Chef of the Week: Tammy Fanning, Garden Cafe New York Style Deli

Restaurant: , 5268 E State Road 64.

Contact Info: 941-747-2233

Hours: Mon - Sat, 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Specialty: What you would expect to find in a New York Jewish deli. Some of the favorites include matzo ball soup, chopped liver, corned beef and pastrami, and bagels with lox.

How long have you been cooking? 28 years.

Do you cook at home? Yes, regularly. My children don’t eat fast food, so I cook at home for them six nights per week. We usually go out once a week.

What is your favorite comfort food? Homemade matzo ball soup.

Other than your restaurant, where else do you like to eat? Bonefish Grill is one of my favorite restaurants. We also really enjoy going to Evie’s on University.

A message from Chef Tammy: I’ve been doing this for 28 years. I tried not to do it for two years and I was miserable without my apron. I love serving people, talking to my customers and making family and friends out of them. Being in a restaurant setting is my heart; my life.

Other information: Most of our products come straight from New York, and people rave about the food.