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a city that already boasts more restaurants per capita
than New York City, Sarasota County finds itself welcoming
new, hot spots and newly relocated favorites these days.
Neal Finelli and I donned our pens, and packed our forks
as we set out on an exploration of our newest culinary
neighbors in Sarasota and Bradenton.
Well, if you haven’t
heard by now, probably the true “darling” of the
new ones goes to Bay Leaf Café.
Located on US 41, just down from the Original Oyster Bar,
Bay Leaf Café opened this past September on a quiet yet delicious
note! Mouth-watering Eastern European culinary dishes with
a fresh Florida flare excite diners.
If you love Hungarian Goulash, there is none better (especially
when served over crisp, homemade potato pancakes). The spinach
and ricotta crépes melt in your mouthand the salmon cakes
are divine! Bay Leaf Cafe’s salads are fresh and deliciously
creative. The Goat Cheese Confit of Duck Salad with pine
nuts, is luscious. Do not go home before experiencing the
warm Farmer’s Cheese and Orange Crépe with Grand Marnier
sauce.
Prices are moderate, the room is small and adorable and
the food critics are raving! Serving lunch and dinner,
closed Sundays.
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| Main Street Bistro |
One of the marvelous new spots
is over on Main Street, next to Sarasota News & Books.
Welcome Main Street Bistro
to the “chi-chi” side of the Gulfstream dining
scene. The space is fabulous, just like a Manhattan Bistrowaterfall
on their outside patio wall, and inside, a changing colored
mural creates an artists haven. Food is contemporary and
comfortable.
Salad Nicoise, Homemade Country Paté, a creative spin on
Bouillabaisse and fabulous pasta dishes are but a few of
the delectables. Chef Tom has put his talents to work on
this bountiful menu while owner, Mike Jacobson, has created
an exciting wine list, with intriguing and moderately priced
selections.
The bar is narrow and reminiscent of the deep reds of
Bern’s Steak House in Tampa. Home base for the local
band, Jennifer and the Venturas, Main Street Bistro is
the “buzz” for cool, hip, creative and fun.
Serving lunch (excluding Sundays and Mondays) and dinner
nightly.
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Findaddy’s owners
Dan Henson and Mike Granthon |
Over on the North side of town,
Sarasota welcomes Findaddy’s
to the sports bar arena. Located next to Southside Athletic
Club on North Beneva (formerly Beef O’ Brady’s),
Findaddy’s comes from a fine family tree. Owners,
Mike Granthon and Dan Henson, come to their new establishment
after many successful years in the restaurant business.
The Buffalo Wings are just awesome (although my son swears
by the Honey BBQ Wings), and the menu offers a complete family
pleaser. Choices include Chargrilled Burgers, Taco Salad
with homemade black bean salsa, Chicken Pot Pie, pitchers
of beer, and wings, wings, wings!
Said to be a local hang out for the Cincinnati Reds, (now
local softball heroes become the boys/girls of summer).
Proud sponsors of several youth sports programs, watch
for Findaddy’s growth throughout Sarasota County.
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Sam Snead’s Tavern owners
Brian and Pam Sullivan &
Cindy and Douglas Tibbetts |
Heading back to South Osprey
Avenue continues to bring this quaint neighborhood good
eats. Welcome Sam Snead's
Tavern to the corner of Hillview and Osprey. The
golfers will love the sports memorabilia and the comfortable
greens (no pun intended) and soft leather banquettes.
The menu is simple but filled with comfort foods. Baby Back
Ribs, Smothered Chicken, Tavern Pizzas, pastas and salads
entice diners. And, I must commentthe Greenbrier BLT is
one of the best sandwiches I’ve digested recently.
Sometimes it’s the good ol’ reliable that takes
us back home!
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| TooJay’s Gourmet Deli |
Having found the perfect outfit
at Acorn, picked up the newest espresso maker at Williams
Sonoma, and stopped by the Pottery Barn for just the right
wedding giftrelax, put your packages down and order up a
overstuffed deli sandwich, a good ol’ bowl of matzo
ball soup or just about anything else you might possibly
think of at Southgate Plaza’s newest eatery, TooJay's
Gourmet Deli. Join them for a “little taste of
home” from Potato Pancakes to Tabouleh, Nova Salmon
to Chopped Liver and homemade Blintzes to Cheesecake. TooJay’s
Gourmet Deli is a big hit!
