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...]
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. Patricks Day food-a-thon is about to begin. Were not going to bore you as we wax on about the … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Libby’s Cafe + Bar Rolls Out Special Craft Beer
Summer and beer. They go together like (insert your own song lyrics here). But, its true. Summer and beer do go pretty great together. Its either the step up in outdoor temperature or our increased activity level. Im not sure exactly, but, I do know that a cold beer is pretty … [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...]
I Have This Camera…
Sometime around the beginning of 2010, I decided that dineSarasota.com needed some better food photos. Not that the shots I was posting were horrific or embarrassing, but, I thought that the great food that was being prepared in our local restaurants deserved a little better … [Read more...]
Libby’s Hits It Out Of The Park
When I think baseball, I think egg rolls. Don't you? OK, it's a stretch, I'll give you that. Back about four years ago, I had the opportunity to take a baseball trip with my son. Philadelphia was one of our stops. Obviously, The City of Brotherly Love, has a lot of things to do … [Read more...]
The WEEKLY: Week of July 26, 2010 (#31)
Here's our weekly list of the most searched for Sarasota restaurants on dineSarasota.com for the past week. The more things change, the more they stay the same. No change at the top, but a little shuffling of the deck. Check out the top twenty each month on The LIST. … [Read more...]
The WEEKLY: Week of July 19, 2010 (#30)
Here's our weekly list of the most searched for Sarasota restaurants on dineSarasota.com for the past week. No Change at the top, but a little shuffling of the deck. Check out the top twenty each month on The LIST. … [Read more...]
The Spice of Life
In Chicago, back in the mid-1990's, New York toy seller, FAO Schwarz tried a new concept. A candy store that was stocked to the gills with every type of confection known (and even unknown) to man. It was called FAO Schweetz. If you were under the age of ten, your eyes would … [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...]
Carrabba’s Amici Club: Customer Loyalty Rewarded
I think Im a pretty outgoing person. I mean, I will talk to most people and do it without prompting. But, whats it like to sit down with forty seven people you have never met before at one giant Norman Rockwellish table? And, not for Thanksgiving in your Grandmothers basement, … [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...]
The Monterey Grill: Wahoo!!
Say it, Fish-Burger. Go ahead, one more time, Fish-Burger. Now youre getting the idea. It might be a little unnatural when you first utter it, but, youll get the hang of it. Any place you walk into these days that serves casual fare seems to have a fish taco on the menu. So … [Read more...]
Sarasota’s Great Chili Cookoff – The Finale
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 now time for real deal. Chili was being lovingly prepared for two competitions. The first was … [Read more...]
Fleming’s Adds Some “New Classics” To Their Old Favorites
Food is funny. Sometimes we scour our city in search of the latest in new and fresh cuisine. Other times we long for our culinary comfort zone. Can a steakhouse fit in to both categories? Its a question that has plagued mankind for centuries (OK, maybe not), but, it still … [Read more...]
What Can You Do With A Bunch Of Fresh Beets?
It's that time of year once again. Summer is close and soon Farmer's Markets and farm stands will be stocked to the gills with all kinds of delicious fresh fruits and vegetables. Sometimes you run into things at those stands or markets that look fantastic, but, you really have no … [Read more...]
Tony’s Chicago Beef: A REAL Chicago Beef Hits Sarasota
Tony's Chicago Beef: A REAL Chicago Beef Hits Sarasota Everybody loves a taste of home Living in Sarasota is great. For a city our size, we have a fantastic array of food choices before us each and every day. People should be jealous. Obviously, being right on the … [Read more...]
Oh Mamma Mia!: Penne alla Puttanesca
I was never one of those kids who had to be told not to play with their food. I'm certain that there are some out there who had to be instructed on a regular basis that their dinner or lunch was not for amusement but rather for nourishment. Not me. I was happy to eat my meal … [Read more...]
Could Chili Judging Be The Ultimate Foodie Hobby?
"Beer is the ultimate palate cleanser, drink lots". That sounds a lot like an excuse to consume. And it was! From those instructions would you automatically assume Chili Cook-Off? If you did then you could probably qualify as a judge! When I started writing this post I figured I … [Read more...]
Why Are Loquats Such A Big Secret?
I have this tree on the side of my house. I had no idea what type of tree it was. I only knew two things. It bears fruit and whatever fruit that is, both birds and people passing by my house like to eat them. One day a friend, who happens to be an arborist stops by. Walks up the … [Read more...]
