Divas Do Happy Hour.. Coming soon

In the mean time.......Passion flower and bee - the perfect match on a warm spring day !

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Divas,Cupcakes and Chrome

Two worlds collide in Southgate Village on Siesta Drive. One…. a dainty little retro bakery decorated with pastels and anything to do with cupcakes. They even have a cupcake gallery in the back featuring local artists. And the other… black, red, chrome and leather. Very techno, very macho…… However, the two coexist quite nicely. In fact they work together in this small little strip plaza allowing customers the best of both worlds.
You see… you take your Cupcake to gogo to Fuel and enjoy it with your espresso or your choice of 10 different coffee selections. Vroom Vroom.
This sounded eclectically good to us.
Cupcakes a gogo uses every square foot of their tiny store front to artfully display their cupcake designs for every occasion. Very detailed, very clever colorful works of art that takes the cake ! They also have a catalog of designs to choose from or you pick a theme. And what diva wouldn’t love a dozen red cupcakes….. But for our purposes we were there to sample their baking skills. We ordered a mixed box of chocolate, vanilla and mango and walked them over to Fuel. With cupcakes on our minds we took a seat close to the front near the diner style counter. In the back they have a large TV where that day some guys were sitting on the couch watching off road racing…..
Before we even looked at their lunch menu we couldn’t stop ourselves from getting into the cupcake box ! They did not disappoint. Very delicious, moist little cakes {vanilla and chocolate} with light chocolate, vanilla or mango icing… In fine diva fashion we sampled them all {happily} bringing back childhood memories of birthday parties gone by….
Vroom, Vroom…oh yes Fuel…. switching gears…we asked for the menu.
The lunch menu at Fuel is simple.. In one word - Panini ..However there are 11 to choose from and all come with a salad…
We had “The Doctor” - grilled chicken, prosciutto,provolone cheese and spinach balsamic vinaigrette, “Achilles Wheelie” – Plain hummus, baby spinach, grilled mushrooms, tomatoes,chopped red onions, and feta cheese, “Fuel Tank” – grilled chicken strips, zesty salsa jack cheese, salsa and lettuce and “Paddock Stack” – Ham,Pineapple,colby jack cheese and Thai sweet chili sauce.
They were all great. The perfect ending to our cupcake lunch.

Cupcakes a gogo - A cupcake for every event
Tuesday thru Friday 10:00am – 5:30pm
Saturday 10:0am thru 2:00pm
Monday, Sunday - Closed but leave your order on their msg machine
2079 Siesta Dr. 941-952-1114 www.gocupcakes.com

Fuel Motorcycle & Espresso Bar - Rev up. Refuel. Relax
Mingle with other motorcyclists every Monday night from 6:30 to 10pm.
Go out to Fuel for Scooter Night every Tuesday from 7 to 9pm.
Open 7 days a week.
Monday thru Saturday: 11am - 10pm
Sunday: 8am - 6pm
2161 Siesta Dr. 941-373-1222 www.fuelsrq.com

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Out of sight Cupcakes from Cupcakes a go go..review coming soon....

http://www.cupcakesago-go.com/

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A Diva Touchdown

Sports, value and southern cooking attracted the Divas to Lee Roy Selmon’s – a sports restaurant with deep-rooted southern recipes, many from Lee Roy’s mother.
Lee Roy, youngest of 9, lived on a farm in Oklahoma appreciating home cooking and fresh ingredients they gathered directly from the land. Lee Roy, a #1 draft pick, spent his 10-year professional sports career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after which they retired his #63 jersey. (Note ‘63’ next to the family recipes – took Divas a while to figure that one out!). He was inducted into both the College and NFL Hall of Fames. The restaurant slogan, “Play hard. Eat Well. And don’t forget to share” reflects Lee Roy – the athlete, restaurateur, family man and community leader.
There was a wait for tables the night we were there, but the veranda seating was a great place to hang out and sample some ‘Play List’ drink specialties.
On the Divas lineup was:
#1: Smokin’ Tampa Tea (yeah, it really smokes!)
#2: Patron Lemonade – a smooth combination with Patron Silver Tequila, Citronge and fresh squeezed lemonade
#3: Passion Fruit Martini
#4: Classic Mojito
#5: Selmon’s Bloody Mary made with their secret infused vodka and served with a lazy susan of garnishes: horseradish, Worcestershire, celery salt and 3 different hot sauces. Almost a meal on its own.
#6: For Designated Driver Diva – fresh squeezed lemonade. And when they say fresh, they mean fresh!
Before we could finish the lineup, we were seated. Don’t be misled – this is NOT a sports bar. It feels more like a steakhouse but with most entrees under $15. The restaurant is split into two sections – restaurant seating and the lounge with high top tables. The lighting was complimentary and there were 19 non intrusive televisions. Sporty Divas could enjoy sporting events and Yakky Divas could converse. Sporty Divas thought this was definitely a great place for NCAA action.
After browsing the menu we were delightfully surprised to see that it fit into the Diva budgets quite well. Our wonderful server, Coach Graham, explained that Lee Roy & Company had cut prices, but not portions and quality, in consideration of today’s economy (many dinner entries are $9.99). We were really hungry, so…. get ready…. and don’t be shocked by our unDiva-like appetites.......We ordered: the Hall of Fame Ribs, (63)Fried Green Tomatoes kicked up with their garlic horseradish aioli sauce (divalicious!), Smokin’ Quesadillas with pulled pork drizzled with BBQ sauce and a side of BBQ sour cream and fresh salsa, Kickin’ Queso served with warm tortilla chips (OMG – chorizo sausage, sautéed with fresh bell peppers, jalapenos blended in a creamy cheese sauce, served with warm chips – very unDiva like), (63)Selmon Brothers Wings – marinated and slow cooked and grilled, not fried and served with their spicy Oklahoma Sauce, chips and guacamole, (63) Mama Selmon’s Cajun Gumbo, (63)Mama’s Meatloaf with decadent smashed potatoes and a mushroom herbed gravy, Idaho Rainbow Trout, (63)SweetHeat Fried Chicken Sandwich. All BBQ entrees come with Lee Roy’s 4 Signature Sauces – Tangy, Spicy, Zesty and Thick. On the sidelines we had cheese and bacon grits, greens medley, home style baked beans, and corn bread casserole. WOW.....This was southern soul satisfying comfort food at its best!
Coach Graham was awesome and when it came time to ordering dessert, he suggested one of each. And why not, we had gone this far. Let’s do it for the home team! …. Georgia Peach Cobbler with vanilla ice cream, (63)Selmon’s Bread Pudding, Melt in Ya’ Mouth Pecan Pie, and Chocolate Rush – 5 decadent layers of chocolate cake with mousse filling and fudge icing. OMG! If your favorite team is playing (and even if they’re not) and you’re looking for real value, this is the place to head!

