FIRST LOOK – Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery
Fresh Baked Italian Bread is the Calling Card of Focaccia!
🟰 THE BASICS
• WHAT: Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery
• WHERE: 2300 Bee Ridge Rd. (941) 924-2268 (The Colonnade)
• WHEN: MON-SAT, 11AM TO 3PM
• GET MORE INFO: Focaccia Website | dineSarasota Info Page
It all starts with the bread at this brand-new Sarasota sandwich and bakery. And I have to say, they bake some pretty delicious bread! 🥖
🪟 10,000 FOOT VIEW
What You Do with That Bread is Important. Anyone with minimal kitchen skills can toss together a passable Grilled Cheese Sandwich or a PB & J that would satisfy even the most discerning 5-year-old palate.
Thankfully, the folks who run Focaccia have brought WAY more sandwich game to their new endeavor. These are elevated sandwich creations that we’re talking about.
When I say “elevated,” what I may be trying to say is thoughtful. Each ingredient highlights the others between those two slices of expertly baked bread. There’s no fluff here. No filler. Each ingredient is used for its intended purpose: to make each bite delicious!
🤷🏻♂️ WHAT’S THIS PLACE LIKE?
• It’s not big, that much is for sure. There are enough tables inside for a few folks. Some tables, some bar seating. Outside has room for lots more sandwich-loving people.
• The open-kitchen concept (which I’m a BIG fan of) lets you watch all the sandwich and baking artistry go down in real time. 👀
• It’s in a funny location. You’ll have to keep your eyes open. The Colonnade is bright enough (It’s that big blue shopping strip on the south side of Bee Ridge, just west of Shade). But the storefronts are back just enough that you don’t get a good look when driving by.
• The “step up to the counter” service could not be easier or more friendly. Have a question? Just ask. You’ll get a super cheery answer that will absolutely brighten your day. 😊
📄 WHAT TO ORDER?
Choose From Eight Different Focaccia Sandwiches. If you’re not a sandwich person (I can’t even imagine!) or you’d just like a lighter or less carb-heavy meal, that’s not a problem.
They’ve got a selection of salads, soups, and sides that measure up to their sandwich options. 📝 I guarantee that the next time back, the Roasted Tomato Bisque will be calling my name!
Today, we ordered the Italian (coppa, prime rib, porchetta, pickled red onion, aged mozzarella, arugula, calabrian chili aioli).
The way it’s described, you’re expecting one of those giant, overstuffed monster sandwiches. It’s not. It’s the perfect size. AND you can get either a whole or a half!
DO NOT misunderstand. I love a great big 1lb. Sammie. It’s just that sometimes I don’t have time for that 2PM nap that will undoubtedly be called for. 😁
📷 PICTURES ARE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
👀 RANDOM OBSERVATIONS
• Loved the half sandwich option. Add some soup for a complete meal!
• That focaccia bread was SO light and airy. It was an ideal carrier for the tasty ingredients that are nestled between those two slices.
• There is lots of parking at The Colonnade. That’s a real plus when the town is brimming with visitors.
• I wish there were a few more inside dining spots (there are just a couple of small tables and some counter stools). For a good chunk of the year, it can be a touch too hot to enjoy a midday outdoor lunch.
• If you want to save some time, they’ve got a super easy online ordering system. Just click, order, pick up.
📃 SEE THE FOCACCIA MENU AND/OR START AN ORDER HERE!
✅ BOTTOM LINE
Focaccia Was a Perfect Quick Lunch Spot. This isn’t a place where you’re going to linger for a meal with long-lost friends that you need two hours to catch up with. But it hits the target for what it is. It’s a place to grab a quick lunch (either eaten in or carried out) and not sacrifice that delicious house-made quality that you would expect in a fancier spot.
~ LH
📖 READ MORE…
The Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery Facebook Page
🗓️ 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, we’d like to help you spread the word. Let us know! (EMAIL IT)
📖 BUY A COPY OF OUR 2024 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE 📖
😋 MICHAEL’S ON EAST – MONTHLY EPICUREAN MENU – NEW ORLEANS
WEEKLY POP-UP KITCHEN EVENTS – 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop
Yes! Things are finally starting to pick up a bit in the local food event department. Our calendar is filling up little by little. ⬇️
MAR 1 – 2024 Steak & Burger, Boys & Girls Clubs – INFORMATION
MAR 15 – Papa’s Pilar Rum Dinner – Pier 22
MAR 16 – Grand Tasting Brunch – Florida Winefest & Auction
MAR 22 – Austin Hope Wine Dinner – GROVE Restaurant
MAR 23 – The 30th Annual Tropical Nights: A Pirate’s Life – INFORMATION
MAR 31 – Easter Brunch – GROVE Restaurant
APR 12 – Porter Winemaker Dinner – Cafe Gabbiano
🧑🌾 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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