Show 496, October 22, 2022: Anna Maria Oyster Bar on The Pier, Bradenton Beach, FL Part One

Lynn Horne of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar

“The fun and family-friendly atmosphere a guest experiences in any Anna Maria Oyster Bar location comes from the warm smiles and gratitude their wonderful and loyal staff bring to the guests. Their dedication to keeping their restaurants fresh and fun for all who dine with Anna Maria Oyster Bar stems from the desire to make the guest experience memorable. From their managers and servers, cooks and kitchen staff, AMOB aims to provide you pleasant service at a great value.”

“AMOB was founded on the Anna Maria City Pier in 1996, and the City Pier will always be their home. While this location closed in 1999, this is where AMOB established regulars and made a name for themselves with fresh seafood and fun atmosphere. Fortunately in 2015 Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier launched on the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, FL with unrivaled views of the Intercoastal Waterway.” Also on the Bridge Street Pier is Paradise Boat Tours known for their informative & entertaining dolphin and manatee excursions.

“AMOB’s coastal-inspired menu showcases traditional favorites like fresh seafood, lobster, shrimp, chicken, soups and salads, fish specials and more. Don’t miss the Tuna Stack. And of course, AMOB wouldn’t be an oyster bar if they didn’t have delicious oysters available in a variety of preparations.” A pair of new land-sided Anna Maria Oyster Bars are on the horizon.

We reel in Managing Partner and Director of Purchasing Lynn Horne to discuss all that is Anna Maria Oyster Bar.

Show 496, October 22, 2022: Anna Maria Oyster Bar on The Pier, Bradenton Beach, FL Part Two

Lynn Horne of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar

“The fun and family-friendly atmosphere a guest experiences in any Anna Maria Oyster Bar location comes from the warm smiles and gratitude their wonderful and loyal staff bring to the guests. Their dedication to keeping their restaurants fresh and fun for all who dine with Anna Maria Oyster Bar stems from the desire to make the guest experience memorable. From their managers and servers, cooks and kitchen staff, AMOB aims to provide you pleasant service at a great value.”

“AMOB was founded on the Anna Maria City Pier in 1996, and the City Pier will always be their home. While this location closed in 1999, this is where AMOB established regulars and made a name for themselves with fresh seafood and fun atmosphere.” Fortunately in 2015 Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier launched on the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, FL with unrivaled views of the Intercoastal Waterway. Also on the Bridge Street Pier is Paradise Boat Tours known for their informative & entertaining dolphin and manatee excursions.

“AMOB’s coastal-inspired menu showcases traditional favorites like fresh seafood, lobster, shrimp, chicken, soups and salads, fish specials and more. Don’t miss the Tuna Stack. And of course, AMOB wouldn’t be an oyster bar if they didn’t have delicious oysters available in a variety of preparations.”

Anna Maria Island was spared from the destructive forces of Hurricane Ian. Some neighboring areas that are part of AMOB’s market area weren’t so fortunate. AMOB has a long history of supporting the communities they serve. AMOB was part of an ambitious feeding program in these impacted neighboring areas while they were without power and water.

We reel in Managing Partner and Director of Purchasing Lynn Horne to continue with us and explaining all that is Anna Maria Oyster Bar. (Think Conch Fritters…)

Show 492, September 24, 2022: Restaurateurs Buddy Foy, Jr. and Jennifer Foy, Chateau Anna Maria, Anna Maria Island, Florida Part One

Buddy Foy of Chateau on the Lake

Restaurateurs Buddy and Jennifer Foy operate a pair of establishments in two different states. The Chateau On The Lake is located in Bolton Landing, New York on Lake George and the Chateau Anna Maria (launched in late December of 2020) is at the Waterline Villas and Marina Resort (An Autograph Collection property) on Anna Maria Island, FL.

“The Chateau On The Lake sits on lakefront property on Lake George in Bolton Landing, NY and serves seafood, organic meats and lamb. The restored 1800s private home now serves as the site of one of the Top Hundred Restaurants in America.”

“The Foy’s second location on picturesque Anna Maria Island is an interpretation of the Chateau brand with a Southern twist. Chateau Anna Maria’s cuisine is “French Inspired with Italian portions.” Jennifer Foy is first-generation Italian, which means everyone must have enough portions. Chateau Anna Maria serves fresh fish, Colorado and Iowa Beef, and other chef selections. The Foys invite you to explore your palette and indulge in their fresh ingredients, attention to detail, cleanliness, and atmosphere.”

“Buddy is French and Irish, which means having a great wine collection which is a pleasant distraction for Buddy.” Chateau Anna Maria is open for breakfast, a small lunch menu, weekend brunch and full dinner service.

