Chef of the Week: Anita Stanley, Mixon's Groveside Cafe

Name: Anita Stanley

Title: Chef

Restaurant: , 2525 27th St. E.

Contact Info: 941-746-6127, www.mixon.com

Hours: Summer: Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Season: Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday

Specialty: Cuban sandwiches, soups, salads and fresh baked goods

How long have you been cooking? Nine years here at Mixon’s, but all my life at home. I grew up in the country and had to stand on a box to cook while my dad and mother worked on the farm.

Do you cook at home? Very seldom. I eat out or my friend cooks for me.

What is your favorite comfort food? Grits -- I grew up on grits and biscuits. And fried chicken.

Other than your restaurant, where else do you like to eat in Bradenton? I love Outback.

A message from Chef Anita: It’s a lot of fun cooking and I really enjoy it. I enjoy seeing people eating and enjoying the food I prepared for them.

Other information: Mixon’s Grovestand Cafe serves Barnie’s coffees and teas at the Coffee Bar. You have to try one of their homemade orange swirl ice cream cones. They have carryout and there’s free Wi-Fi connection. The Cafe is located in the Mixon’s Fruit Farms store where you can watch oranges being turned into juice or shop for that special souvenir.