Things to do on and around Siesta Key
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 5 | S I E S TA S A N D . U S | 9 4 1 . 3 1 2 . 0 6 6 5
Game time: Where to watch playoff football
A
Fans at Munchie’s 420 Cafe live for the big football game days, when they can share the joy of winning and the agony of defeat.
By Ned Steele
ttention football fans: The month that matters has arrived. Yes, late December and January bring not only the College Football Playoffs and endless bowl games, but the NFL playoff buildup to the Super Bowl. And just as the players and coaches have been perfecting their moves and getting into peak shape for a championship run, so too have the popular bars and eateries in Siesta Key and Gulf Gate that cater to the gridiron gang. These fine establishments have been working all season towards this big month, introducing new specials, launching promotions, generally getting their A-game
on for this special time of year and, of course, recovering from two or three hurricanes. And now, they’re ready for you. What better time than postseason to share the excitement and the drama with a crowd of fellow fans and enthusiasts? The highs are high, the lows are less painful, and the fun is greater when you’re watching your favorite team with a crowd – preferably surrounded by tubs of wings and your beverage of choice. So, what are you waiting for? Check the TV schedules, grab your team’s jersey, and head on out to one of these local bars to enjoy the postseason action. While there can only be one national college football champion and one Super Bowl
victor, all these spots to watch the games are winners. Try one – or more. There are 47 bowl games and four rounds of NFL playoffs to feast on. MUNCHIES 420 CAFÉ in Gulf Gate attracts big crowds of Buccaneers and Detroit Lions fans all season long. With the Bucs in contention (at press time) and the Lions poised for a deep run, and a newly repaired tiki roof in place, Munchies is in celebration mode. Look for their game day specials: Five wings for $4.20 or 20 for $15; Wash them down with a sixbeer bucket for $20 or a bucket of six High Noons for $25. Top it all off with $1-off green tea shots. Continued on page 9V
A Taste of Germany being served at Mama G’s
L
onging for a delicious German treat is a thing of the past now that Mama G’s has opened a new location just nine minutes away from Siesta Key Beach at 4413 South Tamiami Trail. Mama G’s website describes their bakery as a “beloved establishment that embodies the values of faith, food, and family.” The bakery is a family-owned business that began in 2015 and was founded by Beate Goldstein, aka “Mama G”, who comes from a long line of German bakers. Goldstein came to America 22 years ago and, over time, developed her own German bakery in Florida. “After working at the local gourmet market for a decade,
By Mackenzie Palmer she decided to go out on her own,” according to Mama G’s Website. “Equipped with ideas, lots of experience, the recipe book passed down from generations, and a business name given by her son-inlaw, she opened the door to Mama G’s German Bakery and Coffeehouse.” This act inspired her family to follow in her footsteps because now, Goldstein, her husband, and five of their seven kids run all six of their locations. In addition to their newest location on South Tamiami Trail, they also have two bakeries located in St. Petersburg, one in New College, as well as a bread company next to Simon’s Coffee House.
“We offer different coffee variations, smoothies, and savory snacks for a midday break,” Goldstein said. “We do vegetarian options, spinach, kale, or pesto. We have a menu that everyone should be able to find something on.” When walking into Mama G’s, you will not find any donuts, cookies, scones, or muffins, so the variety of offerings is different from a typical American bakery. The product itself is sweet and very flavorful, but not sugary sweet. They offer daily specials: Monday is pizza day, where they make their own pizzas; On Tuesdays they offer veggie burgers or veggie sandwiches, Continued on page 9V
Beate Goldstein, aka “Mama G”, proudly serving customers a delicious taste of Germany. (Photo provided)
1 MILE FROM SIESTA KEY BEACH
KOREAN BEEF BOWL