nce
again, welcome to our special edition of Taste Dining
& Travel’s Catering and Banquet section. We
hope you will enjoy this selection of caterers and
banquet facilities from which to choose. Any time of
the year is great for a party or special event so let
the festivities begin!
Anna Maria Oyster Bar
& Par Four The Course
6906 14th St. W (U.S.
41), Bradenton, 758-7880
6688 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, 792-0077
1525 51st Avenue East, Ellenton, 721-7773
6600 River Club Boulevard, Bradenton, 751-7500
For a wonderful private
dining room, why not make your next plans to party
at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar Landside? Their pri- vate
room “Baitshop” is a spin off the restaurant
in a nautical sense and is fun for any holiday event
or other you might have planned.
Their
menu selection is from the main restaurant and has a wonderful variety of
seafood, steaks, pastas and more. It is a private room
with many amenities including television and VCR, mood
lighting and more.
Parties
from 20 to 50 work well here and their location is
great for guests from Sarasota and Manatee county to
conveniently meet, as its right on the border.
The
Ellenton location (just west of I-75 on highway 301), also has a room that
holds up to 50 people for special lunch or dinner groups.
With sea life murals painted on the walls, your next
gathering will have an aquarium theme as you enjoy
the food selections from the Anna Maria Oyster Bar.
Please call at least one week before your event to
check the availability of this room.
They
also have a new sister restaurant, Par Four the Course,
now open at the beautiful River Club Golf Course in
Bradenton. Here they can meet all your catering and
group reservation needs. Close to the fast-growing
residential areas of Southeast Manatee County, Par
Four the Course offers a wide variety of menu choices
and will develop a special menu just for your event.
Outside catering is also available from them as well.
Please call Jennifer at 792-0077 for reservations and
information.
Mangrove Grill &
Island’s End Beach Bistro banquet & Party
House
102 Riviera Dunes Way,
Palmetto, 723-2556
10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 779-2444
The Beach Bistro boasts
the highest Zagat rating for food in the state of Florida
and is lauded by the guide for “the best food
on the Gulf Coast.” The Bistro is also a recipient
of the “Golden Spoon Award” bestowed on the
Top 20 restaurants in Florida and The Wine Spectator
“Award of Excellence.”
Beach
Bistro has produced hundreds of charity and private
events at non-Bistro venues for over eighteen years.
They finally have their own banquet facility
at Island’s End. Island’s End will focus
exclusively as the Bistro’s banquet venue, offering
extensive menus for parties and weddings for 30 people
to 300.
The
Bistro has the most talented and experienced chef staff
in the area and can provide menus ranging from the
Bistro’s Rack of Lamb and Bouillabaisse to more
casual Mangrove Grill style Ribs and Gulf Coast Pizzas.
Barnacle Bill’s
1526 Main Street, Sarasota,
365-6800
5050 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 355-7700
Webber & Beneva, Sarasota, 923-5800
8383 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 927-8884
Having rapidly established
themselves as one of the best seafood restaurants in
the area, Barnacle Bill’s (AKA brothers Bill and
Ken Davis), have a smashing private banquet room in
their North Trail location. The room seats 90 for any
private function you might have in mind. Wedding dinners,
business meetings, church functions name it and they
can prepare a wonderful event for you and your guests.
In addition
to the banquet room, Barnacle Bill’s also offers
full service catering for 50 to 500 people. Although
they specialize in fresh seafood, all types of cuisine
can be yours to enjoy. Functions can be casual to elegant
and will more than meet your expectations for your
next affair.
The
recent opening of their fourth restaurant at 8383 South
Tamiami Trail (in what was Patria’s) has been
a welcome addition to diners in that area.
Steven’s Catering and Special
Events
3650 Webber Street,
Sarasota, 924-0083
Steven Whipple of
Steven’s Catering and Special Events offers an
extensive array of professional services that are guaranteed
to make your special events a memorable one. Whether
it is the gourmet cuisine, the pristine service of
their highly skilled staff, or an exciting ride around
town in one of their exotic cars or luxury limousines,
Steven’s is sure to make your dream a reality.
Call
them for any event including weddings, showers, anniversaries, bar/bat mitzvahs,
promotional events, class reunions, corporate parties,
theme parties, or just about any type of party you
could imagine, Steven’s can handle it.
