Taste the crispy, crunchy, fries and cod and seafood bites from the bait shop.
What a thrill to read that my once secret seafood dive was featured in one of my favorite magazines, Coastal Living, http://www.coastalliving.com/coastal/travel/bestofthecoast/article/0,14587,1726572-3,00.html.
A true beach shack, I did not mention it on our website on purpose. I wanted to savor it all for myself. But, now the word is out about the New Pass Grill, www.newpassgrill.com, in Sarasota, Florida–between Lido and Longboat Key–on the way to the famed Mote Museum and aquarium.
The locals refer to this casual, 1929, barefoot beach bargain as the bait shop. Next to the fresh fish cafe is the City Island bait shop. You can buy bait, go fishing, hire a captain, rent a boat, take a nature walk, buy an oyster knife, pack a picnic, borrow a book and devour the best casual coastal cuisine in Sarasota.
I love the breakfasts… fresh eggs, cooked to order, crisp bacon, melted cheese on a bun with freshly brewed coffee. I perch on a wooden bench and watch the birds and seagulls, while the silver fish jump.
Lunch, despite the long line in season, is award winning burgers and the coldest beer in town.
Coastal living uncovered the real special… Old English Fish and Chips, three generous chunks of plump, battered cod over crispy fries with gourmet malt vinegar, lemon and tarter sauce (not needed).
Only one thing is missing, if one has lived in England. The fish is not wrapped in the London Times.
New Pass Grill, 1505 Ken Thompson Parkway; 941/388-3050 or www.newpassgrill.com.
Brenda C. Hill
www.noralyn.com
www.noralyn.com/blogger/blog1
