Divas Love Harry’s

The Dining Divas “Eclectic Eateries Off the Eaten Path”Weekly eating adventures, in which we set out to explore Sarasota Area Culinary hits (or misses). The objective is to discover those restaurants, pubs or cafes that are locally owned, have soul, offer entrees under $15.00 and possibly entertain us with wonderful music. This is not your typical food review. More important to us is the ambiance, pricing, service and all around fun, as we are simply the ‘Dining Divas’ out to have a good time.
Now…. Our review.
It was time to get off the mainland. It was time to experience the romance of the islands. The Divas consulted. Darling Diva, Detail Diva, Brilliant Diva and Granola Diva have been working very diligently in their real estate careers and it was ‘rule breaking in the making‘, the $15.00 bar was raised a tad. We remembered the bygone magic of Sarasota’s mainland restaurant, Alley Cat, we reminisced, or should I say, Granola Diva reminisced the culinary delights from far off places such as Northern Michigan’s Rowe Inn and Tapawingo. It was that certain je ne sais quoi that we were in search of and it was our own Matt Man who led the way.
We boarded the big white luxurious ride of our Intrepid Diva’s chariot, we sailed over the Ringling Bridge to the manicured landscape of Longboat Key. The sun was setting, palm tree portraits lined the horizon as we ventured in the direction of Lands End, our leadersstomping grounds. The ultimate destination, HARRY’S Continental Kitchens, aglow with sparkling lights, tropical colors, and an eclectic, warm, and interesting mix of patrons. We were in the arms of Harry’s heavenly creation about to embark on an orgasmic and fanciful feast.
We were in luck. It was Thursday night, that means wine tasting at HARRY’S.
Son of Harry, Hal, took us under his wing and for only a $5.00 admission we were able to sample Ridge Vineyard Wines, hors d’oeuvres and the ultimate Diva deal of a $5 coupon to be used for dinner or a purchase of their select wines. We sipped, we sampled, we chatted up Harry and his 30 year experiences as owner, resident and all around bon vivant. The Divas were reluctant to have this experience end, wanting more Michael stories, we so look up to her.
Piece de resistance, it was time for dinner, the Divas were seated. Art lines the walls, candles glimmer, the outside is brought in, we toasted our host Hal with the most magnificent Pineapple Fusion Martinis.
Dinner decisions we left to our handsome host and our pretty, courteous and knowledgeable server, Denise. Let the party begin!
The best Sushi ever, Salmon Bisque to die for, PBR Soft Shell Crab with coconut milk beer batter, Scallop Salad, all of that and the main course yet to come. We were blessed.
The chef with the cherubic face and his CIA culinary degree, Harry’s very own, Ian Clark, created our climactic dining experience. The finest fresh local fish were served and the most prime cuts of beef. The perfect marriage of sauces, scalloped potatoes your mother never served, asparagus el dente and the wine. Hand selected by Hal. Yes Harry, it was delightful dining.
We want to go back. Breakfast starts at 9am and runs until 2:30. We will be there! The word on the street is that their Brunches are dynOmite.
At Harry’s Continental Kitchens, wonderful breakfasts, lunches and dinners; a deli, stylish catering, gourmet gift baskets, fine wines & spirits and a bakery.

525 St. Judes Drive
5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Longboat Key, FL 34228
Phone 941.383.0777
Fax 941.383.2029
www.harryskitchen.com

Read more...

Diva's Italian Fix

Third times a charm as they say…something about this place kept us intrigued enough to try, try again. During one of our other outings in the Gulf Gate area, we saw a little Italian Restaurant and added it to our list of ‘must visit’. The first time we had hoped to dine there it was not open (must have been a Monday), and the next time we visited they were closed (perhaps a holiday) – note to Divas, perhaps best to verify hours of operation….so this time the doors opened for us and we were refreshed with the fragrance of garlic – YUM! Pleasant décor and friendly faces welcomed us and promptly seated us at a nice table in the corner. We were happy to see that many others decided to dine here too. In fact, the couple seated beside us had just finished their meals and were excited by how much they enjoyed theirs. They wanted to give the Divas some suggestions for our order, and cheerfully lifted their glasses to toast ….oh, right! Time for some wine – Diva’s know a nice red wine always helps bring out the best in a meal, especially Italian food. With the guidance of our server we selected the Nero D’Avola 2006 (Sicily) ….”Delicious and fun!” as described by Darling Diva.
For our meals there was some debate, so we settled on appetizers while we continued studying the menu - Diva’s do not like to study – so really we simply continued our conversation with the friendly couple next to us and ordered with their help. The appetizers were; Bruschetta, fresh tomato, olive oil, and fresh basil atop grilled Italian bread; and the Portobello Mushrooms, sautéed with sun-dried tomato, rosemary, garlic, and olive oil, served over polenta. Bruchetta – yes. Portobello Mushrooms – good, not great. Main course choices were; Veal Sorrento (Carnivore Diva), veal scaloppini with prosciutto, eggplant, fresh tomato, and mozzarella cheese, light white wine tomato sauce; and Eggplant Surprise (Veggie Diva), eggplant filled with Ricotta cheese and spinach baked with tomato sauce served with side of angel hair pasta. Delicious to all …was it the wine? Maybe, but more than likely it was the perfect combination of enough garlic, wine, and good service to leave each Diva with a nice warm fuzzy memory of an evening well spent!
Broccolini’s Restaurant, 6525 Superior Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231 941-927-5100

Read more...