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Ato's Island Restaurant 111 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria Island; 778-1515
On Tampa Bay, this tiny restaurant has all the charm and good food of Samoa, maybe because the co-owner is from Polynesia. Open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday-Friday, till 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Famous for occasional luaus with authentic and exuberant island dances including the torch dance; reservations a must for luaus. (Reviewed July 12, 1996)
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Alvarez Mexican Foods 1431 Eighth Ave. W., Palmetto; 729-2232
A small cantina offering excellent Mexican food at reasonable prices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast priced $2.99-$6.99 (children $1.99); lunches and dinners priced $3.29-$6.49. (Reviewed Nov. 15, 1996)
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Back Bay Steakhouse 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach; 778-4811
Nautical-themed restaurant with emphasis on prime rib ($11.95-$15.99) and a variety of steaks. Food and decor good, service slow when reviewed Sept. 6, 1996 -- while it was still named Back Bay Boathouse.
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Beach Bistro 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach; 778-6444
Elegant dining in small, unpretentious restaurant beside the Gulf of Mexico. Extraordinary food such as Tournedos Rossini ($24.95) or locally famous (you must try it) bouillabaisse ($28.95). Extensive wine list, impeccable service.
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Bennigan's 320 Cortez Road, Bradenton; 753-6451
The granddaddy of fern bars; busy, noisy with generous portions of mostly tasty fun food including a long list of appetizers to share. Choice of sandwiches and burgers, chicken, pasta, seafood, steaks and ribs. Children's menu available. Pleasant, speedy service. (Reviewed Jan. 10, 1997)
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Berliner Backstube 117 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach; 778-7344
Delightful little taste of Germany with baked goods made on the site. Beach breakfast ($2.90) includes small individual pots of really good coffee. Open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; closed Mondays. Cash only; entire restaurant smoke-free. (Reviewed June. 7, 1996)
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Cafe L'Europe 431 St. Armands Circle, St. Armands Key, Sarasota; 388-4415
Charming European cafe, the perfect spot to take your out-of-state guests who ask to go to ``a really nice restaurant.'' Start with lobster bisque ($5) and prepare to be carried away by the dessert tray. (Reviewed Nov. 22, 1996)
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Cafe on the Beach 4000 Gulf Drive, Manatee County Public Beach; 778-0784
Enjoy surprisingly good food, from snacks to full breakfast or dinner, at the ultimate beach-side ``concession'' stand. Under a shady umbrella, try the pancake and sausage breakfast ($3.50 with refills). All-you-can eat fish and entertainment on Friday nights. (Reviewed Aug. 23, 1996)
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Carmichael's 1213 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; 951-1771
An enchanting cottage in Sarasota's theater and arts district, serving equally enchanting food in quaint little rooms. New management does unusual things with ordinary food and offers some unusual ones such as buffalo and venison. Reservations a must. Excellent service. (Reviewed Dec. 20, 1996)
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Carrabba's Italian Grill 2106 Cortez Road, Bradenton; 755-7122
Large new eatery mindful of noisy, friendly fern bars. So popular you'll likely have to wait for a table. Standard Italian fare plus pizza from a wood-fired oven and fire-roasted chicken. Slow service the night we visited. (Reviewed Dec. 13, 1996)
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Charley's Crab 420 St. Armands Circle; 388-3964
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. every day except Sunday, when it opens at noon. Major credit cards OK at this seafood restaurant decorated with quiet good taste. Prices are high but so is the quality, including seafood delivered daily. An old favorite among Manatee and Sarasota diners.
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Chef Caldwell's 20 S. Adams Drive, off St. Armands Circle, Sarasota Phone: 388-5400 Hours: 5-9 p.m. seven days a week Chef Frank Caldwell works kitchen magic with a nice variety of fresh veal, steak, fish, seafood and more. Enjoy classics like veal Oscar and crispy duckling, while the children enjoy a grilled cheese or chicken fingers.
