the month. We will use this vehicle to announce upcoming Chamber events and programming as well as late-breaking news from the business community. Our printed publication, “Haven View,” will be published quarterly. We do have several reminders we will share today, and then the new blog format will roll out next Friday, November 7. Be sure to check the post each time we publish. You’ll find surprises and discounts (be sure to read all the way to the end) that will make your read even more enjoyable. Now for a sample of the new format:
Best Business Practices: HR and Employment Law November 12
11:30 a.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
Best Business Practices luncheon “What Now Your Honor?” Human Resource and Employment Law Issues. Actual court cases will illustrate challenges for small and large businesses.
Admission (includes lunch) is $10 for Winter Haven Chamber members and $20 for non-members.
Click here to RSVP. http://winterhavenfl.com/calendars/534-Best-Business-Practices-luncheon-What-Now-Your-Honor-/details
Young Professionals Lunch and Learn November 13
11:30 a.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
Winter Haven Young Professionals Group Lunch & Learn “Community Involvement and Volunteerism” Speakers: Terry Worthington, president of the United Way of Central Florida, and several community leaders.
Admission (includes lunch from Tijuana Flats): $10 for WHYPG members and $20 for non-WHYPG members. (No shows will be billed).
Click here to RSVP. http://winterhavenfl.com/calendars/505-WHYPG-Lunch-Learn/details
Weekend Options as detailed at the Chamber’s Online Calendar:
October 31 and November 1
- Fall Festival @ Cypress Gardens
- Halloween Costume Party @ Tanners
November 1
- Water, Wings & Wild Things: Polk Naturefest 2008
- Pops in the Park @ Lake Silver Amphitheater (Note: Main Street Winter Haven Wine Taste rescheduled for November 7 downtown)
Complete details on above events: http://winterhavenfl.com/calendars/community_calendar
Coming Next Week:
November 4
- Election Day. Vote Vote Vote!
- Outback Steakhouse Now Open for Lunch
This Week’s Special Chamber Offer:
“Wine Down at the Sundown” (Look for new options at an old favorite!)
- Wednesdays, beginning November 5th - 5 to 9 pm
- Samplings of wines from around the world. Have a taste or a whole glass. Samplings of appetizers from Christy’s Sundown. Live relaxing music, not full bands. Come and have a great time, and network with others in the Winter Haven business world.
- $15 for Chamber Members (print and present this ad or show Advantage Card)
- $20.00 dollars non-members
Do you have news for the blog or this bi-weekly update? chamber1@winterhavenfl.com
| See other posts filed in: Dining, Downtown, Education, General Announcements
Posted: June 4, 2008: 2:05 pm
Winter Haven will have a new option for dining on the Chain of Lakes as Dockside Restaurant opens tonight (June 4, 2008) on Lake May. Many will remember the locations as “Sally’s Shrimp Boat” and later “Autumn’s Anchor.”
The steak and seafood restaurant features a game room for the kids, stage for musical performances, big screen televisions, pool tables, two bars and outside decks and docks. Owners include Jim Staples, Brian Mallory and Chris Blagg.
The new operation is in its shakedown cruise opening with an emphasis on food quality and a neighborhood type of atmosphere. (Be sure to try their fabulous yeast rolls basted with butter and honey.)
Dockside features an expansive lakefront setting and with a little rain there will be a growing focus on summer events and outdoor activities such as volleyball. It is located at 1006 S. Lake Howard Drive. Hours are Monday - Thursday from 4 p.m. to Midnight. Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays from Noon to Midnight. Phone 297-1926.
Welcome!
