Coastal Breeze News

CHEF’S TABLE Chef Anne Feinman [email protected] Did you know there is more than one date Mother’s Day is celebrated across the world? In the United States we celebrate the 2nd Sunday of May, but in other countries it is other days in May, as well as in other months of the year. In the end, it doesn’t really matter on what day you celebrate Mother’s Day because, like my father always says, every single day should be Mother’s Day. Let’s treat Mom to something special this Mother’s Day. Whether it is breakfast in bed, brunch, lunch, dinner or a fabulous ... Read More »

s a lover of food stories, and one who is always looking for new and creative ideas, I happened upon a collection of typical American foods at not-so-typical pricing. So, if you’re looking to spend a little bit more for a bit of the same, take a look at some of these out-of-the-way places with tremendous prices. The Philly Cheesesteak – $100 This popular Philadelphian street food has made its way all across America. This version, although is only served at the steakhouse, Barclay Prime in Philadelphia. It comes on a ciabatta roll with wagyu ribeye steak, foie gras, truffles ... Read More »

The mango is known as the ‘king of fruit’ throughout the world. Did you know more mangos are eaten fresh all over the world, than any other fruit? Its name ‘mango’ is derived from the Tamil word ‘mangkay’ or ‘man-gay’. When the Portuguese traders settled in Western India they adopted the mango which originated in Southeast Asia where it has been grown for over 4,000 years. Over the years mango groves have spread to many parts of the tropical and sub-tropical world, where the climate allows the mango to grow best. Mango trees are evergreens that will grow to 60 ... Read More »

In a few days we will all celebrate Easter. Easter Sunday is the Christian festival honoring Christ’s resurrection and in the Western world, Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs after the first day of spring. This year, Easter is on Sunday, March 31. Take any festival and you will find that its roots can be traced back to religious history. It is no surprise that the many festivals that we celebrate across the world have been spawned by significant events in history. These important events have etched an indelible impression on the minds of ... Read More »

Restaurant challenges combine to make a very long list. Being able to keep up with the trends and desires of your guests can make or break your business. As we move into our second season, and making the move from a capacity of 70 seats to 267 seats, we are constantly listening to our audience and asking questions. As we have adapted to dietary restrictions and customer palates, we have gained an enormous amount of knowledge. Life changes daily, and so do our desires for a healthier lifestyle. Salmon has become a favorite, as well as fresh spinach. One of ... Read More »

By Chef Anne Feinman [email protected] Valentine’s Day or Saint Valentine’s Day, is a holiday celebrated on February 14th. It is a day of tradition steeped in chocolates, flowers and cards. In the tradition of courtly love in the Middle Ages, the name was associated with romantic love among numerous early Christian martyrs of the name Valentine. Some love stories are immortal. And one of my most memorable is that of Antony and Cleopatra. The true story of these two historical characters has been dramatized by William Shakespeare and is still staged all over the world but the relationship between Antony ... Read More »

CHEF’S TABLE Chef Anne Feinman [email protected] I love telling stories about cooking food. It comes natural to me, as food is essential to our humanity and our well-being and it affects all aspects of our lives. Some people may question the seriousness of writing about food. Most of us can go weeks without reading a book, watching a movie, or playing golf…. but I can’t imagine any of us going that long without food. More and more, cooking shows, cookbooks and magazines appear daily to educate and enhance our eating experiences. Food stories are important… they make us laugh, they make ... Read More »

CHEF’S TABLE Chef Anne Feinman [email protected] A “Blues Joint” in the south is a place where people go to enjoy food, drink, and music. The sights, sounds and tastes of New Orleans are coming to Marco Island. Live Blues and Jazz Bands are being introduced New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. A much needed venue of entertainment for the island… with a twist of the deep south. Come and see why Mango’s Dockside Bistro will be the “home of Annie’s Blues Bar!” Mango’s Dockside Bistro at The Esplanade offers delicious cuisine and designer cocktails, in a delightful casual atmosphere on ... Read More »

CHEF’S TABLE Chef Anne Feinman [email protected] hristmas is the perfect time to show off your cooking skills to your family. Even novices can pull off an extraordinary masterpiece…just add LOVE! Love what you are preparing, love preparing it, love the presentation you place on your table, and then add your loved ones, for a family style Christmas dinner. Create your menu of favorites, or go traditional with foods steeped in tradition that have graced many holiday tables in seasons past. Our family menu always included the classic dishes of Roast Turkey – the centerpiece for the feast, with accompaniments of Honey ... Read More »

CHEF’S TABLE Chef Anne Feinman  [email protected] The pictures of Pilgrims and Indians may not be based on historical truths, but there are memories of this holiday that thread its way from the past to the present. It’s a holiday that brings all Americans together… and that’s something worthy of our thanks and our giving. In 1863, our modern Thanksgiving came into being. Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer whose work is the children’s poem “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” decided to promote Thanksgiving in her magazine, “Boston Ladies’ Magazine.” From the book “Plymouth Plantation,” in which the author writes of wild turkeys ... Read More »