Reminiscent of your favorite New York-style delicatessen,
TooJay’s is casual, lively and open daily for breakfast,
lunch and dinner. They have locations from the West Coast
of Florida to Orlando to West Palm, Boca Raton and Northwest
Broward. Their catering department is going gangbusters,
with delivery available for office lunches, house parties
and special occasion party platters.
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A change
for all seasons, Sarasota County has seen a few
favorites relocate recently. Whether it was to make
room for beachfront condos, or to make room for
more guests, we’ve followed these tasteful
entrepreneurs to their new locations.
Zoria has moved
from their Hillview Street location to a spot that
is already creating a sizzle. Now in their new digs
at Main Street and Links Avenue, Zoria boasts a
much larger kitchen, thus the addition of fantastic
catering offered by three culinary musketeers. Chef
Ryan, creates fusion magic for his dinners. It is
wonderful to see Eddie back on the wine scene and,
Chef Arthur spins his pastry magic, to round out
this talented trio. |
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Zoria
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| The Bayou Steakhouse |
The Bayou
Steakhouse in the Whitney Beach Plaza on north Longboat
Key, has proved itself in carrying an excellent choice of
steaks. They also maintain a cultural charisma in offering
fresh fish specials, excellent chops, fall-off-the-bone St.
Louis Ribs and array of flavorful appetizers.
Their comforting bar and friendly staff will make you feel
right at home. The Bayou Steakhouse is situated on the bayou
where guests can enjoy outdoor or indoor dining. They also
offer creative catering, including the weekend barbeque to
the memorable black tie events. They serve lunch and dinner
daily
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The Beach Club
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A drive into Siesta Village will
surely open your eyes if you haven’t been during the
season. The new Beach Club
is a sight to behold! Since 1947 they have been at this location,
yet with a recent renovation to 5,000 square feet, the Beach
Club is now a true landmark.
Diners can enjoy the casual food offered for lunch and dinner.
Select from Nachos, Fried Oysters, Quesadillas, Caesar Salads,
Chef Salad, Jerk Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, Tuna Melt , Gourmet
Pizzas and more.
Live music continues to draw the crowds 7 nights a week at
the Beach Club, as do the 18TV’s! We encourage you to
stop in and enjoy Siesta Key’s newest dining and entertainment
establishment. Enjoy the memories and start some new ones
at The Beach Club on Siesta Key.
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| Zak’s Steakhouse |
The new restaurants we are writing
about can be in old buildings as well. A case in point is
with Zak’s Steakhouse.
Housed in a beautiful 1926 home on North Palm Avenue, Zak’s
Steakhouse is under the direction of John Zakarian and Lori
Perkins.
The restaurant was formerly Noah and before that Carmichael’s.
John and Lori have transformed it to an upscale restaurant
with 72 seats inside and 44 outside in the charming patio.
The upstairs is also available and each of the rooms has
its own characterbeautifully done.
Their menu does feature steak (prime beef, dry-aged at least
45 days), along with a few special entrees for two, including
Chateaubriand and a Lamb Alexander. Other items include seafood,
chicken and veal along with a variety of appetizers including
Steamed Mussels, Zak’s Own Dumplings and Crab Cakes.
Serving lunch and dinner, Zak’s also has an outdoor
luncheon special for those wishing to enjoy the patio dining
this beautiful time of year. For any meal make it your pleasure
to dine at Zak’s Steakhouse.
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| The Daiquiri Deck |
Just down the street at the Daiquiri
Deck is where another Siesta Village facelift recently
took place. The restaurant and bar looks fabulous with everything
new including an open deck and kitchen. The menu is casual
(hey, it is Siesta Key, mon) for lunch or dinner.
Of course the daiquiris are flowing day and night with just
about every flavor you could imagine. A full bar is at the
ready for those who wish to enjoy a cocktail with their meal.
The Daiquiri Deck been a tradition for many years on Siesta
Key and now it is better than ever for dining and socializing.
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| The Sun House Restaurant |
New in Bradenton Beach is The
Sun House Restaurant. Located adjacent to Bridge Walk
Resort on the roundabout at Bridge Street and Gulf Drive,
The Sun House is a two storey 150-seat restaurant that offers
indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping water views of the
Gulf of Mexico and Intracoastal Waterway. Sunsets are a big
celebration here, a la Key West, so try and make one.
The menu features Floribbean Cuisine, a fusion of American
cooking traditions with Caribbean and Latin ingredients.
Executive Chef James French handles the cooking with his
wonderful style of creativity. Owners Barbara and Angela
Rodicker along with Richard and Tess Horn welcome you to
stop in for a lunch, dinner, Sunday Brunch or cocktail and
enjoy what The Sun House Restaurant has to offer.
