Make a Plate Photo Contest Winners

A BIG Thank You to all who submitted.

This has to be one of my favorite contests. I just love everything about food, being with friends and family, the challenge of a new recipe and the comfort of your favorite recipes. Food brings people together and that is exactly the goal of Vero Vine and the community photo contests.

The purpose of this contest was to inspire others in creativity with food. To promote local business in a notoriously bad for business month of September, and announce the new Make a Plate feature of Vero Vine which together with this contest has created the all NEW Vero Beach Food Blog. There you will find all contest submissions and continued community food submissions. Filter by Restaurant or Community Member and various types of food to be inspired for a new recipe or find a new local place to eat with friends.

View The Make a Plate Contest | Contest Sponsors | The Vero Beach Food Blog

Epic Bun-less Burger – Thomas Miller

1st Place – Value: $500

Felicity Images: A photo session with Nellie Quiros at Felicity Images, and a custom photo app with your favorite twenty images., valued at: $350. Cobalt Restaurant: 1 Gift Certificate (Vero), valued at: $50. Heaton’s Reef: 1 Gift Certificate (Vero), valued at: $50. Chive: 1 Gift Certificate (Vero), valued at: $25. LOV Juice: 1 Gift Certificate (Vero), valued at: $25.

Click to view recipe and video.

Homemade Pizza – Marcy

2nd Place – Value: $169

Riverside Theatre Comedy Zone: Four Tickets to any Comedy Show, valued at: $64. Eminence Hair Design: 1 Gift Certificate for a Mens or Womens Haircut (Sebastian), valued at: $55. The Hair Shop for Men: 1 hot towel, straight razor shave gift cards., valued at: $25. Chive: 1 Gift Certificate (Vero), valued at: $25.

Fresh Figs Topped With Goat Cheese – Ashley Kennedy

3rd Place – Value: $145

Vero Beach Karate Association: One Month of Karate Lessons, Includes Uniform, valued at: $120. Chive: 1 Gift Certificate (Vero), valued at: $25.

No Bake Strawberry Pie – Bonnie Owings

4th Place – Value: $89

River King Cruise: Two (2) River King Cruise Tickets, valued at: $64. Chive: 1 Gift Certificate (Vero), valued at: $25.

Crockpot Prep – Jamie Brazie

Raffle – Value: $159

Curves: 1 Month Membership Certificate, valued at: $99. Main Street Vero Beach: A City Scapes Drawing, Unframed, valued at: $35. Chive: 1 Gift Certificate (Vero), valued at: $25.

Bacon Wrapped Breadsticks – Mary Catherine-Morton

Most Creative – Value: $50

Chive: 1 Gift Certificate (Vero), valued at: $25. The Hair Shop for Men: 1 hot towel, straight razor shave gift card., valued at: $25.

View The Make a Plate Contest | Contest Sponsors | The Vero Beach Food Blog

80 Awesome Uses for Coconut Oil

Photo by Joe Semkow.

Be sure to buy organic coconut oil. Most super stores carry it on the aisle with the other cooking oils it should be around $7. Health stores should also carry organic coconut oil.
Personal Hygiene/Body

1. Moisturizer – simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face.

2. Eye cream – apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags, and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.

3. Preshave – coconut oil will prep skin for the pending damage caused by shaving.

4. Aftershave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores.

5. Deodorant – coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda!

6. Hair Conditioner/Deep Treatment – use as a leave in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest! For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight.

7. Hair Gel/Defrizzer – rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair (for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for wavy/straight hair).

8. Toothpaste – there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush.

9. Make up remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works!

10. Chapstick – just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection!

11. Massage Oil – pretty simple; grab some and rub!

12. Lubricant – it is an all natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant. Not compatible with latex!
13. Sunscreen

14. Stretch Mark Cream – coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help.

15. Nipple Cream – works great to nourish cracked, sore, or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your nipples between feedings.

