TownTaster M
Farmers Markets
Where can you buy fresh produce around town?
Our TownTasters visit Drunken Poet Cafe & The White Horse Pub
Family Dining
Have kids? Check out our suggestions for dining out!
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March 2012
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Volume 1 • Issue 3
Taste-ful Events
What is happening this month in the food communit y?
Business Spotlight
The Restaurant at
S toneybrook G olf C lub Pages 12-13
w w w.To w nTa s t e r. c o m
SUBSCRIBE TODAY - FREE!
The Three Kitcheneers These girls know their food! See what they've got cooking...
“Love and food are the two greatest things in the world, and I’ve got a love for food.”
~ Carmen
Ask about our weekly specials Dishes are fresh & made to order Desserts straight from Italy Full Liquor Martini Bar
515 27th St E. Bradenton, FL 34208
(941) 745-1540
“Absolutely excellent!!! The food, of course, and the ambience, friendly staff. The perfect place to go. We’ll definitely be back.” ~Gloria, TownTaster reader
Live Entertainment Most Nights
Karaoke – Friday 10pm Tue - Wed: 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Thu - Fri: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Sat - Sun: 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm ~ Visit our new website ~
carmensitaliancafe.com Carmen & Kay Rizzo, Owners Using fresh local ingredients from O’Brien Family Farms and Dakin Dairy
2
Ladies Night Out • March 20 • 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. in the Martini Bar
Bon Appétit! From the Editor
March 2012 Volume 1, Issue 3 Publisher
PCI Publishing, LLC
Editor
Valerie Longo 941-932-8884
Web Design
Syd Krawczyk Concept Digital Media
Social Media Lenny Longo
Town Taster and PCI Publishing, LLC does not endorse or warrant any products or services contained herein, unless otherwise expressly noted. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors. Submitted materials will not be returned. Whole or part of this publication may not be used or duplicated in any way without written permission from PCI Publishing, LLC. Advertising rates and information available from: PCI Publishing, LLC, 1202 Gary Avenue, Suite 13, Ellenton, FL 34222 Phone: 941-548-1908 Town Taster is published monthly. Subscriptions are FREE. To continue receiving Town Taster on a regular basis, visit our website:
TownTaster.com facebook.com/TownTaster
W
hat attracts you to a restaurant? Location, menu, friendly serve staff, service, dress code... There are so many things that shape our decisions of where to dine and what to eat. Are you the type that like to stick to what they know or one who loves to try new things and experience new tastes and smells. Have you ever found that perfect meal in the perfect location at the perfect price? They are out there... Around every corner, just waiting for you to discover their front door and experience the adventure in store for you. If you are like most people, once you have tried a new restaurant and enjoyed your meal, you are probably going to tell your friends about your great find. That is our goal at TownTaster also - to make those great finds and tell you about them. We are surrounded by talented chefs, pastry artists and gourmet markets that share our common love of food. We are thrilled to be your means of finding new and exciting places. A special thank you to our readers who have sent us Don't forget to tell your suggestions and tips of where favorite restaurants that you we can find these hidden saw their ad in TownTaster treasures. As we search our community to find the best of the best, we are thrilled to be able to spread the word about the great organizations around our community that help support local food banks and food pantries. Last issue we donated $1 to Stillpoint House of Prayer for every subscription we received. This month we are extending the same reach to Our Daily Bread in Bradenton. Help us spread the word and make a difference! We hope you enjoy this issue of TownTaster. Our pages are filled with great destinations and intriguing articles. Don’t miss our Family Friendly Dining on page 20 if you ever dine with kids and check our our Seasonal Ingredient - you will surely learn something new - we did! Bon Appétit!
For the Love of Food!
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9 10 14
3 5 6
Welcome to TownTaster Thanks to our readers
Taste-ful Events Upcoming Calendar
In the Mix Features in this Issue
The Three Kitcheneers
Farmer's Markets
12
TownTaster Review: The White Horse Pub
TownTaster Review: Drunken Poet CafĂŠ
Business Spotlight:
The Restaurant at Stoneybrook Golf Club pages 12-13
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16 20 22 22
Mom's Minute Tips and recipes for busy Moms
Family Friendly Dining Dining with kids? No Problem!
Feature Article What is That? Romanesco Revealed...
