It is rare for me to eat out, and so I always want it to be a truly special event. Today, I wanted to be on the water, but I didn’t want to have to drive all the way out to the beach. I found this spectacular spot! The food was exquisite. I’ve never had Orange cream, crème brûlée. Sounds silly to start with dessert review first, but it was just so extraordinary. The smooth, dreamy texture that Crème brûlée is known for but, with a twist of orange cream and topped with heavy whipped cream, a mandarin segment and a sprig of mint. It was as beautiful to behold as it was to taste. Not only did it have the familiar sweet crackle glaze, it had a rim of crushed granulated sugar around the edge. You simply must experience this decadent creation! I love coconut shrimp and this did not disappoint. The orange marmalade dressing, both sweet and tangy, was delightful. The bourbon glazed bacon Brussels sprouts, topped with fresh shaved mozzarella was a celebration and a symphony of flavors and textures. Just stunning! The mashed sweet potatoes were lovely and the squash medley unlike any I’ve had before. The zucchini and yellow squash were tender but not overdone and set off nicely with sweet red onions and peppers. Honestly, it was truly a gourmet experience. The waiter was very kind and attentive, though I was just a table of one. The atmosphere was vibrant and soothing to my soul. Perfect music lightly danced in the background and the breeze cooled my skin, healed my wounded spirit, while it tousled the ends of my white locks. Water birds swam and dived for lunch and large fresh water turtles dipped in and out of sight, right at the surface, just out of reach, while a family of water birds perched , sunning themselves on a platform 20 yards out. What an amazing paradise like experience right here moments from home. Thank you so much for such a fantastic experience! Fondest memories...
Read moreI’m not one to write reviews especially if I have a bad experience however, I went out here on Wednesday with a friend because i’d never been before and wanted to try it out! honestly wont be going back, Our server was very very sweet but not attentive whatsoever, she greeted us and got our drink order, it took about 10 mins to bring out our drinks. we decided on the calamari as an appetizer which she recommended (that was very good!!) and asked if we wanted bread for the table as well. about 25 mins goes by and we had finished the calamari and needed refills, we probably sat there for another ten waiting for her to come by, mind you she didn’t drop the calamari off so we only had seen her when she first greeted the table. we were still waiting on bread as well… she finally comes by to notice that we needed refills and ring in our dinner. we didn’t get our refills until our entrees come out which were disappointing as well… I ordered the scallops with a side of rice and broccoli. she finally brought us bread about 5 mins before our food came out. when my dish came out the scallops were breaded which I ordered them sautéed so I thought that was weird. the breading was soggy the rice was hard and dry and the broccoli was cold. I honestly should’ve just asked to speak with a manager at that point but I just felt bad. I work in the service industry myself so I know the feeling of your table wanting to speak with a manager just sucks so i didn’t mention anything. I barely touched my food, paid my bill and left. the service could improve although like i said she was a very sweet girl when she was present so i wont mention a name, and the food could absolutely improve for the price. I wont be returning or...
Read moreWe went for early dinner on May 2 - this is probably the best restaurant that I have been to in the Bradenton/Sarasota area!
The welcome was first class with recognition of us by name. The service was excellent from Luca - and he was able to engage in conversation while ensuing that we (and other tables) were served well. The manager, Tom, even stopped by early in the meal to ensure that we were happy and to note that he was available if we had any issue. (Long time since that has happened - and should happen more frequently!)
The menu was interesting and had a number of unusual options with fish being the specialty (but they had other proteins items). They were happy adjust our orders to accommodate our tastes. The swordfish was perfectly cooked and very tender. Both our hogfish dishes were delicious and nicely presented. BUT - best of all - the whole meal arrived piping HOT (this is one of my 'bete-noires' for most restaurants - I have sent dinners back for being cold and they are usually 'zapped' into life ruining the experience.) Well done to the kitchen.
Finally, the drinks we reasonably priced. Yes - it was Happy Hour but the wines were of a good quality and price was right. (Again, I get annoyed at being charged a silly price for average wine by the glass and then being asked to add a tip.) Stick with reasonable pricing.
The location was perfect and on the quieter side of the lagoon. The tables were well spaced and comfortably large - easily holding 6 if necessary.
It will be the Fall - but we...
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