Mount Dora Business and Real Estate

The Best Central Florida Farmers Markets

8/27/2024

Award-winning Winter Garden Farmers Market (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

It’s a form of retail therapy unlike any other. Whether in Central Florida’s larger cities or quaint small towns, the area’s farmers markets are always hopping with activity and attracting residents with their bounty of fresh, locally-grown produce and their unique sense of community.
From early morning to mid-afternoon, shoppers meander through rows of colorful tents offering fresh artisan breads, meats, ethnic foods, fresh smoothies, local honey, spice blends, rare plants and handcrafted goods. Many of the markets also feature live entertainment and fun activities for kids.
Here’s a list of the top Central Florida weekly Farmers Markets with the best vendors and vibes:

wednesdays:

Volusia County Farmers Market
3090 E. New York Avenue, DeLand
7 a.m. - noon
Market size: large

thursdays:

Lake County Farmers Market (Eustis)
Lake County Fairgrounds
2101 N. State Road 452, Eustis
8 a.m. - noon
Market size: large, significant produce vendors. a lot of resellers.

fridays:

DeLand Artisan Alley Farmers Market
Spread along Artisan Alley, downtown
6 p.m.-9 p.m. (night market)
Market size: moderate with creative vibe and no resellers. Limited produce.

Apopka Farmers Market (Market on 5th)
40 E. 5th Street, downtown
5 p.m.-10 p.m. (night market)
Market size: small with limited produce, but great vibe.

ABOVE: Early at the Friday Night Market in Apopka.

saturdays:

Winter Garden Farmers Market
Downtown Pavilion
104 S. Lakeview Avenue
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Market size: large and award-winning with significant produce vendors and family vibe.

Winter Park Farmers Market
Central Park West Meadow
(New York Avenue. & Morse Boulevard)
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Market size: large

Sanford Farmers Market
Magnolia Square, downtown
150 E. First Street
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Market size: moderate with limited produce vendors

Renningers Flea Market & Farmers Market
20651 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays)
Market size: large with resellers, and limited produce vendors

ABOVE: Winter Garden Farmers Market on Saturdays.

SUNDAYS:

Orlando Farmers Market
Lake Eola Park
Corner of E. Central Blvd and N. Eola Drive
10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Market size: large and a foodie favorite.

Mount Dora Village Market
Sunset Park
Alexander Street & 4th Avenue
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Market size: moderate with resellers, and limited produce vendors

Clermont Farmers Market
691 W. Montrose Street
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Market size: moderate with limited produce vendors

Maitland Farmers Market
Independent Lane
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Market size: moderate

Renningers Flea Market & Farmers Market
20651 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays)
Market size: large with resellers, and limited produce vendors

If you know of another great weekly farmers market in Central Florida, email Mount Dora Buzz with details.

ABOVE: Mount Dora Village Market on Sundays.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram and Facebook page. Download the area's free mobile app for info on the go. For local food recommendations, follow Mount Dora Foodie's Facebook and its official Instagram account.

Mount Dora's cherished and historic church to undergo big changes

8/1/2024

ABOVE: Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church at the southern gateway to Mount Dora in 2015. (Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

Although withering and weather-beaten, she stands as a well-loved, if aging pillar of Mount Dora, She piques the interest of passersby as she sits at her prominent location at the southern gateway to the city. “She” is Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church of Mount Dora, and although small in stature and vacant for decades, she remains an intriguing and nostalgic area landmark.

In recent years, the historic church continued to fall further into disrepair due to Florida weather and vagrants seeking shelter. Now a small Altamonte Springs church, Horeb Monte de Dios, has been cleaning up the church property and holding worship services. The historic church has no working electricity or plumbing, but the new congregation of about 60 people has an agreement with the owner and is planning to eventually demolish the historic church to build a larger church and a community outreach center, according to Sarai Diaz, a Horeb Monte de Dios representative.

RELATED: A history and look inside Mount Dora Primitive Baptist Church

The original church was built in 1896 along with a cemetery on a hilltop of orange trees across U.S. 441. It was founded by pioneer African-American families from northern Florida and Georgia. For those early homesteaders, as well as for later members, the small church was a central meeting place for worship and social gatherings. When the original church burned down, the congregation built a replacement church high on a hill in 1926.

Due to the need for land for the construction of U.S. 441, the church was later moved to its current place on Old Highway 441, across from its previous hilltop location, where it has been for at least 58 years. The fate of the African-American hilltop cemetery is unclear. In 2010, Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church of Mount Dora was included on the Register of Historic Places.

“The church will be demolished and rebuilt, keeping the same image, only wider and taller, in order to have more space for more people. It will have a museum of the original church, and we will keep some parts of the current structure. We don’t have a time frame for when this will be completed, since we are in the beginning process of everything. And we are trying to collect the funding for this project,” wrote Diaz in an email to Mount Dora Buzz.

Horeb Monte de Dios, meaning Horeb Mount of God, is a non-denominational church that started in 2011. Bilingual worship services at the Mount Dora church will be open to the public and led by Pastor Yenny Angula, according to Diaz.

In 2015, a glimpse inside the Mount Zion Primitive Baptist church showed a step back in time and a tiny glimpse of local African-American history. Past the plain exterior doors was a small, purely functional foyer. On the left side of this tiny area was a single bookcase with a sign reading "Church Library." Perhaps the most eye-catching element in the foyer was a simple, framed primitive print of a congregation. On the right side of the foyer was a rope to ring the church bell above. Off the foyer was a restroom and a cramped office with scattered paperwork and two framed memorial cards. A pair of tall screen doors stood straight ahead as the last remaining threshold into the sanctuary. Termites had helped themselves to the eight short pews that faced the elevated altar.

