The Waterfront - Lazy Magnolia and Boulder Event

The Waterfront in Anna Maria Island sits on one of the most beautiful little pieces of land in Florida.  A breathtaking view and a laid-back island attitude make this little island a paradise away from the bustle surrounding it.  Add a view of the tallest bridge in Florida off in the distance, and this is a place I could just sit and look at for hours (a  little inside joke for Renegade Rip).


This being said, The Waterfront is no "walk up and grab a sandwich" type restaurant.  The Waterfront takes their food seriously in a setting that says "step off the beach in your sandles, lap up a cloth napkin, watch the sunset, and have some big city food while chillin'."  Perfect atmosphere for those who want to have great food and leave the stuffy at home.  The staff is always very nice and Bill the manager is always fun to hang with.  Dig the Waterfront.

Tonight we had a great tasting with Lazy Magnolia and Boulder Brewing.  Very exciting because we were going to be premiering in the area, the Lazy Magnolia Southern Hopspitality IPA on draft as well as the Hoopla Dry Hopped Pale Ale in cans.

The Waterfront throws these shindigs every month where they pair a brewery with some appetizers and sell tickets beforehand.  nice idea as it just kinda becomes a little party where you get to know the folks who attend and get to take advantage of a "cocktail party" type of setting.  A great spot to premier a new beer since it gives an opportunity to chat with folks independently about what you've got going on in their glass.

The crowd begins to filter in and are noticeably the type of crowd we like to see.  Chill, happy, and curious about something new.  If you ask anyone who does the type of work that we do - these descriptors are the ones that keep our motors hummin'.  What makes it better is receiving some insightful and friendly dialogue about the brands you're working with.  Again, the folks at The Waterfront were awesome.


When I first blogged about The Waterfront, I mentioned how great the food was and rated their fish tacos as easiest some of the best in Florida.  Their food certainly does not let down.  This is definitely a place you'll want to check out if you're anywhere near the area.  If you're looking for a place near the beach to stay for a few days, look at Anna Maria Island and get yourself a room.  You'll love the island itself and you'll thank me endlessly for recommending The Waterfront.  Cheers!

Fish Tacos - The Waterfront

Well, the gauntlet was thrown down by my new friend Fiona at Gecko's in Sarasota.  What she said basically was that the best fish tacos in Florida, I haven't had yet.  She said that, in fact, the best fish tacos in Florida are at The Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria Island.

Her level of confidence forced me to try them out.  Nevermind the fact that they have local-legend worthy fish tacos, but they also have a huge beer menu and a view straight from a postcard.  I'm there.

So the Waterfront is at 111 South Bay Blvd in Anna Maria Island and the trek there is no short task.  To look at this place on a map, it is sitting at the tip of a peninsula and not too easy to get to.   But boy, is it worth it.  


What I found most exciting about this location is that it gives you a beautiful distant view of my old nemesis, the Sunshine Skyway (the tallest bridge in Florida that makes me "wet ma draws" every time I have to drive over it.  The spot that the restaurant sits on looks right out onto this view and sitting here I feel like I've found the greatest hidden gem in all of Florida.  This place is cool.


When we arrived, we were greeted by a nice fella who we thought was a customer.  He told us about the place and as the conversation continued I finally came to realize he was in charge.  Turns out this down to earth human is the famous "Bill" who I was told to meet up with by Fiona when she suggested the place.  Furthermore, she told him we were coming!  How awesome is that?

I let him Bill know that we worked for Chimay and he let me know that they have had it on tap for six years running.  Love to see that type of devotion and since we had just picked up 60 cases of Chimay glasses in my car, I gave him an extra case to celebrate Belgian Independence Day on July 21st.  As it turns out, we set up an event with them at a later date, but I'll get into that after the tacos.  


To give a nod to Fiona, she was right - these fish tacos are amazing.  They are described by The Waterfront as:  Grouper Tacos - Seasoned seared fresh premium Gulf black grouper in grilled soft flour tortillas with fresh chopped pico de gallo, shredded cheddar jack, and jicama tartar slaw.  


To start, these tacos had more fish than any other fish tacos I have ever had - by far.  I swear there is a good 10 ounces of fish in these things.  And it is deliciously fresh.  This served with a side of couscous salad, they definitely know how to do it up.

On the scale of my crazy favorites, these tacos are right near the top.  They were incredibly refreshing and light, and left me perfectly full.  When I build my eventual list, you can bet The Waterfront is in single digits.  The tacos were great and the staff was rock-solid.

On another note, we planned an event for Boulder / Lazy Magnolia for Thursday, September 6 that is going to be AWESOME!  If anyone wants to attend, i would recommend staying on Anna Maria Island for the a few nights and make a weekend of it.  Cheers!