Posts filed under 'Dining'
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. 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
Posted: October 26, 2007: 3:06 pm
Mark your calendar for November 2 and 3 as Tanner’s Pub, popular downtown restaurant and lounge reopens after an absolutely “upside down” renovation. What previously was on your right as you entered is now on the left and what was on the left is now … oh well, you get the picture. Structural upgrades to the building required the removal of the previous bar area as well as the floor surrounding it. You’ll find a versatile new “soft seating dining area” that also doubles as a private function space. The stage is at the Central Avenue end of the new design previously occupied by a dining alcove.
Warm colors and glass accent panels decorate and define the various spaces of the new look. We’ve placed a couple of “sneak peeks” below.
From this vantage point you are standing where the bar used to be looking toward the walk-in cooler. This smaller service bar area will serve private functions.
This view looks directly where the stage used to be. If you look carefully in front of the left- hand beverage cooler you can see the establishment’s namesake, Tanner. The new bar features antique heart-of-pine planks salvaged from the floor that was removed.
November 2 and 3 … one more great Winter Haven place to dine out!
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Commercial Renovations, Dining
Posted: October 5, 2007: 11:14 am
La Vita Dolce Reopens …
Jennifer Oliva and Anita Horn (right) have reopened La Vita Dolce, their unique downtown gift boutique. The store closed in early summer for remodeling.
The reopening occurs during their 3rd annual Witches Brew event today (October 5) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 - 8 p.m. and tomorrow (October 6) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop in, say hi and look at their scary “boo-tique.”
More about Arabella’s Ristorante …
We recently reported that Arabella’s would return to Winter Haven with a downtown “bistro” type of restaurant in the space that was occupied by the original Tanner’s Pub. We have learned the popular local “ristorante” will occupy all of the space formerly occupied by Cafe Panino. Look for an opening late this year and watch the Chamber blog for the opening date.
Smoke Free “Flip Side” to Open Soon …
The folks at Jessie’s downtown will soon open a smoke free lounge called “Flip Side” immediately south of their current location on Third Street, SW. The space has previously been used for art benefits for local not-for-profit organizations. So, if you’re looking for a smoke free environment to finalize your next sale or unwind with a cocktail after work … watch this blog for the opening of “Flip Side.”
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Renovations, Dining, Economic Development, General Announcements
Posted: September 27, 2007: 1:52 pm
Lillian and Tim Dinan have completed renovations to their Weiner Haven restaurant downtown and added more seating as well as counter service. Seating space has nearly doubled.
The popular spot also features a revised menu and a new logo. Stop by and check it out!
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Renovations, Dining
Posted: September 13, 2007: 2:42 pm
Tanners Pub located at 325 West Central Avenue will close on Monday, September 24 to completely renovate existing space as well as allow structural reinforcement necessary for the future leasing of second level in the building. The popular bar and restaurant will reopen in late October.
Debbie and John Tennick are taking the opportunity to make significant changes in floor plans. The Tennicks opened their first restaurant downtown in 1995 (Thyme Square Bistro in the Time Square building) moving to their present location and expanded space in 2002. They attribute their success in part to the beautifully renovated downtown area and credit the City, Main Street and Chamber for the vision that helped revitalize downtown and attract private investment.
The Tennicks thank all who have supported them as their business evolved and promise an all NEW Tanners Restaurant and Lounge at their Grand Re-Opening. Watch this space for further details. Wish them luck here, leave a comment.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Renovations, Dining, General Announcements, Success Stories
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