Recently, my sister and I went to Florida to celebrate her birthday.  We have a 92-year-old uncle who lives there, and any trip to Florida includes a visit to Uncle Frank.  Similarly, any visit with Uncle Frank includes a meal out.  This time was no different.  I did not know there was a robust Amish community in Sarasota, but there is.  Having grown up in Northeastern Ohio, I know a little something about Amish.  I know they know how to cook!

After dinner at the nearby Dutch Heritage House, we went down the street to Yoder’s and waited in line for the opportunity to indulge in a piece of Yoder’s pie.  It was worth the wait.  Regina and I split a piece of chocolate pecan pie.  It was amazing, and one piece was adequate for the both of us, because the slice was huge!  I’ll bet they don’t get more than five pieces out of one pie.

Dessert isn’t the only thing on the menu at Yoder’s, but if dessert is on your mind and you’re in Sarasota, don’t take that appetite anywhere else.

Editor’s note: Just up the highway from Sarasota is the city of Tampa with many things to see and do, including the Lowry Park Zoo, Busch Gardens, the Dali Museum and more.

Photo credit:  TheSeafarer

I grew up in the northeast corner of Ohio, and Sunday drives were part and parcel of that growing up. Several times a year, we’d end up in Amish country.  Our sole purpose was to pick up fudge made with goat’s milk, a remarkable treat if you’ve never had it.  Anyway, I’ve never forgotten the fudge nor those rides.  Recently, my sister and I celebrated her birthday in Florida.  Our 92-year-old uncle, who lives in Sarasota, took us to dinner, as is the tradition when one visits Uncle Frank.

The Dutch Heritage House buffet provided one of the best home-cooked meals I’ve had away from home.   Although there is a pretty robust menu, the buffet won my attention hands down. Fresh roasted pork and broasted chicken, real mashed potatoes,  fresh vegetables, home made noodles and dressing, a salad bar, home baked bread, and a really interesting peanut butter at the end of the buffet.  If you are a fan of this nutty delight, do NOT pass on a least a little of this on your dinner plate!  I don’t know what makes it different, but it most definitely is…

If you are anywhere near Sarasota, hungry, and wanting a solid taste of home cooking, go to Dutch Heritage House. Also, if you are heading to Tampa afterwards to see the sites, you’ll definitely want to swing by and see the Lowry Park Zoo, which has been repeatedly voted the best in the country by Parents magazine.

Photo credit: stevendepolo