The Crusty Upper Crust on AMI

This past weekend I was entertaining an out of town guest, my BFF, Krisco, from Grand Rapids and no, she didn’t earn that nick-name for obvious reasons, so get your mind out of the gutter people!

Me & Krisco on the deck at Rotten Ralph's
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When I have company I like to show them around the area and go to some of my favorite eateries. AMI, otherwise know as Anna Maria Island, is one of my most favorite places. If you've got a hankering, I have found three places with what I consider some GREAT seafood delights. Since Krisco has never been to AMI, we hit a few of the local shops before lunch.  The Sand Dollar  – I liken this place to a Pier One with a beachy twist.

Greeting us at the front door of Ginny & Jane E's - a new outfit, perhaps?
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 Ginny and Jane E's at the old IGA – this is an eclectic mix of hand made artistry, flea market finds, antiques, plus, they make a mean espresso ... oh, and did I mention it’s a coffee and pastry shop too?

flaky, buttery, melt in your mouth goodness and a triple espresso - ZING!

As we eased down Pine Avenue we hit a few of the newer shops. One in particular, which will remain nameless to protect the ignorant, was filled with shi-shi interior design merchandise and over priced bird-cloth fashions (= cheep-cheep). As Krisco and I were perusing the goods, a couple locals strolled in to chat with the owner of our anonymous establishment. The conversation we overheard was so upper class socialite Real Housewife wanna-be that I had to chuckle. As we  strolled past the checkout counter the proprietor politely asked the usual please-buy-something-before-you-leave questions … are you on vacation – where are you from - blah blah. Then she asked if we were going to lunch. This was obvious bait cast so she could recommend her friend’s restaurant, one of the upper-crusties we heard her conversing with earlier. I proudly exclaimed, “Yeah, we’re going to Rotten Ralph’s – they have great shrimp!” If ONLY I could have video taped this woman’s expression when I said our plan was to hit a local dive. The look of utter disgust was priceless! It was as if she was told her precious baby girl had run off to marry an over-weight, tattoo laced, locked and loaded Hell’s Angel. It took her a good 20 seconds to gather her composure enough to say, “oh … how nice.”

Escargot from HEAVEN! Don't every think you can't eat a snail, these are orgasmic!
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I love good food. I don’t care if I’m sitting on a picnic table along side a four-lane highway. If you make it, I will come. Sure, I appreciate great ambiance, but in Florida, especially along the Gulf, most restaurants are very casual.  Rotten Ralph’s is off the beaten path and considered more of a local hang out.  You can access it by boat which makes it pretty fancy in comparison to most dive bars or greasy spoons. More so, they have THE BEST escargot EVER! Their snails are to die for! 

A dozen shrimp $17.95 and WORTH every penny!
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Plus, huge shrimp – oxymoron, yes - but you’d have to be a moron NOT to eat there! These sweet, succulent, straight from the Gulf shrimp ruined me. I will never be able to eat frozen shrimp again!

Seriously HUGE! (click to enlarge- back space to return)

The moral of our story, boys and girls – great food can come from a Diner, Drive In or Dive – why do you think that show is so popular on the Food Network? Clearly I’m not the only one of that opinion.  

Next time you're visiting AMI check out:

Rotten Ralph's you MUST have the world famous escargot! 

Rod and Reel this is another 'rustic' restaurant perched at the end of a pier - make sure you get there for breakfast since they have a heaven on earth seafood omelet overflowing with scallops, shrimp and crab meat and melty cheese ... you'll be hooked from the first bite!

The Waterfront if you desire ambiance and great food - this place has it, whether you're inside next to the saltwater aquarium or out on the veranda over looking the bay. I recommend the Tropical Salad, Lobster Bisque, baked Brie or Truffled Gouda Mac & Cheese. MMMMmmmmm