October 2012 by Town Taster

TownTaster M

October 2012

E FRE E

Volume 1 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 9

The Green Winer The Best Containers for Aging Wine

Town Tasters

Explore all your options for Fall Fun in October!

Our TownTasters visit The BeacHhouse Restaurant & Bella Mia Grill this month

Pages 12-13

Chocolate Chip Cookies - Vegan Style!

For the Love of Food... w w w.To w nTa s t e r. c o m

SUBSCRIBE TODAY - FREE!

TEXT

"LOVEFOOD"

to 72727

For Weekly Dining Specials!

Fall is here!

From the Editor October 2012 Volume 1, Issue 9 Publisher

PCI Publishing, LLC

Editor

Valerie Longo 941-932-8884

Sales Manager Wendy Hamilton

Web Design

Syd Krawczyk Concept Digital Media

Social Media Lenny Longo

Graphic Design Glenn Huston

Contributing Authors Chef Richard Chaney Laura Manning The Three Kitcheneers Gary O’Brien Beverly Scott Larry Woodham

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

Ahhh, can you smell it?! The sweet smell of October… pumpkin pies, pumpkin festivals, caramel apples, sweet roasted corn, kettle corn. Shall I go on? There is not just one smell that launches us into fall, but a melting pot of autumn pleasures that will tease each of your senses. We may not have leaves of red, yellow and orange, but our community has no shortfall of fall festivals and splendid foods and we are about to explore your options! Whether you are new to the area or a Florida native, admit you can’t resist the simple things in life like enjoying a beautiful fall breeze, munching on some tasty roasted corn and dreaming of where you can get your hands on that sweet crunchy caramel apple! If you are now drooling – jump right to our calendar on page 5 and read about all the fantastic festivals, charity events & tastings going on this month. So you like special surprises, right? What about getting a free appetizer, glass of wine, or maybe a free dessert when going out to dinner? Well hold onto your forks because we have an exciting announcement for you! Starting NOW you can sign up to receive text messaging specials right to your phone… Wondering where to go for lunch or need a perfect idea for a date night? Let us help direct you in the right direction. Just text LOVEFOOD to 72727 to start receiving awesome deals right to your phone. And just for joining, you will be entered into our weekly drawings for FREE restaurant gift certificates. Exciting news right?! Speaking of something new – we have added a new section this issue! Our “Meet the Chef” column lets you go into the kitchen and learn about the masterminds behind the best restaurants in town. This issue – enjoy meeting Owner/Chef Gaetano Cannata from Ortygia. Know the passion behind the menu – we are sure you will want to go check it out! As you can see, we are full of surprises this season. There is more to come - so keep checking on our facebook page and our website for more excitement! In the meantime, keep flipping through the pages of this issue to find compelling articles – exquisite recipes and informative articles. The Three Kitcheneers and MySarasotaChef are dishing out some tasty recipes you won’t want to miss. One last note – don’t forget to turn to page 21 and fill out our survey about your favorite holiday foods. The results will be published in an upcoming issue so you can see what the hottest traditions are around town. Happy Tasting!

~ Valerie

“Love and food are the two greatest things in the world, and I’ve got a love for food.”

~ Carmen

Carmen & Kay Rizzo, Owners

Ask about our weekly specials Dishes are fresh & made to order Desserts straight from Italy Full Liquor Martini Bar

Live Entertainment Most Nights

“Absolutely excellent!!! The food, of course, and the ambience, friendly staff. The perfect place to go. We’ll definitely be back.” ~Gloria, TownTaster reader

Karaoke – Friday 10pm

Tues - Wed: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Thu - Fri: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Sat - Sun: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Bring in this ad for a

FREE Fresh Tomato & Basil Bruschetta Appetizer

With purchase of menu item. TownTaster Magazine. Expires 10/31/12 Limit one per table. Not to be combined with any other offer.

515 27th St E. Bradenton, FL 34208  (941) 745-1540  carmensitaliancafe.com 3

Ladies Night Out • Oct 24 • 5:00 - 10:00 pm in the Martini Bar

2 5 7 8 11 15

In the Mix

Fall is Here From the Editor

Features in this Issue

Calendar

TownTaster Review

The Three Kitcheneers Chocolate Chip Cookies

17 19 Bella Mia Grill 20 The Green Winer

Which Container is Best?

TownTaster Review

Meet the Chef Gaetano Cannata: Ortygia

Feature Article:

Seasonal Ingredient

Be Gluten Free

Squash: My Sarasota Chef pages 12-13

Octoberfest 6th Hungarian Festival

18/ 19

Empty Bowls 2012

Kar-B-Que

First Annual Stone Crab Festival

Michael’s on East - Open House Wine Tasting

A relaxing afternoon and opportunity to discover new favorite vintages among more than 60 fabulous wines! Admission is $10. 1-4 p.m. No RSVP required. Michael’s Wine Cellar, 1283 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34239.

