A Guide to Christmas in Venice Florida

It’s the most magical time of the year! Christmas in Venice, Florida is a beautiful time to drive down historic Venice Avenue as the palm trees sparkle with Christmas lights, local shops are bustling with people looking for unique gifts for their loved ones and restaurants are filled with families enjoying their time together.

Christmas in Venice FL

Are you celebrating Christmas in Venice Florida?

Then you are in for a wonderful holiday season. Christmas in Venice is a magical time of twinkling lights, delicious meals and fun experiences all around town. From tree lighting ceremonies to parades and festivals, there’s fun for the whole family.

What Restaurants are Open for Christmas in Venice, FL?

I am still confirming the restaurants that will be open and offering catering for Christmas this year. Keep watching this page for updates!!

Chaz 51 Bistro

103 Triple Diamond Blvd, Ste 2
Nokomis, Florida 34275
(941) 484-6200
chaz51.com

Chaz 51 will be open from 11 AM – 8 PM on Christmas Day. You can make a reservation by calling in or online through their website.

Chaz 51 Bistro Christmas Day Menu 2019
Chaz-51-Bistro-Holiday-menu-2019Download

Côté France French Bistro

218 Tampa Ave W,
Venice, FL 34285
(941) 220-7189
https://www.cotefrancevenice.com/

Cote France French Bistro will be open for Christmas Eve from 5 pm to 9 pm. Limited tables are available, reserve your place now! Every guest will receive a complimentary glass of champagne with their meal. You can make your reservations by phone or through this link to Google Reservations.

Read about our visit to Cote France!

The Soda Fountain of Venice

349 W Venice Ave.
Venice, FL 34285
941-488-7600
sodafountainofvenice.com

Their holiday hours are: Christmas Eve  11:00 am to 4:00 pm;  Closed Christmas Day;   New Year’s Day 11:00 am to 4:00 pm;  Closed New Year’s Day.

The Soda Fountain of Venice menu
The Soda Fountain of Venice menu

Off The Wagon Brewery & Kitchen

2107 Tamiami Trl S
Venice, Florida 34293
(941) 497-2048
www.otwbar.com

Off The Wagon will be open Christmas Eve for their regular hours with the regular menu. Tuesday at OTW is Taco & Tequila Day as well as Service Industry night from 8 pm – 12 AM. Live music featuring Jeff Hughes will be from 6 pm – 9 pm. There is also Happy Hour from 3 pm – 7 pm.

Off The Wagon in Venice FL
Off The Wagon in Venice FL

Rosebud’s Steak & Seafood House

2215 S Tamiami Trl
Osprey, Florida 34229
(941) 918-8771
www.rosebudssarasota.com

Rosebud's Steak & Seafood House Christmas in Venice FL

Tikka Indian Cuisine

525A U.S. 41 Bypass N,
Venice, FL 34285
(941) 303-5073
https://www.tikkaindian.com

Tikka Indian Cuisine will be open regular hours on Christmas Eve with their regular menu.

Burgundy Square Cafe

227 Miami Ave W,
Venice, FL 34285
(941) 451-8261
burgundysquarecafe.net

Burgundy Square Cafe will be open for regular hours on Christmas Eve and for breakfast until noon on Christmas Day.

British Open Pub

367 Jacaranda Blvd,
Venice, Florida 34292
(941) 492-9227
britishopenpub.com

British Open Pub will be open on Christmas Eve with their regular menu until 8 PM.

Read my review from our visit to British Open Pub!

Bodrum Restaurant

225 Miami  Ave W Ste 5
Venice, FL 34285
(941) 412-0090
https://www.bodrumfl.com/

Bodrum will be open from 11:30 AM – 9 PM on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Reservations are recommended by not required. They will be serving their regular menu of Mediterranean cuisine.

What Restaurants are Offering Catering or Platters for Christmas?

Papa’s Meat Market & Prepared Foods

324 Tamiami Trail S
Venice, FL 34285
941-209-1888
http://papasmeatmarket.com

Orders must be placed by December 18th for pick up on either the 23rd or 24th.

Yummies Donuts & BBQ

2001 Tamiami Trl S
Venice, Florida 34293
(941) 493-7170

This year Yummies Donuts & BBQ will be offering sandwich platters that include your choice of pulled pork, brisket, ham, turkey and chicken salad, a variety of cookies, donuts, pastries and breakfast sandwich platters. Call Yummies to order yours today!

Zia’s Neapolitan Chocolates & Cookies

530 U.S. 41 Bypass S Suite 11A
Venice, FL 34285
(941) 451-6632

Orders can be placed until Tuesday, December 17th. Those orders can be picked up either Saturday the 21st or Monday the 23rd at their location in Venice.