Steven,
along with Chef Chris Jones can help you plan your next upscale catered
affair, whether it be from 20 to 2000.
Mattison’s Catering Company
Sarasota , 955-9868
St. Petersburg, 727-895-2200
Mattison's Catering
Company serves only the freshest, healthiest and most
delectable selections available. Of course, that also
includes the most reliable and professional service.
Along
with Chef Paul Mattison, Anna Pohl (in Sarasota) and
James Durning (in St. Petersburg), are experienced
in catering special events and will work with you to
make sure your event is perfectly planned. Their staff
is dedicated to offering the same world-class cuisine
and exceptional service you expect when dining in their
restaurants, (Mattison’s Steakhouse & Wine
Cellar 941-387-2700, Mattison’s American Bistro
727-895-2200, Mattison’s Siesta Grille 941-349-2800,
Mattison’s City Grille, re-opening November, 2004
(941-330-0440).
From
simple party platters to full-service black tie affairs,
they will simplify your life leaving you and your guests
mesmerized. Mattison’s specialize in custom menus
to ensure your distinctive occasion is an affair to
remember. You will always find a selection of unique
menu ideas. Keep in mind that you are not limited to
this list of options. Please take the time to review
this information and contact one of their Event Planners
as soon as possible to discuss a menu and plan your
special occasion. We look forward to working with you
and serving your guests.
As an additional service, they are happy to
assist in the entire planning process for your special
occasion. From flowers to hands, photographer to lighting,
Mattison’s consultative approach will allow you
to relax and enjoy the festivities.
Lee’s Crab Trap 1 &
2
Rt. 19, Terra Ceia Bridge,
Palmetto, 722-6255
4815 Memphis Road, Ellenton, 729-7777
Having been around
for years in Palmetto, the Crab Trap has been a mainstay
for diners seeking great crab dishes and much more.
Their casual atmosphere is coupled with the fine food
that is served in either location.
The
newer restaurant, Crab Trap ll in Ellenton (right near
the Prime Outlet Mall for you shoppers), is large enough
to handle parties of 35 guests in the lovely, “Yellow
Parrot Terrace.” A very appropriate name as it
overlooks the lake and all the interesting wildlife
it has to offer. Ideal for cocktail or holiday gatherings,
the lounge also has a full service bar where guests
can enjoy a special meal or passed hors d’oeuvres.
Both
Crab Trap restaurants are very consistent in their
delicious food offerings. If longevity is any indication
of success they have done their job very well over
the years. Long may it continue..
Beach House
200 Gulf
Drive N.,
Bradenton Beach , 779-2222
Whether it's an Intimate
Dinner for two or a company function for 200, events
at the Beach House are planned with your individual
wants and needs attended to. Whatever the occasion,
you are able to choose the theme and personally select
menu items of your choice to compliment your event.
Join them inside or out on their heated deck! Beach
House Weddings, Receptions, and Special Events where
dreams really do come true!
If you
are looking for the perfect place to enjoy a delicious
sandwich, salad, fresh fish entree or a dreamy tropical
drink, all while sitting on a beachfront deck watching
the sun slowly sink into the Gulf of Mexico, the Beach
House is the place for you.
With
two volleyball courts, seven hundred feet of beach,
live entertainment seven nights a week and the largest
outdoor deck on the Florida Gulf Coast, the Beach House
is more than just another restaurant. It is the perfect
place for the entire family to spend hours of fun and
relaxation for any event.
For
special events, the Beach house can handle groups from
10 to 1,000. It is ideal for beach weddings, rehearsal
dinners, luncheons and dinners. Their space is just
huge inside and out for these and other events.
Full
course meals or buffet are your dining options at the
Beach house. One call can handle it all.
The Sandbar
100 Spring Avenue, Anna
Maria, 778-0444
If you haven’t
visited the Sandbar in Anna Maria Island recently,
you are in for a pleasant surprise. Already world renown
for its stunning beauty in its natural setting, and
with the recent purchase of an adjacent piece of beachfront property, it has never looked better.
The
new property also provides an ideal setting for large
parties, weddings, company functions etc. One thing
that has not changed is the Sandbar’s commitment
to serving the finest in fresh native seafood.
