Usually I reserve this space for some kind of snappy, somewhat food related banter. Not so today. Today’s edition of the dSDISH is going to be a little different and something I’m thinking about doing from time to time. It’s not quite a photo essay, but, it’s not a food/restaurant review either. I think it’s maybe more like a photo show and tell.

So, if you’re ready let’s get started.

I was at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) recently and noticed that they had a few new items on their menu. I asked their Chef, Geoff Carroll, if I could take a few shots to show all of you. Not surprisingly, he agreed. Here’s a look at a few of the new offerings at one of Siesta Key’s hot spots.

OK, if you own a place that has “Oyster” in the name you’ve got to have some great ones, and SKOB does. Above is their Oysters Rockefeller. As you can see they are loaded! Of course, you can still pick up a dozen on the half shell or steamed. They also have rolled out an oyster menu with about a half dozen new oyster variations.

Soft shell crab. It’s not quite as popular as some other types, namely snow and king, but, just as tasty. There was a time when you could only get this delicate tasting crustacean at certain times of the year. Not anymore. Lucky for us advances in aquaculture have made these crabs available practically year round.

SKOB’s version is lightly battered and fried. It’s then topped with a great Chipotle Aioli. As you can see the crab is sharing the plate with a nice assortment of mixed veggies. If you’ve never tried a soft shell crab, this is your big opportunity.

There’s something a little different coming out of the SKOB kitchen. Every Saturday and Sunday the Siesta Key Oyster Bar is serving brunch. They have all of the traditional things you might expect from a brunch menu. But, they’ve also thrown in a few surprises. One is the Crab Cake Benedict. A perfectly cooked crab cake, topped with a poached egg and finished with key lime hollandaise sauce. Some lightly grilled asparagus spears round out this nice brunch plate. It’s a great variation on the theme and makes for a satisfying entrée.

Looks like SKOB’s kitchen has really got it going! Now you can think of them for more than just great wings, live music and a laid back island atmosphere. There’s new food, dig in!

Siesta Key Oyster Bar
5238 Ocean Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34242
941-346-5443

The new year always brings us some great new Sarasota dining options. And, this year is no exception.

Every Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to Noon, the Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB). Will be offering local diners a fantastic breakfast menu. This special collection of items is sure to get your weekend off on the right foot.

The offerings include some new twists on classic breakfast dishes. How about starting your day with a delicious Crab Cake Benedict topped with a tangy Key Lime Hollandaise sauce like the one above? Of course the menu boasts some traditional items too.

Let’s see, how can the Wake Up Call Breakfast be even better? How about two complimentary mimosa’s, Bloody Mary’s or screwdrivers? That’s better!

Here’s a look at the complete SKOB Wake Up Call Breakfast menu.

Click on the image below to view the full menu.

Siesta Key Oyster Bar
5238 Ocean Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34242
941-346-5443

A full platter of freshly shucked oysters is a sight to behold. They can be elegantly displayed or thrown onto a beer tray with a bed of ice. No matter the presentation, oyster lovers will slurp down these culinary delights with glee. Here are a few examples of what the ocean or the gulf gives up for the benefit of the bivalve mollusc lovers out there.

These photos were taken at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB), but, there are lots of places to eat great oysters here in Sarasota. You can also slurp down a few just down the street at the Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar.

Do you own a Sarasota restaurant? If you would like us to feature photos of your restaurants dishes, send us an email and we’ll happily make arrangements.

Is there a better place than SKOB to kick back, relax with a cold drink, eat some island style food and listen to great LIVE music all at the same time? I’m not sure if there is, but I’ll keep looking. In the meantime, why not stop by the Siesta Key Oyster Bar for all of the above and a lot more. Check the menu our for details on their fantastic oyster and crawfish happy hour special.

Click on the menu to see the full size, printable version.

Siesta Key Oyster Bar
5238 Ocean Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34242
941-346-5443

We promised we would get around to giving you some valuable information on where to watch your favorite NFL team play this year. Places where you can get some food and drinks and not miss any of the action on the field. And, our first installment is, the Siesta Key Oyster Bar or SKOB as it is better known to the locals.

SKOB ranks right up there as one of the best NFL viewing spots in town. Located in Siesta Village it has enough TV’s for all the games to be shown at the same time. It’s considered a “Bears” bar; the owners are originally from Chicago. So there is usually a pretty decent sized Illinois contingent there. There is seating both inside and outside. So, that means if you would like to enjoy our great fall and winter weather while rooting for your team you’re in luck. They offer dozens of different types of beer on tap or in bottle, as well as all kinds of mixed drinks including their signature “Village Idiot” and a great margarita.

Add to all of this a menu that features award winning wings and lots of different types of sandwiches (oh yeah, did we mention freshly shucked oysters) and you have a combination that’s hard to beat. So, roll off the beach, or out of bed on Sunday and let SKOB be a part of your game day activities.

If you have a place that you would like us to feature, leave a comment or drop us an email.

Next up for our series: The Old Salty Dog