I’ve made a fantastic discovery some 42 miles outside of Bradenton. It’s a unique home and decorating store that also houses a bakery, a bar, and a restaurant. “Drink, Dine & Shop” is their tagline and it all comes together in a seamless way.
This restored barn-like structure is nestled between the numerous oak trees that line the property on South County Road 39 near the Alafia River Nature Preserve. You’ll notice when you’ve arrived the multitude of cars and possibly a line at opening time on the weekends.
The 5,000-square-foot store is filled with beautiful and unique decorating accessories as well as furniture, lamps, and gifts. I would say it has a rustic glam vibe but there’s a bit for almost every taste.
White Oak Cottage also offers decorating services under the expert advice of owner and interior decorator, Miss Shaunessy Dobish.
The store, bar, bakery, and restaurant are all connected inside but have separate entrances if you’re not planning to share each experience. But why wouldn’t you?
You can start by grabbing a glass of wine or cocktail at the bar and then stroll through the store, or pick up some delicious baked goods at the bakery and stay for a bite. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this special place. Both the store and the restaurant are open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner plus brunch on the weekends.
Their restaurant and food operation is led by Chef Kevin Luke who brings extensive experience having been part of restaurants such as Circles Waterfront and the legendary Datz in Tampa.
I’m going to say that the menu is eclectic, think farm-to-table with a strong southern cooking influence.
Each one of their three menus, brunch, lunch, and dinner offers a variety of dishes that range from a French Onion Melt and Truffle Fries or Brie Fondue to a classic Italian Chicken Piccata Linguine.
Brunch is a whole different adventure and that’s where I’m starting. I suggest getting there early on the weekend. This is a laid-back place and you don’t want to rush anything. You can start with an Espresso, Americano or Cappuccino, although I can also suggest a nice glass of Sangria, Mimosa, Bloody Marry Me, or a Martini.
Check out the board craft cocktail specials at the bar for their own Martini and Bourbon creations. Our table started by sharing a couple of the ridiculously delicious Cinnamon Rolls.
We then moved on to Brunch entrées such as Country Ham Benedicts, Steak and Eggs or Biscuits & Gravy. They also have a selection of Omelets and Pancakes, Waffles, and French Toast. Each one of my brunch entrées has been a winner so I’m just going to suggest that you pick without fear. You’ll enjoy it.
The lunch menu is equally as impressive. Small plates include the Tomato Bruschetta or the Oak Board; harvest salads include a Red Wine Pear Salad or Oak Caesar Salad and you can add chicken, shrimp, salmon, or filet to any of them.
You’ll also find several artisan sandwiches such as a Cottage Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich and an Italian Village Melt – flatbreads like a London Broil or Vegan Veggie – and Gourmet Burgers and Burger Bowls. All these can be paired with soup, vegetables, or their house-made pub chips.
Dinner opens so many more options. This place will fit any occasion, be it a date night, a friends’ night out, or a birthday celebration. Check out the Seared Scallops, Smoked Fish Dip, or Burrata Toast as appetizers. I also recommend pasta dishes such as Shrimp Florentine Linguine or Blacken Shrimp and Scallop Linguine. Meats include Grilled Caprese Chicken, Filet, or the Wednesday Night Prime Rib Special for $35. There’s also Jerk Tuna and Salmon Florentine from the seafood selection and six Gourmet Burgers to choose from.
And don’t leave without tasting a homemade Apple Walnut Bread Pudding or Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet.
Whatever it is that brings you to the White Oak Cottage it’s sure to be a fine experience in shopping, drinking, or dining. It’s definitely worth the short drive to Lithia.
The White Oak Cottage is located at:
10530 South County Road 39, Lithia, FL 33547
Restaurant: 813-308-9994 / Store: 813-650-0054
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