ChowDown for Charity

October 8 – Nov 4 Oktoberfest at The German Inn

Sarasota/Bradenton Food Day

14th Annual Firehouse Chili Cook-Off

Celebrate Hungarian Heritage. Try Hungarian dishes, desserts and wines. Activities for all ages. Cost: $10 / day, free for kids under 12 years. Fri 7pm-1am, Sat-Sun 12-10pm at Sarasota County Fairgrounds. www.gffusa.org.

Early Learning Coalition & Manatee Sunrise Kiwanis join together for a good old fashioned family barbeque and Car Show! 11am-9pm Manatee County Fairgrounds. See page 14 for complete details.

Enjoy special German Beers and food celebrating German Heritage. www.germaninnbradenton.com. 304 15th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34205. 941-748-5658.

Michael’s on East - Wine Dinner Tour of Italy

Oct 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival

Hosted by Maurilio Purpura 7 p.m. An extravagant, multi-course feast paired with fine wines from around the world. $95/person, plus tax & tip. Michael’s Wine Cellar, 1283 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34239. 941-3660007, ext. 224 or visit www.bestfood.com.

Admission $8, Children 12 and under are free, Parking $5. Food, fun, shows, crafts, and more! Hunsader Farms, 5500 CR 675, Bradenton. www.hunsaderfarms.com

Oct 18 11am -1pm at Renaissance on 9th, Bradenton. Oct 19,11am-1pm- LWR Main Street. Enjoy a variety of delicious soups from local restaurants and take home a unique, handcrafted ceramic bowl made by local potters - all for $20. All proceeds benefit The Food Bank of Manatee. Tickets: 941-749-0100 or www.foodbankofmanatee.org.

Fresh Stone Crabs right off the boat as we celebrate the opening of Stone Crab season. Live music & food and drink specials. LWR Main Street by Pinchers Crab Shack from 10am – 9pm. Information: 941-922-1515 or www.pincherscrabshack.com

Taste-ful Events

5/ 7

Come rub elbows with the community’s exceptional chefs, sample their finest restaurant fare, and be tantalized by the dishes prepared by the area’s top restaurants. 6-8pm, Riverhouse Banquets & Weddings Facility in Palmetto. See page 6 for complete details.

An event by Slow Foods of Greater Sarasota to bring awareness to the people in the community about local food resources. Farm to Fork Lunch also available. King Farm in Bradenton, 10AM-4PM. Info & tickets: facebook.com/ SarasotaBradentonFoodDay or www.wepay. com/events/fooddaysarasota.

Over a dozen of Sarasota Fire Houses will compete against each other for the title of the “Best Fire House Chili in Sarasota.” Morton’s Gourmet Market, 2-5PM. Live entertainment while you sample all chili for only $5. Proceeds to benefit the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund. http://www.mortonschili.com/

Nov 3rd - BBQ Battle 9:00am till 6:00pm - Live music, kids zone,

great food, craft vendors. It’s at the American Legion Post 24. 2000 75th Street NW, Bradenton. Contact info: Tony Noble 941-323-0221 or noblawl@gmail.com 5

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200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 • 941.779.2222

www.beachhouse.groupersandwich.com

.c w.TownTaster

Appetizer: BUD & OLD BAY SHRIMP. HOUSe SALADS wItH MAngO, BLUe cHeeSe AnD cAnDIeD cASHewS wItH RASPBeRRY vInAIgRette. Entrées: StUffeD fLOUnDeR with rice and asparagus and gROUPeR wItH MeUnIeRe SAUce with fries and asparagus.

Kid Friendly: YeS ~ Easy to Find: YeS ~ Reservations: nO ~ Would you Recommend? YeS

Comments

“The view is worth the drive...we live in Gulf Gate. They also have chairs there just to watch the sunset so you don’t have to sit at a table if you don’t want to eat... you could just have a drink. The manager was very accommodating and gave us a great table to see the sunset. Our waitresses name was Monica and she had great recommendations and pointed out a few of her favorites on the menu. Wine list isn’t extensive but it gets the job done and they have a good beer list.”

Atmosphere/ Ambiance

Laid back & beachy. Servers were in Hawaiian shirts. All the tables outside are plastic tables and chairs. There are also tables out in the sand with beach umbrellas. They also have a gift shop as soon as you come into the restaurant so you can take home a souvenir.

Interesting Menu Items

Just added sushi to the menu and they also have ceviche. They serve coconut pineapple bread (tastes like a pina colada :)

Favorite Menu Item

The stuffed Flounder with rice and asparagus.

A special thanks to this issue's TownTasters

Laura Manning

for giving her stamp of approval to The BeacHhouse!