The Hillview Grill: The Half Sandwich Combo
Gulf Gate, Downtown, St. Armands, Siesta Key and of course Southside Village. There are so many great restaurant hot spots here in Sarasota. We're pretty lucky that way. Lots of cities our size can't make that claim. A good amount of places have all of their best restaurants … [Read more...]
Calling All Sarasota Chiliheads
UPDATE: There are 4 spots left for Saturday's big Sarasota Chili Cook-off. If you think you have what it takes to compete with the best chili cooks in the region, then this is your opportunity. Click here for all of the signup info. Do you think you've got what it takes it put … [Read more...]
Trader Vic’s: Island-Tizer Platter
What to do on a rainy Sunday afternoon? Here are some choices. I could (A) just sit around the house, watch a little college basketball, do lots of nothing or I could (B) shop for bathroom fixtures. Hhhmm... That could be a tough choice. I know that every guy is just dying to … [Read more...]
Owen’s Fish Camp Hits The Top
For the week ended March 21, 2010 The newly opened Owen's Fish Camp, located in the Burns Court neighborhood, makes it to the top of our topSIX list for the week just ended. They have a great menu of fresh seafood. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere make it a winner. No … [Read more...]
Corned Beef and Cabbage Anyone?
Who's going for a little corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day? I'm guessing some of you are. I know that I'll probably do double duty tomorrow. There are tons of places around Sarasota that will be serving this great culinary feast comprised of boiled meat, assorted root … [Read more...]
Knick’s Tavern and Grill: Pulled Pork Sliders
Sliders are all the rage on restaurant menus these days. Not only here in Sarasota, but, pretty much everywhere you turn. And, it's not limited to the humble hamburger. No, they seem to make sliders out of everything from fish to hot dogs. Some of these "slider" interpretations … [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...]
UPDATE: “No Name” Oyster Bar Opens on Siesta Key
UPDATE: A name has finally been chosen for the newest Siesta Key destination: The Cottage. The official address is, 153 Avenida Messina. This past weekend Siesta Village was crowded with vacation families, locals enjoying one of the first warm days in months and college Spring … [Read more...]
Munchies 420 Tops Our SIX
For the week ended March 6, 2010 Munchies 420 Cafe regains the top spot in our bi-weekly rundown of the Sarasota restaurants that you're searching for on dineSarasota.com. The newly opened Owen's Fish Camp makes a return to our Top SIX, as does comfort food favorite, Yoder's … [Read more...]
Go Green With Fleming’s This St. Patrick’s Season
How about something a little less traditional this St. Patrick's Day season? I know you're probably thinking, "what no green beer?". Instead of the usual Black & Tan, how about a Fleming's Go Green wine dinner! From March 5th through March 14th Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and … [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...]
Gecko’s Grill & Pub To Open 5th Location
Gecko's Grill & Pub will be bringing their famous casual dining style to the Southside Village neighborhood. The fifth Gecko's location will open at 1900 Hillview Street in about a month. The space which was formerly occupied by Big Sugar, will be transformed into what is … [Read more...]
The Oasis Cafe: Blackened Basa Reuben
The Oasis Cafe: Blackened Basa Reuben The 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 … [Read more...]
Kumo Japanese Steakhouse is Tops
For the week ended February 14 2010 Last week saw the newest Kumo Japanese Restaurant location ascend to the top of our Top SIX list. The Sarasota restaurant opened not long ago and is already building a steady and loyal following among area diners. Their other locations are in … [Read more...]
The Corkscrew Deli: NY Style Corned Beef
Sarasota 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 … [Read more...]
Munchies 420 Cafe Last Weeks Top SIX Leader
For the week ended February 7 2010 Another Super Bowl week is in the books. These days the game is as much about food and commercials, than it is about football. Here's a look back at what you were searching for on dineSarasota.com last week. Munchies 420 Cafe heads this past … [Read more...]
Trader Vic’s Island Bar and Grill Tops Last Weeks Top Six
For the week ended January 31, 2010 There's a shuffle at the top for last weeks Top SIX. Trader Vic's new concept restaurant, their Island Bar & Grill heads our lineup. They've only been open for a couple of weeks, but, lots of you are searching for information about them on … [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...]
dineSarasota Odds and Ends: The Sun House, Cooking Class and Links
There's stuff going on in the Sarasota Restaurant and dining community and you should know about it! Here are some of the things that are on the top of our pile. Tuesday January 19th is Pasta Tuesday at The Sun House Restaurant. A three course prix fixe menu will be offered. … [Read more...]