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Chez Andre 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach Shopping Center, Holmes Beach; 778-5320
Chez Andre in the Island Shopping Center is French with an ooh-la-la. Soups and sauces are divine (though sometimes a bit heavy on black pepper). Well-prepared entrees, sandwiches and salads plus tempting French pastries. Walk-ins welcome for breakfast and lunch, but reservations are a must for French dinners served 6-9:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
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Chili's Grill & Bar 3715 DeSoto Junction, Bradenton; 747-1893
A mixture of great burgers, flavorful Southwestern favorites, innovative salads and tasty appetizers in a casual, noisy, but friendly spot. New sandwich choices include Cobbler Deluxe and Bandito Vegetarian Burger at $5.49 each. Nice soups and great barbecued rack of ribs. Friendly service. (Reviewed June 14, 1996)
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The Columbia Restaurant 411 St. Armands Circle, St. Armands Key; 388-3987
Historic family-run restaurant that serves spectacular Spanish-Cuban food. Famous for the Columbia's original ``1905'' salad ($7.50), black bean soup and Cuban bread. Save room for flan, that wonderful Spanish caramel egg custard. (Reviewed Aug. 16, 1996)
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The Colony Restaurant 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; 383-5558
You might run into a TV or film star dining at this tennis enclave with two restaurants. The more formal is The Colony Restaurant, where dinner is served 6-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, till 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Wonderful brunch on Sunday. Servers treat guests as though they were royalty. Pricey, but worth it.
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Country Inn Hungarian Restaurant 9516 Cortez Road, Bradenton; 798-6970
Located in Mount Vernon Plaza, this newer restaurant serves authentic Hungarian food including homemade dumplings, goulash soup and Hungarian beef stew. Most people love the authentic taste of European-style dumplings and wiener schnitzel. Try the dessert of delicate crepes filled with jam and farmer's cheese. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. every day except Monday. (Reviewed Aug. 9, 1996)
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Cracker Barrell Old Country Store 636 67th St. Circle E., Bradenton; 746-7886
You'll wait for a table during peak hours, but you can spend the time browsing in the extensive gift shop. Down-home ham, grits, biscuits 'n' gravy plus new dinner items like fried shrimp. Big portions and mostly homemade taste -- if your grandmother cooked ``Southern style.'' Good service, family friendly. (Reviewed Sept. 27, 1996)
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D. Coy Duck's 5410 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach; 778-5888
A friendly, unpretentious bar and grill that serves surprisingly good food and some items you wouldn't expect, such as escargot. Complete homemade dinner special nightly, great burgers, memorable chili. Kitchen is open 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. every day of the week.
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Eastern Sun Chinese Restaurant 5105 Manatee Ave. W.; 794-1028
If you want MSG, you have to ask for it in this new restaurant with a friendly owner that circulates to make sure guests are happy. Huge buffet table 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and till 10 p.m. Sunday. Try General Tso's Chicken or another house specialty, Hawaiian duck. Reasonable prices, generous portions. (Reviewed Feb. 7, 1997)
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Harry's Continental Kitchens 525 St. Judes Drive, Longboat Key; 383-0777
Quaint garden setting off the beaten path, with wonderfully prepared and often unusual food. Go for an elegant breakfast, brunch or lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. weekly or starting at 10 a.m. Sundays. Nightly dinner hours are 5-10 p.m. Take-out and catering available. Roast duck, caviar crepes are among Harry's specialties. (Reviewed Feb. 14, 1997)
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Hungry Fox 419-A St. Armands Circle; 388-2222
Take stairs or elevator to this casual restaurant located near shops and art galleries. Breakfast served 8 a.m. till noon. Have lunch or have dinner, including sunset specials; closing time is 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Eat indoors or out. Nicely served standard fare. (Reviewed Oct. 25, 1996)
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Imperial Garden 943 10th St. E., Palmetto; 722-8778