About our TownTaster:

Age: 33 • Hometown: Sarasota Hobbies: Reading, movies, cooking Favorite Food: I’m from Maryland...crabs and beer :)

Favorite Aspect of Restaurant

Having a clear shot of the water and being able to watch an amazing sunset while you eat.

Each month, our TownTaster reviews are completed by loyal readers who want a chance to share their dining experiences. If you would like a chance to be chosen as a TownTaster and enjoy a dinner for two register on our website TownTaster.com 7 7

s ie k o o C ip h C e t a l o c o Vegan Ch

What is it about a chocolate chip cookie that is so sublimely wonderful? Honestly, is there anything better than biting into a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie? There’s something nostalgic about this childhood favorite that even Santa knows is feel good food. The history behind this American favorite goes something like this: Ruth Wakefield, who graduated in 1924 to work as a dietitian, and her husband bought the tourist lodge, The Toll House Inn, where she accidentally invented one of the most tried and true recipes of all time. Ruth loved to bake desserts for her guests, especially Butter Drop Do cookies. On one fateful day, she went to make her favorite cookies and realized she was out of the necessary baker’s chocolate. She decided to substitute a semi-sweet chocolate bar that she chopped into bits. When she pulled the cookies from the oven she realized that the bits only softened instead of melting completely. One bite in and she knew she had created a masterpiece.

Turns out that semi-sweet bar was a gift from the one and only Andrew Nestle of, you guessed it, Nestle Chocolate Company. As Ruth’s cookies gained popularity, sales of Nestle’s chocolate bar increased, leading Andrew and Ruth to strike a deal that would land Ruth’s Toll House Cookie recipe on the packaging of Nestle’s chocolates for decades to come. On top of it all, the mother of all desserts was given a lifetime supply of Nestle chocolate. How lucky can one woman be?? Our cookies are a modern day twist on a timeless favorite. We want to eat a ton of cookies, so it only makes sense that we keep the wonderful taste that makes them so special while swapping out a few ingredients to make them a bit healthier. See how that works? Healthy cookies = eat a ton of them. We’re not very good at math, but that seems like a pretty legitimate equation. This dessert is cane sugar free, which is nicer on your glycemic index. Plus, they’re whole grain and full of Omega’s from the

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Adjust oven racks to upper and lower thirds and heat to 350 degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. Combine walnuts and oats in bowl of a food processor, process until finely ground. Mix walnut mixture, both flours, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Blend oil, maple syrup, agave, and vanilla in a small bowl. Pour oil mixture wet over flour mixture and stir until thoroughly combined and a dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips, you may need to use your hands as this is a very sticky dough. You won’t mind licking the dough from your fingers one bit. 3. Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion dough between baking sheets, about 16-18 cookies. Gently flatten cookies with the palm of your hand. Bake until puffed and browned, about 13-15 minutes, switching pans from top rack to bottom and bottom to top, and rotating from front to back halfway through cooking time. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to cooling rack to cool. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

White whole wheat flour is a milder, lighter 100% whole wheat flour, it can be found in most larger grocery stores. Some brands of chocolate chips contain dairy, so to keep these cookies vegan, be sure to buy vegan chocolate chips. 3/4 cup toasted walnuts 1/2 cup old fashioned oats 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour 1/2 cup unbleached all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/3 cup grapeseed or vegetable oil 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, grade B 1/3 cup raw agave nectar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

walnuts. Not to mention that they are totally vegan, so no animal products of any kind. We felt healthy just writing that. They are pretty nutritious as cookies go but feel free to make them even more wholesome by substituting the all-purpose flour for white spelt flour and the white whole wheat flour for whole spelt flour. Chocolate chip cookies have been a part of our culture for almost a century. It’s hard to believe there was an era prechocolate chip. It’s also hard to imagine that other cultures may not find our beloved classic to be a go-to for sweet teeth. Thus, we think it is only right to make up for lost time and spread the joy that is this American favorite by doubling the batch and sharing the wealth with family, friends and neighbors. Now, these cookies are vegan, but if you want to dip them into a glass of milk, we won’t judge.

Check out www.ThreeKitcheneers.com for recipes, articles and webisodes. All food, all the time.

Gecko’s Grill & Pub

Oktoberfest October 8 - November 4

German Inn Bed & Breakfast Beer Garden Gecko’s Grill & Pub and TownTaster Magazine

We invite you to come and enjoy our Special German Beers & Food

would like to congratulate our

WINNER Herb Smith

Hometown: Westbury, NY • Current City: Bradenton, FL Favorite Gecko’s Dish: Panini Sandwich Favorite TownTaster Column: The Three Kitcheneers Organizations Served: Southern Manatee Fire Rescue, Emergency Services Memorial Fund President, Manatee County Natural Resource Dept volunteer, Prospect Riding Center volunteer, Venice Area Old Timer’s committee member, Myakka City Foundation volunteer, his band (Reckless Deriver) plays at various benefits during the year

