A Burger A Week – Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood.
Can a “seafood” place really be a burger spot??
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There’s a lot to a name (this is the second time this week we’ve discussed this). You might think of a restaurant’s name as a calling card or even a mini elevator pitch. It should tell people something about the place. It should definitely NOT leave you scratching your head.
This week’s burger stop has a name that couldn’t be more direct. Fresh. Local. Seafood. Yes, that’s about as straightforward as it gets. And when it comes to those three things, Duval’s is true to its name.
So, a burger at a seafood restaurant? I can see that skeptical look on your face all the way over here. You should really try and be more open-minded. 😆
Duval’s has been open at its downtown Sarasota location for over ten years. That’s a great run for a restaurant. There are plenty of good reasons behind their long-term success. One of them is that they have been able to adapt.
When Duval’s first opened their doors on Main Street, it featured a “New World” menu (their name also reflected their menu back then too).
Since then, they have been able to adjust their offerings to suit their clientele (don’t worry, they still have the super popular Po’ Boy Sandwiches from that original menu!). A lot of times, a little change is exactly what it takes to keep things fresh!
It’s Florida. It’s nice to be able to dine outside! And Duval’s has a large outdoor dining space to easily accommodate a crowd.
They were smart and took full advantage of the “Parklet” opportunity provided by the city for additional outdoor seating.
OH, they have indoor seating for those wanting to dine in a more temperature-controlled environment (think August here!). It’s a little fancier than outdoors.
They also have an upscale casual bar area that features a nice list of creative, handmade cocktails.
*sigh* It’s a “working lunch” for me today. So, sadly, a handmade cocktail is not on my menu.
But a burger definitely is! 🍔
Duval’s is one of those places that we have discussed before. They have a single burger option on their menu. Also, like we’ve discussed before, when you only have one crack at it, it had better be good.
Duval’s isn’t a stuffy seafood place. They have Fish & Chips and the previously mentioned Po’ Boy Sandwich. But they also feature Ocean Scampi. There’s seafood for every taste and preference.
I think we all realize that cooking a burger isn’t the same as pan-roasting fish. But it doesn’t seem like it will stress the kitchen’s culinary skills to the breaking point either. I say, let’s find out…
Let’s talk about our Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. burger experience…
RESTAURANT DUVAL’S FRESH. LOCAL. SEAFOOD (1435 Main St. (941) 312-4001)
DATE OF VISIT: MARCH 14, 2023
STOP #: 25 OF 52
BURGER TASTED: DUVAL’S BURGER
📒 OUR TASTING NOTES
🍔 This burger is served as listed on the menu: blackened, chipotle remoulade, candied pepper bacon, cheddar jack cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, and sweet onion. ($16.00)
• I feel a touch bad that I didn’t let my server, Jesse launch into his recitation of the delicious seafood specials for that day. I figured he didn’t need the practice, and I already knew I was not having fish. 🙄
• This is a great size for a burger. It seems like a third-pound. An almost perfect amount for not feeling like you overdid it when you finally push away from the table.
• I loved the thick-cut bacon. Described on the menu as “candied pepper bacon.” It really shines on this burger!
• The remoulade had a distinct flavor apart from everything else on the burger. Wish I had had more of it. It was a delicious addition!
• Toppings on the bottom of the sandwich is now my official preference. I loved that this burger was constructed with the veggies on the bottom and the meats and cheese on top.
• Wait for it… The FRIES. You didn’t think we would forget about my favorite side dish, did you? They were crispy, salty, and delicious. Enough said. 🍟
Let’s check out how all of this looked when I ordered it…
BURGER TAKEAWAYS: Just the right amount of attention to detail at Duval’s • At $16, this burger is a splurge, but its price is in line with the rest of the menu • This burger has a great “burger” flavor 🍔 • This is a restaurant that is filled with “adult diners.” It’s a perfect place for a burger date (or any other date, really) • Don’t forget that Duval’s offers FREE trolley service around the downtown area. You should hop on board! 🚎
🏆CONTEST UPDATE: We had quite a few guesses in our Win A Burger Contest. Unfortunately, no one came up with the correct answer (next time, we’re giving you a better clue!). So, we decided to pick one at random from all the entries we received. Congrats to Bill Snow 🎉 Enjoy your Duval’s Burger (OH, and your dining book 📕)
👀 SNEAK PEEK: Next week is the last stop of the first half of our Sarasota burger adventure. We’re closing out the first half with a place that’s popular with folks from every age group. And you’ll never find a freezer in one of their places.
JOIN SARASOTA’S BEST BURGERS FACEBOOK GROUP HERE!
✅ Did you miss a week? No worries. Here’s a link to our A BURGER A WEEK SERIES ARCHIVE! 🍔
🗓️ 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. (If you have an event, send us the details! (EMAIL IT)
WEEKLY POP-UP KITCHEN EVENTS – 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop
FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH – Cheese & Wine – Mademoiselle Paris (Downtown)
MAR 28 – Masterworks Dinner – Sarasota Orchestra
MAR 23 – Porter Family Vineyards Winemaker Dinner –Café Gabbiano
MAR 31 – SPARCC Runway Fashion Show – INFORMATION
APR 1 – Wine Brunch & Charity Auction – Florida Winefest & Auction
APR 8 – 35th Annual Easter Egg Hunt – Sandbar Seafood & Spirits
APR 9 – Easter Buffet Brunch – Mattison’s Forty-One
APR 9 – Easter Brunch – Duval’s, Fresh, Local, Seafood
APR 9 – Easter Brunch – Element – Reservations
APR 9 – Easter Brunch – Harry’s Continental Kitchens
APR 12 – Social Club Wine Tasting – Michael’s Wine Cellar
APR 13 – Stag’s Leap Wine Dinner – GROVE Restaurant
APR 15 – Food Trucks, Tunes, & Brews 5 – INFORMATION
APR 22 – Saturday Wine Tasting – Michael’s Wine Cellar
APR 20 TO 24 – Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival – INFORMATION
🧑🌾 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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