Recipe Box Roasted Romenesco
March
/4
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Crafters, live entertainment, lots of activities for the kids, and great food. Free admission & parking. 2525 27th St. East, Bradenton. 941.748.5829. mixon.com
Chocolate on the Inside, Chocolate on the Outside, Chocolate all Around.
Join United Cerebral Palsy at Michael’s On East for the Sweetest event of the year Chocolate Sundae on Sunday, March 4th from 1-3. Over 30 restaurants and vendors presenting their fabulous and decadent chocolate creations for guests to enjoy unlimited sampling. Adults are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, $10 for children 6 -10 in advance and at the door, children 5 and under free. The Easter Bunny will be there for the young and young at heart to have photos with. Tickets can be purchased on line at ucpsarasota.org or by calling 941.957.3599.
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Harry’s Continental Kitchen Wine Tasting
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Cooking Demo: Sushi Anytime
17
St. Paddy’s Day on Old Main
20 26 30 /1
30
Ladies Night Out
Carmen’s Italian Cafe - 5:00 - 10:00 pm in the Martini Bar. Happy hour all night with $5 Martinis. Ladies only in the martini bar. Merchandise displayed from “ALL THAT GLITTERS DISTRIBUTIONS.” 941.745.1540. carmensitaliancafe.com
100 mile dinner
Indigenous hosts a six course meal using items foraged, gathered or sourced within 100 miles of Sarasota. Seating is limited to 50 guests. $100 per person + tax & gratuity. Call 941.706.4740 for reservations. indigenoussarasota.com
Taste-ful Events
3
Mixon’s Orange Blossom Festival
“La Fete du Fromage”
Interactive Dinner at Polo Grill & Bar/ Fete Ballroom. Multi-coursed interactive dinner featuring a delicious cheese feast! $125 per guest. 941.782.0899. pologrillandbar.com
DeSoto Seafood Fest
The three-day family event features some of the best seafood around along with other tasty offerings from area restaurants and food vendors. Bradenton waterfront. desotohq.com. 941.747.1998
4:30-6:30pm. $10 admission. Benefiting the Anna Maria Island Community Center. harryskitchen.com or 941.383.0777.
5:30pm to 7:00pm Master the basics of preparing beautiful Sushi at Renaissance on 9th, Bradenton. $30 includes a glass of sake, samples and recipe booklet. Sushi mat and tools are yours to keep. Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels PLUS. 941.749.0100, 1816 9th St West, Bradenton 34205. renaissanceon9th.org.
Old Main Street in Bradenton
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The Three Kitcheneers
Well hi there, Town Taster readers! We are The Three Kitcheneers and we are here to share some of our food knowhow, from how to shop seasonally to making your own mayonnaise. We love good food, which, to us, means local, organic produce and proteins, and whole foods. The Three Kitcheneers have compiled a list of essentials that we feel are musts for your pantry, fridge and freezer. So, no matter what your cooking abilities are (kitchen whiz or kitchen dud), these items create a great base for any meal, any time from entertaining company to Tuesday night dinner with the kids. Mix and match ingredients or swap out a few and replace them with your own go-to staples. We encourage you to just get in your kitchen and have fun!
ry Top 10 Pant d Pepper 1. Sea saltwhanite and red) , ck la (b e Nectar 2. Honey/Agav in Olive Oil 3. Extra Virg negar ty Balsamic vi li ua -q gh hi A 4. sta and Rice 5. Quinoa, Pa o Tomatoes 6. San Marzan tter mond/Peanut bu 7. Organic Al ts 8. Organic Nu e Mill Gluten-Fre 9. Bob’s Redmix Pancake s/lentils 10. Dried bean
Top 10 Freezer 1. Wild caught shrimp/scallops 2. A simple frozen organic veggie (peas) 3. Organic bread 4. Applegate Organic Chicken strips 5. Homemade Tomato sauce 6. High-quality protein 7. Frozen, organic breakfast options (waffles) 8. Homemade Ice cream (so much easier than you think and 100% pure ingredients) 9. Homemade Broth 10. Homemade Pesto
Top 10 Refrigerator 1. Local farm-raised, organic Eggs 2. Scallions/onions 3. Fresh Berries 4. Garlic 5. Greens 6. Homemade hummus 7. Herbs 8. A high-quality cheese 9. Fresh Fruit 10. Seasonal veggies
*Ok, we cheated. 9 and 10 are meant to represent much more than one ingredient. Load up on tomatoes, citrus, squash, potatoes, apples, you name it! We highly suggest buying local, organic and seasonal, if possible.