The night was a Touchdown!

Lee Roy Selmon’s Restaurant, 8253 Cooper Creek Blvd, Sarasota 941-360-3287And also located at 6510 Cortez Road, Bradenton 941- 798-3287

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Divas Do Raw

We must start off by saying that, Rebel Divas that we are, the idea of Raw food did not appeal to us. Doubting Diva had been trying to avoid visiting our dear friend Jenna Norwood’s restaurant Vibe Cuisine (formerly Veggie Magic) since it opened a year ago. As well as a restaureaur Jenna’s known as Sarasota’s passionate raw food guru and documentary video producer Supercharge Me– 30 Days Raw.
Finally, the day had come. We were locked in. Off to the southeast corner of Bee Ridge and McIntosh, located deep in the corner of the plaza is Vibe Cuisine (Veggie Magic). It’s ironic that when explaining how to find her place, Jenna says, “we’re just behind Firehouse Subs”. Now, you know where it is – but you won’t find any heat in her kitchen!
Raw, by definition is: natural, uncultivated, uncooked, or unrefined state: not having undergone a process of manufacturing ....No problem..it was lunch.....
Vibe was hopping with regulars knowing exactly what to order the day we were there. It is a destination for them… The space is fresh and airy with citron green curtains that close you off from the outside world… leaving your senses open for what’s to come. There are cozy couches, regular seating, lots of informative materials to read on the walls….but the most impressive feature is the open kitchen where the food magicians are busy at work.
Vibe Cuisine is certified green. The water they serve is reverse osmosis, they compost….of course, their take out containers are bamboo and the utensils are potato starch all biodegradable. And did we mention kosher? This is the only Rabbi certified Kosher Kitchen within 60 miles.
We started our adventure with a Chocolate Goji Love Smoothie. A mix of young Thai coconut meat and water, raw cacao powder, dates, hemp seeds and goji berries. Full of antioxidants, protein and electrolytes. As we were warming up to the idea of eating raw (gulp!), we noticed the menu teased us with the names of some of our favorite dishes like pizza, pasta, cheeseburgers, fried rice, brownies, apple pie????? Say what ??? However, this is deceptive. No glutens here and all foods will lower your cholesterol. So get that greasy cheeseburger out of your head. Their version of the all American double cheeseburger stack with all the condiments you’d expect was surprisingly delicious. No meat. No cheese. No bread. Veggie patties, thinly sliced, with all the raw burger toppings. You must eat it to believe it. Even Doubting Diva enjoyed it. There was no stopping us! We also enjoyed the Mama Mia Pasta. Wheat free! Raw zucchini pasta dressed with a warming garlic and herb creamy sauce with sun dried tomatoes, red onions sprinkled with pine nut ‘parmesan’. And… Pizza! Did someone say pizza?!! Not what you would expect, but fabulous just the same. And oh! Those sun dried tomatoes! Delicous. As a side we had the Chinese ‘Fried Rice’ that is actually cauliflower, celery, red onions, carrots, ginger, garlic, tamari and sesame oil. Looked and tasted a lot like CFR.
We finished off our meal with three sweet treats – Apple Pie, Black and White Brownies and White Chocolate Blueberry Bars. Delightfully scrumpdilicious.
There are so many ingredients that go into all of these flavorful dishes we just simply can’t do them justice. You must experience then for yourself. Tell them Doubting Diva sent you!
Speaking of, just guess who purchased the Delicious Dish Meal Program? Doubting Diva herself! After speaking to Mike, the in house manager, and discovering that he had lost 140 pounds in less than a year, she was encouraged (surely I can lose that 10!) 6 meals – 6 days – for $105. (Other programs available) All meals include a side and a salad. They’re available for delivery or pick up. She’s hoping to reach her ultimate health and wellness in the purest and most delicious way. Yikes! We won’t recognize her!
Eat in, Take out, call for delivery, mini market, Check it out!

Vibe cuisine {previously known as Veggie Magic} 4428 Bee Ridge Rd. 377-6209
Also at the downtown farmer’s market every Saturday
www.vibecuisine.com

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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

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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

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