CHEF’S TABLE Chef Anne Feinman [email protected] Marco Island enjoys the climate to grow the most wonderful fruit bearing trees…Mango’s, Lemons, Limes and Grapefruits. For those of us fortunate to have them growing in our own yards, sometimes it becomes necessary to find friends and neighbors to share the fruit. As, a Chef, I am always looking for ways to share these fruits in delicious recipes. One such recipe, Green Mango Pie, is such a delight, because I don’t have to wait for the fruit to fully ripen. Green Mango Pie 4 cups sliced green Mango’s, peeled 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 ... Read More »

CHEF’S TABLE  Chef Anne Feinman  [email protected] Labor Day weekend is upon us and it’s the perfect time of year for a family barbeque. I have so many wonderful recipes that it is hard to narrow it down! So here are two favorite fun dishes that are full of flavor and color. Chef Annie’s standard words of wisdom. “It must be pretty and colorful!” We eat with our eyes first, so presentation is everything, before the very first bite. I love to blend multi colored peppers, instead of a traditional green bell pepper. It is a must that a fruit bowl has ... Read More »

CHEF’S TABLE Chef Anne Feinman  [email protected] Poptails are grownup’s version of popsicles. A refreshing frozen alcoholic beverage on a stick. Sound intriguing? Read on… You’re poolside, the sun is really hot and you’re thinking about those cold specialty drinks you enjoyed on vacation. The pina colada, mudslide, or perhaps watermelon margarita. Most of your favorite drinks can be turned into a “Poptail.” Make plenty ahead and keep frozen to share when guests join you at the pool or beach. Pull out the kid’s popsicle tray or use any small 3 oz-4 oz cup or shot glass. Locate some stir sticks or ... Read More »

CHEF’S TABLE  Chef Anne Feinman  Mangos Dockside Bistro You enter your front door from a long day at work…and the aromas hit you…awww, those memories of Grandpa’s kitchen…yes, Grandpa Anders did most of the cooking in my grandparents’ home. You don’t even have to go any further…you know you don’t have to ask “what’s cooking?”…you know what it is and you know just exactly who is creating those wonderfully delicious feelings you are enjoying. Memories touch all our senses, and my favorites are smell and taste. The taste of foods I especially loved as a child…and of course the smell of ... Read More »

CHEF’S TABLE  Chef Anne Feinman  [email protected] Lemon bars…Lemon Squares… Lemon Slices….whatever your name for them…means mouthwatering to me.The combination of buttery shortbread and tangy lemon filling, makes them so very irresistible. They are best eaten the day they are made, when the shortbread is crisp and the lemon filling is tart and tangy. In order for them to have a nice tart citrus flavor, be sure to use real lemons, NOT lemon juice from a bottle. Always choose lemons with a bright yellow color, fragrant, firm and plump. Be sure to wash lemons well, before removing the outer rind (zest). The ... Read More »

CHEF’S TABLE Chef Anne Feinman  [email protected] As I was preparing to write a Chef’s Table story today, my son John came into my office to share an event that occurred last night at our restaurant. So, first off, in writing for the world to see….we are so sorry, Dave Purcell! You can keep the t-shirt, too!….oops, John just told me you need a different size, so stop in this week…and I promise all ketchup bottles will be restrained. Most kitchen blow-ups are harmless, and can lead to a funny story to tell later. As, I hope Dave will be able to, ... Read More »

CHEF’S TABLE Chef Anne Feinman  [email protected] Easter always brings me such a fuzzy, warm feeling. From the Easter egg hunts, the pretty dresses and bonnets Mom dressed us 5 sisters in, to the wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen. Easter Sunday has always been such a wonderful family day of great food! This year I will be enjoying Easter with our extended family…our wonderful customers, employees and friends. We want to share some great recipes with you to make your Easter dinner one to remember! Lets start with: Jack Daniels Baked Ham • Fully cooked bone in ham 4-6 lbs. • ... Read More »

CHEF’S TABLE Chef Anne Feinman [email protected] Sometimes, we feel we need to do big things in life to stand out from the crowd, to make a difference… but in my experience I have found that it is the small things that make a difference. A smile for someone who is feeling a bit down, a touch on the shoulder for someone feeling lonely or a ride to the store for someone with no car. Imagine being the recipient of any of these gestures,in your time of need…imagine that that someone is you. I have a dear friend and long time customer, ... Read More »

Chef Anne Feinman [email protected] Has cooking become a chore…the thought of preparing, shopping and serving… an absolute dread? I can remember having those days. Yes, as a successful restauranteur… those moments are part of all our busy lives. Your life can consist of a hectic work, social, and family day…but take time out to be inspired and to inspire others! It is so easy to add a special touch to the foods you prepare. I like to add a strawberry to the top of pancakes and French Toast, with a sprinkle of powder sugar. An edible orchid is exceptional on ... Read More »

CHEF’S TABLE Chef Anne Feinman  [email protected]  “Food is so primal, so essential a part of our lives, often the mere sharing of recipes with strangers turns them into good friends.” ~ Jasmine Heiler In reflecting on this quote, I have two very special friends who have shared recipes with me, and now, I would like to share them with you, our Coastal Breeze readers. The first is a recipe that I have been using here at our restaurant, Mangos Dockside Bistro, at The Esplanade….yes, I thought it was quite the fit! Moist and delicious and our customers call out for more, ... Read More »