You can find a ton of recipes on our site that combine ingredients from each section. We’ve got you covered on the basics like hummus, mayo and pesto. You need a few simple dishes like Spaghetti with Swiss Chard and Turkey Meatballs or Sweet and Salty Rice Bowls? You got it! What about some delicious Sunday suppers like Caramelized Onion and Slow-Roasted Tomato Soup or Apple-Braised Pork Pappardelle? Yeah, we’ve got that too. So, how about this idea? Let’s go out and stock up our kitchens together and meet back here next issue for some amazing recipe ideas for all of our produce, proteins and pantry items. Are you in?
Happy Cooking!
Check out www.ThreeKitcheneers.com for recipes, articles and webisodes. All food, all the time. 6
15% OFF Dine-In Only
Not valid with other discounts, specials or on holidays. Present this ad or coupon by 3/31/12
7
Tell us more… What do you love most about TownTaster? "Restaurant descriptions that are so helpful in making decisions before going out." Kamila L., Parrish
For the Love of Food
Tell us what you think! And you could be a winner…
We are glad to hear you like us... Now tell us a little about you! We want to know about your favorites and what you want to read more about. Tell us about it and have a chance to win a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Is your favorite restaurant featured in this issue? If so, which one?
"Everything! I want to try new places, but I’m in a rut of the same places!" Carole M., Sarasota "Ability to gather info on a variety of different types of restaurants in one place." Teresa A., Ellenton "Love the calendar of events!" Pat G., Bradenton Beach
Have you been to any restaurants in this issue lately?
What is your favorite restaurant for… Take out/Delivery Dessert/Sweets Tell us what subject you would like to read more about
Peruvian Fusion Cuisine S a ra s o t a’s N e w e s t D e s t i n a t i o n fo r exquisit e Pe ruvian D e lic a cies
Indoor/Outdoor Settings
*Name:
For Dinner, Lunch & Sunday Brunch
Address:
Live Music Fri. & Sat.
7pm - 10pm, Latin Jazz, Flamenco & more!
Happy Hour, Mon. - Fri.
4pm - 6:30pm, 2 for 1 domestic beer or glass of wine, $1 off imported beer • $5 off bottle of wine Join us at our cozy little world of family priced exciting dishes and memorable good times. Corporate Events Welcome
Reservations Appreciated
*Phone: Email: ___ Yes, please add me to your mailing list and send each issue right to my home! Enter by mail: Send this completed form to PO Box 161, Ellenton, FL 34222 Only one submission per household please. *Required fields.
Hours:
Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm Sunday: Brunch 10:30am - 12:30pm Open Menu 12:30pm - 5pm
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941-343-2280
1813 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota (corner of Osprey Ave.) CantaRanaRestaurant.com
Farmer's Markets Bradenton Farmers Market
Old Main Street, Bradenton Every Saturday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Ellenton Farmers Market
Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, 5309 29th St. E., Ellenton. Saturdays 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market
Red Barn Farmers Market
1707 First Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm redbarnfleamarket.com
Siesta Key Farmers Market Siesta Village Plaza 5124 Ocean Blvd Sarasota, FL 34242 Every Sunday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm siestafarmersmarket.com
Sarasota Farmers Market Main Street & Lemon Ave. Saturday 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
Lakewood Ranch Saturdays 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
The Phillippi Farmhouse Market
5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Every Wednesday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
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Expert “Town Tasters” Barbara & Frank Inglese
Expert “Town Tasters” Barbara & Frank Inglese
Visit: Thurs. Jan 26 ~ 6:00pm
6240 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 941.358.2299 www.the-white-horse-pub.com
Visit: Thurs. Jan 26 ~ 6:00pm
Don’t Miss... Every Wednesday: Sangria 6240 & Tapas and N. Lockwood Ridge Rd. Acoustic Guitar Music
Don’t Miss... Every Wednesday: Sangria & Tapas and Acoustic Guitar Music
Sarasota, FL 34243 941.358.2299 www.the-white-horse-pub.com
