I brought my mom along for our new cultural adventure, with the intent of buying dinner after the show.  I estimated the drive from Lakeland to be about 45 minutes to an hour depending upon traffic.  We left South Lakeland at about 5:40pm and we were in Frostproof by 6:15pm.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a lovely mural by Lake Wales artist, Tom Freeman on the northeast corner of Scenic Highway and Wall Street.  We drove around the corner and parked in front of the Frostproof Art League & Gallery, directly across the street from the Ramon Theater and looked in the windows of the Gallery until the doors opened for the show at 6:30pm.

We were greeted with enthusiasm by Tina and Frostproof Mayor, Kay Hutzelman.  I was not surprised to see Marilyn and Jerry Fuller, a couple I know through their affiliation with the Frostproof Art League and participation in the Cultural Arts Council of the Polk Arts Alliance.  My mother and I sat with Marilyn and Jerry in the front row of the Theater.  We were pleasantly surprised at how quickly the venue filled up.  Ramon Theater seats about 200 and since only a few seats were open, I would guess that about 190 people were in attendance.  I’ll estimate that about one-half to two-thirds of the guests were winter residents (snowbirds).  The show started at 7:00pm.

I had no idea who Laurie Miller was until I learned more through a series of short videos that were presented during her show between her quick costume changes.  Laurie was one of the original members of a popular late-1980’s vocal group “Exposé” that I was exposed to during my years of disc jockeying in Germany for U.S. Military teen and pre-teen dances while serving in the U.S. Army in Augsburg, Germany.  Here is their first hit “Point of No Return” (YouTube).  I also discovered that Laurie performed on Princess Cruise Lines for 17 years.  I may have seen her perform without knowing it on one of my previous cruises.

Laurie’s show was fantastic.  She presented a variety of entertainment that included song and dance, mostly geared to the generation that was in the Theater.  Her set list for the night was easily recognizable to everyone in the room and many enjoyed singing along.  I’m certain that my 31-year old daughter and four-year old granddaughter would also have thoroughly enjoyed the performance.  Laurie’s medley of favorite animated Disney movie tunes from Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and The Lion King brought back wonderful memories.  She also presented quick change impersonations and songs of Cher, Liza Minnelli and Barbara Streisand that were excellent.

After the show, Marilyn and Jerry took us into the Frostproof Art League & Gallery to see the photography exhibit that is on display during the month of February.  Then, my mom and I walked about 50 yards to “Roscoe’s,” a new internet cafe and restaurant in Frostproof that has been open about a month. The was converted from an old-style gas station.  The garage bays were turned into indoor seating complete with a computer bar for those who may want to log in and check email, surf the net or conduct business.

We sat in the outdoor area, where the gas pumps would have been in the past.  It was decorated nicely with large pots and troughs filled with plants enclosing the entire area.

My mother had a chicken salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato and I had the “Caprese” sandwich of tomatoes, thick sliced mozzarella and basil.  Both sandwiches were served on fresh French baguettes.  My mom had a Ginger-Caramel Latte and I had coffee.  A variety of espresso and coffee drinks, lattes, frappes and shakes are available.  The menu has selections of sandwiches, salads and pastries.  I did manage to pick up the check first.

We had a nice chat with Tina, Laurie and a friend at Roscoe’s, and on the brief walk back to our cars.

Discover lovely Frostproof this year during one of the upcoming performances on the 2012 Ramon Theater Music Series.  Next up on February 11th are “The Repeatles,” a unique 60s tribute band based in Stockholm, Sweden who love, understand and honour the bands of this era.  Elvis fans will love Dwight Icenhower’s “Elvis Tribute” on March 3rd.  Both performances begin at 7:00pm. Also at the Ramon, is a Murder Mystery Dinner on March 17th. The Murder Mystery Dinners seat about 140 people.  Order your tickets early, because both performances and the dinner are certain to sell out.  Call the Ramon Theater at 863-635-7222 and get your tickets today.

