Scott’s Deli

November 3, 2020

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“Nothing happens unless a first dream” – Carl Sandberg

I have always had a soft spot for the dreamers.

The little guy who wins when everyone else thinks they are counted out. As a child, I loved Rocky Balboa, Rudy and Yogi Berra.

It probably isn’t too much of a coincidence that #thefoodguy is 5’7 and has spent most of his life being the underdog. In sports, in life and to this day I’ve learned to take nothing for granted and laugh off every person who underestimated me.

This week’s story isn’t about my fights in life though, it’s about my new friends Jamie and Scott and the dream they decided to chase six years ago. A nurse and an Executive Chef from Kansas who quit their day jobs to come to sunny Florida and open a sandwich shop on the beach when they could have cruised through life on their already established careers. The dream was more important that the comforts of steady work, the safety blanket of a steady paycheck and a love that only two people who really, REALLY enjoy each other’s company can pull off.

Tweets by Michael Torres

We’re not in Kansas anymore Toto?

I think I made this joke in the video, but in case I missed this golden opportunity to make a joke they’ve probably heard a thousand times – I’ll allow it. This week we stayed close to home (my home) and visited a small deli in a strip mall on Anna Marie Island on the Sunshine Coast here in sunny Florida. An old fishing encampment turned beach town and restaurant sanctuary, these crazy kids set up shop on one of the most beautiful areas of the island, Holmes Beach.

Now this area is no slouch; featuring three of the Gulf Coast’s most beautiful beaches, great fishing spots and beautiful sun scenes. Locals don’t have to much of a reason to leave and tourists pour in under normal times, which of course 2020 has been nothing close to. Did Jamie and Scott make the right decision moving onto a mile-wide strip of beach featuring 29 restaurants in a small ¾ mile road with water on both sides?

Maybe?

I would say “yes” and emphatically.

Six years after, a husband and wife that are all about the people opened up and later moved shop – they are still here.

They’re surviving Covid, by offering a menu of sandwiches and hot dogs that almost a year of stuffing my face hasn’t seen. They share their space with a local coffee shop so in turn they offer more than ever before, and the overhead isn’t too bad and most importantly they have amazing people.

I was lucky enough to share the day with Jamie and one of her employees, a young lady who has worked two and a half years serving amazing food with the couple. Scott was out on the food truck, which one day I hope to tag along and see. But enough about #thefoodguy here… let’s get to the meat and greet.

Website: www.scottsdeliannamaria.com

Rating: Oscar Wiener (The Best, award winning)

The Sandwiches: Best Supporting Meat (The Joe Pesci of food- never a star, but you need him)

Major League Teams: Tampa Bay Rays

Minor League Teams: Tampa Tarpons, Bradenton Marauders, Dunedin Blue Jays

Other Baseball: Spring Training home to the Orioles (Ed Smith Stadium) & Pirates (Bradenton) Although there are plenty of other baseball teams within driving distance including the Yankees (GMS Field) and Blue Jays (Dunedin)

Shout Out: Jamie and her amazing staff. They were awesome! And my wife Sarah, who was my film crew on this beautiful fall day. (Don’t worry, we fed her too)

How we rate our meat sticks

1. Oscar Wiener (The Best, award winning)
2. Best Supporting Meat (The Joe Pesci of hot dogs- never a star, but you need him)
3. Nominated Dog (Hey- just getting your name called is a big deal)
4. Honorable Mention (Average, Edible- No shame in the game- or bun)
5. Drunk David Hasselhoff (You may be on the floor and incoherent after this one)