Curry Sampler Appetizers: Curry Sampler - Geier’s sausage meat, mixed with SCotCh celery, egg - Geier’s sausage meat, mixed with celery, sage wrapped around a hard-boiledonion Free-& fresh sage wrapped around a hard-boiled Freeash fried & served with HP Sauce orRange whole egg flash fried & served with HP Sauce or whole d. grain mustard. r CheeSe Soup w/ fresh baked beer bread. Entreés: Beer CheeSe Soup w/ fresh baked beer bread. hroom pIe - Free-Range fowl in bechemel, ChICKeN & muShroom pIe - Free-Range fowl in bechemel, ms, & caramelized shallots in a crock, wild mushrooms, & caramelized shallots in a crock, uff pastry. Served with tomato & herbtopped bread with puff pastry. Served with tomato & herb bread en or mushy peas or buttered cabbage. pudding, garden mushy peas or buttered For aorcomplete menu, visit cabbage. memaDe BreaD & Butter puDDINg Dessert: www.the-white-horse-pub.com homemaDe BreaD & Butter puDDINg & WINe Drinks: Beer & WINe
For a complete menu, visit www.the-white-horse-pub.com
Find: yes ~ Reservations: Kid Friendly: yes yes~ ~Would Easy you to Find: Recommend? yes ~ Reservations: yes yes ~ Would you Recommend? yes
nce Favorite PartComments of Experience :
Comments:
ner FayFriendliness Lawrence who of staff - including the owner Fay Lawrence who “The food was hot, made to order &“The food was hot, made to order & yed rolewaited of bartending. on us personally as well as played role of bartending. presentation was fantastic! So many itemspresentation was fantastic! So many items to schoose from - saw many platters takento schoose from - saw many platters taken aurant Atmosphere of Restaurant th high top tables Casual, as well very friendly. Bar area with- high tables as well to other tables all top looked absolutely to other tables - all looked absolutely as patio dining. yummy. Wines were from private vineyardsyummy. Wines were from private vineyards and the Beer Paddle (5 different draft ales toand the Beer Paddle (5 different draft ales to Favorite Menu Item sample) was outstanding.” sample) was outstanding.” l out of this! Scotch Egg - could have made a meal out of this!
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Barbara & Frank Inglese
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A Masterpiece in Italian Dining!
SAIGON HIBACHI Vietnamese Cuisine & Japanese Grill Listing Information
Come Experience the Far East Sarasota’s Finest Japanese & Vietnamese Cusine with Exciting Dishes & Unique Ambience
CHEF LUIGI BIFFI
Charming Indoor/Outdoor Atmosphere Available for Private Parties Open for Dinner 5:00 - 9:30pm Reservations Available
941-377-6562 w w w.monalisasrq.com
4989 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota
(Meadows Shopping Village) Between University Pkwy & 17th Street
941-487-8711 Happy Hour 3pm - 5pm 935 N. Beneva, Sarasota
(Sarasota Commons Shopping Center)
www.SaigonHibachi.com
Open Mon., Wed.-Sat. 11am - 9pm Sun. 1pm - 9pm - Closed Tue. M e nti o n th is a d o r p re s e nt co u p o n f o r
Free
Appetizer (Ask For Details)
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Business Spotlight:
The Restaurant a
S toneybrook G olf
8000 Stone Harbour Loop, Bradenton, FL 34212 • (941) www.golfstoneybrook.com Elegantly built with comfort and relaxation in mind, the restaurant at Stoneybrook Golf Club was d to reflect on the highlights of your day with good friends and good food. Our daily menu serves an array of appetizers, soups and entrées as well as fresh salads and juicy b doesn’t stop there - our well stocked bar and congenial service staff will gladly serve you inside or ou overlooking our award winning golf course. Our happy hour is daily from 4-7. As far as catering goes, look no further… it is our specialty. Whatever the occasion, Stoneybrook in accommodations and backdrop for your special event. We are open to the public in every sense of the word. Come join us for a great round of golf on one challenging and picturesque courses. When it is over “I’ll meet you at the Clubhouse!”
Fully Stocked Bar • Happy Hour Daily 4-7 Call about our Catering Services: Weddings, Banquets, Business Meeting
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1572 Main Street, Sarasota 941.955.8404 www.drunkenpoetsarasota.com
Expert “Town Tasters” Jessica Falde & Jenifer Dodson Visit: Tues. Jan 31 ~ 7:00pm
Appetizers: Chicken Satay - Grilled chicken on skewers with peanut dipping sauce and cucumber salad. Entreés: CHICKEN TERIYAKI - Grilled chicken, steamed vegetables with homemade teriyaki sauce. Massaman Curry - A complex secret sauce with potatoes, carrots & onions. Drinks: Wine
“Beautiful Food Presentation!” “Wide variety of Thai food and sushi.” “Everyone was friendly & polite”
Kid Friendly: Yes ~ Easy to Find: Yes ~ Reservations: No ~ Would you Recommend? Yes
Favorite Part of Experience
The quaintness of the restaurant. Very nice environment for one on one conversations.