304 15TH Street West bradenton • 941-748-5658

Available for Catering & Weddings

www.germaninnbradenton.com reservation@germaninnbradenton.com Mon - Fri • 4:00 - 8:30 Sat - Sun • 4:00 - 9:30 (Closed Wednesday)

Daily Teatime 11:30-4:00 • Reservations Requested

Check our website for weekly specials 100% Guaranteed

“He is a hero and not just because he is a fire fighter. He is a role model of what a good person looks like and goes out of his way to help everyone, even perfect strangers. He’s always helping our family and is like a second dad to me. He supports our troops and emergency services and will be the first to say thank you and shake their hand. He’s also a batallion chief and has saved multiple people, although you would never know it from the humbleness and modesty that shines from everything he does.” Nominated by: Katie Carberry, Bradenton

Florida Fresh Organics delivers the best in 100% Certified Organic produce to the Sarasota & Bradenton areas. Their personalized boxes of fruits and veggies will have you feeling and looking healthier. Customize your box menu with fruits and veggies that you love Weekly delivery, or choose your own schedule User-friendly website and top-notch customer service No contracts or commitments

(813) 949-1107 First Time Customers! 50% off your first box if you use the Promo Code: TASTE upon registration!

www.FloridaFreshOrganics.com 9

REAL I TA L I A N FOOD! E 16” CHEES A Z PIZ $11.50

749-0105

The Master Cabinet Maker, Inc. All Custom Cabinetry made in Palmetto, FL USA

Now Serv B e e r i ng & Wi ne

1914 14th Street West • Bradenton, FL Open Mon - Sun • 11am - 9pm

Every Day Special $5 (2 slices of cheese pizza & 20 oz. beverage)

Custom c decor accent

941-723-0278

Locally owned and operated by 3rd generation woodworker

OUR NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA

is made with fresh dough under the supervision of our expert pizza chefs.

Home of the

$2 Margarita! Text “TownTaster” to 941-677-1187 to be a member of El Sombrero’s VP Club for discounts!

1330 U.S. Hwy 301 N. Palmetto, FL (next to NAPA in the Hall Building on 301)

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Custom Design & Remodeling Kitchen, Bath, Home Office Entertainment Center & more Outdoor Kitchens Countertops

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MEXICAN RESTAURANT

941-723-4300

www.elsombrero941.com

EVERY DAY

SPECIALS!

MON: $1 MARGARITAS, $1 ENCHILADAS TUE: $1 TACO TUESDAY WED & THURS: $2 MARGARITAS Kids Under 10 Eat Free FRI - SUN : $1.5O PINTS, $2 MARGARITAS ALL DAY GREAT DINNER SPECIALS!

Awesome Mexican Food! Very authentic and well rounded menu. A couple minor changes since they’re rebranding but all for the better. This place continues to be my favorite place for Mexican Food in all of Manatee County. ~ Mark 10

Meet the Chef Meet Chef and restaurant owner Gaetano “Guy” Cannata and you will instantly be greeted as a friend. Six years ago, Cannata transformed a quaint little home in Village of the Arts into a remarkable home to a one of a kind dining experience called Ortygia. Step inside and you immediately forget where you are – surrounded by vivid colors, portraits and photographs reflecting his heritage. Immediately deep passion for food and good cooking flows from Gaetano’s soul, and there is no doubt that each plate of food comes from the heart. Each day, you will find Guy in the kitchen – he does it all. When he is done preparing a dish, you will probably find him filling up a glass of wine at a table or sitting down to learn about his guests. If you are lucky you may catch him playing a tune on his harmonica – a favorite pastime. The dining rooms are a perfect intimate setting for that special date or a dinner party with friends – you will feel right at home. One dining room is home to his eclectic pantry full of unique and savory ingredients. Jars full of capers, nuts and delicate porchini mushrooms line the shelves and are the inspiration to the next great dish at Ortygia. You will always find something new up his sleeve as he experiments with new flavor combinations! What is the inspiration behind it all? His childhood memories of family in the kitchen and always eating a home cooked meal each night. A chef who truly believes that fresh food and the finest of quality ingredients makes all the difference in the world – his creations are out of this world! He speaks of always having fresh ingredients in his kitchen and his father (a chef from New York) knowing just the right meals to prepare with them. Gaetano tells us, “I would find a great price on the freshest tomatoes at the market and my dad would tell me to buy 20 pounds of them.” Cooking with what is in season and using local ingredients is key and to this day, he loves going to the local farms and picking out the produce for the day. He creates his dishes based on ingredients not the latest fad.