Be sure to join Chef James for a Cooking Demonstration on
Saturdays from 3 to 4 beginning May 10. It will be $25 per
person, which includes a $10 gift certificate for you towards
a future meal at the restaurant . Wine dinners will start
May 22 at $59.95 pp (exclusive of tax and gratuity). For
more information call The Sun House at 782-1122, ask for
Richard.
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| Duffy’s Tavern |
Being in the restaurant business
for 31 years does not make you the new kid on the block.
Yet new to a different part of the block is Duffy’s
Tavern. The Geyer family still maintain ownership
and Pat, Ed, Peggi, Pam, Polli, Patti and Penni can all be
seen working here at one time or another.
After so many years at their location across from Manatee
Public Beach, many were curious as to how the converted auto
garage would be as a restaurant. Well, I am pleased to say
that the new digs are very comfortable, yet still retain
that Duffy’s charm.
New additions? Guests can now enjoy air conditioning, indoor
restrooms, a screened patio room, and a fireplace with a
few stones from another landmark, Pete Reynard’s, masoned
in. The old baseball caps didn’t make it from the previous
location, but the license plates did!
The food and brews are all about the same with addition of
iced tea to go along with your Burger, Hot Dog, Grilled Cheese,
Chili or Soup. Extended hours are now from 11AM to 8PM and
closed on Tuesday.
Nothing fancy at Duffy’s, that’s what keeps the
customers going there for all those years I imagine. Welcome
them to their new location with a visit today.
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| Lynches Pub & Grub |
“Ch-ch-ch-changes” once
sang David Bowie. Another landmark that has made a major
location change is Lynches Pub
& Grub. For 17 years they were Lynches Landing
on Longboat Key, yet sisters Ethna and Chris Lynch (above)
have decided that bigger is not always better and have opened
a new pub on St. Armands Circle. The smaller pub, plus less
stress from the town of Longboat Key over various codes,
will make the Lynches happier lasses I’m sure.
The new pub is just 40 seats which they can easily handle
for the dining and drinking clientele they cater to. Bring
back the art of conversation you say! The tables and bar
are paduk wood from Africa and the beautiful stone floor
is from the Chris and Ethna’s sister’s farm in
Cork, Ireland. Murals by Dublin artist Martin McCabe adorn
the walls along with the shamrock and its “legend”
from the Longboat Key location.
Diners can savor the Cottage Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage,
Grouper Sandwich, Burgers, Corned Beef Hash and many more
casual yet delicious favorites. What’s an Irish pub
without some proper refreshments? Here six drafts are on
tap with Guinness, Harp, Bass Stella Artois, Bud and Michelob
Lite ready for you.
A happy hour(s) is available daily until 6PM and Lynches
Pub & Grub is open from 11AM to midnight daily. Bring
the kids, there’s a menu for them as well.
Welcome the new Lynches Pub & Grub to St. Armands
Circle and say a fond farewell to the Longboat Key restaurant
with a Leukemia Society charity auction of memorabilia
on April 24 and a fun closing party on May 3. Ta da!
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Charlie’s
Cafe, Books & Hops
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On Anna Maria Island
is where diners in the know will find Charlie’s
Cafe, Books & Hops. In what was once
Chapters, Charlie’s is more than just a
cafe, as you see upon entering. The walls are
stacked with books of all kinds inviting guests
to come in and browse, purchase, and of course,
dine.
Have a seat near the “fireplace” and peruse
the menu while soaking up the charming atmosphere.
The clean and pleasant feeling will entice you to
order from the casual yet complete menu. Soups,
Curry Chicken Salad, Caesar Salad, Sandwiches of
Portobello Mushroom, Grilled Chicken, South Carolina
BBQ Pork and a Reuben are yours to enjoy. |
| Hot Panini Sandwiches, Crab Cakes, Quiche and Gourmet
Pizzas are also available. Wine, beer and coffee
specialties are expertly prepared and served by
owner Charlie Menendez, who oversees the well-run
operation.
Charlie’s Cafe provides an extremely pleasant
alternative to regular dining. They serve lunch
and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. |
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| Howlin’ Wolf |
A cool concept is the opening of
Howlin’ Wolf Restaurant.
Owner Eric Bethel (formerly of First Watch) has opened the
restaurant with a southern blues themewith the food and
recorded music.
The music alone is worth a visit with the owner’s love
for the blues and neat photos and posters adorning the walls.
A comfortable bar invites you to saddle up and enjoy a beer
or wine to go with your meal.
