Page 36 - DreamScapes Magazine | Fall/Winter 2022

Eat like a Floridian
IN BRADENTON
BY JIM BAMBOULIS
Along Florida’s southwest coast on the south side of the Sunshine Skyway, sits Bradenton Gulf Islands. For those eager to experience an authentic and preserved corner of paradise, the Bradenton area with its islands of Anna Maria and Longboat Key all do the trick. There, visitors can experience quaint villages, beachfront cottages and charming boutiques. Spanning from coastline to mainland, the countryside offers wineries, farms and citrus groves that can be visited and explored. Although white sand beaches and silky turquoise water beckon, appreci- ating and savouring the region’s unforgettable culinary and agricultural experiences are a must!
DINE LIKE A FLORIDIAN
Here, accolades abound, including 10 Best Little Beach Towns in Florida, and Top 30 Islands in the World. But beyond the expected, the Bradenton area is a foodie haven, proudly home to locally-owned and -operated restaurants that keep the authentic Floridian vibe and culinary traditions going strong. Pier 22, Mar Vista and Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier are three of many restaurants that offer “Dock and Dine,” and “Hook and Cook” experiences. The former allows visitors to dock their boats steps from the restaurant of their choice, and dine on some of the freshest, seasonal seafood available, while the latter cooks your catch and prepares it to your liking.
FLORIDA’S AGRITOURISM FLAVOURS
Farm-to-table is a big deal here, with dozens of regional farms proudly active in the sustainable food movement. Many offer
both agriculture and aquaculture tours and
The Sandbar and Rod & Reel Pier on Anna experiences that raise awareness, and
Maria Island. Listed as a National Historic celebrate the land and sea. Mixon Farms
Site, Cortez Village is a charming enclave of focuses on citrus and veggies, while raw
old fish houses that harbour local fisher milk producer Dakin Farms uses food
folklore dating back to the 1890s. A working production methods that don’t harm the
waterfront, catches of the day from environment, and are humane to animals.
restaurants including Star Fish Company and Meanwhile, several farmers’ markets,
Tide Tables go from boat to table, prepared in including the Downtown Bradenton Public
the simplest of ways, with unbeatable Market on Old Main Street, which runs each
freshness, and undeniable quality. DS
PHOTOS: BRADENTON AREA CVB
Saturday from October to May, feature everything from fresh produce to cooking demonstrations by local chefs.
CLASSIC FLAVOURS WITH
A TOUCH OF FLORIBBEAN Floribbean cuisine is a unique fusion of fresh ingredients from the Caribbean Islands and Florida, unique to the Bradenton area, and available in several restaurants, including
TRAVEL PLANNER
Air Canada offers seasonal non-stop flights from Toronto to the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Visit flysrq.com
36 DREAMSCAPES FALL/WINTER 2022