Gasparilla Island’s first inhabitants were the Calusa Indians. They were living on nearby Useppa Island by 800 or 900 AD. Charlotte Harbor was the center of the Calusa Empire, which numbered thousands of people and hundreds of fishing villages. Nine aboriginal sites have been identified on Gasparilla Island and more than 200 others have been found on nearby islands. The sites are identified by shell mounds which also contain pottery shards, fish hooks, and arrowheads. Some of the mounds in the area are 20 feet or more high.

Just like the natives, the early settlers came to Gasparilla Island to fish. The fishermen of the late 1800s, many of them Spanish or Cuban, caught huge catches of mullet and other fish and salted them down for shipment to Havana and other markets. As time wore on, and Boca Grande became known as the Mecca of sport fishing, particularly Tarpon fishing. Many of these same fisherman turned to guiding charters as a secondary, and later, as a primary income. Turn-of-the-century anglers enjoyed the finest Tarpon angling in the world and that continues to this day.

An island institution, The Gasparilla Inn, was completed in time for the 1913 Tarpon season. A few years later, a casino was built near the hotel, and a boathouse was built on Grande Bayou.

Today the Inn, with its 18-hole, Pete Dye designed golf course and beautiful beach club on the Gulf of Mexico, is an elegant hub of seasonal social activity. Its reputation for impeccable service is legendary and it is one of the largest employers on the island.

The community of Boca Grande has grown to be a very special place, a hidden gem as Florida’s coastline has become developed. Local residents are active in conservation issues and work hard to keep the island the small peaceful community that it has always been.

While the area has a thriving sport fishing industry, very little of the commercial fishing that supported the town for so long exists today. Boca Grande has become a very upscale second home and quiet resort community.

The town center has grown, but still reflects a small town community of yesterday. A single grocery store, a post office, gift shops, retail shops and boutiques, along with several great restaurants, make up the majority of businesses today. The pace of island life is friendly and relaxed. Most people walk, bike or tour the island on golf carts and consider Boca Grande more of a village than a town.

On the streets of Boca Grande, you could pass a waiter, a fishing guide, corporate CEO, movie star or even the President of the U.S. on any given day.

*from DobraTea.com

~The Meal~

Benedict Florentine

Two poached eggs on Challah roll, topped with creamed spinach, mushrooms and Hollandaise sauce, w/homefries and greens

Eggs Benedict

Two poached eggs, Challah roll, ham, Hollandaise sauce w/homefries & greens

French Toast

Housemade bread dipped in batter & cooked until golden brown, topped with powdered sugar & berry compote & served with Vermont pure maple syrup

Mozzarella & Vine Ripe Tomato Panini

Fresh Basil, Balsamic Mayonnaise

2121 Essex Rd, Suite 7, Williston, Vermont

802-878-5524 www.chefscornervt.com

some of the phoLocation photo's used in this feature were provided with permission by Brent Harrewyn Photography

I hadn't been to Burlington for an extended visit since December of 2003. Being a college (University of Vermont) town there is a plethora of places to eat, catering to the diverse ethnic groups that populate this community located on the shores of Lake Champlain. During the 20 years that I lived in this state, I never was able to find what I considered authentic Mexican food. Growing up in New Jersey and now living in Florida, I have had and continue to have, access to some really wonderful and traditional Mexican fare.

During my trip several people I encountered made mention of Madera's and I thought, well why not.  It was late afternoon, well past lunch time, and yet there were quite a few people dining when I entered.  What I liked right away was the music, Mexican, not canned modern or kitchy, the real deal, like when you exit the plane in Mexico City and you are serenaded by a Mariachi band.  This works well with the decor, those colors we all associate with that part of the world, deep golds, reds and oranges. All I needed now was for my server to be a senorita in a brightly colored dress filled with frills twirling her way to my table. Reality check, it was a college student waitressing while going to school.  But that tells you the feel that envelops you when you enter.

My companion and I were seated in the rear dining area, allowing me to take advantage of the view overlooking the water with the mountains of New York state hugging the other side of the lake. It's fall foliage here, so who could ask for a better vista. 

