Villa Happy Gator - 5 star-rated Pool Villa in Venice Florida

National Avocado Day – July 31

Birgit Laniewski Restaurants 2019-07-282019-07-28chipotle, Florida, foodie, HolidayInVenice, nationalavocadoday, poolvilla, VacationInVenice, VacationSoup, Venice, whatson

On July 31st, we celebrate avocados in the USA!

Did you know that avocados have been collected and consumed by humans for at least 10,000 years? Archaeologists found evidence in Central Mexico. About 3000 BC, avocados were cultivated by Central American peoples such as the Inca and Maya.

The name avocado – also called “alligator pear” in the Caribbean – was first mentioned by the Irish scientist and botanist Hans Sloane, who depicted it in his catalog of plants native to Jamaica.

In 1833, the first avocado trees were planted in Florida. However, it took until the 1950s, until they entered the grocery stores.

Today, avocados are popular worldwide. The creamy, vitamin-rich interior is extremely tasteful and perfect for salads or the famous Mexican guacamole. The beauty industry loves the skin friendly ingredients.

So let’s celebrate – maybe with a homemade guacamole?

Here is one of my favorite recipes

Ingredients:

2 avocados
1 lime
1 onion small
1 chili peppers e.g. pickled jalapeno or fresh green ones
1 tomato
salt according taste

Preparation:

Peel the avocados and mash them in a bowl with a fork. Add the juice of a lime.
Cut the onion, chili and tomato into very small cubes. For tomatoes, it is best to leave out the seeds.
Stir the cubes into the avocado cream, season with salt and serve soon.

Enjoy!

Chipotle

By the way – If you would like to celebrate National Avocado Day away from home, you can use the Chipotle offer: On July 31, there will be a free portion of guacamole for every regular entree. You have to pre-order with the Chipotle App or online here on the Chipotle page.

Chipotle in Venice is located Bird Bay Plaza, 519 U.S. 41 Bypass, Venice, FL 34285.

National Doughnut Day – June 7 2019

Birgit Laniewski Restaurants, Venice Florida 2019-06-052019-06-06donutday, doughnutday, Florida, foodie, HolidayInVenice, nationaldoughnutday, VacationInVenice, VacationSoup, Venice, venicedonuts, whatson

Do you like doughnuts? I do! These delicious treats have conquered the world. How wonderful that there is even a National Doughnut Day!

History

On the first Friday in June each year, people in the US celebrate National Doughnut Day. It remembers The Salvation Army Lassies, the women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I at the front lines in Europe. With home made foods those brave volunteers brought a morale boost to the troops. The doughnuts were often baked in oil inside the metal helmets of the soldiers.

In 1938 National Doughnut Day was created by The Salvation Army to honor these women and to start a fund-raising for Chicago’s Salvation Army. The goal was to help the needy during the Great Depression. National Doughnut Day was born.

About the Doughnut

A doughnut is a ring-shaped sweet snack that is made of fried dough. It can be rolled in sugar or topped or glazed with icing. There are also doughnuts filled with jam, custard, or cream.

Food historians believe, that the doughnut came to the US with Dutch immigrants in the 19^th century.

In the late 20^th century, the shortened form “donuts” became popular with a successful doughnut chain, but still “doughnut” remains the most common spelling.

Let’s celebrate!

Take some friends and enjoy the sweet snacks at your local doughnut store. Many doughnut stores have special offers on this day, so be sure to check.

Maybe you love baking? Try a new recipe and treat you and your loved ones at home.

Or continue the spirit of charity and volunteer for the local Salvation Army chapter or another non-profit organization that works with the armed forces.

Doughnuts in Venice Florida

You are in Venice at National Doughnut Day? Be sure to visit Yummies Donuts, they are amazing.

On Friday June 7^th, they will give ONE FREE glazed doughnut to everyone!!! (Until running out, so hurry!)