In winter months, Mount Zion’s congregation was warmed by the rusty pot-bellied stove stationed among the pews. The modest pulpit near the altar was flanked by an organ on the left and on the right side, dried acorns were scattered across a piano's keyboard as evidence of the squirrels that once called it home.

"Some of my first childhood memories are of when we used to meet on Worship Sundays," Beaulah Babbs told Mount Dora Buzz in 2015. "We would sing the songs of Zion, pray, and enjoy the joyful sound of the gospel." Babbs, 79, was one of four members of the church remaining 9 years ago. Her family can trace its membership back to 1942.

RELATED: Preservation effort begins for historic Mount Dora Primitive Baptist Church

"All of the written history of the first church burned up in the fire," she said. "We know that Reverend McCarthy was the first pastor in 1896, but the names of the founding families are long gone."

Past families of the congregation included the Woodburys, McCarthys, Babbs, and Torrences, among others. "We were a small congregation of 23 families at one point in our church history. Our family was the church," said Babbs.

In 2016 the Mount Dora community rallied together to help preserve the church, make repairs, tent for termites and secure it from vagrants. The hard work resulted in a Primitive Baptist worship service held there on December 17, 2017. It was the first service at the iconic church in over a decade.

"I have always kept the faith that good people will help us refurbish our little church and let it stand for another century," Babbs said nine years ago.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram and Facebook page. Download the area's free mobile app for info on the go. For local food recommendations, follow Mount Dora Foodie's Facebook and its official Instagram account.

Mount Dora City Council approves AMCO Development rezoning

6/20/2024

ABOVE: A portion of the Amco Development's revised plan presented to Mount Dora City Council on February 5, 2024. Due to the site's topography, some of the actual building heights could be approximately 40 feet taller or more than indicated on AMCO's conceptual rendering above.

After tabling the issue for two weeks, on June 18 Mount Dora City Council voted (5-2) to approve zoning for a controversial 38-acre, mixed-use development that would change the landscape of the eastern section of the city. Council Members Cal Rolfson, Marc Crail, Doug Bryant and Mayor Crissy Stile voted in favor of the re-zoning, while Council Members Nate Walker and John Cataldo voted against it.

The AMCO Development proposal features high-density housing, as well as office and commercial space, senior living and other uses. At least eight mid-rise buildings would exceed the original zoning’s 100-foot height limit, and include two buildings that would be 175 feet tall when measured from State Road 46 or over 200 feet when measured from the bases of the buildings due to the sloped topography of the property. (see attached conceptual site plan below).

During the discussions at the June 4th City Council meeting, City Attorney Patrick Brackins raised the issue of potentially costly legal fees the City could incur if the project was declined and the developer filed a lawsuit. At the June 18th meeting, Brackins stated the City will be revising its Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to prevent this particular development situation from occurring again.

The City of Mount Dora will service the AMCO Development with water and sewer utilities if capacity is available at the time the formal site plan is submitted for the project and each subsequent phase thereafter. At the current concept plan stage, the City’s staff has stated it does not have capacity for waste water to service the development.

The next phases of the project would be platting and then submitting the site plan, which includes traffic studies and other engineering reports for geotechnics, environmental, drainage, storm water and tree mitigation, in addition to determination of utility capacity.

RELATED: Mount Dora City Council decline AMCO Development settlement agreement

RELATED: AMCO files legal action against City of Mount Dora

Eight of the 10 proposed buildings in the AMCO Development project would exceed the area’s 100-foot maximum building height. The heights of those buildings are as follows:

Two buildings with maximum heights of 175 feet measured from S.R. 46 (B & C on site plan).
One building with a maximum height of 165 feet measured from S.R. 46 (D on site plan).
Two buildings with maximum heights of 150 feet measured from S.R. 46 (A on the site plan and the remaining portion of the property on site plan).
The proposed hotel building maximum building height of 138 feet measured from S.R. 46.
The proposed senior living building maximum height of 125 feet measured from S.R. 46.
The proposed multi-story indoor self-storage is 100 feet maximum height measured from S.R. 46. However, measured from grade, it could exceed that by approximately 40 feet.

The AMCO Development project originally came before Mount Dora City Council in February, 2023, with a proposed building height of 310 feet, but the City Council voted down that proposal.

After a proposed settlement between the City and the developer was voted down by a 4-3 vote of the City Council, a Special Magistrate recently recommended the City allow the 175-foot building height measured from S.R. 46. Last night the council voted (6-1, Walker dissented) to approve a slightly modified settlement agreement with the developer which paved the way for the City Council to vote on the rezoning to allow the project.

The AMCO project will be built in three-phases and would have a maximum of:

865 apartments
665 condominiums
275 senior living units
900,000 square feet of office space
950,000 square feet of commercial space
100,000 square feet of convention center space
150,000 square feet of mini-storage warehouse
352 hotel rooms with up to two hotels
2 retention ponds
1 food hall
1 playground area

RELATED: 11 things to know about Mount Dora's proposed AMCO Development

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram and Facebook page. Download the area's free mobile app for info on the go. For local food recommendations, follow Mount Dora Foodie's Facebook and its official Instagram account.

