Sometimes you find food. Sometimes food finds you. What: Cobb Salad Where: Dutch Valley Restaurant (6721 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-924-1770) Cost: Small $8.25, Large $9.99 What can you say about the mighty Cobb Salad that hasnt already been said a thousand times? How … [Read more...]
The LIST | December 2012
Finding a great Sarasota restaurant is just a click away. December has arrived and with it more great opportunities to visit some of our fine Sarasota restaurants. Im sure that most people have a little holiday shopping to take care of in the next few weeks. But, lets not … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | The Broken Egg
Sometimes you find food. Sometimes food finds you. What: Cuban Roll Where: The Broken Egg (140 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, 941-346-2750) Price: $ 8.49 When most people in this town think Cuban Sandwich the reflex response is The Columbia, And, thats natural. They do … [Read more...]
New, New, New…
Its always great to add a few new things to your life. Restaurants come and restaurants go. It just a fact of life in that business. Sometimes, its hard (if not impossible) to keep track of all the action. Even for us. Over the past few weeks we have added some places to … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Coyne’s Pier 28
Hey, its time to find some great Sarasota food! What: Coynes Famous Crab Cakes Where: Coynes Pier 28 (8200 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota 941-921-0028) Price: $24.00 First, does the following sound vaguely familiar? Second, no, this is not a Mad Lib. Ready, here goes. … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Zante Gyros
Nothing beats discovering a great dish! What: Chicken Gyro Where: Zante Gyros (6500 Superior Ave., Sarasota, 941-404-2099, Gulf Gate) Price: $5.95 There arent many people (at least that Ive run into) who dont love a good gyro every now and then. Obviously, it cant be … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Eat Beat | October 29, 2012
There are great Sarasota food happenings every week! You should know about them.. Its Stone Crab season! There are a bunch of places in town that are serving up this awesome seasonal delicacy. Have a look at what the Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) has on their plate. Grab … [Read more...]
Taste + Tech = Carmel Cafe
When technology meets food the results can be delicious. I love toys. Especially tech toys. The more light and buttons, the more better. At least in my eyes. The device doesn't even have to be all that useful. I just love to play with stuff. I also love and appreciate great … [Read more...]
Menu Sneak Peek | The Village Cafe
I hope you like jammin', too! Youre in for a treat. Weve got a little menu sneak peek for you. The Village Café on Siesta Key will be rolling out some brand new menu items a little later this year. But, youre about to be an insider. Youre lucky enough to have a first look at … [Read more...]
How To Build The Perfect Sandwich
The pursuit of perfection is a noble cause. Even when its just a sandwich. A quick history lesson. Does the name John Montagu ring a bell? No. Well, how about his more popular moniker, the 4th Earl of Sandwich? Yes. Now youve got it. Since the 18th century when The Earl … [Read more...]
James Beard Dinner | Maison Blanche Style
If you didnt happen to make it to NYC, this is the next best thing. So, you couldnt make it out to New York City this past June for the BIG James Beard Foundation dinner featuring our very own Chef Jose Martinez. Well, here is some news that will get your attention. October … [Read more...]
The Missing SKOBwich? | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Sometimes great items never make the REAL menu. Have you ever walked into a place, sat down at the bar (or table) and looked over at another persons plate to see what theyre having? Of course you have. We are all naturally curious, especially when it comes to our … [Read more...]
South Philly Comes To The South Trail | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
A dose of brotherly love comes to SRQ. There are a bunch of great sandwich shops here in Sarasota. Each one touts their own specialty. Some feature regional favorites, some offer a more generic cross section of sandwiches. A lot of places offer a Philly cheesesteak. Only … [Read more...]
Sarasota’s Best Restaurants | September 2012
I just ripped August off the wall calendar and Labor Day 2012 is in the books. Fall might not officially be here, but, its looming for sure. Heres a nice benefit of living in paradise. At this very moment, you are not outside in the garage trying to locate the snow shovel. … [Read more...]
Sarasota’s Top 5 | Week of August 27, 2012
Summers nearly gone. But, our local dining scene keeps on chugging along. Heres a look at your favorite Sarasota restaurants of the past week. Enjoy! A little summertime bonus, just for you... … [Read more...]
