We Are Sanford

09/15/2024

Exploring the Journey of a Sommelier: Steve Butler of Wine Cellar 46

With nearly 30 years in the wine industry, Steve Butler, owner of Wine Cellar 46, has built a distinguished career as a sommelier and certified wine specialist. After spending 28 years with Tim's Wine Market Group, Steve ventured out on his own, tasting and selecting thousands of wines annually for his shop.

Steve’s passion for wine began in his youth, pairing dinners with the perfect wines. While working at UCF's library, he immersed himself in wine books, refining his palate through frequent tastings. His love for wine grew, leading him to leave his corporate job and fully commit to the wine industry 29 years ago.

Wine Cellar 46, established in 2009 and taken over by Steve in 2014, was originally part of Tim's Wine Market Group. The store is known for its diverse events, including gatherings for professionals, real estate groups, and even unique occasions like "bunko drunko" and funeral wine tastings. The shop has hosted weddings and offers weekly tastings featuring six wines, usually under $25, with themes ranging from Bordeaux explorations to fun pairings like hot dogs and wine.

Deeply involved in the Sanford community, Wine Cellar 46 supports local events like Taste of Lake Mary and Taste of Sanford. Collaborations with local organizations and charitable initiatives highlight the shop's community spirit.
Looking forward, Wine Cellar 46 plans to expand with a consumption on-premises license, offering wines by the glass and more extensive charity events. Steve’s focus remains on discovering unique wines, enhancing consumer education, and providing personalized recommendations, ensuring every customer finds their next favorite wine.

In collaboration with

08/20/2024

Exploring the Journey of a Sommelier: Steve Butler of Wine Cellar 46

With nearly 30 years in the wine industry, Steve Butler, owner of Wine Cellar 46, has built a distinguished career as a sommelier and certified wine specialist. After spending 28 years with Tim's Wine Market Group, Steve ventured out on his own, tasting and selecting thousands of wines annually for his shop.

Steve’s passion for wine began in his youth, pairing dinners with the perfect wines. While working at UCF's library, he immersed himself in wine books, refining his palate through frequent tastings. His love for wine grew, leading him to leave his corporate job and fully commit to the wine industry 29 years ago.

Wine Cellar 46, established in 2009 and taken over by Steve in 2014, was originally part of Tim's Wine Market Group. The store is known for its diverse events, including gatherings for professionals, real estate groups, and even unique occasions like "bunko drunko" and funeral wine tastings. The shop has hosted weddings and offers weekly tastings featuring six wines, usually under $25, with themes ranging from Bordeaux explorations to fun pairings like hot dogs and wine.

Deeply involved in the Sanford community, Wine Cellar 46 supports local events like Taste of Lake Mary and Taste of Sanford. Collaborations with local organizations and charitable initiatives highlight the shop's community spirit.
Looking forward, Wine Cellar 46 plans to expand with a consumption on-premises license, offering wines by the glass and more extensive charity events. Steve’s focus remains on discovering unique wines, enhancing consumer education, and providing personalized recommendations, ensuring every customer finds their next favorite wine.

In collaboration with

08/02/2024

07/19/2024

Chef Ju'von's Culinary Odyssey: From Home Kitchen to Fine Dining Mastery

Chef Ju'von's love for cooking began in his childhood kitchen, enchanted by the sizzle of onions and garlic. Originally a nurse, his career took a pivotal turn in Florida when divine guidance led him to the Grand Bohemian Hotel. With no formal training, he absorbed every culinary skill he could, transforming his passion into professional expertise.

Ju'von’s culinary journey gained momentum with a temporary agency, offering him varied kitchen roles that honed his abilities. His breakthrough came with his own catering business and a local restaurant in Sanford, a venture he felt divinely guided to start. Despite initial reluctance, the pandemic pushed him to commit full-time, rapidly expanding his operations and reputation, even catering for NBA players.

Today, Chef Ju'von’s restaurant is a testament to his resilience and faith. His menu elevates ordinary dishes into culinary delights, with signature creations like jerk shrimp and lobster grits, and a unique vanilla custard French toast with Biscoff cookie crumble. Each dish showcases his philosophy of transforming the norm into the extraordinary, proving his mastery in blending traditional techniques with innovative twists.

Chef Ju'von’s journey is a narrative of passion, adaptation, and divine destiny, serving not just meals but stories of perseverance and creativity in Sanford’s thriving culinary scene. You can now catch him and his team at the Park Avenue Park Place Inn Cottage on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, where you can enjoy his food right here in our hometown.