Steamroller Technologies Breaks Ground on New Mount Dora Headquarters

6/10/2024

ABOVE: Team members of Steamroller Technologies in front of the future site of the company's new headquarters.

Steamroller Technologies celebrated the groundbreaking of its new downtown Mount Dora headquarters that is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025. The company is the sister company of Steamroller Animation, another Mount Dora technology enterprise.

Steamroller Technologies has a team of 22 developers, animators, and engineers who specialize in content and software development for location-based entertainment for local and international clients, including theme parks and museums. The team is led by Cofounders Keith Lackey and Phil Bias, and Operations Director Marissa Whitehill, Lackey won an Academy Award in February from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, when he was presented with a Technical Achievement Award for his work on a project called Atlas.

The company will lease the second and third floors of the new three-story building being erected adjacent to Steamroller Animation’s existing location at 301 N. Baker Street. Each of the two floors Steamroller Technologies will occupy will have 2,500 square feet of office space.

“We are thrilled to finally be breaking ground on our new space. We love being in Mount Dora with walkable access to great restaurants, coffee shops, and waterfront views,” said Bias. “We are glad that this building will give us the space we need to house our team, as well as demonstrate some of the immersive technologies we create.”

ABOVE: The leadership team of Steamroller Technologies: Phil Bias, Marissa Whitehill, and Keith Lackey.

The sister company, Steamroller Animation, was founded in 2015 and moved to downtown Mount Dora in 2018 after outgrowing its historic Olde Chapel Hall office space in Eustis. The animation studio specializes in high-quality animation for major entertainment companies, including Sony, Paramount, Apple, Blizzard Entertainment, and Epic Games. It recently announced the opening of a new remote office in Canada. Steamroller Animation CEO Aaron Gillman is from Vancouver, so an office was opened in British Columbia.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram and Facebook page. Download the area's free mobile app for info on the go. For local food recommendations, follow Mount Dora Foodie's Facebook and its official Instagram account.

Orlando Health submits application for freestanding E.R. in Eustis

6/1/2024

Orlando Health has submitted an application to the City of Eustis to build a free-standing emergency department (FSED) on U.S. 441. The application will need to undergo a technical review and any subsequent changes will also require review.

The proposed 9.3-acre site for the 11,600 square-foot facility is approximately a mile from AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares and also in close proximity to HCA Healthcare’s newly completed FSED also located on U.S. 441 in Eustis. Adding to the local emergency healthcare options, UF Health opened its new Emergency and Urgent Care Center in Eustis last month on U.S. 441 and Eudora Road.

Orlando Health reportedly purchased the land for $5.25 million last month. The proposed building’s height is 28 feet where 35 feet is the maximum allowed.

Orlando Health is a not-for-profit healthcare organization that was founded over a century ago. It currently has 17 hospitals, 10 FSEDs and over 100 outpatient centers. The company has $9.6 billion in assets under management, according to its website.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram and Facebook page. Download the area's free mobile app for info on the go. For local food recommendations, follow Mount Dora Foodie's Facebook and its official Instagram account.

Mount Dora’s vibrant food scene: What to eat and where

5/1/2024

ABOVE: Mussels Mariniere and toasted ciabatta board from Goblin Market (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Nestled among live oak hammocks and the shore of Lake Dora in Central Florida, historic downtown Mount Dora boasts a vibrant and growing culinary scene. From cozy cafes and global cuisine to family-owned bistros and upscale dining destinations, the picturesque city offers a diverse array of restaurants serving up delicious dishes to satisfy every palate. The formerly sleepy town was recently dubbed one of the ten "best small-town food scenes" in the country by readers of USA Today.

To make the most of your visit, here are some favorites of what to eat and where in the City's quaint and walkable downtown entertainment district.

ABOVE: Blackened shrimp & grits from Pisces Rising (photo by Pisces Rising)

A TASTE OF SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

Diners can launch their Mount Dora culinary adventure by sampling the flavors of the South at Pisces RIsing with its Southern-inspired dishes, as well as steaks and seafood. Indulge in classics like blackened shrimp and grits, brisket poutine or try their unique fried-avocado tacos. Pisces Rising's brunch on Sundays features a delicious braised short rib hash, lobster Benedict and Nashville hot chicken and waffles.

The epitome of old Southern charm and hospitality is the historic Lakeside Inn that sits right on the waterfront. Its Beauclaire Dining Room and Veranda restaurant are open to the public and offer diverse menus including salads, fried green tomatoes, potato crusted salmon, plus filet and lobster.

FESTIVE LATIN DISHES

Above: Seafood paella from Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant

For those with a passion for fresh Latin fare, downtown Mount Dora is a must-visit destination. Explore the vibrant flavors of Mexico with a hearty and shareable molcajete, authentic street tacos, and sizzling fajitas along with fishbowl-sized margaritas from Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill.

A trip to Mount Dora wouldn’t be complete without a stop at one of its authentic Cuban restaurants. Try the perfectly prepared vaca frita, the tender pernil, the pechuga a la parilla or the seafood paella at Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant on Donnelly Street. Additional Cuban favorites along with live Latin music makes Copacabana Cuban Cafe another festive option just a few doors down.

BOLD ASIAN FLAVORS

Above: Poke bowl and sushi burrito from Wave Asian Bistro (Wave Asian Bistro photo)

Embark on a culinary journey throughout Asia without ever leaving downtown Mount Dora. In this walkable historic district you'll find an array of international restaurants for adventurous diners seeking global cuisine. If you’re unsure where to start, check out Shiva Indian Restaurant for excellent malpe shrimp, chicken tikka masala, and various flavorful lamb dishes. Whatever you do, be sure to order their bubbly and perfectly charred naan bread.

