Page 34 - Spring/Summer Taste Magazine

First Bite
continued from page 15
The fabulous new outdoor deck at Ophelia’s on the Bay welcomes guests for an even more wonderful experience nightly. Always divine foods, drinks and service here. should be, without glitz, just a
grand view of an unfettered sweep of water, mangroves, seabirds, and an occasional boat, manatee or dolphin gliding by. You may also dine in one of two window-walled casually elegant dining rooms, both are wonderful!
Ophelia's on the Bay’s food has evolved over the years into a blend of cuisines and influences, mixing new world with old, American with Asian, Italian with Floridian. Owner Chef
Daniel Olson is constantly researching and creating
new dishes for the menu which is printed nightly
using the freshest local and exotic fish and produce
available. Dan is entering his 19th year running the
culinary end of things at Ophelia’s including fresh
product procurement and production, so the experi-
ence is as special as it’s always been, only better!
They were recently featured in Forbes Magazine as one
of the Top 100 Most Scenic Restaurants in
America as voted by OpenTable. Wow, a great
honor and well-deserved!
Ophelia's is accessible by land, three miles south of the Stickney Point Bridge on Siesta Key. Dinner hours are 5 pm to 10 pm nightly. Voted the ‘Most Romantic Restaurant’ in Sarasota, Ophelia's on the Bay is also becoming known as a premier spot for romantic waterfront weddings. They special- ize in smaller intimate affairs that can be custom designed to your specifications. They also host rehearsal dinners, business functions and a variety of
34 Celebrating 30 Years!
other special events including many Taste Dining & Travel Progressive Dinners, always a fabulous evening here. Call today to start booking your ideal waterfront event.
Orlando-based Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is now scooping out its iconic frozen treats in Bradenton, announcing the brand’s first loca- tion to open in the area. Open since late-June, the new Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is located in West Bradenton at 2525 Manatee Ave (941- 900-2755). The location is owned and operated by Steve and
Lisa Mountcastle and their son and his wife, Jake and Lauren Lopez.
This is the first of three locations the business owners intend on opening throughout the Bradenton and Sarasota areas and the newBradentonlocationwasrenovatedfromaprevious bank.Great for their model as the new Jeremiah’s Italian Ice offers guests two walk- up windows, outdoor patio seating, a drive thru and has plans for third party delivery in the near future.
As an experienced self-employed businessman, Steve Mountcastle was attracted to the Jeremiah’s business model by the quality of its frozen treats and the brand’s involvement in community outreach. “The Jeremiah’s brand itself offers such a high-energy and fun customer experience to its guests that we just had to become involved with the business,” said Mountcastle. “We are so excited to open the brand’s newest location in Bradenton to share the Jeremiah’s experi- ence here with our neighbors, friends and community.”
Growing up in Orlando a few minutes from the original Jeremiah’s location, Jake Lopez was able to experience how the Jeremiah’s brand played an active role in local community involvement. He now aims to use his new business to create the same sense of com- munity he experienced as a kid. “Jeremiah’s was always present at com- munity events and was an amazing role model business for us growing up,” said Jake Lopez. “We want to stay true to its legacy and currently have plans to involve our business in places like local high schools, churches, animal shelters, athletic organizations and even see ourselves
Taste Dining & Travel • Spring
More online at www.tasteweb.net