Whether
you choose to have a function under the stars on the
new beachfront or in their quaint and comfortable dining
room, you will be tempted with a wide array of salads,
sandwiches and unique and delicious entrees.
The
Sandbar is definitely one Anna Maria Island landmark
that just keeps getting better with age.
Dreaming
of a magical wedding? The wonderful staff can provide that for you at the
Sandbar Restaurant. Menus can be built to your individual
needs and wants. Their location on beautiful Anna Maria
Island overlooking the Gulf of Mexico where the white
sandy beaches are the perfect setting for your ceremony
and reception. Sunsets and romance included!
Mar Vista
760 Broadway, Longboat
Key, 383-2391
The matriarch of Longboat
Key eateries, the Mar Vista has come a long way from
its fish camp origins but yet still retains the feel
of old Florida. Nestled against the shores of upper
Sarasota Bay its tranquil waterfront setting provides
the perfect back drop for dining on fresh native seafood.
This
stunning waterfront setting is ideal for parties from
10 to 200 and is the perfect location for a reunion,
wedding, anniversary or just about any event you can
imagine. Informal to casual is the atmosphere and the
staff at Mar Vista or any of the Chiles Group Restaurants
(Sandbar or Beach House) can help plan these special
events for you.
Da Giorgio Ristorante
5702 Marina Drive, Holmes
Beach, 779-0220
Some restaurant owners
can really operate their business. One gentleman who has a great feel for his trade is Giorgio Oldano of the ristorante
that bears his name. Celebrating their sixth year,
Escoffier award-winning Chef/Owner Giorgio has filled
a wonderful need for classical Italian cuisine on Anna
Maria Island. The knowledge of his food, style, and
class of the ristorante does not go unnoticed by the
loyal following of locals and out of towners who frequent
here for dinner nightly.
A natural
progression for Da Giorgio is to expand into the catering
field. The kitchen space is available and Giorgio’s
creative juices can really flow with his love of all
types of foods and preparations. Full service catering
is now available through Da Giorgio. How nice it would
be to have their fabulous food for any special event
you might have in mind! Let Giorgio and his staff take
care of the details for your next affair, giving you
the chance to enjoy your next party. (Taste readers
can enjoy a special dinner with us on November 14.
See the ad within for details). Private parties are
also yours to enjoy in their comfortable dining room
as well.
Enquire
about their specially prepared dishes to go for your
next home event. The creative talents of Da Giorgio
are not just limited to Italian cuisine. His many talents
include a variety of other foods as well. Call today
for the details or stop in tonight for dinner and see
what we mean.
Beach City Grille
1701 Gulf Drive, Bradenton
Beach, 778-3031
Creating a niche is
very important in business. One restaurant that has
done that very nicely is the Beach City Grille on Bradenton
Beach. Diners have enjoyed their “eclectic, American
gourmet home cooking,” (to quote owner Dawn Viens)
from day one. The Beach City Grille has been doing
a lot of catered events since they opened last year.
They do off premises affairs with full service catering
on site if needed for groups up to 100.
Their
cuisine is very varied and includes Spanish, Creole,
local specialties and more. “We can do anything,”
says Chef and CIA graduate Jeffrey “Gator”
Thomas. They certainly can as we at Taste can attest.
A side
note is that their Beach City Grille is now just that
only. The market is gone enabling them to serve intimate
evening meals for Tuesday through Saturday from 4 -
9:30PM. Everything is made in house and diners can
check the recoding for nightly specials. Call for free
delivery on Anna Maria Island as well.
Bayside Banquet Hall
4628 119th Street West,
Cortez, 798-2035
With so many choices
for private parties in our area, one stands out as
being a little different from the rest. The new Bayside
Banquet Hall is a unique indoor and outdoor waterfront
facility that is ideal for a variety of events you
might have planned.
Located
along the waterfront in Cortez (next to the popular
Cortez Kitchen), Bayside Banquet Hall can handle groups
of 25 to 250. It is ideal for weddings, receptions,
corporate events, church affairs and sport outings
to name a few. They offer catering or you can choose
your own caterer. They have a wonderful commercial
kitchen and plenty of parking.
The
charming outdoor tiki bar and deck is great for smaller
gatherings and the sunsets are magnificent from here
as well. The staff are very hospitable and are accommodating
to your ideas. Let your imagination go when planning
your next party at Bayside Banquet Hall. This is a
great facility for your next affair.
