 |
| a "LeslieSRQ Dishes it UP" Restaurant Review |
A ‘touch of by-gone elegance & gentility’ was discovered while dining at the YachtSea Grille!
I have to admit, that dining out for me, is more about the ‘experience’, than it is about being hungry!!! From the moment I approached the YachtSea Grille I felt transported to a state of relaxation as though I was on a brief vacation. The fact that the Grille is positioned with a view of the water and the tops of yachts and palm trees are visible, certainly contributes to this altered state. I know we all live in Florida, so we are blessed to dine in paradise every day. However, the YachtSea Grille made me feel like a rather privileged & pampered guest in Paradise!
I have to admit, that dining out for me, is more about the ‘experience’, than it is about being hungry!!! From the moment I approached the YachtSea Grille I felt transported to a state of relaxation as though I was on a brief vacation. The fact that the Grille is positioned with a view of the water and the tops of yachts and palm trees are visible, certainly contributes to this altered state. I know we all live in Florida, so we are blessed to dine in paradise every day. However, the YachtSea Grille made me feel like a rather privileged & pampered guest in Paradise!
Before I delve into descriptions of the incredibly fresh food offered, I have to tell you what impressed me the MOST about dining at the YachtSea Grille and it has NOTHING to do with food!
AFTER the meal, our server delivered an after-dinner surprise: Hot Towels & Lemons!
I can’t remember the last time I dined in our area (and I am a native) that I have seen this! Then it occurred to me why the restaurant had used the word ‘Yacht’ in their name. This hospitable gesture is often seen aboard luxury yachts! This spa-like treatment was the perfect culmination to a relaxing meal. These kind of ‘touches’ say a LOT about the owner ……………..
 |
| Hot Towels & Lemon |
Speaking of the owner, Kurt Petty hails from the Kansas City area and spent 14 years coming down to visit his parents (who retired in our area) prior to establishing the YachtSea Grille! Kurt prides himself on providing his guests with FRESH ingredients!!! Both his Seafood and his Beef are delivered daily and are of
‘yacht-worthy’ quality!
‘yacht-worthy’ quality!
I had arrived a bit early, so I decided to take a tour of the ‘yacht’ prior to my dining companion’s arrival.
You enter the yacht from their outside covered ‘deck’ which has several lovely wood deck chairs and tables. Upon entering the main ‘concourse’ there is a casual dining room that has been designed for comfort but without sacrificing the view. The use of the clear-view walls allows for a feeling of being outdoors. There is also an ‘inside deck’ full bar that also has seating available.
Choosing the dining room, I was quickly greeted by my server “Chanise”.
Chanise was not only charming and accommodating, she was a wealth of knowledge about the menu. She spoke with absolute pride when she described the many choices available on the menu. Chanise is a real asset, not only to the Owner, but to the customer! I decided to order a glass of wine and an appetizer and continue to survey the menu.
My Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip arrived promptly!!! So often this dish is kind of a ‘hot mess’ with everything kind of merging together.
This version was prepared in such a way, that the tender artichoke hearts sumptuously melded between spinach and parmesan cheeses, actually allowing each ingredient to stand out. Served with fresh out of the oven tortilla chips - $9, this was an excellent precursor to what would be
the rest of my meal.
My dining companion arrived and enjoyed nibbling on the appetizer with me. Unfortunately we didn’t have a lot of time to devote to leisurely perusing the menu, since we had a 7:30 p.m. curtain call at the Manatee Performing Arts Center! We mentioned this to Chanise, and she was quick to tell us that we would receive a 10% Theatre Discount on our Meal that evening! Not only does the YachtSea Grill have a scenic location, it is also within close proximity to many of Bradenton’s best amenities:
The New Theatre as well as the new RiverWalk. Chanise graciously guided us through the decision-making process as to make sure we dined promptly and made it to the theatre on time.
Despite the WIDE Variety of choices on the menu, I was just in one of those ‘Burger’ moods!!! In particular, after Chanise told me about their ‘gourmet’ burgers which were 50% Angus Certified Beef and 50% Ground Short Ribs! I ordered the Baby Bella Black and Blue Burger: Sautéed Baby Bella mushrooms, topped with melted marbled blue cheese $13. I also chose the side salad in lieu of the fries & other options.