Gaetano “Guy” Cannata Going back even further – family traditions are not the only thing that shape the flavors of Ortygia. A history lesson from Guy will help you understand the “Cuisine of the Monzu” that he is serving up. You will not find traditional Italian dishes, but a menu full of French Sicilian pleasures - a combination of flavors that comes from a Sicilian culture rich in cooking history and taste. The Paté di Pollo con Pistacchio is stunningly flavorful, with the perfect blend of spices and a smooth finish – an ideal pairing with a glass of light red wine for lunch. If that doesn’t make you grab your coat and run to Ortygia – the Torta Rustica is like no other - a ricotta filled tart with provolone and parmigiano cheese on a layer of proscuitto in a classic hand rolled crust. If you have not been to Ortygia to dine with Gaetano you are truly missing out. His expertise in the kitchen is chock full of flavors from his heritage and brimming with rich culture. He knows his stuff and is waiting for you to come by to say hello. You will surely be welcomed in as if you are a long lost friend coming over for a nice relaxing dinner. See you at Ortygia!

Getting personal Favorite ingredients: Artichoke & fennel Favortie meal: Mom’s pasta and sauce with everything in it – the perfect Sunday dinner!

Favorite snack: Paté with a light red wine Ortygia • 1418 13th St. W., Bradenton • Village of the Arts 941-741-8646 • ortygiarestaurant.com

a i l o n Mag

Our favorite places to eat are:

Bella Mia Grill

Come shop with us before you go to lunch!

l l a M Antique

Glass & China Antiques Collectibles Fine Gifts Howards Refinishing Products Gift Certificates

2006-2012 PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

3411 U.S. Hwy 301, Ellenton, FL About 1 mile W of I-75 exit #224

941-722-5255 Open Mon - Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5

i s s a l C s i n iwa

Kar-B-Q Good 'Ole Fashioned Family BBQ • Family Activities Live Entertainment • Classic Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles!

Saturday, October 6, 2012 • 11:00 am-9:00 pm Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Avenue West, Palmetto, FL Admission: $5 adults, $3 kids under 10, under 5 free

Food Vendors Include:

Riverside Cafe

Chubbie’s BBQ

Old Heidelberg by Manatee Sunrise Kiwanis Foundation Inc., a 501c3 corporation • All proceeds directly benefit our community. For more information, email us at manateesunrisekiwanis@gmail.com

My Sarasota Chef Living in Florida we benefit from an abundance of fresh produce year round. Anticipation of fall vegetables makes every trip to the farmers market so much more enjoyable to see what has finally arrived. Butternut Squash is always a crowd pleaser! A friend of mine, who is a former Head Chef for banquets at a local high-end hotel, had a recipe for a West Indian Pumpkin Soup that people would go nuts for it. He verbally gave it to me and when my clients started to ask for this specific recipe - I asked him for the hotel’s recipe. He laughed just like any great chef would and he said “depends who makes it”! One thing is certain - it’s always butternut squash and it is very simple to make. What is great is that you can vary the spice mixture for your own liking and making it a little different every time. In the West Indies they use the Calabaza which is one of many varieties of pumpkins that they grow, however butternut squash is a great substitute because of it’s low water content compared to most other squash.

West Indian Pumpkin Soup

Chef Richard Chaney is a personal chef in Sarasota. Specializing in preparing gourmet meals for special occasions, dinner parties, private cooking classes or a romantic dinner for two. Visit his website www. Mysarasotachef.com or call 941.223.9040 for more information.

3 butternut squash or calabaza peeled and cut in half 1.5 cups brown sugar 1 Tbls grated fresh ginger 1 Tbls orange zest Preheat oven to 400 degrees In a bowl mix together the brown sugar, ginger, and orange zest. Pack sugar mixture in to the cavity of the squash in a baking dish and roast in the oven for about 40 min to 1 hour. Remove when squash is soft and sugar is bubbly. Let it cool. 1/4 cup olive oil 1 med onion diced 2 sweet potatoes peeled and diced 1 to 2 Tbls minced garlic 1-2 scotch bonnets seeded and diced (this is a type of red chili pepper) 1 Tbls curry powder 1 tsp salt 1 cinnamon stick 2 sprigs of fresh thyme 2 cups of chicken stock

In a large sauce pan over med high heat, heat olive oil and sauté the onions and sweet potatoes until the onions are translucent and potatoes have some color. Add garlic, scotch bonnets, curry powder and salt. Continue to sauté for 2 minutes. Add cinnamon stick and thyme, add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Dice the cooled butternut squash and add to simmering liquid; add more stock if necessary just to cover. Bring back to a simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the cinnamon and thyme. Remove 1/3 of the soup mixture and puree in a blender. Return the puree to the soup mixture and stir. Add 3/4 cup of cream and 1/4 cup of coconut milk and adjust the seasoning * Omit cream for lower fat version * Substitute butter for the olive oil for a higher fat version * Puree all of the soup for a totally smooth version * Tip - make it the day before but add the cream just before serving it. Today’s soup is always better tomorrow

Weekly Dining Specials Now TownTaster readers can get weekly specials sent right to your phone!!

