Arrivederci Venice Florida! It’s time to say good-by. You’ve been very warm and welcoming but these snowbirds are ready to go home. Our hearts are yearning to see our sweet family. It’s been far too long and we can’t wait for our reunion. In typical Italian fashion, we’re sure there’ll be lots of food, talking, laughter, hugs and kisses. Aside from missing our family, we have a yard and house to take care of. . . dolce far ninete {sweet nothing} is over.
Fishing was certainly not what we had experienced in past years. There was the red tide, the storms, the heavy rains and the cool weather. Mother Nature had a big influence on the Gulf and the coast’s erosion. Salt water fish are sensitive to the clarity, warmth and salinity of their home. But in life there are no guarantees on how well you’ll do at the end of the day — that’s why it’s called fishing and not catching.
Every time we visit Venice Florida we have a chance to spend time with our favorite resident, Duke. This year we celebrated his 93 birthday at Fins — a restaurant that is part of Sharky’s On The Pier, a popular tourist destination. Everyone should have a Duke in their lives — he is as sharp as a tack, always upbeat and a wonderful raconteur. Taking him out to lunch is always an adventure. I will be writing a post about Duke in the near future and one of his favorite dishes.
One of the places we went to with Duke was Nokomos Sunset Hut. We really didn’t know what to expect; they just opened this year. We were pleasantly surprised. The view of Dona Bay is absolutely beautiful and the food we ate was delicious with its own special touch.
Honey had a Bloody Mary with a crawfish peeking out from the top plus a bleu cheese stuffed olive.The drink was spicy — just the way he likes it. I ordered the Aloha Salmon, Duke ordered the Mahi Island Wrap (not shown) and my Honey had the Fish Tacos. Each dish at Nokomos Sunset Hut has a special ingredient that makes it taste unique. If you’re not hungry you can still go to Nokomos and order one of their specialty tropical island drinks and watch the incredible sunsets. So, if you are ever in the Venice Florida area, make sure to stop at Nokomos Sunset Hut — it’s on the Tamiami Trail South. We may even see you there.
Arrivederci Venice Florida, speriamo di rivederti un giorno!
{Good-by Venice Florida, we hope to see you again some day!}
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
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Frank says
Looks like a good time was had by all! My folks are snowbirds, too. They’re down in Naples, another “Italian” town 😉 Unfortunately, this year we didn’t have time to get down there.
Marisa Franca says
Hi Frank! Yes! We do like the warm weather but most of all my hubby likes the opportunity to fish and then enjoy the catch 🙂
KariAnne Wood says
Marisa,
Back to that wonderful kitchen! You are going to have even more recipes to share with all of us now!
Happy summer snowbird!
karianne
PS Happy birthday Duke!
Lisa at celebrate creativity says
Hi Marisa! Looks like you had a lovely time. Oh, that warm looking locale looks so relaxing.
We had warm weather in my neck of the woods for a minute but now it feels like winter has returned. Brrr.
I don’t know what happened but our weather forecasters are actually talking about snow flurries this weekend. Ugh.
Happy day!
Marisa Franca says
Hi Lisa! Our kids have been relishing the warm weather we’ve been having such nice weather in the Midwest. Well, since we arrived the weather has plummeted. I think our kids are ready to send up back south 🙁 Hopefully this cold snap will be short. Keep warm.
Ciao Chow Linda says
Lucky you to have spent so much time in that warm, beautiful place.
Marisa Franca says
Hi Linda! We were lucky but boy whenever we go anywhere do I ever miss our family and kitchen. Lots of people love eating out — I do occasionally but I love to cook. Your trip to Italy is coming up soon, you lucky dog you!!!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
Marisa, it looks lovely, but (unlike my sister-in-law) I wouldn’t make a good snowbird. Like you, I would miss family and my kitchen! Eating out *all* the time loses its luster rather quickly.
Susie says
We really enjoyed the Venice pictures and tribute to Duke….We can’t believe it’s time for your return trip home. Have a safe and hopefully, speedy trip.
Marisa Franca says
That you sweet sister! We are anxious to get back — the little one is almost walking.
Rosemary @anitalianinmykitchen.com says
Ahh so nice Marisa, looks and sounds like you had a great time. Maybe I will visit Florida one day. Looking forward to your amazing recipes.
Marisa Franca says
Hi Rosemary! We did have a great time but we miss our family. If you ever come to Florida — let me know ahead of time perhaps we can coordinate a visit 🙂
Diane says
A great tribute to a gentleman named Duke, and the sunny Venice, Florida! Be safe coming home! Looking forward to many more delicious posts!
Marisa Franca says
Hi Diane!! I think I’ll do some stretching exercises on the long trip home to get us ready for the mulch 🙂
Jovina Coughlin says
Love seeing your photos of Venice. Goodbye dear snowbird but I guess now you are headed back to your kitchen that you love. Looking forward to your new creations. Have a safe trip home.
Marisa Franca says
Hello Jovina! It seems like I was just telling you we were coming down — but my yard and kitchen are waiting. Perhaps next year we’ll try to meet up 🙂