I have always been very careful not to use the adjective "Best" in a review! However, without hesitation, this burger was the “BEST BURGER” I have had since I moved back home to Florida!!! Served at the perfect temp that I wanted, (medium rare/emphasis on rare) this tasty, juicy, scrumptious, bordering on decadent burger should be re-named the “Paradise Burger”!!! Served on a toasted Pretzel roll with a generous topping of blue cheese, I was in heaven!
Choosing the dining room, I was quickly greeted by my server “Chanise”.
My Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip arrived promptly!!! So often this dish is kind of a ‘hot mess’ with everything kind of merging together.
the rest of my meal.
My dining companion arrived and enjoyed nibbling on the appetizer with me. Unfortunately we didn’t have a lot of time to devote to leisurely perusing the menu, since we had a 7:30 p.m. curtain call at the Manatee Performing Arts Center! We mentioned this to Chanise, and she was quick to tell us that we would receive a 10% Theatre Discount on our Meal that evening! Not only does the YachtSea Grill have a scenic location, it is also within close proximity to many of Bradenton’s best amenities:
 |
| Manatee Performing Arts Center |
Despite the WIDE Variety of choices on the menu, I was just in one of those ‘Burger’ moods!!! In particular, after Chanise told me about their ‘gourmet’ burgers which were 50% Angus Certified Beef and 50% Ground Short Ribs! I ordered the Baby Bella Black and Blue Burger: Sautéed Baby Bella mushrooms, topped with melted marbled blue cheese $13. I also chose the side salad in lieu of the fries & other options.
 |
| Baby Bella Black & Blue Burger |
I have always been very careful not to use the adjective "Best" in a review! However, without hesitation, this burger was the “BEST BURGER” I have had since I moved back home to Florida!!! Served at the perfect temp that I wanted, (medium rare/emphasis on rare) this tasty, juicy, scrumptious, bordering on decadent burger should be re-named the “Paradise Burger”!!! Served on a toasted Pretzel roll with a generous topping of blue cheese, I was in heaven!
My dining companion ordered the Southwest Chicken Cobb: A mixture of red leaf, green leaf, and fresh baby spinach, topped with seasoned hickory-grilled chicken, grape tomatoes, sliced eggs, pecan wood smoked bacon, mix cheese, red onions & avocado (Mate $7 Captain $12). She chose one of their signature salad dressings, the homemade apple vinaigrette.
Again, this dish paid ‘homage’ to owner, Kurt Petty’s mission to provide only Fresh & Flavorful ingredients. The salad was also presented in such a way that one did not have to attack it with a knife & fork to partake of it!!! Yes, a bit of a 'pet peeve' of mine since I don't want to work before I partake!!! As you can see from the photo, this was a very generous salad and the chicken had a 'delicate' Southwest stamp on it!
 |
| Southwest Chicken Cobb |
Despite the lure of LIVE Theatre (Les Miserables at the Manatee Performing Arts Hall), I truly did not want to leave the 'Yacht'! Especially after receiving the hot towels & lemon, I want to hang around and be pampered some more! However, I was comforted in the knowledge that I would return soon to sample some more of the fresh offerings as described by Chanise. One in particular fascinated me! They offer Fresh Salmon from SWEDEN cooked on a cedar plank. I made a mental note to include this on my next visit and was already envisioning it next to their Kansas City Ribs which was ALSO not going to be missed! Looks like I'll have to have more than one dining companion next time!!!
Speaking of lots of companions, YachtSea Grill is currently offering an all-you-can-eat BBQ Special on Sundays! Do yourself a favor, and visit YachtSea Grille Website to see ALL their Specials!
They also have LIVE entertainment which currently includes Greg Roche on Saturdays from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
 |
| Greg Roche |
Join your fellow SRQ ‘friends’ on Facebook in the Group SRQ Applause to learn more about living in this city we call “Paradise”!!!
We are over 4,000 Members who ALL share their recommendations of What to Do; Where to GO: MUSIC to hear; etc. We INVITE you to make your OWN recommendations!
I made my entrance to on-line gambling in 2004 in an try to grasp the psyche of the on line casino goer. I've spent extended periods delving into the industry and its inner 바카라사이트 features and proceed to do so at VegasMaster daily. My analysis and experience has given me insights into gambling that I hope you may profit from.
ReplyDelete