CHRISTMAS IN SARASOTA... The majority of us will be spending the holiday gathered around our dining room tables with friends and family. That's a tradition. But, some of you want to get out of the house and let someone else do all of the cooking and cleanup. I get that. So, in … [Read more...]
Eat Here Sponsoring Staff Meal | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Who says there's no such thing as a free lunch? Question. Do you work in the hospitality service industry on Siesta Key? Question. Wouldn't you just love some free food (and drinks)? If you answered yes to both of those questions then you'll want to read … [Read more...]
Dessert For A Great Cause | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Hungry for dessert? Who doesn't LOVE a delicious dessert? Good question. Wouldn't it just be ideal if you could have that dessert and make a needed donation too? That was a trick question, you know you can get that done. And, SKOB makes it easy! Chef Douglas Jennings … [Read more...]
Walt’s To Host Reef Fund Benefit | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Looks like this should be a fun day! Looking for something a little different to do this Sunday? Sure you are. I think this might be just what you're looking for. Walt's Fish Market is hosting an all day Reef Fund Benefit in the name Walt's founder Claus Wallin's … [Read more...]
Could This Be The Best Fried Chicken In America? | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Could This Be The Best Fried Chicken In America? Why is this man smiling? It's not like it's a competition or anything. Or is it? Everybody wants to be number one. On top, the best. I mean, if you're going to do anything meaningful, would you really strive for the … [Read more...]
The Little Sarasota DINING Book is Back! | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Sometimes It's hard to stay away. Well, we meet once again. When we published our last Sarasota dining guide back in 2010 I thought, "That was a nice run. But, it's time to move on. Print is dead". Truth be told, I wasn't ready to move on (AND, I don't think print is … [Read more...]
The Shamrock Is Ready To Jam On | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Talk about a great backyard summer party! Summer is here! The calendar might not say June 21st yet. But, summer is most definitely here. Along with the heat, humidity and frequent downpours comes a recent Sarasota summer tradition. The Shamrock's Summer Chef Jam. For … [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...]
Your Unofficial Guide to Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Ready, Set, Eat... UPDATED FOR 2019 - It's here. The two weeks that Sarasota residents and visitors alike drool over. Savor Sarasota Restaurant week is upon us once again. To be fair, "restaurant weeks" is a more accurate description. This local food lovers dream stretches … [Read more...]
Jalea to Close, Yume Sushi to Expand | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Dining musical chairs on Main Street. The wheel turns for the restaurant community on Main Street in downtown Sarasota. In what is an ever changing dining scene, another chapter is about to be penned as Jalea will close it's doors to make room for a larger Yume … [Read more...]
These Are Some Tasty Tots | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
"Napoleon, give me some of your tots"... I'm sure the good folks at Ore-Ida aren't quite quaking in the tater tot making boots. But, maybe they should be. No, I'm not suggesting that the tots you see pictured below will be in your local supermarket frozen food section … [Read more...]
I Think I Have A New Favorite Cookbook | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
It's not surprising that the good things naturally rise to the top. I like to eat out. But, I like cooking for myself just about as much. Another thing. I've got a pretty giant cookbook collection. Maybe, not by library standards. But, certainly by any reasonable … [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...]
10 Killer Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipes | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Want to enjoy a nice quite St. Patrick's Day but still want the same delicious food? OK, Let's just say that you LOVE traditional St. Patrick's Day dishes, but, don't want to hassle with the beer swigging crowds. What to do? How about making that delicious Corned Beef and … [Read more...]
Here’s Your Sarasota St. Patrick’s Day Dining Guide | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Here's Your Sarasota St. Patrick's Day Dining Guide Once a year it's perfectly acceptable to gorge on corned beef, cabbage, and green beer! One more time! Another Sarasota St. Patrick's Day food-a-thon is about to begin. We're not going to bore you as we wax on about the … [Read more...]
Forks & Corks 2014 | Best In Show | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Its not a simple choice. Nothing as easy as steak or fish. Choices can be hard. Its great to have them, but No Im not whining or complaining, Im just stating a fact that becomes painfully obvious the moment you walk through the entryway and enter the spacious and … [Read more...]
Menu Monday | Jack Dusty | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Somebody is having a birthday! Hey, you only turn one once. At least thats the accepted thinking. So, why shouldnt we feature the birthday boy on our Menu Monday post? Jack Dusty, the Sarasota Ritz-Carlton eatery, turns the big ONE this month. A lot can happen in a year. … [Read more...]