Learn more about events and happenings in Frostproof on the Frostproof Chamber of Commerce website, including the upcoming Frostproof Orange Blossom Festival from 9am-5pm on February 18th, the Ramon Theater’s 2012 Music Series, Murder Mystery Dinners and more.

Learn more about arts and cultural events, exhibitions and news, including those at the Frostproof Art League & Gallery and the Ramon Theater on the Polk Arts Alliance website by visiting www.polkarts.org.

Hope to see you soon.

Bev

The Southern Smokers BBQ Competition kicks off Polk County’s competitive barbeque festival season on Saturday, January 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Dundee at the Dundee Ridge (Winn Dixie) Plaza. Sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association, a maximum of 45 teams are expected to compete.

The 16th Annual Lakeland PigFest, on Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th at the Tiger Town Sports Complex in Lakeland, is the area’s largest barbeque competition. Lakeland PigFest is a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned event and the KCBS is the largest international organization of barbeque enthusiasts. Each year PigFest welcomes close to 200 teams to compete in the Pro Division, BackYard Division and the Kid’s Q competition and proceeds benefit Lakeland-area charities.

The 8th Annual Budweiser Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition returns to Winter Haven on Saturday, February 4th as the 2012 Florida BBQ Association State Championship. Funds raised benefit the Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs of Winter Haven, Lake Wales and Haines City. More than 80 teams from across the country will compete for the Florida State Grand Champion title. Unique entertainment includes a Cypress Water Sports Ski Show on beautiful Lake Cannon.

The 4th Annual Ribs on the Ridge takes place at Lake Eva Park in Haines City on Friday, February 24th and Saturday, February 25th. This growing event has been the Florida BBQ Association’s largest competition for the past two years; with approximately 100 teams competing. Don’t miss performances by The Pork Chop Review featuring “Oink” the singing pig!

In October 2012, the festivals start over again with the Florida BBQ Association sanctioned Fine Swine at the Pit in Mulberry offering up more delicious barbeque to please your palette. Visit www.fineswine.org.

Polk County offers numerous barbeque restaurants so you won’t have to suffer withdrawal in the off-season. Historic eateries include Peebles Bar-B-Q, a Central Florida landmark that has been serving up barbeque for more than 55 years, and Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q, a Lakeland tradition since 1964. Brock’s Smoke Hut in Winter Haven was recognized in 2011 by National Barbecue News as one of the “Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurant’s in America.” Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q and Woody’s Bar-B-Q are familiar names with locations all around Polk County. This list hardly scratches the surface. For a comprehensive listing of restaurants in Polk County, go to www.VisitCentralFlorida.org.

When pulling up to East Stanford Street in Bartow’s Historic District, you will spot a quaint yellow house with blue trim and a spacious front porch at the entryway. This 1906 Victorian house that is situated on a cozy neighborhood lot has now become the picturesque setting of The Stanford Inn & Tea Room. This bed and breakfast may also be recognized as the home in the 1991 film “My Girl” starring Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Anna Chlumsky and Macaulay Culkin.

For guests looking to stay overnight at the bed and breakfast, The Stanford Inn offers six rooms with features that include: a fireplace, queen bed, private full bath, cable television and wireless Internet access, along with a three-course, gourmet breakfast local fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs.

Aside from a delicious breakfast and special room features, guests will notice one-of-a-kind antiques, artwork and furnishings throughout the inn, along with an outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens. Bed and breakfast guests can unwind in the pool or on one of the many rocking chairs on the expansive front porch.

Visitors dining at the Stanford Inn will can also enjoy the pleasant atmosphere as the Inn transforms into a tea room at lunch. Guests can sit inside the historical house or out on the porch, which could be the perfect decision on a nice afternoon. Choose from lunch, tea or Sunday brunch at the Tea Room or opt for dinner at 555. The Tea Room features traditional English high tea and light lunches of soups, salads and sandwiches.

