After introducing Latin fusion cuisine to Dixieland through his upscale Nineteen 61, chef Marcos Fernandez is bringing similar flavors to a wider audience through D’Lucas, a fast-casual, takeout restaurant that begins its soft opening Saturday. More
Burgerim, a California-based mini-burger chain that has roots in Israel, is planning a south Lakeland location as it spreads into Florida. More
La Imperial Bakery opened today at 830 E. Main Street under a bright yellow sign that marks the eastern approach to downtown Lakeland. Mayor Bill Mutz welcomed Executive Chef James Lazaros and Administrator Aida Lazaros during a ribbon-cutting ceremony this afternoon. The cafe/bakery is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The menu features breakfast items, fritters, sandwiches and entrees.
Restaurant critic Eric Pera praises the charcuterie skills at the new barbecue-and whiskey spot in downtown’s Federal Building. (My take as a vegetarian: I was pleasantly surprised that there were several non-meat items but underwhelmed nevertheless.)
FitLife Foods (website), a Tampa company that prepares healthy heat-and-eat meals at a facility on County Line Road (map), now offers delivery to Lakeland residences. The packaged meals are also available at 15 retail outlets in the Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Orlando and Palm Beach areas, but none in Polk.
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!”
YLakeland’s guide to ethnic markets shows where to find tastes of Mexico, the Caribbean, India and East Asian nations.
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
