Rincon Cubano’s seafood paella for two is outstanding.

While the east coast of Florida, Miami in particular, holds many options for Cuban cuisine, finding a Cuban restaurant in Sarasota can pose a challenge. Enter Rincon Cubano, a family-owned and operated Cuban restaurant that opened just about a year ago. Rincon Cubano is a no-frills, budget-friendly, casual dining spot, located in a small strip mall on the corner of 17th Street and Honore Avenue.

Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, Rincon Cubano serves breakfast (11 a.m. ’til noon), lunch and dinner with daily specials Monday through Saturday. For our meals we chose the following:

• Black Bean Soup:  Small $2.49, Medium $3.49, Large $5.99
  Dark, rich and hearty. A simple presentation of a real comfort food; just add a little hot sauce to spice it up!
  

  A hearty, dark and rich black bean soup.

• Appetizer Sampler Platter:  Four croquettes, one tamale, yucca frita with mojo.  $6.99
  A very simple sampling of some very flavorful appetizers. A great way to try a few appetizers and good for sharing.
• Cuban Sandwich:  Roast pork, deli ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and dressing.  Regular 9” $5.55, Large 12” $8.05
  A classic Cuban sandwich on great bread. Very filling and full of flavor, easily shared.
• Fish Sandwich:  Grouper filet, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. $8.25
  A 9” sandwich, fresh, moist, very flavorful and filling. Can easily be shared with a lunch buddy.
  
  

  The Cuban Sandwich is the real thing!

• Paella:  Must order 24 hours in advance. Mussels, clams, lobster, scallops, squid, shrimp, flounder, pork, chicken, rice, peas, red pepper.  $59.00
  A beautiful presentation, bursting with color and full of fresh, succulent seafood served on a bed of yellow rice. A great dish for sharing; could easily feed a third person.
  

  The appetizer sampler is great for sharing and getting started!

All of the portions served are generous. Rincon Cubano offers an adequate selection of beer, wine and soft drinks to accompany your meal. We found the wait staff to be friendly and courteous, but a bit sparse, which resulted in some wait time for meals or between courses. Since we were in no hurry this was not an issue, but it could be for customers on a tight schedule. That being said, the food was most definitely worth the wait!

Offering authentic Cuban cuisine in a quaint, simple, casual, cafeteria-like setting, with large portions and wallet-friendly pricing, Rincon Cubano is one of the best-kept secrets in Sarasota. However, whenever authenticity, quality and value come together, it is hard to keep it a secret; the word gets out. Rincon Cubano is no exception. So take a culinary excursion—you just might be able to say you discovered this Cuban restaurant before it became really popular!

Rincon Cubano
1756 N. Honore Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34235
(941) 706-3472

rinconcubanosarasota.com/index.html
facebook.com/RinconCubanoRestaurant

We surveyed a few restaurants to dig into their special offers for Mothers’ Day, and here is what we found:

• Ziti will hold its inaugural Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a complimentary mimosa with every entrée. For reservations, call (941) 706-1281. >>> Read our review of Ziti 
• Made, the new restaurant at 1990 Main St., serves up delicious American comfort food and recently started serving Sunday brunch. Mothers’ Day brunch will include regular menu items and specials from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A complimentary mimosa comes with each entrée. For reservations, call (941) 953-2900 >>> Read our review of Made 
• Libby’s Café + Bar is always a classic spot for dining out, offering their incredible Mothers’ Day brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $35 adults/$14 kids (12 and under). For reservations, call (941) 487-7300.
• 

  The Table Creekside offers the customizable Sunday Brunch Trio.

  The Table Creekside‘s Mothers’ Day Brunch for foodies will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $20 per person includes the choice of three items plus a complimentary bloody Mary or mimosa. For reservations, call (941) 921-9465. >>> Read our review of The Table Creekside. 

• Michael’s on East opens on Sunday just twice a year (Easter and Mothers’ Day) to offer families luscious holiday brunch buffets! This year’s Mothers’ Day menu will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $48.95 adults/$19.95 children ages 3 to 10. For reservations, call (941) 366-0007 ext. 224.
• Savory Street Café – This Mothers’ Day, Mom gets treated to a half-priced breakfast entrée. For reservations, call (941) 312-4027. >>> Read our review of Savory Street 
• Fresh Start Café offers some of the finest baked goods in Sarasota. This understated location in Historic Burns Square has truly outstanding food. Open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, Fresh Start will offer the regular menu plus specials for Mothers’ Day.  >>> Read our review of the Fresh Start Café
• Duval’s New World Café – Pair endless mimosas with a perfectly scrumptious and tantalizing selection of brunch items. All-you-can-eat brunch is $20 per person. Add bottomless mimosas for only $15. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. >>> Read our review of Duval’s New World Café
• 

  Quinoa pancakes from The Table Creekside with vanilla-banana compote and guava honey butter.

  Café L’ Europe offers a special Mothers’ Day brunch buffet including a complimentary mimosa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $39.95 for adults/$16.95 for children under 12. Call (941) 388-4415 for reservations.

• Louies Modern – The new Sarasota hot spot for fine dining will offer an à la carte Mothers’ Day brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., with dinner service starting at 4 p.m. For reservations, call (941) 552-9688.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota lays out a lavish buffet brunch with a 15-station culinary extravaganza. $119 adults/$49 children 12 and under. Reservations required: (941) 309-2000.
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar serves a special Mothers’ Day brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., priced at $36.95 with a $25 gift card for Mom. For reservations, call (941) 358-9463.
• The Bijou Café will serve a special Mothers’ Day three-course menu in addition to the standard dinner menu from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. For reservations, call 941-366-8111. >>> Read our review of The Bijou Café
• Café Gabbiano awards all moms who dine with them a $15 gift card for their next visit. Service is from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. For reservations, call (941) 349-1423.
• Patrick’s 1481 – A three-course meal for Mothers’ Day at $22 per person will be available from 2 p.m.  >>> Read our review of Patrick’s 1481
• Ophelia’s on the Bay not only has waterfront dining at its best, but also a special à la carte Mothers’ Day dinner menu from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call (941) 349-2212 for reservations. >>> Read our review of Ophelia’s on the Bay

The waterfront dining space at Ophelia’s on the Bay

Tenneva Jordan, who is famous for her quotes on mothers and motherhood, said, “A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” Even if your mother doesn’t eat pie, I am certain there is a restaurant in Sarasota with plenty of food for her and your family to enjoy. So go out and celebrate Mom!

I wish a happy Mothers’ Day to all mothers and those soon to be.

Pan Seared Scallops served with pork belly confit and corn purée.

Billing itself as an Irish gastropub, Pub 32 has quietly opened its doors with the promise of a unique, atypical pub experience. In my mind, just using the term “gastropub” in self-description raises the bar in terms of expectations. So we set out to see if Pub 32 makes the grade.

Located at 8383 S. Tamiami Trail, approximately half a mile south of the Westfield Sarasota Square Mall, Pub 32 can be found in a small strip that also includes First Watch and J Ryan’s. With a typical glass store front, overhead signage and a small bistro sign out front, the entry to Pub 32 blends inconspicuously into the surrounding building. Once inside, however, you will notice great attention to Irish pub authenticity. This includes warm, dark woods, tin ceilings, tile, stone, flat screen TVs, a bar with premium Irish drafts, hard cider, Irish whiskeys, high-top tables, wooden blinds and, of course, a warm Irish welcome. The dining room has a number of tables and a row of “Irish snuggers” for a cozy dining experience. There’s also a private room for dining and special events, such as Irish whiskey tastings.

As one would expect from an Irish gastropub, the menu offers traditional Irish dishes with an updated gourmet twist. With a good selection of starters, soups, salads, seafood, beef, lamb and nightly specials, the menu is large but not overwhelming. For our meals we chose the following:

• Soda Bread:  Fresh baked Irish soda bread with Irish butter.  $4.00
  Fresh, soft, slightly dry and not too dense. A delightful treat to start the meal.
• Pub Salad:  Mix of field greens, bleu cheese, pickled onions, cucumber, spiced walnuts and blistered cherry tomatoes, with sweet malt vinaigrette.  $8.00
  A great collection of fresh greens, flavors, colors and textures … a forkful of flavor!
• Black and Bleu Salad:  Mixed field greens, spinach leaves, bleu cheese crumbles, blistered cherry tomatoes and onion.  $10.00
  A very fresh, richly flavored salad. The blistered tomatoes added a nice color and flavor combination.
• Pan Seared Scallops:  Served with pork belly confit and corn puree.  $10.00
  A beautiful presentation and delicious combination of flavors and textures from the fresh, sweet scallops, salty-smoky confit and sweet corn purée. Loved it!
• 

  A pot pie you can really sink your teeth into.

  Chicken Pot Pie:  Roasted organic chicken with garden vegetables in a supreme sauce on a puffed pastry.  $14.00
  A very flaky puff pastry shell filled with tender pieces of chicken and firm veggies in a creamy, silky-smooth sauce.

• Fish and Chips:  North Atlantic cod in our own Smithwick’s beer batter, served with hand cut chips.  $10.00/$14.00
  This is the real deal! Nicely battered, fresh, moist cod, flaky and light. The chips were dark and flavorful, a chip connoisseur’s delight.
• Pub 32 Signature Pork Ribs:  Our very own pub style ribs with whiskey marmalade glaze, served with hand cut chips.  $15.00/$24.00
  Tender, fall-off-the-bone deliciousness with a dark and slightly sweet sauce. Once again, the chips were outstanding.
  

  Pub 32 Signature Pork Ribs: Pub-style ribs with whiskey marmalade glaze.

• Grilled Salmon:  Charbroiled and finished with a chili Guinness glaze, served with potato cakes.  $16.00
  The salmon was done exactly as requested: fresh, moist, flaky and flavorful. The potato cakes were as good as my mother’s potato latkes!
• Whiskey Steak (14 oz. Rib Eye):  Certified Angus, aged 21 days, grilled and finished with “Black Bush” mushroom sauce. Served with seasonal vegetables and champ.  $28.00
  A large, tenderized piece of meat, full of rich flavor and butter soft. We asked for the sauce on the side, which allowed us to control the amount of added flavor. Prepared as requested.
• 

  Sticky Toffee Pudding: An Irish classic with a touch of vanilla ice cream.

  Sticky Toffee Pudding:  An Irish classic with a touch of vanilla ice cream.  $8.00
  A very simple and elegant presentation, great texture and not overly sweet … beautiful to look at and even better to eat!