The Monte Cristo at the Tea Room is a must-try. This lunchtime favorite is stacked with layers of turkey, ham and cheese and comes with a side of raspberry jam to complete the overall taste of the sandwich. Other options include the Chicken Salad Croissant, Roast Beef & Havarti or the Turkey sandwich. Try the signature Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Bisque soup or the Soup du Jour along with the Spinach and Fruit Salad or the pasta salad as well. 

It is no surprise that there are numerous flavors of tea options to try at this tea room. The Stanford Inn Strawberry-Orange Blend, composed of strawberries and oranges along with kiwi, rosehips and a bit of dried apple, is the signature tea. Other teas include Rose White, Duchess Grey and Apricot tea, to name just a few. Be sure to choose your favorite flavor to complement your meal.

For dinner, 555 features five options in each of the three categories (appetizers, sides and entrees), and the chef specials change each evening.

The Stanford Inn also hosts weddings and special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, reunions and getaways and celebrates numerous events throughout the year including the upcoming Christmas Eve Dinner on Saturday, December 24. More events at The Stanford Inn can be found on our Events Calendar .

The Stanford Inn offers a charming experience for an overnight stay, an afternoon meal or a special occasion and hopes you will visit this “beautiful place for beautiful memories”.

Stay up-to-date with what’s happening at the Inn, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Right now I’m enjoying Florida Avocados on bologna sandwiches, but Christmas will be here soon and I’ll be able to get some really fantastic Florida oranges to bring back some of my favorite Florida memories.

At Christmas, my grandmother always made Orange Pound Cake with freshly squeezed Florida orange juice from the groves around her house.  I always got to help when I was lucky enough to be here for Christmas.  As an adult, I’ve made it a point to keep the tradition alive by making a few of these delicious cakes for other family members.  And, I’ve taught both of my daughters how to make this wonderful cake.  Below is the recipe.

Orange Pound Cake
1 Cup butter or margarine
1 Cup sugar
5 eggs
1 tsp lemon extract
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 Cups all purpose flour
5 tbsp freshly squeezed Florida orange juice

Cream butter or margarine.  My grandmother swore by Blue Bonnet for her pound cake and I am afraid to try anything different.  Stir in one egg at a time. Then, add the extracts and the flour.  Mix well and add the freshly squeezed orange juice.  You can use orange juice in the carton or bottle, but make sure it’s from Florida.  Turn into a tube pan and bake at 350 degrees (according to grandma) until done (toothpick comes out clean).  I forget how long that is, but the pound cake will be a beautiful golden brown when it is done. My Aunt Gladys always baked her pound cake at 325 degrees, but I think her oven must have been extra hot.

My dad always said, “Don’t mess it up by putting anything else in there,”  but every once in a while my grandma would put fruit, nuts, raisins or something else in her recipe.  We would all be unhappy and then she’d make her regular recipe for us.  I suppose she ended up eating the other cake by herself.”

Give the recipe a try.  Every bite brings back wonderful memories of my visits to Florida as a young child.  I found out many years later that when she made the cake she always made herself a little separate piece in an “Easy Bake Oven” pan that she would hide from the rest of us.  I do the same thing now, when I make a gift cake and no one but me, and now you, is the wiser.

Next time I make my grandmother’s pound cake I’ll take a photo. I know I’ll be making one soon, since Christmas is just around the corner.  I can tell, because we have a lot of visitors down here for the beautiful weather.  Welcome visitors.  I hope you are having a wonderful visit. And, drop me a line if you try the recipe.  I’d love to hear how your cake turns out and if you like it as much as I do.

Many of the displays were centred around the small lake in the centre of town, and one of the most fascinating displays had the cowboys showing off their lasso skills and whip cracking. Their horses were patiently waiting in the shade, and there were some beef cattle chewing the cud across the other side of the camp.

I could have spent much more time listening to this traditional story teller entertaining the children with his stories of the wild animals. Many of the stories obviously had American Indian origins.

