Stone & Barrel Taphouse

After hundreds of restaurant visits together, Susan and I experienced something we never thought we would. A perfect score. Not a near-perfect score. Not a restaurant that excelled in one area while falling short in another. A true 60 out of 60, the first perfect score we have ever awarded. That distinction belongs to Stone & Barrel Taphouse at Cimarrone Golf Club. What makes this story even more special is that it began several days before dinner. During a conversation with Executive Chef Chris Copeland, I asked him a simple question: “If you were cooking a special dinner to impress your wife, what would you make?” After a moment’s thought, he described a cherry filet mignon with a red wine and maraschino cherry reduction. The way he described the dish was captivating. A few nights later, that very dish appeared on our table. The Cherry Filet Mignon immediately earned our Best of the Best Dish Award. The filet was cooked flawlessly, tender enough to cut with a fork, while the cherry reduction delivered remarkable depth and balance. The sweetness of the cherries, the richness of the wine, and the savory flavor of the beef worked together beautifully. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and perfectly prepared carrots, it became one of the finest steak dishes we have ever experienced. For Susan, Chef prepared the Chilean sea bass, served over angel hair pasta with a butter-and-white-wine sauce, and finished with a fresh mango salsa. The fish was buttery and delicate, while the bright tropical flavors elevated the dish without overpowering it. Before our entrées arrived, we enjoyed a series of appetizers that showcased the kitchen’s creativity and attention to detail. The evening began with a beautifully presented charcuterie board featuring rolled prosciutto, artisan cheeses, candied pecans, dried cranberries, honey, crackers, and several carefully selected accompaniments. The standout was a remarkable blue cheese blended with cranberries sautéed in wine vinegar. The combination of sweet, tangy, creamy, and savory flavors created one of those memorable bites that makes you stop and enjoy the moment. A warm salmon dip followed, accompanied by house-made tortilla chips fresh from the kitchen. The contrast between the warm, crisp chips and the cool, creamy dip was outstanding. A fresh spinach salad with bacon, raisins, blue cheese crumbles, hard-boiled egg, and a bright Greek yogurt herb dressing provided a refreshing transition into the main course. The cocktail program deserves special recognition. Heather, Chef Copeland’s mixologist who joined him from New Orleans, crafted one exceptional cocktail after another. A refreshing Hugo Spritz, a creative French 75 variation, and what may be the best espresso martini we have ever tasted showcased both talent and creativity behind the bar. Dessert brought Chef Copeland’s New Orleans influence front and center. His signature beignets were extraordinary. Fresh, warm, flaky, and stuffed with homemade vanilla and chocolate cream fillings, the beignets arrived beautifully presented with strawberry drizzle and whipped cream. They delivered a little taste of the French Quarter while serving as the perfect ending to an unforgettable meal. Chef Copeland’s culinary story is reflected throughout the experience. Growing up in the Bronx and later spending years in New Orleans, he brings influences from both cities into his cooking. As a fellow New Yorker, I immediately connected, and his passion for food and hospitality was evident throughout the evening. Located inside the Cimarrone Golf Club community, Stone & Barrel remains one of Northeast Florida’s hidden gems. While it sits behind a gated entrance, the restaurant is open to the public and absolutely worth discovering. Exceptional food is one thing. Exceptional service is another. When exceptional food, hospitality, atmosphere, cocktails, and creativity all come together, something special happens. Stone & Barrel earned our Best of the Best Restaurant Award, our Best of the Best Dish Award, and a place among our Favorite Tables Around Town. Some meals are memorable. A select few become unforgettable. This one became history for The Culinary Duo. STAR RATING: ★★★★★ | 60/60