As one would expect, Pub 32 offers a full bar service with a great selection of Irish whiskey, Irish and domestic beers, wine, hard cider, soft drinks and specialty drinks, along with Irish coffees to accompany your meal. We found the wait staff to be very friendly and knowledgeable, especially when explaining the nuances and preparation of specific dishes. The service was quick, efficient and unobtrusive.

With an air of Irish authenticity, a great selection of Irish beers and whiskey, a gastronomic focus on quality Irish food and the recent addition of evening entertainment, it is clear to me Pub 32 is providing an extraordinary Irish pub experience.

Pub 32
8383 South Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34238
(941) 952-3070

http://www.irishpub32.com
https://www.facebook.com/Pub32?fref=ts

Perhaps one of the best burgers in SRQ!

Located at 1990 Main St. in the space formerly occupied by Buddha Belly Donuts and Brasserie Belge, a new Sarasota restaurant has emerged. M.A.D.E., an acronym for Modern American Delicious Eats, is the shared vision of two friends, Michael Ripatranzone and Mark D. Woodruff.

Offering an updated and, dare I say, upscale version of American comfort food, the team at Made has created a casually elegant setting with bits of Americana accents. Even though the overall restaurant space is large, comprising outdoor seating, a good-sized dining room, a roomy bar and lounge area, the configuration provides a cozy comfortable space for meeting, eating and drinking.

The menus at Made (brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour and late night) are varied but share the common theme of American comfort food—with a twist. Indeed, all my tasting experiences included a delightful surprise ingredient or texture that made the dish pop. For our meals we had the following:

• 

  Empanadas baked to a golden brown.

  Empanadas:  Crispy duck, sweet potato, radish slaw, navel orange and cherry chimichurri.  $10.00
  Four good-sized empanadas. The dough was perfectly browned; the filling was rich and flavorful. The corn on the plate had a wonderful kick!

• Grilled Caesar:  Grilled romaine, Texas toast croutons, MADE peppercorn Caesar dressing, shaved Parmesan.  $6.00
  A clever presentation of the classic Caesar, crispy and flavorful.
• MADE Chopped Salad:  House-blended greens, grilled corn, cucumber, roasted pork shoulder, deviled egg, ranch.  $8.00
  Fresh! Just the right proportions of pork and corn to the crisp lettuce made this salad lighter than most chopped salads.
• Salad:  Local greens, roasted vegetables, hard cheese, maple-balsamic vinaigrette.   $6.00
  The perfect size to start your meal. Fresh greens with a sweet, tangy dressing.
  

  Can you say “fresh?”

• Ribs:  Dry rubbed, applewood smoked, peach BBQ glaze, slaw.  $13.00
  A large-sized portion of meaty, smoky ribs coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. Fall-off-the-bone tender and finger-licking good!
• Burger:  MADE beef blend, barbacoa, barbecued peppers and onions, pepper jack, fried heirloom tomato and butter lettuce, accompanied by cheese tots with malt mayo.  $12.00
  A hearty, juicy and flavorful burger with complementary toppings, perhaps one of the best in SRQ! The crunchy, soft and creamy cheese tots were addictive.
• 

  Tender beef short ribs, dark and rich, served atop creamy mashed potatoes.

  Short Rib:  Shiner Bock braised with a char finish, Shiner BBQ glace, skin-on mashed potatoes, greens, fried onion.  $23.00
  A very artistic presentation. Fork-tender beef, dark and rich, served atop creamy mashed potatoes. My mouth is watering just thinking about this dish again. Full disclosure: On my initial sampling of this dish, I found the sauce to be much too salty. I mentioned this to the staff. Subsequent visits and tastes demonstrated the saltiness I initially experienced was an anomaly.

• Scallops:  Pan seared with jalapeño grilled cream corn “risotto style” and micro wasabi green salad.  $18.00
  Outstanding presentation of sweetly seared scallops, dark and richly caramelized, placed upon a sweet and spicy bed of grilled corn. I loved the contrasting tastes and complementary textures. A signature dish in my book.
• Double Dipped Fried Chicken:  Buttermilk and Cholula brined, hot-n-honey crust, crispy herbs, Gruyère and black pepper waffle.  $15.00
  Dark and crunchy on the outside, just the way I like it. A tender, juicy explosion of flavor. Full disclosure: I am not a big fried chicken fan, but this is one of the best around!
• Apple Pie:  Deep dish apple pie with cinnamon crumble.  $5.00
  A light, tasty slice of America, supplemented with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Delicious.
• Banana Pudding Crème Brulee:  With vanilla wafers.  $5.00
  A silky, rich, creamy mouthfeel, full of banana flavor and not too sweet.

The full bar service at Made offers  a good selection of premium American spirits, beer, wine and soft drinks to accompany your meal. We found the staff to be very friendly, helpful, fast, efficient and genuinely interested in making the experience a pleasant one!

Modern American cuisine has become a hot new trend in dining. Creating a unique, upscale culinary experience centered on American comfort food can be a challenge. However, if creativity and culinary quality are indicators of future success, then Made is off to a great start.

Simply put, Made is a fun place to dine or meet up with friends. Whether you are interested in brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner or late night snacks, Made is making it!

Made Restaurant
1990 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-953-2900

maderestaurant.com/
facebook.com/pages/Made-Restaurant/445996928767981?fref=ts

A juicy seared salmon on ciabatta.

When I first learned a new restaurant named Ziti was opening in the former space of Cosimo’s in the Westfield Southgate Mall, I must admit I had preconceived expectations. Did Sarasota really need a red-sauced Italian eatery in a shopping mall? What would make this spot different or special from other restaurants?

Even though the restaurant’s self-proclaimed description referenced the seamless blending of three cuisines—Italian, American and Asian—I was skeptical. What was all the fuss? Could it really be different from other mall dining options? We set out on a mission to find out.

Ziti’s décor is sleek with dark woods, warm lighting, glass and a full bar area. Although the overall space is large, it is smartly divided and provides an intimate dining space. With more Asian overtones than Italian, the décor provided the first insight that Ziti attempts to offer something different.

The second and third insights of differentiation came with the presentation of the menu. If you look carefully at the Ziti logo you will see an Asian treatment and style in the name. Open the menu to discover an extensive and ethnically varied selection of small plates, soups, salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, meat and seafood. For our meals we chose the following:

• 

  A very fresh and crunchy Asian Sesame Salad.

  Asian Sesame Salad:  Romaine, bok choy, Napa cabbage, mandarin oranges, crispy sōmen noodles, wasabi peas, edamame and carrots, tossed with ginger sesame.     Large $11.00, small $9.00
  A fresh, colorful and textured salad with a crunch in every bite!

• Shaved Pear Salad:  Arugula and spring mix, Gorgonzola, toasted walnuts and pears, tossed with maple and sherry vinaigrette.    Large $12.00, small $ 7.00
  Fresh and flavorful with a creamy, sweet bite.
• Heart of Palm:  Boston lettuce, hearts of palm, sweet white onion, celery, Roma tomato and avocado, tossed with lemon vinaigrette.    Large $12.00, small $7.00
  Loved the textures and colors in this salad. The dressing was fresh and bright.
• Caprese:  Sliced tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil oil, drizzled with balsamic reduction.    $11.00
  Classic Italian; great taste from the tomatoes. Fresh, with just the right amount of bite from the balsamic.
• Tuna Volcano:  Sesame dusted sushi grade tuna, wasabi, pickled ginger and sriracha.    $13.00
  A sushi lover’s delight, fresh and flavorful. Great presentation.
• 

  Shanghai Shrimp pop in your mouth!

  Shanghai Shrimp:  Tender, crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy Asian sweet chili sauce served on a bed of crispy sōmen noodles.    $8.00
  Tender, crispy, crunchy shrimp with a great chili sauce.

• Asian Calamari Fritti:  Crispy golden brown calamari tossed with Parmesan, black sesame and served with wasabi aioli.    $10.00
  A nice rendition. Loved the crunch and color of the sesame seeds.
• Crispy Tuna Rolls:  Sushi grade tuna, avocado, sōmen noodles, soy reduction and wasabi sauce.    $12.00
  Once again, great quality tuna—fresh and flavorful with a creamy texture from the avocado.
• Potstickers:  Pork and vegetable stuffed dumplings served with Kalbi dipping sauce.    $7.00
  Traditional dumplings with a flavorful sauce.
• Spicy Sausage Flatbread:  Sausage, fresh fennel, sweet white onion, crushed red pepper, mozzarella and Parmesan.    $12.00
  A hearty, filling, full-of-flavor flatbread.
• Seared Salmon Sandwich:  Pinot grigio butter, pickled red onion, spring mix, fresh daikon sprouts and tomato, with cucumber-caper aioli on ciabatta.    $12.00
  “Freshness on a bun”: a briny, creamy, slightly crunchy, juicy sandwich. Finger-licking good.
• Gorgonzola Penne:  Penne tossed in a Gorgonzola cream sauce, toasted hazelnuts and Gorgonzola crumbles, topped with fresh scallions and cracked black pepper. Gluten-free pasta available upon request.   Large $14.00, small $9.00
  The gluten-free was very good, not at all gummy or pasty. The sauce was flavorful and punctuated with texture.
• Coconut Curry Salmon:  Coconut curry broth, ginger sticky rice and sautéed pea pods.    $22.00
  A very fresh fillet of salmon covered in a sweet and flavorful curry. The sticky rice was delicious.
• Grilled Wasabi Prawns:  Six jumbo shrimp with shiitake mushrooms, asparagus and roasted red peppers served with a sesame rice cake and finished with a savory wasabi sauce and black sesame.    $24.00
  Shrimp with a “kick,” nicely plated and presented.
• Chocolate Ganache:  With créme anglaise and spiced raspberry coulis.    $9.00
  Dark, rich and flavorful with a texture that sticks to the roof of your mouth.
• Nutella Cake: Gluten-free with whipped cream and caramel.    $7.00
  A simple, not too sweet cake. A tad dry for me but my dining partner loved it.
• Tiramisu:    $7.00
  Light and creamy with an airy texture and mouthfeel.
• Vanilla Créme Brulee:    $5.00
  Silky lusciousness, one of my faves.
  

  Vanilla Créme Brulee—simply delicious. 

We found the wait staff to be very friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, fast and efficient. In addition to the extensive menu, Ziti offers a full bar service with a happy hour menu served Monday through Saturday.

Although the name Ziti may scream Italian, thinking such would be a mistake. With a wonderfully varied menu, Ziti provides an ethnically diverse dining experience, one which is sure to please your palate. Take my advice: Do not be fooled by the name!

Ziti
3501 South Tamiami Trail, #201
Sarasota, FL 34239
941-706-1281

zitisarasota.com/
www.facebook.com/ziti.sarasota?fref=ts

Barcelona Chicken: Chorizo-stuffed organic chicken, sweet plantain, Manchego and creamy quinoa.