  • Cookie Tray – $25.00
    •   Ricotta Cookies
    • Orange Cookies
    • Macaroons
    • Zia’s Italian stuffed Cookie
  • Breakfast Tray – $28.00
    • 2 Apple, 2 Cherry & 2 Blueberry Strudels
    • 2 Crumb Cakes
    • 2 Cinnamon Buns
  • Cannolis’, Cookies & Chocolates – $45.00
    • Everything in the Cookie Tray plus…
    • Cannolis’
    • Apricot Pinchers
    • Buttercream Truffles
    • Salted Caramel Pretzels

Christmas Gift Ideas from Venice

Sunkis’d Creations

Looking for a custom shirt or gift for the holidays? Check out Sunkis’d Creations!
Here’s the Link to their Facebook Page –> https://www.facebook.com/SunkisdCreations/

Custom Tshirts for Christmas in Venice FL

Nokomis Groves

111 Albee Farm Rd S
Nokomis, Florida 34275
(941) 488-5274

Image may contain: fruit

Send a little sunshine to your family and friends around the country. Choose from a beautiful “wreath” filled with Florida Citrus or choose from a number of boxes filled with citrus starting at $29.99. Shop now at nokomisgroves.com

What Events Are Happening in Venice for Christmas?

Food Truck Rally in Nokomis

December 6th
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. North Jetty Park,
1000 S. Casey Key Road, Nokomis, FL.
941-861-5000

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources will be hosting another food truck rally at North Jetty Park! This popular event has several food truck vendors, fun yard games and music.

Food Trucks participating include:

  • Smokin Momma Lora’s BBQ Mobile
  • Sausage Express LLC
  • Pickled Pink
  • Double W Ribeye Wagon
  • K-Nam Style
  • Above the Grain
  • Ceyer’s Taqueria
  • Ustabeez Mac n stuff
  • The Grilling Shack
  • Puerto Rican Spice
  • GRAN AREPA
  • Nana Nif’s Home Cooking

Christmas Gazebo Starlight Cinema feature film. 

December 6th
5:20 p.m. – 8:20 p.m
Centennial Park Gazebo, downtown Venice, FL

This is a free event for the whole family to enjoy. The movie is Home Alone, and just in time for the Holidays. You are welcomed and encouraged to bring your chairs and blankets to sit under the stars and enjoy the movie in Historic Downtown Venice.

North Port Tree Lighting, Poinsettia Festival and Parade

December 7th
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
North Port City Hall Campus,
4970 City Hall Blvd, North Port.

It’s the North Port Tree Lighting, Poinsettia Festival and Parade. The annual Poinsettia Parade kicks off at 5 p.m. with floats adorned with poinsettias, decorated vehicles, and walking groups starting at Sylvania Avenue and following the one-mile route south on Sumter Boulevard. The route will turn east onto City Hall Boulevard, before making its way along the Front Green. This family event that attracts over 5,000. The parade will end at the annual Poinsettia Festival on the grounds of City Center. The Festival will also include a tree lighting ceremony, a variety of food vendors, local organizations, entertainment and attractions.

Venice Christmas Boat Parade

Traditionally held on the first Saturday of December, The Venice Christmas Boat Parade starts at 6 p.m. (rain date is the next day) along the Intracoastal Waterway in Venice starting at the Albee Road Bridge in Nokomis and moving south along the waterway to the Circus Bridge in Venice. Spectators line the north (at South Nokomis Beach) and south (at North Venice Beach) jetties and throughout the downtown and Venice waterfront areas to the judging area near the south Circus Bridge for a view of the brightly lit and colorfully decorated “Christmas Boats.” 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Venice Chorale’s Holiday Pops with Brass!

December 8th
Venice Performing Arts Center,
1 Indian Ave., Venice, FL.
941-218-3779

It’s the Venice Chorale’s Holiday Pops with Brass! Come celebrate the holiday season with The Venice Chorale! They will be performing holiday favorites with a lively brass band. Fun for the whole family! The Venice Chorale Youth Chorus and High School Apprentices will also be performing. 7 p.m. Individual tickets are $20-$25, $5 for students.(Tickets will be available online and through the Venice Performing Arts Center box office soon, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. -2 p.m. The lobby and box office at the Venice Performing Arts Center open 1 hour before performances and seating begins 1/2 hour before performances. Performances will begin on time and any late patrons will be asked to wait until there is a pause in the performance to be seated.)

13th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at the Arboretum at West Blalock Park

December 14th
4:45 p.m. – 7 p.m.
West Blalock Park, between Nassau, Turin & Pensacola, Venice, FL

Enjoy the holiday celebration of music, lights and community spirit. Santa will be making an appearance, there will be crafts for the kids, entertainment, refreshments. At dark, they’ll flip the switch to turn on the lights on the tree at 6 p.m. Bring a folding chair.

Venice Symphony Holiday Concert

December 20-21
12/20: 7:30 pm
12/21: 7:30 pm and 3:30 pm
The Venice Performing Arts Center,
One Indian Ave., Venice, FL

Join The Venice Symphony for a traditional concert with a holiday twist as they present yuletide classics such as Deck the Hall and Carol of the Bells with music from holiday film favorites “Home Alone” and “Polar Express.” Sarasota’s Key Chorale will be their special guest. Ticket prices range from $27-$51 and can be purchased by clicking here.

Chanukah Klezmer Festival

December 29
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Ave., Downtown Venice, FL

The lighting of a 12 foot giant Menorah along with a huge interactive Dreidel House, a Moon Bounce and Hebrew School Performance. In addition, there will be live music with the Freylekh Klezmer Band along with Traditional Chanukkah & Israeli foods such as Falafel, latkes, donuts, and Matzah ball soup will be served. Free and open to all. Sponsored by Chabad of Venice and North Port.