Atmosphere of Restaurant
Nice atmosphere, very quaint and “home-like” feel to it. We enjoyed being able to chat with one another without having to raise our voices over any crowd, even though there were 2 large parties in the restaurant at the same time.
Comments: “The food was good and the servers were very friendly. Everyone that worked there seemed to be working hard to make sure our glasses were always full and that we had food on the table. They were apologetic for any wait time and very accommodating.”
for giving their stamp of approval to Drunken Poet Café!
This re s
Jessica Falde & Jenifer Dodson
Do YOU want to be our next TownTaster? Be sure to visit our website for more information.
14 14
wnTaster” l To
A special thanks to this issue's TownTasters
n
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cia f fi O
The satay was delicious. Perfectly cooked and the sauce was amazing. Having never had satay before, this was a very pleasant surprise.
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Favorite Menu Item
w APPROVED ww .To m wnTaster.co
Reinventing Japanese & Thai Cuisine Seafood Thai Curry
Sexy Man Roll
•
•
Pad Thai
Lobster Roll
Join us for Lunch and Dinner Sun-Thurs 11-10
•
Fri & Sat 11- Midnight
Dine In Take Out • Delivery • Catering •
941.955.8404 1572 Main Street, Sarasota www.DrunkenPoetSarasota.com
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Crock-pot Central
This section is dedicated to all of those busy moms who want to come home to a delicious home cooked meal without slaving over the stove... If you are a parent, I truly believe that a slow cooker should be on your kitchen counter at all times. My kids are always hungry, and when they are they usually want to eat NOW. Slow cookers are not just for soups and chili. Did you know you could roast a chicken in one? Me neither until recently! Now I am on a mission to share this revolutionary knowledge with fellow busy moms. Sit back, relax and cook dinner…
Recipe:
1 whole chicken (2-3 pounds) • Paprika, salt & pepper to taste Place 3 balled up pieces of aluminum foil at bottom of slow cooker. Rinse & dry chicken. Season with paprika, salt & pepper. Place on top of aluminum foil. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
It’s THAT easy!
(941)
10%
off
Dine-In Only
Not valid with any other offers. Must present coupon or mention this ad by 3/31/12.
16
706-3848 • (941) 365-7799
Dine In, Take-Out Catering • fax: (941) 706-4966 935 N. Beneva, Rd. #401, Sarasota • www.thestarthaiandsushi.comOnly, 4:30pm - 9:30pm Dinner Sunday • 9:30pm 4:30pm Mon. - Sat. Lunch 11am - 3pm, Dinner (941) 761-9100 Visit us in Bradenton: “Thai Palace Restaurant”, 4756 Cortez Rd. W.
Do YOU want to be our next TownTaster? TownTaster Reader Reviews:
Building a bond between TownTaster readers and local restaurants. Each restaurant reviewed will receive an official TownTaster Window Decal
Giving our readers a “hands on” chance to review their dining experiences Bringing a tasty
ast ownT er” lT
Help your favorite local restaurants earn the official TownTaster Seal of Approval!
ia
www.TownTaster.com
local magazine It’s our motto...
visited by a n“ een O sb f ha
fic
spin to a truly
Enter Online:
This resta ura nt
Each month a winner will be chosen from entries on our website and facebook to be an official TownTaster. Our “TownTaster” will visit a chosen restaurant and enjoy dinner for two. Their feedback will help form a review to be featured in the next month’s issue of the TownTaster magazine.
APPROVED
“For the Love of Food”!
“Cookery is not chemistry. It is an art. It requires instinct and taste rather than exact measurements.” - Marcel Boulestin
Subscribe for FREE today! TownTaster.com https://www.facebook.com/TownTaster
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Have you heard? Coupons are now available on our website! See what specials your favorite restaurants are offering this month. Visit our website at TownTaster.com ********* Like us on facebook facebook.com/TownTaster
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Bread was organized in 1984 in response to our community’s need to feed the hungry regardless of race, color, or belief. Since then, with extremely limited resources and space, Our Daily Bread has served over 2,000,000 meals to needy men, women, and children. Our Daily Bread serves an average of 250 men, women and children daily, 364 days a year. We also have Project 5000 which prepares and distributes food bags to needy families. No one is turned away, but in many instances, relief is only partial. Many need more than food. Over 350 volunteers prepare and serve meals daily. Others serve as drivers, bookkeepers, and helpers. Volunteers are from community groups and over 32 participating churches. Our mission is supported by over 2,000 individuals, churches, civic organizations, trusts, county and businesses.