Cookery is an art too, so I made my way to the Baking competition tables, where cakes had to be baked with a Citrus theme, and the recipes had to be original. Mouthwatering cakes were set out with their recipes alongside them and obviously oneor two had won their blue ribands

Mmmmm, delicious

Moving quickly on, I walked to the Wood carvers room; again greeted by the most amazing wood carvings of animals and insects.

I spoke to one of the carvers, all from the Lake Placid Wood Carvers Guild, and he explained that he used Laurel wood for his subjects – at the time he was carving a large bird, and laurel is a non-splintering type of wood so very useful for carvers to use.

carved deer

Having spent some time with the wood carvings, it was time to take a look at some of the other displays that were edging the lake front. Lots of various art and artists, as well as a Polk County wildlife officer with a small alligator for brave children to touch. Another display with an child friendly area was that of the snake handlers; kids could handle a small python, or a baby king snake, and try their hand at drawing butterflies and other insects.

There were guided tours of the historical part of the town, and demonstrations of quilt making. I also watched a demonstration of clogging, a country dance style similar to Irish dancing.

The Festival ran for two days, and I found it all very interesting ; certainly there was enough to keep me entertained for several hours. Eventually though my stomach reminded me it needed something to eat, so wandering round the food vendors I came across a cupcake stand. Guess what…………. It was delicious!!!

If you can dream it, they can whip it up at the Cookie Jar Bakeshop in Bartow. This is not just any custom cake and cookie bakery; everything is made fresh and baked in-house using the owner’s very own recipes. Unlike other bakeries, the Cookie Jar is also a place where customers can dine while ordering breakfast, lunch and specialty beverages.

For a casual breakfast, lunch or break, guests can visit the Bakeshop’s café and choose from indoor or outdoor seating. The café offers choices of sandwiches, pastries, bagels, muffins or donuts for breakfast. For lunch, select options of chicken, tuna or egg salad sandwiches, along with options of soup, salad or quiche. If in the mood for sweet treats, choose from an array of desserts including: specialty cookies, homemade pies, cakes, cupcakes and platters such as Peanut Butter Balls, Brownie Bites and Ooey Gooey Bars.

There is no shortage of cookies at the Cookie Jar Bakeshop, but while fresh-baked cookies are the staple, custom cakes are the specialty. The bakers guarantee they can create your dream cake no matter the size, shape, flavor or design. They will also create custom-decorated cupcakes in jumbo or standard sizes, just the way you order them.

From corporate, community and sporting events to anniversaries, baby showers and business meetings, Owner Maura Galbraith guarantees the staff will produce exceptional cookies, cakes and more.

Stop in for a bite to eat and a homemade treat or order your custom cakes for your special occasion Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Whichever you choose, you are sure to find something tasty at the Cookie Jar Bakeshop.

For more information visit:
www.visitcentralflorida.org/destinations/cookie-jar-bakeshop
or find the Cookie Jar Bakeshop on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CookieJarBakeshop.

The story of the Café first began with the opening of Lang Sun Country Groves in 1951, a company that has now been handed down through generations. As a result of a great response to their shipments, Lang’s became a Florida Gift Fruit Shipper and eventually opened a gift shop. A few years ago, Lang’s participated in “Strawberry Week Celebration” where a tent was set up outside of the shop. Typical to Florida, bad weather struck, so the strawberry shortcake and the celebration were moved indoors to the space typically used for bagging fruit. After moving inside, employees offered to make homemade biscuits and soup to go along with the shortcake, and essentially, this is what inspired the Taste of Florida Café.

The menu at Taste of Florida Café consists of a variety of scrumptious soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and desserts, including their signature Grapefruit Pie and popular strawberry shortcake. Be sure to try items such as the Grapefruit Slaw Dog, Hawaii Croissant or Cordon Blue at the cafe. 

If you try something you cannot live without, just ask for the recipe! Lang’s wants their guests to feel like family too and will gladly share their recpies, including the famous Grapefruit Pie recipe.

