Jim & Milts

FRLA member since 1984, Mike Flury, owner of Jim & Milt’s in Tallahassee, FL, sat down with FR&L Editor Susie McKinley earlier this summer to share his “Secrets to Success.”

The history of Jim and Milt’s

Opened in 1968 by Jim Burgess and Milt Johnson, Jim and Milt’s has been a place you don’t want to miss when visiting the home of the Florida State Seminoles for 44 years.

In 1979, the restaurant was bought by Mike Flury. He and his wife, Debbie, and sons Jim, Ryan and David have owned and managed the operation since that time.

Jim and Milt’s logo is a hobo graphic that depicts the establishment’s famous “Hobo Special” – a beef and pork sandwich, Brunswick stew and fried corn – much like a meal that a “hobo” could prepare.

Describe your menu concept.

Jim and Milt’s is a Southern Barbeque restaurant serving smoked chicken, beef and pork. The country breakfast is a mainstay of the restaurant, and we also serve burgers, wings and salads.
We are mindful that we are located close to Florida State and try to offer specials that will appeal to the students as well. Our 49-cent wings, $2.99 pitchers of beer and “All You Can Eat” specials have fed students throughout their college experience.

How do you keep your menu fresh and interesting to returning guests?

We’ve added new menu offerings through the years to keep the menu fresh and current: wings, specials such as country-fried steak and mashed potatoes and sides have expanded from just two offerings to almost anything a customer would want.

Jim & Milts Owner Mike Flury and Family

What is your most popular dish?

The Yankee is our most popular menu item. It is chopped pork and beef, mixed with Jim and Milt’s secret barbeque sauce.

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Christini's Ristorante Italiano

Just ask anyone who has lived in Orlando for any period of time or has been a consistent visitor to Central Florida about Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, and you will undoubtedly get a resounding positive recommendation! Christini’s is a destination and special event restaurant that you won’t want to miss.

Chris Christini has more than 45 years of culinary experience. He has opened 19 restaurants and hotels world-wide and moved from Rome, Italy to work for the owners of Alfredo of Rome at Epcot’s Italian pavilion. In 1983, Christini opened Christini’s Ristorante Italiano in 1984 in Orlando, Florida. At Christini’s, he personally oversees all aspects of the restaurant. Christini’s impeccable reputation has drawn celebrities and dignitaries from all over the world. Christini’s has won every major restaurant award: The Ivy Award, NRN’s Restaurant Fine Dining Hall of Fame, Di Rona Distinguished Restaurant of North America Award, Best of the best Five Star Diamond Award, Best Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator, The International Award of Excellence, The Eqicuren Award for Outstanding Cuisine and Service, Zagat – “a treasure among restaurants”, The Golden Spoon Award and the AAA Four Diamond Award.

Christini’s has been a destination for visitors to Central Florida for how many years?
We have been in business for 28 years, our anniversary is coming up, May 24th.

Please describe your menu concept.
Our menu is: Gourmet - true Italian fine dining. Fresh ingredients and 100 % prepared on premises. No pre-package food.

How do you keep your menu fresh and interesting to returning guests?
We have 90 percent repeat guests; they demand consistency in our menu, and we also create daily specials.

What is your most popular dish?
Our most famous dish is our 26-oz veal chop.

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Casa Marina

Interview with Kevin Speidel, Managing Director, by Susie McKinley, FR&L Editor

Casa Marina is “the place” to stay in Key West.  How long has this beautiful property been open?
Casa Marina opened on New Year’s Eve 1920 – and has been open for 92 years.

Was Henry Flagler Casa Marina’s founder?  Do you know what the vision was for this property?
Yes, Henry Flagler was the visionary. His intention was to accommodate wealthy customers of Flagler’s Overseas Railroad, which spanned from Key West to the Florida mainland.

Casa Marina is a relaxing place to stay, yet so close to Key West.  How do you manage to maintain the quiet ambiance of your resort?
Casa Marina’s contemporary, beachfront accommodations and thoughtful amenities provide the ideal destination for relaxation. Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the two oceanfront pools, the largest private beach in Key West and and extensive array of exhilarating water sports. Casa Marina’s island atmosphere with pleasing hotel services for any type of guest makes for a memorable experience.

