Nom Nom Nom at the Blu Mangrove, Palmetto, Florida

The City of Palmetto is often overlooked because of its neighbors, Anna Maria Island and Bradenton.  

However, Palmetto has a lot to offer! 

A great location in Palmetto is the Blu Mangrove Grill. The grill is located on the Manatee River, in front of the Riviera Dunes Marina.

View of the Riviera Dunes Marina from the restaurant

We sat on the back porch and were able to listen to live music, while overlooking the marina. We are always suckers for calamari.

Calamari

Blu Mangrove's calamari was very delicious with its mix of fresh red onion, grape tomatoes, and arugula. 

For dinner, Brian order the Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cakes. They came with smoked Gouda cheese grits, truffle corn coulis, red pepper sabayon, and orange-jicama salad. 

(If you aren't familiar, sabayon is similar to a custard made of lemons, egg yolks and sherry. Jimcama is a Mexican turnip.)

Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cakes

I ordered the Grilled Corvina in a lemon-caper butter sauce, with the goat cheese and bacon spinach, and the smoked Gouda mac & cheese.

We were both very happy with our meals. The fish was cooked correctly. The drinks were very cold. This is definitely a spot we will return to! 

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday, 11-6 PM, $2 off House Wine and every Martini 

Grilled Corvina

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View the menu.

Call them: 941-479-7827

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Open everyday at 11 AM

Emiliano's Cafe, Best Brunch spot in Central Florida!

The Brunch Bunch at Emiliano's Cafe!

I know some people feel that bottomless mimosas make a great brunch. For me, incredible food makes for a better brunch!

With a Cuban flair, Emiliano's Cafe in Gainesville, is definitely one of my new favorite brunch spots.

We sat on the front porch with a great view of downtown. The weather was perfect for my close friend's birthday brunch.

Portobello-brie crepes

Katherine ordered from the "unch" in the brunch menu: Portobello-brie crepes filled with roasted portobello and warm brie, topped with a mango-jalapeno glaze.

Crab Cake Benedict

Matt ordered one of my all-time favorites! You can never go wrong with crab cake benedict: pan-fried, panko breaded, lemon-herb crab cakes served on grilled corn arepas, topped with poached eggs and a rich hollandaise sauce.

Guava-Strawberry Crepes

Rachel ordered from the "Easy Like Sunday Morning" menu.  I was so jealous that I didn't order the guava-strawberry crepes: warm crepes stuffed with a guava-strawberry cream cheese filling, topped with fresh strawberries and powdered sugar.

Gaucho steak and eggs

I am definitely the carnivore of the group.  My favorite brunch menu item is always steak and eggs. Emiliano's had the best brunch steak I've ever had.  Their gaucho steak and eggs came with a half pound of churrasco, fire-grilled steak, topped with chimichurri, served with two eggs sunny side up, skillet potatoes and cuban toast.

Emiliano's Cafe is Delicious! Photo obtained via Facebook.

To view the entire Emiliano's Cafe brunch menu click here.

Sunday isn't the only great day to visit Emiliano's Cafe. They have great events such as martini madness, farm to tapa, and musica and mojitos. Make sure you view all the exciting events they have by clicking here!

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Fresh Florida Seafood at the Blue Marlin, Bradenton Beach, FL

Sea Scallops over Pulled Pork

If you are looking for delicious, Gulf of Mexico seafood, Blue Marlin is where you will want to eat.  Located in downtown Bradenton Beach, Blue Marlin is a small 1920s cottage converted into a rustic restaurant.

Inside the Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin offers weekly specials with fresh seafood from local fishermen. As appetizers, we tried the BBQ scallops. 

The scallops were seared perfectly, laying on top of mouthwatering pulled pork, alongside homemade coleslaw.  

Crabcakes with a Fried Green Tomato

For a second appetizer, we tried the crabcakes that were on top of a fried green tomato.  We both agreed they were finger-licking good!

Florida Clams with Snapper

For my entree, I order the snapper with fresh, steamed Florida clams. It was refreshing to eat seafood that was so fresh!

Brian ordered the Thai Snapper dusted and sauteed with a Thai chili citrus glaze with an oriental veggie "noodle" salad.

Overall, I would highly recommend a visit to Blue Marlin.  Make sure you call ahead to make a reservation at 941-896-9737.

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Brian's entree: Thai Snapper

Hours of Operations:

Monday-Saturday: 5pm-10pm

Sunday: 5pm-9pm