Tucked along one of downtown's alleys, Wave Asian Bistro features cleverly presented and Instagram-worthy sushi creations, like sushi pizza, large sushi burgers and more. Funky Monkey, a cozy tapas bar, also offers a handful of Asian-inspired small plates.

ABOVE: Stuffed ravioli by Cafe Gianni (photo by Cafe Gianni)

EUROPEAN CUISINE

Downtown Mount Dora boasts fine Italian restaurants like Cafe GIanni with its fresh housemade pastas and the Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille featuring tender chicken piccata, house-made lasagna, penne alla vodka and other classics. Savor the rich flavors of French cuisine with appetizers like escargot and brie fondue, along with dishes like steak au poivre and salmon dijonnaise at Mount Dora Bistro. Not to be overlooked is the authentic British pub, Magical Meat Boutique, known for its juicy burgers and crispy fish and chips, as well as Bavaria House, a German restaurant with schnitzel, wurst, gulasch suppe and more.

GOURMET PIZZAS & HANDHELDS

ABOVE: Brick oven pizzas by Shadrach's Fiery Furnace (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

When it comes to pizzas, Shadrach’s Fiery Furnace Pizza Company features perfectly baked brick-oven pies with bubbly charred crusts that never disappoint. The fire-roasted appetizers are also en pointe. Another tasty option is Back Porch Pizza with its Neapolitan-style pies and tasty appetizers. Sharing the Nacho Problem poke tuna appetizer and the Notorious F.I.G. pizza always makes for a great meal, and the craft cocktails are an added bonus.

If you love superior sammies, you can’t beat The Butcher’s Nook with its made-to-order sandwiches featuring premium imported Italian meats on uber-fresh bread. You can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Nearby, The Salted Fry offers a menu of gluten-free sandwiches and Belgian-style fries with a variety of dipping sauces available.

UPDATED AMERICAN FARE

ABOVE: Steamed mussel appetizer at The Goblin Market (Mount Dora Foodie photo)

If you’re looking for casual or modern American fare, try lunch at The Frog & Monkey, a basement pub known for the best burgers in town, or take in beautifully presented appetizers at 1921's bar, followed by an exceptional dinner at The Goblin Market, a long-standing local favorite with dishes ranging from crusted rack of lamb to tender steaks, fresh seafood and delicious soups in a cozy and intimate setting.

There are also casual coffee shops and cafes that offer light breakfasts and lunches like Serendipity Brews, Cody’s on 4th, and One Flight Up Cafe. Mount Dora Marketplace, a micro food hall, has an ever-growing lineup of take-out options to enjoy at its outdoor tables or one of the scenic lakefront parks within walking distance.

THE VEGAN SCENE

Mount Dora's burgeoning food scene has also expanded its vegan offerings. With its delectable selection of plant-based dishes, salads and treats, Dark & Light Cafe inside Mount Dora Marketplace stands out with the most tempting offerings for lunch and take-out. The delicious korma, aloo, and dahl dishes from Shiva Indian Restaurant are excellent options for vegan foodies who love the bold flavors of South Asia.

SWEET ENDINGS

ABOVE: Mochi donuts from Magic Tea Market

No meal is complete without a sweet finish, and downtown Mount Dora has plenty of delectable treats to choose from. Be sure to save room for the decadent crepes at Claire’s Creperie inside Mount Dora Marketplace, or indulge in house-made artisanal chocolates from KKO Chocolate. Downtown Mount Dora’s local bakery, Alyson A. Bake Shop, is the spot for fresh coffee, savory and sweet scones, cookies, muffins and cheesecake bars. A favorite is the savory Mexican street corn scone. If you haven't tried mochi donuts, Magic Tea Market will turn you into a true believer with their many fresh varieties, including creme brulee, matcha oreo, and churro. Not to be forgotten are the various ice cream shops that all offer something different, including Scoops on 5th, Mount Dora Confectionery and Waffles & Cream.

DINING WITH EASE

Many of downtown Mount Dora’s independently-owned restaurants are closed on Mondays, so the least busy days to enjoy dining in the Historic District are Tuesdays through Thursdays, which also helps in securing nearby parking. Free public parking is available on many streets and in the free public parking lots located on the map below.

ABOVE: Mount Dora's free parking lots near its downtown restaurants and shops.

The charming area, a favorite of tourists, also has many great bars serving up excellent craft cocktails, craft beer and wine, along with live music, so allow time to duck into a couple of those, as well.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram and Facebook page. Download the area's free mobile app for info on the go. For local food recommendations, follow Mount Dora Foodie's Facebook and its official Instagram account. Discover the area's entertainment calendar here.

City of Mount Dora purchases downtown building for $1,975,000

5/1/2024

A historic building in downtown Mount Dora that was originally a school and then the city’s library, will soon become an annex to Mount Dora City Hall. Located just steps away from the City’s main administration building, the new acquisition will eventually be home to its Building Services and Planning & Zoning Departments, as well as its Community Redevelopment Agencies, and Code Compliance.

The two-story, brown building located at 308 E. Fifth Avenue, which most recently housed a law firm, also has 15 parking spaces which will serve as public parking on evenings and weekends.