The day we visited, the wonton soup tasted as though it had just finished cooking. The appetizer of barbecued ribs satisfied a dedicated ``rib'' man. Language may be a slight problem. Choice of food is almost limitless. Start with an egg roll (95 cents) or spring roll ($1.25). One of chef's specialties is ``Long Fong,'' a plate of fresh lobster meat sauteed with onions and mushrooms ($16.50). (Reviewed Oct. 18, 1996)
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Michael's Seafood Grille 214 Sarasota Quay, Sarasota; 951-2467
New restaurant is large and attractive with antiques, plants, flowers and exquisite food. Named one of the 20 Best New Restaurants in Florida by Florida Trend magazine. Wonderfully fresh Dover sole ($24.95) and grilled ribeye steak ($17.95) are among recommended entrees. Michael's sea bass is a signature dish. Salads are fresh, innovative. Open 5-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, till 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. (Reviewed Jan. 31, 1997)
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Moore's Stone Crab Restaurant 800 Broadway, Longboat Key; 383-1748
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9:15 p.m. daily
One of the oldest restaurants in Manatee County proved itself still one of the best the day reviewed. On an inlet off Sarasota Bay, it offers fresh seafood in a pristine setting. Go in stone crab season (October to May) and enjoy the harvest of the restaurant's own fishing and crabbing fleet. Sandwiches, steaks, drinks and desserts available, too. Get there by boat or car.
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Olive Garden 4420 14th St. W., Bradenton; 756-2370
Scenes of sunny Italy color the walls of this chain restaurant that manages to capture Italian flavor the way the masses like it. Good values in the soup-salad lunch combos draw in crowds. Some innovative new dishes, standard old ones including tasty spaghetti and meatballs. Open daily at 11 a.m., closing at 9:30 p.m. Saturday-Thursday, 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. (Reviewed July 5, 1996)
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Oma Pizza 201 N. Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach; 778-0771
Wow! Wait till you see the 18-inch pizza, baked by the restaurant that once baked the world's largest pizza in 1978. Tiny restaurant with grand Roman facade serves a great, and generous, antipasto for $8.75. The 18-inch pizza costs $8.50 with sauce and cheese. Extra toppings are $1.25 each. Try it with giant meatball slices. (Reviewed Jan. 3, 1997)
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Panda Inn 5209 33rd St. E., Bradenton; 751-5773
Adequate Chinese restaurant with pleasant service in a shopping center location. Try the mooshu pork or the curried chicken wings. A nice variety of food here that is cheerfully prepared to the customer's request. MSG is used only on request. Lo mein, chow mein and chop suey just a few of the entrees available. Open 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. (Reviewed Dec. 6, 1996)
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Peaches 6057 26th St. W., Bradenton; 727-0443
Their third small breakfast and lunch restaurant serves fresh and good homestyle food. Breakfast all day; omelets, sandwiches, salads, wonderful soups, quiches and desserts. Don't miss the vegetable pocket sandwich, hamburger or coffee cakes. Smiling, prompt service. (Reviewed Nov. 8, 1996)
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The Pier 12th Street West on the Memorial Pier, Bradenton; 748-8087
The famous Pier Salad is a must, either solo for lunch or accompanying a dinner. Entrees include herb-crusted prime rib of beef ($12.95 for 8 ounces, bigger sizes and prices available) and popular all-you-can-eat grouper fingers ($8.95). Popular watering spot after work, especially on Fridays. Open 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, till 11:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. (Reviewed July 26, 1996)
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Piccirilli's 6713 14th St. W., Bradenton; 758-4491
Classic Italian food is well prepared and served in quietly elegant dining rooms. Sauces are good; menu is comprehensive with many variations of veal, pasta, beef, seafood and chicken. Pleasant, professional service. A favorite spot with local diners who appreciate good food, even it costs a bit more. (Reviewed June 21, 1996)
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Poco Loco Fine Mexican Cuisine 219 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach; 778-5626
Small upstairs (there is a ramp that accommodates wheelchairs) restaurant shares a building with Joe's Eats and Sweets across from the Gulf of Mexico. Smokers may use outdoor tables. Everything is made from scratch and the enchilada platter is a winner. Roll-your-own chicken or beef fajitas are $8.95, the homemade tamales and chimichanga $7.25. (Reviewed Sept. 20, 1996)
