A Burger A Week – Boca Sarasota
It’s time for the OMG Burger
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Back in 1971, in Berkeley, California, the “Farm to Table” movement got its real launch. Chef Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse would start a movement that wouldn’t hit our restaurant market for more than a few years.
Being a gulf-side community, “Tide to Table,” “Boat to Fork,” or “Ocean to Table” would make lots more sense for us considering that big, fishable body of water directly to our west. 🎣
In the fall of 2016, downtown would become the home to one of the earlier entries into our local Farm to Table space. That’s when Boca Sarasota would open for business in a neighborhood that would quickly grow up around it.
They started here as Boca Kitchen, Bar & Market. And back then, they hosted a living edible greens wall right in the restaurant! Pretty cutting-edge stuff for little ‘ole Sarasota. 😁🥬
Fast forward a few years to right here, right now. Boca has undergone some corporate changes AND a name change (they now go just by Boca Sarasota).
The interior had a little bit of a makeover, too. (On a sad note, the “Stairway of Wilco” is no more). That makes me a bit sad. 😢
But even after all of the changes, the place remains essentially the same. And that’s a good thing.
Boca has some great “streetside” dining.
Inside hosts a unique square bar.
Crafting cocktails while inside this little box probably seems like you’re the star of some surreal drink-making demo. And, in a way, it is! 🍸
The Boca Specials Board always has something colorful scratched on it. I love that they have kept the Staff Meal special through all of the changes. It’s unique. A little tip of the hat to a mostly retired restaurant tradition.
📝 A specials chalkboard is becoming kind of old school now that the world has turned into one giant QR code!
We’re not here today for any of those sure-to-be tasty specials. We’re here for the burger (and so are you!). And this burger is screaming, OMG! 😱
Let’s talk about our Boca Sarasota burger experience…
RESTAURANT: BOCA SARASOTA (19 S. Lemon Ave. (941) 256-3565)
DATE OF VISIT: MAY 1, 2024
STOP #: 50 OF 52
BURGER TASTED: OMG BURGER
📒 OUR TASTING NOTES
🍔 This burger is served as listed on the menus: 100% pasture-raised beef, bibb lettuce, aged white cheddar, pickled onions, tomato, sweet relish aioli, house cut sea salt fries or couscous salad ($19.50)
• The OMG Burger has a super distinct char-grilled flavor. A lot of the burgers we’ve tasted have been cooked on a grill. The flavor of that cooking method really shines through here.
• I usually love the toppings on the bottom approach to burger building. On this one, the tomato was fresh and flavorful (not normal for your standard FL tomato 🍅). The pickled onions keep your attention.
• ⚠️ Here’s an issue with toppings on the bottom in this case. The ingredients that were on the topside of the burger kind of get lost in the shuffle. The cheese and the aioli don’t shine on their own. The Solution: I hate to say it, but in this case, all of the toppings probably do better on top of the burger rather than splitting them up. That way, they all have an equal opportunity to reach your taste buds. ✅
• The branded bun had good flavor but was no match for everything that was on this big burger. You’re going to need a napkin (or three). Not a bad thing, just be prepared. 😃
• THE FRIES – In a word, GREAT. These are truffle parmesan French fries and are a definite highlight. Cooked perfectly crispy. These will absolutely make you smile! 🍟
Let’s check out how all of this looked when I ordered it…
EXTRA STUFF: Boca has always had great service. Nothing has changed in that department • The outdoor seating has a nice semi-urban feel to it • They have a large upstairs space for private dining occasions • This is a good-sized burger (you’ll leave full), but at $19.50 it’s not a bargain burger 💵
👀 SNEAK PEEK: 50 burgers down, two to go! We’ve got one pretty traditional burger left. And then a “4 for 1” burger-tasting situation. That one will be memorable!
~ LH
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🗓️ SARASOTA FOOD EVENTS 🗓️
Here are some upcoming local food events that we think you might find interesting. All you need to do is make that reservation. We’ve provided you with a link to more info.
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😋 MICHAEL’S ON EAST – MONTHLY EPICUREAN MENU – VIVA MEXICO
WEEKLY POP-UP KITCHEN EVENTS – 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop
😎 GECKO’S SUMMER 2024 MENU – HAVE A LOOK!
We’ve got a few things for you to do in the next days, weeks, and months. Get out there and take advantage of what our Sarasota restaurant community has to offer! ⬇️
MAY 16 – Silver Oak Wine Dinner – Mattison’s Forty-One
MAY 16 – Protea Wine Dinner – Fins at Sharky’s
MAY 17 – Patrón Tequila Dinner – GROVE Restaurant
MAY 19 – Party of the Decade Benefit – Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse
MAY 27 – Myakka River Blues Festival – INFORMATION
MAY 29 – Winemakers Dinner – Clasico Italian Chophouse
🧑🌾 FARMER’S MARKET INFO 🌾
EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS
THIRD THURSDAY NIGHT – RADD Night Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
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