Your Seat At The Table.
Getting a seat at your favorite Sarasota restaurant has never been easier The Sarasota restaurant scene has gotten more and more competitive over the years. Im not talking about restaurants competing against one another. Im talking about hungry diners competing for a limited … [Read more...]
It’s Famous For A Reason
This is not going to be a deep philosophical Sarasota food post. I know youre used to that here. Hope you're not disappointed. This one is quite simple. Actually, it can be condensed into two words. Famous Italian If you havent been to the Main Bar Sandwich Shop in awhile, … [Read more...]
Chicago Beef, The Little Joe’s Way
The hunt is half the fun (at least). Im always on the prowl for a great Chicago beef sandwich. Guess what? Found another one! Little Joes Italian Beef on South Tamiami Trail. Its a recent addition to our restaurant scene and theyre serving up some pretty authentic Chicago … [Read more...]
Adult Education, Island Style
Who said learning cant be fun? Class is now in session. Im going to teach you a new word today. Some of you may know it. But, I feel fairly confident that for most of you (and me) it will be an addition to your already extensive vocabulary. Ready. Here we go. Falernum - … [Read more...]
Forks & Corks: A Food and Wine Spectacular | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
In todays frenetic news driven media world there's a rush to be first. First out with the big scoop, first to hit the web with a breaking news flash, first in a race to be first. I guess the timing of this post doesn't fit with any of that. Since January 29th, I think every … [Read more...]
Savory Is The Perfect Word
I love food that has a history. Even if its not my history. I always marvel at the sheer volume of stories that can be told through food. It might take the form of a frequently re-lived family tale that is rooted in a particular dish. Or, it may be a meal that triggers … [Read more...]
When They Say Eat Here, They Mean It
Another piece is added to downtown Sarasotas culinary landscape. Busy. Big city. Buzz. Those are some words that flashed through my head the minute I first walked in the door of Sean Murphys new Sarasota dining destination, Eat Here. When youre a local culinary legend … [Read more...]
Grilled Cheese Takes Center Stage
The humble grilled cheese gets a necessary elevation. Its supposed to be all about the burgers. And, mostly it is. When you have the word burger prominently featured in your name it had better be. But, what happens when a alternative menu item is as good as the featured … [Read more...]
10, 9, 8… Our Countdown Continues
And, onward we go. Last week we revealed ninety of the 100 top Sarasota restaurants on dineSarasota.com for 2011. Now its time to get to the next five. I feel a little like Casey Kasem here, no long distance dedications please 10 Yume Sushi 1537 Main Street Sarasota, … [Read more...]
Sarasota’s Top 100 Restaurants
UPDATED FOR APRIL 2015 We know you want to know where to go. And, we're here to help you out with that. Each and every month we update our top 100. From Seafood to Indian, Peruvian to bar food. Here are the TOP 100 Sarasota restaurants. RANK RESTAURANT 1 Derek's Rustic … [Read more...]
Our Most Popular Posts: November 2011
November was gone in a flash. Its almost hard to believe how quickly 2011 has been flying by. And, we all know whats just around the corner. Yes, the holidays of course, but, also SEASON! The streets will soon be filling up with visitors from all over the world looking to bask … [Read more...]
The Rise of the Rookies
Theres no other way to say it. The new kids on the block are making an impression on Sarasota diners. In this weeks top five there are four restaurants that have opened within the past few months, including two that have open in the last couple weeks. Only Solorzanos is there … [Read more...]
Coming and Going
Things change. That much we know for sure. Image Courtesy: Jennifer Woodard Maderazo There have been lots of changes to the Sarasota restaurant scene in the past few months. Weve been adding and deleting places from our database at a pretty good clip. Just in case you havent … [Read more...]
The Weekly: Solorzano’s, Seven Hills and Duval’s
Old favs and new entries make up this edition of the WEEKLY. When Morocco closed over in the Buccaneer Plaza on South Tamiami Trail, I thought why cant a place make a go of it there?. Its not a bad spot really. They have parking, signage, and an easy in and out from the … [Read more...]