TEXT

"LOVEFOOD"

to 72727

to start getting updates

BONUS:

Each week we will select a random number from those who sign up to receive a FREE gift certificate to a local restaurant! What are you waiting for?!

Authentic Italian Cuisine • Pizza • Pastas • Appetizers • Desserts • Soups/ Salads • Sandwiches • Lunch Specials All cooking done on premises! “Dare you to find a better pizza than this!”

O r la n d

o, Age 3

www.ferrarositaliangrille.com

“A place where friends meet friends!” Three Locations: Bradenton • Lakewood Ranch • Parrish 8 34 8 US 30 1 N., Parrish • 941.723.1111 16

What Container is the Best for Bulk Storing & Aging of Wine? Since the art of wine making began thousands of years ago, we have used a multitude of containers for storing and aging our wines. There was a time when animal skins and clay/earthen amphora were the containers of choice. Some of the greatest cultures of ancient civilization (the Egyptians, Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, etc.) would have produced world-class wines using these basic of storage containers. We know that they were world-class, because we have examined the residue inside the wine containers from many ancient tombs and shipwrecks. Through the ages, we have sought better and more affordable types of wine storage containers. In the middle-ages, as Europe became the focal point of grape growing and wine production, the classic oak wine barrel became the wine storage container of choice. Oak was plentiful and could be easily manufactured into wine barrels. Of course, at this time, any environmental concerns were non-existent. Then came the industrial age. The late 19th and early 20th century heralded the dawn of newer and innovative wine storage materials and manufacturing techniques. Hand-blown glass demijohns and steel storage tanks entered the scene. The glass demijohn was the better choice, but it was expensive and somewhat difficult to produce. The steel storage tanks were cheap and easily manufactured, but had a major downside…they ‘Rusted’. Rust and wine just don’t go well together. Soon, however, science and industry combined their efforts and developed ’stainless steel’ wine storage tanks. Because it can be cleaned and reused and because it lasts a very long time, Stainless steel is still used today by most factory wineries. This brings us to the present time. Today, most wineries are using one of the following three containers for bulk wine storage…”Oak, Stainless Steel or Glass Carboys”. From an environmental aspect, oak is the worst choice. Oak trees can live for hundreds of years and can remove and tie up huge quantities of carbon from our atmosphere. According to scientists around the world, excess carbon is a prime suspect in global warming. Additionally, oak trees provide welcome shade for us and a home for an infinite variety of birds, squirrels and other wildlife. One of the biggest downsides of oak barrels is that they have a very limited lifespan. Because oak is porous it cannot be cleaned and sanitized properly. At some point most will end their lives as planters at a lawn and garden store. If a winery is committed to the taste of oak, they can use oak chips instead to flavor their wine. By the way, new oak barrels are extremely expensive (300 ~ 600 US dollars each).

Guess who pays this cost? Stainless steel tanks are a much better choice than oak for bulk storage of wine. Stainless steel tanks are easily manufactured. Although they won’t last forever, they will last a very long time. At the end of their lifespan, they can be melted and recycled. Throughout their usable life, they can be cleaned and sanitized and reused over and over. Because of the alloys used to create the stainless steel, some small amount of leaching can occur into the wines. Overall, stainless steel is my second

best choice for bulk wine storage. This leads us to my #1 choice! Glass is, by far, the best material for the long-term storing of wine! Glass can be reused “FOREVER”! Glass can be easily cleaned and sanitized! However, the biggest reason that glass gets my thumbs up is that glass is…”INERT”! Glass does NOT affect the taste of the wine that’s stored in it! If your goal is to produce world class wines and to retain the full taste, flavor & bouquet of the grape or fruit, glass is the ONLY choice! Please consider when we go to the store or winery and buy a bottle of wine, 99% of the time our wine package is made from glass! What would you think of a winery that offered its wine in only ‘Oak’ or ‘Stainless Steel’ bottles? So, the choices are clear! Bulk Oak wine storage gets…2 thumbs down. Bulk Stainless Steel wine storage gets…1½ thumbs up! Bulk Glass wine storage gets…2 thumbs up!! Made the right way…’Unfiltered’…Wine is a marvelous product. Wine aged in glass…is the best that it can be!! Salute and Happy Days! (This ‘Green Winer’ wine Blog is created by me, Larry Woodham. The views and statements contained herein are exclusively mine. They DO Not necessarily reflect the views of TownTaster magazine. If you have any comments or questions on this Blog or suggestions for future Blogs, please email me at BunkerHillVine@aol.com.

