Bradenton Times News Articles

When you talk to Bella Mia Grill's Paul Amato, you discover that he and his brother James were born to own restaurants. It's a family tradition. Paul came to the United States as teenager from Italy, and opened a pizzeria with his family. He'll tell you, with great pride, that by age 20 he had found his calling – and owned his dream car. Bella Mia is a beautiful part of Paul's American dream come true. He and his family have owned a dozen or so restaurants in his life long career, all of which are based on his Italian heritage, and his mother's recipes

Historic 10th Street West in Palmetto is one of my absolute favorite streets in the whole world. Whether it's an evening saunter gazing at freshly detailed hot rods on a first Friday, or a Sunday  stroll toward the marina, taking in the quaint, nostalgic slice of Americana that starts at the Historical Village near the old library and passes the beautiful (and shamefully vacant) Olympia Theater before depositing you on the beautiful shores of the Manatee River, the scene is always surreal. Of course that walk is often interrupted by the heavenly aromas that pull me into Norma Rae's.

The understated exterior of Beck's does not quite suggest the warm and artful environs that await those who enter its doors. As for the food, I'm not sure anything can prepare first-time patrons for the delightful blend of authenticity and interpretation that combined with culinary excellence, make for what is surely one of the most rewarding experiences in local dining.

They call it "boneless lean beef trimmings," (BLBT) or "finely texturized lean beef", and it sounds like something your dietitian might suggest for you to eat when trying to lose a few pounds, or clean-up the arteries. Beef Products Inc. (BPI) and Cargill have gone to great lengths in developing a process they say is inteded to reduce waste, while increasing protein. The American Meat Institute (AMI) says it satisfies customers desire for leaner foods. Others say it's better suited for dogs and call it "Pink Slime."

Becks Bistro, a popular downtown eatery frequented by the many local government and legal workers in the nearby area was recently purchased by Melissa Hays, the former manager of the establishment, and her sister Alice "Rene" Button. The new owners are a local family who have a long history of managing successful area restaurants, and they already have the new Bistro on 12th running smoothly.

It's that time again – cast your vote for the best burger in Bradenton! Last time, downtown favorite Council's Recreation won by a pretty hefty margin over second place Shake Pit, while island legends Skinny's and Duffy's were thumped by the main-landers. Who will it be this year? Cast your vote and see where it stands.

Taste Dining & Travel Magazine's Chef's Competition matched eight restaurants and their respective chefs in a friendly competition to determine who had the Best Entree in Bradenton. The event was held in the Tuscany Room at Freedom Village and raised money for the Women's Resource Center of Manatee. Chefs from Pier 22, The Sandbar, SoMa, The Feast, Popi’s Place, El Warike and Freedom Village competed.

As more vineyards are adopting sustainable practices, the availability of good to great wines that are responsibly produced with minimal footprint has grown significantly. From high-end, premium wines to value brands, sustainable wine has fully arrived on the big stage, proving that excellence can coexist with responsible practices.

Already the premier food and wine festival in the region, Forks and Corks reached new heights in 2012, attracting a record crowd, even more great local restaurants and an impressive collection of international winemakers to celebrate culinary mastery in its highest form. This year brought a more international feel, as representatives of an impressive array of vineyards joined our very best local restaurants on the lush grounds of the Ringling estate for the main event of the festival -- Sunday's Grand Tasting.

If you've never had a New Orleans po' boy, you really don't know what you're missing. But you don't need to make a trip to the Big Easy to enjoy this simple and delicious Cajun delicacy, which may be the noblest interpretation of the Earl of Sandwich's masterpiece creation.