A change of scenery is like a new beginning Does that salad look familiar? Well if youre any kind of Sarasota salad aficionado it should. That is the Goat Cheese Salad that was a standout on the menu of the former Brasserie Belge on Main Street. When they closed their … [Read more...]
Sarasota Area Restaurants Closing, But, Does Anyone Care?
I had hopes that this summer season would be different than summer seasons just past. Then the emails came. The first showed up on May 26th in the form of a post from Creative Loafing Food Writer, Brian Ries. Two downtown Sarasota restaurants were shutting their doors. The newly … [Read more...]
Sarasota Christmas & Christmas Eve Dinner
Sarasota Christmas & Christmas Eve Dinner We've got a few suggestions for dining out for the holiday I probably don’t need to say it, but why not? Christmas, like most holidays, has its share of food traditions. The bulk of them revolve around family, for obvious … [Read more...]
Sarasota Cooking Class Is Now In Session
Sarasota Cooking Class Is Now In Session Sarasota Chefs Share Their Secrets It's the tools. Really it is. Oh, and of course the expertise. That goes without saying. But, it's really all about the tools. That was part of what I discovered this past week. The other part I'm … [Read more...]
Sarasota Coronavirus Restaurant Information
IMPORTANT - THIS INFORMATION IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY AND MAY NOT BE COMPLETELY UP TO THE MINUTE. IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUAL RESTAURANT INFO, PLEASE CHECK WITH THE RESTAURANT FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION. So here we are. we never thought that compiling a list of … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Clasico Cafe and Bar
East meets west in the most delicious way possible. Its a long distance romance to be sure. Ingredients that you normally would not think of together. But, when combined in just the right way Yes, magic. That leads us to todays Sarasota Food Find. Obviously, this dish … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Coyne’s Pier 28
Hey, its time to find some great Sarasota food! What: Coynes Famous Crab Cakes Where: Coynes Pier 28 (8200 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota 941-921-0028) Price: $24.00 First, does the following sound vaguely familiar? Second, no, this is not a Mad Lib. Ready, here goes. … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Dutch Valley Restaurant
Sometimes you find food. Sometimes food finds you. What: Cobb Salad Where: Dutch Valley Restaurant (6721 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-924-1770) Cost: Small $8.25, Large $9.99 What can you say about the mighty Cobb Salad that hasnt already been said a thousand times? How … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Half Shell Oyster House
Its true. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! What: Lobster Scrambled Eggs Where: Half Shell Oyster House (1991 Main Street, 941-952-9400) Cost: $11.00 There isnt a whole lot thats more luxurious (food wise) than lobster for breakfast. Lets face it, lobster … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Libby’s Cafe + Bar
Good things come in small packages What: Cedar Wrapped Sustainable Salmon Where: Libbys Café + Bar (1917 Osprey Ave., 941-487-7300) Cost: $22.00 Dont you just love a little mystery with your meal? If its the right kind of intrigue it can add a whole new element to your … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | S’Macks Burgers & Shakes | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
In a world of burgers its the sides that make all difference. It seems the world has gone burger crazy. At a time when lots of folks are talking veganism and the like, the burger has taken off. Its like an insane parallel universe. The constant drone of how great plant … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Sun Garden Cafe
When this hearty soup calls, its hard not to answer. What: Curried Chicken Soup Where: Sun Garden Cafe (210 Avenida Madera, Siesta Key, 941-346-7170) Cost: Cup $2.50 There is soup. And, then there is SOUP. Real soup. Soup that has a soul. Soup that really grabs your taste … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | The Broken Egg
Sometimes you find food. Sometimes food finds you. What: Cuban Roll Where: The Broken Egg (140 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, 941-346-2750) Price: $ 8.49 When most people in this town think Cuban Sandwich the reflex response is The Columbia, And, thats natural. They do … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Zante Gyros
Nothing beats discovering a great dish! What: Chicken Gyro Where: Zante Gyros (6500 Superior Ave., Sarasota, 941-404-2099, Gulf Gate) Price: $5.95 There arent many people (at least that Ive run into) who dont love a good gyro every now and then. Obviously, it cant be … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find- Mozzarella Fella
Sarasota Food Find- Mozzarella Fella The Special What: The SpecialWhere: Mozzarella Fella (1668 Main St., Downtown. 941-366-7600)Cost: Varies There is something about the word itself, Special. It just sounds out of the ordinary. It rolls off the tongue in just that, … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Flash, Cafe Amici, Cafe Gabbiano and Fondue |Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Missed the papers this week? Here's a recap of what's been happening in the world of Sarasota restaurants, food and dining. The Pelican Press gives us their take on Cafe Gabbiano, located in Siesta Village. Think you know the right wine for the right occasion? Here's a … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Flash, Greek Cuisine, Pumpkins and More