A Guide To Thanksgiving in Venice

There is nothing quite like celebrating Thanksgiving in Venice FL. With beautiful beaches, pristine weather and the tranquility our area has to offer, Venice is an ideal location to be thankful for everything in our lives. However, many of us hate the thought of slaving over a stove all day long just to serve a meal and then clean up all of those pots and pans afterward!

Dining out for Thanksgiving in Venice Florida
VeniceFoodies.com

Considering Dining out for Thanksgiving in Venice?

In recent years, it has become more common for families to go out for Thanksgiving rather than cook themselves. There is something appealing about letting someone else prepare, cook and clean up after such a large meal. It also allows every member of the family to be fully engaged in spending time together.

Another alternative is to consider ordering a fully prepared meal to bring home and serve. Leave the cooking to the professionals while enjoying them in the comfort of your own home with your family.

What restaurants are open on Thanksgiving in Venice?

Remember to call ahead to verify hours.
Reservations are HIGHLY recommended!

Chaz 51 Bistro

Chaz 51 Bistro is the definition of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Seemingly on the outskirts of town, this small family-run restaurant may look like a casual cafe, but inside, the quality and flavors of the best fine dining restaurants.

For Thanksgiving this year, they are offering a three-course gourmet holiday menu. Although the traditional oven roasted turkey breast is offered, you can elevate your meal by choosing filet mignon or a ribeye & lobster tail as your entree.

Reservations fill up fast, so call early to grab your spot! Call 941-484-6200

Chaz 51 Thanksgiving 2019
Chaz 51 Menu for Thanksgiving 2019

Hotel Venezia

Hotel Venezia Thanks

Venezia Restaurant & Bar offers a wonderful Thanksgiving buffet for $24.95 per person with Children 12 years and under for $12.95. The buffet will be available from 11:00 am – 4pm. Call 941-308-7700 for Reservations

Cafe Venice

Nestled in on Historic Venice Ave, Cafe Venice is offering a limited menu featuring a traditional roast turkey dinner including gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce and your choice of two sides: mashed potatoes, sweet potato, baked butternut squash, green bean casserole or asparagus for $22. Other menu options such as filet mignon, crispy duck, crab-stuffed flounder and more will be available as well!

They will be open from 12-7pm and reservations are required.

Cafe Venice Thanksgiving 2019

These Restaurants Have Been Open In Previous Years…

But, I am still collecting information on what will be offered and at what times.

  • Waterfrontoo
  • Cote France
  • TJ Carneys

What Restaurants Offer Takeout for Thanksgiving in Venice?

Yummies Donuts & BBQ

Yummies Donuts Thanksgiving 2019 in Venice FL

While Yummies is best known for their donuts and sweet treats, the “Yummy” is really in their BBQ. Nationally known through Food Network Magazine for their famous “Sticky Pig” (a pulled pork sandwich made with a cinnamon roll dropped in donut glaze as the bun), they offer a delightful spread of BBQ for your Thanksgiving table.

You must preorder by November 22nd. Choose from platters, turkey legs, Thanksgiving side dishes, smoked whole turkey or roasted turkey breast. You can also preorder their various donuts, breads, rolls and sweet treats! Pick up is on November 27th by 2 PM.

In addition, they are also partnering with Yoder’s Amish Restaurant in Sarasota for the best pies for Thanksgiving. You can preorder either Dutch Apple Crumb, Cherry, Pecan and Pumpkin Pie.

Blu Island Bistro

Thanksgiving at Blu Island Bistro in Venice FL

Chef Alan makes a scrumptious Thanksgiving meal for only $20 per person. With a mixture of herb-roasted turkey, a Boar’s Head spiral ham with a brown sugar honey glaze and side dishes that will be ready for pickup the day before Thanksgiving, Spend the day in your pajamas watching the parade and simply heat your gourmet meal up and serve it!

Papa’s Meat Market

'Order Your Fresh Amish Turkey or Your Turkey Dinner Here! Papa's S Turkey Dinners Include... Fresh Amish Turkey Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Stuffing Choice of Parmesan Broccoli or Sautee Green Beans Sweet Potato Casserole Cranberry Sauce Homemade Corn Bread & Butter Pumpkin Pie $22.00 per Person'

Papa’s offers fresh Amish turkeys that you can reserve in advance with a $15 deposit. They are available in a variety of size ranges for the whole bird or you can choose a bone-in turkey breast.

Papa’s also offers a full prepared Thanksgiving feast featuring their fresh Amish Turkeys including all your favorite side dishes: Mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, homemade cornbread with butter and choice of parmesan broccoli or green bean almondine, finished with pumpkin pie.
ALL of that for only $22 per person!

GitChewSum BBQ

GitChewSum catering in venice fl

GitChewSum BBQ is a local catering business here in Venice. Family-run and operated, this competition level BBQ is a flavor not to be missed. Let them handle all your catering needs, starting with Thanksgiving!

Call (941) 915-2662 or gitchewsumbbq@gmail.com to place your order!

