Polk County born and raised Chef Chad Clevenger’s aptitude in the kitchen has taken him across the world. His culinary roots are intertwined with his southern heritage. This is where it all started, in fact. Clevenger was born and raised in Winter Haven. At 18, his dad told him he needed a job and to go down to talk to Gary Schack at Schack’s Bar-BQue. Clevenger’s father was friends with Schack and they even lived in the same neighborhood. Chad and Gary Jr. were good friends

The Florida Brewery, established in the 70s, is the second oldest brewery still in operation in the state. Primarily a manufacturing facility, the brewery opened its doors to the public a year and a half ago introducing their Beer Garden and Taproom at 202 Gandy Road in Auburndale. The community grew fond of the beer and atmosphere at the Florida Brewery and voiced that they wanted to enjoy them on more than just Friday and Saturday. When the opportunity came up to open an ea

Ask Lake Wales residents where to go for an extraordinary meal and they’ll likely point you to a quaint, done-up dining space off of Highway 60. L’incontro Italian Restaurant opened on January 14, 2011, bringing old-world, traditional Italian cuisine to The Ridge. We sat with the owner and general manager, Alex Barrera at lunch one afternoon to discuss the secret to their success. The lighting was dim and dreamy, tables were fully set with a carnation resting in a freshly fil