The city is purchasing the 3,732 square-foot building located within the Historic District for $1,975,000. The purchase and renovation of the building will be funded by revenues from the City’s Building Division.

The history of the building dates back to March of 1912 when a group of local and winter residents organized the Mount Dora Educational Society, with the purpose of building a private school. Built in 1912, the building was named Educational Hall and accommodated the children of the City’s winter visitors who were tutored using the same books as their northern schools for consistency. The large building also served as a meeting room for local clubs and the First Baptist Church. After the opening of a new public school on Clayton Street in 1922, Education Hall suffered a decline in enrollment.

In 1917, the city’s library moved into the building’s basement. The expansion of the library included a full-time librarian with a salary of $1 a month.

In 1929, the City purchased the building for use as a library. The library moved to a larger building in 1977, and the city sold the building to attorney Del Potter for $60,000 with ownership listed under 308 E. 5th Avenue, LLC. Potter, along with his partners, practiced law in the building for decades and recently listed the 112-year-old building for sale.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

New high-end steakhouse fills a void in Tavares

3/1/2024

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With the abundance of local restaurants opening in recent years, one type eluded the area until now. A new fine-dining steakhouse recently opened in downtown Tavares and has filled the void to quickly become a North Lake County dining destination.

No detail was spared in the stunning build-out of Ironworks Steaks and Fine Cocktails on Ruby Street. The nine-week transformation resulted in a masterful design that pays homage to the American Industrial Revolution. Elegant white table linens and rich wood floors offset an exposed high ceiling, large beams, and the glow of a vintage blast furnace to create a uniquely warm and inviting atmosphere. To give a nod to the area’s past, black and white historic photos of local lore dot the rich charcoal gray walls. The thoughtful design also provides an intimate private dining area with space for up to 18 guests.

RELATED: Discover the best restaurants in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Ironworks not only delivered on a fine-dining steakhouse menu featuring a USDA Prime 35-day aged Angus (14 ounces, $90), and Top Choice cuts of filet mignon (8 ounces, $58), tomahawk (32 to 34 ounces, $87), porterhouse (20 ounces, $55), and ribeye (12 ounces, $42), but also offers six entrees for diners opting for something other than beef. Those diverse dishes include tuna steak, bourbon chicken breast, mushroom alfredo, maple pork chop and grilled salmon. Before joining the Ironworks team, the dishes’ creator. Chef Lex Bawgus, honed her craft at 1921 and Wave Asian BIstro, both in downtown Mount Dora.

The tempting appetizers include a half pound of thick-cut, candied bacon served with a maple brown sugar dipping sauce (8 ounces, $18) which is beautifully presented on an I-beam. On a recent visit, Mount Dora Buzz found the 10-ounce “Smoked Under Glass” New York strip ($47) to be tender and flavorful and uniquely presented as it is smoked tableside. The penne ala vodka ($32), was cooked al dente in a light cream sauce and topped with blackened shrimp that were well-seasoned and grilled perfectly. For dessert, the layered apple habanero cake was very moist with creamy cinnamon layers, and crunchy bites of apple along with a subtle finish of heat. The attentive service was also very timely and knowledgeable about the menu.

Not to be overlooked are the wonderfully crafted cocktails, like the Industrial Old Fashioned which is also available smoked, the Bad Omen, the Knee Duster, and the Golden Triangle.

Ironworks Steaks and Fine Cocktails is the brainchild of David and Hillary Perry, along with their two partners Emad Shahid and George Walker. The Perrys, residents of Howey-in-the-HIlls, are serial entrepreneurs in Tavares and own the popular Nautilus Coffee Company that opened in 2021 and the vintage submarine-themed Argonaut Bar & Lounge which followed in 2022. Ironworks is tucked into the space next to the Perry’s other downtown businesses located on the same small block of Ruby Street in the city’s entertainment district. The creative couple is also planning other new ventures in the area, including an ice cream shop and food hall.

RELATED: Argonaut Bar creates adventurous vibe in downtown Tavares

“We felt that downtown Tavares was missing a fine dining option. Listening to all of our customers at both Nautilus Coffee and The Argonaut, that was the one comment that stuck with us.” said Hillary. “Downtown Tavares has amazing restaurants, we are just thrilled to bring one more option. Now having a fine dining option available, there is something for everyone.”

The name and theme of Ironworks comes from a story of adventure written by Hilary about the fictional Nautilus family, headed by two ironworkers, that traveled the world in a submarine during the turn of the last century. David is the creative mastermind behind the impressive design and elaborate construction of the restaurant’s unique space.
Ironworks Steaks and Fine Cocktails is located at 132 W. Ruby Street in downtown Tavares. Its hours are Wednesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the dining room and its bar has extended hours to 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday hours are from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations are recommended, but not required and can be made by calling 352 321-9340. Free parking is available across the street and in the nearby public parking garage northwest of Ruby Street.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the Mount Dora Buzz website and download the free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz monthly updates are available here.

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Longhorn Steakhouse in Mount Dora revises opening date

1/26/2024

(ABOVE: Longhorn Steakhouse stock photo supplied by Darden)

Some things are just worth the wait. Although progress at the new LongHorn Steakhouse under construction in Mount Dora is barreling along, the opening date has been pushed back from the original opening of January 29.

Darden Restaurant, Inc. the chain’s Orlando-based parent company is now planning for a February 12 opening for the location at the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and Eudora Road. Darden also owns Seasons 52, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Olive Garden, Eddie V’s and Bahama Breeze restaurant chains.

