Plus, new ice cream concept opening.
 
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James Beard is missing out

Lakeland’s local restaurant picks for the James Beard Awards
Chef Marcos Fernandez of Nineteen61 carefully crafts a plate in the restaurant's kitchen. Next to him on the counter are prep containers and ingredients.
Who else do you think should get national recognition? | Photo by @nineteen61_
Don’t despair, local food lovers. Even though no chef or restaurant from Lakeland made the just-announced list of semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards, there are plenty of culinary stars in our city shining bright.

That’s why we want you to be the judge. Which restaurants or chefs deserve more love? Think about who would get your vote under the following James Beard categories based on the organization’s criteria of excellence and other factors like commitment to community.

To get the foodie brainstorming started, here are a couple of our own noms.

🏆 Outstanding Chef

City Editor Rilee’s pick: Chef Marcos Fernandez, Nineteen61 | The Latin and Spanish-inspired dishes at this fine dining restaurant keep us coming back for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Chef Marcos continues to plan big things for Nineteen61, including an upcoming rooftop bar space.

Award-worthy dishes: Empanadas, filet mignon, and Grand Marnier crème brulée

A cinnamon roll, egg bake, and other pastry on a table

Are you team sweet or team savory when it comes to your Born and Bread order?

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Photo by LALtoday

🏆 Outstanding Bakery

City Editor Connor’s pick: Born & Bread Bakehouse | Fresh bread and flaky cruffins put this local bakery on the map. Now, foodies flock from out of town to get a taste of the baked goods dreamed up by owner Jennifer Smurr — it’s gotten so popular that it’s now open Wednesday-Saturday.

Award-worthy dishes: Traditional croissants, cruffins, and Benton’s breakfast sandwiches

An Italian sandwich with meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato on ciabatta bread sits on a tray on a restaurant counter. A window sits in the background, with plants in small vases on the sill.

Try the Scarpa’s Italian sandwich at Jessie’s.

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Photo by @jessiesgourmetsandwichcafe

🏆 Best New Restaurant

City Editor Rilee’s pick: Jessie’s Gourmet Sandwich Cafe | This small shop has made a big impact. Run by Jessie Scarpa, it specializes in twists on classic sandwiches. Our followers lauded the cafe on Instagram, with @sharong1054 saying, “The sandwiches are above board and Jessie is always in the mood to chat.”

Award-worthy dishes: Chicken parm sandwich, The Scarpa’s Italian, and Jessie’s Girl salad

Now we want to hear about your tastes. Serve up your picks in the poll below.
Asked

It’s time to dish on the best.
Tell us which chef, restaurant, bakery, bar, and new restaurant you think deserve national recognition from the James Beard Awards.
Send in your picks
 
Events
Thursday, Jan. 25
  • Yogadance | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 4-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex, 525 Lake Crago Dr., Lakeland | $0-$5 | Dance to music from around the world in this uplifting exercise class for all levels — Silver Sneakers members get in free.
  • Florida Founder William P. Duval: Frontier Bon Vivant | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Heritage Park, 8950 N. Campbell Rd., Lakeland | Free | History professor James M. Denham will share about Florida’s second governor with the Kathleen Area Historical Society.
Friday, Jan. 26
  • Spirit of the Buffalo Pow Wow and Native American Festival | Friday, Jan. 26-Sunday, Feb. 4 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | International Market World Flea and Farmers Market, 1052 US Hwy. 92 W., Auburndale | $4-$20 | This two-weekend event will feature crafts, intertribal dance competitions, historic displays, and 60+ exhibitors
  • Craig Brenner at Lakeland Loft | Friday, Jan. 26 | 9-11:45 p.m. | Lakeland Loft, 108 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | This solo pianist will play jazz, blues, boogie-woogie, and everything in between.
Saturday, Jan. 27
  • 2024 St. Joseph Catholic School Nun Run 5K | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 8-11 a.m. | St. Joseph Catholic School Winter Haven, 535 Ave. M NW, Winter Haven | $40 | Run or walk this course along the Chain of Lakes Trail.
Sunday, January 28
  • “The Fantasticks” | Friday, Jan. 26-Sunday, Jan. 28 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $22-$28 | Local actors will perform the longest-running musical in the world.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Biz

How Twin Diesel revved up with Bank of Central Florida
Brothers David and Daniel Goodwald stand in their diesel engine repair shop with James Garner of Bank of Central Florida
“One of the two secret weapons for a successful businessman is the person doing your banking,” Daniel Goodwald said. | Photo provided by Bank of Central Florida | Member FDIC
When David Goodwald and his brother Daniel co-founded Twin Diesel Performance — a Lakeland-based diesel engine repair shop — they built their business on honesty and trust.