Now is a great time to taste what the cafe has to offer and experience Lang’s southern charm since it is now open for the season. Taste of Florida Café is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday-Saturday during the months of October through May and is located on Highway 17 in Haines City.

To find out more about Lang’s visit http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/destinations/langs-taste-of-florida-caf
or hear more about Taste of Florida Cafe and view an online menu at:
http://www.langsuncountry.com/shop/taste-of-florida-cafe.php

If a quaint, picnic-style lunch is what you’re in the mood for, then plan a visit to The Back Porch Restaurant at The Barn in Lake Alfred. The Back Porch makes a great place to hold a luncheon, celebrate a special occasion or spend a day with family and friends.

When walking into the restaurant, you are greeted by friendly employees and instructed to take a paper menu with you to your table. It is your choice where to sit. Decide on one of three indoor dining areas with hand-painted tables or choose outdoor patio seating overlooking a nature pond. Once seated, choose from a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Make your choice from weekly specials or from the Wales’ favorite items that can always be found on the menu such as the Back Porch Vegetable Soup or the Turkey D’lite sandwich. Not to mention, the food at The Back Porch is fresh and prepared daily using the Wales’ family recipes.

If the kids are joining and are not interested in the traditional menu options, then the Teddy Bear Picnic (a peanut butter & jelly sandwich or a hot dog with chips and a cookie) is just the choice for them.

The process of ordering and delivering is unlike other restaurants. After looking over the menu, grab a pencil (found on the center of the table), and check off the menu items you have decided on. Once you mark your selections, jot down your table number along with your name on the sticky note attached to the top corner of your menu. Then, take your menu to the counter and check out.

Be sure to decide on a flavored tea or try the sample dips at the front of the restaurant while you wait for your tasty picnic-style lunch. Once your food is prepared, a server will deliver your lunch in a charming, wooden picnic basket using the information you wrote on the sticky note to locate you.

Make a day out of your visit, since The Back Porch is found at The Barn which includes shops such as The Barn Antiques, The Stable, The Seasons Gift Shop and The Back Yard Garden Shop.

Owned and operated by the Wales family for over 43 years, The Barn is the epitome of family tradition. Whether you are hunting for antiques, shopping for home accessories, searching for garden and lawn accessories or just browsing for gifts and seasonal décor, The Barn offers it all.

To check for weekly specials and other updates at The Back Porch, find them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Back-Porch/98495488931

Or visit The Stable on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Stable-Home-Decor/114550385225034

The Wales’ family just celebrated the 43^rd opening day of The Barn which is located on Highway 557A in Lake Alfred. While the shops at The Barn are only open October-May, The Back Porch Restaurant is now open year-round.

Are you craving great barbeque?

Peebles Bar-B-Q has been serving up barbeque in Central Florida for over 50 years and has become something of a landmark to Polk County.

It is difficult to miss Peebles’ location on Old Dixie Highway in Auburndale with the aroma of southern barbeque lingering in the air. This savory scent greets guests’ noses from the moment they enter the parking lot to the second they step foot through the door.

Peebles offers the option of dine-in or take-out, and making that decision can be a tough one. The food is just as tasty either way, but to truly capture the complete experience and discover how good barbecue is meant to be eaten, dining in is a must. With a screened-porch dining area and an indoor smoke pit, it is easy to feel Peebles’ down-home atmosphere in its Old Florida setting.

Don’t mistake Peebles’ simplicity with lack of quality, though. With flavorful menu options of sliced beef, shredded pork, ribs and a recent addition of chicken, you can’t make a wrong decision. Add their signature barbeque sauce and try sides of coleslaw and baked beans for a tasty addition to complete the meal.

Grab it while it’s hot because Peebles is now open for the season. With weekend hours on Thursday-Saturday, it is the perfect time to make a visit to Peebles and discover some of Central Florida’s best barbeque for yourself.