It’s Amazing and Awesome, Really? | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
It's Amazing and Awesome, Really? Old habits die hard in the lexicon of fashionable words. Please look closely at the image above. Here's another. Look closely. One more... All three have something in common. Do you know what it is? It may be hard to see the … [Read more...]
Tasting Notes | Rooftop Party, Major Awards & Bubbly | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
NEW YEARS PREVIEW The annual Things To Do On New Years Eve press releases are starting to fill up my inbox. Here we go If youre looking for The essence of chic and a modern vibe then you might want to add the Carmel Café (8433 Cooper Creek Blvd.) to your list of year end … [Read more...]
Menu Monday | Lolita Tartine | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Euro style, Rosemary location. Take your time. Slow down, Enjoy the day. These are all feelings that spring to mind when sitting at newly open Lolita Tartine and enjoying one of their name bearing signature open faced sandwiches. Lot of sandwiches can qualify as open … [Read more...]
Tasting Notes | James Beard, Pizza & Black Friday
POP, POP, POP November 21st ushered in the latest vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau. You could almost hear the corks popping all over town! Seriously, if you would like to enjoy this years quick fermented crop you can pick up a bottle at any of our fine Sarasota wine retailers. | … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving In Sarasota
Thanksgiving In Sarasota There are lots of ways to enjoy the best holiday meal of the year. Here it is. Once again, the big Eat-A-Thon, more commonly known as Thanksgiving, is almost upon us. And, as usual, the options to satisfy your tryptophan-laced cravings are … [Read more...]
Tasting Notes: Birthdays, Breakfast, Brunch
CELEBRATE Believe it or not the Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB 5238 Ocean Blvd.) is 10 years old. And in that time they have amassed quite the collection of one dollar bills. Ever wonder how much it all adds up to? Find out on Tuesday (NOV 19th, 7pm) as part of their BIG birthday … [Read more...]
What’s In A Name?
Most people hate moving. Im one of them. Moving is the worst! Thats just me. You may enjoy packing up all of your crap, loading it into a truck, van or car and hauling it all to a new spot. I don't like it. I cant imagine moving an entire restaurant is that much fun … [Read more...]
Menu Monday | Louies Modern |Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Turning the lunch menu upside down isnt easy. Its lunch. Just lunch. The middle meal of the day is probably, no, definitely, the most overlooked and under appreciated. Face it, breakfast gets more than its fair share of hype as the most important meal of the day … [Read more...]
Tasting Notes: Lunch, Safari Sarasota, Re-Launch
LUNCH DATE Ah, a sure sign that season will soon be in full swing. Your usual dinner only spot is now open for lunch. If you happen to be lunching downtown youre in luck. Eat Here (1888 Main St.), Louies Modern (1289 Palm Ave.) and Clasico Cafe (1341 Main St.) are throwing … [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...]
Menu Monday | The Savory Street Cafe
Breakfast, lunch and dinner with an international flair Its not like Sarasota has a shortage of culinary diversity. Quite the opposite. Were lucky enough to have food choices that span the globe. Whether youre in the mood for Italian, Indian, Greek, Mexican and yes, even … [Read more...]
Tasting Notes: Tenders, Sharkey’s, Openings
WINE EM AND DINE EM War of the Wines II, Duvalss New World Cafe,. Oct 23rd, 6:30pm. A battle royale. Sonoma vs. Napa. May the best wines win! 444-5971 | Chateau Ste Michelle Wine-Pairing Dinner. Mattisons 41, Oct. 24th 6:30pm, five course wine paring menu will be served. … [Read more...]
What’s Happening Here?
Could a Siesta Key landmark be staging a south trail comeback? If youve been close to the intersection of Tamiami Trail and Stickney Point Road you may have noticed this small, modest sign. Heres the question Is this anything? Im just asking. … [Read more...]
The Stone Crab Countdown Rolls On
The anticipation of something delicious. We love to break out that image above once a year. Perfect stone crab claws. Just waiting to be opened and slathered with their creamy, mustardy condiment and enjoyed. The countdown clock is now at 6. October 15th is the day (as … [Read more...]
Menu Monday. It’s All About The Burger
Menu Monday. It's All About The Burger It's burger time! The burger has made a comeback. Not that it really ever went anywhere. But it's back! And, boy, are there great versions of an American classic floating around the Sarasota restaurant scene. Theres a prime example of a … [Read more...]