Please see the package details below:

1. Turkey Package (Feeds 10-12) – $ 150.00 (20% Savings)
13lb Turkey, Choice of 3 sides (Mashed Potatoes Stuffing, Sweet Potato Casserole, or Green Beans) Gravy, Dinner Roll w/ butter, A Gallon of Sweet Tea, Cheesecake

2. Ham (Sugardale Hams) Package (Feeds 10-12) – $ 150.00 (20% Savings)
8lb Ham, Choice of 3 sides (Mashed Potatoes Stuffing, Sweet Potato Casserole, or Green Beans), Gravy, Dinner Rolls w/ butter, A gallon of Sweet Tea, Cheesecake

3. Brisket Package (Feeds 10-12) – $ 170.00 (19% Savings)
6lbs Brisket, Choice of 3 sides (Mashed Potatoes Stuffing, Sweet Potato Casserole, or Green Beans), Gravy, Dinner Roll w/ butter, A gallon of Sweet Tea, Cheesecake

A LA CARTE MENU

Proteins
Smoked Turkey 12-14lbs. – $ 60.00
Smoked Sugar Cured Ham 7-9lbs (Sugardale Hams) – $ 60.00
Smoked Brisket 6lbs – $ 90.00

Sides (1/2 Pan) – $25.00 (Per side)
Mashed Potatoes
Stuffing
Sweet Potato Casserole
Green Beans

ADD-ONS
Cranberry Jelly 1/2 Qt. – $ 5.00
Dinner Rolls w/butter pads 16 – $10.00
Turkey Gravy Quart – $10.00
Cheesecake 8″ round – $20.00
Sweet Tea 1 Gallon – $ 5.00

Minimum Order $50.00
Deliveries within a 25-mile radius

Contact us at (941) 915-2662 or gitchewsumbbq@gmail.com
Please share with family and friends!

Ciao Gelato

Ciao Gelato Venice FL Thanksgiving

Are you looking for Thanksgiving desserts or pies? Ciao Gelato has delicious treats to serve your guests. They will have 9″ pies on your choice of either shortbread, graham cracker or chocolate graham crust for only $17.95 plus tax. For $2.00 more, you can have a gluten-free pie crust as well!

Flavors include:

  • Pumpkin Caramel
  • Pumpkin Streusel
  • Sweet Potato Praline
  • Butter Pecan
  • Florida Orange Cranberry Sorbet

Venice Ale House

Preorder your Holiday treats by November 18th by calling 941-303-6906. All of these desserts are homemade by Deb!

What Chain Restaurants are open on Thanksgiving?

Chain restaurants are often underrated for their part in celebrating holidays. Of course, we want to support our small businesses and local mom and pop shops as much as possible. However, chain restaurants still employ the locals and still bring tremendous value to our little part of paradise.

Metro Diner

Metro Diner may be a chain restaurant, but it is run by a local family that lives right here in Venice. They are active in our community fundraisers and often host fun events like Chicken and Waffles Day for families to participate in. This year for Thanksgiving they are offering a take out meal as well as being open during Thanksgiving Day.

Other Chain Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Include:

  • Bob Evans
  • Denny’s
  • Bob Evans
  • Cracker Barrel

If you are looking for the experience of cooking a meal without any of the preparation, Publix also offers a Thanksgiving meal for pickup in their deli.

Comment below and tell me all about your plans for Thanksgiving this year!

Restaurant Blogs: Why You Should Have One

As a blogger, I know the value that a blog can have for businesses. Why should restaurants have blogs? For the same reasons that many businesses also have them: exposure and ranking on google. The last time you wanted to go out to eat but hadn’t decided where to go, did you google for restaurants in your area? Chances are if you’re like me, you did. A study done by Constant Contact showed that 92% of the participants searched for a restaurant online and 75% of them chose their destination based on what they found.

Why Your Restaurant Needs A Blog

Marketing is a huge part of any business. Instead of investing in advertisements that catch your customers for a few seconds before they move on, invest in content that will engage them in a different way. If you share a recipe, a special promotion or a community-related event that you are a part of, your customers will register that and many will share it with their friends and family. It’s time to work smarter instead of harder.

Why Blogging Is Important To Restaurants

Most restaurant websites consist of 1-3 pages for google to list in their results. If you had a blog tied to your restaurant name, each blog post could potentially show up as a result as well!

Here are a few tips to get your blog going on the right foot.

Attach The Blog To Your Site

Chances are, you have someone who manages your website. Talk to them about how to incorporate a blog directly on your website either as a subdomain or subdirectory.

Write Relevant Content

Each post should be interesting to your reader, be optimized for search engines (otherwise known as SEO-friendly) and tie into your restaurant in some way. Think in terms of what someone looking for your restaurant would type into google and turn it into a blog post!

Be Consistent

Ideally, you should post to your blog at least once a week with a minimum of 300-500 words to show your value to Google and other search engines. Again, think of yourself browsing the internet. Do you want to see the same things over and over? Of course not! Search engines operate the same way. By updating your website on a regular basis with blog posts, you are increasing your reach in search results.

Connect with your Social Media

Posting regularly to your social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc, is a great way to stay connected to your customers. While it may seem daunting to come up with social media posts, having a blog gives you one more thing to share with your followers.