16. Diaper salve – very comforting on a rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers.

17. Cradle cap – having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily.

18. Body scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.

19. Healing – when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy.

20. Bug Bites – when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.

21. Skin problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.

22. Swimmers Ear – mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days.
General Health and Wellness

23. Stress Relief – relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level.

24. Digestion – the saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-bacterial properties that help control, parasites, and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.

25. Fitness – coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat, while increasing muscle.

26. Nose bleeds – coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme hotness and extreme coldness. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Coat your finger with coconut oil and then lie down and coat your finger inside your nose. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages. A Vitamin C supplement will also help prevent nose bleeding.

27. For breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich your milk supply.

28. Helps with weight loss & controlling cravings.

29. Helps keep blood sugar levels stable and/or helps with cravings in those with diabetes.
Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when taken internally)

30. Eczema – in addition to taking it internally, many have success applying it externally, some don’t

31. Skin problems

32. Toenail fungus

33. Hot flashes

34. Bleeding hemorrhoids (can also be applied externally twice a day)

35. HIV

36. Head lice

37. Improvements in menstruation regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow

38. Migraines (with regular use)

39. Mononucleosis

40. Parasites

41. Thrush

42. Relieve gallbladder pain

43. Has helped some people improve symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland, results have shown subsequent thyroid blood tests becoming normal

44. Energy boost

45. Flaky, dry skin

46. May relieve acid reflux and indigestion when taken with each meal

47. Adrenal fatigue

48. Alzheimers

49. H. pylori

50. Candida albicans

51. Asthma, even in children

52. Autism

53. Cholesterol – improves HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) to LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol) ratio in people with high cholesterol

54. Chronic fatigue

55. Circulation/feeling cold all the time

56. Stronger immune system

57. Mental Clarity

58. Depression

59. Helps with inflammation in Crohns

Health Problems

Coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when applied topically.

60. Athletes foot

61. Back pain/sore muscles

62. Canker sores

63. Acne

64. Cellulite

65. Herpes (applied topically and taken internally)

66. Genital warts (through topical application over 6 weeks, and coconut oil enemas twice a day depending on the location of the warts)

67. Circumcision healing – although I am personally against circumcision, I have read that coconut oil is a really great healer for this.
Cooking

68. Use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing other oils/butter in recipes with coconut oil.

69. Replacement for butter/lard/Crisco/PAM in it’s solid form – greasing pans, pie crusts, etc.

70. Replacement for various oils in liquid form – baking, cooking, sautéing, etc.

71. Nutritional supplement – melt and add to smoothies.
Other Uses

72. Insect repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything with Deet! Tons safer too.

73. Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon to their water bowl daily.

74. Goo Gone – just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the “sticky” area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub off with an old toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge.

75. Chewing Gum in Hair Remover – just rub some coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum, leave in for about 30 minutes, then roll the gum between your fingertip. Voila! It’s out!

76. Polish Furniture – coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like.

77. Polishing Bronze – all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze.

78. Seasoning animal hide drums

79. Seasoning cookware

80. Moisturizing and cleaning leather products

Vero is for Sweeties

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Chelsea’s by day, Havana, by way of New York, at Night. Very Vero. Very sweet gems full of “sweet” treats for the Sweeties in your life any day of the year. Treating the sweet people in your life and reminding them of your love is pretty paramount on Valentine’s Day if you want to stay out of “the dog house”.

This year February 14th falls on a Saturday and you can bet Vero’s restaurants will be packed, so get a plan together. You can also hope for loads of Valentines in your inbox or mailbox, but you may be disappointed. Why not release the pressure to be all about love and treats on Valentine’s Day only and consider surprising Sweeties with treats early this year. Good surprises keep you out of “the dog house” anytime of the year.

Here are two wonderful Vero places to procure Sweetie treats:

Chelsea’s by day. Chelsea’s on Cardinal is very well known for its delicious, gourmet food and top-notch service. If one of their gourmet meals is a bit beyond your diet or budget, consider some of their other unique and well sourced offerings.