Many accolades have been used to describe The Table Creekside: ”fantastic,” “great food,” “fabulous restaurant,” “classy,” “amazingly delicious,” “out of this world,” “upscale,” “the best,” “over-the-top,” “inventive” … the list goes on. I would take no exception to using any of these superlatives to describe my own experiences at the restaurant. However, on a recent visit to The Table, I think one of my dining companions described it best when she said, “All of the items on the menu sounded so good and very interesting. I found myself ordering dishes that contained ingredients I usually am not too fond of eating. But I wanted to try the dish. And you know what? It was amazing! I would definitely order it again!”

Located on a small spit of land on Phillippi Creek, the Table Creekside shares the same locale and parking area with the Phillippi Creek Village Oyster Bar at 5365 S. Tamiami Trail. On the east side of the Trail, The Table’s unique setting offers a tranquil water view dining space with abundant windows allowing views from most indoor tables, and of course, an outdoor deck for waterside dining. Contemporary art, a lighted outdoor fountain and water sculpture add to the sophisticated, upscale yet simple décor. The white-clothed tables, elegant place settings and aqua-colored glassware set the stage for the main presentation: the food.

The menu is large, offering small plates, soups, salads, red meat, chicken, seafood, sides and desserts. The cuisine is eclectic, combining an interesting mix of high-quality fresh ingredients, seasonings, spices, contrasting flavors and textures to create a truly international dining experience. For our meals we chose the following:

Brunch:

• 

  Quinoa pancakes with vanilla banana compote.

  Quinoa Pancakes:  Vanilla banana compote, guava honey butter.    $8.95
  A unique interpretation of a classic. The quinoa gives it a delicious nutty, slightly gritty texture which pairs so well with the creamy, sweet banana compote.

• Create Your Own Trio:  Choose any three! The trio includes a complimentary mimosa or bloody Mary.    $19.95,
  • Puebla Egg Crepe:  Organic chicken, smoked Manchego, heirloom romesco.
    A smooth, slightly spicy rendition of the crepe, nicely filled and flavorful.
  • Nantucket Bay Scallop Risotto:  Oyster mushrooms.
    Sweet and chewy, mouth-filling flavor. Loved the textures.
  • French Toast Panini:  Washington apples, Argentinian caramel, triple cream brie, candied bacon crisp.
    Absolutely delicious, for the sweet breakfast aficionado; dessert disguised as breakfast!
  • Mediterranean Lamb Frittata:  Goat cheese, spinach, angel hair, heirloom pepper sofrito.
    A very nice presentation of colors and textures: chewy, mouth-filling and, dare I say, hearty.
  • Olive Oil Roasted Wild Salmon:  Fennel gremolata, tzatziki aioli, creamy orzo.
    A simple, savory presentation, light and satisfying, a great brunch item.
  • Shrimp and Grits:  Tasso gravy, Key West pink shrimp, creamy grits.
    A creamy mix of flavor and textures, sweet and salty but just a tad too salty for me.

Foreground (L to R) Salmon, Lamb Frittata. Background: Puebla Egg Crepe

Dinner:

• 

  A Sicilian octopus special.

  Sicilian Octopus:  With ricotta, cannelloni spread, fennel pear mignonette, micro-greens and citrus olive oil vinaigrette.    $6.95 (Special)
  An interesting presentation of the most tender octopus with the smoothest cannelloni. Lick-the-plate good!

• Veal Bourguignon: Stew with Stilton blue cheese crostini.    $6.95 (Special)
  A tremendous rendition of the French classic: melt-in-your-mouth-tender pieces of veal served in a dark, rich, flavorful broth perfectly punctuated with the crostini.
• Organic Veal Chop: 16-ounce organic fed veal chop with a cabernet reduction, truffle mashed potatoes and haricot verts.    $42.95
  A very large portion of richly flavored, fork-tender veal cooked to the perfect temperature. Bright, crisp, snapping green beans were a great accompaniment.
• Diver Sea Scallops: Pumpkin pancetta mashed potatoes.    $26.95
  Sweet, tender, fresh scallops paired perfectly with the creamy sweetness from the pumpkin, every bite an explosion of flavor and texture.
• Barcelona Chicken: Chorizo-stuffed organic chicken, sweet plantain, Manchego, creamy quinoa.  $19.95
  A beautifully artistic presentation of tender chicken with a creamy bed of quinoa. The chorizo presented a slight kick.
• 

  Domestic Lamb Rack: With roasted fingerling potatoes, leek jam, fig gastrique

  Domestic Lamb Rack:  With roasted fingerling potatoes, leek jam, fig gastrique.    $39.95
  Prepared to temperature as requested, the lamb was rich, flavorful, melt-away tender and had the perfect accompaniment of flavors.

• Apples Tres Leches Parfait:  With caramel crème anglaise.    $7.00
  Creamy, sweet satisfaction in a glass!
• Creamy Vanilla Bean Cheesecake:  With shortbread cookie crust.    $8.00
  You must ignore any preconceived notions you have about cheesecake. This cheesecake is light, almost fluffy, and the vanilla bean makes it very flavorful. You will love it! We did!

The Table offers a full bar service, beer, wine and soft drinks to accompany your meals. In addition to the Sunday brunch and daily dinner menus, there is a daily happy hour menu offered in the bar and lounge area. We found the wait staff to be very friendly, helpful in explaining the menu and special dishes, very attentive and professional.

Creating an exceptional dining experience on a daily basis is difficult for any restaurant. Yet The Table Creekside’s culinary excellence, innovative cuisine, and waterfront setting make it look routine!

Did I mention the waterfront setting?

The Table Creekside
5365 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231
941-921-9465

http://tablesrq.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Table-Creekside-Restaurant-Lounge/269075289863765?ref=hl

The VC Sandwich at méLange.

In the center of downtown Sarasota, located on Main Street just between Lemon and Orange avenues, is the simple, understated, yet defined frontispiece for Mélange. The original home to Lan, an eclectic haven for fusion cuisine started by Chef/Owner Lan Bradeen in March 2007, Mélange is a reincarnation of Lan, showcasing a revamped menu and dining space with a casually sophisticated modern approach to dining. With simple, elegant décor, the emphasis at Mélange is squarely placed upon the innovative food, creative cocktails, craft beers and wine.

The cuisine at Mélange offers a wide variety of small plates with Asian, American and European influences and accents. We tasted the following:

• House Salad:  Mixed greens, white balsamic vinaigrette, spicy cucumbers, berries, almonds.    $5.00
  A very fresh mix of greens, colors and textures; a nice contrast of tanginess and sweetness, lightly dressed. A great way to begin your meal.
• Branzino:  Meyer lemon and tarragon mousse, white beans, roasted tomato, collard greens.    $16.00
  A fresh, firm fish with a citrusy sweet flavor and a nice mouthfeel.
• 

  Creamy, rich duck brie crepes.

  Duck Brie Crepes:  Shredded duck, brie, currants and almonds. Brandy cream sauce.    $12.00
  A superbly rich, flavorful, creamy dish, with touches of sweetness and crunch. Delicious.

• Smoked Quail Breast: Plum chutney, braised lentils with Brussels sprouts and bacon.    $12.00
  A smoky, slightly sweet dish with hints of bitter flavoring throughout.
• Foie Gras:  Pear, baby arugula, soy mirin reduction.    $18.00
  A creamy, rich, lush, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a sweet finish from the pear.
• Mini Cheeseburgers: Three sliders with smoked Havarti, beer-braised onions, spicy mustard mayo, arugula.    $10.00
  An updated version of an American classic. Juicy; great flavor with a slightly spicy finish.
• Spicy Tuna and Avocado:  Ahi tuna tartare, avocado, sriracha aioli, wonton crisp. $12.00
  Creamy, tasty and spicy but very flavorful. The crispiness of the wonton just added another dimension: crunch.
• 

  A great mix of flavors in the Rabbit Tacos.

  Rabbit Tacos:  Seasoned with curry, mango fennel slaw, crème fraiche.    $9.00
  Such a great mix of flavors and textures: sweet, mild and slightly crunchy.

• VC Sandwich:  Pork tenderloin, cucumbers, pickled carrots, mayo, cilantro, shallots, baguette. $11.00
  A perfectly-prepared sandwich, full of contrasting yet complementary flavors, served on a crispy baguette. My mouth is watering just writing this.
• Venison Sausage Pasta:  House made pappardelle, crimini mushrooms, creamy tomato and sherry sauce.    $16.00
  Fresh home-made pasta, with a deep flavored sauce and chunks of sausage that added great texture to the dish.
• Chocolate walnut bread pudding:  $9.00
  Perhaps some of the finest bread pudding around. Rich chocolate with nice crunch and texture from the walnuts. Sweet but not overpowering. A great finish to the meal.
  

  An updated version of the classic American cheeseburger.

Mélange offers a full bar service with carefully selected beers, wines, sakes and distilled spirits to accompany your meal. The wait staff is very helpful in describing various menu items and offering suggestions on items to try. We found the service to be just right, there when needed but unobtrusive overall.

Aptly named, Mélange is offering a unique dining experience for Sarasota. With a wide assortment of menu items and preparations, this is the perfect place to try something new and different. Mélange’s diversity of cuisine, assortment of complementary ingredients and contrasting flavors contained in each singular dish redefine dining as “a tasting experience to be shared with others.”

Mélange: providing a daily food fest for foodies!

Mélange
1568 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-953-7111

http://www.melangesarasota.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melange/105216526436?ref=ts&fref=ts

King Crab and Quail Egg Benedict from The Table Creekside.

Easter, like other major holidays, incorporates food as an integral part of the celebration. Depending upon cultural origins, traditional foods and meals may vary, but all are centered on the themes of rebirth, renewal and spring. The Easter egg, perhaps serving as a symbol of such themes, is a central and common food connection shared by many cultures.

In the United States, many families celebrate with traditional Easter meals at home. However, over the years more and more restaurants have been hosting special Easter meals. In Sarasota, these special menus take the form of Easter Sunday brunch or dinner.

Since many restaurants will be closed on Easter Sunday, we are highlighting a sampling from those offering Easter specials.

Easter Brunch Options:

• 

  The Table’s Quinoa Pancakes with vanilla-banana compote and guava honey butter.

  The Table Creekside
  5365 South Tamiami Trail
  Sarasota, FL 34231
  Offering an exquisite Easter Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $19.95, which includes a free bloody mary or mimosa. Space is limited; call for reservations: 941-921-9465.