The Reach is your “sister” resort in Key West.  How closely do you work with this property?
The Reach is located just one block west of Casa Marina and is a  iconic boutique property that offers the best all natural sand beach in Key West.   Guests of either resort enjoy access and privileges of both properties.

What makes your hotel unique?  
Casa Marina is a flawless merging of old Key West ambiance and contemporary luxury. The 1920s architecture separates it from other resorts. In 1942, the property was bought by the US Navy, and used as officer’s quarters for the duration of World War II. Casa Marina re-emerged as a luxury hotspot in the 1950s, and played host to celebrities such as Gregory Peck, Rita Hayworth and Gary Merrill.

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Tropical Acres Steakhouse

Earlier this spring, FR&L Magazine Editor Susie McKinley had an opportunity to visit with the folks from Tropical Acres Steakhouse as the iconic restaurant recovers from a devastating 2011 fire. Jack Studiale and his sister, Carolyn, are the owners of Tropical Acres.

Jack, please tell FR&L readers about the history of Tropical Acres.
The Restaurant was opened 1949 by our mother’s cousin.  He operated it successfully from 1949 to 1964.  In 1964, the Restaurant experienced a fire and, he wasn’t going to rebuild.  It was at that time that our father stepped in and got involved as a partner.  My sister and I grew up in the “family business”.

Tropical Acres has been a destination for restaurant-goers for how many years?
Tropical Acres Steakhouse, owned and operated by the same family since 1949, has just celebrated its 63rd anniversary.  

What is Tropical Acres’ business philosophy?
Our philosophy has always been to give the customer the most value for their dollar.  We know we’ve given more food value, but value is a lot more than menu price.  It is the way you are greeted and treated; it’s the quality of your dining experience; and it’s the little extra courtesies that make dining out a special occasion.  Dining out is more than just a meal, and we’ve strived for years to make it a very pleasant experience for our guests.  Serving the best food at sensible prices in a friendly, caring atmosphere is what we do best, and we believe this is what keeps our guests coming back.

Surf & TurfPlease describe your menu concept.
Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurant.

I understand that you are renovating after a recent fire.  Please explain to readers the ups and downs of this situation.
The restaurant experienced a fire on August 31, 2011. There was substantial damage to the kitchen, bakery, laundry and storerooms, approximately 5,000 square feet. Most of the equipment was lost due to heat damage and / or water damage, and that was just the beginning of the nightmare.  Many of us, staff and family members, grew up in the restaurant.  Everyone was emotional about the damage the fire caused, but we all proceeded to assist with the clean-up. The loyalty and kindness of our staff, as well as that of the community and our customers, was the up side to this roller-coaster ride.

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The Renaissance Vinoy Resort

A Conversation with Russell C. Bond, General Manager by Susie McKinley

The Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club is a beautiful hotel located on St. Petersburg’s “downtown waterfront.”

How long has this historic property been open?
The Vinoy Park Hotel originally opened in 1925, continued through 1974 and was then closed for 18 years.  It was saved by the voters of St. Pete from the wrecking ball in the 80’s.  In 1992, the Stouffer Vinoy Resort (now Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club) opened after a $95M total renovation and restoration.  We are now celebrating 20 years.

Do you know what the vision of the original owners was?
As the story goes, the birth of the Vinoy was the result of a friendly bet one evening in 1923.  Three gentlemen -the professional golfer, Walter Hagen; Gene Elliott, a builder and Aymer Vinoy Laughner, were enjoying cocktails at the Laughner home just across the street from what is now the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club.  Mr. Elliott and Mr. Laughner bet Walter Hagen that he couldn’t hit a golf ball off the face of a pocket watch without breaking the crystal.  He was successful several times.  That night they determined that the area across from the Laughner home should be the location for a world-class resort.  Eleven months later (amazing by any standard), the Vinoy Park Hotel opened.

Can you explain to readers what your History Gallery is?
About 6 years ago, we convinced our owners to invest in and improve the presentation of our long history.  We are on the National Registry of Historical Places and Arts, culture and history are all important for the success of the Vinoy and Downtown St. Petersburg.  We have always done and continue to offer History Tours to resort guests and locals every Wednesday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m.  Our historian, Elaine Normile, and several other docents conduct the very popular tours.  Our History Gallery includes a time line from 1900 to the present; several versions of Vinoy china from over the years; post cards from our earlier years, details of the original construction and numerous photos.

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