RELATED: Local Dining Guide for Mount Dora and surrounding area

The Texas-themed restaurant’s January 29, 2024 opening will bring their signature ribeyes, t-bones, sirloins, porterhouses and filets to Mount Dora. Lunch and dinner offerings will also feature ribs, chicken, salmon, lobster, shrimp, and salads. Appetizers include their Texas Tonion, Steakhouse wings and Wild West Shrimp. The new LongHorn Steakhouse will also have a full bar with beer, wine and signature cocktails.

RELATED: Mount Dora Foodie provides glimpses into the local restaurant scene

Darden owns and operates more than 1,900 restaurants and has approximately 190,000 employees. As of 2023, LongHorn Steakhouse, founded in 1981 in Atlanta, generated more than $2.5 billion in sales in its 563 locations, according to Darden, which purchased the chain in 2007. It’s unclear how many employees the company will bring onboard for the Mount Dora location.

RELATED:  The best restaurants in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis in the Local Dining Guide

Darden isn’t the only large corporation with a new location in Mount Dora. Miller's Ale House, another Florida-based restaurant and sports bar chain, recently opened just two blocks away. Although many Miller’s Ale House locations are in its native Florida, there are also locations in Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania.

For more restaurant news, events and more in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.  Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Construction to begin on The Yardery restaurant in downtown Mount Dora

1/4/2024

ABOVE: Rendering of the upcoming Mount Dora location provided by The Yardery in April 2023.

Publisher's note: This article was originally published May 1, 2023 and updated to reflect the current timeline.

In what has become a dining destination, downtown Mount Dora will be adding a new restaurant concept with construction of its farmhouse-style building set to begin soon.  The ground floor of The Yardery will feature al fresco dining, a bar, and fun yard games like cornhole, foosball, Connect Four, ladder toss and Giant Jenga on its roughly 11,000 square-feet of outdoor space. The 5,480 square-foot restaurant will be built on a quarter-acre lot and include an inviting open-air, 2,058 square-foot bar area encompassing its second floor and being dubbed its rooftop bar.

The Yardery (think yard plus eatery) will have a modern farmhouse style and feature casual outdoor dining with plenty of entertainment options for guests to add to their experience. The restaurant’s friendly and apropos motto is “Eat, drink and play in the yard,” according to its founder and CEO Suzanne Bonham.

RELATED:  Local Mount Dora Restaurant Guide

The menu features “backyard food with a twist” and includes favorites like the Yardery Burger, Cajun fish tacos, barbecue chicken flatbread, in-house smoked ribs, and honey hot fried chicken. Guests can also imbibe in The Yardery's signature cocktails, craft beer and wine selection.

RELATED: Longhorn Steakhouse sets opening date in Mount Dora

The Yardery will be built on the vacant land at 221 N. Baker Street between the municipal parking lot and the downtown parking garage. The restaurant will become the third newly constructed building downtown in the last 5 years, as vacant lots in the small historic district are scarce. The Yardery's original Sanford location took two years to complete and opened to the public February 12, 2022. Originally targeting a January 2024 opening, the family-friendly and pet-friendly restaurant is now anticipating opening by the end of 2024. Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz Facebook page and Instagram for updates.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

The Butcher’s Nook opens in Mount Dora to rave reviews

1/1/2024

With the abundance of excellent eateries in downtown Mount Dora, there was still one conspicuous culinary void --- premium, mouth-watering deli sandwiches. That gap was officially filled last month with the opening of Butcher’s Nook Cuts & Deli Shop.

Located off a quaint walkway, the small space with its classic white subway-tiled walls offers a menu of 10 specialty sandwiches crafted for those craving something more than the everyday. The personal favorite of the owner, Mario Penaherrera, is the Italian Americano, loaded with a premium selection of imported Italian meats ($15.90). On recent visits to The Butcher’s Nook, Mount Dora Buzz fell in love with the Caprese on fresh ciabatta ($13.90), The Downtown, an impressive take on a classic Reuben ($14.90), and The Nooky, which layers a generous portion of Prosciutto di Parma with burrata cheese, fig jam, arugula, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic glaze.

RELATED:  The best restaurants in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis in the Local Dining Guide

The fresh breads for the sandwiches include perfectly baked ciabatta, focaccia and sub rolls. A gluten-free option will be added to the mix, as soon as the perfect variety is discovered. As a nod to old-school butcher shops and delis, the made-to-order sandwiches are wrapped in classic white butcher paper, perfect for on-the-go or for enjoying at one of their indoor or outdoor tables.

The friendly owner is a very familiar face downtown. Penaherrera was previously a co-owner of Frog and Monkey Pub, as well as Funky Monkey Gastrobar. That experience familiarized him with local tastes and honed his skills as a restaurateur. Prior to moving to Mount Dora five years ago, Penaherrera was the executive chef for the Miami Dolphins organization for eight seasons. For his new venture, the local entrepreneur enlisted the help of 29-year veteran chef Joey Cusmano, whose sophisticated culinary palate and impressive experience added to the quality and flavor of the offerings at The Butcher’s Nook.

RELATED: Longhorn Steakhouse set January 2024 opening date

“The inspiration to open a deli stemmed from my passion for high-quality, premium meats and a desire to bring a unique culinary experience to our community,” said Penaherrera. “Recognizing the demand for premium deli offerings and a genuine connection with customers, the vision for Butcher’s Nook was born.”