Happy Thanksgiving
Is there a better day than Thanksgiving Day? I think not. From our table to yours, have a happy and thankful Thanksgiving Day. … [Read more...]
Forks and Corks U: More Than Wine 101 | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Trying to de-mystify the wine world is a noble pursuit. Image courtesy of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. © Peter Aker. When I went to college back thirty years ago, course offerings were pretty unimaginative. OK, boring. There was your usual complement of core classes, … [Read more...]
Libby’s Rolls Out Some New Tastes
Can new really compete with some old favorites? Not surprisingly, yes! The menu. The concept seems benign enough. If you walk into any restaurant, in any city, you will at some point be faced with some choices. Your options may be written on a white board mounted on a nearby … [Read more...]
The Weekly: Yoder’s, Munchies and Solorzano’s
Another week down. Its a quick slide to the holiday season and the end of 2011. Its probably a good time to order that fresh Thanksgiving turkey. Weve got a bunch of great places here in Sarasota to do that. I better remember to add that to my to-do list. While Im busy … [Read more...]
Fleming’s Steakhouse: Lump Crab Louis Wrap
I was flipping through a pile of old images from some of our Sarasota restaurants and came across some from a Flemings Steakhouse photo shoot I did a while back. This is their Lump Crab Louis Wrap. I had forgotten what a great appetizer it was. I thought I would dust off a … [Read more...]
Solorzano’s, Munchies 420 and Roadside Ribs
2011 continues to fly by so fast that it looks like a blur passing you on Tamiami Trail. Week #44 is in the books and youve been searching for restaurants on dineSarasota.com. Would you like to know what is getting the most looks? Of course you would. Heres our most search … [Read more...]
Market Time!!
The Siesta Key Farmers Market is in full swing each and every Sunday. You really should head on down to the Davidsons Plaza in the heart of Siesta Village for a cup of coffee, socializing or just to pick out some fresh fruits and veggies for the week. Looks great, right? … [Read more...]
Shamrock Pub Brings On The Q
Everybody loves a great summertime BBQ. Summertime is BBQ time. Well, actually in the Sunshine State, almost any time is BBQ time. But, lets not get all hung up on that. To help you get your fill this season, The Shamrock Pub is putting a brand new twist on the same old … [Read more...]
Libby’s Cafe + Bar Rolls Out Special Craft Beer
Summer and beer. They go together like (insert your own song lyrics here). But, its true. Summer and beer do go pretty great together. Its either the step up in outdoor temperature or our increased activity level. Im not sure exactly, but, I do know that a cold beer is pretty … [Read more...]
Spyder Broussard and The Polo Grill Boil It Up
You dont have to be a rocket scientist to know an amazing food find when you see one. Four years goes by in the blink of an eye. Thats how long Tommy Klauber of the Polo Grill and his good friend (and relative) Spyder Broussard have been treating East County folks to an … [Read more...]
Celebrate Bastille Day Mattison’s Style
If you cant arrange a trip to Paris for this years Bastille Day celebration, Weve got a nice alternative plan for your celebration. How about a short trip over to Mattisons Forty One for their special Bastille Day menu? Chef Paul Mattison and his culinary staff are planning a … [Read more...]
Can’t Get Enough Prix Fixe? Hillview Grill Has You Covered
Savor Sarasota is over. Now all youre left with is that down in the dumps, no prix fixe menu, empty feeling. Fear not! There are lots of restaurants around town that are continuing the Savor Sarasota spirit. Over in the Southside Village neighborhood, the Hillview Grill can … [Read more...]
Brasserie Belge Offers Burgers To Celebrate Independence Day
Did you ever think you would be chowing down an all American burger at a Belgian restaurant in Sarasota on the 4th of July? Well, truth be told, I hadnt considered the possibility either. Until now. Things have changed in Sarasota. Our restaurant community has exploded with … [Read more...]
An Inside Look At The Restaurant Show
Over the years Ive associated Bob Marley with a lot of things. Coffee was not among them. Every year at this time in May, you can find a whos who of the restaurant trade all gathered in one place. Chicago Illinois. More specifically, McCormick Place. Thats the site of the … [Read more...]
