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California cuisine stars at new bistroBy KATHY SAUNDERS © St. Petersburg Times, published August 16, 2000 TREASURE ISLAND -- California native Gus Scholle has opened the Islander Grill in the former Sunset Beach Cafe, 9701 First St. E. The restaurant opened Aug. 9 at Gulf Boulevard and West Gulf Boulevard at Sunset Beach. The menu offers "California cuisine with an eclectic flavor." Homemade hamburger buns with herbs, Angus beef and pineapple-banana pancakes are among the Grill's signature meals. Omelets, bagels and salads also are offered. The signature drink is called an islander freeze, and it is made with vanilla ice cream, milk, ice, cream of coconut, chopped dates and whipped cream. "It will be an upscale bistro with a casual feel to it," said the owner's sister and assistant, Christine Scholle, 40. "And we are going to be an extension of the beach in our decor." She said the restaurant is being designed to blend with the city's new Sunset Vista Trailhead Park planned across the street at the beach. The owners have selected admiral blue colors and plan to decorate with a pirate theme. All of the hamburgers are named after pirates like Blackbeard, Henry Morgan and Billy Bones. The restaurant is a replica of one operated by the family near Los Angeles, in Thousand Oaks. "All of the hamburgers in Los Angeles are named after movie stars," Scholle said. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Gus Scholle, the primary chef, bakes key lime and banana pies each day and sells his carrot-raisin muffins to go. Daily specials also are available. Scholle, 48, has been visiting his daughter in Florida for the past three years. "He fell in love with Treasure Island," said his sister. Information about the bistro, along with a photo of the Treasure Island beach, is available at www.IslanderGrill.com.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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