Show Off Your Success and Changes

Every restaurant goes through major and minor changes over time. Have you added a new item to the menu? Featuring a new special? Hosting a local event? Recognized on a local media network? Your blog is a fantastic place to share the news!

I love to write, especially when it means I am boosting the city that I live in. I’m raising my daughter here and I want a strong community for her to grow up in. In order to have a strong community, the businesses and restaurants here need to be strong as well.

I know as a business owner, you already feel like you don’t have enough hours in the day to accomplish everything. This is when you may want to consider hiring someone who can write and manage these posts for you. If you would like to discuss that option with me, feel free to contact me to set up a time to talk!

Breakfast in Venice: Our Favorites

When the sun comes out and it’s time to find breakfast in Venice, where do you go? Are you craving a tradition plate of bacon, eggs and toast or perhaps something more upscale like a eggs benedict? There are a wide variety of restaurants that provide a delicious breakfast plate. This guide will tell you all you need to know to find restaurants serving breakfast nearby.

breakfast in Venice FL, breakfast near me, breakfast on venice island,

Hunting for Breakfast in Venice? Start with these 5 places.

Blu Island Bistro

625 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285
bluislandbistro.com

Nestled into the front of a motel, Blu Island Bistro is located on Venice Island. This local favorite is owned and operated by Chef Alan Laskowski, originally from Philadelphia. He has had a very successful career including award-winning dishes and a feature on the Food Network. While there is a menu that is available every day, the real treasures always lie on his specials that change on a daily basis. On the weekends, Chef Alan makes his famous donuts that are rolled in cinnamon sugar before being drizzled in icing and topped with fresh strawberries.

whiskey bacon at blu island bistro
Crab cake Benedict at Blu Island Bistro
Our Choices:

Jason: Whiskey Bacon – A thick slab of pork belly served crispy with a sweet whiskey glaze. I always steal a bite because it is just an incredible dish.

Alyssa: Crab Cake Benedict – Thick cut, fluffy English muffins topped with a flavor-packed crab cake, a poached egg, and a slightly spicy remoulade hollandaise sauce.

Suncoast Cafe

400 Airport Ave E, Venice, Florida
http://www.suncoastcafe.com/

We love hidden gems and Suncoast Cafe is no exception. It is located inside the Venice Airport and if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you could miss it. However, this is not a place to miss. Chef Tony brings Caribbean flair and a sunny personality that makes you feel like family as soon as you walk in the door. The kitchen is wide open so you can watch everything being prepared along with windows around the back and side of the restaurants to view planes that may be taking off or landing. They serve their own house blend made by Venetian Coffee Roasters for their coffee and it is full of flavor. The signature of this restaurant seems to be the artistic detail of the cucumber, which I just love looking at!

Good breakfast in venice
Our Choices:

Jason: Biscuits and Gravy – This is Jason’s go-to meal for breakfast. This is a no frills, stick to your ribs, southern staple at its finest.

Alyssa: The classic breakfast of crispy bacon, rye toast and perfectly cooked eggs. While it’s simple, it’s also a great breakfast!

Biscuits and Gravy at Suncoast Cafe

Le Petit Jardin Cafe

​1500 E Venice Ave, Unit 401, ​Venice, FL 34292
https://lepetitjardincafe.com/

Take a trip out to East Venice Ave to find this cozy cafe, Le Petit Jardin, tucked into the Galleria Plaza. This is the place to go to find a high-quality meal without the high price tag. They have seating both indoors and outdoors, depending on your preference. For a real indulgence, start your meal off with a sweet, bubbly, refreshing peach bellini! From offerings including various crepes, quiche, french toast or a simple croissant, there is a little something for everyone.

breakfast in venice biscuits and gravy
crepe with fruit breakfast in venice
Our Choices:

Jason: As per his usual, he loved their special of biscuits and gravy served with scrambled eggs and a side of sausage.

Alyssa: The Le Crepe Delacroix! A scrumptious crepe filled with ham, eggs and melted swiss drizzled with a champagne mustard sauce that will have you fighting the urge to lick the plate clean.

Yummies Donuts & BBQ

2001 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293
https://yummiesdonuts.com/

While this may not be a sit-down restaurant, Yummies does have tables inside to sit and enjoy a breakfast treat. Cases are filled with fresh-made donuts, bagels, loaves of bread and pastries as soon as you walk in the door. Owned by Allen and Karen Tines, they put their heart and soul into building this small town staple. Allen makes these delectable treats every day from scratch from only the highest quality ingredients. If you choose to come later in the day or on a Saturday, you can also get a taste of his BBQ sandwiches! One, in particular, is his claim to fame, the Sticky Pig, which was featured in Food Network magazine, is a pulled pork sandwich served on a glazed cinnamon bun.

Apple Fritter at Yummies Donuts and BBQ
Our Choices:

Jason: You guessed it, Yummies has a signature biscuit bowl overflowing with sausage gravy. Not only is it his favorite breakfast, but our daughter also loves it even more than the donuts.

Alyssa: The apple fritters are unlike any you will find in other stores. Not only are they larger than your hand, but they are also soft and moist, with a sugary outer crust and juicy apple chunks inside.