Brunch Should Be More Than Just A Meal
Contrary to popular belief, brunch is not just the awkward meal between breakfast and lunch. When I was growing up brunch was a BIG deal. Even today, its place as a meal is still special compared to your standard breakfast, lunch or dinner. But, its not quite the event that … [Read more...]
The May 2011 LIST Explodes With New Entries
The May 2011 list is out and its loaded with surprises. Im not saying the inclusion of any of these great Sarasota restaurants left us dumbfounded, theyre all fantastic places to dine. What caused us to raise an eyebrow (or two) was the shear number of new additions. 8 new … [Read more...]
The Concept of New and a Sarasota Restaurant Tradition
Sometimes always looking for the latest things obscures your view of the best things. Youve seen it. I know you have, because I have. A hand written note. A fancy, digitally produced graphic. Or, just blank butcher paper over a storefront window. All of the above say the same … [Read more...]
Have A Quick Peek At Nancy’s Menu
Whats currently the hottest ticket in town? If youre thinking Sarasota Film Festival, you may want to reconsider. How about a pulled pork sandwich? Thats right, pulled pork (or brisket). Nancys Bar-B-Q has unofficially opened and has lots of locals waiting in lines for a … [Read more...]
When Is A Scallop More Than A Scallop?
A good riddle can be as satisfying as a great dish. They both leave you wanting a little more. When I was young I had the same collection of books that most kids growing up in the early sixties had. Lots of Dr. Seuss and the like. Seuss was great, dont get me wrong. There are … [Read more...]
The Worst Kept Secret In Sarasota
Ill keep this brief (because frankly, its a little embarrassing for me). Do you see that mound of mouthwatering BBQ? Do you know what that means? Nancys Bar-B-Q is officially/unofficially open for business! But, you probably already knew that. Its called a soft opening … [Read more...]
Innovation and Invention Hits The Sarasota Food Scene
Why isn't there an acceptance of creative cuisine the way there is an acceptance of ordinary cuisine? That should be fixed. Those of you who know me personally or who visit dineSarasota.com on a regular or semi-regular basis know one thing. I don't like to write restaurant … [Read more...]
Is This The Best Goat Cheese Salad In Sarasota?
I thought I had seen or eaten just about anything that could contain or be made with a piece of goat cheese. I was wrong. The menu description is so inviting Two warm goat cheese pillows encased in puff pastry on a bed of romaine, apple and nuts. Honey vinaigrette. A house … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #1 Munchies 420 Cafe
The drum roll please... I guess that's a little much considering the name of our #1 restaurant is in the title to this post. Yes, that's right, Munchies 420 Cafe is #1 on our list for 2010. Congrats to them! OK, I think right off the bat we should dispense with all of the … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #2 Owen’s Fish Camp
And then there were two... OK, it's not nearly as suspenseful as a good murder mystery, but, it's all I've got. #2, one of the best new restaurants to have opened in Sarasota in a while. And, I'm not just saying that. It's true. I mean, before this thing opened people were … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #3 The Old Salty Dog
1, 2, 3... That's all that's remains. Clocking in at #3 is a Sarasota restaurant that offers two, count 'em two, great locations. And, each one has it's own distinct character. #3 The Old Salty Dog Adults, kids, families, locals, tourists, just about everybody hits "The Dog" at … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #4 Yoder’s Restaurant
We're heading in to the homestretch with our final 4! Our next place is a Sarasota tradition of sorts. It's located in the Pinecraft neighborhood. That's a part of Sarasota that doesn't really get tons of press. Looking for some classic Midwest comfort food? Then a trip to … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #5 Trader Vic’s Island Bar and Grill
A taste of the tropics out by the interstate? What? Well, that's exactly what you can expect when you make a stop at our #5 most searched for restaurant of 2010. #5 Trader Vic's Island Bar and Grill Trader Vic's Island Bar & Grill serves up exactly what you would expect. … [Read more...]
Forks and Corks: The Originals Hit It Out Of The Park!