• Libby’s Café + Bar
  1917 South Osprey
  Sarasota, FL 3423
  Offering an out-of-the-ordinary Easter Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., showcasing traditional specialties with a twist. Adults $30, kids 12 and under $13. Call 941-487-7300 for reservations.
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
  2001 Siesta Drive
  Sarasota, FL 34239
  Offering a three-course Easter Sunday brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., plus a $25 gift card valid for a future visit. $36.95. Children’s three-course menu: $17.95. Call 941-358-9463 for reservations.
• 

  Steak & Egg Sliders for brunch at The Carmel Café.

  Carmel Café & Wine Bar
  Shoppes at University Center
  8433 Cooper Creek Blvd.
  Sarasota, FL, 34201
  Offering an extensive selection of traditional brunch items with a Mediterranean twist from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Adults who order any brunch specialty dishes on Easter Sunday will be offered their choice of a complimentary glass of Prosecco or a mimosa. Reservations accepted; just call 941-893-5955.

• Duval’s New World Café
  1435 Main Street
  Sarasota, FL 34236
  Offering a $20 all-you-can-eat Easter brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., plus $15 bottomless mimosas in a variety of flavors. Call for reservations: 941-312-4001
• Michael’s on East
  1212 East Avenue
  Sarasota, FL 34239
  Michael’s culinary team will be featuring their special Easter brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The price for Michael’s Easter Brunch is $48.95 for adults, $19.95 for children ages 3 to 10 and free for children under 2 years old. Call 941-366-0007, ext. 224 for reservations.

Easter Dinner Options:

• 

  Ophelia’s offers one of the best waterfront dining spots in Sarasota on Siesta Key.

  Ophelia’s on the Bay
  9105 Midnight Pass Road
  Siesta, Key, FL 34242
  Ophelia’s on the Bay will be serving Easter dinner from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The waterside dining experience offers an incredible Easter menu featuring superb seafood, specialty meats and delectable desserts. Call 941-349-2212 for reservations.

• The Savory Street International Café and Bakery
  411 North Orange Avenue
  Sarasota, FL 34236
  Offering a special Easter dinner menu and early dining from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Choice of soup or salad and entrée is $20 per person. A special three-course Easter Dinner Special for two people is $49, and includes a complementary glass of wine. For reservations call 941-312-4027.
• Bijou Café
  1287 First Street
  Sarasota, FL 34236
  In addition to their full dinner menu, Bijou will be offering special Easter items such as maple-glazed, baked Virginia ham with grilled pineapple and rack of Australian lamb. Easter dinner is served from noon to 8 p.m. Please call 941-366-8111 for reservations.
• Beach Bistro
  6600 Gulf Drive
  Holmes Beach, FL 34217
  The Beach Bistro will be offering their regular dinner menu plus some Easter specials. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. Call 941-778-6444 for reservations.

So if the quality of food is as important to you as the time spent with family and friends, you might want to get hopping to one of the options above for your Easter celebration. Enjoy the holiday!

A rich, creamy sauce covers the 1812 Chicken Pasta.

Lucia’s Pizza Italian Grill sports all the prerequisites of a “North Jersey” casual Italian eatery, while maintaining a Southside neighborhood feel. With sidewalk seating and an open-aired entrance, Lucia’s fits right in among the neighbors in its Southside Village locale. However, one step inside Lucia’s and that Northern Jersey ambiance washes over you, created by dark wood, exposed brick, a prominent bar, well placed TVs and multiple seating options. It’s the best of both worlds!

The menu at Lucia’s is extensive, offering thin-crust pizza (traditional, gourmet and sauce-less), appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, full entrees and “killer desserts.” There is also a special kids’ menu. For our meals we chose the following:

• Shrimp Campagna:  Shrimp sautéed in garlic with prosciutto and diced tomatoes, served over white Tuscan beans.    $10.00
  If you like cannellini beans, you will love this dish. The beans were perfectly prepared—a great blend of flavors. Nice texture as well.
• Prince Edward Island Mussels:  Sautéed in lemon garlic white wine sauce with diced tomatoes and fresh herbs.    $11.00
  Fresh, sweet mussels. A good-sized portion, just a tad too salty for me.
• House Salad:  Mixed greens, tomatoes, red onions and cucumbers.    $6.00
  A simple, fresh, crisp salad; a great way to start a meal.
• Classic Caesar:  Hearts of romaine, seasoned croutons and Parmesan cheese.    $8.00
  Fresh, crispy romaine lettuce, served with cheesy garlic dressing. Very good.
• Spinach Salad:  Fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers and red onions served with homemade balsamic vinaigrette.  $10.00
  Bright green spinach served in a chilled bowl, with just the right amount of “tang” in the balsamic dressing.
• 1812 Chicken:  Breaded chicken stuffed with fresh mozzarella and red roasted peppers, topped with pink cream vodka sauce or light marsala sauce, served with pasta of choice. House salad included.   $17.00
  A large portion of soft, moist chicken with sweet peppers in a creamy, mouth-filling sauce. Great the next day as well!
• 

  Some of the best thin-crusted pizza in Sarasota!

  Thin Crust Cheese Pizza:  Large 18” $13.00, Small 12”     $9.00. Toppings range from $2.00-$3.00   For toppings we chose red roasted peppers and mushrooms.
  Some of the best thin-crusted pizza in Sarasota. A great blend of textures and flavor. The toppings were just the right amount, not overpowering in taste but definitely noticed in every bite.

• Lucia’s Gourmet Pizza:  Mozzarella, grilled chicken, spinach and ricotta.    Large 18” $17.00, Small 12” $13.00
  This thin-crust pizza has a secret ingredient in the sauce which I detected but could not identify. Once again, the perfect amount of toppings for the pie.
• 

  This is “killer” Godiva Chocolate Cake.

  Godiva Chocolate Cake:    $6.00
  A chocolate lover’s delight, this cake is rich, moist, mouth-filling deliciousness!

• Italian Rum Cake:  $6.00
  A classic rendition of an old world Italian rum cake. Creamy, light and dripping with rum. I can taste it now!

Lucia’s offers an adequate selection of beer, wine and soft drinks to accompany your meal. We found the wait staff to be welcoming, fast, very helpful and efficient.

When the craving for that special thin-crusted pizza cannot be ignored … you know, the kind of pizza that has a distinctive, dry, crispy crust with just the right amount of bite, gooey cheese and the perfect amount of toppings; the kind of pizza that’s hard to find in the Sarasota area … No longer do you need to plan a trip to North Jersey to satiate your cravings. To get your fix, you can just go to Lucia’s in Southside Village! Not only will you find the pizza to be outstanding, but the owners are super friendly too.

Lucia’s Pizza Italian Grill
1812 South Osprey Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34239
941-954-5400

http://www.luciassrq.com/
https://www.facebook.com/luciassrq

Clasico Cafe + Bar, situated on the “best corner in Sarasota.”

Although our weather has been chilly, it has been anything but in the Sarasota dining scene. A flurry of mid-season activity will introduce us to half-dozen or so new restaurants in the coming days, weeks and months. Here is a survey of the newest spots and a sneak peek of some of the coming attractions.

Clásico Café + Bar:
1341 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-957-0700

Located on the corner of Palm and Main (the former home of Sarasota News & Books and Media On Main), this hip, modern yet nostalgic space opened for happy hour and dinner two weeks ago. Their serving plan is ambitious and will eventually include breakfast, lunch and a late-night menu. Keep an eye on this place because it will have a lot to offer.

Artwork inside The Francis.

Louies Modern:
1289 N. Palm Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34236

A spin-off from Libby’s Café + Bar, Louies Modern is an entirely new concept offering modern American cuisine in a cool, urban setting. Located on the ground floor of the Palm Avenue parking garage, Louies will offer both indoor and outdoor seating as well as banquet, catering and special event services in an adjacent spaced named The Francis. Although this project has been delayed and is behind schedule, the finishing work has begun and, from my perspective, it will be worth the wait!

Made Restaurant:
1990 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-953-2900

Modern American Delicious Eats just opened for dinner nightly on Friday, March 1. At the former location of Brasserie Belge, Made has significantly renovated the interior to support its offering of upscale American comfort food. A casually elegant setting, a widely appealing menu and wallet-friendly pricing should make this spot a popular place to dine. Lunch service is scheduled to start March 11.

Gillian’s Pizzadelli:
1410 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-953-7676

The newest location of Gillian’s opened with a clever new name on Friday, March 1. This casual spot offers thin-crust pizza and deli sandwiches; breakfast, lunch and late night menus; coffee, lattes and more. A convenient, casual, comfortable spot on Main.

Casual convenience on Main.

Social on First:
1219 1st St.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-444-7072

Social on First

Still a work in progress, this casual eatery plans on offering American and Italian comfort food in an upscale indoor/outdoor setting. From my perspective, this opening is still a number of months away, but if décor is any indication, it too will be worth the wait.

The Usual Place:
2157 Siesta Dr.
Sarasota, FL 34239
941-952-9106

Located on Siesta Dr. just east of 41, this new eatery is taking over the former location of Bistro Figliulo. Opening soon, its menu is planned to be casual Italian.

Ziti:
3501 S. Tamiami Trl.
Sarasota, FL 34239
941-706-1281

Although the name screams Italian, the restaurant is billing itself as a fusion of Italian, American and Asian cuisines. Located in the Southgate Mall (formerly Cosimo’s) the restaurant boasts a casually elegant setting. Ziti offers lunch and dinner daily and has been open for about two weeks,

Since all these new restaurants need some time to “season,” we will wait before we offer a more detailed review. In the meantime, we’ll be visiting and learning more about their menus.

Sarasota is fortunate to have such a vibrant and dynamic dining scene. When new restaurants add to the local culinary culture, we all benefit. After all, who doesn’t like to eat?

Pescado Veracruzano: fresh fish smothered in peppers and onions.

Although there are a number of restaurants on St. Armands Circle, one does not immediately think of it as a destination for authentic ethnic food. So when the Mexican restaurant La Malinche opened, I was a bit skeptical about its boast of authenticity. It just seemed like Mexican cuisine had been reduced to standard taco and enchilada fare. Gone were the sauces, seafood and freshness that were staples of traditional Mexican preparation. We decided to put La Malinche’s authenticity to the test.

