Article by Nanette Wiser
Located in Treasure Island’s Thunderbird Hotel, Sunset Bistro is the best way to start and end the day. Chef Thomas G. Mandzik is a culinary wizard, from his inspired handcrafted cocktails to his new breakfast menu, served from 8-noon daily, with all you can eat weekend brunch.
On New Year’s and Christmas Day, holiday breakfast will be served 7am-12:30pm. The restaurant will be closed Thanksgiving Day. Check the Facebook page for New Year’s Eve plans.
“Good food has the power to bring people together and make them happy,” says Chef Mandzik. “Our menus change with the season and we feature a Chef’s Special menu nightly in addition to our all-day lunch/dinner menu.”
With patio tables outside overlooking the Gulf and casually elegant tables set with linen and walls adorned by sunsets, Sunset Bistro’s horseshoe bar is the perfect place to meet friends for a happy hour drink. You can order ahead for take-out and catering is available for off-site parties. On the second and fourth Friday of each month, the lovely Fiona sings jazzy favorites while you dine.
Start with a lively libation, like a Dragonfruit Mai Tai, Passionfruit Hurricane Blackbeard, fresh blood orange, gin and strawberry martini or Fresh Mango Lime Margarita.
The new breakfast menu features Kahwa coffee, berry and chocolate chip Belgian waffles (add Southern Chicken), Southern grits with shrimp and chorizo or bacon and cheddar, Banana Fosters French toast,Kettle oatmeal (add peanut butter and banana), breakfast sandwiches (bacon/egg/cheese, ham/egg/Swiss) or egg, chorizo and cheese burrito. Add a side of malt pancakes, corned beef hash or biscuit with creamy sausage gravy.
Seafood lovers will adore the Gulf Grouper Sandwich, Mahi Fish Tacos, Pow Pow Mango Shrimp, lime-seasoned Shrimp Quesadilla and Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Pina Colada dipping sauce. Vegetarians flock to the Flatbread Margherita Florentine and Plant-Based Burger on a warm garlic bread Kaiser roll and salads. Graze and share the crispy calamari, mozzarella sticks and nachos but keep the Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms for you! Another favorite is the chicken and rice bowl with caramelized onions over Spanish yellow rice.
For a reservation, catering menu or take-out, call (727) 222-9112 or email sunsetbistroflorida@gmail.com. The Sunset Bistro, 10700 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island
www.sunsetbistroflorida.com.