You could fill a gift bag, box or even a monogramed wine glass with sweets such as Daprano Chocolate Hearts; Yum Earth Organic Pops; Bang Candy or Simple Syrups; The Crispery Crispycakes; or Koppers Fruit Filled or Candy Coated Chocolate Sea Shells. For a chocoholic dessert treat how about the Love Bites or “Gracies” Teenager Mousse.

Among their treats for your Sweeties that last a bit longer you will find Rewined Candles; Stonewall Kitchen Soy Candles; a great selection of cook books; “Capabunga” an inventive reusable wine cap; the Murchison Hume “Best in Show Pet Care” line as well as soaps and creams for the human animal. Don’t forget to pick up a colorful hand towel as a special wrapper for your treats.

Chelsea’s wines (including sparklings) cover all price points and include very interesting selections that you may be hard pressed to find elsewhere. “Location” wines created by David Phinney with Orin Swift Cellars in Napa are great red blends from local grapes from places around the world. David chooses not to reveal the grape varieties and the blends that make these tasty reds. Chelsea’s currently has location wines from Spain and Italy and more than half a dozen from Napa.

Wandering through Chelsea’s brings back memories of a trip my father treated me to in New York City. The delis and gourmet markets seemed to be bursting with treasures for all your senses, just like Chelsea’s.

Speaking of New York City, South Beach in Vero is home to a quaint hotel, The Caribbean Court. Havana Nights is hidden here up some very steep, tiled steps (or take the elevator) and it is quite an intimate and romantic “New York piano bar” kind of place. Dim lights, a grand piano and tropical decor remind one of Rick’s American Cafe in “Casablanca”. Francois, Manager of Havana Nights is a pleasure and is planning some new Romance Packages – keep your eyes peeled.

One of the true treats of Havana Nights is the music offerings many nights of the week. The charming and talented Bobby Gangloff (originally from Sarasota Springs, NY) drives up from Jensen Beach on Mondays & Wednesday evenings to play the piano (beginning around 6) and sing. He is highly skilled in serenading Sweeties with the likes of Sinatra, Van Morrison and “Satchmo”. The other Tuesday, Bobby made a special appearance to play at acoustic guitarist Neil McHugh’s Birthday Bash. They were joined by a previous neighbor of mine on the harmonica and the place was humming!

Happy sweet treating………

Book a Vero Beach Restuarant Now

Vero Vine Top Nine Dinner Spots in Vero

The Vero Vine Top Nine is in no particular order. The locations are picked by community members based on a calculation derived from the profile popularity, survey data and listing rating.

Ocean Grill – (772) 231-5409

The landmark restaurant, Ocean Grill, is known for its consistent food and its precarious perch over the Atlantic Ocean in Vero Beach, FL.

1050 Beachland Blvd, Vero Beach, FL

The Tides – (772) 234-3966

Leading a team of classically trained culinarians is Chef Leanne Kelleher graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. With a distinctively Floridian style, Chef Leanne, uses only the freshest seafood, locally grown, organically raised vegetables and the finest meats to create masterful presentations of both flavor and form.

3103 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach, FL

Maison Martinique – (772) 231-7299

Award winning Maison Martinique Restaurant features fine French cuisine with a Caribbean flair in Vero Beach’s most beautiful setting. Celebrate your evening in one of three casually elegant dining rooms – or al-fresco. The restaurant features an extensive wine list and full bar.

1603 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, FL

Citrus Grillhouse – (772) 234-4114

Citrus Grillhouse is an American Bistro-Style Casual Seaside Restaurant. Dishes are simple classics with Italian and Mediterranean inspired origins.

1050 Easter Lily Lane, Vero Beach, FL

Trattoria Dario – (772) 231-1818

The main concepts driving our restaurant are upscale Italian food and wine, an authentic Italian experience, a trattoria like atmosphere (open, inviting, casual, and family friendly), professional service, late night bar accommodations, and personally meeting each and every guest who enters our doors.

