Libby’s Rolls Out Some New Tastes

November 15, 2011

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 wall. Or, they sometimes come in the form of elegant raised lettering on linen paper. These choices can and do come is a dizzying array of styles, but, that does not change the fact that you will have to make them.

Here’s the rub. I like the comfort of knowing what decisions need to be made prior to making them. I also relish the experience of being surprised by the unexpected. This creates problems. Allow me to illustrate.

Lets just say, I have a craving for this fantastic lamb dish. I’ve had it a couple of times before at this quaint little restaurant. This lamb is really good. My wife and I jump in the car. We fight a little pre-season traffic, we’re lucky enough to find a parking spot without too much circling and we stroll up to the front door.

Then you see the words. Most likely they are handwritten on a specials board. “You’ll love our new menu”. What? New menu? I didn’t get off my comfy couch, get in the car and be lucky enough to win the parking space lottery for a “new menu”. I want the OLD menu! What about my lamb? Sound vaguely familiar? Of course it does.

This is the point when the anxiety builds. Was my favorite lamb dish good enough to make the cut for the new menu? Did enough other diners think it was just as spectacular? Or, was the chef just sick and tired of making it day in, day out?

We’ve all been there. And, we’ve all had to settle at one time or another. At times our taste buds have been mildly disappointed by a substitute offering. But, things are bound to change.

But, there is another possible and preferable scenario.

You arrive at the restaurant, you’re greeted by the new menu sign and soon find out that something wonderful is about to take place.

Not only is your favorite lamb dish on the menu, but, so are a mouthwatering assortment of new and interesting choices. That’s exactly what’s happening at Libby’s Café + Bar. Lots of your old favorites, with a liberal mix of soon to be Libby’s classics.

Over at Libby’s they have a habit of refining their menu offerings two or three times a year. It’s a good habit. This winters menu makeover is destined to be a hit. I’m sure the job of re-working a menu is daunting and time consuming. It just seems like hard work. Lucky for us they’re damn good at it.

Let’s have a look.

Those are the “Karubi” Pork Belly Ribs. That’s right, pork belly ribs. If you want the same flavor profile in a sandwich it’s no problem. The Buffalo Inspired Pork Belly Sandwich is for you. Same rich, delicious taste, but, in a convenient handheld form.

All kinds of new offerings dot Libby’s winter menu. From Small Plates to Egg Rolls to Dinner and Lunch Specialties. There is lots to try and lots to love.

We all like our favorites. That’s why they’re our favorites. And, nobody’s saying you have to abandon yours. That’s the beauty of the new winter menu at Libby’s. Your old feel good favorites can play right along side the new kids on the block. And, they can play nicely.

LIBBY’S CAFE + BAR
1917 Osprey Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34239
941-487-7300