“We were raised the old school way and treat people how we want to be treated,” David said.

They look for these same values in every partnership, like their one with Bank of Central Florida. The bank works closely with the brothers to help fuel their growth and streamline finances.
See their journey + partnership
News Notes
Coming Soon
  • Meet Ripples, a new handcrafted ice cream concept coming to Bowen Yard, downtown Winter Haven’s new dining + event space. The frozen treat spot is the second concept from the team behind Honeycomb Bread Bakers.
Learn
  • Central Florida SCORE is hosting a Women in Leadership workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at COhatch Lakeland. Register to hear from HotMod Agency’s Nicole Bradham, Kelly Fischer of Royal Fischer, and Ashley Lloyd from the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida. Tickets are $25.
Development
  • There’s a new program available for those applying for permits or inspections from the city. iMS is up and running; former eTRAKIT users will need to register for new accounts.
Concert
  • Fill your weekend with music at Southeastern University’s Piano Spark concert series. School faculty and guest artist Dr. Jonathan Reed will perform in three concerts, happening Jan. 26-28 on campus. Admission is free.
Sports
  • Florida Southern basketball player Luke Anderson was selected as Division II Player of the Week after leading the Mocs to two of their January wins. The junior forward is a Lakeland native who played at Lakeland High School. (The Ledger)
Biz
  • Abbey Caroline Salon & Experience is moving from its Dixieland location to 228 E. Pine St. on Saturday, Feb. 10. The salon will be located downtown in the Clonts Building — learn more about the 1903 building’s history.
Active
  • Get ready to do your best tree pose under the oaks, because Yoga in the Gardens is back at Bok Tower Gardens. This Saturday, Jan. 27 at 9 a.m., join a beginner-friendly yoga class on the Olmsted House Lawn. Tickets are $20 and include garden admission.
Edu
  • Hey, Floridians: How does going to college for free sound? Florida has robust financial aid programs that can cover much (or all) of the cost of college tuition. See an example of how your tuition at SEU may already be covered — with $1,203 leftover.*
Arts
  • See how a storybook comes to life at Illustrations from the Mirror: The Art of Ahmad Taylor, on display at the Polk Museum of Art through Feb. 4. This imaginative exhibit invites visitors to learn about the illustration process, from initial storyboarding + character studies to colorful publication. Plan your free visit.*
 
History

Celebrate a century of community

The Lakeland Country Club celebrates a century of community
The exterior of the Lakeland Country Club, viewed from the front entrance. The building is designed in the Mediterranean style, with red terracotta roof tiles. The entrance includes a valet parking spot and lanterns on the exterior walls.
The club has changed over the years, but its Spanish Mediterranean-style architecture has stayed the same. | Photo provided by the Lakeland Country Club
Someone get 100 birthday candles, because the Lakeland Country Club has reached the century mark. This weekend, members will celebrate 100 years since the club opened on the shores of Lake Hollingsworth in 1924.

The club was built by H.A. Stahl, the developer behind the Cleveland Heights neighborhood, and is Lakeland’s oldest private club. Originally known as the Lakeland Yacht & Country Club, it got a new name and a fresh look in 2017 and 2019, respectively.

Today, the club offers high-end dining, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a fitness center for member use. And with a members-only parking lot, you’d spend less time waiting for a spot when Lake Hollingsworth’s public lot is full.

Interested in becoming a member? There are three membership options: junior, regular, and corporate. Learn more about joining the Lakeland Country Club, and hear stories from members + staff in The Lakelander’s latest cover story.
The Buy

The Buy 1.25.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Your new favorite water bottle: the Owala Travel Tumbler. It combines the best of Stanley’s viral tumbler with Owala’s smart design. We’re liking colors “Bunny Hop” and “Foggy Tide.”
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The Wrap
 
Connor-Keith-Headshot-LAL

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
A resort-style pool and dining with views of Lake Hollingsworth? Sign me up for a Lakeland Country Club membership. Aspiring members need to be sponsored by two resident members to apply — anyone want to help an editor out?
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