Tuesday 31 March 2009

Conch munch

Ever wanted to know how to make the best conch fritters? Check out this recipe and method from Chef Vern Thomas, who makes the fritters to a traditional Bahamian recipe.

Enjoy!

Thursday 26 March 2009

Nearby nosh-ups

Looking for some good eats in the area surrounding Anna Maria Island? Well, we wouldn't normally reccommend you leaving our special little spot, but if you gotta go ... well, here are some of our favorites close by.

Miller’s Dutch Kitch’n
‘Just downright good eat’n’ is promised at this traditional eatery, founded by Ervin and Erma Miller who left Amish country in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1981 to start a new life on Florida's Gulf Coast. Favorite specials for each day of the week include cabbage rolls on a Monday, Dutch casserole on Tuesdays, and baked turkey and dressing every Thursday.
http://www.millersdutchkitchen.com/home.html

MarVista Restaurant
Housed in one of the oldest buildings on Longboat Key, this old-style Florida restaurant dates back to 1912. With views over Sarasota Bay from the deck not surprisingly there is a heavy emphasis on seafood, with steamer pots a specialty.
http://www.marvista-restaurant.com/index.html

Anna Maria Oyster Bar – Cortez
Located just five minutes from Anna Maria Island, the Oyster Bar is one of three in the Bradenton area. An island atmosphere awaits, especially once you visit the restaurant’s very own tiki bar and sample the seafood delights on offer with daily specials including All-you-can-eat fish ‘n’ chips, live Maine lobster and Alaskan King crab legs.
http://oysterbar.net/index.html

Tuesday 17 March 2009

Kermit's Key Lime magic

Well, all this talk of food must be making you hungry! So what about a nice recipe idea for Key Lime Pie from one of the masters of the art.
Watch as Kermit (not that one!) talks you through the importance of good ingredients and the process of making the best pie on Earth!

Sunday 15 March 2009

Eat, drink and be merry

Continuing our initial look at the restaurants available on Anna Maria Island, let's look at three interesting venues. All of them are worth a visit.

Anna Maria Café
Part bakery, part garden furniture store, and with an internet café tacked on for good measure, there are many reasons to stop by Anna Maria Café. Jane E and her staff will whip you up a coffee and a wide choice of frittatas, quiches, muffins, scones, bagels and sandwiches.
http://www.annamariacafe.com/

Beach Bistro
With more awards than you could shake a Golden Spoon at, Beach Bistro offers a truly fine dining experience in a wonderful setting. With a wine list featuring over 300 entries and food rated consistently highly by Zagat Guide, take your tastebuds on a holiday they will never forget.
http://www.beachbistro.com/

Banana Cabana
Step away from Bradenton Beach and into a little piece of the Caribbean. Fill up on conch chowder, conch fritters, plantains and mango crab cake and wash it down with a large selection of Caribbean beers.
http://www.bananacabanaseafood.com/home.nxg

Tuesday 10 March 2009

Food, glorious food

Okay, so keeping with the theme of good eating, here's another of Anna Maria Island'a celebrated venues.
With more awards than you could shake a Golden Spoon at, Beach Bistro offers a truly fine dining experience in a wonderful setting. With a wine list featuring over 300 entries and food rated consistently highly by Zagat Guide, take your tastebuds on a holiday they will never forget.
And there is one more good reason to dine in style at the Bistro - the Bistro Bus.
Every weekend on Anna Maria you can call the restaurant and they will come and get you, no matter what size your party.
On weekdays the Bistro will also provides special reservation service for parties of eight or more from Bradenton, Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch and special service for members of The Concession.
At today’s prices, gas is more expensive than beer, so as they say, don’t drive — drink.
http://www.beachbistro.com/

Tuesday 3 March 2009

Food, glorious food

Hello there and welcome to a brand new blog in which we will be showcasing some of the finest places to eat on and near Anna Maria Island, Florida.
We think it's the finest little piece of land on the planet, and part of that is the varied and interesting array of food available to the visitor and resident alike.
But so much more than that, Anna Maria Island is also a great place for buying fresh fish and fruit and vegetables caught and grown locally. As a result we will also be taking a look at some traditional Florida cuisine and even give you some recipes so you can cook up a storm yourselves.
So, let's start with a real local favorite on the island, the Beach House Restaurant.
Watch the sun set on the deck before listening to the nightly live music at one of Anna Maria’s most popular beachfront restaurants. An impressively varied lunch and dinner menu, with naturally a heavy emphasis on seafood, and plenty of sand for the kids to play in make this a great choice for families.
Visit the restaurant's website at www.beachhouse-restaurant.com/