Posts Tagged ‘Lunch’

The Oasis Cafe: Blackened Basa Reuben

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Blackened Basa ReubenThe versatile Reuben. You normally don’t think of sandwiches in those terms, but, that’s what the famous Reuben has become. You see it on almost every deli menu. Lately I’ve been seeing some interesting and delicious variations on the traditional version.

Depending on which story you believe, the original Reuben sandwich was created either by Reuben Kulakofsky, a grocer from Omaha Nebraska between 1920 and 1930 or Arnold Reuben of Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York around 1914. I’m sure the debate rages on in deli circles around the globe. I’m choosing not to pick a favorite.

No matter which story you believe to be true, the outcome is still the same. A tasty and satisfying deli treat. The traditional sandwich is made with corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, topped with Russian or Thousand Island dressing and served on grilled rye bread. Variations abound!

Here’s one that caught my eye at the Oasis Cafe on Osprey Avenue. The Blackened Basa Reuben.

Now, I’m going to admit something right now which will fuel the Reuben debate. I don’t like sauerkraut. And, too make matters worse, I ask for my Reubens sans sauerkraut. I’m sure some of you are probably saying, “well, it’s not really a Reuben then is it?”. In technical sandwich terms it’s probably not, but, I think you should eat what you like versus coloring inside the lines one hundred percent of the time. So, for me, it’s hold the kraut.

My kraut aversion actually works to my advantage in the case of the Blackened Basa Reuben. I think if sauerkraut was added to my sandwich it would have been too much for the delicate taste and texture of the basa. In the “Larry” version, I could effortlessly taste all of the components of the sandwich without one flavor or texture overpowering the dish.

Blackened Basa Reuben

Here’s the anatomy of an Oasis Cafe Blackened Basa Reuben. Start with a couple slices of marble rye. Top with a nice big piece of basa. For the uninitiated, basa is basically a type of Asian catfish. Top with sauerkraut (if that’s your thing). Add Swiss cheese on top AND bottom. Spread on some remoulade sauce and grill. The end result is fantastic. On the advise of my server, Denise, I added a side of Spanish potato salad and my noontime feast was complete.

The Bottom Line. I was a little unsure going into it. I’ve had the traditional Reuben, turkey, pastrami and probably a few other adaptations, but, never one using fish as the basis. Now I’m thinking of all the other seafood possibilities and there are many. The end result is a winner.

Is a Blackened Basa Reuben not your thing? Click here to check out the entire Oasis Cafe menu. If you have a non-traditional Reuben variant that you’d like the world to know about, leave a comment below and tell us about it.

The Oasis Cafe
3542 S. Osprey Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34239
941-957-1214

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The Corkscrew Deli: NY Style Corned Beef

Monday, February 15th, 2010

The Corkscrew Deli - NY Style Corned BeefSarasota is not a hotbed of “real” deli food. I think we all know that. But, being from Chicago, I love a good corned beef sandwich. I was out in search of one today.

Now, this is a very subjective area we’re getting into here. Lots of discussion, lots of disagreement. Let’s just start and end the argument by saying that everyone is right! There I said it. You have your fav and I have mine.

The topic is so hot that Toronto Journalist, David Sax has written an entire book on the subject. Save the Deli, is an L.A. Times bestseller.

Today’s corned beef search has led me to the Corkscrew Deli on Tamiami Trail in the Landings. Corned beef sandwich here I come.

The menu board at the restaurant says: Hot Pastrami or Corned Beef “piled high on NY rye”. That’s a big statement. So, that’s the expectation.

The yardstick against which all others are measured (at least in my humble, corned beef eating opinion), is Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen in Chicago. Located at Jefferson and Roosevelt in the west loop, Manny’s has been loading up corned beef sandwiches since 1942. You have to be good to stay in business that long in a hungry city like Chicago.  Check out the photo below. That’s ONE sandwich. And, it’s only $10.95! A pretty good deal too.Manny's Corned Beef Sandwich

But, enough dreaming. Let’s talk about the corned beef sandwich I can actually get here in Sarasota. The sandwich at the Corkscrew is made with Boar’s Head Corned Beef. I used to have a hard time getting past the name to enjoy the product. I’m over that now (thankfully). And, over time I have learned to appreciate Boar’s Head products. They have good tasting, good quality meats and cheeses. Plus, they’re right here in Sarasota and I like to shop locally.

