Downtown Lakeland's Kentucky Avenue is buzzing with new business these days.
SugaRush has opened at 121 South Kentucky Avenue. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to get rich, creamy homemade fudge and sinfully delicious Old Meeting House Ice Cream. This ice cream has up to 16% butterfat and nothing artificial. They do have other great tasting stuff for people who actually watch what they eat. A friend of mine was raving about the diet-conscious butter pecan ice cream. My bet is that Sheila and company won't rat you out if you succumb to temptation. There's probably a caloric version of the witness protection program. SugaRush has rooms to host private parties (don't just waste an ice cream party on kids!) Come visit Sheila King and her family at SugaRush.
A little further up at 115 South Kentucky, Brent Bradford is opening the Cask & Barrel Wine Shop. Whether you want a bottle of wine or a glass of wine, this is the place to do it. But, no whining. (Couldn't resist.) Wine tastings and private parties are also on the schedule. We've been eagerly awaiting the opening of this shop...lead me not into temptation, but deliver me to the Cask & Barrel! Brent's wife Lisa owns Posh Elegance Salon & Day Spa at 238 North Kentucky.
We've been pressing our little noses against the windows across the street at 128 South Kentucky wondering what was happening. Rebecca Street is opening Scrapbook Street - a scrap booking shop. Rebecca says they expect to open in September, but we're hoping she has some teasers for the August First Friday - Dog Days of Summer.
Moving north to 246 North Kentucky Avenue, Gosh! Asian Bistro is finally open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Asian cuisine finally comes downtown and we're excited! Stop by and visit manager Tien Phan and find out what exactly constitutes and Asian breakfast. Located between Lofty Ideas and Goin' Postal, and across from Mitchell's flagship coffee shop, this is a great addition to Downtown's north side.
There's always something happening in Downtown Lakeland - just come visit!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
A Great Way to Spend Sunday Afternoon
Everyone's looking for something inexpensive (free's good) and fun to do on the weekends.
This past Sunday I met some friends at the Lakeland Center for the dog agility competition. It was free and a lot of fun. The pooches were fun to watch, especially when they decided to do something other than what their masters wanted. The owners were fun to watch, too! My dogs would win the "Olympic napping in air conditioned luxury" competition. So, it was nice to see dogs interested in doing something other than rolling over to get a tummy rub.
Yes, I know it's my fault that Jack and Olive are such couch mutts, but if they were to be anything else, I'd have to exert energy. Sorry, dogs.
Anyway, Terisa, June, Beth and I enjoyed each other's company at the FREE event at the Lakeland Center. Then we adjourned to Black & Brew for a wonderful (as always) late lunch with live acoustical guitar music.
The point is... Look to Downtown for fun, inexpensive (even free) things to do with your friends. Indulge in conversation and people watching. Laugh until someone shoots iced tea (or beer) out of their nose. That's always a sign of a good time.
This past Sunday I met some friends at the Lakeland Center for the dog agility competition. It was free and a lot of fun. The pooches were fun to watch, especially when they decided to do something other than what their masters wanted. The owners were fun to watch, too! My dogs would win the "Olympic napping in air conditioned luxury" competition. So, it was nice to see dogs interested in doing something other than rolling over to get a tummy rub.
Yes, I know it's my fault that Jack and Olive are such couch mutts, but if they were to be anything else, I'd have to exert energy. Sorry, dogs.
Anyway, Terisa, June, Beth and I enjoyed each other's company at the FREE event at the Lakeland Center. Then we adjourned to Black & Brew for a wonderful (as always) late lunch with live acoustical guitar music.
The point is... Look to Downtown for fun, inexpensive (even free) things to do with your friends. Indulge in conversation and people watching. Laugh until someone shoots iced tea (or beer) out of their nose. That's always a sign of a good time.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Antiquarian News
ANTIQUARIAN 5-COURSE TASTING MENU
Friday June 27th AND Saturday June 28th
Reservations from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
RSVP: (863) 682-1059
Please join us this Friday or Saturday night for our special Antiquarian 5-course tasting menu. We've also put together a wine flight that pairs each course with a different wine (2 1/2 ounce tasting pours of each wine). Cost for the dinner and wine flight combined is $50 (plus tax and gratuity). Our regular dinner menu will be available, just let us know when you make your reservation if anyone in your party will be ordering from the regular menu. In addition, all wines in the flight and other wines will be available by the glass.