Bayou Bleu
1359 1/2
Main Street, Sarasota, 917-0003
 |
With the holiday season
approaching; what better place to celebrate your group
"pardi" than with a Bayou Bleu celebration
with all that charm and hospitality that New Orleans
has to offer. Enter Bayou Bleu and begin a journey
to great food and fun. Private parties are always welcome
in their “Pardi Gras Room.” Indulge with
family, friends or co-workers on your own private trip
to New Orleans. Start your journey with a Pat O'Brien's
Hurricane or one of their classic daiquiris. For an
appetizer; why not try a Louisiana Crab Cake or Oysters
Bienville while you select your "down in the bayou"
dinner excursion? Whether you want steak, pasta, seafood
or one of their “Louisiana Classics” you
will not be disappointed with your sumptuous trip.
Select from an array of desserts that include Café
du Monde Beignets topped off with a delicious Café
Au Lait. This will become a dining experience you will
want to experience again and again. Your private excursion
can accommodate 12-50 people in your very own “Pardi
Room”at Bayou Bleu.
Blasé Café
5263 Ocean Blvd. Siesta
Key € 349-9822
A wonderful new addition
is yours to enjoy on Siesta Key. Blasé Café has just
opened up The Parlor, a new lounging room adjacent
to their eclectic restaurant.
Perfect
for small gatherings for those who want that special
place for cozy, intimate parties and events, The Parlor
is sumptuous and sexy. Be enveloped up by the oversized
chairs and couches while enjoying the libations and
cuisine from Cynthia Breslin and Chef John Milne.
The
martini bar in the next room can also be used to expand
your parties if you wish. This encompasses a cool bar
that was once part of the famous Don Cesar in St. Pete.
Wild Monkey Gourmet, Inc.
5789 Manatee Avenue
West, 761-4466
From elegant to casual,
large to small, Wild Monkey Gourmet can handle just
about any type of catered affair you can imagine.
Owners
Mike Card and Martha Ann Harrison have planned and
catered a wide spectrum of events including private
parties, weddings and many local fundraisers. Theme
dinners are also one of their specialties. Give them
a theme and let their imagination run “wild”
from the invitation to the dessert.
As mentioned,
Mike Card is one of the proprietors, and with 30 years
in the food industry he knows his profession. Partner
Martha Ann Harrison runs the “front of the house”
with her graceful and efficient skill.
Voted
“Favorite Caterer” this year, Wild Monkey
Gourmet has made a mark for themselves and is one caterer
you won’t forget.
Bella Cucina Food Service at
Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center
8005 15th Street
East, Sarasota, 355-9161
Bella
Cucina Italian Buffet owners,
Randy Ellis and John Medico,
are now offering the full
range of their international
culinary skills at Bella
Cucina Food Service in the
Sarasota Bradenton International
Convention Center.
Sushi bar for 400
of your closest friends·or
the company party with sit
down gourmet dinner for
900 employees? No problem. With over 93,000 sq. ft. of flexible space at SBICC,
you can add a stage and
a dance floor and still
have plenty of room to mingle.
Then there is the food itself.
Creative cuisine never seems
to be a problem for these
two talented chefs who custom
design each menu to suit
the special needs of every
occasion. Among their culinary
talents are Pacific Rim,
Latin, Mediterranean, all-American,
and of course, Italian.
Now, you can have
it all, AND have the space
you need.
See more details
at www.sbicc.net.
The Recipe Box
5207 33rd Street East,
Bradenton, 739-3525
It’s hard
to believe that The Recipe Box is celebrating their
eighth year serving East Manatee County. Congratulations
to owner Rich Erickson and his staff for service with
more than a smile.
Their
menu is great to order a casual meal from either in
the restaurant or for any catered event you might have
planned. They specialize in weddings, parties, anniversaries
and just about any event you can imagine with groups
from 25 to 200. Rich suggests that you make your holiday
reservations now since they are filling up fast.
Stop
in at The Recipe Box, enjoy a delicious meal, check
out their new menu and let them plan your next event
for you.
