Tratorria Bellini

favorite  slogan for downtown Sarasota commerce has been that, “All roads leads to downtown.” Well nothing could be more appropriate for those searching for a particular dining choice. Downtown Sarasota has undergone a tremendous boom (or some may say bust) over the past few years. High rise dwellings are bringing in a new urban resident. One who wishes to have everything at their disposal just out the front door. Downtown is trying to satisfy those who wish to live, work and play downtown and some of this conformity has come with a sacrifice.

Progress is not always for the best and our “air conditioned city” is growing and growing and growing. I do hope it will be the best for all of those who have lived here for a lifetime and can cherish the memories of the past while embracing the present and hoping for an enjoyable future.

Downtown does have its share of controversy and Taste Dining & Travel is not one to grandstand about politics and what is politically incorrect or even correct. What we would like to present in this article is synopsis of where to enjoy a meal, drink or entertainment while downtown. Every city needs a vibrant downtown and this is still the area to go for festivals, parades, theater, art gallery, music, antiques shops and of course dining.

The dining choices are many and include an international taste of French, Italian, Greek, Japanese, Thai, Spanish, Peruvian, Chinese, Mexican even American. Come and take a short walk with us as we present an overview of what downtown Sarasota has to offer.

Starting at upper Main Street near the Hollywood 20 cinema is Mediterraneo - 1970 Main Street (365-4122) a chic northern Italian Trattoria. A few doors down is the classic Main Street Bar & Sandwich Shop ­ 1944 Main Street (955-8733). Enjoy the sights of Sarasota’s circus past and the casual food, including their traditional pita bread sandwiches.

Cold Stone Creamery at 1900 Main (330-1880) treats customers to the best ice cream, right off the marble stone. Way cool! Across the street in the plaza is the popular Applebees (955-7234) serving casual American cuisine for lunch or dinner Crispers (953-7007) providing a healthful alternative to fast food and Zoria (955-4457) treating diners to upscale lunch or dinner. Across the street at j.a.c.s (366-5252) the upstairs bar is lively and affords diners a fabulous view of downtown mixed with some interesting food pairings.

Slip around the corner to 1923 Ringling Blvd. and enjoy the Silver Cricket (955-9179). They serve fusion cuisine from Asia, Italy, French, the Middle East, Cajun and American. You can have it all. Cool bar and hip club scene as well.

No shortage of fine or casual Italian ristorante on Main Street and Divino at 1766 (330-9393) has certainly made its mark for fine Italian food with a modern style. Great work by Chef Andrea Bozzolo. El Greco Cafe brings their style of lively Greek cuisine to 1592 Main Street (365-2234) while across the street at 1553 Main Street (906-9575) a taste of France is yours to enjoy at the very popular C’est La Vie!

A few doors down is where diners enjoy true Italian dinners. Tratorria Bellini at 1551 Main Street (362-7972). If you’ve never gone to Italy and enjoyed the delicious food from the “Bel Paese” Tratorria Bellini is the place where you must go! If you have been to Italy and already know the great taste of real Italian food, you must try Tratorria Bellini because nothing else is so close to the “Bel Paese”, (Italian for beautiful country).

After one year the food and the recipes from Emanuela Masari, who with her husband Marcello Giordano operate Trattoria Bellini, have been a favorite for their loyal customer base. The Ossobuco is fabulous and the Filet mIgnon is cooked in Barolo wine, which is just paradise for the meat lovers.

Do not forget the always great Grouper Caramella along with the Snapper in Busta, great fresh snapper cooked in phyllo dough with fresh spinach and gorgeous cheese. Fresh pastas, wines and now the soothing sounds of Luigi Toth will certainly make your next meal at Trattoria Bellini a pleasurable one.

Just off Main Street at 128 North Orange Avenue (330-2662) is where Siesta Key residents will be familiar with Anna Sandwiches. Huge sandwiches at a great price for lunch.

A taste of Vietnamese cuisine can be found at Saigon Garden at 1578 Main Street( 365-2127), while at 1572 Main Street (954-3131) is another casual eatery that serves breakfast and lunch everyday is Nature’s Way Cafe. Health conscious diners should enjoy their delicious muffins, sandwiches and other healthy eats.