Pollo Mole Enchiladas

 

This is what you'd expect when coming to an island. Fresh caught seafood served simply and prepared deliciously, to be consumed while sitting waterside. The sounds of life in the Keys, gulls & cormarants screaming overhead, water lapping at the dock, laughter, the clinking of glasses laid back and relaxed, a true fish shack doing what they do best.  

Whether you sit inside or out, the atmosphere is true to the tradition of the Keys, fresh fish, cold drinks and warm hospitality.  

Upstairs, the fresh fish market will entice your inner seafood chef. Their local fish comes straight from the boat to you. If you find something you like, but want it shipped to your home after your vacation or shipped to friends or family, the Island Fish Co. offers next day shipping to ensure you are never far from their warm local waters.

Everything you need to compliment your fresh fish is available steps away in the retail store and gift shop. The market opens at 11:30 am daily.

~Our Meal~

Fried Clams

 with French Fries and coleslaw

Grouper Sandwich

Blackened, served on a toasted Kaiser bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion and tarter sauce

Tuna Tataki

Roasted white and black sesame seeds encrusted Ahi tuna, pan seared sliced thin with wasabi, pickled ginger, Hiyashi Wakame salad & sesame ginger vinaigrette

Caesar Salad with Shrimp

Shaved parmesan cheese and homemade garlic seasoned croutons, topped with grilled pink shrimp

 Chef’s Salad

The Island’s version of the classic…..
Tossed mixed greens with garden vegetables, grilled chicken, Key West Pink Gold shrimp, Snow Crab Meat, Monterey & Jack Cheese and sliced hard boiled egg

www.islandfishco.com

Island Fish Company   •   12648 Overseas Hwy.   •   Mile Marker 54 Bayside, Marathon, FL 33050  305-743-4191

While in the Keys, we were told by numerous natives of not only Key Largo, but some from other Upper Keys as well, that when it comes to fresh fish served in a great oceanfront setting, we needed to get to Lazydays in Islamorada and check out what Chef Lupe Ledesma & his wife Michelle were serving up.

First of all, the setting is amazing. Like all the Keys and as their name suggests, you'll enjoy laid back, oceanfront casual dining and Keys-style dishes. They offer seafood, seafood pastas, vegetarian pastas, sandwiches, steaks and chicken at great reccession proof and reasonable prices. Chef Lupe will also cook your catch! Seems this is a very common thing in most restauirants in the Keys, a fisherman's paradise. For $13.95 per 1 lb. fish, if you bring in your catch of the day, already scaled, filetted and deboned, Chef Lupe will cook it up in several different ways, from their signature Lazydays presentaion to blackened, grilled or fried. As long as your fish is legal size and in season, the choices are yours. They'll even cook up your fresh caught live lobsters (limit 2 per person.) Fabulous desserts, a kids menu and full service bar are available. Dine on the outside patio overlooking the beautiful waters of the Atlantic or indoors in their cozy yet spacious atmosphere.

~Our Meal~

This was a sampling of their 'cook your own catch' platters...with Hog Snapper & Yellowtail Snapper

 Creamy Corn Chowder

Caribbean Conch Chowder

served with Sherry 

Lazy Days Snapper

Breaded fresh Hogfish snapper topped with fresh tomatoes, scallions, parmesean cheese and Key Lime butter 

St Croix Snapper

Breaded Yellowtail snapper topped with Key Lime wheels and Key Lime butter

Snapper Almondine

Fresh breaded Hogfish snapper served in callsic style with with Keys flair 

Stuffed Yellowtail Snapper 

Fresh Yellowtail snapper, stuffed with crabmeat and topped with a bearnaise sauce & Key Lime Butter

Don't forget to tell 'em , "The Gourmet Girl sent you!"

305.664.5256
Lazydays Restaurant  Mile Marker 79.9, Oceanside, Islamorada Florida Keys

www.keysdining.com/lazydays

Open a mere seven months, this sister restaurant to the popular Cosimo's Brick Oven has already garnered a loyal following. The two words that come up again and again when talking to patrons of this eatery are quality and consistancy. Theyll tell you that no matter when they come, or what they order, entrees are delicious and always on the mark.