Just down the street from the hustle and bustle of the circle, one comes upon La Malinche. Bright colors, warm dark wood, colorful tiles and plenty of outdoor seating make the space cheerful and inviting. The staff is welcoming and immediately present to take your drink order while you have time to peruse the menu. Not only does the menu offer the expected Mexican cuisine, there are a number of interesting options that stand out from the rest. We decided to sample a number of dishes and chose the following:

• Enchiladas Mole Poblano:  Four soft, hand-rolled tortillas filled with chicken or cheese, covered with your choice of sauce with fresh cheese on top. Green or red rice.    $16.95
  These soft enchiladas were covered in a deeply layered, flavorful sauce. Spicy but not hot. Very satisfying.
• Pescado Veracruzano:  Grilled fish, topped with a salsa made with roasted tomatoes, peppers, onions, olives and spices.    $21.95
  A very fresh fish fillet buried under lots of sweet onions and peppers, with a briny taste of olives. The red rice had a sweet, smoky flavor.
• 

  Mole Negro: Think spicy chocolate sauce. Delicious.

  Mole Negro Oaxaca:  An absolute must-have, this famous Oaxacan black mole is full of flavors that will impress you: chocolate, anise, black peppers and much more exotic spices, served with chicken breast and red rice.    $22.95
  Although the presentation was rather stark, the flavor was rich and vibrant. I loved the deep richness and layered flavor complex in the mole.

• Tamales:  Nothing so delicious as traditional Mexican tamales (3), homemade with corn dough and served with a green sauce and refried beans with the chef’s touch. Chicken.    $16.95
  Although the tamales were tasty, and the refried beans added both flavor and softened the texture, the green sauce was missing from the dish.
• 

  Did somebody say Tacos Malinche?

  Tacos Malinche:  It’s impossible not to fall in love with these tacos (4), filled with alambre-style grilled marinated steak, bacon, peppers, onions and Chihuahua cheese topped with cilantro and onions.    $15.95
  Even though the tortillas were fresh and the meat tender, well-seasoned and flavorful, we were disappointed with the size of the dish and the bacon was not apparent. 

La Malinche offers a full bar service, beer, wine and soft drinks to accompany your meal. We found the wait staff to be quite friendly, attentive, efficient and fast. Although we did have some service issues with the food, all seemed to be kitchen and not server-related.

As stated, we did experience some glitches with the food as served. However, we found the food to be well-prepared and flavorful, albeit inconsistent with the menu descriptions. That being said, we would not hesitate to go back to La Malinche. So, if you find yourself on St. Armands looking for something a little different from the ordinary Mexican restaurant, why not give La Malinche a try?

La Malinche Mexican Restaurant
40 South Boulevard of the Presidents
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-388-4444

https://www.facebook.com/LaMalincheRestaurant?ref=ts&fref=ts

Freshly oven-baked pretzel appetizer.

When describing Ocean Blues, the three aforementioned questions are always asked. My answer? “Yes!” Ocean Blues is a music venue that happens to serve really good bar food and drinks. The setting is casual and upbeat, with a reasonable stage area, a large bar, a separate dining area with video monitors of the stage and even some outdoor seating. The rooms are well-lit with rich wood, some exposed brick and a classy, comfortable décor suitable for dining or listening to music.

Although the menu does include dinner entrées such as fresh seafood, steak, pork and chicken, the menu is definitely more “bar food”-oriented, offering soups, salads, small plates, burgers, hand-helds and pizza.

For our meals we chose the following:

• Arugula Salad: With fresh strawberries, pistachios, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, sunflower seeds and pomegranate vinaigrette.   $7.00
  Very generous with the pistachios and sunflower seeds. All ingredients were fresh.
• Oven Fresh Soft Pretzels: Served with spicy mustard and pimento cheese dips.   $8.00
   Four long pretzels, “Charmin” soft and warm—a great nosh. We liked both dips but preferred the traditional mustard.
• 

  Simply fresh, soft and tasty fish tacos.

  Deep Sea Fish Tacos:  Four flour mini tacos stuffed with fish.  $9.00
  Great appetizer for sharing or a light meal for one. A piece of grouper and slaw in each little taco.

• Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Hot buffalo chicken and mozzarella cheese. Served with blue cheese for dipping. All pizzas are cooked to crispy perfection and cut into squares for sharing!    Small $10.00 Large $15.00
  A crispy, thin-crusted pizza, reminiscent of a Midwestern bar style but not quite as thin. A good balance of toppings, not very spicy.
• 

  A crispy veggie pizza with plenty of toppings.

  Vegetarian Pizza: Portabella mushrooms, artichoke hearts, tomato, black olives, garlic, spinach and mozzarella.   Small $10.00, Large $15.00
  It passed the ultimate test for a thin-crusted pizza, demonstrating a good balance and proportions on toppings. Flavorful, and most important, not soggy!

• Build Your Own Burger: Burger and bun.   $8.00  Add items for just $.50 each. Served with your choice of fries, sweet potato tots, homemade chips or coleslaw.
  A generous sized burger that was mouthwateringly juicy and full of beefy flavor. A great companion to a beer!
• Off the Hook Fish Sandwich: Have it your way … grilled, blackened or fried.  MKT PRICED Served with your choice of fries, sweet potato tots, homemade chips or coleslaw.
  The fish sandwich was fresh, delicious, moist, and well-seasoned. The coleslaw was a bit bland for me; I prefer it a little tangier.

Ocean Blues offers a full bar service, beer, wine and soft drinks to accompany your meals. The waitstaff members are very friendly, quick to take your drink requests, efficient and helpful in making suggestions on menu items.

After our first visit to Ocean Blues, we were a tad confused. Was it a bar, restaurant or music venue? Upon further thought and a few more visits, we came to the conclusion that Ocean Blues is first a music venue with really good food. Why not give it a try and decide for yourself? Either way, we think you will have fun. Let us know your thoughts.

Ocean Blues
1936 Hillview Street
Sarasota, FL 34239
(941) 366-3010

oceanblues.net
facebook.com/oceanbluessarasota?ref=ts&fref=ts

Valentine’s Day: A reason to celebrate!

There are few holidays as widely celebrated throughout the world as Valentine’s Day. New Year’s Day is one, while Christmas is another, but no others exceed the February 14th holiday. In fact, Valentine’s Day has been celebrated in one form or another for thousands of years. However, its current-day incarnation began to take shape in the 1300s. For a brief history and some interesting Valentine facts, just click here.

For me nothing expresses love better than food, whether it is a shared snack, a home-cooked meal or a romantic dinner around town. Each year we try to pick 14 special spots for dining on the 14th. This year our list (in no particular order) includes:

1)      Divino Restaurant & Lounge:  A romantic spot with al fresco dining in their new courtyard named “La Veranda.” Divino will be offering their standard menu items plus some specials. Call (941) 330-9393 for reservations. Our review

2)      Derek’s Culinary Casual: Culinary award-winning chef Derek Barnes will be offering his standard menu with some specials created for the evening. His restaurant is a casually elegant spot for dining. Call (941) 366-6565 for reservations. Our review

3)      The Beach Bistro: Gulf side, sunset dining on Anna Maria Island—need I say more? A special holiday menu will feature all of the Beach Bistro favorites. Call (941) 778-6444 for reservations. Our review

La Veranda, the courtyard dining space at Divino.

4)      Bijou Café: An elegant spot for fine dining. The Bijou will be offering their regular menu with two special entrees and a special dessert. Call (941) 366-8111 for reservations. Our review

5)      The Table Creekside: Waterside dining on Phillippi Creek featuring casually elegant, creative, upscale cuisine. Their standard menu will be spiced up with several specials. As an additional attraction to the Table on Valentine’s Day, all guests may enter a drawing to win a one-night getaway package to Sarasota’s boutique hotel, Hotel Indigo. Call (941) 921-9465 for reservations.

6)      Euphemia Haye: All reservations for Valentine’s Day are a prepaid $100.00 minimum per person. This minimum includes food, beverage, tax and gratuity. To reserve a table for the downstairs fine dining area, call (941) 383-3633. Valentine’s walk-ins may enjoy fresh gourmet pizzas, homemade desserts, top-shelf spirits and exotic coffees up in The Haye Loft, starting at 6:00 p.m. The abbreviated menu will not be available that evening.

7)      Libby’s Café + Bar: Always a great spot for indoor and outdoor dining, with a creative menu that adjusts seasonally. Libby’s will be offering their seasonal menu plus some specials for the day. For reservations please call (941) 487-7300.

8)      Cafe Amici: A cozy, comfortable, classically Italian spot for those in the know. Good food, wine and people. There will be a special Valentine’s menu comprised of their most popular dishes, with a complimentary glass of Prosecco for your lady. Call (941) 951-6896 for reservations. Our review

9)      MoZaic: Just a few short steps up Main Street from Café Amici is the classy, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine of MoZaic. Consistently a top-rated restaurant, MoZaic will be offering a special Valentine’s menu. For information and reservations call (941) 951-6272.  Our review

10)   Darwin’s on 4th: The award-winning, Peruvian-inspired restaurant and brewery will be offering its regular menu plus a five-course Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu at $80 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. For reservations call (941) 343-2165. Our review

The Seven Wonders Salad from Savory Street Café.

11)   Savory@Night: Just a block or two from Darwin’s on the corner of 4th and Orange is the delightfully charming Savory Street Café. Serving Latin-inspired cuisine in a bistro-like setting, Savory@Night will be offering their regular dinner service plus a few specials for the evening. In addition, each entree will be accompanied by a complimentary glass of wine. For reservations call (941) 312-4027. Our review

12)   Maison Blanche: Truly one of the outstanding chefs in Sarasota, Chef Jose Martinez will be serving a special Valentine’s Day menu. The special five-course prix fixe menu is priced at $85 per person and will surely be a superb gastronomical experience. Please call (941) 383-8088 for reservations and information. Our review

13)   Indigenous: With a mission of providing locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients, Chef Steve Phelps delivers creative, sophisticated, “New American” cuisine in a beautifully restored building in Towles Court. For reservations call (941) 706-4740. Our review

The Tomato and Burrata Salad from Ophelia’s.

14)   Ophelia’s on the Bay: One of the great spots for waterfront dining. Voted “most romantic” restaurant by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune‘s Reader Choice Awards, this casually elegant restaurant will be offering their regular daily menu and will include some sultry, romantic specials as well. For more information or reservations call 941-349-2212. Our review

Sarasota boasts the highest concentration of Zagat-rated restaurants in the state of Florida. With over 600 independent restaurant locations, the culinary arts community in Sarasota is vibrant, alive and thriving. So if food is your elixir of love, go out and enjoy your Valentine’s Day dinner with that someone special.

Photo by Instudio E Photography.

Congratulations to The Sarasota-Manatee Originals on their Sixth Annual Forks & Corks Wine and Food Festival which just concluded on Jan. 28, 2013. The annual epicurean event showcased sumptuous, diverse cuisine from over 50 member restaurants, paired alongside a worldwide cast of winemakers and wineries.

