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Purple Pelican's bounty
By KATHY SAUNDERS © St. Petersburg Times, published January 10, 2001 MADEIRA BEACH -- Purple Pelican Cafe is the kind of restaurant I always expected to find on the beach. It's filled with whimsical accents and its own art gallery. Customers can enjoy Internet access in a separate computer room or taste imported beverages from the beer garden. Live music and wine tastings are another attraction. Owners Beth and Keith Evans opened the cafe in May in an eclectic wood-frame building with purple shutters. Beth Evans worked 12 years as an a accountant before deciding to pursue her desire to be a chef. She graduated from culinary school in Atlanta in 1997 and began planning her restaurant venture. At the Purple Pelican she prepares homemade muffins, scones and turnovers along with a list of other breakfast items that are served until 3 p.m. I visited the cafe on a recent weekday just before lunch. We were in the mood for breakfast and lunch that day, so we ordered some of each. We tried the pancakes ($4) -- one of the basic food groups consumed regularly by my 2-year-old daughter. The hotcakes were still hot when we got them home about 10 minutes after we left the cafe. The owners offered us utensils and syrup in small packages, but we had our own at home. We got two large pancakes that were fluffy and buttery tasting. Banana pancakes were also available that day. The cafe also offers a large selection of bagels, omelets, waffles and French toast on the breakfast menu. While we were waiting for our order, we watched Evans deliver a large wrap filled with vegetables to the gentleman at the next table. "We had lots of fresh vegetables and jalapenos today, so I added those too," she told the delighted customer. I didn't see the wrap on the menu, but Evans told me later that she offers the breakfast as a special item. "I just prepare an omelet any way you'd like and then put it in a wrap," she said. It was something I will definitely order on my next visit. Evans also makes quiche every day. We tried a slice from her basil, tomato and feta cheese pie ($5.50). It was baked in a thick and flaky crust and had a flavor that resembled pizza. Our choices that day included a portobello mushroom and Swiss cheese quiche or a lox and Havarti cheese variety. The quiches are served with fruit salad, green salad or soup. All of our orders, including the pancakes, came garnished with fresh fruit that included oranges, grapefruit, bananas, grapes and pineapple. The fruit was the biggest hit with my children. The salad was a surprising treat. The waiter described the Southern fried chicken salad as lettuce with a chicken tender on top. But he didn't do it justice. The salad ($5.95) was filled with crisp Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, croutons and thinly sliced red onions. The chicken was crispy and spicy and added a nice crunch to the greens. Peanuts were sprinkled on top. The salad came with blue cheese dressing that didn't impress us, but the salad didn't need much dressing up. I ordered two slices of key lime pie -- one for my girlfriend and me to share at lunch and another to serve my husband after dinner. The pie ($2.95 a slice) was among the best versions I have sampled. The crust was sweet and crunchy, and the pie was very, very smooth. It was tangy and light. My husband loved it too. Evans bakes her own desserts including chocolate silk pie, chocolate peanut butter pie, a triple berry tart, cheesecake and chocolate decadence cake. Brownies, cookies and ice cream are offered as well. The menu includes cold and hot sandwiches made with Boar's Head meats served with homemade french fries. Fried grouper sandwiches ($6.95), filet of sole stuffed with garlic and shrimp ($7.95) and a grilled portobello mushroom sauteed in balsamic vinegar ($6.95) also are on the menu. Coffee sold in-house is self-serve with free refills. Cinnamon butter cookie was among the flavors available while I waited for my order. The menu includes latte, cappuccino and espresso as well. Purple Pelican offers more than 60 domestic and imported beers along with non-alcoholic beverages on tap or from a cooler. The cafe hosts live entertainment every weekend. Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues is scheduled to perform Saturday. Passion Attic is on tap for Jan. 20. And a Gasparilla party featuring Tyger Hanley is planned for Jan. 27. Wine tastings are scheduled the last Saturday of every month. For $10, guests can sample wines along with a spread of Evans' specialties including egg rolls, baked Brie and fruits and vegetables. The art gallery off the dining room features painted furniture, mirrors, treasure boxes and other items by artist Anne Castle. PINELLAS TO GOPurple Pelican Cafe 14705 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach Phone: 394-0944; fax: 394-1344 Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday Consumers: Two adults and two children What we got: Pancakes; one slice of tomato, basil and feta cheese quiche; Southern fried chicken salad; and two slices of key lime pie. What it cost: $25.85 Time it took: 20 minutes Pay with: Cash and all major credit cards
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
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From the Times Taste section From the features wire |