Food and wine events around Sarasota are about as common as dolphin sightings in our clear blue gulf waters. These festivals all vie for our attention, dollars and palates. Not that there's a bad one in the bunch mind you. But, now we have clear winner in the race for our … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #6 Solorzano’s Italian Restaurant
Seems like Sarasota is fully stocked with an abundance of Italian restaurants. But, how do you sort out the truly memorable places from the ordinary pasta houses? #6 on our list isn't any ordinary pasta house. #6 - Solorzano's Italian Restaurant Solorzano's has Sarasota … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #7 Morocco
How about something a little different? That's exactly what you can expect from the next restaurant on our list. We're extremely lucky here in Sarasota when it comes to the diversity and variety of our dining choices. After all, it's not every community that has a fantastic … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #8 Cafe Gabbiano
Now things are moving at a pretty good clip. All the way up to #8. It's out to beautiful Siesta Key for our third and so far highest ranked Italian restaurant on the Best Of 2010 list. #8 Cafe Gabbiano Located right on busy Ocean Boulevard, Cafe Gabbiano has been serving … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #9 First Street Chop House
The hits just keep on rolling along. Clocking in at #9 on our 2010 Best Of list is another great downtown spot. If you're in the mood for a fantastic cut of meat that is perfectly cooked then your going to love the next stop on our climb to number one. #9 First Street Chop … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #10 Sand Dollar Rooftop Restaurant
We're halfway home! You've seen 11 through 20, now it's time for the dineSarasota LIST Top 10 for 2010. #10 brings us out to beautiful Lido Key. #10 Sand Dollar Rooftop Restaurant At the top of the Holiday Inn Lido Beach is where you'll find this longtime Sarasota favorite. … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #11 Wild Hog Barbecue
BBQ, Barbecue, Bar-B-Q. It doesn't really matter how you say it, our #11 for 2010 puts it all out there. And I mean all. #11 Wild Hog Barbecue If you're looking for some great BBQ here in Sarasota you need look no further than north Tamiami Trail. This Sarasota smoke pit has … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #12 Shakespeare’s English Pub
In the mood for some bangers and mash? Or, how about some fish and chips? If that style of cuisine is what your craving, then, your going to really love #12. This place serves those traditional English pub dishes and lots more. #12 Shakespeare's English Pub Aside from … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #13 Voocaray
There's something going on in Gulf Gate. It's turning into a crazy, eclectic culinary scene over there. It seems like all kinds of new places have either opened or are in the process of opening. Good places too. Take our #14 for example. In the past few months, people have … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #14 Braza Brazilian Steakhouse
If you're a meat lover then this type of place is all you. There is enough beef, pork, lamb and chicken here to satisfy even the hungriest carnivore. And, it's not just shear quantity, it's good too! #14 - Braza Brazilian Steakhouse The Churrascaria restaurant concept has … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #15 Pegasus Greek Restaurant
OK, I'm not exactly sure what's going on over at our next place. It seems to make our year end top 20 each time. It's not flashy. It's not fine dining. And, you don't hear everyone talking about it as one of the "hot" Sarasota restaurants. So what gives? Why are so many of you … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #16 Kumo Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar
A new entry on our year end list. This outstanding Japanese restaurant has it covered from both ends of town. Whether you're down in Venice or up in University Park, great Asian cuisine is close by. #16 - Kumo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar Let's face it there are tons … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #17 Blu Smoke Island Grill
Out to Siesta Key we go. OK, when you think Siesta Key the first thing that comes to mind isn't necessarily barbecue. I'm I right? Well, that may be changing. There's a fantastic BBQ place right in the heart of Siesta Village. #17 - Blu Smoke Island Grill Tired of seafood? … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #18 Sangria Tapas Bar
Downtown finally makes the list! I knew the would eventually. There's too many great places to eat in downtown Sarasota for at least a few spots to make our countdown. Number 18 has been around Main Street for a little while now. They started out small. When they first opened … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #19 Broccolini’s Restaurant and Catering
It looks like it's Gulf Gate 2, the rest of Sarasota 0. At least for the moment. Our number 19 restaurant from 2010 was another Gulf Gate location and another Italian restaurant as well. Boy, that's an eerie coincidence. #19 - Broccolini's Restaurant & Catering Broccolini's … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #20 Oh Mamma Mia!