07/18/2024

Gloomy Summer Nights in Historic Sanford, Florida

Sanford, with its charming historic streets and vintage architecture, gets about 54 inches of rain annually—much more than the U.S. average. This rain keeps our town green and beautiful, even on these serene, rainy summer nights. How is everyone handling this year’s heat amidst the showers? Share your cool-down tips!

07/16/2024

Journey from Justice to Insurance: Alexia Emerson's Path to Serving Sanford

Alexia Emerson, a dedicated State Farm agent, has found her calling in downtown Sanford. After ten years in criminal justice as a defense investigator, she sought a career that brought more joy and accessibility. A friend's suggestion led her to start as a receptionist in a State Farm agency, quickly moving to sales. After eight years, she opened her own agency in August 2021.

Alexia values her deep connection to the Sanford community. When she first visited, the vibrant atmosphere during an antique car show at Henry's Depot solidified her decision. Sanford's resilience and strong community spirit were exactly what she wanted for her agency.

Alexia’s agency is a community hub. She and her team participate in at least three local events each month, from food truck fiestas to Live After Five. They collaborate with small business owners to improve the community and donate to nonprofits supporting children, families, and individuals with special needs.

Staying connected with clients is a top priority. Alexia’s office uses text messages, calls, and social media to keep clients informed. Open from 9 to 6, Monday through Friday, walk-ins are welcome. During hurricane season, State Farm’s emergency dialers ensure policyholders are prepared.

Visit Alexia Emerson’s State Farm agency in downtown Sanford and experience personalized, community-focused service.

07/11/2024

Step back in time to the 1930s with a glimpse of the Ritz Theatre! Originally the Milane Theatre, this iconic building at 203 South Magnolia Avenue in Sanford began its journey in July 1923, delighting 823 patrons with its grand design by Georgia architects Scroggs and Ewing. Named after the Milane Amusement Company presidents, Frank L. Miller and Edward F. Lane, the theater was a bustling hub for vaudeville shows, Chautauqua programs, and major event broadcasts.

Renamed the Ritz Theatre in 1933 by new owners Frank and Stella Evans, it faced tough times in the 1960s and closed in 1978. After a stint as the Showtime Cantina and years of vacancy, the Ritz was revitalized in the late 1990s. Reopened as the Helen Stairs Theatre in 2000 and later renamed the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center in 2008, this historic site now proudly serves as a cultural gem in Sanford, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 🌟🎭✨

06/28/2024

Welcome to the Hotchkiss Block ☀️

This historic gem is one of the first two brick structures ever built in the area. The original 1886 building didn't make it through the great fire of 1887, but here’s the twist: local legend has it that the rubble from the first structure was used in the pediment of the roof when the building was reconstructed for Frederick Hotchkiss later that same year. Talk about a phoenix rising from the ashes!

Step back in time and marvel at this Romanesque Revival beauty right along side 1st street.

06/21/2024

Discover the Unique Flavor and Community Spirit of Deviant Wolfe Brewery

Nestled in the heart of Sanford, Deviant Wolfe Brewery is a labor of love from its founders, including Matthew Rolfe. Matthew's journey from an adventurous traveler and homebrewer to the proud owner of Deviant Wolfe reflects his passion for craft beer and community.

Matthew’s inspiration for the brewery began with his travels to wineries, which gradually shifted to craft breweries. Fifteen years ago, the craft beer scene was still emerging, inspiring Matthew and his team to start brewing their own beer. Realizing the high quality of their creations, they decided to share their brews with the Sanford community.

Deviant Wolfe stands out for its innovative brewing techniques and unique ingredients. A prime example is their Coffee Sour Blonde, known as Sour Manjaro. This light, clear blonde ale combines coffee aroma with hints of chocolate and lemon, finishing with a clean tartness. It’s perfect for day drinking, showcasing their creative flair.

Matthew and his team draw inspiration from food, exploring new dishes and flavor pairings. They use chef pairing Bibles and experiment with different combinations to create beers that offer delightful surprises. This culinary approach ensures each new recipe is unique and exciting.

Community is at the heart of Deviant Wolfe. The brewery collaborates with local businesses, such as creating the Krampus beer with Hollerbach’s and the Porchfest Pilsner with the Porchfest organization. These partnerships support local enterprises and foster a sense of camaraderie in Sanford. Events like their recent Earth Day celebration, featuring over 30 vendors from Central Florida, highlight their commitment to the local community.

Looking ahead, Deviant Wolfe plans to expand its distribution, making more of their unique brews available at local bars. Matthew and his team also aim to enhance their canning capabilities, offering a constantly evolving selection of flavors.

Visit Deviant Wolfe Brewery today and discover why they are a beloved part of Sanford’s rich tapestry. Cheers!