Sandwiches aren’t the only high quality offerings at the Butcher’s Nook. They also sell select premium meats like filet mignon, Wagyu cuts, ribeye steaks and thick-cut pork chops. In the coming weeks, Penaherrera plans to offer a catering menu, as well as local delivery.

RELATED: Mount Dora Foodie provides glimpses into the local restaurant scene

Penaherrera isn’t the only one in his family with a small business that adds to the uniqueness of Mount Dora. His wife, Maria, owns Roots and Flora, the mobile flower and plant shop that operates from a vintage turquoise VW truck. In addition to farmers markets and street fairs, Roots and Flora also does weddings and private events.

The Butcher’s Nook is located at 237 W. 4th Avenue in downtown Mount Dora, next to Maggie’s Attic.

For more restaurant news, events and more in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.  Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Miller’s Ale House opens in Mount Dora

1/1/2024

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(ABOVE: Stock photo by Miller's Ale House)

Miller’s Ale House, the sports-themed casual dining restaurant and bar, opens its newest Lake County location on Wednesday, Jan. 3, in Mount Dora at 17314 U.S. Highway 441.

The restaurant features Miller’s newest restaurant design with indoor and outdoor seating for over 220 guests, more than 60 TVs, a Florida Room with garage-style exterior walls that can be raised weather-permitting and all the great food and drinks that have made Miller’s an area favorite for decades.

RELATED: Find the best local restaurants in the Local Dining Guide

“Mount Dora continues to evolve into a destination for dining and retail and we’re thrilled to bring our newest Miller’s to this thriving area,” said Miller’s Ale House Chief Development Officer Byron Chandler. “The location alongside U.S. Highway 441 will offer a convenient new location for our Raving Fans to visit, while also introducing new guests to our scratch-made food, extensive bar menu and lively atmosphere for having good times with friends and family.”

RELATED: Longhorn Steakhouse sets opening date for new Mount Dora location

Best known for its World-Famous Zingers®, which are buttermilk-drenched, hand-breaded, fresh-never-frozen boneless chicken tenders, tossed in a choice of 17 sauces for a wing-style taste, Miller’s Ale House goes beyond typical bar food. The menu features craveable flavors, unique twists on the classics and something delicious for everyone, with more than 60 items including appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, pastas, steaks, seafood and entrees, plus daily lunch and dinner specials.

Miller’s Ale House has more than 110 locations in 10 states: Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, Tennessee, Georgia, Delaware and Virginia.

Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Miller’s Ale House is a sports-themed casual dining restaurant with more than 110 locations in 10 states. Miller’s Ale House serves a wide variety of entrees, burgers, salads, and sandwiches, plus weekday brunch, lunch and dinner specials, in a lively atmosphere that includes 60+ TVs, large open-air patios, beckoning bars and spacious booths and tables. It is known for its large portions, great prices, warm service, and sharable appetizers, including its famous buttermilk-drenched, hand-breaded boneless chicken Zingers® and The Mountain Melt. Open daily for lunch, dinner and late night, Miller’s also offers over 35 beers on tap and a large selection of signature cocktails and pitchers.

For more restaurant news, events and more in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

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Mount Dora's LongHorn Steakhouse sets opening date

12/1/2023

ABOVE: Longhorn Steakhouse stock photo (courtesy of Longhorn Steakhouse)

Progress at the new LongHorn Steakhouse under construction in Mount Dora is barreling along. Darden Restaurant, Inc., the chain’s Orlando-based parent company, recently announced the opening date for the location in the U.S. Highway 441 and Eudora Road intersection. Darden also owns Seasons 52, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Olive Garden, Eddie V’s and Bahama Breeze restaurant chains.

RELATED: Local Dining Guide for Mount Dora and surrounding area

The Texas-themed restaurant’s January 29, 2024 opening will bring their signature ribeyes, t-bones, sirloins, porterhouses and filets to Mount Dora. Lunch and dinner offerings will also feature ribs, chicken, salmon, lobster, shrimp, and salads. Appetizers include their Texas Tonion, Steakhouse wings and Wild West Shrimp. The new LongHorn Steakhouse will also have a full bar with beer, wine and signature cocktails.

Darden owns and operates more than 1,900 restaurants and has approximately 190,000 employees. As of 2023, LongHorn Steakhouse, founded in 1981 in Atlanta, generated more than $2.5 billion in sales in its 563 locations, according to Darden, which purchased the chain in 2007. It’s unclear how many employees the company will bring onboard for the Mount Dora location.

Darden isn’t the only large corporation with eyes on Mount Dora. Miller's Ale House, another Florida-based restaurant and sports bar chain, also has a Mount Dora location in the later stages of construction. Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz’s Facebook page for an update on its opening date. Although many Miller’s Ale House locations are in its native Florida, there are also locations in Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania.

For more restaurant news, events and more in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

New Japanese ramen bar opens in Mount Dora

11/15/2023

What may be the most anticipated new “bar” in Mount Dora, just opened its doors. After weeks of waiting anxiously, Hokkaido Ramen & Sushi Bar dished out its first bowl on November 14 during its soft opening and didn’t disappoint. It’s soft opening continues through November 26.

Ramen, a hearty dish of Japanese comfort food consisting of noodles, rich broth and fresh ingredients, has become increasingly popular in the U.S. Gone are the days when ramen was synonymous with the pre-packaged instant staple of frugal college students. By contrast, traditional ramen dishes take several hours to prepare properly and are loaded with flavorful ingredients.