The food? How about Fried Green Tomatoes or Tortuga Shrimp
for starters? Soups and salads include a Howlin’ Caesar
and Turkey Chili. Sandwiches feature the Jake and Elwood,
a plump chicken breast grilled or blackened and topped with
bacon and Swiss cheese or the Big Poke Samich (just like
it soundsreads the menu).
“Down South Dinners” include Bar-B-Que Ribs, Turkey
Meatloaf, Pork and Greens, Catfish Dinner and Pasta Jambalaya.
Serving lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, go and
enjoy Howlin’ Wolf. Also, give them a call for catering.
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| Le Parigot |
Diners in our area cannot go too
far without having a wonderful selection of French restaurants
to choose from. A new French bistro that has recently opened
is Le Parigot. What does
this unusual name mean? Owners Patrick Ravanello and Didier
Guedras tell me that it is slang for Parisian, where the
two of them are from. Trés bien!
The menu is traditional in every French way for either lunch
or dinner. How traditional? First of all the decor is very
Parisian with black & white artwork and photos (including
original postcards from the terrible flood in the early 1900’s),
adorning the walls. It is also a true bistro setting.
The food? For lunch soups, salads, sandwiches and main dishes
are offered. They include Fish Soup, Niçoise and Epinard
Salads and Stuffed Crépe with Chicken or Seafood, Pork Chop
Charcutiere and Assorted Cheese Platter to name a few.
The dinner menu includes over 20 entrees including country
French dishes such as Cassoulet and Stuffed Veal Scaloppini.
Bouillabaisse, Roasted Salmon and Fish Quenelle with Nantua
Sauce are a few of the fish dishes. There’s plenty more
including 10 homemade desserts and 14 wines by the glass.
A French and American wine list rounds out the menu. Save
room for the French aperitifs and beers as well. Le Parigot
is non-smoking .
Le Parigot’s prix fixe menu is a three course meal for
only $19.95 per person that is wonderful, based upon our
recent visit. Patrick and Didier’s experience and knowledge
of the restaurant business is evident. Le Parigot is a winner!
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| Cortez Kitchen on the Bay |
What a pleasant conversation I
had recently with Peter Barreda of the Cortez
Kitchen. His funky spot in the historic village of
Cortez has been a magnet for those seeking fresh seafood,
lively music and an old time Florida feel at the outdoor
setting of his restaurant. A new venture has come to fruition
for Peter with the adjacent building opening up as the Cortez
Kitchen Seafood Restaurant. The “Original”
Cortez Kitchen will continue to operate as a retail market,
restaurant and live music venue.
The new 150-seat restaurant was home to many places over
the years, most recently as Wet Willy’s. The renovation
is terrific. Peter is of the sound mind to try and preserve
what is around him. The historic village of Cortez is a great
example. “Preserve the past,” is what Peter tells
me. Changes have happened over the past few years with these
fishermen and Peteris very keen on supporting them with the
fresh fish they bring in to the docks daily.
The new restaurant’s motif is a knock off the original,
with wooden clapboards and such. The “boat bar”
is gone and is replaced by an open kitchen (with former
Beach Bistro Chef Bobby Wheeler heading the kitchen),
it has a beautiful view of the picturesque mangroves and
bay. An outside Tiki Bar is a great place to enjoy a
cocktail and breathtaking sunset. The menu has “the
best seafood in Florida,” Pete says. You know what,
I tend to believe him. They are open for lunch, dinner
and Sunday brunch.
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| Blue Dolphin Cafe |
Expanding on the success of
one restaurant to a second can be a difficult challenge.
One restaurant that has had a good beginning in this expansion
is the Blue Dolphin Cafe.
Their St. Armands Circle location has been very well received
over the past few years and now, with the opening of their
new location in the Centre Shops in mid-Longboat Key,
they are catering to a broader market as well.
Both stores serve just breakfast and lunch, yet they do it
very well. Nothing fancy just delicious omelettes, sandwiches,
wraps, waffles, griddlecakes and healthy dishes and sides.
Congratulations to proprietors Jill, Rob and Robbie Ball
on their continued success. They make it look so easy...
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| Lido Grille |
With a diverse menu, colorful atmosphere
and elegant bar, the Lido Grille
is raising a stir. “We are unique to the Circle,”
says Owner Matthew Fagin. “We offer a high quality of
food while always keeping the prices reasonable. The menu
features creative twists on recipes of the worldfrom Japan
to Italy to the quintessential American kitchen. We are a
melting pot the same way America is one.”