Menu Monday | Nancy’s Bar-B-Q
Menu Monday. Nancy's Bar-B-Q Anyway you spell it, it means the same thing, delicious. Bar-Be-Que, BBQ, Bar-B-Que or Bar-B-Q. There are so many ways you can spell it. But the meaning, at least here in this country, is pretty universal. Cooking styles, sauces, and presentations … [Read more...]
Menu Monday | Tony’s Chicago Beef
A little taste of the Windy City on the Suncoast. Every city that has transplants, has restaurants opened specifically to fill a gastronomic wish. That wish, food from home of course. Sarasota is no different. If fact, were lucky to have a better selection than most … [Read more...]
Menu Monday | Shore Diner
A St. Armands hot shot gets things rolling. It vaguely feels like I've done this before. This menu thing I mean. Back in 2009 we began highlighting menus from Sarasota restaurants as part of our Menu Monday feature. The thought was, if you had a peek at a menu it might … [Read more...]
The Return of Menu Monday!
Were bringing back a popular weekly feature. Monday, September 16th marks the return of one of our most popular features, Menu Monday. Four years has been a long break. Too long. Each week we will hand select a delicious, local restaurant menu for your culinary … [Read more...]
Fall, Football, Crock Pot
Some things just naturally go together You get the idea. I dont have to magically conjure up remembrances of autumns past. Or, do I? Fall is a little different in the Sunshine State then in other parts of our great country. But, many of us who relocated here from points … [Read more...]
Same Delicious Salad, New Location |Sarasota Restaurants Journal
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 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...]
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...]
June Winners | Enjoy A Great Burger
Why do burgers taste better in the summer? This is not a trick question. Lets raise a bun to our June winners. Sorry for the delay in announcing. Technical difficulties beyond our control. All is good now. Especially for Skip and Dave. They correctly identified Junes … [Read more...]
Meatloaf and Much Much More
Another chance at some great free food awaits OK. Last month we gave away a couple of free meals at The Village Café on Siesta Key. This month were going to feed you again. June features a specials board from a great neighborhood gathering spot. Theyve been serving up … [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...]
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...]
A Look At The Latest and Greatest | Sarasota Restaurants journal
When the light is the brightest, the best shines through. Each May, just like clockwork, the National Restaurant Association puts on a show. Not just any show, but, THE SHOW. The big one. A gathering so big that it takes one of the largest show spaces in the country to … [Read more...]
Yes, We Have Winners
Our summer giveaways are off to a BIG start. What a fantastic way to start off the summer. Thanks for the great response to our first specials board contest. We had lots of entries. Ok, I know, its results you want. There were a wide range of guesses. Here are some of the … [Read more...]
We’ve Got A Contest Your Taste Buds Will Love!
Lets just see how well youve been paying attention. Were going have a little fun this summer, AND you are too! Weve got some free food to give away from some of our great Sarasota restaurants. Sounds like a good time already, right? Heres the deal. Were going to post a … [Read more...]
The LIST | April 2013
A brand new Sarasota restaurant leaps to the top We have been publishing dineSarasota.com online for just over eleven years now. For the past eight and a half of them we have been posting our LIST of our most searched for Sarasota restaurants. Thats 101 monthly editions if … [Read more...]
Cinco de Mayo, A Celebration of…
Who really needs a reason for a party anyway? Who would have thought that the hard fought victory that the Mexican army achieved over the French one hundred and fifty years ago would morph into an all out margarita chugging party? Certainly not Mexican General Ignacio … [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...]
And Along Comes Senor Siesta… | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Just when you think the dining space on Siesta Key was about as full as it could possible be Exit Taste of Asia, enter Senor Siesta. It sounds like stage directions from some obscure B flick. But, its not. Its culinary reality. It is part of the ever evolving (and … [Read more...]
Louies Modern, A Sneak Peek | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Classic retro feel gives way to modern American cuisine. First off, this is not a restaurant review. This is more of a coming attraction. You remember those from the movies theater. They were the precursor to the over produced trailers that you see now. This coming … [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...]
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...]
Gumbo and Mardi Gras, The Perfect Combination | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
People who come back from heaven all say the same thing... Try the gumbo. Gumbo. Just say the word and watch me start to drool. Everybody has his or her favorite. And, I'm sure there are as many variations as you would care to count. But, there's only one that could get … [Read more...]
Its that time of year once again. Time to reveal our top 100 restaurants for the year just past. What a fantastic year for Sarasota dining. WOW! A lot of great new restaurants have burst onto the scene offering a wide array of taste tempting dishes. There were some closings of … [Read more...]
https://www.dinesarasota.com/sarasotas-top-100-restaurants-2012-edition/
Forks & Corks 2013 | Best in Show | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
What more can be said about Sarasotas premier food and wine event? What more can you say about the best food and wine event in Sarasota that hasn't already been printed or spoken? Yes, there is fantastic food. And, yes there are countless cases of silky smooth … [Read more...]