It’s Your Wake Up Call, SKOB Style
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 … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Odds and Ends: Cork, Cosimo’s Too and Loose Ends
Here we are close to the end of another week (and the end of another year). A holiday at the end of two consecutive weeks makes for some great long weekend activity. It can also be pretty exhausting! We've got some things for you to consider putting on your calendar for this … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Caragiulos
A longtime downtown favorite. Fantastic casual Italian cuisine served in an atmosphere that is so relaxing it feels like home. No matter what you order from their menu it is sure to be a winner. Click on the image below to view the full menu. Caragiulos 69 S. Palm … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Odds and Ends: Libby’s, Fleming’s, Hillview Grill and More
We get a lot of email from Sarasota restaurants about their events and happenings. And, we appreciate them keeping us in the loop. It's really hard to write about and feature all of it. So, we've decided to try and post up as many of the items from our inbox as we can on a weekly … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Jimski’s
We just added Jimski's into our dineSarasota restaurant database last week. We thought you might want a peek at the menu. All Chicago, all the time! If you're from the Windy City you'll really appreciate this touch of home. Chicago Dogs, beefs, Jay's Potato Chips, combos, you … [Read more...]
A Gingerbread Mansion That’s Fit For The Ritz
What's six feet long, four feet wide, three feet tall and contains 6,000 delicious pieces? The answer is a gingerbread mansion that you have to see to believe. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Pastry Team headed by Pastry Artist Mae Cavazos have constructed an edible masterpiece. A … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: The Village Cafe
Let's say you're walking around Siesta Village and you're dying for a great breakfast or lunch. What to do? I've got a great idea for you. How about the Village Cafe. They have a fantastic breakfast and lunch menu and great service to match. Lots of locals (and visitors) make … [Read more...]
Looking For Some Great Fresh Local Produce?
We're lucky here in Sarasota! We have some great options when it comes to cooking with and serving our families fresh local produce. The awesome green onions above are from the weekly Farmer's Market held each Sunday on Siesta Key. How about some fresh beets? Even if you don't … [Read more...]
Blu Smoke, Urban Reef and Sangria Make THE LIST
Lots of changes in our monthly tabulation of Sarasota's most searched for restaurants. There are five new entries, a swap at the top and some big downtown representation. Four brand new places and one old Sarasota favorite make THE LIST this month. The re-opened Sangria Tapas Bar … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Station 400
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 … [Read more...]
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving from dineSarasota! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Lots of food, football, family and friends. There's not a better combination. Most folks I know have some kind of at home Thanksgiving celebration. It might be their house or a friends house or most times … [Read more...]
Tiramisu: The Bella Roma Way
What finishes off a fine Italian meal better than a big slice a delicious Tiramisu? That's a tough call. It seems that this rich coffee and cocoa dessert wasn't created until the early 1970's or early 1980's. How did we end the perfect Italian meal before that? The … [Read more...]
Freshly Shucked Oysters: Slurp Them Up!
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 … [Read more...]
Wing It At Gecko’s Wing Fest 2009
Are you one of us who just loves the wings at Gecko's Grill and Pub? If you are, then you should put a big circle around Sunday November 15th on your culinary calendar. That's the date of Gecko's Wing Fest 2009. From 2pm to 5pm at it's Palmer Crossing location Gecko's will be … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe
How about a nice relaxing vacation style meal? With its St. Armands Circle location, Tommy Bahama's Tropical Cafe gives you that "I'm on Vacation" feel even if your a local. Known for their island style casual cuisine, Tommy Bahama's always delivers a great meal in a setting that … [Read more...]
It’s Slider Time at Selmon’s
I doubt that back in 1921 when White Castle founder Walter Anderson opened his first restaurant, that he could have foreseen how popular his tiny burger creation would be. Fast forward 89 years to 2010 and check out what the "slider" has become! There have been so many variations … [Read more...]
The Great Sarasota Stone Crab Debate Starts Here
Limited access seems to always create unlimited demand. There is one local seafood delicacy in particular that I look forward to all year long, stone crab. It seems like the culinary buzzword of the past couple of years has been LOCAL. Well, It's pretty hard to get more local … [Read more...]