5-COURSE TASTING MENU:
Cobia Appetizer – grilled cobia with mango pineapple salsa
Antiquarian Salad – mixed greens with honey Dijon dressing
Kobe Beef Patty – ground Kobe beef with mousse truffee
Double Cut Lamb Chop – pan seared lamb chop with goat cheese and balsamic glaze
Choice of Dessert - all of our desserts are handmade
WINE PAIRING FLIGHT:
Albarino
Bell Sauvignon Blanc
Bianchi Malbec
Bell Syrah
Sparkling Wine with dessert
Tea and Coffee also included.
Preparation and/or wines subject to change based on availability.
ONGOING BIRTHDAY SPECIAL:
Come in anytime within 7 days prior or 7 days after your birthday (id required) and receive $20 off a regular priced dinner entrée (with the purchase of one regular priced entrée) and/or $5 off a regular priced lunch entrée (with the purchase of one regular priced entrée).
LUNCH MENU:
There are some new items on our lunch menu that we are proud to announce:
Antiquarian BLT - Panchetta bacon, plum tomatoes, salad greens on toasted sourdough bread with Brie cheese and a Dijon dill sauce. Served with a cup of soup. $10
Kobe Burger - Two Kobe beef patties, grilled, topped with blue cheese and onion marmalade on a croissant with lettuce and tomato. Served with sweet potato fries. $10
Vegetarian Sandwich - Basil pesto, plum tomato, fresh mozzarella on ciabatta bread. Served with pasta salad. $10.00
Coq Au Vin - Chicken breast and thigh braised in a red wine and thyme sauce. Served with roasted potatoes and vegetable of the day. $11
Antiquarian Meatloaf - Meatloaf stuffed with smoked ham and Swiss cheese with rich fig gravy. Served with mashed potatoes. $11
We have many other delicious offerings that have made our restaurant a popular destination for lunch and dinner in downtown Lakeland over the last 10 years.
MEETINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS:
The Antiquarian is available for private events Sunday thru Saturday for lunch or dinner for parties of 10 or more.
LOCATION & PARKING:
The Antiquarian Restaurant & Bay Street Art Gallery is located at 211 East Bay Street. There is usually plenty of free parking across the street in the Home Essentials parking lot. Our phone number is (863) 682-1059.
GALLERY:
We currently have a great display of artwork from local artist Tom Mack. The photographic art is pictures from Scotland.
Cheers!
Bill Watts
Friday June 27th AND Saturday June 28th
Reservations from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
RSVP: (863) 682-1059
Please join us this Friday or Saturday night for our special Antiquarian 5-course tasting menu. We've also put together a wine flight that pairs each course with a different wine (2 1/2 ounce tasting pours of each wine). Cost for the dinner and wine flight combined is $50 (plus tax and gratuity). Our regular dinner menu will be available, just let us know when you make your reservation if anyone in your party will be ordering from the regular menu. In addition, all wines in the flight and other wines will be available by the glass.
5-COURSE TASTING MENU:
Cobia Appetizer – grilled cobia with mango pineapple salsa
Antiquarian Salad – mixed greens with honey Dijon dressing
Kobe Beef Patty – ground Kobe beef with mousse truffee
Double Cut Lamb Chop – pan seared lamb chop with goat cheese and balsamic glaze
Choice of Dessert - all of our desserts are handmade
WINE PAIRING FLIGHT:
Albarino
Bell Sauvignon Blanc
Bianchi Malbec
Bell Syrah
Sparkling Wine with dessert
Tea and Coffee also included.
Preparation and/or wines subject to change based on availability.
ONGOING BIRTHDAY SPECIAL:
Come in anytime within 7 days prior or 7 days after your birthday (id required) and receive $20 off a regular priced dinner entrée (with the purchase of one regular priced entrée) and/or $5 off a regular priced lunch entrée (with the purchase of one regular priced entrée).