Coming Your Way | Pub 32
What whiskey will not cure, there is no cure for. ~ Irish Proverb Do you like Irish whiskey? How about an expertly poured Guinness served at the correct temperature? Then 2013 may indeed be your lucky year. At the end of January, Pub 32 opens their doors on south Tamiami … [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...]
It’s Open. Eat Here, Siesta Key | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
The number three works for me. Maybe you already know this, maybe you dont. The third of acclaimed restaurateur Sean Murphys Eat Here restaurants has opened its doors on Siesta Key. That may be news to some of you, but, probably not many. This new addition to the … [Read more...]
The LIST | January 2013 | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Finding a great Sarasota restaurant is just a click away. The new year has arrived. And, with it our first LIST of 2013. There were some great new places that opened last year. The upcoming year already looks promising. The brand, spanking new Eat Here on Siesta Key has just … [Read more...]
What Exactly is Jack Dusty? | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Its not easy to create a restaurant that both locals and visitors will love. Theres something about new. The new car smell. New, never worn clothes. The feeling of new. Its knowing that youve never experienced this EXACT thing before. Thats what new is all about. … [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...]
Burger Time | The Village Cafe
Finding a great burger selection in an unexpected location. Were lucky, burger-wise. Sarasota has some pretty amazing places to grab a delicious burger. Heres a short list, see if you agree. The Hob Nob Square 1 Burgers & Bar Knicks Tavern & … [Read more...]
A Sarasota Diners Manifesto
A Sarasota Diners Manifesto Expectations, reality, and some thoughts on food. Food (and dining) has become a passion. That’s not a statement of my personal view, it’s more an observation of the world as it appears. Sarasota fits nicely into that world. It has a … [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...]
The LIST | December 2012
Finding a great Sarasota restaurant is just a click away. December has arrived and with it more great opportunities to visit some of our fine Sarasota restaurants. Im sure that most people have a little holiday shopping to take care of in the next few weeks. But, lets not … [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...]
New, New, New…
Its always great to add a few new things to your life. Restaurants come and restaurants go. It just a fact of life in that business. Sometimes, its hard (if not impossible) to keep track of all the action. Even for us. Over the past few weeks we have added some places to … [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 | 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...]
dineSarasota Eat Beat | October 29, 2012
There are great Sarasota food happenings every week! You should know about them.. Its Stone Crab season! There are a bunch of places in town that are serving up this awesome seasonal delicacy. Have a look at what the Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) has on their plate. Grab … [Read more...]
Taste + Tech = Carmel Cafe
When technology meets food the results can be delicious. I love toys. Especially tech toys. The more light and buttons, the more better. At least in my eyes. The device doesn't even have to be all that useful. I just love to play with stuff. I also love and appreciate great … [Read more...]
Menu Sneak Peek | The Village Cafe
I hope you like jammin', too! Youre in for a treat. Weve got a little menu sneak peek for you. The Village Café on Siesta Key will be rolling out some brand new menu items a little later this year. But, youre about to be an insider. Youre lucky enough to have a first look at … [Read more...]
How To Build The Perfect Sandwich
The pursuit of perfection is a noble cause. Even when its just a sandwich. A quick history lesson. Does the name John Montagu ring a bell? No. Well, how about his more popular moniker, the 4th Earl of Sandwich? Yes. Now youve got it. Since the 18th century when The Earl … [Read more...]
James Beard Dinner | Maison Blanche Style
If you didnt happen to make it to NYC, this is the next best thing. So, you couldnt make it out to New York City this past June for the BIG James Beard Foundation dinner featuring our very own Chef Jose Martinez. Well, here is some news that will get your attention. October … [Read more...]
The Missing SKOBwich? | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Sometimes great items never make the REAL menu. Have you ever walked into a place, sat down at the bar (or table) and looked over at another persons plate to see what theyre having? Of course you have. We are all naturally curious, especially when it comes to our … [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...]
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 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...]
Your Seat At The Table.
Getting a seat at your favorite Sarasota restaurant has never been easier The Sarasota restaurant scene has gotten more and more competitive over the years. Im not talking about restaurants competing against one another. Im talking about hungry diners competing for a limited … [Read more...]