Sam Snead’s Tavern
Corner of Hillview and
Osprey, Sarasota, 906-7771
One of the more stylish
restaurants to open up recently is Sam Snead’s
Tavern. With a great location on the corner of Hillview
and Osprey in Sarasota, Sam Snead’s is a terrific
restaurant to host small private parties and fundraisers.
Their smart side dining room or even the outdoor area
is ideal for your next gathering.
They
have hosted community groups for happy hour, Cystic
Fibrosis, the March of Dimes, Taste’s Progressive
Dinners and even those grooversthe Red Hat Group for
lunch! Give them a call and let the party begin!
Galileo Ristorante
1538 Stickney Point
Road, Sarasota, 927-9600
This time of year
it is a delight to enjoy outdoor dining. Cooler evenings
make it very pleasant to dine alfresco. Galileo Ristoranteis
an outdoor or indoor establishment where customers
can be satisfied. Chef/Owner Thomas Harvey graduated
with honors from the Culinary Institute of America
in Hyde Park, New York. He combines the finest Italian
ingredients with an American flare to create extraordinary
culinary creations.
Their
restaurant is ideal for holiday or private parties
for up to 50 people. Galileo offers an extensive wine
list to dazzle even the most sophisticated palate.
The restaurant overlooks Little Sarasota Bay and the
quaint boatyard, reminiscent of an old New England
style fishing village.
Galileo
features a wrap-around deck and seats approximately
70 people indoors and out, for dinner only. The romantic
and intimate environment is perfect for creating an
unforgettable dining experience or a fabulous event.
Gitane
1960 Hillview Street,
Sarasota, 366-5313
Brand new to the area
yet with years of experience, Alan Dennis and his son
Jarret bring their style of cuisine to Sarasota. Hailing
from New Jersey and schooled around the world, Alan
is a true lover of food. His passion runs deep and
Gitane is a charming restaurant to host a variety of
private dinners. The 48 seats make it intimate enough
to enjoy his menu of Ragout of Wild Mushrooms, Riviera
Seafood Bisque (shrimp, crab and scallops) or Roast
Rack of Lamb, Oven Roasted Duck or Honey Mustard Salmon.
In what
was La Fille du Boulanger, Gitane has brought things
up a notch (or three)! Wine and beer is served and
a Sunday Brunch, which consists of a three course meal
with mimosas, is also to be enjoyed at Gitane.
Mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexican & Cantina
4436 Bee Ridge Road,
Sarasota, 379-2880
530 US 41 By-Pass South, Venice, 486-0005
8405 Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota (opening this winter)
Mi Pueblo offers traditional
Mexican food and atmosphere and is this area’s
most authentic Mexican restaurant. Mi Pueblo transports
each diner to Mexico by offering traditional Mexican
food in an atmosphere surrounded by Mexican décor and
live festive mariachi music.
Full
banquet facilities and custom catering service are
available for holiday celebrations, company events,
wedding rehearsal dinners, open houses, dinner parties,
or any event that you would like to be made into a
Mexican fiesta.
Outdoor
courtyard dining is also available. Call for more information,
details, and schedule of nightly music.
Look
for the new location at the University Walk Shopping
Plaza located on the Northwest corner of University
Avenue and Tuttle Avenue to open early this winter.
This will be a beautiful Mexican hacienda and will
have a true Mexican feel in every detail.
J&J Bar-B-Que and Catering
2620 9th Street West,
Bradenton, 746-6683
Being in business
since 1979, John McKinney is one of the nicest gentleman
I have ever come across. His peaceful demeanor coupled
with his love for quality barbeque (and high school
football) have made him a legend in Manatee County.
Pop
into his restaurant for lunch or dinner and let your
senses take over as the barbeque aromas entice you
to “order up.” J & J does more than just
barbeque by offering such items as Roast Beef, Baked
or Fried Chicken, Spaghetti, Pork Chops and Turkey
to name a few items for banquets or parties. They also
carry a full line of side items as well as desserts
and beverages.
With
the experience of serving over 200 caterings per year,
J & J can provide all your catering needs to include
delivery, serving both table and buffet style or cook
on site. Voted as “Best Barbeque” and “Best
Ribs” by the Brandon BBQ Cookout, J & J is
experienced in company cookouts, parties and fundraising
opportunities. They can also provide tents, table and
chair rental for any affair you desire. Feel free to
call John or his assistant Avery, have lunch on them
and discuss any catering needs.