We are a LOCAL magazine supporting LOCAL charities! For every subscription we receive during the month of March...
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The Mission of Our Daily Bread is to provide for the nutritional needs of the poor and needy of our community in the context of compassion and affirmation of their human worth as children of God.
TownTaster will donate $1 to Our Daily Bread in Bradenton
Please Donate or Volunteer Today! Our Daily Bread 941-745-2992 701 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205
"Encore" Formerly known as Cinco de Mayo, same owners Juan and Mariela are proud to introduce “Azteca” to you. This bright, beautiful and welcoming atmosphere will astound you and make you feel at home, in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Their exciting menu includes an array of authentic Mexican dishes as well as fresh fish and vegeterian meals. 1551 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 - 941-917-0043 aztecasarasota.com/CompleteMenu.pdf
Chef/owner Diana Durand combines a natural understanding of authentic Peruvian ingredients with her creative imagination. The distinct flavors and regional spices of Peru come through in every dish. Charming Canta Rana will surely become a pleasant, unique place for you to enjoy great food and have memorable times. Live music on Fri/Sat evenings. 1813 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34236 - 941-343-2281 cantaranarestaurant.com
Mona Lisa is a hidden gem off the beaten path. If you are looking for a homecooked Italian meal - this is the place for you. With a cozy feel and a charming atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed whether you dine in or carry out! Their food is always fresh and their menu is filled with a wide variety of items to please every palate. 4989 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota, FL 34235 - 941-377-6562 monalisasrq.com
Panda Buffet has the area’s best options on their Chinese buffet. For afforable, family friendly dining Panda Buffet offers a wide variety of chicken, pork, beef & seafood options either buffet style or off the menu. Vegetarian & diet options are available as well. 3901 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 - 941-746-9880
Sponsors:
To Benefit
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6696 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton 34210 (941) 792-0077 6906 14th St. W., Bradenton 34207 (941) 758-7880 www.oysterbar.net
Chick-fil-A 303 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton 34205 (941) 747-7944 5206 73rd Ln. E., Bradenton 34203 (941) 751-9993 www.chick-fil-a.com
Dawson's Cafe 7303 52nd Place E., Bradenton 34203 (941) 756-2233 www.dawsonscafe.com
Panda Buffet 3901 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton 34205 (941) 746-9880
Red Elephant Pizza 5231 University Pkwy, Bradenton 34201 (941) 351-4646 www.redelephantpizza.com
Riverhouse Reef & Grill 995 Riverside Dr., Palmetto 34221 (941) 729-0616 www.riverhousereefandgrill.com 20
en dl y
1525 51st Ave. E., Ellenton 34222 (941) 721-7773
Family
Fr i
Anna Maria Oyster Bar
Dining
If you have children, grandchildren, or have EVER tried to dine with little ones around, you know it can be a very interesting experience. Although you love that wiggly two year old, the fidgety five year old or a "really hungry" eight year old, having a meal with them is most likely a daunting task and you probably keep thinking “this time will be different…”. As a parent of all three, that is our dining experience EVERY time. Not to mention footing the bill for a family of five. While every restaurant knows that a staple item for families is a coloring page with crayons, there are some in particular that go above and beyond to attract families and make their experience pleasant and affordable. When it comes to keeping kids occupied while dining out, Riverhouse Reef & Grill on the Manatee River rolls out the red carpet for kids. When entering, the hostess asks if the kids would like a DVD player and lets them pick from their library of movies. Although I am not advocating putting the kids into a electronic coma, keeping the two year old still so the adults can enjoy the amazing menu of seafood, burgers & chowders is a great feat! In addition, their kid’s dishes are
enough to feed even the hungriest of growing eight year olds. Dawson’s Café & Family Restaurant is another dining destination that is a pleasure with kids. A family owned and operated café, they know the value of family dining. Equipped with DVD players and games, they will make you feel like you are right at home! Chick-fil-A was built on a Christian foundation and their dedication to family is certainly apparent. Besides the playground adored by children, the table mats & cheerios provided by the friendly host(ess) are just a few things that make your visit comfortable. You will always find family friendly music coming from the speakers and on the flip side, they are closed on Sundays to allow their workers to spend time with their families. We love this! If value is a point of interest for you while choosing a restaurant, there are plenty of options. Here are a few of our favorites. Did you know that Anna Maria Oyster Bar has a fun way for kids to eat cheap? Sunday-Thursday your host(ess) will measure your child’s height and you will pay a penny and inch for
their kid's meal. That's right, where else can you feed your kid for 50¢? Looking for a buffet for the whole family? Panda Buffet has what you need and kids under 3 to eat for free! Their buffet includes a wide variety of items including chicken, pork, beef, soups & vegetable dishes. And don’t forget to try their crab legs! An all around family friendly restaurant, Red Elephant serves up more than just great kid friendly food and fun. Finish up your meal and let the kids loose to play for a while in their game room – this will keep their smile going for a little while longer. Along with their kid-friendly atmosphere and food, we were delighted to hear of all the positive things Red Elephant is doing to give back to our community. Through “Share Events” for schools and organizations and their support of local schools with their student reward programs – we applaud them for a job well done! So what are you waiting for, give one of these great local spots a try and tell them we sent you… You won’t be disappointed and neither will your kids!