For more info, visit their website yummiesdonuts.com

10 Great Beach Bars & Grills in and around Venice Florida

Birgit Laniewski Restaurants 2019-05-242019-05-24Beach, beachbars, familyinvenice, Florida, foodie, HolidayInVenice, tikibars, VacationInVenice, VacationSoup, Venice, whatttodo

Beach Bars – Tiki Bars – Grills – This is Florida!

Figure yourself sitting together with friends and family, having a cool drink and good food, leaning back, letting your eyes wandering over the water – this is true joy of life!

Venice Florida is a top destination for great beach bars, tiki bars and grills directly at the water. Let me present a few of my favorite locations from Englewood to Venice and Sarasota:

Sharky’s on the Pier Venice

Sharky’s is a great award winning beach bar and restaurant directly at Venice Beach. With a wonderful breeze coming off the water, this is a fantastic place for a meal. They offer all sorts of drinks and great food. Enjoy the sunsets and have fun. The location is simply unbeatable.

Go to their website sharkysonthepier.com to inquire about hours, events and menu.

Pop’s Sunset Grille Nokomis

Pop’s Sunset Grill in Nokomis is THE place to take your friends and family for a taste of Old Florida. It has become one of Western Florida’s favorite landmark over the past 30 years. Guests love the casual atmosphere and fresh local fare.

Have a Cesar’s Salad or some bay scallops while enjoying the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway and the fabulous natural wildlife. Sip a delicious cocktail with the scenic view of boats and ships sailing by. Mostly at weekends, they offer some of the best live local entertainment in the Venice and Nokomis area. Be sure to check the calendar!

Please visit the website for opening hours, events and menu: popssunsetgrill.net

Dockside Waterfront Grill Venice

They offer casual waterfront dining & authentic Florida charm at Dockside Waterfront Grill. Enjoy sitting under Tiki Huts directly at the dock and admiring colorful sunsets.

For info and menu, please visit their website geckosgrill.com. For promotions and offers also see their facebook site.

Casey Key Fish House & Tiki Bar Osprey

Casey Key Fish House in Osprey, FL, is an “Old Florida” waterfront restaurant with excellent food and a laid back casual atmosphere. The dining room is over the bay and EVERY seat has a view of the water! At sunset, even the local birds flock to the docks as they scramble for the scraps of the night’s leftovers.

Their great food is moderately priced. With 200 feet of deep water dockage, you can get to the restaurant by car or boat (Dockage Marker 32). Also, if you’re on the adventurous side, there are on-site rentals for jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks, fishing charters, and boat rentals too!

Read more at their website caseykeyfishhouse.com

O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill Sarasota

Imaging yourself sitting with your toes in the sand, sipping on an ice cold and delicious cocktail, watching the sun reflecting on the water and feeling a breeze that is pushing through the palm trees – wouldn’t that be a perfect moment?

O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill offers decently priced drinks and tasty food combined with that laid back vibe.

For more info please go to their website olearystikibar.com.

Lido Key Tiki Bar Sarasota

This place is truly a slice of paradise! The Lido Key Tiki Bar is located directly on the beach behind The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club – you can’t beat the views, the cool white sand, the relaxed atmosphere. The rustic décor has its unique charm.

They serve amazing cocktails and delicious food together with an excellent service. Don’t miss their popular fish sandwich, it is simply irresistible.

Please see their website ritzcarlton.com.

Lido Beach Resort Tiki Bar Sarasota

A favorite among locals, the resort’s Tiki Bar, which is open to the public, is the perfect place to meet new friends, mingle over tropical cocktails and enjoy southwest Florida’s breathtaking sunsets. While relaxing at the Gulf front bar, choose from a tempting menu of satisfying sandwiches, salads and appetizers along with tropical libations that perfectly complement the beachfront surroundings. Don’t miss their Happy Hour specials!

