Riverhouse Reef & Grill, Palmetto, FL

With a view of the marina on the water's edge, Riverhouse was the perfect spot for my book club to enjoy getting together for lunch. The Book Ends have been reading together for ten years and although several years ago we put a ban on bringing food to meetings, we make sure to dine out a few times a year.

I indulged in a delicious Bloody Mary to pair with my AHI Tuna BLT - crisp bacon topped with a very generous portion of Ahi Tuna slices, with Lettuce & Tomato on a Brioche bun, and served with their home made chips. We all tried something different....Crab Cake Sliders, Lobster Pot Pie, Coconut Shrimp, Chicken Salad. The only complaint we had was that the Lobster Pot Pie wasn't quite as expected, just okay.

I give River House high marks for food, service and ambiance. A nice touch is the trolley they provide that carries you from the parking lot to the restaurant across the marina's boardwalk. You might want to ride it on the way in but walk back to burn off some calories and enjoy the views.

I'll be back soon and often.

http://www.riverhousereefandgrill.com/

995 Riverside Drive, Palmetto FL 34221

Sunday Brunch at Bonefish Grill, Brandon

My cousin Grace threw herself a birthday brunch bash at Bonefish Grill in Brandon - our very favorite restaurant. The family gathered around and celebrated her while we indulged in some delicious food. This was our first time trying their Sunday Brunch and it was fabulous. Especially the Unlimited Bubbles - I chose the Bellini which was so tasty I was smacking my lips. I had three! (Don't judge me) Bonefish Grill Brandon has recently undergone a major overhaul and transformed their already lovely restaurant by kicking it up a notch. New kitchen, new furnishings, newly defined areas with some really lovely architectural details. A bar that emits a warm glow of welcome and a new outdoor dining space. Robert Hayman, their resident concierge has become a friend. He is gracious, cares about the customer experience, and does his best to make you feel welcome. Perhaps it's his butler training that makes him eminently qualified to excel at his job.

The brunch menu offers a wide array of luscious meals. Mike and I had the Surf & Turf Eggs Benedict (Filet Mignon Tips topped with a generous amount of Lobster meat and then topped with a perfectly cooked egg and Hollandaise Sauce). The Kobe Burgers were declared 'best I ever ate' by Martha & Rick. Hubby went for the Scallops and ate every scrap. The Fish N Chips Aida ordered was a massive dish and half went home to enjoy later. Howard opted for the Creme Brulee French Toast and enjoyed it very much. Of course there was dessert! Creme Brulee, Jamaican Rum Coconut Custard Pie, and Brownie with Ice Cream.

Bonefish Grill has everything we want. Great food, impeccable service, beautiful ambiance. Managing Partner Emin Hadziosmanovic also stopped by to greet us and make sure we were being well taken care of. We assured him all was very well. It's become "Our Place" and we'll be back often. Thanks again to our gracious birthday girl for this special treat.

https://www.bonefishgrill.com/locations/fl/brandon

1015 Providence Road, Brandon, FL 33511