RELATED: Local Dining Guide

Although there are countless varieties of ramen, there are four basic categories differentiated by the type of brothy base used. Shoyu ramen has a chicken broth base flavored with soy sauce, while Shio ramen has a lighter chicken broth seasoned with salt. Miso ramen, a richer and heartier broth, is flavored with fermented soybean paste. Lastly, tonkotsu ramen broth is cooked using simmered pork bones, resulting in a more creamy and fatty broth. Traditionally, ramen dishes feature long, wheat noodles, but there are now gluten-free options.

Hokkaido Ramen and Sushi Bar, a 17-table restaurant with a casual and contemporary atmosphere, offers 11 types of ramen ranging from mild to spicy and the optional toppings make the possibilities endless. From the counter, customers can order one of the house specialties like the garlic Tonkotsu ramen made from a rich pork bone broth with a garlic and Shio base then topped with a slice of grilled pork, marinated egg, bamboo shoots and bean sprouts. The Tantanmen ramen is made with a chicken broth with a sesame and ginger base and topped with chopped pork. marinated egg, bok choy, scallions, chili oil and a smear of spicy chili. There is also a gluten-free chicken ramen that's topped with chicken breast, bok choy and green onions. We tried the Ichiban ramen, a house specialty. Its rich, garlicky pork broth and toppings were incredibly fresh and delicious. The other diners we asked all gave thumbs up on their ramen dishes. The ramen prices range from $14.50 to $18, but most are $15.50 and the portions are enough to fill up the average diner. Additional ramen toppings range from $1 to $3.

The owner of the Mount Dora location is local Leesburg resident, Yaxiu (Joy) Yan. Her cousin, who trained in Japan as a ramen chef, takes a minimum of eight hours to cook each broth and uses mostly organic ingredients, according to Yan.

Sushi lovers can also get their fix with five varieties of poke bowls and dozens of 6-piece rolls or hand rolls.

Along with very friendly service, the new Asian eatery also features about a dozen appetizers ranging from edamame, sesame balls and gyoza (dumplings) to coconut shrimp, takoyaki (octopus dumpling) and fried calamari. The prices range from $4.95 to $7.95. Dessert offerings are limited to mochi ice cream, cheesecake, chocolate mousse cake and tiramisu. Currently, the restaurant only serves soft drinks, but there are also five flavors of green teas, and six varieties of milk teas available with your choice of boba.

Hokkaido, a casual restaurant chain, has locations in roughly 20 states and is named after the northernmost island of Japan’s main islands known for its fresh cuisine, Sapporo beer, active volcanoes, and powdery ski slopes.

Hokkaido Ramen and Sushi Bar is located at 17280 U.S. Highway 441 in Mount Dora in front of Target and next to GameStop.

For more restaurant news, events and more in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.  Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Local Dining Guide

Casual Japanese restaurant opens in Tavares

11/1/2023

Following in Mount Dora’s footsteps, Tavares is also seeing more ethnic eateries being added to its growing list of dining options. One of the latest Asian restaurants to open is Tokyo Teriyaki, an unusual hybrid of old-school American diner and no-frills Japanese restaurant, located in the Joann’s shopping center on U.S. Highway 441.

Diner-style breakfasts are served in the morning to accommodate the patrons of the former restaurant in that location. Menu items range from a variety of pancakes ($6-$7), three-egg omelets ($9-$12), as well as biscuits and gravy. During lunch and dinner, diners can start off with Crab Rangoon ($6), pork egg rolls ($5), dumplings ($6.50),edamame, salads ($4-$7) or soups ($3), including a flavorful miso soup. Tokyo Teriyaki also offers nine varieties of basic sushi rolls which don’t include raw seafood for patrons that aren’t too adventurous.

Main courses include the restaurant’s namesake teriyaki dishes ($13-$16), basic Japanese favorites like fish or chicken Katsu ($12-$13), fried rice with a choice of protein ($11-$15), plus various rice and noodle bowls ($12-$15). To mix it up, there is also Korean-style ramen ($13-$15), bulgogi beef and Korean barbecue chicken ($13). Loyal customers of the former diner may like the seven traditional sandwich offerings, including a BLT ($7), grilled cheese ($6) or a tuna melt ($8). For anyone with a sweet tooth, the restaurant offers tempura cheesecake ($7) and a handful of boba teas ($7).

On a recent visit, the chicken teriyaki was cooked perfectly with nice flavor, while the bulgogi beef lacked flavor. Both were served with a tasty serving of grilled peppers and onions, along with traditional sticky rice. It’s advisable to allow plenty of time for your meal because service was very slow with just three other customers in the restaurant at the time. ’They are currently hiring for kitchen help and servers, so the wait time could decrease soon.

Tokyo Teriyaki is located at 359 E. Burleigh Avenue in Tavares. They open at 7:00, six days a week, and close on Tuesdays.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.  Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

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A TASTE OF SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

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City of Mount Dora purchases downtown building for $1,975,000

New high-end steakhouse fills a void in Tavares

Longhorn Steakhouse in Mount Dora revises opening date

Construction to begin on The Yardery restaurant in downtown Mount Dora

The Butcher’s Nook opens in Mount Dora to rave reviews

Miller’s Ale House opens in Mount Dora

Mount Dora's LongHorn Steakhouse sets opening date

New Japanese ramen bar opens in Mount Dora

Casual Japanese restaurant opens in Tavares

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