1555 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, FL

Avanzare Ristorante – (772) 978-9789

“Modeled after a Tuscan chop house.” Everyone who has ever been to Italy has fallen in love with its history, landscapes, art, architecture, and, of course, its FOOD. Each region has its own culinary specialties and own versions of a common Italian dishes.

1932 14th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL

Cobalt Restaurant – (772) 231-5666

Our daring menu reflects the fresh, local ingredients of the Treasure Coast, best enjoyed by the flickering light of our alfresco fire pits.

3500 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL

di Mare – (772) 234-2809

Di Mare Restaurant exemplifies Italian fine dining in Vero Beach Florida by providing exquisite culinary delights of Italian Food and Continental Cuisine with a unique Old World ambiance.

1517 S Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL,

Osceola Bistro – (772) 569-1299

The menu represents an array of flavors and influences from around the world showcasing Chef Bireley’s culinary travels. Chef Bireley strives to purchase as many fresh ingredients from local farmers and fisherman as possible.

2045 13th Ave, Vero Beach, FL

Vero Vine Top Nine Lunch Spots in Vero

The Vero Vine Top Nine is in no particular order. The locations are picked by community members based on a calculation derived from the profile popularity, survey data and listing rating.

Bobby’s Restaurant & Lounge – (772) 231-6996

3450 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, FL

TooJay’s Gourmet Deli – (772) 569-6070

For many people the word deli conjures up images of New York storefronts and sandwiches piled high to the sky. The soups are hot and fresh, and the desserts are simply irresistible.

555 21st Street, Vero Beach, FL

Chelsea’s on Cardinal – (772) 234-8300

Chelsea’s Market on Cardinal is a premiere gourmet and all natural food market located on Cardinal Drive – just a block away from the beach!

3201 Cardinal Drive Vero Beach, FL

Citrus Grillhouse – (772) 234-4114

Citrus Grillhouse is an American Bistro-Style Casual Seaside Restaurant. Dishes are simple classics with Italian and Mediterranean inspired origins.

1050 Easter Lily Lane, Vero Beach, FL

Johnny D’s Market & Bistro – (772) 234-4181

Johnny D’s Market and Bistro, located on Vero Beach’s beautiful barrier island. Whether you’re looking to feed 1 or 100 the Amelio Family looks forward to accommodating all of your culinary needs.

1409 South A1A Vero Beach, FL

Casey’s Place – (772) 231-4790

Love an outdoor setting with fantastic food and just a short walk away from the beach? Smell the ocean air and catch the breeze. Casey’s Place is your place!

917 Azalea Lane, Vero Beach, FL

Riverside Cafe – (772) 234-5550

The Riverside Cafe opened before we can remember. In fact, we like to think it has always been and will always be here, sitting pretty alongside the Indian River in Vero Beach, Florida.

3341 Bridge Plaza Drive, Vero Beach, FL

Chive – (772) 999-5452

CHIVE is the newest lunch spot in Vero Beach. We offer an opportunity to create the lunch you want while keeping up with the fast pace of your day.

8 Royal Palm Pointe Vero Beach, FL

Osceola Bistro at McKee – (772) 569-1299

350 U.S. 1, Vero Beach, FL

The Pineapple Man: 3rd Generation Citrus Grower Enjoying Bumper Crop of Pineapples

Get Yours at the Local Pineapple Palooza | View Our Photo Gallery on Facebook

Drive up Route 1 North of Wabasso, keep your eyes peeled to the East side of the road and pay very close attention or you are likely to miss one of Vero Beach’s best kept and sweetest secrets. About 0.8 miles North of Route 510 (a hair South of Hales) you will discover groves of super sweet, “grown without insecticides or pesticides” tropical fruit with a “hint of coconut”. A rare variety of the Florida orange it is not. What you will discover in an old citrus grove just East of Route 1, extending all the way to the Indian River, are the absolute BEST, locally grown pineapples your taste buds will ever encounter! We can thank Mark Dellerman, a citrus farmer for 25 years who channeled his passion & knowledge (while weathering multiple destructive freezes and hurricanes) to reinvent himself as the ‘Pineapple Man’.

