March/April 2011 Anna Maria Beach Cottages Sand Scripts Food Network Dives into Jose’s By AMBC Staff Food Network star Guy Fieri’s fame, fl amboyant hair and sense of style makes a quiet, inconspicuous meal an unlikely occurrence. Which is why his appearance What: Jose’s Real caught a lot Cuban Food of attention Where: 1 mile over the as he came Cortez Bridge, to the Anna 8799 Cortez Rd. W. Maria Island Amanda Guerra speaks to brides at the AMBC booth at the 2011 AMI Wedding Fair. area to fi lm an upcoming episode of his hit show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” AMBC and weddings, Fieri was here to eat at Jose’s Real Cuban Food, a small, easily missed restaurant less than 1 mile over the Cortez Bridge off of the southern create a perfect union portion of Anna Maria Island. By AMBC Staff with nearly 200 brides, who Producers were sought answer the question, unsure when White sand, warm sunshine and “Where’s everybody going to the show turquoise Gulf waters combine to stay?” would air, create a the ideal wedding cocktail but assured for thousands of Anna Maria Island Because AMBC has 11 cottages it would be visitors every year. ranging from studios to three- in the coming bedrooms in a single location, it months. “Diners, The 2011 AMI Wedding Festival, can comfortably host wedding Drive-ins and held on Feb. 26 and 27 gave more than parties with up to 40 guests. Dives” airs 1,000 participants the opportunity to on the Food speak with hundreds of wedding Wedding parties can even N e t w o r k , vendors on or near the Island. receive special discounts Mondays at when they book during 9:30 p.m. AMBC offi ce managers Amanda AMBC’s “low” and “value” EST. Guerra and Danny Stooksbury spoke seasons. - Guy Fieri Anna Maria Beach Cottages l 112 Oak Ave. Anna Maria, FL l (941) 778-1503 www.annamariabeachcottages.com March/April 2011 Sand Scripts Anna Maria Beach Cottages Current Events n Island Players of Anna Maria n An Affair to Remember The AMI n City Pier Centennial The City of Anna The local theatre (5 blocks north of the Community Center is hosting a night of Maria will celebrate the 100th anniversary cottages) is portraying “Rabbit Hole” elegance with headlining musical artist of the City Pier on May 13 and 14. A Pa- March 17 to April 3. The ADULT drama Lee Greenwood (best known for “God rade will kick off the festivities on the eve- illustrates the heartbreaking story of a Bless the USA”) on April 2 407 Magnolia ning of Friday, May 13. On Saturday, May couple’s trials after the loss of their 4- Ave, Anna Maria, FL. Valet parking. The 14, the “Food and Wine on Pine Event” year-old son. For more information visit area’s best live & silent auctions. Dinner will take place on Pine Ave. between the www.theislandplayers.org catered by Harry’s Continental Kitchens. City Pier on the East end of the street and Open bar, fine wines and scrumptious the Sandbar on the West side. Events will n Second Eco Day The Second Annual desserts. Reserve today! Pre-Affaire VIP continue throughout the day and conclude Beach to Bay Eco Day to be held on His- with fireworks after dark. toric Bridge Street on Sunday, March 27, Party hosted by Lee Greenwood includes from noon to 7 p.m. There will be music, Gala VIP seating and private viewing of n Easter at Sandbar Sandbar Res- yoga on the beach, kayaks in the water auction 5pm-$250 per person. Gala taurant is planning a special celebration for demos, seminars, vendors, eco/go Opening & Champagne Reception 6pm- Easter weekend. Bring the kids for an egg green vendors, food and fun. For more $175 per person. Black tie optional. hunt and enjoy live music and great food. information, contact Nancy Ambrose at RSVP are suggested by March 19 by Visit www.groupersandwich.com for more 941-799-2181 or 941-518-4431. emailing [email protected]. information. Recurring Events n Yoga on the Beach. Saturdays Service. Nondenominational services elry, apparel, food music & more. The mornings on Anna Maria Island. For aboard the Floating Chapel on the Bay. market is located on Bridge Street in more information, call 941-794-6723. For more information, call 941-379- Bradenton Beach Florida (just south of the Cortez Bridge). For more information n Kayak Eco Tours. Daily tours and 7327. visit www.bridgestreetmerchants.com/ kayak rentals on Anna Maria Island. For n Wine Tastings Sweet Pea’s AMI of- market.aspx more information, call 941-504-6296. fers daily wine tasting from 11 a.m. to 6 n Back Alley Party Friday’s from 6 to n p.m. Sweet Peas is located at 5350 Gulf Life on Earth Film Series. Thought 9 p.m. the Back Alley, a giftshop/coffee Dr. in Holmes Beach. For more informa- provoking films every Thursday at the shop, hosts live music, spirits and food. tion visit www.sweetpeasami.com South Florida Museum in Bradenton. The relaxed atmosphere is like being For more information, call 941-746- n Bridge Street Market Open ev- at a family cookout. For more infor- 4131 ext. 11 ery Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the mation, visit www.2spinnakers.com/ n Worship and Spiritual Growth market includes fresh produce, art, jew- backalley.htm. Island Attractions n AMI Historical Museum www.islandartleague.org n Island Gallery West 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria Monthly exhibits feature local and region- 5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach (941) 778-0492 al art, class and workshops for children (941) 778-6648 www.amihs.org and adults. www.islandgallerywest.com The museum exhibits vintage photos, Co-op of local artists offering a wide maps and clothing. The preserved City n The Artists’ Guild of AMI range of original art work and scheduled Jail and Historic Bell Haven Cottage pro- 5414 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach demonstrations. vide unique photo opportunities. (941) 778-6694 Open Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open Tues-Sat www.amiartisguildgallery.com A non-profit organization promoting ar- n The Studio at Gulf and Pine n Anna Maria Island Art League tistic endeavors with monthly meetings, 10101 Gulf Dr., Anna maria 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach educational programs, member’s gallery (941) 778-1906 (941) 77820-99 and arts education. www.annamariaislandstudio.com Anna Maria Beach Cottages l 112 Oak Ave. Anna Maria, FL l (941) 778-1503 www.annamariabeachcottages.com.