LUNCH MENU:
There are some new items on our lunch menu that we are proud to announce:
Antiquarian BLT - Panchetta bacon, plum tomatoes, salad greens on toasted sourdough bread with Brie cheese and a Dijon dill sauce. Served with a cup of soup. $10
Kobe Burger - Two Kobe beef patties, grilled, topped with blue cheese and onion marmalade on a croissant with lettuce and tomato. Served with sweet potato fries. $10
Vegetarian Sandwich - Basil pesto, plum tomato, fresh mozzarella on ciabatta bread. Served with pasta salad. $10.00
Coq Au Vin - Chicken breast and thigh braised in a red wine and thyme sauce. Served with roasted potatoes and vegetable of the day. $11
Antiquarian Meatloaf - Meatloaf stuffed with smoked ham and Swiss cheese with rich fig gravy. Served with mashed potatoes. $11
We have many other delicious offerings that have made our restaurant a popular destination for lunch and dinner in downtown Lakeland over the last 10 years.
MEETINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS:
The Antiquarian is available for private events Sunday thru Saturday for lunch or dinner for parties of 10 or more.
LOCATION & PARKING:
The Antiquarian Restaurant & Bay Street Art Gallery is located at 211 East Bay Street. There is usually plenty of free parking across the street in the Home Essentials parking lot. Our phone number is (863) 682-1059.
GALLERY:
We currently have a great display of artwork from local artist Tom Mack. The photographic art is pictures from Scotland.
Cheers!
Bill Watts
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Things You Might Have Been Wondering About
There's a lot of activity in Downtown Lakeland. Let's catch up.
The Cask & Barrel on South Kentucky should open in a few weeks. That's the long awaited retail wine shop that will sell wine by the glass, as well as by the bottle, and host wine tastings and private parties. Rumor has it that appetizers and desserts from one of Downtown's upscale restaurants will be featured.
SugaRush, the new confectioners on South Kentucky, is set to open shortly. Sheila King promises sinfully delicious homemade fudge and candy, as well as hand-dipped ice cream.
Word on the street is that a scrapbooking shop is coming to the space previously occupied by Imperial Art Gallery on south Kentucky.
Soloman Wassef says Fresh Choice Plus will rise from the ashes of the fire a few weeks ago.
If you saw activity in and around the former "Lillian's" it was the owners just cleaning up to show the property. We haven't heard of anyone specific interested in the space.
Gosh! should open in early July. That will expand the restaurant choices on North Kentucky and we're looking forward to it.
Stay tuned.
The Cask & Barrel on South Kentucky should open in a few weeks. That's the long awaited retail wine shop that will sell wine by the glass, as well as by the bottle, and host wine tastings and private parties. Rumor has it that appetizers and desserts from one of Downtown's upscale restaurants will be featured.
SugaRush, the new confectioners on South Kentucky, is set to open shortly. Sheila King promises sinfully delicious homemade fudge and candy, as well as hand-dipped ice cream.
Word on the street is that a scrapbooking shop is coming to the space previously occupied by Imperial Art Gallery on south Kentucky.
Soloman Wassef says Fresh Choice Plus will rise from the ashes of the fire a few weeks ago.
If you saw activity in and around the former "Lillian's" it was the owners just cleaning up to show the property. We haven't heard of anyone specific interested in the space.
Gosh! should open in early July. That will expand the restaurant choices on North Kentucky and we're looking forward to it.
Stay tuned.
Monday, June 9, 2008
When Your Dreams Go Up in Flames
My shop is next door to Fresh Choice Plus, the restaurant Downtown lost to fire Sunday afternoon (6/8/08) . Within minutes of the fire department being called a neighbor rousted my husband and I out of our Sunday afternoon reverie with the news. We live nearby so it took us no time at all to get Downtown.
In the few minutes it took to get to the scene I wondered how I would react.
Cloud of thick, black smoke billowed out of Fresh Choice. The firemen were concentrating on putting out the fire and making sure the rest of the block didn't go up in flames. My immediate thoughts were grim. "I'm out of business," I said to no one in particular. I was heartsick. It wasn't the financial loss that made me sick. My dream was in jeopardy of going up in flames, literally. My dream.
I love what I do. I love working with people to preserve their memories and decorate their spaces. Many of my clients become friends. I love to encourage new artists. I love the fact that when I was a tot, my mom owned a frame shop. She was an artist. I loved the thought of following in her footsteps.