Citrus is a family affair and soil is in Mark’s soul. His grandfather, Frank Bates, was a citrus pioneer. The family owned 900 acres of citrus groves in DeSoto & Indian River Counties, operating as Frank Bates Groves, Incorporated. Family has also owned the ‘pineapple’ property off Route 1 since the 1960s. Mark’s wife, Cindy, is the step-daughter of Fred Peterson, another well known “citrus” family.

Mark can be found most days, in the groves tending to the 25,000 plants that yield a “super sweet variety” of pineapple allowed “to ripen on the plant”. In the beginning (around 2003), Mark would collect & recycle discarded pineapple crowns from Publix and simply plant them in rows. After the plants flower (December through February), they take about 6 months to ripen. Harvesting generally occurs from July to September and he has quite a following that “swarms the roadside stand on Saturdays during the summer”! Chefs at Chelsea’s on Cardinal, John’s Island, Orchid Island, Windsor, Quail Valley, Osceola Bistro, Ocean Grill and other fine food establishments compete for these pineapples and buy what they can, year round.

Pineapple has been savored and considered a symbol of hospitality since the days of the early American colonies. The fruit’s legacy in the U.S. began with the sea captains of New England, who sailed among the Caribbean Islands and returned to the colonies bearing their cargo of fruits, spices and rum. Sea captains would spear a pineapple on a fence post outside their homes to inform friends of their safe return from sea. The pineapple was an invitation for them to visit, share food and drink, and listen to tales of their latest adventures & voyages.

These fruits of Mark’s labors, are yet another example of the wonderful treasures found in and around our Treasure Coast. Whether you take a drive up Route 1 to find Pineapple Man’s “hidden” gem or savor the flavor at a local restaurant, DO take the time to sample these sweet treats. Once you do, pineapple from any other source shall never compare!

MORE INFORMATION:

Nature Farms, Inc., Mark Dellerman, 9150 N US Highway One, Sebastian, FL 32958, 772.538.6066

“Like” Nature Farms Inc. on Facebook or find them @ http://www.localharvest.org/nature-farms-inc-M15622

MORE ABOUT PINEAPPLES:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=34

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineapple

Savor Stone Crab Claws & Catch a Delicious Destructor

One of the most famous lions in literary history searched long and hard for courage. Crab E Bill found it years ago and uses that courage to harvest AND market one of the most destructive, invasive fish species of recent. Lionfish, native to the Indo-Pacific, are rapidly populating the ocean in our area and eating our reefs and sealife at an alarming rate. Some of their favorite feasts happen to be baby seaturtles and snapper. With no known natural predators, fishmongers such as Crab E Bill have been courageously bagging more than 100 per day in an attempt to stem the invasion. (No timid feat as Lionfish sport 18 venomous spines.) The journey from Crab E’s bag to your plate is a win-win reuse/recycle event; and it is your taste buds that are in for a real treat!

So who are these delicious tasting beasts under our sea and why are they a threat? Lionfish, sometimes referred to as Scorpionfish are “capable of causing extinctions of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats”. (www.oceanservice.noaa.gov) Their invasion is often attributed to dumping from home aquariums over the last few decades. Pretty destructive and they are “able to survive in 90% fresh water water”‘ per Crab E. Bill. Crab E is incredibly concerned by their existence and negative effect on the ocean environment. Besides harvesting Lionfish and selling the meat at Crab E Bills Seafood in Sebastian, Bill is organizing a “rodeo” to raise awareness and get more people involved in bagging these invaders.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Crab E Bill has been a “Fishmonger and Meat Butcher” for over 25 years. His passion is FRESH fish or “from hook to cook” as he likes to say. That passion was ignited when 16, while working at the world famous Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant in Miami. Crab E Bills, on the historic waterfront in Sebastian, provides the Stone Crab Claw lover the best claws he can get his hands on during season (October 15 to May 15). While Stone Crab harvests have declined over the last few years, Bill is committed to keeping his harvest fresh and local. The seafood market and restaurant also sell the absolute best quality, freshest seafood you will find anywhere on the Treasure Coast.

