FRIENDSHIP
The experts say, and I’m inclined to agree, that the older we get, the more we appreciate and value long-term friendships. I now have close friends I have known for more than forty years and some more than fifty. We recently had lunch with my girlhood friend and her husband. I’ve known J. since we were in 4th grade. She lived across the street from me for some years, and I was in and out of her house, much quieter than my home. We played together, compared and competed on grades through high school, and often discussed and debated the differences between her religion’s Catholic teachings and my Protestant ones.
Through college and into our 20’s, we had opportunities to get together, but then, didn’t see each other for several years at a stretch. We kept in touch at Christmas and birthdays and through sightings by our mothers or our families. I got to know several of her aunts and uncles and cousins and she my three siblings. Later on, I and the Chief Penguin attended her wedding and then rejoiced with them when she and B. adopted a daughter. Other than the Chief Penguin and my siblings, she has known me longer and better than anyone else. Our mini reunion this week was a happy event, and we picked up right where we left off the last time! We parted, vowing to be in contact more frequently.
DINING AROUND
Bradenton Buzz—Chateau 13
Chateau 13 is a relatively new wine bar and restaurant in downtown Bradenton and it’s a winner! Offering sophisticated and inventive fare, it’s worth a visit. There’s bar seating, high top tables, and then a smallish dining room with standard seating. They don’t take reservations, and by 5:30, shortly after they open, the dining room was full. The menu has light bites, small appetizers, and full-size entrees. For the bites and appetizers, think tapas. We stuck to these sections of the menu and sampled some Parmesan truffled popcorn (fun!), Calabrian chili shrimp with broccolini, beef tournedos with foie gras, croquettes with prosciutto and a Caesar salad. These are small portions so if you are very hungry, try an entrée. The shrimp, tournedos and croquettes were all superb! Nice selection of wines by the glass too. Closed Sunday and Monday.
St. Pete Beach—Leverock’s Great Seafood Restaurant
Leverock’s is in the South Pasadena section of St. Petersburg and a great spot for lunch or dinner. We met friends there for lunch and Tabitha, our waitress, greeted them warmly as they are regulars when they visit Florida. Leverock’s fish is very fresh, and they have a wide selection prepared in a variety of ways, from sandwiches and wraps to salads to entrees with rice and veggies. Two of us tried salads, the black and blue one with rare tuna and a Caesar salad with a perfectly grilled piece of salmon. Our friends ordered their favorite salmon entrees. Service was friendly and efficient. Worth another visit.
Note: Header sunset photo ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved).
