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Toasting Snooty at Mattison's                     
by Steve Echeverria

The Willyn, Knott Enuff and Chapter X rock in the calm harbor waters under a bright sun.

Reaching for my Bacardi and Coke ($5.50), I enjoy a shaded vantage point of the boats bobbing in the Manatee River from Mattison's Riverside. Then I notice something in the shimmering Gulf waters. A dolphin? A manatee? Probably not. That would be too sweet, considering this week's assignment.

You see, the reason I sit at a polished, stone-topped table in a comfy chair staring out the sliding glass doors of Mattison's sienna-color building is Snooty. Yep. The manatee at the South Florida Museum. Don't get the connection? I didn't, either. But after a few phone calls and a quick Internet search, I discovered that the museum's most famous aquatic mammal once called this very location home.

When "Baby Snoots" first arrived from the Miami Aquarium and Tackle Company in July 1948, he was held for several years at Twin Dolphin Marina, where Mattison's now resides. Why not toast Snooty in his former digs on the eve of his 59th birthday?

Located at 1200 First Ave. W. in downtown Bradenton, Mattison's Riverside is situated at the City Pier and Waterfront Park, with excellent views of the Green and DeSoto bridges and Point Pleasant. As the amiable waitress brings my second rum and cola, my thoughts return to the savory shrimp rangoon ($12) and tangy chicken satay skewers ($8) on our table - and momentary breezes occasionally invading the dark place. Narrow but spacious, Mattison's features a neat bar, small stage and outside seating. ...

While listening to the talented duo RPM performing reggae, folk and rock with a singer/songwriter flair from the stage, I think Snooty would be proud of what his old pad has become. Visit mattisons.com or call 748-8087.