Florida's Gulf Islands Visitors Guide® 2009 - (Page 38) SUNSET DINING 1. SEE THE SUNSET UP-CLOSE from beachfront tables at the Gulf Drive Café on the Gulf. 2. SEND THE SUN OFF IN SONG (“You Are My Sunshine”) at the lively Sun House Restaurant. 3. GUESS THE EXACT TIME the sun sets from the outside deck at the Sandbar and you’ll be able to celebrate with a complimentary bottle of bubbly. 4. THE LOCALS INSIST that a picnic at Bean Point is a great way to enjoy a quiet sunset on Anna Maria Island. ICE CREAM 1. JOE’S EATS & SWEETS in Bradenton Beach 2. MIXON FRUIT FARMS in Bradenton 3. TYLER’S ICE CREAM in Cortez Village 4. BRUSTER’S in Lakewood Ranch 5. SHAKE PIT in Bradenton 6. TWO SCOOPS in Anna Maria 7. SS SCOOPS in Bradenton Beach 8. SWEET BERRIES in Bradenton Casual Dining INTERNATIONAL TASTE TRIP Just when you thought you’d landed in Florida, you are transported to an international center of gastronomic pleasure. The restaurants in the shopping district of Main Street at Lakewood Ranch are proving to be a delicious trip around the world. Among the authentic flavors are Astoria Fine Russian Cuisine serving Borscht, Vareniky, Golubtzy; MacAllisters boasting the best whisky, food and Scottish-style hospitality; the Serving Spoon, a family restaurant fostering good feelings, warmth and community spirit; Saijo Sushi offering fusion and original sushi made with only the finest fish and best sushi rice; Paris Bistrot, a traditional French bistro specializing in buckwheat and sugar crepes and Viennoiseries (croissants and pastries); and Polo Grill and Bar serving American cuisine with a global soul. MAIN STREET AT LAKEWOOD RANCH 8131 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch, 941-552-2706 www.shoplakewoodranchmainstreet.net Main Street at Lakewood Ranch features an international collection of restaurants including fine Russian cuisine, Asian flavors, the feel of a Scottish castle, authentic French dishes, or delicious American fare. Map grid H-7. MANGROVE GRILL 102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto 941-723-2556, www.mangrovegrill.com Seafood; L, D, W, O, E, K, $-$$$$$ Located at the gorgeous Riviera Dunes Marina Resort, Mangrove Grill features a classy and fun atmosphere, along with a fabulous and inventive array of cuisine. Map grid D-4. MAR VISTA DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT 760 Broadway St., Longboat Key 941-383-2391, www.groupersandwich.com Seafood; L, D, W, O, K, $-$$$ A taste of Old Florida. Dine inside the quaint dining room or on the outside deck overlooking serene Sarasota Bay. Dock your boat at the private dock. Enjoy fresh Florida seafood and a frozen pina colada. Map grid B-6. See ad on page 41. MATT & DOM’S PASTRY CAFÉ 9701 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria 941-778-3909, www.madpastrycafe.com Dessert; $-$$$ Matt & Dom’s features various and ever-changing desserts, pastries, designer wedding cakes, all occasion cakes, pies, cappuccino, espresso, teas and smoothies. Enjoy quality desserts after a meal or a stroll along the beach. Map grid A-4. MATTISON’S RIVERSIDE 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton 941-748-8087, www.mattisons.com Seafood; L, D, W, O, E, K, $-$$$$$ The most beautiful waterfront view in town. Chef Paul Mattison combines his Mediterranean flair with a hint of Asian flavor while focusing on fresh seafood, lamb, duck and beef. Offering outdoor bar and fire pit. Map grid D-4. MELINDAS CAFÉ & CATERING 5315 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach 941-778-0411, www.melindascafe.com Casual; B, Br, L, $ “Best breakfast on Anna Maria!” Blueberry pancakes, burritos and huevos rancheros. Enjoy our homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, burgers, Cubans, wraps, smoothies, cappuccinos and more. Take-out or dine-in. Internet access. Map grid B-4. MEXICALI BORDER CAFÉ 5502 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton 941-761-9516, www.mexicalibordercafe.com Serving authentic Mexican cuisine. Map grid C-5. MILLER’S DUTCH KITCHEN 3401 – 14th St. W., Bradenton, 941-746-8253 Map grid D-5. MOORE’S STONE CRAB RESTAURANT 800 Broadway St., Longboat Key 888-968-2722, www.stonecrabstoyourdoor.com MR. BONES BBQ 3007 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach, 941-778-6614 Mexican; L, D, O, K, $-$$ Amish; L, D Stop by the “Ewe Nique Touch Gift Shop”. Gifts for every occasion. Just downright good eat’n. Seafood; L, D, W, O, K Oldest family-owned restaurant in Manatee County, specializing in stone crabs. Map grid B-6. Barbeque; L, D, K, $-$$$ Barbecue ribs and chicken, Indian, Mexican and vegetarian food, burgers, sandwiches, burritos and a variety of salads are enjoyed at this eclectic family restaurant. Great home cooking for food lovers. Map grid B-5. ORTYGIA Italian; L, D, $$$ 1418 – 13th St. W., Bradenton, 941-741-8646, www.ortygiarestaurant.com Experience authentic regional cuisine at its best…right here in Bradenton! You don’t have to travel to Sicily to savor the exquisite flavor of authentic Sicilian cuisine. You may choose to dine in our courtyard and enjoy the ambiance of a Sicilian-style restaurant. Map grid D-5. POLO GRILL AND BAR 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch 941-782-0899, www.pologrillandbar.com American; L, D, O, E, K, $$ - $$$$ The hottest new restaurant in Lakewood Ranch to see and be seen! Polo Grill and Bar is located in the heart of Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street shopping and dining district. Map grid H-7. Price: $=under $10, $$=$10 - $15, $$$=$16 - $21, $$$$=$22 -$27, $$$$$=$28+ 38 www.FloridasGulfIslands.com http://www.shoplakewoodranchmainstreet.net http://www.mangrovegrill.com http://www.groupersandwich.com http://www.madpastrycafe.com http://www.mattisons.com http://www.melindascafe.com http://www.mexicalibordercafe.com http://www.stonecrabstoyourdoor.com http://www.ortygiarestaurant.com http://www.pologrillandbar.com http://www.FloridasGulfIslands.com
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