The fish and other seafood coming out of the Gulf of Mexico is probably more safe now than it has ever been. With testing by multiple federal agencies, state authorities, wholesalers and various universities, we are getting layers of assurances that there are no dangers from the BP oil spill disaster raging in the northern Gulf. In fact, Gulf seafood, in my opinion, is far safer than most of the imported fish served in many restaurants and sold in grocery stores!

Now that the flow of oil has stopped, at least temporarily, the real question about seafood is -

What Long Term Effects Will the Oil Spill Have on Sustainability of Gulf Seafood?

Around this area, from Sand Key to Sarasota, we remember the effects of red tide and the poor fishing in years immediately following the huge blooms a few years ago. What will the future hold for the Gulf after the oil is gone?

Studies have shown that mature fish have the ability to metabolize small amounts of hydrocarbons. They also tend to migrate away from uncomfortable waters (this may account for the fabulous fishing around the Sand Key area these last few months). While adult seafood populations seem to be surviving to a great degree, the real issue is the eggs and larvae of the various species that have been destroyed.

What has the oil spill done to the next generation of seafood and the delicate balance of the Gulf fisheries already burdened by some over fishing and poor resource management?

When tallying the damages that BP must ante up, we should not forget the potential harm from the oil’s effects on the future of seafood production and recreational fishing. Studies need to begin now on how to replenish the ecosystem and sustain the future of Gulf fisheries.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring and flavorless. That’s why Maggie Mae’s on the Bluffs is roasting turkey to offer unique menu items at a low cost. Try our new Turkey Breast Club Salad or our new Turkey Panini with cranberry mayo. Who else but Maggie Mae’s is roasting turkeys?

If turkey doesn’t satisfy those hunger pangs, try some of Maggie’s new subs including the Philly Steak and Italian Stallion. Remember, only fresh top quality ingredients go into all of Maggie’s menu items at breakfast and lunch.

You can view the new menu by clicking on the links  – Breakfast Menu - Lunch Menu.

The latest market indicators reflect that beef prices are rising due to lower production that was induced by lack of demand last year. Producers were bringing less beef to the market and as the economy finds its bottom, demand will cause the wholesale prices to go up. Pork, seafood and chicken are fairly stable, with the exception of chicken wings that have been at seasonal highs.

This is a free family event for the whole family with live entertainment, food booths, sidewalk sales at The Shoppes of Sand Key and artists showing their skills. Maggie Mae’s will have a food booth. Come join us for a day of fun!

Al "Coffee" McDaniels' latest CD cover.

 Jazz recording artist, has been booked to entertain the crowd. The sounds of smooth jazz and contemporary music will fill the air along with tents of food from the restaurants on Sand Key including Maggie Mae’s and Backwaters.

The Shoppes of Sand Key will have sidewalk sales and local artists will be filling the walkways and boardwalk. Parking will be available at public lots on the island with a special Jolley Trolley to carry you FREE to and from the event from Sand Key Park to the Marina on Gulf Blvd.  If you like you can just stroll the boardwalk along the waterfront for a look at the best of Mother Nature.

Mark your calendar for April 17th as a family fun day from noon to 7 PM!

Parking and remote Jolley Trolley service will be available for easy access. The Shoppes of Sand Key will have sidewalk sales and the waterfront boardwalk will be alive with activities for young and old.

Stay tuned for more updates as the date gets closer.

Two things happen when the weather gets cold. First, below freezing temperatures destroy crops almost ready to be harvested. Long periods of cold weather retard the growth of maturing plants which leads to market shortages and fewer harvesting dates for farmers.

In the restaurant business the effects are felt by huge wholesale price increases and local shortages. As an example, tomatoes are costing us $50-55 per case as compared to $17-25 per case under normal circumstances. We are being warned that corn, beans, mangoes, avocados and leaf greens will soon feel the impact of weather related damage. Many suppliers have looked to Mexican markets, but soon the demand outpaces the supply and prices rise quickly while supplies are stretched thin.

Some restaurants, primarily chains, are no longer offering tomatoes on sandwiches. Others, like Maggie Mae’s and Backwaters, are absorbing the price increases for now. Grocery store prices, already at record highs, will continue to rise until crops due to mature in mid April start hitting the market.

For the home cook there are some alternatives. Canned tomatoes and other vegetables may fill the gap. Fresh alternatives may be different varieties. In the case of tomatoes, there are Roma, cherry and heirloom offerings that can help satisfy the demand. Other vegetables and fruits that freeze well may be a way to fill in those recipes.

It would be easy to say that our commitment to quality and friendly service was the reason for our success, but we know the people of Belleair Bluffs, Belleair, Largo, Indian Rocks Beach, Belleair Beach and the entire area have supported us from day one with their patronage and encouragement. We will continue to listen to our guests and work hard to get better each day.

Some highlights this past year for Maggie Mae’s were:

• Just getting the doors open! The construction delays, red tape and licensing process was behind us on January 9, 2010 and we could focus on exceptional food and making our guest feel at home.
• Finding a staff that really cared about what they served and how they served it was fortunate.
• Seeing local celebrities and politicians use our restaurant as their new morning “hangout” was a good sight. You never know who may walk through our doors as our reputation for great food grew.
• Watching and anticipating the opening of the new bridge to expedite traffic flow in front of Maggie’s has come to an end with great results. The bridge is beautiful and functional.
• Of course, the highlight of the year as a restaurant was being named as “Runner Up – Best Breakfast” in one magazine’s reader pole for the entire Tampa Bay area. We were competing with many long time favorites in the area as well as large multi-unit chains, of which, one edged us out for the first place selection over in the Tampa area.

Please help us continue to grow by reminding your neighbors, family and friends about us. We can’t imagine a better year for Maggie Mae’s and hope 2010 brings all of our guests their wishes and hopes for the coming months.

For a complete schedule of participants, times, locations and events click on this link.

For a sure cure to the Jazz Classic morning after, visit either Maggie Mae’s restaurant. Of course, Backwater’s will be packed at dinner with Jazz Classic fans looking for fresh seafood and steaks. Reservations are suggested this weekend (727-517-7383).

Some menu prices from the Famous (at the time) Blackstone Hotel in Chicago:

• Prime Rib $1.25
• Pumpkin Pie $ .15
• Glass of Buttermilk $.15

And from the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco:

• Ham and Egg Omelet – $ .35
• Chicken Livers with Lima Beans $ .45
• Shoulder of Lamb $ .45
• Filet Mignon $ .65

At the first super market (Piggly-Wiggly) prices were;

• Sugar $ .04 per pound.
• Coffee $ .15 per pound
• Eggs $ .14 dozen
• Pig Quarters (avg. wt. 80-90 pounds) $ .03

Of course, the average wages were 22 cents per hour in 1909. Parking meters make more than that today!