Ralph's on Main

New to Main Street in Sarasota is Ralph’s on Main (1568 Main Street, 330-1080). In what was Relish This, Ralph’s has transformed the interior wonderfully. Lively colors and huge Italian artwork work well together in setting a comfortable dining room. The inviting steel tables, comfortable booths and spacious outdoor dining certainly add to the inspired breakfast, lunch and now dinners served here.

Downtown now has a breakfast alternative at Ralph’s with offerings of fresh fruit, yogurt with granola, bagels, omelettes, French toast or pancakes. Lunch includes lite fare of Buffalo Mozzarella, Crab Dip for Two, Chicken or Shrimp Quesadilla. Soup or salads­Niçoise, Asian Chicken, Greek or Chef­are available. Sandwiches, wraps, burgers, Cubans and Reubens round out the lunch fare.

Dinners prepared by Chef Todd Kellerman include a variety of steaks, chicken, duck, lamb, seafood and other delicious eclectic cuisine. Evening meals are served Wednesday through Saturday. Breakfast and lunch is served Monday through Saturday. Here’s wishing continued success for Ralph’s on Main. A really neat find.

Kiyoshi's Japanese Restaurant&Sushi Bar

One of the originals in Sarasota is Chef/Owner Kiyoshi Noro at Kiyoshi’s Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar at 1537 Main Street 330-8904. Since 1979 he was with Kyoto on Main Street and in 1998 he moved a few doors down and opened Kiyoshi’s Japanese Restaurant. It has been a great success and is a mainstay for wonderful Japanese cuisine and of course, Sushi.

The Sushi Bar has 14 seats and presiding over it is Kiyoshi himself, his son Shane or Chef Kei. Their style is very traditional American-style Sushi (more rice than raw fish), although they are always adding new and exciting items to the menu.

Fresh seafood items include Conch, Tuna (Blue Fin, Big Eye, Yellowfin and Blackened), Octopus, Squid, Blue Crab, Snapper, Mackerel and many more. These are priced by the piece at about $2 each.

The rolls include many selections from $3.80 to $10.35 for eight pieces. A Kiyoshi specialty is a Vegetarian Sushi that is very popular. Japanese wine including chilled or hot sake and plum wine can be enjoyed with your next Sushi or Japanese meal at Kiyoshi’s Japanese Restaurant.

New to Main Street is Sangria Tapas Bar at 1532 Main Street (955-8272). Serving the “little dishes of Spain” Sangria has been a huge hit with diners wanted to enjoy this traditional way of Spanish dining. Great room, great food and fun.

Barnacle Bill's Seafood

Having rapidly established themselves as one of the best seafood restaurants in the area, Barnacle Bill’s Seafood (AKA brothers Bill and Ken Davis), at 1526 Main Street, Sarasota (365-6800) have a new bar/lounge and restyled dining room that has been a terrific success in their downtown location. A definite upgrade for those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of dining there since last season.

Their fresh seafood is always winning accolades from various publications and the locals. Their new wine list has expanded to include over 200 varietals and all at a “normal” price. Fairness is the norm at any of the Barnacle Bill’s locations­they have four in Sarasota.

They have a smashing private banquet room in their North Trail location. The room seats 90 for any private function you might have in mind. Wedding dinners, business meetings, church functions­name it and they can prepare a wonderful event for you and your guests.

In addition to the banquet room, Barnacle Bill’s also offers full service catering for 50 to 500 people. Although they specialize in fresh seafood, all types of cuisine can be yours to enjoy. Functions can be casual to elegant and will more than meet your expectations for your next affair.

While on Main Street enjoy the outdoor tables as you experience the best seafood for the best price in Sarasota.

In a bit of a hurry for a good cup of coffee, pastry or baked goods? Relax and enjoy it all at Pastry Art at 1508 Main Street (955-7545). Here too, outdoor tables add to the mix.

Situated on the corner of Main Street and Lemon Avenue is Mattison’s City Grille (330-0440). Recently remodeled and ready to serve you eclectic lunch and dinner or stop in for a cocktail and entertainment. It’s all outdoors so prep yourself.