Flapjacks Cafe

810 E. Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285
https://flapjackscafevenice.com/


When you’re looking for comfort food, Flapjacks Cafe is the place to go. The chef hails from my old stomping grounds in New Jersey, so that’s already a plus in my book. Family owned and operated We happened to win a gift card for breakfast and we enjoyed the small-town feel of this little cafe. As we were enjoying our breakfast, we witnessed another table paying for breakfast for a homeless couple sitting outside. This is the type of family restaurant for that you can walk in for breakfast and leave with a new friend!

Along with traditional breakfast dishes containing eggs, breakfast meats, and a side, there are also omelets, skillets, benedicts and breakfast sandwiches. Breakfast is served all day long, so if you are a late-night worker that starts their day closer to lunchtime than breakfast, you can still enjoy breakfast dishes when you are ready for them!

Our Choices:

Jason: Have you figured out the theme yet? Biscuits and Gravy. “For a Jersey guy, that was a solid gravy, a lot like my mother made!” Coming from Jason, that is high praise.

Alyssa: The Jersey breakfast sandwich. Real TAYLOR HAM topped with a fried egg and cheese on a kaiser roll, the way it was always meant to be served. One bite and I felt like I was back at home sitting in a diner. The sandwich is served with fruit, but I opted for the homefries instead. A simple dish of cooked potatoes, slightly crispy and seasoned well.

Venice is home to an extensive list of restaurants, each one having a gem of their own on the menu. Trust me when I say that this list is far from complete, in fact, this is just a small sampling of what is available. If you try a restaurant for breakfast in Venice that is not on this list, write to me and tell me about it! Who knows, we might just end up there next!

Looking for lunch? Check out this post about 5 places to have a picnic lunch in Venice!

LocalFlavor.com Needs Your Votes!

If your family is anything like ours, you are looking to save money in every aspect of life and LocalFlavor.com is a great resource to do just that! With so many families living paycheck to paycheck, using coupons and deals are more popular than ever before. Now with the latest promotion to find the best places in our area, you could win $300 in site credit! (More on that later though…)

LocalFlavor.com Vote For Your Favorite Local Businesses

So, What Is LocalFlavor.com?

LocalFlavor is an online resource to save your family money on everything from dining out or salon services to home and auto services, retail products and more. The beauty of it is that they partner with the bigger sites like RetailMeNot and Groupon to offer the best deals for each local area.

How Does LocalFlavor.com Work?

It starts with local deals and coupons that are gathered by local people! In each market, someone who lives right in our area is responsible for finding these deals and bringing them right to your mailbox in the Clipper magazine or posting it online at LocalFlavor.com

The deals posted are usually 50% off that you would purchase in advance before visiting the restaurant or business. Depending on the type of certificate you buy, some can even be used as soon as you purchase it, while others are to be used the next business day.

Another way that you could save money is by using the coupons that are available on the website. These are the same coupons that are available in the Clipper magazine, but now you have them at your fingertips as they can be loaded while you are in the business you intend to use them in! The coupons are free to use for everyone! All you would need to do is sign up with your email address on LocalFlavor.com and activate the coupon you choose. Then you would either print the coupon or present it on your phone to the business.

Venice Foodies, Let Your Voice Be Heard!

Currently, here in our area, LocalFlavor.com wants to hear from YOU. The 2019 Readers’ Poll is open for you to vote for your favorite businesses right here in Venice, Nokomis and Osprey. With so many incredible restaurants in our area, LocalFlavor wants to know where YOU love to eat. As a bonus you could win $300 in credit to use towards any LocalFlavor deal certificate. With the deals averaging 50% off, this is easily $600 to use in our local restaurants, salons, home service and more. We love supporting local, small businesses and this is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

The poll includes a wide range of categories across restaurants, entertainment, home services, personal services and automotive services. Each vote that you cast (you can vote multiple times) gives you an entry to win the $300 credit. The voting polls will be open until October 12, 2019. The winner will be announced on or about October 14, 2019. The results of the poll will be released in a special edition of the Clipper Magazine in December of 2019.

Click Here –> to VOTE on LocalFlavor.com NOW

Be sure to check out our Coupon page for other exclusive deals and coupons available for my Venice Foodies!

Doctor D’s  Probiotic Drinks- Good for Your Gut

Gut health is vital to our overall health.  We all know probiotics are the way to gut health, but most probiotic drinks are bland or leave a not so pleasant aftertaste. But all that has changed, everyone in your family will love Doctor D’s sparkling probiotic drinks.  

Doctor D’s  Probiotic Drinks

Doctor D’s  Probiotic Drinks- Good for Your Gut

Doctor D’s  Probiotic Drinks

 The Best Tasting Sparkling Probiotic Drink on the Market

I found Dr. D’s in the Publix stores locally, but they are also available throughout Florida and other states.

Doctor D’s is an amazingly delicious sparkling probiotic drink. Drinking it will help promote a healthy digestive tract and build up your immune system. But you will just think you are enjoying a cool, refreshing drink.

Doctor D's Sparkling Probiotic

Doctor D’s is a live-fermented drink loaded with probiotics, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and electrolytes.

Probiotics may be able to help prevent some illnesses.