Missed the papers this week? Here's a recap of what's been happening in the world of Sarasota restaurants, food and dining. El Greco on Main Street gets a Herald-Tribune Review. Here's a list of some (not all) local places that feature outdoor dining. Get all the info on the … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Flash, Piccolo’s, Margaritaville and Presidential Cookies
Missed the papers this week? Here's a recap of what's been happening in the world of Sarasota restaurants, food and dining. The Pelican Press covers the new Piccolo Market & Deli. With the election so close we all can taste it, how about a Presidential cookie. Here's … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Flash: Arosa, Gulf Gate Eateries and Top 10 Cheeses
OK, here's the wrap up for another week. There may be a few things that you might have missed during your busy week. We've made it easy for you. Click on the image below to read the story. … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Flash: Budget Stuff, Galileo, Greek Cuisine and MoZaic
Here's a roundup of the Sarasota food news. I'm sure most of us have been too busy with our New Year's resolutions to have caught everything. Want to dine on St. Armands but don't want to spend a lot of cash? Check out these options. It's the right time of year to break out … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Flash: It’s That Wine Time of Year
You say you've been following the Sarasota food and restaurant news pretty closely this week. We'll let us fill in some of the cracks for you. Click on the images below to read the story. Hey, come on, go out on a limb and try a new Sarasota restaurant this week. Oh, and if … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Flash: Madfish, Grilling & Diva’s
Even though it's technically not "season" anymore, there are still lots of great things going on here in our Sarasota restaurant and dining scene. Here's a roundup of some of the stuff you may have missed. Click on an image to read the full story. Hey, I've got a fantastic … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Flash: Michael’s On East, Southside and Whiteberry
Well, here we are again. I know you've tried really hard this week to catch all of the Sarasota restaurant, food and dining news. But, you may have missed something. Not to worry. we've got it covered. Here's a recap of the weekly news highlights just for you. Click on the image … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Flash: Muffins, Taco Championships and Yume Sushi
Here's your weekly dose of what has been happening on the Sarasota food and restaurant scene. Click on the image for the full story. … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Flash: Pacific Rim, Taco Finale and Siesta Sundays
Missed a few Sarasota food and dining items this past week? Not to worry, we've got a nice recap for you. Enjoy! Click on the image below to read the story. … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Flash: Stingray’s Grill, Ballpark Food & More Taco Talk
There's always lots of things going on in the Sarasota Restaurant scene. Here's some of those things that you might have missed. Click on the image for the full story. … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Flash: Talkin’ Turkey, Beaujolais Nouveau, Word of Mouth and Lonjevity
It's Beaujolais Nouveau time again. But, would you like yours in a plastic bottle? Let's talk turkey with Sarasota's Chef Judi Gallagher. Check out The Herald-Tribune review of Word of Mouth. Are you looking for something different to make this Thanksgiving. How about some … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Flash: Thai Food, Libby’s, Galileo and Coupon Tips
In the mood for some Thai food? Check out this review of Tropical Thai in Downtown Sarasota. Libby's Cafe + Bar is open and getting lots of attention. Here's a Herald-Tribune review. Brian Reis of Creative Loafing gives his take on the newly relocated Galileo … [Read more...]
Sarasota Has A Semi-Secret Beer Society!
Sarasota Has A Semi-Secret Beer Society! 99 Bottles has a locker club with some great perks! This story certainly doesn’t start like I thought it would. It begins with me being refused service. But refused in the nicest way possible. 😁 I LOVE having an occasional … [Read more...]
Sarasota Restaurants Are Tweeting Away
Unless you've been spending the past six months in a cave or hunkered down in an undisclosed location, you've no doubt been exposed to the Twitter craze. Seems like everybody from Ashton Kutcher to CNN to Oprah is "Tweeting", or, at least talking about it. Even Sarasota is in the … [Read more...]
Sarasota Restaurants Get Social on Facebook
In the past several weeks we've given you the rundown on the Sarasota restaurants that have been using the micro blogging service Twitter to help promote their businesses. Since posting those articles, we've had some people ask us which of their favorite Sarasota restaurants they … [Read more...]
Sarasota Restaurants Rally For A Great Cause
Saturday, January 23rd, the quaint Southside Village neighborhood will once again play host to a gathering of Sarasota restaurants helping to raise money for a very worthy cause. The Sarasota Wine and Food Festival to benefit the American Lung Association in Florida will kickoff … [Read more...]
