The traveling Hill team loves a good Bloody Mary, especially at a relaxing Sunday brunch after a long week at work. One place we like to explore on a Sunday morning is St. Armands Circle, near Lido Key Beach, in the Sarasota area of Florida. Our favorite spot is aptly named Cork. Cork is a creative cafe and wine bar. They recently hired Executive chef, Thomas Hodgson.

We have published several Bloody Mary recipes, classic and with a twist, always looking for the ultimate. We have finally found it! This fully loaded bloody Mary was enough for only one. However, the robust taste made us long for another.

At home, for brunch or a party, take your favorite Bloody Mary recipe and add the following until your glass is filled to the brim. We use mason jars.

Ingredients to add to Bloody Mary’s as to taste and space.
fresh cooked shrimp
cornichons
stuffed olives
celery stick with the leaves on

Although the above seems like enough, we also added a teaspoon of horseradish, a dash of hot sauce, fresh ground pepper and a lemon wedge. Truly a meal in itself.

However, anxious to try Chef Hodgson’s legendary culinary creations, we ordered our favorite, classic Eggs Benedict. Superb!

Cork
29 N. Boulevard of The Presidents, Sarasota, Florida 34236
941.388.CORK (2675)

Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Where & What in the World Blog

Finalist in the Writing and Publishing category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, “$uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book”