The Best Food & Drink Award Winners Announced
Who has the best sushi, best hamburger or best pizza in town? You're about to find out. Sarasota weekly, Creative Loafing is out with their Best Of The Suncoast issue and we have a list of the winners from the all important Food & Drink category. This years winners run the … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Anna Maria Oyster Bar
There are three Sarasota/Bradenton area, Anna Maria Oyster Bar locations to choose from. Their Landside restaurant is located just north of the SRQ airport on North Tamiami Trail. They offer a great menu of local seafood to tempt your taste buds. It's also a comfortable family … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Cha Cha Coconuts
Here's a long time Sarasota favorite. Cha Cha Coconuts, located on St. Armands Circle, has been serving up great casual food and drinks to hungry Sarasota diners for years. Looking for a place to grab a burger? Cha Cha's has a great one. Oh, and while you dine, you can also catch … [Read more...]
Pei Wei To Start Serving Sarasota
If Asian style cuisine is your thing, then circle Monday September 28th on your calendar. That's the day that Sarasota gets their first taste of the new Pei Wei Asian Diner that is set to open in University Park. For years there had been rumors swirling around the Sarasota … [Read more...]
Chef Paul Mattison Shows Off His Wine Pairing Skills
There are a few chefs here in Sarasota who can make pairing great wine and great food seem effortless. Chef Paul Mattison is one of them. On Friday, September 25th Mattison's Forty-One will be showcasing Chef Paul's pairing skills at their Premium Wine Pairing Dinner. Guests will … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Word of Mouth
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 … [Read more...]
Man vs. Food in Sarasota: The Recap | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Man vs. Food in Sarasota: The Recap | Sarasota Restaurants Journal Let's see what happened when three Sarasota restaurants are in the spotlight! NOTE - If you haven't already, please subscribe to our Sarasota Bites newsletter. It'll keep you up to date on all things … [Read more...]
Man Vs. Food in Sarasota Airs September 16th
Way back last May, we wrote a piece about the Travel Channel show Man vs. Food taping right here in Sarasota. Well, If you've been patiently waiting to catch Sarasota's moment in the food spotlight like I have, then your wait is almost over. The Sarasota episode of Man vs. Food … [Read more...]
Fleming’s Celebrates its Month of Discovery
September is a month of discovery over at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. All this month they will be celebrating the addition of great new wines, menu selections and specials. Here's is some of what the folks at Fleming's have in store for you. The new Fleming's 100 … [Read more...]
Three Area Restaurants Named to OpenTable Best List
Three of our Sarasota area restaurants have been named to online reservation website, OpenTable.com's Best Overall Restaurant List for the Tampa/Central Florida region. Named to the list are: downtown newcomer Mozaic, Sarasota's own award winning Michael's on East and Longboat … [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...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Mozaic
For our Menu Monday feature this week we have picked a relatively new addition to the downtown dining scene, Mozaic. Located in the space which was formerly Cru Bistro, Chef Dylan Elhajoui has created a new culinary jewel for Sarasota. Click on the image below for the full … [Read more...]
Update: Sarasota Restaurants Flock to Twitter
Back in June we ran a piece about Sarasota restaurants that are using Twitter to help spread the word about their businesses. That post has turned out to be one of the most popular pieces on Pot Luck. At that time 18 area restaurants were using the service. Each eatery is using … [Read more...]
An Old Fashioned Progressive Dinner Comes To Main Street
I can't remember the last time I was at a progressive dinner. That's because I don't recall ever being at one. I should really try and put one of those together. I do remember my parents going to several in our Chicago neighborhood when I was growing up. They seemed to have a … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Roy’s Chef Partner Dinner
Put five of Sarasota's best Chefs in the same kitchen, on the same night and what do you get? A truly special culinary evening. Every Monday in this space we highlight a menu from one of our local restaurants. This week is no different, but, with a twist... On Wednesday August … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Food Flash: Vertori’s, Summer Festivals and Cloudy Tea?
Another summer week in the books. There has been way to much sad news about Sarasota restaurant closings in the news lately. Let's do what we can to keep our local places open. Maybe one extra meal out this week? Even just a burger. Here's what happened around town this past … [Read more...]