As you enter, the glimmering stainless steel bar welcomes
you with many new signature drinks, including the Lido Tini.
This is a pour of Ketel One Vodka or Van Gogh Gin with anchovy
and bleu cheese stuffed olives and Tomolives.
Lido Grille’s menu is another exercise in combinations.
The Barbequed Ribs, for example, comes with a helping of
“Mac & Cheese,” and baby bok choy, all for
$18.
The menu also features Kobe Beef, a legendary Japanese delicacy
now found occasionally in the United States. Open for lunch
and dinner, they also feature live music and DJ for nightly
entertainment.
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| Cantina Latina Fiesta Grille |
Our dining scene is constantly
expanded and we should be grateful for that. Latin cuisine
is now yours to enjoy at Cantina
Latina Fiesta Grille. They celebrate authentic Latin
foods with a 15 item hot food bar, sandwiches, tacos, completas
of Chicken Fricasse, Beef Picadillo, Pork Roast and Steak
and Salsa.
Homemade flan, desserts, beer and wine are also available.
Check out the imported gifts as well. Easy to find, they
are behind Publix in the Paradise Plaza in Sarasota. Spice
up your life with a lunch or dinner at Cantina Latina.
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| Mattison’s City Grille |
Dining outdoors recently became
a pleasure with the opening of Mattison’s
City Grille on
the corner of Main Street and Lemon Avenue in Sarasota. Diners
can enjoy the tapas style menu, brick oven pizzas and live
music nightly. They are open for lunch and dinner. Everyone
loves Italian food. A new addition to this popular cuisine
is Polo’s Italian Grill
in the Avenue of the Flowers on Longboat Key. Open since
the first of the year, Polo’s Italian Grill is a quaint
and cozy ristorante that seats 150 diners. Their food is
Italian (obviously), with an emphasis on seafood.
“Good food at a fair price” is how the owners describe
Polo’s Italian Grill. Nothing wrong with that. Stop
in for dinner tonight.
One of my favorites since we first
started as vacationers in Sarasota is Javier’s.
You may have known it for years as The Surfrider. Well, the
quaint little building was taken down to make way for condos
on the beach, but fear not, the same delicious Peruvian specialties
and much more can be found just down the street from the
old spot. Javier’s new home is just a little south,
right next to Flowers by Fudgie on Midnight Pass Road.
There has been a very positive reaction from the regular
following, which numbers in the hundreds! The room has more
of a Peruvian theme and all the favorites are still in place:
Arroz Con Mariscos (the Peruvian version of Paella), Pork
Pisco (bacon-wrapped, char-grilled pork loin with apple pear
chutney). And oh yes, Javier is still making his house special
Caesar Salad and Bananas Foster.
Serving dinner Tuesday thru Saturday evenings, Javier’s
will be a Sarasota culinary favorite for years to come.
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Vincenza and Francesco
of Ferraris Ristorante |
Although the actual restaurant
is not new, welcome new owners Chef Francesco Mucci (with
a jaw-dropping delicious menu) and his vivacious wife
Vincenza, to Ferraris Ristorante,
US 41 (look for the yellow awning next to The Rug Source).
Vincenza has brought her bubbly and exciting personality
and Chef Mucci has brought his creative culinary talents
straight from Italy.
The fried calamari is the best I have ever tasted and the
Veal Monte Carlo will certainly make you stand up and sing
the old Italian love songs with Nino, the house mandolin
player.
They wowed us recently with their outstanding catering talents
at The Women’s Resource Center’s Black Tie Gala
fresh pastas, breaded eggplant, bruschetta and a fabulous
display of antipastas.
Already a favorite, make sure you call ahead for dinner
reservations, this little gem sends you straight to Italy!
El
Habanero moved from the Main Street location just
around the corner to Burns Courtthe same great Cuban
delicacies in a more artsy neighborhood. Perfect stop
for fresh, homemade Latin creations before sauntering
over to catch the latest film at Burns Court Cinema.
Watch for some major changes
at J. Ryan’s on the Grill.
The new owners also have 717, the swanky Tampa eatery
that has captured the newcomers Golden Spoon Award.
Its marriage of a flavorful Italian and consistent Asian.
This, coupled with over 30 wines offered at $30.00 a bottle,
will have Sarasotans anxiously awaiting the exciting changes
to both venues. Watch for a name change and creative culinary
changes in these next few months as well. (We’ll keep
you updated!)
Continue to read Taste Dining &Travel for new
openings as the eating scene continues to grow in our
sunshine paradise. Welcome to the new guard of cuisine
and, most of all, bon appetit!
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