Page 26 - Fall/Winter Taste Magazine 2021-2022

dow-walled casually elegant dining rooms or out on the water’s edge open-air patio. 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 con- stantly researching and creating new dishes for the menu which is print- ed 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 experience 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! New here is their expanded outdoor dockside dining that is in the works, really adding to the outdoor atmosphere.
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 specialize in smaller intimate affairs that can be custom designed to your specifications. They also host rehearsal din- ners, business functions and a variety of other special events including many Taste Dining & Travel Progressive Dinners, always a fabulous evening here. Call today to start booking your ideal waterfront event.
Scarpino’s Family Restaurant
6152 14th Street West, Bradenton (941)-756-8100 www.sacrpinosfamilyrestaurant.com
An owner who is talented in all things Italian is Rocco Scarpino who, along with his brother Frank ,own Scarpino’s Family Restaurant at 6152 14th Street West in Bradenton (941-756-8100). Frank has been around for years with his Mama Onesti restaurants and now his brother has taken over what was Mama Onesti’s and is running Scarpino’s. Rocco is the main man here now and is continuing the traditional Italian cooking that everyone has come to know and love over the years.
Here diners can enjoy the old school foods like Fried Calamari, Black Mussels, Escargot, Roasted Red Peppers and Carpaccio to start, for either lunch or dinner. Creative salads include Italian Tuna Salad, Chicken Cranberry Walnut, Chef Salad or Scarpino’s Salad which contains grilled chicken, spinach, walnuts, bacon, tomato and cucumber. Entree selections include Snapper Livornese, Snapper Francese, Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Spaghetti with clams, Grouper Picatta and more. Of course pastas of all kinds, veal, eggplant and even fantastic pizzas, wings and burgers round out the menu. Don’t leave without trying their tiramisu, limoncello marscapone cake, spumoni or even their gelato.
With over 30 plus years in the Restaurant Industry, Rocco Scarpino brings to you the quality and comfort of old school family
Scarpino’s Restaurant
Italian food, with family recipes as old as Italy itself. Their restaurant is available for private events, weddings, business lunches, dinners, cocktail receptions, and more. They would love to
discuss how to be a part of your next event.The welcoming dining room features a full bar with great happy hour specials and the restaurant is available for private events, business lunches, wedding receptions, you name it just give them a call. Live entertainment is now going on so pop in for a listen, dance and a meal. New here is the outdoor seating and entertainment area, great for private events. Mangia bene!
Pazzo Southside
1936 Hillview Street, Sarasota (941)260-8831 www.pazzosouthside.com
New but not really new...Pazzo Southside at 1936 Hillview Street, Sarasota (941-260-8831) is run by a very close knit family the Calores, a true family run restaurant. Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Michael, Andrew, Grace and Vinny are the children who work here under the guidance of parents Victoria and Michael. They know their business having owned restaurants in ‘Brook’ and also had Mozzarella Fella on Main Street until they moved their operation to Southside Village two years ago. They quickly outgrew the S. Osprey location and last May opened on Hillview Street to their beautiful restaurant featur- ing three dining rooms, a beautiful full bar, private events room and a very inviting outdoor dining area. Bellisimo!
Of course everything is fresh here and from scratch cooking by Michael and staff. Traditional Italian is the key with appetizers like Fried Calamari, Pan Fried Mozzarella (so good), Baked Clams, Fresh Artichoke Hearts and even Italian Wedding or Pasta Fagiola soups. Try their Meatball Salad or a variety of other fresh greens to start.
Pastas featured include Penne Vodka, Sausage and Peppers over Penne, Farfalle or Linguini Seafood. Guest love their pizzas which all are made in a N.Y style that is perfect. Great names for them as well, Maxa Marra, Johnny Mish, Sofia, Uncle Vic and Gamma.
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Celebrating 30 Years! Taste Dining & Travel • Fall/Winter More online at www.tasteweb.net