Are you ready to explore Florida’s Gulf Islands and become a True Florida Foodie? Seek out the elements behind fine fare and find pleasure in the most genuine dining experiences. Simply stated, learn to LOVE the food from inception, preparation, delivery and atmosphere. Explore the Recipes for local delicacies, meet our Chefs or discover Flavors, featuring seasonal produce from the area and the fresh catch from area waters.

Make your own Fireworks!

Enjoy a week of relaxation at Heron's Landing, two spacious villas decorated with old Florida ambiance on Sarasota Bay...114 8th St S Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island. Package for two includes: 7 nights in the Blue Heron villa, dinner for two at the Island Creperie on Bridge Street, reservations required. Dinner includes glass of house wine, entree, and dessert. $1,070. Gratuities and taxes not included. Enjoy the tropical breezes and white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Visit www.annamariaheronslanding.com to view villa. Contact: maureenkraker@hotmail.com Call 713-498-3549 mention Code Fireworks. Valid June 1-August 31, 2009. Excludes week of July 4th.


Gulf Coast Renewal

3-day/2-night stay at the Tortuga Inn Beach Resort in a deluxe luxury garden apartment. Refresh and renew at Acqua Aveda Salon and Spa, includes two services of your choice from the Fresh Season Spa menu at Acqua: Island Splash Manicure and Pedicure (manicure pedicure combined = 1 service), Gulf Island Blue Facial. Coastal Fusion Stone Massage or Beach Baby Body treatment. Package price $670, for double occupancy, does not include tax or gratuity. Click Here or call for more
information, 941-778-6611.


Romance the Soul Package

Offered by An Island Getaway at Palm Tree Villas - the only resort on Anna Maria Island recommended by LIFE magazine. Celebrate a special event or just re-kindle the flame! This package is designed to “light a fire”! Package includes: An ultimate botanical spa experience, Dinner at a fine dining restaurant, Romantic sunset sail & a welcome gift. Package is available April through January, based on availability. Reservations suggested. Not available during national holiday weekends. From $585 to $745 for three nights for two persons based on applicable room rates. Gratuity and room tax not included. To book, visit www.palmtreevillas.com


Table for Two Package

Choice of Poolview king, poolview king suite, Gulf king or gulf suite at Hilton Longboat Key plus breakfast for 2 each day of stay and one dinner for 2 at Latitudes Restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Dinner includes - 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, 1 dessert and 2 glasses of house red or white wine. Package rates starting at $334/night excluding tax based on double occupancy, based on availability and rates are subject to change. Valid for stays January 1st-Dec 31, 2009. To book, go to www.longboatkey.hilton.com and check under the Hotels Specials page or call 800-282-3046.

 

 

Videos

Begin your true foodie experience on Florida’s Gulf Islands by viewing video samplings of local cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, visitors first hand experiences, in the news and much more. Its time to engage the senses in all the area has to offer.

In the news

BRADENTON - Chef Raymond Arpke has been cooking for Suncoast visitors and residents for more than 28 years. He and his wife own Euphemia Haye restaurant on Longboat Key. And once again, it's getting to be that time of year when the restaurant business starts to slow down. "The weekends are always busy, but you know what, sometimes you can shoot a cannon down the street, in the middle of the summer, say on a Wednesday at 7:00, and not hurt a soul," says Arpke.


 

A live cooking demonstration, featuring Chef Paul Mattison can be seen on the Noon news every Thursday afternoon on ABC's Channel 7. Tune in as Chef Paul Mattison shares with you how to prepare a different meal each week  on this  live cooking segment What's For Dinner.

 

Sustainable Seafood
A key effort at Mote is pioneering better methods to farm-raise fish. Efforts focus on creating sustainable seafood farming methods for both marine and freshwater fish species. In 2006, Mote became the first organization in the state of Florida to harvest sturgeon caviar. The sturgeon is being cultured to produce caviar and reduce the wild harvest of this threatened species.


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