Daytona/Jax /St. Augustine/ Stonewood Burger

I am not down at condo that often any more so do not usually go out with the Friday night group. No, they no longer go to Leahan's. A long time ago, we went there quite often but I got really annoyed one evening. We had called 24 hours in advace one time and ordered the Peking duck (not even sure if it is still on menu). To make a long story short, they lost the order (or whatever) and served us the toughest duck that ever had walked on earth and so that was the end of that place.

When you started posting about it, we went there a couple of times and it was really good but not as good as the place we go to in Baltimore area. We do like it there very much and if we need a "Chinese fix" that is the best place in town to go for good Chinese food. (and great service)

Another place that we really like is Maria Bonita for Mexican and the service there is just wonderful, as well as the food being really good.

It will be interesting to hear about Legend's Sports Bar. If we go to a sports bar, it is always the Oyster Pub for us to eat our fill of oysters and have a great fish sandwich.

quote:

Originally posted by Baah Ben
I've talked with...(schmoozed as Ellen says)

You got my "Ellen lingo" down pat! I like it!

Now, let me SCHMOOZE a little MORE about the Stonewood:
I wish there was one here in my Atlantic city area, as I would probably be going there every week or two!

You got the $9-10 burger price down pat, too.(as the burger is $9.70,
very fair price, and that's with cheese included!) I feel they could easily charge $13 for that burger. And, in NYC, it would be a $15 burger! But as far as that $3.00 charge for sauteed onions: OUCH!
Here are some MENU pics from the STONEWOOD

I'll go for that COLBY cheese next time, like you recommended, Ben
I know what you mean, Greymo, about chains losing their focus when they get too big. However, with just 17 units, the STONEWOOD GRILL seems to keep a close tab on things.

I can hardly wait for a return visit to the Stonewood!
I'll probably go there a few times when I hit the Tampa/St. Pete area next month.

Bluemaxx, Baah Ben, John A,and Miami Don: My treat this time for the burgers, wings and beers! Gentleman, start your engines! Tampa, anyone?!?

I know that's a tough sell, as you've got your local Stonewood right there in Ormond Beach, Baah Ben.
And I just noticed you have one right there in Port Orange, John A.
It does'nt get any better than that, huh?!?

Bluemaxx and Miami Don, your South Florida Stonewood is in Wellington!

Still, if you need or want to be in Tampa, let me know..
we'll "meat up" again..

Ellen - If you are going to be in Tampa...Are you going to try Bern's Steak House. It's good and you can get the tour of their wine cellar and their kitchen which I loved. They also have a special room upstairs where they serve terrific desserts...that's all they do upstairs..coffees and desserts. You need to ask your waiter for the tour after you've eaten. The wine cellar is one of the most valuable in the country.

Maybe you have already been to Bern's?

quote:

Originally posted by Baah Ben

Ellen - If you are going to be in Tampa...Are you going to try Byrne's Steak House.
Maybe you have already been to Byrne's?

I got excited at first reading this, thinking I had a new find.
then I realized you mean "BERN'S" steakhouse; you just spelled it differently.

I've been to Bern's a few times, but I may be due for a return visit.
I went there way back in 95, when I met up with my friend Robin. She flew in from Vegas, and loves her NY Yankees...
so she had me going to a few spring training games at the then new Legends Field. Plus we did some Orlando stuff.
We really enjoyed Bern's, and even all the sides were great..
fresh veggies, etc.

Went back to Berns in '97; liked it, but not quite as much as the first time.
However, I just looked at their menu online, and I started getting pretty turned on.....
so it looks like I'll be returning to Bern's again ! Dec. 2008 !!
Tough decision between the NY Strip and the Chateaubriand, though..

It's quite a presentation there; waiters that have been there for like 40 years, etc....
I don't think anyone ever quits their jobs at Bern's....
they just die off..

Great photos and report, Ellen. I've always wanted to go to St. Augustine but we usually go to Abaco or Long Boat Key.

Andrea

Ellen...Yeah, I spelled it wrong.

You know, if you have the time, you might want to take a car rental and drive up to Tarpon Springs. It's where they did or still do dive for sponges. They are supposed to have some really good Greek restaurants up there and it's supposed to be really nice. I love Greek food! It is a big Greek community.

There is also supposed to be a really good fish place in Clearwater. Not too far a drive from Tampa. Right on the beach. I will see if I can get that name for you. I believe there's Clearwater and Clearwater Beach. One place for breakfast..Lenny's.
Lot's of positive comments.

Hey, do some research or maybe somebody on this site knows about these two towns...I use tripadvisor, citysearch, roadfood (of course!) etc.

Great report, Always a pleasure to read of your adventures.