More on their website lidobeachresort.com

White Elephant Englewood

How about bringing your boat to the deepwater harbor? Of course you can also arrive by car and enjoy great food and drinks. The ‘Old Florida’ style structure was originally as a resort, and now houses the popular cold drinks and delicious food spot on Chadwick’s Cove. The idyllic location with the public beach across the highway and the marina at the bay make it a favorite eating-place, with fantastic entertainment a regular feature!

Please visit the website whiteelephantpub.com

SandBar Tiki&Grille Englewood

This is a perfect place to eat and drink after a day on the beach or shopping in Port Charlotte. Some say they are serving the best food on the key. And there always seems to be someone singing or playing music for entertainment, so bring some time to enjoy – The place to be on Manasota Key!

See their website sandbartikigrille.com.

Lock’nKey Englewood

They serve great food at great prices and have great entertainment several nights a week. Soak up gorgeous sunsets or come for lunch and glory in the warmth of Florida. Every entree is a “Specialty of the House.” All menu items are made fresh from the finest available sources and prepared with loving care – just steps from Englewood Beach.

See their website lockandkeyrestaurant.com

Restaurants in Venice: Delicious Pizza at Mama Maria’s

Birgit Laniewski Restaurants 2018-11-012018-11-01Florida, foodie, HolidayInVenice, restaurantsinvenice, VacationInVenice, VacationSoup, Venice

You love Pizza? You also love Steak Subs and Pasta Alfredo with Shrimp? Be sure to step by at Mama Maria’s on S Tamiami Trail, my personal recommendation. Best is to bring a lot of appetite, as the portions are very large.

The culinary team offers a variety of homemade pizzas, subs, appetizers, calzones, salads and pasta entrees, everything with fresh ingredients.Try and be ready to be amazed!

Guests also love the relaxed atmosphere and the friendly and attentive staff. You may also order take out meals or use the delivery service. Simply have a look at the menu and call.

Mama Maria’s is located on 2067 S Tamiami Trail in Venice, just across the end of Alligator Drive. Phone number for contact is 941-408-9226.

Mama Maria’s on Facebook here.

Where to eat around Venice: Waterfront dining at Pop’s Sunset Grill

Birgit Laniewski Family, Restaurants, Venice Florida 2018-09-092018-09-09Florida, foodie, HolidayInVenice, PoolvillaVenice, vacationhomevenice, VacationInVenice, VacationSoup, Venice, waterfrontdining

All of their items are prepared fresh in their kitchen daily. If you have any questions regarding ingredients and would like to modify your meal for dietary, allergy or some other reason, ask the friendly staff. They will do their best to accommodate your request or assist you with alternate menu suggestions.

Please visit the website popssunsetgrill.net for opening hours, events and menu.

Detwiler’s in Venice – The Farmer’s Market Grocery Store!

Birgit Laniewski Family, Shopping, Venice Florida 2018-07-182018-07-29farmersmarketsinvenice, Florida, foodie, groceryinvenice, grocerystore, HolidayInVenice, vacationhomeinvenice, VacationInVenice, VacationSoup, veggiesinvenice, Venice

Detwiler’s on US 41 in Venice Florida is a one of a kind shopping experience. Immediately when stepping in you feel yourself on a large farmer’s market – only that it is inside. The policy of the store is to buy local whenever possible. They believe in supporting the community and local economy.

And they love Organic Produce! They say, there’s nothing better than fruits and veggies grown the way God intended. They hold their meat, seafood and deli procucts to the highest standard.

Each time I visit the store I am overwhelmed by the large produce selection. The colors, the scents, the absolute freshness – I buy always more than I intended.

You are looking for European cheese or bread? They carry delicious varieties.

The staff is super friendly and always helpful.

Detwiler’s is located at 1250 US Hwy 41 Bypass S, Venice, FL 34285. Feel free to visit their website for more info and for the weekly ad.