Once per month, Chef Christopher Covelli, takes diners on a wine flight, pairing delectable fare with wines from around the world. The evening we attended he took us to Chile. On normal days, the chef is serving up fine Italian entrees under the moniker 'Seriously Good Italian, and from the comments made by those frequent this restaurant.,they say the phrase fits perfectly.

Our Chilean Wine Dinner

~Intro~ 

Pisco 

 ~1st Course~

Humitas & Tomato Rellenos

2007 Cousino - Macul, Sauvingnon Blanc 

~2nd Course~

Pastel de Jaiba

2007 MontGras Reserva Chardonnay

~3rd Course~

Empanadas de Horno

2006 Cousino- Macul Merlot

~4th Course~

Chilean Sea Bass

Lentegas Quisadas & Cilantro Salsa (Pebre)

2008 MontGras Reserva Carmenere

~5th Course~

Peres Borrachas

Check with Cosimo's staff for information about their next wine dinner. 

Cosimo's Too!

Westfield Sarasota Square Mall * Beneva Ave. & US 41 (South Tamiami Trail) * 941-363-0211

Whether you come by boat or by car, once you hit downtown St Petersburg, The Pier welcomes you with all it's color and design. With shops, a winery, restaurants and spectacular views, The Pier offers visitors a miriad of things to see and do.

Fishing - Fishing takes place along the approach to The Pier and the sea walls. Fishing poles and bait can be purchased at The Pier Bait House.

Wheel Fun Rentals - Rent surrey-type two, four and six seater bicycles and chopper-style bikes to ride around The Pier and downtown St. Petersburg.

Dolphin Queen Sightseeing Tours - Board a 70 person, 44 ft. catamaran for a tour of the waters of Tampa Bay and guaranteed dolphin sighting. Tours are at 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. Cost is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors (over 62), $17 with military I.D., $12 for children 3-12.

Pier Aquarium  Located on the second floor of The Pier, admission is $5 for adults, $4 for students 7+ and seniors. Sundays are family day with admission $2.50 per person. The Pier Aquarium is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 am until 8 pm and Sunday from noon until 6 pm.

The Electric Marina  The 21 foot eletric boats are safe, fumeless and so quiet you'll swear you can hear the dolphins rave! Bare boat or captained, picnic-style and even catered are available. Located at the approach to The Pier, behind the Museum of History. Seats up to 10 people.

The Pier is open 365 days a year. Hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Attraction and restaurant hours vary. Parking is available at special parking lots - the Dolphin and Pelican Parking Lots for $3 ($5 for special events). Trolleys will transport you from the parking areas. Valet parking is available for a nominal charge of $4 per car ($6 for special events).

Step into Fresco's waterside dining area and immediately you feel as if you might have been transported to the Caribbean, or Key West.

Whether enjoying a glass of Sauvignon Blanc on the exclusive waterfront dock, or nibbling on Black Tiger Shrimp Remoulade in the harbor side dining room, Fresco's is sure to leave you with a taste of Florida.

Situated at the entrance to The Pier in downtown St. Pete, this resuarant offers waterside dining at its casual best.

While enjoying tropical drinks and mouth watering appetizers and entrees, Fresco's affords patrons a wonderful harborside view of the St. Pete Marina. Should you arrive by boat, foot, or car, you will not be disappointed. The service staff is friendly and helpful, and the food is fresh and delicious. It has a decidely warm island feel with decorative suns looking down on comfy recliners and couches. No matter where you are heading after your visit, like those found in many places in the Caribbean, the directions pole offers you all the info you may need to get to your next destination.   

