Dining
Just a Proudly Politically Incorrect Sports Bar
A Lakeland sports bar is getting its 15 minutes of fame this week. On Thursday, the Orlando Weekly picked up on a recent Instagram photo and a year-old News Channel 8 report noting that Winners Circle owner Bill Alcock has placed decals of Colin Kaepernick’s jersey in the bar’s urinals — kind of like target practice for those who disagree with the quarterback’s National Anthem stand — um, kneel. That same day Ledger Editor Lenore Devore targeted the bar with a dining review (2 stars for food, 1 for service, 3 for ambience) that complained of skimpy bacon and skimpier service. We’re not sure how Winners Circle feels about the attention, but they probably relate to an old saying: “I don’t care what they say about me; just make sure they spell my name right!”
Markets Offer Hard-to-Find International Groceries
YLakeland’s guide to ethnic markets shows where to find tastes of Mexico, the Caribbean, India and East Asian nations.
Review: Crane’s Crossing’s Ambition Exceeds Menu Breadth
Dining critic Eric Pera gives the new Dixieland eatery two stars for food and three each for service and ambience. He concludes: “Crane’s Crossing has plenty to offer, perhaps too much. Fewer menu items would allow the kitchen to concentrate on details.” | View the menu
Crane’s Crossing Brings Pan-Continental Dining to Dixieland
Crane’s Crossing at the Gardens, a restaurant that’s had an ongoing soft opening since early July, brings an international menu and organic offerings to its cozy home behind Dixieland Village. More
Ford’s Garage Gourmet Burger Spot Planned for North Lakeland
The chain, whose five locations are on Florida’s west coast, is hoping to open by the end of the year at Lakeland Park Center, just north of Interstate 4.
Restaurant Blends Wood-Fired Pizza, Turkish Appetizers
KC’s Artisan Pizza (web) in south Lakeland gets a 3 1/2-star review from dining critic Eric Pera, who praises its appealing rusticity and says Lakeland needs more eateries similarly “informal and moderately priced, with food that’s freshly prepared and tilts to the exotic.”
Review: ‘Audacious’ Posto 9 Earns Four Stars
Ledger dining critic Eric Pera is impressed with the creative menu and its execution at the first restaurant effort from Marco and Grace Franca, and he pooh-poohs social media criticism of the Brazilian gastropub’s prices.
Several Restaurants Planned for S. Florida Avenue
Two retail developments south of the Polk Parkway are expected to bring up to five new restaurants, including three chain locations: First Watch, Panda Express and a rumored Pollo Tropical.