Leigh’s TableTalk ~

Longboat Key--A Dining Style All Its Own

This season I’m hosting a travel media trip to Longboat Key, Florida. For nearly a century this 11-mile long Gulf of Mexico ‘cay’ has hosted international world-class celebrities who find anonymity here that’s as delicious as the sweet stone crabs that are indigenous to their local waters. One can walk north-end to south-end along its quiet white sand beaches, dine outdoors under colossal banyan trees watching herons wobble through the bayous, hear the wind play a tune through giant coconut palms and take a long afternoon bike ride along Gulf of Mexico Drive…without being disturbed.

To me, awaiting the changing kaleidoscope of each evening’s sunset is one of the joys of Longboat Key. Residents and visitors all know exactly when to stroll onto the beach with cocktail in hand and savor the moment, lingering just long enough to see the sun’s last blazing rays dip below the Gulf’s vast horizon. As varied as a rainbow of color, that is how I chose the dining options for the writers…embracing a variety of cuisine, presentation, flavors, chefs and ambience.

Come along and eat with me!

Mar Vista is all about Seafood!

One of the 12 oldest surviving buildings on Longboat Key, MarVista Dockside Restaurant & Pub is a fabulous slice of ‘Forgotten Florida’ that pairs perfectly with the Sandpiper Inn. Its weathered beach house style dates back to 1912, accessible by car and boats cruising through Sarasota Bay. It’s one of the most popular restaurants and watering holes where locals, boaters and visitors enjoy winding down the day. Only a short drive from Sandpiper, MarVista is in Longboat Key’s historic district’ under the centuries-old trees – still preserving history in ‘Longbeach’.

It’s one of three restaurants included in The Chiles Restaurant Group, a trip of waterfront restaurants each with a unique atmosphere. They embody the feel of unspoiled Florida and serve fresh Florida seafood with breathtaking views. What do I love? Every seafood dish on the menu served at Mar Vista, The Sandbar or The Beach House. I crave the Peel N’ Eat Bud & Bay Shrimp Steamed in Old Bay Seasoning and Budweiser! www.groupersandwich.com

Even a light breakfast at Harry’s is gorgeous!

Harry’s Continental Kitchen

The Christensen’s story begins in 1978 when Harry and Lynn came to Longboat Key from Wisconsin – and today their family’s culinary excellence touches everyone who resides on or visits the Island. The Family now includes son Hal; they all take pride in their full-service restaurant and gourmet take-out/deli plus being one of the Island’s premier catering companies. For the Sandpiper Inn guests, it’s a convenient walk, drive or bike ride that rounds out the experience whether dining inside or out ~ excellent service, inviting ambience and fabulous food!

What do I enjoy at Harry’s? A breakfast MUST are German Apple Pancakes…and whether lunch, dinner or take out – the Crabcakes!
www.harryskitchen.com

Euphemia Haye

Chef Raymond Arpke, co-owner and cookbook author with his wife, D’Arcy, is the culinary inspiration of Euphemia Haye. Recognized as one of Florida’s premier restaurants since opening in 1975, Arpke’s classical training, innovative flair and love for fresh foods lures patrons for his consistently outstanding America, global and slow cooked foods. Euphemia Haye was the grandmother of restaurant founder Leslie Buntin; the name was kept by current owners and has been enthusiastically embraced ever since. What do I love? The Haye Loft (upstairs) Lounge and Dessert Room provides a casual abbreviated menu and a super late night island spot..but it’s the Prime Peppered Steak pan fried and served with orange brandy butter sauce!
www.euphemiahaye.com

Columbia pairs ambience and great food with style!

Columbia

Named Florida’s oldest and most honored Spanish restaurant is an apt description. Columbia (Sarasota) on St. Armands Circle is an open-air spot for people watching, dining amongst the lush gardens and enjoying the magic that each meal brings to its loyal patrons. The staff, food and service are outstanding where award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine has been handed down for four generations. Opening in 1959, it’s the oldest restaurant in Sarasota. The original Columbia was begun in 1905 in Ybor City, Florida by Casamiro Hernandez, Sr. All of the Columbia restaurants are owned and operated by the Gonzmart Family, 4th and 5th generations of the founding family…What do I love? The famous ‘1905 Salad’, chilled Gazpacho with tableside garnishes available and ANY of their yummy Sangria!
www.columbiarestaurant.com

A little hot sauce to spice up Blue Dolphin breakfast is good!

This isn’t an ordinary breakfast eatery; the Blue Dolphin Café is a morning happening on Longboat Key with visitors and locals enjoying lively conversation, meeting old friends or simply reading the newspaper in a quiet booth and everyone eating their fill of generous perfectly prepared breakfast dishes. Here breakfast is served all day – and so is lunch. It’s not that the menu items are unrecognizable gourmet concoctions. They are exactly what they profess to be – freshly prepared, carefully assembled and deliciously ideal! What do I love? A custom-designed Swiss Cheese Omelet with a sprinkling of green pepper, onion and lots of cheese…with a buttered biscuit!
www.bluedolphincafe.com