 Black & Blue Tuna/Seaweed Salad 

Fresh Ahi Tuna in smoked Cajun seasoning, sliced thin over wamake salad, with soy sauce, srirachi & topped with Hawaiian Black Sea Salt

 Muffuletta

A New Orleans favorite with Genoa Salami, sliced Cappicola Ham, Provolone Cheese, topped with Olive Salad, pressed and served hot

  Fresco's Waterfront Bistro

300 2nd Ave n.e

St. Petersburg, Fl 

727-894-4429

Just minutes across the bridge from Sarasota, amidst a tropical paradise along the Gulf Coast of Florida, is an enchanting circle of fine shops and gourmet restaurants called St. Armands. Renowned as a market place with a continental flavor, it is a charming and graceful synthesis of past and present. Lush tropical plantings, courtyards and patios, antique statuary and contemporary architectural design skillfully contribute to an international atmosphere of friendly warmth, enduring elegance, and timeless style. Relax in the restaurants, explore the shops - from trinkets to treasures, gourmet snacks to candlelight feasts, you'll find it all on St. Armands Circle.

In 1893, Charles St. Amand, a Frenchman and first resident of the island, homesteaded the land, fishing in the waters of the Gulf and Bay and, along with other early pioneers, raised produce which he brought by boat to the market at City Pier in Sarasota. In later land deeds, his name was misspelled "St. Armand" and this spelling has persisted to the present day.

Visionary circus magnate John Ringling purchased the St. Armands Key property in 1917 and planned a development which included residential lots and a shopping center laid out in a circle. As no bridge to the key had yet been built, Ringling engaged an old paddle-wheel steamboat, the "Success," to service as a work boat. His crews labored at dredging canals, building seawalls, and installing sidewalks and streets lined with rose-colored curbs. In 1925, work began on a causeway to join St. Armands Key to the mainland. Circus elephants were used to haul the huge timbers from which the bridge and causeway were built.

One year later, amid much pomp and ceremony, both the John Ringling Causeway and Ringling Estates development opened to the public, with John Ringling himself leading a parade across the causeway and his Circus Band playing from a bandstand in the center of the Circle. Every hour there was free bus service from downtown to St. Armands for prospective buyers and sightseers.

Property sales that first day were estimated to exceed one million dollars but the boom ended quickly. As the nationwide depression worsened, land sales in Florida and on St. Armands stopped completely. In 1928, the City of Sarasota accepted as a gift the causeway which Ringling himself could no longer afford to maintain. Gradually, the wooden causeway began to rot, the Circle bandstand sagged, and the native vegetation covered the carefully planned streets and sidewalks.

For nearly 20 years, St. Armands slept .... children played ball where the bandstand once stood and only curious tourists ventured out to view the once famous key. During the 1940's, several courageous investors opened restaurants and a service station on the Circle but not until 1953 did business once again resume on St. Armands. By 1955 a number of stores had opened.

John Ringling's influence is still evident today in the planning and design of streets radiating from the the circle at the island's hub and the Italian statuary from his personal collection strategically placed around the key. This shopping circle looks very much as Ringling originally envisioned it, with the palm lined medians, park-like setting, and tropical plantings he intended. Gone are the pioneer farms, vacant lots, and the bandshell featuring Sunday afternoon concerts. But the promise of greatness, the truly cosmopolitan shopping area envisioned by John Ringling, has become a reality.

In 1905, Casimiro Hernandez, Sr, immigrated to Tampa's Ybor City from Cuba and opened a small cafe called the Columbia Cafe, serving fellow immigrants in the "Cigar City" steaming cups of Cuban coffee and bowls of Spanish bean soup, along with strong drink.

Over time, memories of the Cafe were preserved as the Columbia grew to become one of Florida's finest restaurants. Every era brought new challenges, and the Columbia met each with expansion; Prohibition Law saw the addition of a dining room called "La Fonda." In 1935, prohibition was repealed and cocktails and dancing became the rage. Casimiro Hernandez, Jr. added the first air-conditioned dining room in Tampa, and named it the "Don Quixote," featuring a large dance floor.