Yofresh – Delicious All Natural Yogurt in Venice FL

Birgit Laniewski Family, Kids, Restaurants, Venice Florida 2018-05-262018-06-29cafeinVenice, Florida, foodie, frozenyogurt, HolidayInVenice, icecream, icecreaminvenice, VacationInVenice, VacationSoup, Venice

This will be your favorite spot if you love frozen yoghurt! Step into this bright and cheery place and you will feel immediately special. There is always a smile to greet and a great song on the speakers to welcome you.

Enjoy a large selection of delicious all natural frozen yogurts with a variety of tasty toppings, fresh yogurts and fruit smoothies.

They even provide almond milk flavors – vegan and dairy free – which are my personal choice. You will also find gluten and fat free options.

Do you know how “Hit Lucky 13” will create a “Yo Smile” on your face? Put exactly 13 ounces into your cup and you will enjoy it for free! Give it a try!

FroYo Your Way!

Yofresh Yogurt Café
4197 Tamiami Trl S
34293 Venice (Florida)
+1 941-244-0394

Meet them on Facebook!

Where to eat in Venice: Café Venice for exquisite Menus and Wine

Birgit Laniewski Family, Restaurants, Venice Florida 2018-05-112018-05-22cafevenice, family, Florida, foodie, HolidayInVenice, restaurantsinvenice, VacationInVenice, VacationSoup, Venice

Café Venice is a small, intimate bistro-style restaurant featuring an exquisite menu with American Cuisine with Homemade sauces, specialty side dishes, and delectable desserts paired with a fine wine selection. Whether you are looking for a casual spot to enjoy lunch and a glass of wine or an intimate location to celebrate your anniversary or special occasion, the staff at Café Venice will welcome you and ensure you have a great dining experience.

With their new outside terrace they offer outside dining as also a lighter menu whether you are enjoying an evening bike ride – or just want something light to munch on.

Come on over and enjoy a glass of wine, something on the lighter side and of course downtown Venice.

By the way: There is always a Happy Hour special, so make sure to check their website cafeveniceontheisland.com for the latest info.

Where to eat in Venice: Snook Haven at Myakka River

Birgit Laniewski Event, Family, Kids, Nature, Restaurants, Venice Florida 2018-04-302018-05-11boatrental, Florida, foodie, HolidayInVenice, myakkariver, restaurantsinvenice, VacationInVenice, VacationSoup, Venice

Experience Snook Haven, one of Florida’s most unique restaurants, tucked away on the banks of the Myakka River in a true Old Florida setting. Enjoy your meal in the dining room, or on the deck while taking in the peaceful view of the river and wildlife.

Snook Haven features a delicious Back Woods Smokehouse menu featuring ribs, chicken, pulled pork as well as fresh fish, and shrimp. They have over 30 different beers to choose from, including some of Florida’s own craft beers, and other international favorites. Snook’s outdoor stage is home to a rich history of local live music entertainment. Check out their monthly entertainment calendar to see who is performing. Come out for an afternoon of blues, country, rock music and more!

River Tours and canoe/kayak rentals

You are looking for activities? Book a River Tour or rent a canoe or kayak with Logan River Tours.

More info

Read more about the History of Snook Haven here. For opening hours and menu as well as for river tours and boat rentals please go to their website snookhaven.com.

Where to Eat in Venice: Ice Cream at its best at Venice Avenue Creamery

Birgit Laniewski Family, Kids, Restaurants, Venice Florida 2018-04-132018-04-16creamery, Florida, foodie, HolidayInVenice, icecream, VacationInVenice, VacationSoup, Venice

What could be better on a hot sunny day than enjoying a scoop of delicious ice cream?

There are so many flavours to choose from. Or what about having a Key Lime Pie? It tastes irresistible. Frozen Yogurt is offered in addition to ice cream for the froyo lovers out there.

Venice Avenue Creamery offers premium, homemade ice cream and yogurt using local dairies. They are family owned and operated. They are located on 249 West Venice Avenue, Venice, FL. Please see their Facebooksite for more info.

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