Sarasota Serves Up New Indian Restaurant Options | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Options are good. Especially, when they make your world a little more tasty. One thing you have to say about Sarasota. If you want dining choices, you certainly won't be disappointed. There is a lot to pick from. The selection just got even bigger with the addition of two … [Read more...]
Sarasota’s Best Chef’s 2013 | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Who says you have to be a big city to have big time chefs? I have been banging on this drum for over ten years. Sarasota has some great restaurants. And now we have the proof. Fantastic service and unbelievable ambiance can get you pretty far. But, to climb that last … [Read more...]
Sarasota’s Best Restaurants | September 2012
I just ripped August off the wall calendar and Labor Day 2012 is in the books. Fall might not officially be here, but, its looming for sure. Heres a nice benefit of living in paradise. At this very moment, you are not outside in the garage trying to locate the snow shovel. … [Read more...]
Sarasota’s Best Sushi Restaurants
Sarasota's Best Sushi Restaurants Where to get some of the best sushi in Sarasota Sarasota's Best Sushi Sarasota has more than its share of sushi places. I know sushi is popular everywhere. But we list 21 places on our site alone! And we know there are more in town. … [Read more...]
Sarasota’s Great Chili Cookoff – The Finale
Sarasota's Great Chili Cookoff - The Finale Let's see how this all turns out... It all comes back to the chili. Forget about the beer, the fantastic made-to-order weather, and the live music. That's why we're here, right? With the booth judging out of the way, it was … [Read more...]
Sarasota’s Top 100 Restaurants
UPDATED FOR APRIL 2015 We know you want to know where to go. And, we're here to help you out with that. Each and every month we update our top 100. From Seafood to Indian, Peruvian to bar food. Here are the TOP 100 Sarasota restaurants. RANK RESTAURANT 1 Derek's Rustic … [Read more...]
Sarasota’s Top 5 | Week of August 27, 2012
Summers nearly gone. But, our local dining scene keeps on chugging along. Heres a look at your favorite Sarasota restaurants of the past week. Enjoy! A little summertime bonus, just for you... … [Read more...]
Sardinia – Savor Sarasota 2015 | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
If you look, you can usually find delicious things hidden in the strangest places. Just drive down Tamiami Trail and try and count them. On second thought you had better keep your eyes on the trail. What you're counting (I mean, not counting) is the number of … [Read more...]
Save 30% At Local Sarasota Restaurants With Gift Certificates From The Originals
Are you just dying to get and out and have a great meal in a local Sarasota restaurant? We all know that we have some fantastic locally owned and operated restaurants here in the Sarasota area. But, these days going out to eat can seem like an extravagance. Now there's help on … [Read more...]
Savor a Lunch and Two Dinners
Savor a Lunch and Two Dinners We've got a Savor Sample headed your way! How's Your Savor Sarasota 2024 Journey Going So Far? Have you found some new favs yet? Or maybe you've dusted off an old faithful from Savors gone by? If you're a YES to either of those, congrats! … [Read more...]
Savor Samples – There’s Still More Time To Dine!
Savor Samples - There's Still More Time To Dine! We've got a list of extended Savor dining deals Well, we made it! Wow, those two weeks just flew by! ✈️ I’m hoping that most of you took advantage of at least some of the fantastic local dining deals that were available to … [Read more...]
Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week – A Preview
Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week - A Preview Here's what you can expect for two weeks of dining adventures! It's like the surest sign of a Sarasota summer; Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week. Don't ask me why it isn't "Restaurant Weeks." Visit Sarasota County might want to … [Read more...]
Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week 2015 | Sarasota Restaurant journal
On your mark, get set, EAT! If you’re considering a little early summer diet you may want to re-think that plan. At the very least a short postponement is in order. The 2015 version of Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week is just around the corner and I’m certain you’ll want to … [Read more...]
Savor Sarasota Rolls On! | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Part two should be just as delicious as the opening act. Hope you have been smart and saved some room for week two. I would completely understand if you haven't. Being disciplined in the face of extreme temptation is difficult at best and impossible at worst. Sometimes its … [Read more...]
Savor The Tastes Of Sarasota Restaurant Week | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
A full two weeks of wining and dining UPDATED FOR 2019 - It clearly says "RESTAURANT WEEK". You can see it as plainly as I can. But, for lucky Sarasota diners, it is happily not the case. The Sarasota restaurant taste-a-thon that is annually sponsored by Visit Sarasota … [Read more...]