Fill ‘n Chill Party Table
Call Marlene West, 792-8322
The revolutionary
Fill ‘n Chill Party Table is the solution you
have been waiting for your next at home party, or for
your caterers, a great way to display your food or
beverages. How does it work? Simple, just fill the
table with 75 to 100 lbs. of ice and simply add your
beverages or food items.
The
Fill ‘n Chill keeps items cold and won’t
sweat. It cleans easily due to its durable plastic
tabletop. The Fill ‘n Chill Party Table is a great
idea that should be a big hit for a variety of markets.
Dutch Heritage
3713 Bahia Vista, Sarasota,
955-8007
An extremely well-run
restaurant operation is the the Dutch Heritage on Bahia
Vista. The amount of people that go there at all hours
of the day is just amazing! With all the business it
still remains clean and customers always leave with
a smile on their faces.
As big
as the restaurant is, they also have in-house banquet
facilities for up to 300. Corporate and church functions,
weddings, dinners and receptions, business and social
seminars you name it and they can host it for you.
All
the amenities are there as well including an overhead
projection system, piano, internet hook-ups and more.
When planning an event in the future just follow the
crowds to Dutch Heritage and reserve your date today.
Clancy’s
6218 Cortez Road West,
Bradenton, 794-2489
This has got to be
on of the coolest places to host your next party
Clancy’s Tiki Bar. It is an outdoor set-up complete
with mister for that “cooling” effect (or
heaters in the winter months). It’s great!
Host
any event here and enjoy the tropical atmosphere, drinks,
music and delicious food. It ranges from sandwiches,
wraps, pizza, calzones, nachos and Cubans to entrees
such as grouper, shrimp, scallops and more. A full
bar (with Guinness on tap) helps to round out an affair
at Clancy’s. It’s way fun (and cool)!
Contact
them for off-premise catering as well for a well-organized
and fun-filled affair.
Harry’s Continental Kitchens
525 St.Judes Drive,
Longboat Key, 383-0777
What happens when
you have 25 years of experience, delicious food, a
dedicated staff, and loyal customers? Harry’s
Continental Kitchens celebrates! It’s hard to
believe 25 years have passed. All the while Harry’s
has been creating memorable affairs from black tie
to beach wear. Diners at Harry’s know they can
depend on his expert staff to serve up gourmet feasts
whether it’s from the deli/take-out, in Harry’s
fine dining tropical restaurant, or catered at home
or work. "Your place or mine?" is Harry’s
motto.
And
just listen to what Harry’s customers have to
say: "The food was sensational...thank you
for making our event so enjoyable..."
"The meal was excellent·. Your whole crew worked
hard to be sure everyone had a good time and the food
exceeded my expectations...."
"Thank you for your excellent advice and graciousness.
...we were so pleased with the job you did for the
wedding. The food was wonderful, the presentation lovely,
but most important you were all a delight to work with!!!"
Harry’s
is pleased to celebrate 25 years in business. It has
been a family affair with lots of help and dedication
from family, friends, staff, and patrons. As Harry
himself likes to say, "Never been better!"
J. Shames & Associates,
Inc.
Phone 907-0906 or e-mail
info@jshamescatering.com
Talk about multi-tasking!
Jerry Shames of J. Shames & Associates is someone
you can go to for just about any need for any special
event you might have in mind. Jerry and his wife Jean
recently located to Lakewood Ranch a few summers ago
after two years of travel eating and drinking
through Europe. Ah, research ain’t it grand!
J. Shames
handles any event planning from venue selection, menu
creation, music, invitations, transportation “anything
you can dream” his brochure reads. How true.
Private
catering is also available from the personable Mr.
Shames with small to medium affairs from 2 to 20 guests
in your home. His European creativity can lead to a
wonderful evening of entertaining and delightful dining.
Another
feature they offer is a concierge service, which includes
travel recommendations and planning, reservations,
tickets and general information to help you enjoy any
special event you might plan.
TooJay’s Gourmet Deli
Westfield Shoppingtown
(corner of Bee Ridge & US 41), Sarasota, 362-3692
TooJay’s began
as a modest New York style delicatessen on the island
of Palm Beach in the spring of 1981. Started by Jay
Brown and Jay Katzenberg, they used the common portion
of both of their names to come up with the moniker
TooJay’s Gourmet Deli. Now there are 21 locations
across Florida. Congratulations!
