Posts filed under 'Dining'
Posted: September 21, 2009: 10:40 am
RED, WHITE & BREW INTERNATIONAL WINE , BEER AND FOOD TASTING – THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
5:30 – 8:30 P.M. AT THE CHAMBER
Chamber member special. Now through Thursday evening you can purchase your Red, White & Brew tickets for $40 each — while they last. Thats a 20% savings but you must act by Thursday. All tickets left after that date (if any) will sell for $50. Herewith we present your menu for that evening. In addition to wine pairings from Grape Expectations and micro brews and craft beers from Bernie Little Distributors, you’ll enjoy the following:
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.
Blue Sapphire Sushi Bar: An assortment of fresh sushi
Brock’s Smoke Hut: Smoked Pork Spare Ribs
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.
Tijuana Flats: Assorted Tex/Mex dishes
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 now in the Chamber Lobby 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Dining, Downtown
Posted: September 15, 2009: 10:43 am
Join us Thursday, October 1 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the Chamber grounds for an entirely new, deliciously delectable way to sample special wines and micro brews paired with culinary treats from around the globe.
INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS:
Participating restaurants include Arabellas Ristorante, Blue Sapphire Sushi Bar and Lounge, Brock’s Smoke Hut, Outback Steakhouse, Tijuana Flats Burrito Bar, desserts from Webber International students and Richard’s fine coffees.
WINE AND MICRO BREW TASTINGS:
Wine pairings selected by Grape Expectations and Micro brew and craft beers from Bernie Little Distributors.
Complimentary wine and pilsner glasses. Live music and more.
Presenting Sponsor: Jarrett Gordon Ford Lincoln Mercury. Check out the latest models!
No more than 300 tickets will be sold. Get yours today!
$50 per person available in the Chamber Lobby daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Four or more tickets can be delivered to your office.) Send your order to chamber1@winterhavenfl.com
Join us for a great evening of wonderful international flavors.Watch for further details about the wine pairings and micro brew and craft beers.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Dining, Downtown
Posted: August 14, 2009: 12:21 pm
Look for New American Cuisine with a Southern Twist” – Michael Johnson
Look for a total makeover for the former “Christy’s Sundown” … well, everything but the “Sundown” as that is what the establishment will be called when it reopens, possibly by December. Fred Johnson (of Fred’s Southern Kitchen fame and a Plant City restaurant dynasty) is finalizing arrangements with current owner James Bronkhorst.
The Sundown will feature new american cuisine with an emphasis on southern fare … an “upscale comfort food” as described by new manager Michael Johnson (Fred’s son) and a recent graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan. Asked to cite an example Michael described “crab with sherry in puff pastry.”
Sounds like new beginnings and great tastes in a familiar location. We look forward to telling you when you can visit.
(A little history on the name … The Sundown was a restaurant when Nick Christy leased it in the early 1950s. Back in the day, the Klemm Packinghouse operated across US 17 from the restaurant. When the workers got off for the day (at sundown) they would frequent the restaurant. The Klemm family still leases the property for use as a restaurant. The family and the community have a long-standing affection for the name. Pictured above: Sundown surrounded by citrus groves circa 1956)
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Renovations, Dining, Real Estate
Posted: August 4, 2009: 8:20 pm
A drive by of Christy’s Sundown Restaurant this evening (August 4, 2009) finds the venerable institution is closed. The landmark Winter Haven establishment has been an icon of success in the restaurant business. Nicholas “Nick” Christy bought the Sundown Restaurant in the early 1950s when it was among the few businesses located on U.S. 17.
Christy built his restaurant experience along with the success of Cypress Garden’s promoter Dick Pope and created a culinary destination appreciated throughout Central Florida. The entrance wall serves as a testament to the likes of Esther Williams, Johnny Carson, Carol Burnett, Roy Rogers and other luminaries that came to the Gardens and dined at Christy’s.
Christy sold the restaurant to James Bronkhorst in 2007. We have information that new opportunities are in the works. Speculation involves a new owner and a new focus for the landmark location. Stay tuned …
Pictured above: Sundown Restaurant circa 1950s.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Dining, General Announcements, Tourism
Posted: July 27, 2009: 3:00 pm
There is no Chamber Networking Showcase scheduled for July which makes it a perfect time to enjoy an old-fashioned Fish Fry downtown in Central Park. Tickets are $20 per person and guests will enjoy fresh fish, hush puppies, corn-on-the-cob, cole slaw, cheese grits, collard greens, baked beans and key lime pie. Enjoy live entertainment with “Harmony Grits” of “Pickin’ in the Park” fame. Beer and Wine also available. The event is presented by Main Street Winter Haven. That’s 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. this Thursday! Downtown! Proceeds benefit MainStreet Winter Haven.
Tickets available in the Chamber Lobby now through Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
| See other posts filed in: Dining, General Announcements, Main Street Winter Haven
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
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