Page 12 - Summer 2022 Taste Magazine

Dine al fresco at La Norma on Longboat Key. Here is their Allessandra, jumbo stuffed tortellini, so good!
menu. La Norma has quickly become very popular
on Longboat Key not only for the quality of their dishes but also for the great atmosphere enhanced by the
live music events hosted on a weekly basis (Mondays and Thursdays from 6pm to 9pm) in their beautiful Mediterranean-style patio. New is their Early Bird Special from 4 to 5pm
Recently, the Santagatis have expanded their offer by adding a new outlet The Italian Takeout – located right next to La Norma and dedi- cated to take-away pizza, deli, fresh produce market, private party catering, delivery and much more.
The family story begins in Sicily at the foothills of Mount Etna, the ever-active volcano that lights up the night sky with its red, scary, majes- tic beauty. This is where the Santagatis comes from: the very center of the Mediterranean Sea, full of blinding sunlight, continuous breezes bringing unique scents and aromas from the past. And this is what they try and bring to your table nightly for dinner. The old family recipes, the deep knowledge of their tradition, the thorough search for the best ingredients and the ability to combine them together with their own passionate touch show that the family and staff really care about what they do.
Their pasta at both locations is freshly made, the varieties of cheeses and olive oils are all imported, their vegetables are organic, the cuts of meat are all top-shelf, and their extensive wine list is mostly a tribute to Italian producers. They use the phrase, "Isola Bella and La Norma as the ultimate expression of what Italian food should be.”
As first-generation Italians, they have a passion for food and it shows as I can attest from a recent meal at both restaurants. Their goal is to offer you a good time through uncompromising, genuine Italian recipes. They only ask you to be a little patient while they make them fresh: some call it “slow food,” for them it is the only way to cook, with passion.
Also available here are catering, weddings and of course take- out and curb side pick-up. New, is delivery to your door for any dinner choices. Call for more information on these. Isola Bella and La Norma are open Monday through Saturday. Enjoy them both!
Isola Bella in Holmes Beach serves authentic, fresh pasta in their outdoor and indoor ristorante.
Awarded the distinction of the #3 brewery nationwide at the 2021 U.S. Open Beer Championship and named “Best Large Brewery in Florida” at the 2017 Best Florida Beer Championship, Motorworks Brewing at 1014 9th Street West, Bradenton (941-567- 6218) is a fabulous venue near Downtown Bradenton. In addition to being one of the most-awarded breweries in Florida, Motorworks Brewing is home to Florida’s largest beer garden: a 13,000+ square foot space centered around a 150+ year-old oak tree. The beer garden hosts over ten cornhole sets, a professional bocce ball court, giant Jenga, Connect Four and a 22ft. projection screen after dark – perfect for catching the big game or a movie. Motorworks Brewing features live music every weekend on their massive, covered outdoor stage or inside the taproom. Shows typically begin at 7PM and the Beer Garden hosts an eclectic array of musical acts from across the state.
Alongside 20+ craft beers on tap, Motorworks Brewing also offers a full liquor and wine bar, providing hand-crafted cocktails and an extensive wine selection. In addition to this unique offering, Motorworks Brewing also provides daily food options to hungry patrons through partnerships with local restaurants and food trucks.
Motorworks is open from 11AM-Midnight on Sunday- Thursday, and from 11AM-1AM Friday and Saturday nights. It is a must-visit destination only three blocks south of downtown Bradenton and three blocks north of LECOM Field on 9th Street West, adjacent to the Village of the Arts. Check out MotorworksBrewing.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date with upcoming events, music schedule and new beer releases! Be sure to attend Taste Dining & Travel's cool Oktoberfest Beer Pairing
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Celebrating 30 Years! Taste Dining & Travel • Summer More online at www.tasteweb.net