While it was the search for the best Stone Crab claws that first led me to discover Crab E Bills, it is the Lionfish tacos, Bill’s passion and fish tales that keep me coming back again and again. Go. You will not be disappointed!

For more information about Lionfish:

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (www.reef.org/myfwc.com) encourages the public to report LIonfish by using their “Report Florida Lionfish” App.

Stone Crab Claws in Vero:

Joey’s Seafood Shack, joeyseafoodshack.com, 772.918.8855

Ocean Grill, ocean-grill.com, (772) 231.5409

Publix

AND of course, Check out Crab E Bills on Facebook and make sure to visit their website, www.crabebills.com, to receive their weekly emails featuring money saving specials for their email customers. The market & restaurant are in Sebastian: 1540 Indian River Drive, Sebastian 32958, (772) 388.2727

Vero’s Inaugural Restaurant Week

Monday, September 29 through Saturday, October 4, 2014

Vero Beach is kick starting its upcoming “Dining Season” by rolling out the first annual Vero‘s Restaurant Week from Monday, September 29th through Saturday, October 4th. Vero is already a restaurant goer’s dream town, but this week is about the community supporting local businesses and focusing on seasonal products. One only has to experience the Saturday Market to understand the wealth of creative, healthy and delicious products our town is creating and supporting.

This first annual week of local dining will showcase Vero‘s great mix of restaurants prior to the start of Vero‘s Social & Dining Season. Patrons will savor the epicurean delights and diversity of multi-course prix fixe menus from Vero‘s participating restaurants. The cuisine and prices run the gamut and will satiate varying tastes and budgets: a $$ designation will get you a $15 to $25 per person cost; $$$ serves up a $25 or higher meal to remember.

Participating restaurants as of today include: Amalfi, Avanzara, Bijou, Blue Star Wine Bar, Chive, diMare, Dockside Grill, Maison Martinique, Osceola Bistro, Quilted Giraffe, The Grill on The Green, The Wave, and Trattorio Dario. Some have their menus already posted on www.verobeachrestaurantweek.com and there are a few slots remaining for interested restaurants.

Today is NOT too early to book your reservations with Vero‘s participating restaurants by calling them directly. Procrastinators may find themselves hungry and out of luck. Please check the website and Vero Beach Restaurant Week’s Facebook page for updates on menus and participants. And, please thank The Vero Beach Alliance composed of the Cultural Council of Indian River County, the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, the Indian River Historical Society, Main Street VeroBeach, and the Oceanside Business Association for bringing this delicious opportunity to our town.

I am personally looking forward to eating at as many of these establishments as my time, budget and available reservations allow during Restaurant Week. Hope to see many of my neighbors doing the same. Bon Appetite.

A Current List of Restaurant Participating

How hard is it to eat Gluten Free in Vero?

I myself am considering this trial, and since I cook, It may be a slightly easier transition. If you’re someone who’s not a fan of the kitchen, there are many local restaurants that offer this trendy alternative. There’s even an aisle at Publix with snacks, pastas, and other items that are all gluten free! Several times I’ve heard friends express their struggle with weight loss or other ailments. A few of which who have turned to gluten free and seen results. It’s also the suggested diet for those with Celiac Disease. Join in for the 30 day challenge! We recently had a Viner request a list of recommended local places to help in this challenge. The following list is locally recommended by members of this community. These local spots can help you have fun while giving Gluten Free a try. Don’t let the convenience of a mainstream lifestyle be a negative factor in your health. See our recommended restaurants below.

