Stonewood Grill & Tavern
100 S. Atlantic Ave.
Ormond Beach, FL 32176
(386)671-1200
www.stonewoodgrill.com
I finally called a mulligan on my horrible Carraba's anniversary dinner and went to Stonewood Grill & Tavern as I originally planned to do. From now on if I am thinking Stonewood, I'll be sticking to my guns and going. This place is the real deal.
We went on a Saturday evening and after being busy for most of the day, I didn't realize I probably should have called for a reservation until we hit the parking lot. I couldn't let this bother me, even after finding out our wait would be 45 minutes to an hour. Again, no worries for me as I sauntered myself right into the bar to order a nice cold beer. Julynn opted for a Coke and we took up position in the lobby. While waiting for our friend Jeff and Ronda, Stonewood really impressed me when a server started circling the lobby with appetizers for people to munch on during their wait. Really nice touch on their part, plus it probably played a part into the appetizers we ordered once seated.
Our wait didn't take the full 45 minutes, but I didn't really like where we were seated. I am a big fan of their main dining room and we were headed to the room right off of the bar area. It reminds me of a patio type room that doesn't have the same elegance as their main dining room. If it would have been just Julynn and I, we probably would have waited, but I didn't want to be "that guy" by making us wait longer. I am usually "that guy", but wasn't really feeling it that night, so I kept my mouth shut.
We ordered our drinks and got right at the menu to get things started. For appetizers we ordered the Buffalo Shrimp, Steak & Bleu Cheese Flatbread (which we sampled in the lobby), Bruschetta and I got a cup of Clam Chowder. All of the appetizers were incredible. If you visit Stonewood and want to try an appetizer full of flavor, you have to try the Steak & Bleu Cheese Flatbread. It is fabulous! The dish is oak grilled steak, caramelized onions and roasted red peppers on crisp flatbread, topped with bleu cheese dressing, bleu cheese crumbles and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. You will think you have died and gone to Heaven!
We ordered our entrees and were just as impressed upon their arrival. Ronda had the Tuscan Chicken, Jeff had the Ribeye, Julynn ordered the Seared Ahi Tuna appetizer as her entree and I had the Herb Encrusted Grouper. We were all very pleased.
Stonewood currently has 16 locations throughout Florida and one in Cary, NC. If you get the chance to visit one of their locations, I know you will be pleased. It should also be noted they just introduced a new seasonal dishes for the winter. They are offering a yellow-fin tuna marinated in a sesame ginger sauce and served on a bed of wasabi mashed potatoes and topped off with an Asian vegetable souffle. The second new offering is a pork porterhouse served with a port wine and fig demi-glace. In January they will add an offering of a six-ounce trout filet that will complement the other new dishes. If you have been a regular visitor to Stonewood, you now have a three great reasons to return.
For our visit to Stonewood Grill & Tavern, I have to give them five Stiffy's! This is one of the most consistent restaurants in our area and I have never been disappointed. I will hold-out the next time for a seat in the main dining room.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Harry
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