2010 is behind us and its time to reveal which Sarasota restaurants were the most popular with our website visitors during the year just past. Were going to bring them to you one great restaurant at a time. Lets get started! #20 Oh Mamma Mia! Located in Gulf Gate, Oh … [Read more...]
Square 1 Burgers & Bar Opens in Sarasota
Move over Hob Nob and Five Guys, Sarasota has a brand new hamburger joint and it's called Square 1 Burgers & Bar. Newly opened at 1737 S. Tamiami Trail (just across from Sarasota Memorial Hospital), Square 1 has a fantastic looking menu of burger choices. And, I mean … [Read more...]
The LIST – December 2010 (#73)
Weve had bunches of new places open up over the past six months or so. These new Sarasota restaurants have been making a big showing on The LIST. Even with all of these new places to dine around town, some old Sarasota favorites make this months rundown of the most searched for … [Read more...]
The LIST Weekly – November 15, 2010 (#46)
Here's the update for this week. The Top 5 most searched for Sarasota restaurants on dineSarasota.com. You have some great taste! … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Gratuitous Food Foto of the Moment (#3)
Coming soon to downtown Sarasota. Nancy's BBQ. We can't wait to enjoy Nancy's great food in her new permanent location! More details soon. … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Gratuitous Food Foto of the Moment (#2)
All of a sudden Gulf Gate is turning into the newest Sarasota dining hotspot. This is what you can expect at Veg. … [Read more...]
I Have This Camera…
Sometime around the beginning of 2010, I decided that dineSarasota.com needed some better food photos. Not that the shots I was posting were horrific or embarrassing, but, I thought that the great food that was being prepared in our local restaurants deserved a little better … [Read more...]
Ragin’ Cajun
Our list of the most popular restaurants on dineSarasota.com is out for September 2010. It seems like Sarasota has developed a taste for New Orleans fare. Two of our creole/Cajun inspired restaurants have made this months list. And one of them, the newly opened Voocaray, comes in … [Read more...]
Libby’s Hits It Out Of The Park
When I think baseball, I think egg rolls. Don't you? OK, it's a stretch, I'll give you that. Back about four years ago, I had the opportunity to take a baseball trip with my son. Philadelphia was one of our stops. Obviously, The City of Brotherly Love, has a lot of things to do … [Read more...]
The WEEKLY: Week of July 26, 2010 (#31)
Here's our weekly list of the most searched for Sarasota restaurants on dineSarasota.com for the past week. The more things change, the more they stay the same. No change at the top, but a little shuffling of the deck. Check out the top twenty each month on The LIST. … [Read more...]
The WEEKLY: Week of July 19, 2010 (#30)
Here's our weekly list of the most searched for Sarasota restaurants on dineSarasota.com for the past week. No Change at the top, but a little shuffling of the deck. Check out the top twenty each month on The LIST. … [Read more...]
The Spice of Life
In Chicago, back in the mid-1990's, New York toy seller, FAO Schwarz tried a new concept. A candy store that was stocked to the gills with every type of confection known (and even unknown) to man. It was called FAO Schweetz. If you were under the age of ten, your eyes would … [Read more...]
SKOB: A Look Around The New Menu
Usually I reserve this space for some kind of snappy, somewhat food related banter. Not so today. Today's edition of the dSDISH is going to be a little different and something Im thinking about doing from time to time. Its not quite a photo essay, but, its not a … [Read more...]
Carrabba’s Amici Club: Customer Loyalty Rewarded
I think Im a pretty outgoing person. I mean, I will talk to most people and do it without prompting. But, whats it like to sit down with forty seven people you have never met before at one giant Norman Rockwellish table? And, not for Thanksgiving in your Grandmothers basement, … [Read more...]
Summertime And The Eating Is Fine
Summertime 2010 is "officially" upon us! And, of course that means that were going to see tons of great fruits and vegetables hitting our local farm stands and Farmer's Markets. Now is a fantastic time to get out and see what available outside the produce section of your favorite … [Read more...]
The Monterey Grill: Wahoo!!
Say it, Fish-Burger. Go ahead, one more time, Fish-Burger. Now youre getting the idea. It might be a little unnatural when you first utter it, but, youll get the hang of it. Any place you walk into these days that serves casual fare seems to have a fish taco on the menu. So … [Read more...]