“The Foys travel often visiting Jen’s family in Italy. They also love traveling domestically. The Foys know how much it means to have great food plus a great experience during traveling and bring that goal of hospitality to their Chateau guests.”

The newest Florida effort, Chateau Sarasota, is aiming for a November opening.

For more background on the two generations of Foys in the restaurant business in New York and Florida catch their popular Food Network series, “Summer Rush” or their You Tube series, “Foy Rush.”

Buddy and Jennifer Foy join us from Anna Maria Island.

Show 492, September 24, 2022: Restaurateurs Buddy Foy, Jr. and Jennifer Foy, Chateau Anna Maria, Anna Maria Island, Florida Part Two

Restaurateurs Buddy and Jennifer Foy operate a pair of establishments in two different states. The Chateau On The Lake is located in Bolton Landing, New York on Lake George and the Chateau Anna Maria (launched in late December of 2020) is at the Waterline Villas and Marina Resort (An Autograph Collection property) on Anna Maria Island, FL.

“The Chateau On The Lake sits on lakefront property on Lake George in Bolton Landing, NY and serves seafood, organic meats and lamb. The restored 1800s private home now serves as the site of one of the Top Hundred Restaurants in America.”

“The Foy’s second location on picturesque Anna Maria Island is an interpretation of the Chateau brand with a Southern twist. Chateau Anna Maria’s cuisine is “French Inspired with Italian portions.” Jennifer Foy is first-generation Italian, which means everyone must have enough portions. Chateau Anna Maria serves fresh fish, Colorado and Iowa Beef, and other chef selections. The Foys invite you to explore your palette and indulge in their fresh ingredients, attention to detail, cleanliness, and atmosphere.”

“Buddy is French and Irish, which means having a great wine collection which is a pleasant distraction for Buddy.” Chateau Anna Maria is open for breakfast, a small lunch menu, weekend brunch and full dinner service.

“The Foys travel often visiting Jen’s family in Italy. They also love traveling domestically. The Foys know how much it means to have great food plus a great experience during traveling and bring that goal of hospitality to their Chateau guests.”

The newest Florida effort, Chateau Sarasota, is aiming for a November opening.

For more background on the two generations of Foys in the restaurant business in New York and Florida catch their popular Food Network series, “Summer Rush” or their You Tube series, “Foy Rush.”

Buddy and Jennifer Foy continue the conversation with us from Anna Maria Island.

Show 491, September 17, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Waterline Villas and Marina on Anna Maria Island

It’s a very special show today as we’re celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the launch of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” from Anna Maria Island, Florida. We’re guests of restaurateur Ed Chiles of the Chiles Hospitality Group and the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key Convention and Visitors Bureau. We’re going to meet key locals who have created, and maintained, this welcoming destination offering a genuine taste of unspoiled “old Florida.” Thanks to Melissa’s World Variety Produce and West Coast Prime Meats for being Presenting Sponsor of the show since the beginning!

Anna Maria Island is a quaint barrier island nestled in the Gulf of Mexico. Beautiful turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are the main attraction here. The Island is 7 miles long and Beach access is available on both the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. The Island has a rustic “Old Florida” fishing pier: Rod n’ Reel Pier, popular to visitors and anglers alike. There’s an important fact to learn about the 7 miles of beach Anna Maria Island offers up: not all beaches are created equal. Some are great for just sitting; others beckon you to explore your adventurous side. And, of course, there are several in between. Five of the area’s beaches are Blue Wave Certified and declared eco-friendly by the Clean Beach Council in Washington D.C., so you can feel good about hanging out there, too.” You won’t find a building over 3 stories high on Anna Maria Island and no franchised restaurants. Joining us to represent the area is Kolby Gayson, the Marketing and Communications Director for the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“A member of the prestigious Autograph Collection® of Marriott International, Inc., Waterline Villas & Marina (owned by Mainsail Lodging & Development) is the only full-service resort on Anna Maria Island, Florida. Opened in 2017, the boutique waterfront hotel offers exclusive amenities, distinctive services and numerous opportunities for guests to enjoy the authentic, laidback, beach town vibe of Anna Maria Island. The resort features 37 stylish two- bedroom villa-condos with gourmet kitchens; a 50-slip marina offering a variety of water activities; 2,000 square feet of meeting space; the French-inspired signature restaurant, Chateau Anna Maria; and a resort style swimming pool with oversized sun deck extending into the marina.”

The Founder of Mainsail Lodging & Development, Joe Collier, is our guest.

