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Celebrate Bastille Day Mattison’s Style

If you cant arrange a trip to Paris for this years Bastille Day celebration, Weve got a nice alternative plan for your celebration. How about a short trip over to Mattisons Forty One for their special Bastille Day menu? Chef Paul Mattison and his culinary staff are planning a … [Read more...]

Can’t Get Enough Prix Fixe? Hillview Grill Has You Covered

Savor Sarasota is over. Now all youre left with is that down in the dumps, no prix fixe menu, empty feeling. Fear not! There are lots of restaurants around town that are continuing the Savor Sarasota spirit. Over in the Southside Village neighborhood, the Hillview Grill can … [Read more...]

Brasserie Belge Offers Burgers To Celebrate Independence Day

Did you ever think you would be chowing down an all American burger at a Belgian restaurant in Sarasota on the 4th of July? Well, truth be told, I hadnt considered the possibility either. Until now. Things have changed in Sarasota. Our restaurant community has exploded with … [Read more...]

An Inside Look At The Restaurant Show

Over the years Ive associated Bob Marley with a lot of things. Coffee was not among them. Every year at this time in May, you can find a whos who of the restaurant trade all gathered in one place. Chicago Illinois. More specifically, McCormick Place. Thats the site of the … [Read more...]

Brunch Should Be More Than Just A Meal

Contrary to popular belief, brunch is not just the awkward meal between breakfast and lunch. When I was growing up brunch was a BIG deal. Even today, its place as a meal is still special compared to your standard breakfast, lunch or dinner. But, its not quite the event that … [Read more...]

The May 2011 LIST Explodes With New Entries

The May 2011 list is out and its loaded with surprises. Im not saying the inclusion of any of these great Sarasota restaurants left us dumbfounded, theyre all fantastic places to dine. What caused us to raise an eyebrow (or two) was the shear number of new additions. 8 new … [Read more...]

The Concept of New and a Sarasota Restaurant Tradition

Sometimes always looking for the latest things obscures your view of the best things. Youve seen it. I know you have, because I have. A hand written note. A fancy, digitally produced graphic. Or, just blank butcher paper over a storefront window. All of the above say the same … [Read more...]

Have A Quick Peek At Nancy’s Menu

Whats currently the hottest ticket in town? If youre thinking Sarasota Film Festival, you may want to reconsider. How about a pulled pork sandwich? Thats right, pulled pork (or brisket). Nancys Bar-B-Q has unofficially opened and has lots of locals waiting in lines for a … [Read more...]

When Is A Scallop More Than A Scallop?

A good riddle can be as satisfying as a great dish. They both leave you wanting a little more. When I was young I had the same collection of books that most kids growing up in the early sixties had. Lots of Dr. Seuss and the like. Seuss was great, dont get me wrong. There are … [Read more...]

The Worst Kept Secret In Sarasota

Ill keep this brief (because frankly, its a little embarrassing for me). Do you see that mound of mouthwatering BBQ? Do you know what that means? Nancys Bar-B-Q is officially/unofficially open for business! But, you probably already knew that. Its called a soft opening … [Read more...]

Innovation and Invention Hits The Sarasota Food Scene

Why isn't there an acceptance of creative cuisine the way there is an acceptance of ordinary cuisine? That should be fixed. Those of you who know me personally or who visit dineSarasota.com on a regular or semi-regular basis know one thing. I don't like to write restaurant … [Read more...]

Is This The Best Goat Cheese Salad In Sarasota?

I thought I had seen or eaten just about anything that could contain or be made with a piece of goat cheese. I was wrong. The menu description is so inviting Two warm goat cheese pillows encased in puff pastry on a bed of romaine, apple and nuts. Honey vinaigrette. A house … [Read more...]

The LIST Best of 2010: #1 Munchies 420 Cafe

The drum roll please... I guess that's a little much considering the name of our #1 restaurant is in the title to this post. Yes, that's right, Munchies 420 Cafe is #1 on our list for 2010. Congrats to them! OK, I think right off the bat we should dispense with all of the … [Read more...]

The LIST Best of 2010: #2 Owen’s Fish Camp

And then there were two... OK, it's not nearly as suspenseful as a good murder mystery, but, it's all I've got. #2, one of the best new restaurants to have opened in Sarasota in a while. And, I'm not just saying that. It's true. I mean, before this thing opened people were … [Read more...]

The LIST Best of 2010: #3 The Old Salty Dog

1, 2, 3... That's all that's remains. Clocking in at #3 is a Sarasota restaurant that offers two, count 'em two, great locations. And, each one has it's own distinct character. #3 The Old Salty Dog Adults, kids, families, locals, tourists, just about everybody hits "The Dog" at … [Read more...]