For those venturing over the Sunshine Skyway this weekend, the 5th Annual Food and Wine on Pine will run from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday along Anna Maria Island's Pine Avenue. With a $2 entry fee, the culinary-cultural event expects to draw a crowd of more than 8,000.
Twenty-plus Bradenton and Sarasota area food-slingers will be featured, including Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill, Sage Biscuit Cafe, Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor and Michael's On East. Their dishes will highlight local, seasonal Florida offerings like Gulf seafood and fresh-farm produce.
To complement the fare, guests can snag more than 30 wines and an array of craft beers, plus Southern Slush's wine slushies. Actors sauntering down Pine with street performances and tales of Anna Maria, locally made art and more will also be showcased, along with a lineup of live music performances (jazz, indie rock, bluegrass) and an artsy kid's tent.
Food and drink tickets are $1 each, as well as cash only. Much of the grub will cost around 2 to 10 tickets, while wines and brews by the glass range from 3 to 5. Folks will find parking at the Anna Maria Island Community Center and CrossPointe Fellowship Church.
This article appears in Apr 23-29, 2015.