In the 1950's, Cesar and Adela Gonzmart carried on old traditions and added a few of their own. Ever the showman, Cesar serenaded and delighted diners with his magical violin, backed by an orchestra in the lavish "Siboney Room," Adela, a concert pianist and noted cookbook author, was the heart of the Columbia. Culinary and cultural acclaim increased over the years, and the family added new rooms for  banquets and entertainment. The Columbia Restaurant of Ybor City currently seats over 11700 people in 15 dining rooms and encompasses an entire city block.

Today there are seven Columbia Restaurants located throughout Florida each carrying on the family's delicious traditions, and we visited the St. Amands Circle location. As fans of authentic Cuban cuisine, we found this restaurant an absolute delight. The decor is wonderful and the old world charm and service are still intact, with all of the waitstaff in shirts and ties and most dishes prepared tableside.

Grab a little taste of old world Cuba and harken back to a bygone era of Florida. You won't be dissappointed.

 ~The Meal~

Sangria de Cava

Made Tableside

 Cristalino, Spanish Cava, Torres Brandy & Gran Torres liquer, Citrus Juice 

Cuban Black Bean Soup

Frioles Negros served over a bed of white rice and topped with raw Spanish onion

 100% vegetarian

Gazpacho Andaluz

Ripe Tomatoes, Green Peppers, Onions, Cucumbers, Garlic

Topped tableside with finely diced vegetables and toasted Cuban croutons

 El Combo de Cuba

Cuban feast of Roast Pork, Boliche, Platanos, Empanada de Picadillo, Black Beans, Yellow Rice

The Original Cuban Sandwich

Smoked Ham, Roast Pork, Genoa Salami, Swiss Cheese, Dill Pickle & Mustard on hot pressed Cuban bread, Plantain Chips

 Brazo Gitano "Cien Anos"

Created for the restaurant's 100th Annivesary in 2005

Spongecake, soaked in Syrup with Spanish Manzanilla Sherry, filled with Spanish cream and strawberries, rolled and topped with meringue and served tableside with strawberry sauce, then flambeed.

(We know.. that's why we ordered it !!!)

St Armands Circle

411 St Armands Circle

Sarasota, Florida

904-824-3341

www.columbiarestaurant.com 

Ok this is not going to be about any one restaurant. This is about a great way to spend an afternoon or evening watching the beautiful people do, well, what beautiful people do....be beautiful!

Carl Fisher, the wealthy original developer of Miami Beach, envisioned Lincoln Road to be the Miami Beach counterpart to Fifth Avenue in New York, or Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles. And indeed in the boom times of South Beach in the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's, it could match those upscale fashionable shopping districts. Fisher's concept was that Lincoln Road would be the way to draw together the east and west sides of Miami Beach.

Today, Lincoln Road is a pedestrian mall between Lenox Avenue and Washington Avenue. It is once again thriving as a shopping and dining area. Unique stores offer items not typically found in malls, and restaurants and cafés are common. Most restaurants offer either indoor or outdoor seating, including in the middle of the pedestrian mall area. And without question, the people watching on Lincoln Road can match any place in the world. There seems to be a constant flow of stunningly attractive women and men passing by, and many wear fashionable clothes with a major dose of sexy.

The History 

In 1947, Life Magazine's twelve page feature article on Miami Beach summed it up like this: "Each winter it becomes the mecca for stage stars, songwriters, playboys, labor leaders, big-money executives and big-money gamblers." Between 1925 and the early 60's Miami Beach was the winter playground for the world's elite. And in the center of it all was a street known as the "Fifth Avenue of the South," Lincoln Road.

At one time Lincoln Road was Miami Beach's top commercial area, with shops, nightclubs, bars, and department stores lining both sides of the street from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to Biscayne Bay. Saks Fifth Avenue, Harry Winston Jewelers, and Bonwit-Teller all were there for wealthy resort hotel guests to visit. 

The Road had no less than five movie theaters within its ten block span, including the world famous Carib Theater, with its live parrots in the lobby and mechanical roof that retracted to allow patrons to view feature films under a moonlit Miami Beach sky. 

Wealthy vacationers from the north would often arrive in Miami Beach for the winter season sporting empty steamer trunks to be used to transport their purchases back home again in April. Most of those purchases were made in the stores on Lincoln Road.