The newest addition for downtown is the Whole Foods Market at 1491 1st Street (955-8500). Known nationally, they specialize in organic and natural foods and have proven to be a big draw for those living downtown and even reaching out to those miles away. Yes, their product is that good. Parking problem? Solved with the new parking garage behind. Get in there!

The Gourmet Market at 1469 Main Street (953-9101) has been around for years and don’t forget them for fine foods, wines and much more. Great store.

Shop in at Mary’s on Main 1454 Main Street (363-9333) for all the classics and latest in kitchen ware and so much more. A beautiful find.

The Tropical Thai at 1420 Main Street (364-5775) offers a great atmosphere to match their authentic Thai cuisine while Patellini’s Pizza at 1410 Main Street (957-6433) satisfies all who need a great pizza or Italian sandwich.

Holding down the corner at Main and Pineapple is Patrick’s (952-1170) who have been a mainstay for years and with good reason. Great food, bar and crowd.

Recently out of St. Armands Circle and on to Main Street is Chef Caldwell’s at 1535 Main Street (957-1300). Chef Frank, Jean and even Emily are on hand to make your lunch and dinner memorable.

Entertainment downtown is available at a big favorite, the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre at 24 North Pineapple Avenue (366-5454). A meal and a show all in one special evening. Before or after the theater enjoy The Bijou Cafe at 1287 1st Street ( 366-8111) with an elegant, continental lunch or dinner.

Lower Main features First Watch (954-1395) on the corner of Main and Pineapple for outstanding breakfasts and lunches and the new Cru Bistro and Wine Bar at 1377 Main Street (951-6272) for intriguing foods paired with outstanding wines.

Everything Italian can be had at Cafe Amici at 1371 Main Street (951-6896). The Negri brothers do it right.

Bayou Bleu

From the time I sat down at a table on “Bourbon Street” I was truly amazed at the decor and ambience of Bayou Bleu. The ceiling was dotted with twinkling stars and the jazz playing in the background made me feel I was in New Orleans.

I started off my meal with the Corn and Crab Chowder which consisted of sweet crabmeat and whole kernel blended with peppers and celery. It was delicious and whetted my appetite for my entrée. My selection was Chef Gary’s #1 seller Shrimp Orleans, which left an indelible mark on my palette and will definitely bring me back for more.

The Shrimp Orleans consisted of tender gulf shrimp sauteéd in wine and chicken stock over fantastic tasting cheese grits. But no meal is complete in my eyes without dessert. How could one go to New Orleans without having Beignets! They were light and fluffy and the powdered sugar was another authenticity of the Big Easy.

Bayou Bleu is one of the best new restaurants I have visited lately. It’s open for lunch and dinner every day and has recently introduced Early Bird specials and Happy Hour every day from 4PM-6PM. There’s live jazz Wednesday through Saturday nights and valet parking. Experience “Food, Fun & Jazz” at it’s very best with a fine meal at Bayou Bleu. They are located at 1359 1/2 Main Street (917-0003).

Olé, its Mexican fare at Two Senoritas 1355 Main Street (366-1618) with a new look that elevates their atmosphere matching their food and lively bar scene.

The new hot ticket is Selva Grill at 1345 Main Street (352-4427) who took over Main Street Bistro and is pleasing diners with their Peruvian flavors.

A fitting cornerstone downtown is Sarasota News & Books (365-6332) with plenty to peruse plus coffee, wine, beer and light eats. They are on the corner of Main and Palm Avenue.

Directly across the street at 1298 Palm Avenue is Epicure Cafe and Jolly (366-5658). Stop in to the former for casual Italian fare and the latter for outstanding gelato, pastry and coffees.

The Sports Page Bar & Grill at 1319 Main Street (365-0469) is where the sports are, along with bar food and libations. Stop in next door for a complete wine and booze selection at their package store BK Wines & Spirits.

Pino’s Primi Piatti at 1301 Main Street (955-3739) is an Italian bistro that serves great fare. Mangia baby!

On the water is Marina Jack’s at 2 Marina Plaza (365-4232) for great views, lunch, dinner and dinner cruise aboard the Marina Jack 2.