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, Dining, General Announcements
Posted: May 15, 2008: 8:27 am
Satellite view of proposed master planning DRI
City Commissioners, staff, Chamber and Main Street representatives heard a preliminary overview of how redevelopment of the current Chain of Lakes Stadium/Southwest Complex property is likely to proceed. The City actually plans to trigger a “Development of Regional Impact” study (DRI) on a major portion (approximately 200 acres) of the community’s southwest quadrant bounded on the north by Avenue O, south by the Lake Lulu/Shipp canal, east by Park Lake/First Street South and west by Lake Shipp. Local developer Tony Binge presented the conceptual scenerio involving commercial, residential and enhanced public access to the Chain of Lakes. City staff underscored that the plan will provide for all amenities currently found on the Chain of Lakes property including a new facility for Theatre Winter Haven, a new aquatic center and other recreational amenities. Public access to Lake Lulu and the east shore of Lake Shipp would be greatly enhanced.
The master plan being contemplated will produce land use guidelines including more inter-city in fill development of a very high quality as well as an increased emphasis on Chain of Lakes access and appreciation, connectivity to walking trails and downtown.
The information was shared during the City’s annual planning retreat where those present outlined a vision for the city both five and ten years in the future. The areas of emphasis included Economic Development, Community Neighborhoods, Lakes, Leisure, Growth and Development and City Services. The City continues to use the results of the “Our Future By Design” visioning document as a significant benchmark for planning purposes. The document was developed in 1999-2000 by a broad cross section of Winter Haven residents (approximately 200 participated throughout the process).
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Cultural Arts, Dining, Economic Development, Parks and Green Space, Real Estate, Sports, Uncategorized
Posted: March 20, 2008: 6:48 am
Arabella’s Restaurant downtown on Central Avenue is now open Tuesday - Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. for lunch. The recently re-opened restaurant continues to serve dinner Tuesday - Saturday. The menu offers Mediterranean fare including both Italian and French cuisine. It is located in the historic Times Square building.346 W. Central Avenue
| See other posts filed in: Dining, Downtown
Posted: February 26, 2008: 2:02 pm
We are pleased to announce the return of a fine dining establishment as Arabella’s has opened in the historic Times Square building. Seven months of renovations have returned long-hidden architectural features most notably the arches that graced the building when it was known as the Snell National Bank. Diners will find exposed brick walls framing the elegant decor. The restaurant also has a private dining area (shown below) with private entrance.
Arabella’s and its adjoining Avenue Bar is now open to the public. The restaurant features Mediterranean cuisine including both French and Italian fare. For now the restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 - 9:30 p..m. It is contemplated that at some point, plans call to open for lunch as well. (Note: The restaurant opened for lunch beginning March 20, 2008) The restaurant is owned by Brian Rich and Franco Basalone.
Reservations are not required but suggested. 293-1797. Welcome them back!
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Dining, Downtown, Economic Development, General Announcements
Posted: January 14, 2008: 12:01 pm
The 2008 Banker’s Cup/Taste of Winter Haven is SOLD OUT. A capacity crowd will enjoy the culinary skills of ten area restaurants and caterers. Any reservations received as of Monday, January 14 will be placed on a waiting list and/or returned.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Dining, General Announcements
Posted: January 11, 2008: 10:54 am
The 2008 Banker’s Cup/Taste of Winter Haven will feature a fine array of taste-tempting restaurant specialties from many of Winter Haven’s finest dining establishments. The evening will feature ten different restaurants and delicacies include King Crab Thermidor, Hurricane Chicken, Shrimp Siciliano, Blackened Mahi Mahi with Creole Butter Sauce, Oak & Citrus Grilled Sirloin and Pan Seared Tuna with Sesame Rice … just to name a third of your selections. More menus are on the way.
Our participating restuarants include All Star Grill, Antonio’s Italian Ristorante, Chalet Suzanne, Garden Ballroom, Richard’s Fine Coffees, Shady Oaks Cafe, Shells, Tanner’s Pub, Texas Cattle Company, and Cypress Gardens Catering.
The awarding of the prestigious Banker’s Cup will crown the evening honoring both a man and woman for their civic contributions to Winter Haven. The Banker’s Cup has been the community’s highest civic honor since 1923.
It is guaranteed to be a wonderful (and delicious) evening. Seating is limited so don’t delay. Tickets are $100 per person while they last. Details and buy tickets here …
Please join us for a most elegant and enjoyable event.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Dining, General Announcements
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