Doctor D’s is a leader on the market because it tastes so delicious. It’s perfect to take to the beach, playing tennis, shopping with the kids or enjoy it after a workout.  

Another great idea, you can also substitute it for a cocktail mixer. Dr. D’s is a fantastic alternative to high sugar and high calories juice and soda. You and your friends will love it.

Doctor D’s is available in 6 delicious flavors including:

  • Crisp Apple
  • Lively Lemon
  • Ginger Lemon
  • Mandarin Orange
  • Tart Cherry
  • Concord Grape.

Doctor D’s live fermented beverages produce a wider spectrum of probiotics than the leading kombucha. Doctor D’s also has a more pleasant, mild flavor, contrasting with the vinegary taste of kombucha.

Doctor D’s Has All Organic Ingredients: They source only the highest quality organic fruit juices, evaporated cane juice, and filter our own reverse-osmosis water.

Doctor D’s Probiotic Drinks Are:

  • Dairy & Caffeine Free
  • Filled with Live Cultures
  • Low in Sugar
  • In Amber Bottles: Only amber bottles can protect the live probiotics from harmful light.

Dr. D’s is a must-try this fall for a healthy year!

Check it out at:  http://doctordslive.com/

National Chicken and Waffles Day at Metro Diner

Close your eyes and imagine a large white plate filled with huge pieces of deep-fried, crispy chicken and golden waffles dripping with syrupy goodness. Are you hungry yet? This Thursday, August 8th, Metro Diner is celebrating National Chicken and Waffles Day. What gift are they presenting to the world? Their signature version of Chicken and Waffles for only $10.99! This sweet and savory dish is a combination that wows your taste buds with each bite, leaving you to crave it over and over again.

Chicken and Waffles at Metro Diner in Venice FL

Where Did Chicken and Waffles Begin?

Like many dishes throughout history, the origin of Chicken and Waffles as comfort food is a bit complicated. While it is mainly thought of as southern comfort food, there are many food scholars that argue it began in Harlem. A restaurant in the 1930’s known as “Wells Supper Club” to the privileged and Wells Restaurant to everyone else, added the now famous Chicken and Waffles to their menu, inspiring a national trend. The debate of whether this was the true birthplace of the dish is still heavily up for debate.

Random Fun Fact
Did you know you can thank Thomas Jefferson for his part in making this dish popular in America? During his time as foreign minister to France, he purchased four waffle irons in Amsterdam. This, along with recipes included in his granddaughter’s collection, only propelled the dish’s popularity.

National Chicken and Waffles Day

Metro Diner first opened in 1992 in Jacksonville, Florida but it didn’t transform into the chain of restaurants it is today until the late ’90s. With a wide menu that offers all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner with daily specials, it is everything we love about classic diners with locations all over the country. It’s most notable dish is… you guessed it, chicken and waffles. The unique spin on this dish is the sweet strawberry butter and the spicy syrup served with the dish.

Strawberry and Spicy?

I know what you’re thinking because believe me, I thought the same thing. “WHAT?!” Hear me out. Slather on the strawberry butter into the deep pockets of goodness on that waffle, watch it melt as you pour on their spicy syrup made with Louisiana hot sauce and dive in. Your tongue might just explode from the different flavors of sweet, spicy, salty and savory all in one bite. Then, as if that wasn’t delicious enough, you get this incredibly juicy fried chicken. An entire half of a chicken to be exact. A wing, thigh, breast, and drumstick! The drumstick may just be my favorite, tearing it apart and dipping it into the syrup is a peek into heaven’s kitchen.

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Diners Drive Ins and Dives Guy Fieri Metro Diner

Did you know that Metro Diner was also featured on the Food Network? One of my personal favorite TV chefs, Guy Fieri, visited a Metro Diner in Jacksonville. While he didn’t sample the chicken and waffles, he raved about their meatloaf and other dishes.

Check out the episode here.

EXCLUSIVE DEAL For Venice, Florida!

We love working with local restaurants to promote specials and events in the area. If you would like to partner up, contact me!

What part about this dish are you most excited about?

FREE Preserve The Harvest Masterclass Preview

Preserve the Harvest Masterclass

‘Tis the season to grab some jars and figure out what you’re gonna can and how much. Then plan to dehydrate, or freeze the rest, right? Sounds easy enough….

Learn Something New

What if you’re not sure if you can can a certain food (think summer squash here)? Or you’re not sure if it’s better to dehydrate the food rather than can (think spinach).

Rediscover an Old Hobby

What if it’s been a while since you’ve gotten your canning equipment down? Do you really want to spend hours and hours researching the changes and new recommendations?

Never Thought About Canning?

It’s all new to you and you’re trying to stock your pantry but you don’t know where to start?

I’ve got you covered! Just head on over to The Preserve The Harvest Masterclass and sign up for the FREE preview of Self Reliant School’s canning and dehydrating classes.