I must say this year’s Forks & Corks was the best yet! I had the opportunity to visit and participate in a number of the events over a four-day period. I would like to share some of my festival highlights.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines

The premier event of the 2103 Forks & Corks was hosted by Suncoast Motorsports, one of the festival’s sponsors, on Thursday, Jan. 24. The evening was Caribbean-themed with steel drum music, Caribbean spiced shrimp, lobster rolls, oysters, chimichurri beef, and of course wine.

Steel drums at the Caribbean kick-off event.

With an outdoor space, tables interspersed amongst new Porches, Audis and VWs, the evening was set for a showcase event. While people were sipping some of the best-in-show wines, Suncoast Motorsports was displaying two new Porsche models for 2013, the Carrera S Coupe and the Panamara Platinum Edition. What a great way to kick-off a festival! High performance cars, top-end wine, gourmet food catered by Michael’s on East and great people. Forks & Corks 2013 was off and running.

Time for School

One of the primary components of festival is the Forks & Corks University. This year’s educational seminars were “A World of White,” “Big, Red, and Beautiful,” and “California Road Show.” I chose the full-day seminar which combined the “World of White” and the “Big, Red, and Beautiful” seminars.

We started with the whites at 9:30 a.m., perhaps a little early to be drinking (but technically we only tasted); the glasses were filled with 11 different wines arranged in order of tasting. A panel convened, moderated by Master Sommelier Brian Koziol and comprised of six winemakers/representatives. Each member of the panel gave an overview of their winery, region and some tasting notes as the audience swirled, sniffed and sipped along.

The afternoon session of reds followed the same format as the morning session. Perhaps the biggest difference between the two sessions was the range of varietals. Since the afternoon seminar was focused on “big” and “beautiful” reds, the range of flavor was tight and nuanced between the wines, whereas the morning session provided a broader sample of varietals and styles.

For me, the Forks & Corks University was outstanding. The seminars were educational, informative, entertaining and most of all enjoyable. I was curious as to the level of prior wine knowledge required to make the seminar worthwhile. My assessment: These seminars are appropriate for a wide audience. The general information presented by the panel was perfect for the individual with limited knowledge but a desire to learn more; while the questions asked by some members of the audience were more technical. In other words, there was something to be gained by anyone with an interest in wine.

Recess

The morning and afternoon seminars were punctuated by a four-course Wine Luncheon hosted by Michael’s on East, with food and wine provided by festival participants. The menu was as follows:

First Course: Savory Street
Mini Crab Fritter and Cactus Salad with “Queso Blanco”
Mini Ceviche de Pescado
Mini Empanadas Argentinas
Wine: Elstree Cuvee Brut, Highfield

Second Course: Bijou Café
Seared Scallop with Chipotle Slaw Finished with Grilled Pineapple Relish
Wine: 2011 Riesling, Willamette Valley Vineyards

Third Course: Crow’s Nest
Root Beer Braised Short Ribs Served Over Cheesy Stone Ground Grits
Garnished with Pickled Vegetables
Wine: 2009 Syrah, Daniel Gehrs Wines

Dessert: Ceviche
Tres Leches – Famous Meringue Cake with Three Fresh Creams and Nutmeg
Wine: Quandy Elysium, Quandy Winery

The Tres Leches, served before our next Forks & Corks seminar.

Dinner is Served

A series of winemaker events were offered by Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurants throughout the festival. I had the pleasure of attending the The Adelsheim and T-Vine Vineyards winemaker dinner, hosted by the Crow’s Nest with food pairings from Executive Chef Mike Leopold.

First Course
Maine Lobster Summer Roll
Rice noodles, herbs, pickled carrots, peanuts, sweet chili-mango dipping glaze

~ Pinot Gris, Adelsheim, Willamette Valley, Oregon  2011

Second Course 
Olive Oil Poached Monkfish
Saffron couscous, beet greens, pancetta, charred tomato broth

~ Auxerrois. Adelsheim, Willamette Valley, Oregon  2011

Third Course
Hazelnut/parsnip soup with fried parsnips and pomegranate seeds

~ Pinot Noir, Adelsheim, Willamette Valley, Oregon  2010

Fourth Course
Pan Roasted Duck Breast
Mascarpone polenta, roasted strawberries, caramelized shallot/sherry gastrique

~ Grenache, T-Vine, Calistoga-Napa Valley, California  2009

Fifth Course
Roasted Beef Tenderloin
Wild mushroom/chevre risotto, watercress puree, gaufrette potatoes

~Petit Sirah, T-Vine, Napa Valley, California  2009

Dessert
Salted creme caramel with macerated strawberry compote

~Pinot Noir, Adelsheim, Deglace, Oregon 2011

Notes from an exquisite winemaker dinner at The Crow’s Nest.

It has been said that both “food makes the wine taste better,” and “wine makes the food taste better.” I am not certain which statement is correct. However, my experience at this particular dinner makes me believe both are correct.

A picture-perfect setting for the Grand Tasting. Photo by Instudio E Photography.

The Grand Tasting

Imagine a clear, bright, cloudless, sunny warm day with temperatures in the mid-70s. Picture the magnificent courtyard of the world-renowned John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art on such a day. Add tables, tents, food from 50 of the area’s finest restaurants, world-class wine from 100 wineries and 1,200 people, and you get a picture of the grandeur of the Grand Tasting.

Open to the public from noon to 4 p.m., this is a great social event where you can walk the venue, sample some of the fine wines, connect with friends and taste some food. It is all about discovery: new restaurants, new foods and new wines. Many of the wines are from “boutique” vineyards with limited production, and can be hard to find as a result. What makes the Grand Tasting so unique is the retail tent at the exit. There you can purchase any of the wines you tasted and not go home empty-handed.

This event is so popular all 1,200 tickets were sold in less than four hours!

Forks & Corks 2014

What better way to showcase Sarasota than with great weather, fine wine and great food? In six short years, the Sarasota-Manatee Originals have done an outstanding job in making Forks & Corks a world-class event. If you are interested in food, wine or dining, then this festival is a must-try for you!

Next year’s Forks & Corks Festival is scheduled for January 24-27, 2014. So mark your calendar …

Only the very freshest seafood is available at Jack Dusty.

With the Jan.21, 2013 opening of the new Jack Dusty restaurant, the Ritz-Carlton of Sarasota closes one chapter on hotel dining while simultaneously opening another.

If one ever needed a recipe for reinventing a restaurant, the Ritz-Carlton of Sarasota’s is the one to follow. Recognizing the current trend toward more casual, light, healthy, yet upscale dining, the Ritz decided to launch an entirely new restaurant concept that incorporates diners’ evolving preferences. No small undertaking for an ongoing operating hotel, the decision was to build a completely new restaurant space from the ground up, one which complemented and supported the intended dining experience. The plans for Jack Dusty were set in motion and would take shape over a number of months.

Jack Dusty Opens

Jack Dusty—so named for the 18^th century short-hand term for the naval store clerk whose responsibility included doling out the daily lot of rum to sailors and maintaining the ship’s inventory of food supplies—now supplies Sarasota foodies, locals and visitors with a fresh, flavorful and unique dining experience.

With a bright, vibrant, open-spaced area, subtly punctuated with Ritz elegance, Jack Dusty’s environs set a unique and balanced tone. Jack Dusty is amply ready to serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee or cocktails with ease and a casually elegant vibe.

Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails

Hand-crafted cocktails, chilled and creative.

The menu at Jack Dusty will offer modern American cuisine with a seafood sensibility.  A vast array of raw bar and appetizer offerings ($14 – $20) are perfect for a post-work nibble or pre-dinner starter and include local caviar from Mote Marine sturgeon; Crab and Fried Green Tomatoes with charred tomato vinaigrette; a tasty Grouper Cake with mango beurre blanc and fruit salad; Burrata & Tomato Salad, served with oven-cured tomatoes and arugula; as well as selections of local, Northeast and Northwest oysters. Also on offer is a gorgeous seafood platter that serves two or four ($40 – $80), featuring a whole lobster, whole crab, peel-and-eat shrimp, oysters and Jack’s ceviche.

Main plates are categorized By Land ($26 – $30) and By Sea ($18 – $28). Discerning palates will delight with entrees such as a grilled pork chop with black-eyed peas and seasonal greens; Red Brick Chicken, a modern twist on the Sicilian classic Chicken Mattone, weighed down by a brick in a cast-iron skillet and served with Anson Mills grits and market veggies; and the 1855 Beef Tenderloin with smashed potatoes and seasonal mushrooms.

Sumptuous seafood dishes include Blackened Grouper Étouffée with red beans and rice and braised greens; Speared Hog Snapper, fried whole and served with grilled vegetables and a coconut and curry broth; and Sarasota Cioppino, gulf shrimp, bay scallops, clams, mussels and grouper in an orange peel and tomato broth. Guests can also indulge in the signature Seafood Boil, available for two or four ($40 – $80), which features seasonal crab, gulf shrimp, clams, mussels, chorizo, oysters, potatoes and corn on the cob.

Desserts ($12) will be equally enticing, such as the Baileys Warm Chocolate Cake, a sweet confection served with whiskey caramel and stout ice cream; the Key Lime Bar with crispy meringue and tropical fruit chutney; and Sweet Potato-Pecan Cheesecake served with Steen’s Cane Syrup.

Jack Dusty’s bar will play a central role in the restaurant with an emphasis on craft microbrews, a broad selection of rums and spirits and an array of specialty Sarasota-inspired cocktails made with farm-fresh ingredients. A collaboration between the restaurant’s mixologists and culinarians, cocktails will include Sippers (a cocktail that one is advised to sip and savor), Gulpers (long, refreshing and swiggable beverages) and Sandy Bottoms (big punches for sharing). A Tidewrack Martini is an herbaceous Sipper featuring herb-infused vodka, dry sherry, Cointreau and kümmel, and served with house-infused herbs and vermouth olives; while the Gulper Sling Hook brings together Don Julio tequila, Grand Marnier, honey, mango, lemon and celery bitters topped with soda and served in a blue salt-encrusted glass.

The outdoor space overlooking the pool and bay.

More than a hotel restaurant

Jack Dusty is an indoor-outdoor space featuring various seating styles that promote a comfortable and relaxed vibe. Guests can linger over cocktails and bites in the lounge or bar, accented by wood-paneled millwork, comfy leather seating, a rustic stone raw bar and the warm, inviting wine library. Reclaimed oak floors and board-and-batten wood paneling create the backdrop for the sculptural bar and pantry, where hand-mixed cocktails and seafood specialties are featured. Partnering with Sarasota’s Ringling College of Art + Design, the restaurant will showcase various works of art to complement the space.

Jack Dusty will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.  Hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. or “close”.