Chiles Hospitality is a family of three distinctive waterfront restaurants (Sandbar Seafood & SpiritsMar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub and Beach House Waterfront Restaurant), an organic farm (Gamble Creek Farms) with 26 acres of organic vegetables, fruits and flowers, and a full bakery (Anna Maria Bake House.) With sustainability at the heart of everything they do, all of their concepts work together to provide the best dishes for their guests and the environment.” “Chiles Hospitality embodies an underlying feel of unspoiled Florida accompanied by breathtaking views and unbeatable quality. Since the acquisition of the Sandbar in 1979, each unique concept added has come to enhance the others established before it.” Chiles Hospitality’s Culinary Director, Seth Kondor, and Anna Maria Bake House’s Head Baker, Teddy Louloudes, are our guests.

Chiles Hospitality’s Gamble Creek Farms is a 26-acre, organic, sustainable, working farm in Parrish, Florida committed to quality produce. Produce is delivered daily to Chiles Hospitality waterfront restaurants: Sandbar, Beach House, and Mar Vista.  There is also a year-round indoor Farm Stand featuring local products including a variety of baked goods from the Anna Maria Bake House. Gamble Creek Farms’ General Manager, Jim Harwood, takes a break from The Farm to join us.

The goal at Shogun Farms (David and Pamela Fay) has been to provide the best, natural feed, clean and organic Wild Boar meat through trapping and eradication of nuisance Boar that destroy crops or endanger other natural indigenous wildlife. After years of hunting and trapping wild boar, David Fay had the idea to turn them into a clean and healthy food source. And since Florida has an estimated 1 million feral hogs / wild boar — the most in the country per square mile —Shogun Farms saw an opportunity to capitalize on that idea in a unique way. Basically a win-win situation; remove hogs from land plus a natural meat to provide to the consumers. Shogun Farms’ David and Pamela Fay join us.

“For generations, people have been coming from across the globe to the Sandbar Seafood & Spirits on Anna Maria Island (the flagship of Chiles Hospitality since 1979) to experience a meal like no other. With toes in the sand, brilliant vistas and a great family atmosphere you are sure to create fantastic memories dining at the Sandbar.” Horacio Eagan the Executive Chef at Sandbar joins us. “Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub (a Chiles Hospitality property) represents authentic Florida dockside dining. Mar Vista has a private beach, dining under the trees or on the covered patio, a wide variety of menu choices from burgers to fresh seafood, a full bar and a convenient package service with beer and wine. Take a break, relax with a drink, have a great meal, and enjoy all that Mar Vista has to offer.” Brandi Craig the General Manager of Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub is also our guest.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 491, September 17, 2022: Kolby Gayson, Marketing & Communications Director, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key Convention & Visitors Bureau

Kolby Gayson of the Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key CVB

“Anna Maria Island is a quaint barrier island nestled in the Gulf of Mexico. Beautiful turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are the main attraction here. The Island is 7 miles long and Beach access is available on both the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. The Island has a rustic “Old Florida” fishing pier: Rod n’ Reel Pier, popular to visitors and anglers alike.” 

“There’s an important fact to learn about the 7 miles of beach Anna Maria Island offers up: not all beaches are created equal. Some are great for just sitting; others beckon you to explore your adventurous side. And, of course, there are several in between. Five of the area’s beaches are Blue Wave Certified and declared eco-friendly by the Clean Beach Council in Washington D.C., so you can feel good about hanging out there, too.”

You won’t find a building over 3 stories high on Anna Maria Island or any chain, franchised restaurants. 

Joining us to represent the area is Kolby Gayson, the Marketing and Communications Director for the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Show 491, September 17, 2022: Joe Collier, Founder & President, Mainsail Lodging & Development, Tampa

Joe Collier of Mainsail Lodging and Development

We are guests at the Waterline Villas & Marina on AMI. “Named for the distinct line where the hull of a boat meets the water, Waterline Villas & Marina embodies the spirit of Anna Maria Island by embracing its Old Florida heritage, while offering new experiences and distinct, luxury amenities. Guests will discover Waterline is where exceptional, modern resort living seamlessly meets this enchanting island’s authentic heritage.”

“A member of the prestigious Autograph Collection® of Marriott International, Inc., Waterline Villas & Marina (owned by Mainsail Lodging & Development) is the only full-service resort on Anna Maria Island, Florida. Opened in 2017, the boutique waterfront hotel offers exclusive amenities, distinctive services and numerous opportunities for guests to enjoy the authentic, laidback, beach town vibe of Anna Maria Island. The resort features 37 stylish two- bedroom villa-condos with gourmet kitchens; a 50-slip marina offering a variety of water activities; 2,000 square feet of meeting space; the French-inspired signature restaurant, Chateau Anna Maria; and a resort style swimming pool with oversized sun deck extending into the marina.”