At 69 South Palm Avenue is Caragiulos (951-0866). Great for patio dining, pasta, pizza and some of the best Italian dishes in town. It’s a family thing with the five very talented brothers running the show. Next door Tabaccchio Bar serves all your pleasures and includes live jazz.

The best Chinese food in town is at Le Chang, 55 South Palm Avenue (373-9233). ONuff said.

The north side of Palm Avenue features Zak’s Steakhouse at 1213 N.Palm Ave. (906-7300). An historic house from 1926, great steaks, fine wines. Need we say more?

5-ONE-6 Burns

Our next stop is an area of town that has always been a favorite. Burns Court celebrates the one year anniversary of 5-ONE-6 Burns at 516 Burns Court (906-1884) a delightful café style restaurant that opened to immediate praise. As a fan of front porches and an even bigger fan of The Burns Court Cinema, we have long awaited the arrival of a charming restaurant and deliciously prepared menu with all the niceties that should be consistent with such a quaint area.

Menu offerings range from oven fired roasted vegetable pizzas with goat cheese and basil oil (highly recommend), and the delectable “Burns Burger”, with portabella mushrooms, roasted shallots, fontina cheese and balsamic vinegar, and some of the most creative entrees I have seen in a while here in Sarasota. The Grilled Shrimp with plantain beignets and piccalilli garnish with fresh fennel, blends the chef's secret sauce with the tenderness of the New Orleans-style beignets: a delight to the taste buds.

The Yellowtail Snapper, served with caramelized cauliflower, pear tomatoes, chévre salad and tomato and melon vinaigrette is a fabulous dish. Although the menus offers “a little something for everyone,” clearly a favorite is the Hunter Chicken with crispy prosciutto, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and red wine reduction. The chef also offer a “features menu” which changes at least once per week.

Executive chef Derek Barnes hails from acclaimed restaurants including Emeril's in New Orleans. Just sample the banana cream custard with caramel sauce, a fabulous spin-off of Emeril's banana cream pie! 5-ONE-6 Burns serves lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturdays. Look for their Sunday Brunch to start sometime in January.

Khrome

Love the nightlife? Pop in to Khrome at 1120 North Washington Blvd. (366-5545). The locals have found it for the happening music scene. That, coupled with the eclectic cuisine from Chef Benjamin Wilkinson have made Khrome a great place to enjoy fine food and a hot club scene.

The club is the epitome of cool as motorcycles hang from the ceiling and the drinks flow as the evening heats up. Great fun and a wicked spot to party.

A pleasant surprise is the food that is also available at Khrome. Immerse yourself in the taste and textures of their menu. Included in the menu is a fine dining selection featuring Dry Sea Scallops Popsicles, Peking Duck Quesadilla, Chicken Ravioli, Ceviche and more for appetizers. Salads include Eggplant Frito tossed with warm Spinach, Beef Carpaccio, Vine Ripe Tomato and Baby Mozzarella.

Entrees fall in line with Grilled Sea Bass, New York Strip, Grilled Duck Breast, Lobster Ravioli, Risotto­even a Burger Deluxe and Pizzas are available. Khrome is a great place to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Sarasota Olive Oil Company

A truly terrific addition to downtown is the new Sarasota Olive Oil Company at 514 Central Avenue (366-2008). Located in historic Rosemary District, Sarasota Olive Oil Company oil features extra virgin olive oils from around the world. All oils are available for tasting any day of the week.

They also feature infused oils, and many different vinegars, tapenades, pestos, patés, pasta, honeys, jams and gift ware. It is the perfect place for a special hostess gift. Visit their olive bar with a large variety of olives in bulk for you to mix and match. They also have all types of olives for your martini needs. That will do it for me!

We are all wild about coffee and a neat find just around the corner in the Rosemary District is Sarasota Coffee & Tea Company at 1419 5th Street (906-8342). Located in the old Ace Theatre this assures customers of great performance while they enjoy their java.

Mickey’s Urban Bites at 301 South PIneapple Avenue (365-4430) serves great pizza with a fab pizza buffet, fresh salads and sandwiches all in a hip setting. Patio dining and wine and beer make this a fave for the locals.

Hungry yet? Enjoy all that downtown Sarasota has to offer.

by Neal Finelli