Jack Dusty at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota
1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 309-2000

http://jackdusty.com/
www.facebook.com/JackDustySarasota

Crispy Duck: tender and moist on the inside, crispy on the outside.

Isan is the northeastern region of Thailand bordered by Laos and Cambodia, and separated from Northern and Central Thailand by the Phetchabun mountain range. Its food, distinct from Central Thai cuisine, often incorporates chili peppers and is usually served with sticky rice, a Northeastern Thai specialty.

Isan Thai Restaurant opened its doors to the Sarasota community in late February, 2012. Located on the South Trail, Isan offers a small, simple, yet tastefully decorated dining area, with cozy Asian-styled booths, a dining space to accommodate larger parties and a couple of outdoor tables as well. Simple and clean, an air of authenticity is sensed without even a glance at the menu or a taste of food.

The menu at Isan is extensive, offering beef, pork, chicken, duck, seafood, tofu and vegetarian options in a wide range of preparations and spices. As mentioned earlier, northeastern Thai cuisine is characteristically spicy. However, Isan offers a range of spiciness from mild to “Thai hot.” For our meals we chose the following:

• Fresh Roll:  Carrots, Thai basil, bean sprouts, lettuce and tofu wrapped in rice paper, served with peanut sauce.    $4.50
  Simple and colorful, a fresh salad in your hands. The added mint made it very refreshing. A great starter!
• 

  Cool and fresh Thai rolls with a sweet and tangy peanut sauce.

  Crispy Duck:  Crispy boneless duck with steamed mixed vegetables.    $18.95
  Everything cooked was perfectly … the duck meat was rich, fork-tender and moist, the skin very crispy, the vegetables colorful … a great mix of flavors, colors and textures. We ordered ours mild spicy.

• Pad Thai Shrimp:  Rice noodles sautéed with egg, bean sprouts, ground peanuts and scallions.    $14.95
  Not your traditional Pad Thai … simple, almost monochromatic, yet deliciously fresh. The noodles were firm and had an individual texture with fresh peanut taste. The shrimp popped in your mouth. We ordered our dish mild with hot sauce on the side, but the request was lost in translation. However, the dish was outstanding for spicy food lovers! My mouth is watering as I write this description.
• Krapow Chicken:  Thai basil, onion, red and green bell peppers and mixed vegetables.    $11.95
  Snap-fresh and crisp vegetables with a sweet and tangy flavor from the basil and onion. Classic Thai blended flavor. We ordered ours mild spicy.
• Panang Curry Chicken:  Panang curry paste in coconut milk with mixed vegetables, chicken and ground roast peanuts, served with steamed jasmine rice.    $12.95
  A favorite at the table! A sweet, spicy, colorful broth filled with veggies and tender bits of chicken. We ordered ours medium spicy.
• Ped Phad Prik Geang:  Roast boneless duck with curry paste, Thai basil and mixed vegetables.    $19.95
  Dark, rich, and spicy … this is a hearty and warming meal, perfect for a cool evening. We ordered ours medium spicy.
• 

  Krapow Tofu: a vegan’s delight, fresh and flavorful.

  Krapow Tofu:  Tofu sautéed with Thai basil, onion, red and green bell pepper and mixed vegetables.    $19.95
  A vegetarian version of the chicken above. The tofu was well-prepared and firm, with a slight resistance and crunch upon chewing … a nicely presented platter. We ordered ours medium spicy.

Adding to the authenticity, all of our selections were served in a Thai green ceramic pot or platter. The wait staff are very friendly and attentive, but at times there were slight communication gaps—nothing critical; however, if you do have food allergies I would be cautious. There is an adequate selection of beer, wine and soft drinks to accompany your meal.

There are many Thai restaurants in the Sarasota area from which to choose. Even though the range of experiences can vary from place to place, generally speaking it is hard to find something that stands out from all the others. Look no further than Isan. Its casual Thai elegance, slightly different menu, and its level of authenticity make it a stand-out amongst its peers.

I now have a new “go-to” Thai restaurant.

Isan Thai Restaurant
5758 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231
941-923-1232

http://www.isanthairestaurant.com

Raj and Nita Mathur from Casa Italia.

It has been said that “necessity is the mother of invention.” Such was the case for Giuseppe and Nanette Galloni. Originally from Sicily, the Gallonis came to Sarasota by way of Venezuela. When they arrived in the early 1980s, authentic Italian groceries, meats and cheeses were hard to find. Living in Sarasota yet yearning for the foods of Italy, the Gallonis decided to source their own Italian specialties. In December of 1984, Casa Italia was launched and Sarasota gained a new Italian specialty food market.

Over an 18-year period, Giuseppe and Nanette built a thriving gourmet food business. When they were finally ready to retire, the Gallonis began a search for new owners who might share their same passion for authentic, high-quality Italian delicacies and groceries. In February of 2002, the Gallonis met Raj and Nita Mathur and a new chapter for Casa Italia was set in motion.

Casa Italia’s 28th anniversary was celebrated this past December. I recently spent some time with Raj and Nita, learning more about them, the Casa Italia story and their plans for 2013 and beyond. Here is what I found:

JLQ: So how does an Indian couple living in London come to Sarasota and wind up owning an Italian specialty market?

Raj: Nita and I were raising our family in London, had traveled throughout Europe, and wanted to include the United States in our travels. In 2001 we visited the U.S. for the first time and immediately thought this was a place where we could live. In short order, we made the decision to move to the U.S.

If we owned a business in the States, the immigration issues would be less complicated and our dream of moving to America more easily fulfilled. We returned to Florida in February 2002, with the intention of finding a suitable business to purchase. We traveled throughout the state exploring various businesses and locations before the Casa Italia opportunity was presented.

JLQ: And then what happened?

Raj: Nita and I share a great passion for food. We traveled throughout Europe sampling and tasting various cuisines. We were/are particularly fond of Italian cuisine. So the thought of owning an Italian specialty market seemed natural. It felt right!

Since my professional training was in accounting, I was able to examine the numbers from the Casa Italia business and quickly determine the viability of our idea. We decided to purchase the business and put our plans in motion.

JLQ: That was a big step to take. Tell me about the challenges in making such a change.

Raj: First of all, we were determined to make this move to the U.S. This determination helped us overcome some of the challenges we naturally faced. It was going to be a six-month process to get all the paperwork in order. I submitted my six-months’ notice, hired a lawyer to manage the immigration process and also to handle the purchase of the business. We then planned our move from London to Sarasota, but had to wait for all of the immigration and business-buying issues to be resolved before we could physically move.

Casa Italia is stocked with international gourmet goodies.

JLQ: In essence you bought a business and with it, a new life?

Raj: Yes indeed, we changed professions, country and lifestyle as a result of this singular move.

JLQ: The deal is complete. You move to Sarasota, and then what?

Raj: The purchase became official in September 2002. We worked very closely with the Gallonis for a three to five-month period to learn the business from the inside out. They were extremely helpful and remain so, in a different way, today.

JLQ: Did you have any hesitations once you were here?

Raj: No, not really. We were very enthusiastic about the business, the opportunity and the products. We gradually expanded the number of products we were offering. Additionally, we saw an opportunity to offer “grab-and-go” prepared foods. Chef Frank Silvestro introduced himself to us and offered some cooking demonstrations at the store. Since the food was well-received by our customers, we started to offer prepared Italian dishes weekly. With today’s busy lifestyle, the prepared food is a big hit for us and our customers.

JLQ: I couldn’t help but notice the selection of Indian dishes in the prepared food section. How did this come about?

Nita: Initially we were very hesitant to offer any Indian foods. We did not want to change the character of Casa Italia and risk losing some loyal customers. However, customers regularly asked if we would consider offering an Indian cooking class. To offer such a class would be easy for us, so we decided to give the Indian cooking class a try. It was a big success. Today, the classes are a regular part of our business. We also have a small section in the back of the store where customers can buy Indian spices for their own food prep. And of course we offer “grab-and-go” prepared Indian dishes on Fridays.

The kitchen morphs into a classroom for Indian and Italian cooking classes.

JLQ: Adding Indian products and prepared foods certainly projects an international feel.

Raj: Yes, that is true. Casa Italia’s Italian roots are deep but over time the products have become more international. For instance, we not only offer olive oils from Italy but also from Spain. The same is true with our cheese, meat, vinegar, and almost all products. In fact, just the other day I noticed we had a product from Iceland. I guess you can say we have become an international specialty market.

JLQ: Where is Casa Italia going in 2013?

Raj: Since our Italian and Indian cooking classes have been so well-received, we plan on doing more this year. We will continue to offer a wide range of unique, high-quality food products. We are in the process of expanding the frequency of our wine tastings as well, so customers can expect more tastings in 2013.

JLQ: Thank you Raj and Nita for your time. I enjoyed learning more about Casa Italia and your adventure to Sarasota.

Raj & Nita: Thank you, Jack. It was our pleasure.

Casa Italia
2080 Constitution Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34231
941-924-1179

http://www.casaitaliafl.com/

Empenadas Argentinas: A duo of savory, flaky, dough-filled pastries.

Located in Citrus Square, just north of Fruitville Road on the corner of 4th and Orange, the Savory Street International Café & Bakery introduced their fresh-baked, wonderfully prepared breakfast and lunch menu to Sarasota in April of 2010. With a bright, casually elegant décor, a traditional menu with an international flair and style, consistent excellence from the kitchen and a genuine desire to provide a high-quality differentiated cuisine, one could only surmise Savory might have more to offer.

Evolution and Transformation

After some minor changes to décor and slight cosmetic upgrades in the summer and fall of 2011, Savory’s physical evolution was complete. With some careful dinner menu planning, Savory Street International Café was ready to introduce their signature dinner service, Savory@Night.

Every Tuesday through Saturday evening, a transformation occurs at Savory Street. The casual daytime café becomes a refined white-tablecloth bistro at night. Even though the transformation is relatively minor, the impact is dramatic.

The transformed ambience clearly sets the expectation for a more upscale, yet casual dining experience. The menu offers a wide selection of appetizers, salads, and entrees supporting the upscaled expectation. For our dinners we chose the following:

• 7 Wonders Salad: Roasted beets, goat cheese, citrus segments, jicama, toasted peanuts and palmitos on a bed of red oak lettuce with a citrus mustard dressing, served in a Parmesan nest.  $10.00
  Beautiful presentation with a wonderfully fresh collection of citrus and sweet flavors and textures. Cool and crunchy, every forkful a treat.
• Asparagus Savory Signature Salad: Grilled asparagus, roasted wild mushrooms, baby arugula, Cabrales blue cheese, roasted red peppers. Dressed with caramelized onion vinaigrette.   $10.00
  A cool, colorful presentation. Tender, silky, creamy texture with a slightly tangy flavor from the dressing.
• Tapas Savory: An assortment of mini Mexican botanas: chicken flautas, pumpkin flower and cheese quesadilla and potato and horizo pambazo.   $9.00
  Warm and savory, each bite offering a burst of flavor
• Empenadas Argentinas: A duo of savory, flaky pastries filled with beef picadillo or corn and Manchego cheese, served with chimichurri sauce. $8.00
  Two warm, savory pastries, one filled with slightly spicy beef and the other with a rich creamy sweet cheese. A very nice combination and presentation.
• 

  The Veggie Pyramid.

