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.

September 17: SoCal Restaurant Show’s 10th Anniversary on Anna Maria Island

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Kolby Gayson, Marketing & Communications Director, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key Convention & Visitors Bureau
Segment Three: Joe Collier, Founder & President, Mainsail Lodging & Development, Tampa
Segment Four: Chef Seth Kondor, Culinary Director, and Head Baker Teddy Louloudes, Chiles Hospitality Part One
Segment Five: Chef Seth Kondor, Culinary Director, and Head Baker Teddy Louloudes, Chiles Hospitality Part Two
Segment Six: Jim Harwood, General Manager, Gamble Creek Farms
Segment Seven: David and Pamela Fay, Proprietors, Shogun Farms, Seffner, FL
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Horacio Eagan, Sandbar, and Brandi Craig, General Manager, Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub

We’re previewing the show 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. (NYSE: MAR), 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!

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.

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.

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.”

Teddy Louloudes of Chiles Hospitality

“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.

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.

David and Pamela Fay of Shogun Farms

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 boarDavid 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. 

But most importantly, The Fays believe that by treating these animals with respect and giving them the best life on the farm not only sets a higher standard for animal welfare but also produces a healthier, all-natural product for their customers.”

“Wild Boar meat is leaner, darker and intensely more flavorful than farm-raised. Naturally, the flavor of the meat is dependent upon the diet of the animal. Shogun Farms wild boar is all natural and on a free- range diet of nuts, grass, and locally grown vegetables. You can expect a sweet and nutty taste that is cleaner than more fatty protein options.”

Horacio Eagan of Sandbar

“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.”

“You haven’t truly experienced a sunset celebration until you have dined with your toes in the sand as the sun sinks below the horizon of the Gulf of Mexico. If you haven’t checked this off of your bucket list, perhaps it is time to do so.” Horacio Eagan the Executive Chef at Sandbar joins us.

Brandi Craig of Chiles Hospitality

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.