Saturday

$2 Yuengling drafts and $7.99 Sloppy Joe Platter

Sunday

$3 16oz. Miller Lite and Coors Light Alumuninum • $6.99 Wings

Monday & Thursday

$2 Mich Ultra drafts Free giveaways for all games

Mr. Cheesecake & More

Where Elegant Meets Delicious! Mr. Cheesecake & More has been Creating delicious memories for over 20 years. Specializing in Cheesecake Wedding Cakes, we also bake Specialty Cakes, Layered Cakes of Cheesecake and Cake combined, and More. Don’t forget our Groom’s Cakes, Mini Dessert Trays, Cannolies, Cream Puffs, Eclairs and More! With a variety of flavor combinations and skilled design we would be honored to help create a memorable and delicious cake for you! Contact us today so we can start your unique cake today! 941-747-5955 Check us out on the Web! www.mrcheesecakeinc.com www.facebook.com/mrcheesecakeandmore 1128 30th Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34205 18

Win An Authentic NFL Hat each Sunday! Delicious Steamed Clams & Peel & Eat Shrimp

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Bella Mia Grill

102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto, FL 34221 • 941.479.7827

www.bellamiagrill.com

.c w.TownTaster

Appetizer: Calamari - Over 1/2 lb of the Best Calamari, hand floured and seasoned to order, served with our Signature marinara Sauce. BruSChetta - Fresh hand selected local Vine ripe tomatoes, Garlic and herbs, Fresh Organic Basil with our imported XVOO from italy, served with toasted Ciabatta Bread and Shaved Parmesan Cheese. Entrées: Filet marSala - 8oz. (medallion Styletournedos) Center Cut Filet mignon Grilled with Fresh mushrooms and Finished with our Signature marsala reduction. OSSO BuCCO - 24oz. all Natural Fresh Pork infused with our Peppercorn rub and Classic White Wine Demi-glace, Slow Braised and Finished with Fresh mushrooms Dessert: ChOCOlate Cake - a Chocoholic’s Dream! rich Flourless Chocolate Cake with a Fudge Glaze.

Kid Friendly: YeS ~ Easy to Find: YeS ~ Reservations: NO ~ Would you Recommend? YeS

Favorite Aspect of the Restaurant

Comments “Overall we found the restaurant to be very good. The food was well prepared overall and offered a range of tastes to suit most palates. We found the wine list to be somewhat lacking compared to the food but the wine was served at the correct temperatures which is always a positive.”

We love waterfront dining, so being at the marina with the boats visible through the windows was very pleasant. There is also outside dining that looks like it would have provided better views.

Food Quality

The filet marsala was perfectly cooked medium and the marsala sauce was delightful. The chocolate cake was very, very good and the homemade whipped cream was spectacular.

Favorite Menu Item

The bruschetta was very fresh with great flavors. It easily could have been an appetizer for 4 people.

A special thanks to this issue's TownTasters

Gary & Allison O’Brien

for giving their stamp of approval to Bella Mia!

About our TownTasters:

Age: 33-45 • Hometown: Lakewood Ranch Hobbies: Food, wine, water sports, golf Favorite Food: We love most food

For the Love of Food Tell us what you think! And you could be a winner…

WIN - WIN - WIN Beverly Scott is the founder of Gluten Free by Beverly, Inc., a wholesale business in Sarasota, Florida producing gluten-free Italian frozen foods. Will I get all the vitamins and minerals I need from my gluten-free diet? — Esther W. Following a gluten-free diet may result in lower levels of some minerals and nutrients that are used to enrich grains, but careful additions to your diet of foods you may not eat regularly should overcome this. Your physician or dietitian can provide a guideline for changes to your diet that are essential for your health. The key nutrients that may be lowered without enriched grains in your diet are, calcium, fiber, folate, iron, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin. A search of the internet using “gluten-free food sources for (the nutrient)” will provide you with many choices for addition or increase in your diet to make sure you are meeting your daily needs. If you find that you seem to missing certain ones, supplements are available. Some may be met adequately in your daily vitamin and mineral pill. Please make sure that any supplements you take are gluten-free. Read the labels carefully, many will state that they are.

We want to know about your favorites! Tell us about it and have a chance to win a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

What is your favorite holiday meal or dish?

Tell us your favorite local restaurants for holiday dining specials.

What is your favorite seasonal ingredient?

*Name: Address: *Phone: Email:

I have seen your products appearing in several new places, can you please give me a complete up-to-date list? Stephen R. Yes, Stephen, we have expanded our distribution lately! Remember, if you would like to see us at your local grocer please, request it there! For a complete list of locations, see our website www.beverlysglutenfree.com

___ 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

TownTa ste

Or go to TownTaster.com to complete this survey.

r G

Septemb

Only one submission per household please. *Required fields.

The Florida

Perfect Pesto

- Get your

Our reade rs visit Carme n's Café & Red Italian this month Elepha nt Pizza

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Celebrate in

Weddings

& Events

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Style:

Restaurants roll out accomm odate your their red carpets to special event

Another amazing “hero” named for her to our commu dedication nity

SUB SCR

Plent y to do in the Comm unit Food y this Month

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Volume 1 • Issue 8

Winer

Grape Harves

greens in!