Make Your Own Pickles

Click here to register for FREE—–>CLICK HERE

In particular, some of the classes that will be offered include:

  • Introduction to canning (how does the process work)
  • Introduction to water bath and pressure canning
  • How to make and can applesauce, jams, and jellies
  • How to can fruit
  • Introduction to dehydrating
  • How to dehydrate fruit
  • How to dehydrate vegetables
  • How to store dehydrated food
  • …And much much more

Here is that link again….Hurry to sign up——>CLICK HERE

Preserve The Harvest Masterclass

P.S. Oh and I almost forget they’re giving away some bonuses just for signing up.

  • Dehydrated Food Storage Cheat Sheet
  • The Ultimate Canning Safety Guide
  • Using Dehydrated Apples ebooklet

Are you excited? What is the first thing you want to be able to preserve on your own?

All About Black Elderberry Syrup

All About Black Elderberry Syrup

13 Ways To Use Elderberry Syrup

Here are some facts… Boring But Important.

Black elderberry is the fruit from an elderberry shrub native to Central Europe (Sambucus nigra). Its subspecies Sambucus canadensis, is native to North America. Black elderberries are one of the easiest and most versatile shrubs to grow. You can find them growing wild along roadsides, backwoods edges, and abandoned fields. The shrub has fragrant, creamy white, edible flowers, as well as delicious dark purple to black fruits which hang in drooping clusters.

Benefits and Cautions

When harvesting black elderberries, harvest the bark, berries, and flowers only, as the stems and leaves can be dangerous. Ingesting an excessive amount of black elderberries can become problematic; nevertheless, you can eat raw black elderberries.

Elderberries and elderflowers are jam-packed with nutritional benefits. They’re high in vitamin C and dietary fiber, as well as an excellent source of antioxidants, which boost the immune system and keep it strong. Elderberries are also a low-calorie food.

Other health benefits of elderberries include:

  • Shortens cold and flu symptoms
  • Cancer-inhibiting properties
  • Inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria
  • Elderberries are an excellent diuretic
  • May have antidepressant properties

Elderberry Syrup

In case you’re feeling audacious, you can concoct your own elderberry syrup. The benefit of making your own is the customization of the elderberry syrup recipe, allowing you to have confidence in what you are ingesting by knowing every ingredient used.

Purchase elderberries and other ingredients online, at a local health food store, or harvest your own. You can find recipes online for elderberry syrup such as Wellness Mama’s Potent Cold + Flu Remedy or a recipe on AllRecipes.com

On the off chance you are the instant gratification sort, have no fear, as you can purchase black elderberry syrup at your local store or online.

13 Ways to Use Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry syrup is a staple in a lot of kitchen medicine cabinets for more than just nutritional value, it has an amazing flavor even your pickiest of eaters should enjoy. Here are a few ways for you to enjoy this medicinal goodness in your everyday meals.

  • Drizzle on top of pancakes and waffles either in place of or along with traditional syrup.
  • Swirl a teaspoon full into plain, unsweetened yogurt (dairy or non-dairy), or layer in a parfait with granola, berries, and yogurt. Alternatively, you can mix elderberry syrup into a flavored yogurt such as blueberries to add extra yumminess.
  • Use on top of your favorite warm breakfast; oatmeal, grits, and quinoa each provide a blank canvas for the sweet and tangy flavor of Black Elderberries.
  • Mix with water, freeze, then add to unsweetened iced tea, lemonade or sparkling water. Toss an ice cube or two into your hot beverage for a sweet way to cool it down.
  • The sweet taste of elderberry syrup can tone down the heat in spicy barbecue sauce, and it adds a layer of flavor to ketchup. Kids will love the purple color, too!
  • Stir into a steaming mug of your favorite herbal or black tea.
  • Mix some elderberry syrup, frozen or fresh fruit and toss in some kale or spinach with a little water for a green smoothie.
  • Mix elderberry syrup in your superfood breakfast or simply swirl it on top to jazz it up a bit.
  • Create a “Purple Sunrise” by swirling some syrup in a glass before pouring your morning orange juice.
  • Drizzle onto a scoop of your favorite ice cream to make a sundae. Garnish with mint if you’re feeling fancy.
  • Mix with Sriracha or another hot sauce and rub on chicken or tofu for a quick dinner.
  • Elderberry syrup makes a good substitute in place of sugar in freezer jams and similar items.
  • Drizzle over tangy and tart fruit such as kiwi, pineapple, and apples for a tantalizing contrast.

Now that you know all about black elderberry syrup you can begin taking your health into your own hands. Who knew taking a cold and flu remedy or an immune booster could be so sweet and good for you? Plus as an added bonus, none of the side effects which can arise with traditional over the counter medications!

About The Author:
Krissie McCoy is a stay at home mom to two beautiful little ones working her way through life one baby step at a time.

Local To Sarasota/Venice?
Check out Holly’s Magic Syrup!
In Bradenton, Palmetto or Ellenton?
Check out Jason’s Elderberry Syrup!

Restaurants Extending Savor Sarasota Deals!

Savor Sarasota

When the snowbirds fly back home and the locals start to venture back out to our favorite restaurants… Savor Sarasota hosts “Restaurant Week”! This year, it was from June 1-14, but some restaurants choose to extend anywhere from a few weeks to the entire summer!

Restaurants feature prix-fixe, multi-course lunch and dinner menus for just $16 and $32 per person!

Ending JUNE 30th!

Longer Extensions