  Veggie Pyramid: A stack of roasted Portobello mushrooms, eggplant, blue corn polenta, spinach, tomato and toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) with poblano cream sauce.  $9.00
  A depth and range of flavors and textures from the rich, earthy mushrooms to the sweet tomatoes.

• Paella: Saffron rice, mussels, clams, shrimp, squid, roasted red peppers.  $24.00
  We wish there was a way to capture and share the smell of the nice-sized portion, full of seafood with mouthwatering flavor and color.
• Mar & Tierra: Large shrimp, seared scallops and petite filet with poblano demi-glace served with a chorizo-cheese potato croqueta.   $29.00
  Very fresh; nicely seared on the outside, yet moist and tender inside. The demi-glace added a sweet, spicy flavor … perfect.
• Ravioli de Langosta: Lobster-filled raviolis with sautéed oyster mushrooms, fresh basil and roasted garlic in a yellow tomato-achiote cream with lobster garnish.   $28.00
  Rich, luscious, creamy and delicious, with a great “dipping” sauce for bread.
  

Seafood Pasta al Poblano.

• Seafood Pasta al Poblano: Shrimp, scallops, calamari rings, mahi-mahi, clams and mussels, delightfully mixed in a creamy sauce of roasted poblano pepper and cilantro.   $26.00
  Mouth-sized chunks of seafood, clams, and mussels swimming in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce. Very satisfying and filling.

Savory@Night offers a limited selection of beer and wine to accompany your meal. The waitstaff is friendly, knowledgeable, professional and efficient.

For a city of its size, Sarasota has a plethora of fine restaurants. The Savory Street International Café & Bakery has created an interesting dining distinction.With Savory@Night every Tuesday through Saturday, diners are presented with a restaurant within a restaurant: casual café by day, and lively bistro by night. It’s the type of place where lingering conversation, food and wine all combine to make for an enjoyable evening.

Savory Street International Café & Bakery
411 North Orange Ave.
Citrus Square
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-312-4027

http://thesavorystreet.com/wp/

Gourmet goodies at As Good As It Gets.

Yes indeed, it is the merriest time of year. Parties with family and friends, special meals, traditional holiday foods, and ringing in the New Year are just a few of the activities we enjoy. While it is truly a festive time, there is also a bit of anxiety as an accompaniment. What type of gift to get? Where to shop? Should we dine in or go out for Christmas dinner? What about New Year’s? Here to allay some of those qualms, I bring you …

A Food-Centric Guide to the Holidays in Sarasota

Gifts for the Foodies:

A gift of food is always appreciated, and this year is no exception. A number of restaurants are offering discounted gift cards either through their own site or through a partner.

• 

  Nancy’s offers gifts for the barbecue lover.

  Sarasota-Manatee Originals - Offering 30% discounted dining certificates to over 20 restaurants.

• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar - Offering a $20 bonus card for every $100 in gift cards purchased.
• Groupon Food and Drink Deals - Up to 50% off special deals, updated regularly.
• Nancy’s BBQ - Offering a $10 bonus card for every $100 in gift cards purchase.
• Darwin’s on 4th - Offering a special half-priced gift card that must be purchased on Dec. 20 from 9 p.m. to midnight only.

In addition to restaurant gift cards, there are always gourmet shops offering fine foods and gifts. Stop into one (or a few) of these specialty stores:

• Casa Italia - Italian market with Indian specialties and gift baskets
• Morton’s Gourmet Market - A one-stop shop for gift baskets, wine and holiday treats
• The Artisan Cheese Company - Fine specialty cheeses
• Pop Craft - All-natural artisan popsicles (grab a couple of six-packs and be a hit at your next holiday party!)
• As Good As It Gets - self-proclaimed (and TWIS-approved) “Purveyor of Extraordinary Delicacies”

Holiday Dining:

Christmas Day:

Finding a restaurant open on Christmas Day in Sarasota can be challenging, but not impossible. Here are a few for you to consider:

• 

  Spicy, crispy Christmas chicken at Yummy House.

  Ophelia’s on the Bay - open for dinner from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 941-349-2212

• Utamaro - open for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. 941-366-0095
• Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill - open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 941-366-1288
• Yummy House - open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 941-351-1688
• Drunken Poet Café - open for lunch and dinner from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 941-955-8404
• Yume Sushi - open for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 941-363-0604
• Philippi Creek Village Restaurant & Oyster Bar - open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 941-925-4444
• The Ritz-Carlton - offering a Christmas brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 941-309-2000

New Year’s Eve:

Finding a place to celebrate New Year’s Eve Sarasota-style is not too difficult. However, trying to decide on one place might be more challenging because there are so many options. Our highlights include:

• Derek’s Culinary Casual - will offer a special NYE menu; limited seating. 941-366-6565
• Mozaic - special NYE menu; two seatings at 5 p.m. (to 6 p.m.) and 8:30 p.m. 941-951-6272
• Indigenous - regular menu with specials and later seatings. 941-706-4740
• Darwin’s on 4th - regular menu with many specials. 941-343-2165
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar - New Year’s Nights on Dec. 28, Dec. 29, Dec. 30 and Dec. 31. 941-358-9463
• Carmel Café and Wine Bar - special NYE menu. 941-893-5955
• Duval’s New World Cafe - special five-course NYE menu; three seatings at 5 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.  941-312-4001
• Eat Here - full menu, live music and glasses of bubbly. 941-365-8700

It is hard to believe 2012 is already coming to a close. It has been a busy, productive and fun year. Thank you for making it so good. I wish you a Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years. Enjoy the holidays and this time of year!

The mouthwatering Voodoo Shrimp Po-boy.

In the harried world in which we live, service with a smile is often lacking—and as a result, unexpected. Since we have grown accustomed to this “new normal,” experiencing an unexpected service can make a memorable impression. Such was the case at the Half Shell Oyster House. Upon our first visit to the restaurant, the hostess opened the door and warmly welcomed us. We made a mental note to see if this practice occurred the next time we visited; it did. Simple, inexpensive, yet very effective in setting a positive impression, this hospitality carried through on multiple occasions with different people. In other words, it was a consistent experience for us.

Opened just about one year ago, the Half Shell Oyster House of Sarasota is the third Half Shell restaurant and the first non-Mississippi (Biloxi, Gulfport) location. With a large two-tiered dining room, warm dark wood, large pillars, high ceilings, hanging crystal chandeliers, a cozy bar area and private dining space, the Half Shell has all the trappings of a steakhouse. Even though the décor is classic and can feel somewhat chain-like, the style and ambiance work very well for a New Orleans seafood experience.

With a name like the Half Shell Oyster House, one would expect the menu to be squarely focused on seafood, and it is. However, there are a number of options for non-seafood diners as well. For our meals we chose the following:

• Seafood Gumbo:  Shrimp, crab, and crawfish in a dark filé roux topped with white rice   $4.50 cup, $7.50
  bowl
  Dark, rich, full of flavor, not too spicy. Sweet bites of New Orleans in a bowl.
• 

  A garden fresh Half Shell Salad topped with a juicy tuna fillet.

  Half Shell Salad:  Spring mix, avocado, goat cheese, toasted pine nuts, chives, diced tomatoes, and shredded carrots toasted with signature roasted garlic vinaigrette   $4.00 side, $7.00 entrée. Add-ons: chicken $3.00, shrimp $4.00, grilled tuna $7.50, oysters $8.00
  We chose to add grilled tuna, which was a large, juicy, flaky portion cooked to perfection … just right for the salad.

• Oysters on the Half Shell:  Freshly shucked in-house   $7.00 half, $13.00
  Very fresh, sweet and briny, classic presentation. An oyster slurper’s delight.
• Oyster Combo:  Three of each of the following:   $17.00
  • Charbroiled oysters – Half Shell’s signature oyster, charbroiled over an open flame with our butter and herb sauce.
    A mouthwatering grilled and charred flavor, very tasty.
  • Oysters Bienville – Oysters topped with an herb, mushroom, crab, shrimp and Italian bread crumb mixture, covered with Parmesan cheese and baked.
    Rich combination of flavors; cheesy with a silky, creamy taste.
  • Oysters Rockefeller – Oysters topped with an herb, fresh spinach and cream cheese mixture and then baked.
    A classic combination and rendition. Dark-colored presentation that was creamy with a definite herb taste; slightly tangy.
  • Oysters Orleans – Charbroiled over an open flame with a spicy New Orleans-style buttery BBQ sauce.
    Smoky, sweet sauce with a depth of flavor, a definite favorite.

Slurpy oysters on the half shell.

• Voodoo Shrimp Po-Boy:  Served on Gambino’s French bread with lettuce and tomato. Served with one side.   $10.00
  The bread was perfectly charred, crispy on top and soft in the middle. The sweet, spicy sauce delivered a full smoky flavor, and the shrimp were lightly breaded with a nice chewy texture.

• Seafood Stuffed Portabella:  Large portabella cap stuffed with lump crab, chipotle peppers and seasonings, grilled and served with lemon aioli. Served with two sides.  $17.00
  Three large portabella caps with amazing flavors, so much that I could have been eating a veggie seafood burger. Very filling with plenty to take home.

• Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding:  $5.00
  A dark, sexy presentation of Southern comfort food served in a martini glass. Delicious but not over-the-top sweet. Great to share with someone special.

The Half Shell Oyster House offers a full bar service, beer, wine and soft drinks to accompany your meals. Happy hour occurs daily from 3 to 6 p.m. and all day on Sunday, which accompanies the brunch service.

Providing an alternative taste, style, and presentation to the traditional Florida seafood restaurant, the Half Shell is setting itself apart. As previously mentioned, we found all the staff to be warm, friendly and attentive. In fact, on one of our visits the waiter overheard our discussion on taking home a doggie bag. We had a fair amount of food left over, but were going to the movies—therefore the doggie bag dilemma. What to do? The waiter offered to store the bag for us while we were at the movies, and all we had to do was remember to pick it up afterwards. Dilemma solved. Now, that is full service!

Half Shell Oyster House

1991 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-952-9400

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