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Prime Rib in Paradise 7834 Cortez Road, Bradenton; 795-8147
Small cafe with really good sandwiches and salads, also offers reasonably priced prime rib (starting at $4.99) and steaks (starting at $6.99). These are served au jus with Texas toast, but sometimes the nightly special gives you a baked potato at no extra cost. Their New York cheesecake is full-bodied, firm and delicious. Caring, pleasant service. (Reviewed Nov. 29, 1996)
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Red Lobster Restaurant 5711 14th St. W., Bradenton; 756-1814
Seafood and fish restaurant chain is under new management, but still turns out delectable food from the sea. Try the prime rib and Crab Alfred ($10.99 for both) or the Tiger Prawn Scampi. Red Lobster inspects its seafood for freshness and safety. The cheese-flavored biscuits are a favorite item people try, usually unsuccessfully, to duplicate. Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays and Sundays, till 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. (Reviewed Oct. 11, 1996)
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Rizzo Bros. Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria 5120 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton; 747-3360
Strip mall location doesn't prepare you for the fine quality and variety of food served by the Rizzo Brothers. There is a family atmosphere about the place and the attentive servers are apt to wax enthusiastic about the baby clams in marinara sauce or the pizza such as Carmen's Sicilian Special loaded with everything for $19.95. Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays, 5-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. (Reviewed Nov. 1, 1996)
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Rosedale Country Club 5100 87th St. E., Bradenton; 753-6200
High-ceiling dining room has great views of the golf courses and grounds. Lunch served 11 a.m.-5 p.m., dinner until 8 p.m. The full menu isn't always available when the club caters other events. Try the Sunday brunch, especially the omelets cooked to your specification. Nice assortment of food kept hot and attractive makes this a Sunday treat. (Reviewed Dec. 27, 1996)
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Seafood Shack 4110 127th St. W., Bradenton; 794-1235
There is something timeless and reassuring about the freshness and the authenticity of the fish and seafood at this restaurant operated by the same Hamlin Jones who opened it in 1972. In the ``heart of Cortez,'' Seafood Shack remains a favorite with locals who know their seafood. Order the Captain's Platter ($19.95) if you want to sample a variety of treasures from the deep. Open 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Sunday, open till 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (Reviewed Sept. 13, 1996)
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Sea Porch Cafe at Don Ce Sar St. Pete Beach
Historic ``pink palace'' built in 1928 is a showpiece saved from the wrecking ball and restored to its former glory when it was a playground for the rich and famous. It's 30 miles or about 40 minutes from Bradenton via the Sunshine Skyway. History buffs shouldn't miss the building, food buffs the wonderful menu. Special requests are encouraged. Don't leave without trying the crispy green beans that are ``blasted'' with hot oil to retain color and texture. The Don prides itself on using the freshest ingredients, locally raised when possible, and it shows in the memorable flavors. (Reviewed Feb. 28, 1997)
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Shrimp Louie's 402 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach; 778-7979
Now open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week, this waterside restaurant opened one place, than moved to another building in the same location. Memorable is the spicy Louie's Shrimp and More ($10.95), served in a basket with french fries. Hours and items sometimes changed as this restaurant worked to improve itself with new equipment after the move. (Reviewed at the original location June 28, 1996)
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Villa Sorrento 2704 14th St. W., Bradenton; 747-1436
Italian restaurant at location of former Mario's serves an extensive menu of traditional Italian entrees plus Italian subs, great pizza and other items. The crowds haven't as yet discovered Villa Sorrento, so now might be the time to take your crowd there for a relaxed meal in pleasant surroundings. Open 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; lounge 10 a.m.-2 a.m. (Reviewed March 7, 1997)
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