Contribute | New to Gluten Free | 30 Day Challenge | More Details

Our Gluten Free Restaurant Picks in Vero

Ask Your Server to See a Gluten Free Menu at the Following…

Chive

Vero’s newest lunch time hot spot. Eating GF at Chive is super easy. They have fantastic food options and you will never get bored. When you order say GF only. More details.

Carrabba’s

A familiar place also with excellent food selection. Did you know most large chains have GF menus. All you have to do is ask your server. More Details.

Nino’s

GF pizza? Yeah, that is right! You can have pizza. With three Vero locations you are always near by a comfortable easy order menu. More Details.

· Kata 1306 20th Street

· Osceola Bistro, 2045 13th Avenue

· Tea and Chi, 2044 14th Avenue

· Bangkok In Downtown, 2227 14th Avenue

· Ay Jalisco, 1909 20th Street

· Outback Steakhouse, 1475 US Hwy. 1

· Sake Sushi Bar & Grill, 42 Royal Palm Pointe

· Chili’s, 940 U.S. 1

· Lobster Shanty, 1 Royal Palm Pointe

· Elizabeth’s, 350 Us Highway 1

· Rio Coco Cafe, 3300 43rd Ave, Ste 3

· Faith, Hope, & Chocolate, 2101 IR Blvd

· The Boardwalk, 4069 Ocean Drive

· Citron Bistro, 6260 N A1A

· CoCo’s Village Bistro, 4700 Highway A1A

· The Club at Pointe West, 7500 14th Lane

· Countryside Citrus, 3300 Ocean Drive

· Olive Garden, 5945 20th Street

· Cravings, 3149 Ocean Drive

· Ocean Grill, 1050 Beachland Boulevard

· Ruby Tuesday, 1825 58TH Street

· Shutters, 9250 Island Grove Terrace

· Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

· Amalfi Grille, 398 21st Street

· Tides, 3103 Cardinal Drive

· Smokehouse BBQ Grill, 685 US Hwy 1

· di’ Mare, 1517 Ocean Drive

· Cobalt, 3500 Ocean Drive

· Patisserie, 1910 Old Dixie Hwy

· Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, 5001 – 20th Street

· Fillin’ N’ Chillin’, 2015 9th Street SW

· Cork and Tapas , 2101 Indian River Blvd

· Jersey Mike’s Subs, 628 21st Street

· Maria’s Organic Fountain,1880 37th St Ste 5

· Trattoria Dario, 1555 Ocean Drive

· Kelly’s at the Surf Club, 4700 Hwy A1A

Vero’s Best Dog Photo Contest

Submission deadline is August 15th, 2014 at 11:59 PM EST. There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes. They will be given away for the most “likes” each photo receives on our Facebook page. Contest ends August 31st. Prizes will be awarded on September 1st. Not to worry for our feline friends, they will have a photo contest all their own to follow.

Facebook Event

https://www.facebook.com/events/1658314831059889/

Prize Description

Vero Vine has teamed up with local businesses to keep the free contest entry ball rolling! We are going to be calculating likes on each post and a single post share from the pet owners account to select 3 winners in this contest. Double likes by same user on a shared post will be ignored.

1st: $200 Training – Off Leash K9 Training, $60 Pet Sitting and Day Walk – Pat Sitting Plus, $50 Grooming – Grooming Tails Pet Grooming

2nd: $50 Training / Care – Lisa’s Dog Training & Pet Care, $45 Pet Sitting – Pet Sitter Plus, $25 Bath – Grooming Tails Pet Grooming

3rd: $15 Day Walk – Pet Sitter Plus, $12 Nail Trim – Grooming Tails Pet Grooming

Contest Rules

You must respond via e-mail to stacy@verovine.com to claim your prize within 48 hours of being selected.
You must be located in the United States.
You must be at least 18 years or older to participate.

Terms and Conditions

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.

By participating in the contest, each entrant agrees to abide by these
terms, including all eligibility requirements, and understands that
the results of the contest, as determined by Vero Vine and its agents,
are final in all respects. The contest is subject to all federal,
state and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by
law.

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