“Mainsail Lodging & Development is an award-winning, Tampa, Florida-based company specializing in hotel, furnished housing, and resort property management and development, marketing and sales. An established company with a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, Mainsail prides itself in finding unique lodging opportunities with a purpose and applying its passion and expertise to each project. Founded by President Joe Collier with a combination of daring vision and dogged determination, Mainsail has built an impressive portfolio of top-branded properties throughout the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Each Mainsail property inspires guests with a distinct character and meticulously crafted, sophisticated style, from a private island resort, and urban culinary showplaces, to waterfront marvels, boutique southern hotels, and a historic jazz era icon.”

The Founder of Mainsail Lodging & Development, Joe Collier is our guest.

Show 491, September 17, 2022: Chef Seth Kondor, Culinary Director, and Head Baker Teddy Louloudes, Chiles Hospitality Part One

Seth Kondor of Chiles Hospitality

Chiles Hospitality is a family of three iconic waterfront restaurants (Sandbar Seafood & SpiritsMar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub and Beach House Waterfront Restaurant), an organic farm (Gamble Creek Farms) with 26 acres of organic vegetables, fruits and flowers, and a full bakery (Anna Maria Bake House.) With sustainability at the heart of everything they do, all of their concepts work together to provide the best dishes for their guests and the environment.”

“Chiles Hospitality embodies an underlying feel of unspoiled Florida accompanied by breathtaking views and unbeatable quality. Since the acquisition of the Sandbar in 1979, each unique concept added has come to enhance the others established before it. This growth strategy has helped to maintain the cohesive family atmosphere, fostering collaboration between the individual businesses.”

“Anna Maria Bake House is the sweetest part of Chiles Hospitality. Inspired by ancient grains and traditional baking methods, Anna Maria Bake House began as a small segment responsible for supplying the restaurants with breads and crackers to accompany the respective chef’s dishes. The bakery has since risen to the occasion of creating all of the featured desserts found on each menu as well as providing select items for online pre-order and pick-up at two locations.”

Chiles Hospitality’s Culinary Director, Seth Kondor and Anna Maria Bake House’s Head Baker, Teddy Louloudes are our guests.

Show 491, September 17, 2022: Chef Seth Kondor, Culinary Director, and Head Baker Teddy Louloudes, Chiles Hospitality Part Two

Teddy Louloudes of Chiles Hospitality

Chiles Hospitality is a family of three iconic waterfront restaurants (Sandbar Seafood & SpiritsMar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub and Beach House Waterfront Restaurant), an organic farm (Gamble Creek Farms) with 26 acres of organic vegetables, fruits and flowers, and a full bakery (Anna Maria Bake House.) With sustainability at the heart of everything they do, all of their concepts work together to provide the best dishes for their guests and the environment.”

“Chiles Hospitality embodies an underlying feel of unspoiled Florida accompanied by breathtaking views and unbeatable quality. Since the acquisition of the Sandbar in 1979, each unique concept added has come to enhance the others established before it. This growth strategy has helped to maintain the cohesive family atmosphere, fostering collaboration between the individual businesses.”

“Anna Maria Bake House is the sweetest part of Chiles Hospitality. Inspired by ancient grains and traditional baking methods, Anna Maria Bake House began as a small segment responsible for supplying the restaurants with breads and crackers to accompany the respective chef’s dishes. The bakery has since risen to the occasion of creating all of the featured desserts found on each menu as well as providing select items for online pre-order and pick-up at two locations.”

Chiles Hospitality’s Culinary Director, Seth Kondor and Anna Maria Bake House’s Head Baker, Teddy Louloudes are our guests.

Show 491, September 17, 2022: Jim Harwood, General Manager, Gamble Creek Farms

Jim Harwood of Gamble Creek Farms

Chiles Hospitality’s Gamble Creek Farms is a 26-acre, organic, sustainable, working farm in Parrish, Florida committed to quality produce. Produce is delivered daily to Chiles Hospitality waterfront restaurants: Sandbar, Beach House, and Mar Vista. There is also a year-round indoor Farm Stand featuring local products including a variety of baked goods from the Anna Maria Bake House.

“The crops that are currently being grown at Gamble Creek Farms are arugula, Kina Savoy, basil, green beans, bok choy, green cabbage, cilantro, collard greens, Kirby cucumbers, green kale, red and green bib lettuces, romaine, Italian parsley, squash blossoms, zucchini, yellow squash, and Pattypan squash.”

Gamble Creek Farms’ General Manager, Jim Harwood, takes a break from The Farm to join us.