Small & Large Parties Welcome! All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
9 41-74 6 - 9 8 8 9
20% off
ticket for your party of 6 or more adults Dinner Only 4pm-9:30pm (Snow Crab Legs $3.99 Extra)
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Romanesco Revealed
Chances are you are looking at this picture thinking “What is THAT?”. I had the same question when I first came across this funny looking vegetable at King Family Farm in Bradenton. Well that’s what we are here for… To introduce you to new and exciting things! Broccoli Romanesco is a vegetable in the brassica family that dates back to Italy in the 1600’s. It is very unusual looking with a pale green color and individual spirals that come to a point. It’s shape is an example of a fractal that we can see in nature meaning that it is a pattern that continRomanesco... Is that edible? ues on itself. A fascinating cluster of art, it is hard to look at a bunch of Romanesco and not marvel at its intense color and unique pattern. Now that you ran out and bought some because you found it so intriguing… what exactly do you do with it? As crazy as it looks, it is very tasty to eat. Putting it on a salad to eat raw or breaking it into pieces to dip in dressing are fun and nutritious ways to go. If you want to cook with it you would treat it much like broccoli or cauliflower. Roast it, steam it, sauté it, eat it raw – you name it! It holds it’s form a bit better than broccoli when cooked, leaving you with a perfect texture and a mild but nutty flavor. So, step up and give it a try. What a great way to wow your guests at your next dinner party!
Roasted Romanesco Recipe So easy it doesn’t deserve to be called a recipe. Thank you Three Kitcheneers for sharing your cooking skills with our readers.
We grow our fruit and vegetables here on our farm using sustainable farming methods. Our produce is sun ripened and picked daily at its peak for taste, and nutritional goodness then sold directly from our market to you.
Recipe Box
1. Preheat oven to 350º.
22
2. Cut romanesco florets off stem and cut stem into bite sized pieces. 3. Put in bowl and toss to cost with extra virgin olive oil. 4. Season with sea salt & coarse black pepper. 5. Lay out on a baking sheet in a single layer. 6. Bake for 1 hour, or until tender and cooked to taste.
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Formerly “Cinco De Mayo”
New Name ~ Same Chef/Owner Traditional Mexican Cuisine at Affordable Prices and Served with a Smile!
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Daily Lunch Specials Vegetarian & Kid-Friendly Meals
Open Daily Sunday - Thursday: 11am-9pm Friday & Saturday: 11am-10pm 1551 Main Street, Sarasota
941-917-0043
www.aztecasarasota.com 23
Post Office Box 161 Ellenton, Florida 34222
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Traditional British Sunday Roast Trivia Night @ 7:30pm $5 Pizza & 50¢ Chicken Wings! Sangria & Tapas Spanish Acoustic Guitar Music with Dean & Jo of Duende Famous Indian Curry Night Live Music & Open Mic Night! Sports all Day on 4 HD TV's! Live Music starts at 8pm
The White Horse Pub
Specializing in Delicious Home Cooked
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941-358-1353 6240 N. Lockwood Ridge Road • Sarasota, Florida 34243 www.the-white-horse-pub.com
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