Oh, yeah, the sandwich. Well, it’s not exactly “piled high”. Especially if you are comparing it to exhibit A (Manny’s monster corned beef). Is that fair? I think it is, especially since the carry out menu adds that it has “more meat”. More meat than what?

Even though it’s not a giant, hulking, meat monstrosity, it tastes great. It’s a first class corned beef sandwich even for those of us whose portion sizes are a little out of whack from years of eating true, big city deli food. One of the side benefits of the Corkscrew Deli sandwich was that I didn’t have to go home at 3pm and take a two hour nap or drink three gallons of water. That’s nice.

Also, if you notice in the top left image, the Corkscrew sandwich has a fantastic looking pickle. Not joking here.  At first you may think “so what”, but, I can’t tell you the amount of pickles I have been served in this town that look like they were taken directly out of the trash and placed on my plate. This was a first class, cold, crunchy, awesome pickle!

The bottom line. If you’re dying for a GIANT NY/Chicago corned beef sandwich your S.O.L.. Can’t be had in Sarasota at any price. But, if you’re just trying to satisfy that urge for a delicious, salty, tender, comforting corned beef, the Corkscrew Deli comes through in fine fashion.

Here’s where you can get it:

The Corkscrew Deli
4982 S. Tamiami Tr.
Sarasota, FL 34231
941-925-3955

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dineSarasota Menu Monday: Station 400

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Looking for a great place to grab a relaxed and casual breakfast or lunch?

I know Sarasota offers lots of options fitting that description. One of the newest entries is Station 400. Located in the old Sierra Station space on Lemon, Station 400 is reinventing the breakfast and lunch menu.

Chef Eric Bein is adding his special culinary flare to traditional and non-traditional breakfast and lunch fare.

Click on the image below to view the full menu.

Station 400

If you give Station 400 a try, please leave us a comment about your experience.

Station 400

Station 400
400 North Lemon Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-906-1400

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dineSarasota Menu Monday: Word of Mouth

Monday, September 21st, 2009

Three great locations for breakfast and lunch. Word of Mouth also serves dinner at their downtown restaurant, the former Metro Coffee on Osprey. There are lots of fantastic traditional entree choices for you to choose from. Easy on the wallet pricing and prompt, attentive service complete the picture at Word of Mouth.

My personal favorite is the Reuben Sandwich for lunch. It’s worth a try. Have one for me!

Word of Mouth

Word of Mouth
6604 Gateway Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34231

3981 Cattleman Road
Sarasota, Florida 34233
941-377-0239

711 South Osprey Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-305-1800

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How To Do Cafe L’Europe in 15 Minutes

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

Cafe L'EuropeIt’s lunchtime, you’re walking (or driving) around St. Armands Circle. You want to stop for a bite to eat, but do you really have the time? With everyone’s hectic pace these days, I think we all have probably had that experience. Now, circle standout, Cafe L’Europe is making it easy for you to enjoy a fantastic meal and keep knocking things off your To Do List. They call it their Express Lunch. Here are the details.

For $13.95 your Express Lunch will include a choice of entree, a side dish and a beverage. Here’s the express part. Your lunch will be served to you within 15 minutes of the time your order is placed. To makes things even better, if your lunch isn’t served within 15 minutes, it’s free! That’s a deal that is too good to pass up. Great Cafe L’Europe food, nice price and served to your table in a flash. What more could a hungry Sarasota diner ask for? Oh, you say complimentery valet parking would be awesome. Well, Cafe L’Europe will throw that in for you too. Anything else? I thought not.

For more information or to make a reservation you may contact the restaurant at, 941-388-4415. Why don’t you see if you can work Cafe L’Europe into your busy day.

Cafe L'Europe
Cafe L’Europe
431 St. Armands Circle
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-388-4415


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