HARRY’S CONTINENTAL KITCHEN

rea foodies flock to Harry’s for its famous crab cakes, vichyssoise, roasted duck and celebrated brunches. Ah, but what about dessert? If you have any room left, try Harry’s “Ultimate Ice Cream Sundae,” co-created by co-owners Harry and Lynn Christensen. What makes it ultimate? According to Harry, “Because we loaded it with chocolate chip cookies, Harry’s famous brownie, homemade hot fudge and topped it with whipped cream.” He adds that the ingredients inspired their signature sundae’s recipe, not the other way around. “We had all this great stuff lying around at Harry’s,” he says. “We thought it’d make the ultimate desert if we put it all together.” Plenty of Harry’s regulars clearly agree; the “Ultimate Sundae” is a hit.

IF YOU GO 5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; 941-383-0777; HarrysKitchen. com.

Continued on Page 82

TYLER’S GOURMET ICE CREAM SHOP

long with sweet stuff to savor, this ice cream shop has a sweet history. Larry and Geri Tyler founded the original Cortez location in 1984 and it soon became a mainstay for all who scream for ice cream. In 2008, they put the shop up for sale and it caught the eye of Rob Alderson’s father. Rob Alderson and his wife, Laura, flew from their home in Minnesota to check it out. “We were looking for a business to buy — but Florida wasn’t on our radar,” says Alderson. “But once we saw it, we knew it was meant to be. It was one of those magical things where everything lined up. Our kids were young and hadn’t yet started school, so it was the perfect time to make a move.”

How did he learn how to make ice cream? “It’s not rocket science. I have a background in the culinary arts, so I’d worked with food before. And we were lucky because the previous owner, Larry, showed me the ropes — and even gifted us with the

Fun Fact

Each batch at Tyler’s is handmade in small, 5-gallon quantities to ensure distinct taste and freshness. More than 300 flavors have been created since its founding.

Continued on Page 84