However, in the late 1950's things began to change. New economic pressures would change the future of Lincoln Road for many years to come. Large new hotels like the Fontainebleau and Americana were designed as self-contained resorts complete with shopping areas and night clubs on premises where guests could spend their tourist dollars. Lounges like the Fontainebleau's LaRonde Room or Eden Roc's Mona Lisa Room attracted world class entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. 

On the popular American Plan breakfast, dinner, and sometimes even cocktails and entertainment were included in the price of the room, so guests began to dine in the hotel's own fine restaurants rather than in local restaurants on Lincoln Road. At one time, the Americana Hotel alone employed over sixty chefs to service its winter guests. All this put great economic pressure on Lincoln Road's shops and restaurants, and the area soon began to feel the strain.

In an attempt to reverse the economic hardship being suffered by local stores and restaurants, the city commissioned famed Miami Beach architect Morris Lapidus, designer of the Fontainebleau Hotel, to transform Lincoln Road into a pedestrian shopping mall in 1960. The Road was closed to auto traffic and Lapidus created a beautiful shopping mall area filled with lush tropical plants, pink sidewalks, fountains, and unique sculptures. 

These changes met with some success, but the turnaround was short-lived. In the years that followed, Lincoln Road's stores closed their doors one by one. Even the crown jewel, Saks Fifth Avenue eventually called it quits.

New social pressures were also waiting just around the corner. Miami Beach's population, especially in South Beach, was shifting toward elderly retirees. At one point 80 percent of South Beach's population was over 65 years of age. These retirees, living in South Beach's old hotels and apartment buildings on low fixed incomes became a powerful political force and soon began resisting new taxes and bond issues, thus denying the city much needed revenue for infrastructure improvements.

But, in the late 80's when South Beach began its resurgence, development progressed in much the same way that the island's original development occurred in the early part of this century, namely, from the south, northward. Tony Goldman's Park Central Hotel, the News Cafe and the Cardozo Hotel/Restaurant all sprang to life in just a few short years. South Beach's redevelopment was like a tidal wave breaking right up Ocean Drive.

And as Ocean Drive turned around, so did Lincoln Road. Less touristy and more of a hip community, the Road is now blossoming into South Beach's creative district with artists and media production companies gravitating to the area at a steady pace.

There are many restaurants to choose from, from the high end to pizza, so spend the day strolling , then sit down for a snack, lunch or dinner at any one of the fine eateries along the walk. On this partricular afternoon we chose French-Italian:

 Escargots Au Beurre D'Ail

Snails in Garlic butter

Smoked Salmon

 Galettes De Ble Nior

(Buckwheat Crepe Specialties)

Saint-Jacques 

Scallops, Leek, Noilly Sauce

Miami 'AM

Pancetta, Goat Cheese 

Miami 'am
626 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139

(305) 604-0050

www.miamiamfrenchrestaurant.com

This was a tough one to figure out. Belleair could be classified as fine dining in terms of its delivery, plating and taste, yet we felt very comfortable and relaxed in the very casual atmosphere of the restaurant.

In 2005, owner Mark Marone acquired the well known Pepper Mill Restaurant, and inspired by restaurants and wine bars of U.S. and European cities, recreated the space into the Belleair Grill and Wine Bar. Prices are very affordable and we were intrigued by the set up of the menu. It consists of unique appetizers, a first course menu that is available in small or regular entree portions, and an array of second courses including seafood, steak, poultry, pork and lamb. 

The wine list is a unique composition of interesting varietals from around the world at reasonable prices, with 21 offered by the glass or as part of a tasting flight. The bottle list varies with availablity, and Mark continually seeks out new wines for patrons to try, but on average, there are usually another 125 wines by the bottle. Prices range from $20 to $129, with many in the $20-30 range. We shared a bottle of Steele “Stymie” Reserve Petit Syrah, North Coast, California 2001, $79.