In collaboration with and

06/20/2024

Introducing the PICO Building, also known as the PICO Hotel – a historical gem nestled at the lively corner of North Oak Avenue and West Commercial Street in Sanford, Florida!

This charming two-story redbrick treasure, built in the bustling years of 1886-1887, was a brainchild of the railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant and crafted by the skilled hands of H. M. Papworth Construction Company. The local maestro, architect William T. Cotter, weaved together the exotic Romanesque Revival and Moorish Revival styles to give this building its unique flair.

06/14/2024

A Culinary Journey from Military to Mastery: The Story of Chef Nat and The Tennessee Truffle

In the heart of Sanford lies a culinary gem that has swiftly become a beloved staple for its dedication to Southern cuisine with a twist. The Tennessee Truffle, under the helm of Chef Nat, a veteran turned culinary maestro, offers a fascinating story of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of flavor.

Chef Nat's journey into the culinary world is anything but ordinary. Transitioning from the military to the chaotic environment of a French-Japanese fusion kitchen, Nat's initial cluelessness in the kitchen quickly transformed into a deep-seated passion for cooking. With no culinary background, his curiosity and rapid adaptation in various restaurants laid down the groundwork for his future. Supported by his wife, who saw his potential and passion, Chef Nat was propelled into culinary school at the prestigious CIA in New York, marking the beginning of a profound culinary adventure.

After years of honing his skills in various restaurants, from Park Avenue in Winter Park to the executive chef at Café de France, Chef Nat, fueled by a desire to explore Southern cuisine, embarked on the ambitious project of opening The Tennessee Truffle. The restaurant's concept revolves around a profound commitment to farm-to-table Southern food, blending traditional dishes with a unique twist, reflecting Chef Nat's diverse culinary background and his newfound love for Southern cuisine.

One of the restaurant's signatures, the commitment to farm-to-table dining, is both a philosophy and a challenge, ensuring the freshest, locally sourced ingredients are used. Yet, this commitment does not come without its obstacles, from the unpredictability of ingredient availability to the logistics of working with local farms. However, these challenges are met with creative solutions and an unwavering dedication to quality and innovation.
The restaurant's signature dishes are highly recommended for those wondering what to try. From the savory and sweet delight of their French toast during brunch to the classic comfort of shrimp and grits for dinner, each dish is a testament to the restaurant's dedication to Southern comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Running a farm-to-table restaurant, especially one as intimate and passionate as The Tennessee Truffle, comes with its set of unique challenges and rewards. For Chef Nat, the journey is one of personal investment and communal achievement. The support from the Sanford community, coupled with the joy of creating from scratch and receiving appreciation for his culinary creations, makes every challenge worthwhile.

In Collaboration with

06/13/2024

Seminole County Courthouse located in 📍Downtown Sanford

06/07/2024

Spotlight on Soul: Shantell’s Just Until Journey from Home Kitchen to Community Cornerstone

In the heart of Sanford lies Shantell’s iconic soul food restaurant, a beacon of comfort, health, and heritage. Serving not just meals but memories, this culinary haven is a testament to Shantell’s passion, resilience, and innovation. Our exclusive interview with Shantell reveals the layers of love and determination that built this community cornerstone, turning it into a place where every plate tells a story.

From a Mother’s Kitchen to a Culinary Dream- Shantell’s journey from a home cook to a restaurant owner is remarkable. As a mother of 16 children, Shantell’s life was always busy, and her transition to a restaurant owner was driven by necessity. Her pragmatic approach to financial dilemmas laid the foundation for a family-run business. “I thought I can open up a restaurant and that way when my older kids were asking for money, I could offer them shifts,” she says. This ingenuity turned into a thriving business built on teamwork and shared success.

A Recipe for Change: Cooking with a Cause - Shantell’s cooking philosophy is deeply influenced by her daughters’ type 1 diabetes. She reimagined traditional soul food into healthier versions without sacrificing taste. Through trial and error, she found ways to maintain the soulful essence of her dishes while making them beneficial for everyone, especially those with dietary restrictions. Her efforts have transformed her menu and provided a healthier alternative for the community, blending comfort with nutrition.

Looking Ahead: Dreams, Challenges, and Future Aspirations - Shantell’s dreams is to pass the torch to her children, particularly her eighth child, Zybraeus, who shares her passion for cooking. A food truck is on the horizon, aiming to extend their reach beyond Sanford while maintaining the quality that made them a local staple. Despite the challenges, Shantell’s love for cooking and serving the community shines through, making her restaurant more than just a business—it’s a home away from home for many.

In collaboration with