TooJay’s
differentiates itself from its competitors with an
emphasis on food quality, portion size and service.
In order to maintain the quality and consistency they
operate a commissary and bakery, which is located adjacent
to the corporate headquarters in West Palm Beach.
In addition
to the outstanding restaurant menu, TooJay’s specializes
in a full line of catering. Whether you are planning
a holiday party, reception, family get-together, office
luncheon or meeting, rely on TooJay’s for everything
from gourmet party platters to lavish hors d’oeuvres
to full service dinner parties to fully carved and
decorated turkey feasts for Thanksgiving. Every creation
reflects TooJay’s famous attention to detail.
TooJay’s professional personnel are dedicated
to providing the finest in food presentation and service
so important to the success of any occasion.
Mr. Bones
3007 Gulf Drive, Holmes
Beach, 778-6614
With many restaurants
doing catering nowadays, it is refreshing to see one
that remains true to its roots. Mr. Bones serves up
some of the area’s BBQ, and then some.
For
a catered affair guests can order from their menu which
features delicious Barbequed Ribs, Honey Glazed Chicken
Beef and Chicken Kebabs, Chicken Tika with Rice Biryani
and a wonderful variety of Curried and Vegetable Rice,
Caesar and Greek Salads and much more.
Catered
affairs can be full service or a more casual drop off
for guests from 10 to 100. For the full deal make a
call to Mr. Bones or better yet, stop in and sample
their unique cuisine for yourself.
Main Street Bistro
1345 Main Street, Sarasota,
362-4427
The stylish addition
of Main Street Bistro has certainly added an upscale
glitz to Main Street in Sarasota. Their lounge area
is an ideal location for any corporate or private cocktail
parties or wine tastings.
In the
restaurant guests can arrange to host theme dinner
parties or even host a private Sunday Brunch with entertainment.
The staff are very accommodating at the Main Street
Bistro.
Off premises catering is a pleasure for Main
Street Bistro, with parties of 25 to 100 the norm.
Diners should enjoy their unique cuisine with moderate
prices. Open for lunch and dinner, and late perfect
for after the theater.
Ophelia’s on the Bay
9015 Midnight Pass Road,
Siesta Key, 349-2212
Ophelia's on the Bay
on beautiful Siesta Key, is the ideal spot for intimate,
sophisticated and romantic weddings for up to 100 people.
Elegant, quiet ceremonies can be held on their outside
waterfront patio on gorgeous Little Sarasota Bay.
Proprietors
Stan and Jane Ferro have owned this island paradise
for nearly 16 years. Jane or their daughter Kristina
welcome bookings at Ophelia’s for weddings, holiday
parties, private wine dinners, rehearsal dinners and
corporate functions.
Ophelia's
will also be represented at numerous charity events
this year including the recent USF's Brunch on the
Bay, Taste of Sarasota, Share Our Strengths Taste of
the Nation, The Florida Winefest (all in the spring),
F.A.C.E., and Make a Wish Foundation Dinner. This is
a wonderful opportunity to meet the staff and to sample
their award-winning cuisine.
Ophelia's
will host your holidays, toast your successes and cater
to your dreams. Relaxed or formal, joyfully festive,
incredibly memorable, it is all yours to have at Ophelia's
on the Bay, one of the area’s most respected dining
establishments
Maureen’s Palm Grille
5350 Gulf of Mexico
Drive,
Longboat Key, 383-7774
Carving a well-deserved
niche on LBK, Maureen’s Palm Grille has been offering
a rather more casual fare over the past few years.
Prices are very reasonable and during this time of
year guests can dine alfresco on their charming outdoor
patio for dinner served nightly.
The
patio can also be used for Saturday weddings. This
lovely outdoor area can be tented if you wish, and
with a dance floor added it is a wonderful area for
this special day for up to 125 guests. Relax and let
Maureen handle all the arrangements.
Inside,
the restaurant can be partitioned for any other parties
or corporate events. Or the outside can be used any
day of the week for your next affair. A full liquor
license and great parking at the Centre Shops on Longboat
Key help to make Maureen’s Palm Grille a great
choice for your next special event.
Photos by Neal Finelli
