🌭Happy Foodie Wednesday!
I was researching the latest eat-and-drink zeitgeist and hoped maybe there's something new and worldly cuisine thing happening this week to help us elevate the palate of our local foodies.
Alas, today (July 17) is National Hot Dog day, when we celebrate a classic All-American summer favorite. Make sure you stop at Great Chicago Fire at 311 W. Magnolia St., in downtown Leesburg, for authentically tasty Chicago dawgs.
We have word from owner and super-local John Sokol that you can get a dollar off with purchase of a drink or side.
🍬But first ... be a sweetie and forward this email and tell your friends to sign up for a free Daily Briefing subscription.
🍇Charcuterie boards are the specialty of this Lake County entrepreneur
Known for her vibrant personality and entertaining skills, Justina Briguglio comes from a large Italian family from New Jersey, where antipasto was a staple at family gatherings.
What began as a fun charcuterie board idea from Pinterest for a Galentine’s Day celebration has transformed into a flourishing business for the Eustis resident.
Inspired by the response from friends and family, Briguglio launched Boujee Boards by Justina two years ago, offering custom boards, grazing tables and entertaining classes.
💁More to chew on ...
🍎First day of school and more:
back-to-school information guide for all your need-to-knows when school begins in August (and check back for updates until the start of school!).
🔍This week's inspections:6 Lake County restaurants cited for high-priority violations.
⛅More rain today? The Weather Channel tells us to expect showers early in the day and then scattered thunderstorms developing later on. High near 90 degrees. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
🍔We finally visited Marmadukes Lodge (and had a pleasant time)
We ducked out of the rain Tuesday evening on an exploratory mission in Leesburg to grab a very late lunch at the new, much-ballyhooed contemporary tavern/restaurant/speakeasy, Marmadukes Lodge in downtown Leesburg. I ordered the smashburger (Daily Briefing readers know about my quest for the best squishy meaty delight) and fried green beans. The burger was great with super-fresh toppings and brioche bun; the patty was just a tad overcooked and dry.
My other half, Daniel, wasn't too hungry, but he scarfed down the sauteed elk bites with onions and an Imperial Stout from Infinite Ale Works, which lived up to its description as "big, bold, and surprisingly balanced."
Big props to Victoria, our server. She rocks. She was fast, attentive and friendly. Also cordial, manager James Lent visited our table and told us that original owner/Ocala mega-venue businessman Bryan Caracciolo sold the new Lodge to him (but still owns the building).
Caracciolo told the Daily Commercial that he gives managers the opportunity to buy the bars and restaurants he helps incubate. Join us in our well wishes for James on his big new chapter ahead. A positive experience all-around. Marmadukes is a very Cheers-like welcoming hangout.
Side note: I was dismayed at how delicious the elk bites were. We just saw the lumbering creatures in the wild during while passing through Kentucky and the Great Smoky Mountains during our anniversary. Read more about the "multi-concept" Marmadukes here.
✍ Keep in touch, dear readers! Don't forget to share your news, recommendations and pics. Email us at news@dailycommercial.com.
Bye for now!
JG
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