Sarasota’s Great Chili Cookoff – The Finale
Sarasota's Great Chili Cookoff - The Finale Let's see how this all turns out... It all comes back to the chili. Forget about the beer, the fantastic made-to-order weather, and the live music. That's why we're here, right? With the booth judging out of the way, it was … [Read more...]
Munchies 420 Cafe Hits The Top Of The LIST
Weve had bunches of new places open up over the past six months or so. These new Sarasota restaurants have been making a big showing on The LIST. Even with all of these new places to dine around town, some old Sarasota favorites make this months rundown of the most searched for … [Read more...]
Sarasota Area Restaurants Closing, But, Does Anyone Care?
I had hopes that this summer season would be different than summer seasons just past. Then the emails came. The first showed up on May 26th in the form of a post from Creative Loafing Food Writer, Brian Ries. Two downtown Sarasota restaurants were shutting their doors. The newly … [Read more...]
Fleming’s Adds Some “New Classics” To Their Old Favorites
Food is funny. Sometimes we scour our city in search of the latest in new and fresh cuisine. Other times we long for our culinary comfort zone. Can a steakhouse fit in to both categories? Its a question that has plagued mankind for centuries (OK, maybe not), but, it still … [Read more...]
What Can You Do With A Bunch Of Fresh Beets?
It's that time of year once again. Summer is close and soon Farmer's Markets and farm stands will be stocked to the gills with all kinds of delicious fresh fruits and vegetables. Sometimes you run into things at those stands or markets that look fantastic, but, you really have no … [Read more...]
Tony’s Chicago Beef: A REAL Chicago Beef Hits Sarasota
Tony's Chicago Beef: A REAL Chicago Beef Hits Sarasota Everybody loves a taste of home Living in Sarasota is great. For a city our size, we have a fantastic array of food choices before us each and every day. People should be jealous. Obviously, being right on the … [Read more...]
Oh Mamma Mia!: Penne alla Puttanesca
I was never one of those kids who had to be told not to play with their food. I'm certain that there are some out there who had to be instructed on a regular basis that their dinner or lunch was not for amusement but rather for nourishment. Not me. I was happy to eat my meal … [Read more...]
Could Chili Judging Be The Ultimate Foodie Hobby?
Could Chili Judging Be The Ultimate Foodie Hobby? What does it take to judge a food competition? "Beer is the ultimate palate cleanser. Drink lots". That sounds a lot like an excuse to consume. And it was! From those instructions, would you automatically assume Chili … [Read more...]
Why Are Loquats Such A Big Secret?
Why Are Loquats Such A Big Secret? Here's some info on this delicious fruit I have this tree on the side of my house. I had no idea what type of tree it was. I only knew two things. It bears fruit, and whatever fruit that is, both birds and people passing by my house like … [Read more...]
The Hillview Grill: The Half Sandwich Combo
Gulf Gate, Downtown, St. Armands, Siesta Key and of course Southside Village. There are so many great restaurant hot spots here in Sarasota. We're pretty lucky that way. Lots of cities our size can't make that claim. A good amount of places have all of their best restaurants … [Read more...]
Gecko’s Lucky #5 Opens on Hillview
If you've been holding your breath waiting for the new Gecko's Grill and Pub on Hillview in the Southside Village neighborhood to open, you may now safely exhale. That's right, the latest addition to the Gecko's family, "Lucky #5" is open for business and serving up all that … [Read more...]
Calling All Sarasota Chiliheads
UPDATE: There are 4 spots left for Saturday's big Sarasota Chili Cook-off. If you think you have what it takes to compete with the best chili cooks in the region, then this is your opportunity. Click here for all of the signup info. Do you think you've got what it takes it put … [Read more...]
Trader Vic’s: Island-Tizer Platter
What to do on a rainy Sunday afternoon? Here are some choices. I could (A) just sit around the house, watch a little college basketball, do lots of nothing or I could (B) shop for bathroom fixtures. Hhhmm... That could be a tough choice. I know that every guy is just dying to … [Read more...]