Taken right from the restaurant's website, is its explanation as to what sets them apart as a true "wine bar":

"There are four important elements:

VARIETY: There must be a number of wines available, at least 15-20 at minimum, and they should be available by the glass and, ideally, by the taste as well, to encourage patrons to try new vintages. There also must be a DESIGNATED AREA: Many places say they are wine bars, but without a designated area, it’s really just a restaurant with a wine list. FOOD PAIRINGS:  Wine bars (enotecas in Italy), traditionally have small plates of food available to accompany the wine. These dishes are thoughtfully selected to complement the wine on offer. A KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF: The idea of a wine bar is to explore, learn and find new favorites, an endeavor enhanced when your server can tell you a little about what you’re drinking." To be noted here is the fact that Belleair holds regular wine dinners, and you can find out more about them by going to their website or calling Mark for details.  

The food was excellent, well prepared and it is  worth mentioning that the prices are extremely reasonable for the quality of preparation and amount of food served. In these economic times, it is always appreciated when you get a good value for your dollar spent. A wonderfully unique touch, for us, are the second course options that are available at half plate or regular portion servings. As we observed the night we dined there, some of the so called half plates were more than enough for one person, especially when paired with an appetizer and dessert. Because the menu includes such a variety of small and large plate options, you can combine them in any number of ways from a light meal to a four-course feast. 

The atmosphere is charming and relaxed with the wait staff pleasant and knowlegable, particularly with regard to the wines offered and helping you pair the right wine with your dinner selections. In 2008 the restaurant received a Green Restaurant Certification from The Green Restaurant Association. They serve only seafood that is determined to be safe and sustainable according to the Blue Ocean Institute. 

We feel you can't go wrong with this quant little eatery and though it may be a little off the beaten path, it's well worth firing up your GPS.

~Our Meal~

Potato-wrapped goat cheese

With basil, oven-dried tomato,and poached garlic vinaigrette

Tiramisu 

 Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

 ***

 Belleair Grill And Wine Bar 

 1575 South Ft. Harrison, Clearwater Fl. 

www.belleairgrill.com  727-449-2988 

What immediately stood out to us when we first arrived, was the refreshing absence of 'island kitch.' For us this was a telling sign.

In Tampa Bay culinary circles, the reputation of Frank Chivas, along with that of his partners, Tom Pritchard and Nick Papas, is well deserved and documented. Yes there were touches of island, but quite subdued. The reggae music and the bright colors reminded us of those eateries actually in the islands, with the concentration on the food rather than the atmosphere. Remember, "You can't eat the decor."

As with all their restaurants, making you welcome and serving you excellent food is first and foremost. The food coming out of this kitchen is fresh, and flavorful, the quintessential definition of what this feature is all about. Casual done with fine dining precision. Whether you are with friends or family, this is a place you come to just for the quality presentation of Jamaican and Caribbean comfort food. Chef Donald Chambers delivers a true passion for the food and his Jamaican heritage. 

Our server Dawn was friendly and efficient while Nick was the ever gracious host. Showing that they are paying attention to the plight of would be diners during these tough economic times, Rumba offers an "early menu" from 11:30 am to 5:45 pm daily. Containing all the house speciaties and more, like two for one drink specials, this menu offers a great way eat with a mind towards savings.

Mama Maria's Muffins

Flavored with Cheddar Cheese and Scotch Bonnet 

 served with a Cinnamon Butter

                       Appetizer Platter

Barbados Style Ribs, Conch Fritters, Island Style Quesadilla, and Crispy Ccoconut Prawns

 Sauces: Island Remoulade, Jerk, Key Lime and Jalepeno Aioli Trio, Tropical Pineapple Sauce

 Island Shrimp and Rice

Fresh Fruits, Shrimp, Veggies and Pecans served over Coconut Rice

           Herb Encrusted Mahi

             with Lemon Caper Sauce

Runaway Bay Crab Cake

Mango Salsa, Remoulade Sauce, Fried Green Tomato and Mashed Sweet Potato Tower

            Fried Lobster Tail

        with Tropical Pineapple Sauce

Key Lime Pie

Rumba Island Bar & Grill Savor this island experience
1800 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd
Clearwater, Florida  727 446-7027