Town Tasters

For the Lov e

er 2012

The Green

s n o i t c e l e S h c n u 8L

8 $ R e d FoR Un

$5 oFF

TTM

on any check over $30.00. Present coupon, not valid with other coupons or offers, one per table. dine in only. expires: 12-31-12

on the Corner of Lorraine & SR 70 Lunch & dinner daily  direct TV Sports Package Outdoor Patio  Banquet & Meeting Room Full Liquor Bar  Sunday Brunch Buffet $14.99 14475 SR 70 • Lakewood Ranch

941.756.9400

www.theranchflorida.com

Hours: 11am - Close Sunday: 10am - Close Happy Hour 4-7pm and 9pm to Close

$3 oFF

TTM

SUnday BRUnCh BUFFeT

Present coupon, one per person. dine in only. expires: 12-31-12. not valid with other coupons or offers.

Kids eat

FRee

on WedneSdayS ages Ten & Under, Selections from the Children’s Menu

Up to two children per adult entree purchase. not valid with other coupons. dine in only.

10% Discount on Food Items Gratefully Provided for Active Military-EMT-Fire Rescue-Police-Teachers. Discount good for credential carrier only. Kindly provide ID

Hours: Monday - Sunday • 11am - Close

On the corner of Lorraine & SR 70

50’s and 60’s Style Ice Cream Shop Classic Signature Creations Cones • Bowls • Smoothies Shakes • Sundaes • Popcorn Pretzels • Cookies & Sweets

10% entire Your OFF order!

Present coupon, not valid with other coupons or offers, one per order. Exp.12/31/2012

Party room

Available

For a limited time only!

SCan ThIS Code Look for the Like Us Coupon On Our Facebook Page & Redeem an awesome Coupon!

P: 941.756.9440 www.memorylaneicecream.com

21 Toppings

Your Guide to

Good Food

Eds

Carmen's Italian Cafe

Minto Communities

515 27th St. E. Bradenton, FL 34208 941.745.1540 www.carmensitaliancafe.com

12300 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, FL 34209 888.347.1837 www.mintofla.com

Ceviche

Mixon Fruit Farms

1216 1st Street Sarasota, FL 34236 941.952.1036 www.ceviche.com

2525 27th St. E. Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.5829 www.mixon.com

Ed's Tavern

Mr. Cheesecake & More

10719 Rodeo Dr. Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 813.949.1107 www.edstavernlwr.com

El Sombrero 1330 US Hwy 301 N. Palmetto, FL 34221 941.723.4300 www.elsombrero941.com

1128 30th Ave. W.

FL 34205 Mr. Cheesecake Bradenton, 941-747-5955 & More www.mrcheesecakeinc.com

The Master Cabinet Maker, Inc.

Master Cabinet Maker Palmetto, Florida 941.723.0278 www.themastercabinetmaker.com

Ferraro's Italian Grille

Ortygia

8348 US 301 N. Parrish, FL 34219 941.723.1111 www.ferrarositaliangrille.com

1418 13th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205 941.741.8646 www.ortygiarestaurant.com

Florida Fresh Organics

The Ranch Grill

813.949.1107 www.FloridaFreshOrganics.com

14475 SR 70 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.756.9400 www.theranchflorida.com

The German Inn

Riverhouse Reef & Grill

304 15th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941.748.5658 www.germaninnbradenton.com

995 Riverside Drive Palmetto, Fl 34222 941.729.0616 www.riverhousereef.com

Magnolia Antique Mall

San Remo Pizza & Pasta

3411 US Hwy Ellenton, FL 34222 941.722.5255

1914 14th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941.749.0105

A Wish Fulfilled. The Ones You Love.

The Luxury of Time.

Waterfront Resort Living on Florida’s Last Private Island. Start with maintenance-included, energy-efficient homes designed for care-free coastal living. Combine with resort-style amenities like a private clubhouse, pool, cabanas and marina. Top off with the pleasures of Anna Maria Island. It all adds up to the Florida resort lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. A place to gather family and friends today and celebrate all the tomorrows to come. Award-Winning Designs | Enduring Quality | Incomparable Value

Exquisite Island Homes from the $370s to $500s. Energy Star Certified | Move-in Ready | Models Open Daily

minto creates better places to inspire life

mintofla.com • (888) 347-1837 12300 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209 On SR 64. Turn right just before the Anna Maria Island Bridge Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Oral representations cannot be relied upon a correctly stating the representations of the developer. For correct representations, make reference to the purchase agreement and homeowner documents, including the documents required by section 718.503, Florida Statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee in condominium communities. Not an offer where prohibited by state statutes. CBC 1258779, CGC 1505726, CGC 1519880. 10/2012.