It’s Famous For A Reason
This is not going to be a deep philosophical Sarasota food post. I know youre used to that here. Hope you're not disappointed. This one is quite simple. Actually, it can be condensed into two words. Famous Italian If you havent been to the Main Bar Sandwich Shop in awhile, … [Read more...]
Chicago Beef, The Little Joe’s Way
The hunt is half the fun (at least). Im always on the prowl for a great Chicago beef sandwich. Guess what? Found another one! Little Joes Italian Beef on South Tamiami Trail. Its a recent addition to our restaurant scene and theyre serving up some pretty authentic Chicago … [Read more...]
Adult Education, Island Style
Who said learning cant be fun? Class is now in session. Im going to teach you a new word today. Some of you may know it. But, I feel fairly confident that for most of you (and me) it will be an addition to your already extensive vocabulary. Ready. Here we go. Falernum - … [Read more...]
Forks & Corks: A Food and Wine Spectacular | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
In todays frenetic news driven media world there's a rush to be first. First out with the big scoop, first to hit the web with a breaking news flash, first in a race to be first. I guess the timing of this post doesn't fit with any of that. Since January 29th, I think every … [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...]
When They Say Eat Here, They Mean It
Another piece is added to downtown Sarasotas culinary landscape. Busy. Big city. Buzz. Those are some words that flashed through my head the minute I first walked in the door of Sean Murphys new Sarasota dining destination, Eat Here. When youre a local culinary legend … [Read more...]
Grilled Cheese Takes Center Stage
The humble grilled cheese gets a necessary elevation. Its supposed to be all about the burgers. And, mostly it is. When you have the word burger prominently featured in your name it had better be. But, what happens when a alternative menu item is as good as the featured … [Read more...]
10, 9, 8… Our Countdown Continues
And, onward we go. Last week we revealed ninety of the 100 top Sarasota restaurants on dineSarasota.com for 2011. Now its time to get to the next five. I feel a little like Casey Kasem here, no long distance dedications please 10 Yume Sushi 1537 Main Street Sarasota, … [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...]
Our Most Popular Posts: November 2011
November was gone in a flash. Its almost hard to believe how quickly 2011 has been flying by. And, we all know whats just around the corner. Yes, the holidays of course, but, also SEASON! The streets will soon be filling up with visitors from all over the world looking to bask … [Read more...]
The Rise of the Rookies
Theres no other way to say it. The new kids on the block are making an impression on Sarasota diners. In this weeks top five there are four restaurants that have opened within the past few months, including two that have open in the last couple weeks. Only Solorzanos is there … [Read more...]
Coming and Going
Things change. That much we know for sure. Image Courtesy: Jennifer Woodard Maderazo There have been lots of changes to the Sarasota restaurant scene in the past few months. Weve been adding and deleting places from our database at a pretty good clip. Just in case you havent … [Read more...]
The Weekly: Solorzano’s, Seven Hills and Duval’s
Old favs and new entries make up this edition of the WEEKLY. When Morocco closed over in the Buccaneer Plaza on South Tamiami Trail, I thought why cant a place make a go of it there?. Its not a bad spot really. They have parking, signage, and an easy in and out from the … [Read more...]
Happy Thanksgiving
Is there a better day than Thanksgiving Day? I think not. From our table to yours, have a happy and thankful Thanksgiving Day. … [Read more...]
Forks and Corks U: More Than Wine 101 | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Trying to de-mystify the wine world is a noble pursuit. Image courtesy of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. © Peter Aker. When I went to college back thirty years ago, course offerings were pretty unimaginative. OK, boring. There was your usual complement of core classes, … [Read more...]
Libby’s Rolls Out Some New Tastes
Can new really compete with some old favorites? Not surprisingly, yes! The menu. The concept seems benign enough. If you walk into any restaurant, in any city, you will at some point be faced with some choices. Your options may be written on a white board mounted on a nearby … [Read more...]
The Weekly: Yoder’s, Munchies and Solorzano’s
Another week down. Its a quick slide to the holiday season and the end of 2011. Its probably a good time to order that fresh Thanksgiving turkey. Weve got a bunch of great places here in Sarasota to do that. I better remember to add that to my to-do list. While Im busy … [Read more...]
Fleming’s Steakhouse: Lump Crab Louis Wrap
I was flipping through a pile of old images from some of our Sarasota restaurants and came across some from a Flemings Steakhouse photo shoot I did a while back. This is their Lump Crab Louis Wrap. I had forgotten what a great appetizer it was. I thought I would dust off 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...]