Savory Is The Perfect Word
I love food that has a history. Even if its not my history. I always marvel at the sheer volume of stories that can be told through food. It might take the form of a frequently re-lived family tale that is rooted in a particular dish. Or, it may be a meal that triggers … [Read more...]
Shaking Up The Competition: The Fine Art of Judging Cocktails
Shaking Up The Competition: The Fine Art of Judging Cocktails 25 local Sarasota Restaurants compete for bragging rights! 🧑⚖️ I've Judged A Few Things in the Past 20+ Years of Food Writing. Back in the early 2010s, Chef Judi Gallagher and I used to judge the Sarasota Food … [Read more...]
Shamrock Pub Brings On The Q
Everybody loves a great summertime BBQ. Summertime is BBQ time. Well, actually in the Sunshine State, almost any time is BBQ time. But, lets not get all hung up on that. To help you get your fill this season, The Shamrock Pub is putting a brand new twist on the same old … [Read more...]
Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) – Savor Sarasota | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Siesta Key gets into the Savor Sarasota mix. I think we can all agree that Sarasota is home to a pretty diverse set of culinary styles. I know it's not NY, Chicago, Portland or Seattle. But, it still has pretty good food options. **The term "For a city of it's size" shall … [Read more...]
SKOB: A Look Around The New Menu
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 Im thinking about doing from time to time. Its not quite a photo essay, but, its not a … [Read more...]
Smashed! Burger Cooking 101
It's all in the technique. I'm not going to dance around this or mince words. I LOVE burgers. But, and here's the BIG but, my long term, low carb lifestyle thankfully says "no way" to most of my burger cravings. There is no doubt that burgers are a big business. Burger … [Read more...]
Sneak Peek – Derek’s Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare
Thanks to Derek Barnes (and to us here at Pot Luck), you're getting a first look, sneak peek into one of his brand new menu items. Derek has been working on some great new dishes that will be rolled out to you in the very near future. Derek's Culinary Casual has always been a … [Read more...]
Solorzano’s, Munchies 420 and Roadside Ribs
2011 continues to fly by so fast that it looks like a blur passing you on Tamiami Trail. Week #44 is in the books and youve been searching for restaurants on dineSarasota.com. Would you like to know what is getting the most looks? Of course you would. Heres our most search … [Read more...]
Some Final Savor Suggestions
Some Final Savor Suggestions How about a few last-minute ideas? ⏰ OK, Time's Almost Up. If you want to enjoy some of the best dining deals of the summer, you're going to have to act quickly. And I mean QUICKLY. 🏃♂️ So, in an effort to help you make these tough … [Read more...]
Some Local Favorites Close Their Doors
As has been widely reported, Sarasota has lost some great restaurants in the past several weeks. The closings of Canvas Cafe, 5 One 6 Burns, Sierra Station and Sangria will be felt by everyone who lives and visits Sarasota. Each of those places had their niche in our dining … [Read more...]
South Philly Comes To The South Trail | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
A dose of brotherly love comes to SRQ. There are a bunch of great sandwich shops here in Sarasota. Each one touts their own specialty. Some feature regional favorites, some offer a more generic cross section of sandwiches. A lot of places offer a Philly cheesesteak. Only … [Read more...]
Speaks Clam Bar – Florida Trend Best New Restaurant
Speaks Clam Bar with locations on St. Armands Circle and Lakewood Ranch has been named a Florida Trend Golden Spoon Best New Restaurant. Even more impressively, they're the only Sarasota restaurant to bring home that honor in 2019. That's pretty high praise considering the number … [Read more...]
Spyder Broussard and The Polo Grill Boil It Up
You dont have to be a rocket scientist to know an amazing food find when you see one. Four years goes by in the blink of an eye. Thats how long Tommy Klauber of the Polo Grill and his good friend (and relative) Spyder Broussard have been treating East County folks to an … [Read more...]
Square 1 Burgers & Bar Opens in Sarasota
Move over Hob Nob and Five Guys, Sarasota has a brand new hamburger joint and it's called Square 1 Burgers & Bar. Newly opened at 1737 S. Tamiami Trail (just across from Sarasota Memorial Hospital), Square 1 has a fantastic looking menu of burger choices. And, I mean … [Read more...]
St. Andrews Comes To Lakewood Main Street
Looking for something to do this weekend that's a little different and sure to be a lot of fun? Well, I've got a fantastic idea for you. Why not check out the Scottish St. Andrews Festival on Lakewood Main Street. This Saturday, November 21st, beginning at 4pm, MacAllisters … [Read more...]