As I sat, waiting for events to unfold, I mulled over different scenarios. If my shop burned, would I reinvest the insurance money and reopen in this economy? If I didn't, what kind of "straight job" would I get? What boss would tolerate my independent, but highly competent, self? I would deeply miss the friends I have made along South Kentucky Avenue. I'd be adrift.
As the fear subsided, my optimistic self took over. Well, if the shop burned I would be able to rebuild and make those changes in the business plan and floor plan that I'd developed over the last three years. I could make it better. Maybe it wouldn't be the end of the world after all. It would just be The Dream-Part II.
Soloman and Said showed up. I will never forget the look on their faces. I recognized it. It was the look one gets when they are watching their dream go up in flames. Although I know their minds were dizzy with grief and fear, I hoped subliminally they heard me when I said, "Think of this as a clean slate. You can make all those little changes you've thought of since the doors opened on your dream."
I imagine that's what my grandmother had in mind when she always told me to try, try again.
In the few minutes it took to get to the scene I wondered how I would react.
Cloud of thick, black smoke billowed out of Fresh Choice. The firemen were concentrating on putting out the fire and making sure the rest of the block didn't go up in flames. My immediate thoughts were grim. "I'm out of business," I said to no one in particular. I was heartsick. It wasn't the financial loss that made me sick. My dream was in jeopardy of going up in flames, literally. My dream.
I love what I do. I love working with people to preserve their memories and decorate their spaces. Many of my clients become friends. I love to encourage new artists. I love the fact that when I was a tot, my mom owned a frame shop. She was an artist. I loved the thought of following in her footsteps.
As I sat, waiting for events to unfold, I mulled over different scenarios. If my shop burned, would I reinvest the insurance money and reopen in this economy? If I didn't, what kind of "straight job" would I get? What boss would tolerate my independent, but highly competent, self? I would deeply miss the friends I have made along South Kentucky Avenue. I'd be adrift.
As the fear subsided, my optimistic self took over. Well, if the shop burned I would be able to rebuild and make those changes in the business plan and floor plan that I'd developed over the last three years. I could make it better. Maybe it wouldn't be the end of the world after all. It would just be The Dream-Part II.
Soloman and Said showed up. I will never forget the look on their faces. I recognized it. It was the look one gets when they are watching their dream go up in flames. Although I know their minds were dizzy with grief and fear, I hoped subliminally they heard me when I said, "Think of this as a clean slate. You can make all those little changes you've thought of since the doors opened on your dream."
I imagine that's what my grandmother had in mind when she always told me to try, try again.
Fresh Choice Plus Fire
On Sunday afternoon, June 8th, Fresh Choice Plus experienced a fire that involved the entire restaurant. Thankfully, Sheila King and her family were at their shop, SugaRush, next to the restaurant, and quickly sounded the alarm. SugaRush experienced smoke damage that will delay their opening. FastFrame, on the other side of Fresh Choice Plus, smells a little like smoke but suffered no damage.
Thanks to the Lakeland Fire Department the fire was quickly extinguished and the remainder of the block on South Kentucky was unharmed.
The DLP and its members extend their condolences to Soloman and Said Wassef and the Fresh Choice Family. The Wassefs are an important thread in the fabric of Downtown and we eagerly await their return!
Thanks to the Lakeland Fire Department the fire was quickly extinguished and the remainder of the block on South Kentucky was unharmed.
The DLP and its members extend their condolences to Soloman and Said Wassef and the Fresh Choice Family. The Wassefs are an important thread in the fabric of Downtown and we eagerly await their return!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Quality Health Plans Host Member Picnic
On May 22, 2008, Quality Health Plans Inc. In cooperation with the Lakeland Downtown Partnership held our first annual member appreciation picnic. We hope this will be the first of many such events. QHP wanted to let our members know in a tangible way just how much we appreciate them. In spite of somewhat threatening weather, the turnout was great. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship and the food that was catered by Good Buddies here in downtown Lakeland.
Timothy E. Baggett Sr.
Regional Manager
Quality Health Plans Inc.
2435 U.S. Highway 19 Suite 470
Holiday, Florida 34691
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