‘It’s a hodgepodge.’ Different influences shape the menu at new restaurant in Cortez
Bob Slicker, a veteran of three decades in the restaurant business, and his daughter, Molly Slicker, recently opened Slicker’s Eatery at 12012 Cortez Road W.
The restaurant offers eclectic plates that reflect a lot of influences from different cuisines, Molly Slicker said.
For instance, the large plates portion of the menu ranges from petit filet for $26, to shrimp BLT for $14, a Cuban sandwich (the Cubano) for $14, the banh mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) for $12, a poke bowl for $16, and more.
Small plates include seared Ahi Tuna Crostini for $16, lump crab cocktail for $16, a charcuterie plate for $16, and more.
“It’s a hodgepodge of a lot of interesting dishes,” she said.
The one constant is nothing is fried or frozen, and the emphasis is on quality over quantity, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients as much as possible, the family says.
Sides include salads, while desserts include chai lattte creme brulee, key lime pudding cake with almond and fruit, toasted coconut ice cream from Tyler’s, and a chocolate fondue plate.
The Slickers are equally proud of their signature drink menu with names like Absinthe-Minded, Cortez Swizzle, and Fizzie McGuire, plus an array of local craft beers.
Monday marked the 11th day that Slicker’s Eatery has been open. Business has been good with some guests, frequenting the restaurant three times already, Bob Slicker said.
The 70-year-old building has been home to a number of businesses over the years, including O’Shucks, Pig Out, a fish market, a pizzeria and more.
“We have the layers of paint to prove it,” Bob Slicker said of the building’s long history.
The Slickers took over the building on Jan. 1 and had it ready to reopen as Slickers Eatery less than two months later.
“Most people who know restaurants told us it was a miracle that we got open this soon,” Bob said.
“Sometimes a miracle looks a lot like hard work,” Molly said.
Bob Slicker’s long career includes stints at The Waterfront Restaurant, Decoy Ducks, the Bridge Tender Inn, and more.
“I have known most of the staff their whole lives. It’s more like family,” Bob said.
Molly, a 2011 Manatee High School graduate, earned a degree in human communication from the University of Central Florida. She serves as creative director and designed the restaurant. She also handles the restaurant’s social media and marketing.
“It has been really fun to work with my dad to build something as a family from the ground up,” she said.
“We are very serious about COVID and we work hard to make sure that it is a very safe place to visit,” Bob said.
After the nation gets COVID under control, Slicker’s Eatery will be able to seat 160.
Other key staff includes Max Schumacher, bar manager, Brandon Rolland, general manager, and Barry Smith, operations manager.
Slicker’s Eatery is open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. seven days a week. The owners plan to eventually offer brunch on weekends.
Reservations are recommended.
For more information, call 941-251-9428 or visit https://www.slickerseatery.com/.