St. Patty’s Day Sarasota Style
There is more to the 17th just than green beer. Who doesnt love a good St. Patricks Day celebration? Trick question. The correct answer is everybody loves a good St. Patricks Day celebration. Or, more accurately, everyone I know. In my previous Chicago life, March 17th was … [Read more...]
Start Your Weekend Off Right at Fondue Friday
Looking for something a little bit different to do this Friday night? Well, Magnum Wine & Tastings, along with C'est Cheese may just have the answer for you. Magnum's has just announced that their tasting bar is now open until 10pm on Friday evenings. You can stop by and … [Read more...]
State by State, Burger by Burger
You just cant get enough of a good thing. I love a good burger as much as the next guy. Sometimes, I think even more than the next guy. And, yes I know I just wrote about the great burgers served up over at Knicks Tavern & Grill. But, I thought, Hey, what if youre out … [Read more...]
Station 400: Scrambled Egg Whites & Thyme Hash Browns
I'm always on the lookout for a healthy meal that doesn't taste like it. Writing about Sarasota restaurants and food definitely has its upsides. But, there are a few downsides too, like a rising LDL and a potentially new record high on the bathroom scale. You've got to be … [Read more...]
Stingray’s Grill Rises To The Top In April
The LIST for April 2009 is out and Stingray's Grill sits at the top. Making a big jump from number 5 to the top spot in one month. The former Shell's Seafood Restaurant is getting lots of attention. Cafe Gabbiano, The Sandollar Rooftop Restaurant, Shakespeare's English Pub and … [Read more...]
Stingray’s Stays On Top Of The Heap
The LIST for May 2009 is out and Stingray's Grill winds up on top for a second straight month. The former Shell's Restaurant seems to have a lot of folks searching for information about it. The Sand Dollar Rooftop Restaurant moves up a notch in May. Cafe Gabbiano, Sangria and … [Read more...]
Stone Crab Season Has Arrived!
Stone Crab Season Has Arrived! Great Places in Sarasota to Get Your Fix. Stone Crab Season Has Started! If you’re one of those people that’s been ripping the day pages off of a giant wall calendar just waiting for October 15th, then I’m sure you’re doing cartwheels right … [Read more...]
Stone Crabs Are Back
Its official, stone crab season in Florida has begun. Starting this past Wednesday October 15th, local restaurants have been serving one our most delicious seasonal food items. The season which runs through May 15th is always a special treat for area diners. There are so many … [Read more...]
Stottlemyer’s Does BBQ The Old Florida Way | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
There's not much better than BBQ done right. Anybody that loves BBQ has made at least one attempt. One attempt at their very own pit of deliciousness. I know, I make attempts all the time. Some turn out better than others. One thing they all have in common, no … [Read more...]
Strawberries, Strawberries, Strawberries
It's that time of year. That's right fresh strawberries are now in season. Have a look at these beauties! As we've all read in the paper or seen on the local news, the weather has been pretty rough on Florida strawberry farmers. But, it sure doesn't look like our unseasonably … [Read more...]
Summer Salmon That Really Sizzles
Fresh seafood on the grill, a sure sign of summer. And, what could be easier than grilling up some fresh salmon. One of the nice things about salmon is that you can get it pretty much wherever you live. No matter if you walk into a local fish market or grocery store with a … [Read more...]
Summer Size It At Mattisons
With the hot summer weather here, lots of folks are turning to a little lighter fare for mealtime. With that in mind, Chef Paul Mattison has rolled out his Summer-Sized Menus. Enjoy a fantastic three course dinner menu for $25 or a two course lunch menu for $15. Each of these … [Read more...]
Summertime And The Eating Is Fine
Summertime 2010 is "officially" upon us! And, of course that means that were going to see tons of great fruits and vegetables hitting our local farm stands and Farmer's Markets. Now is a fantastic time to get out and see what available outside the produce section of your favorite … [Read more...]
Super Places To Watch The Super Bowl: UPDATED
Super Places To Watch The Super Bowl: UPDATED UPDATED FOR 2025 It’s traditionally one of the biggest “party” days of the year. Yes, NYE is pretty big too. But Super Bowl Sunday seems to be right up there. This year, since the NFL has decided to add one more week to … [Read more...]
Sushi With A Different Twist, Yo! Sushi.
Sushi comes in all shapes, sizes and styles. That much is for sure. This is not Sarasota. Walk into the entrance of Yo! Sushi in the University Town Center and you'll probably have the same feeling sweep over you. You're transported. But, you're not really sure where. … [Read more...]