Lee Roy Selmon Rolls Out His “Hall of Farm” Salads
With our Sarasota summer in full swing, I think everyone would like a cool refreshing break from the temperature outside. I'm talking about beating the heat with a cool, refreshing summer salad. And, I know a place you can do just that. Lee Roy Selmon's is featuring four new … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: The Hillview Grill
It's Happening, That's the slogan of the Hillview Grill. The Southside Village eatery has been under new ownership for over a year now. The new management team has really made an effort put their stamp on the place and it shows. Whether it's $5 martini Wednesdays or 1/2 price … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Food Flash: Julia, Julie and Station 400
The week is nearly done. I guess it's time to roundup the food news you might have missed from the Sarasota area. Lots of great stuff this week. Remember, click and view! To view an article, click it's image below That's it for now. Don't forget to visit one of our great … [Read more...]
Mattison’s To Feature 5 Course Beer Dinner
Looking for a great way to sample some Brooklyn Brewery beer and have a fantastic Mattison's dinner? Well, look no further. On Thursday August 20th, Mattison's Forty-One will be hosting a five course beer tasting dinner which is sure to take care of both of those wishes. Guests … [Read more...]
Derek’s American Table Menu: Southwest
For the past couple of years acclaimed Chef Derek Barnes of Derek's Culinary Casual has been featuring his American Table menu. This thematic culinary journey highlights a different portion of the country each week. Derek then creates delicious and inspired menu selections … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Knick’s Tavern & Grill
This is one of Sarasota's gems! Located in the Southside Village neighborhood, Knick's Tavern & Grill is more than what it's name suggests. They offer an amazing menu of home style-gourmet dishes. That's my term, not theirs. I use that because the food feels comfortable, but … [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...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Mi Pueblo
No matter where you live in the Sarasota area, there is a Mi Pueblo that's pretty close to you. With locations in Sarasota, University Park and Venice you'll never be far from great Mexican fare. Pop in and try one of their affordable lunch specials. Click on the image below to … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Food Flash: Courthouse Cafe, Steaks and Wine
As summer goes along, it's time for picnics, days at the beach and family vacations. With all that going on you may have missed some critically important Sarasota restaurant news. Well, that's where we come in. Here's a recap just for you. Click on any image to read the full … [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...]
How About a Burger With That Cabernet
Last May we reported on the 5 For 6 'Til 7 deal at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Winebar. Here's a little update to that post. Fleming's has recently added their Fleming's Prime Sirloin Burger to the 5 For 6 menu. It's grilled to your liking with blackened sweet and spicy bacon, … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Tropical Thai
A Main Street mainstay. Tropical Thai has been serving fantastic Thai and Asian style cuisine for as long as some people can remember (like me!). They also serve a nice array of sushi. A great menu of freshly prepared dishes greets diners for lunch and dinner. Click on the menu … [Read more...]
Mozzarella: Bella Gente Makes It Fresh
Anyone who has sampled some great fresh mozzarella cheese knows that it can be a tasty experience. For those who have been lucky enough to have access to homemade, fresh mozzarella cheese, well that's another experience altogether. For the uninitiated, now there is a place here … [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...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Deli Lane
Our Menu Monday feature this week takes us over to the Southgate neighborhood. Deli Lane, located on Siesta Drive just across from the Westfield Southgate Mall, features a menu that has great breakfast and lunch fare. Along with traditional favorites, your sure to find some new … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Siesta Key Oyster Bar
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 … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Food Flash: Lobsters, Frozen Goodies and Wine
Summertime is here in full swing and I'm sure you've been busy with lots of summer stuff. That means you could probably use an update on what's been happening around the Sarasota restaurant, food and dining scene this past week. Well, here you go! Click on an image to read the … [Read more...]
Cork Makes the Early Bird Hip
At one point or another, we've all talked about Florida residents eating dinner in "the middle of the afternoon". And, it's usually talked about like a joke. Well, Cork, located on St. Armands Circle is attempting to change all that. They're trying to make early bird dining cool. … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Sarasota Vineyard
Right on Main Street in downtown Sarasota, the Sarasota Vineyard is a fantastic place to enjoy a bottle of wine or casual meal. Try an appetizer, salad or bistro plate. Pair that up with one their great wines and you've got the makings for a relaxing and fun evening. Want to … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Menu Monday: Madfish Grill
Do you have a craving for some great fresh seafood? Well, it's Florida, so who doesn't. If that describes your mood then a trip to Madfish Grill is in order. Just south of the corner of Bee Ridge and Cattlemen, Madfish is serving up fantastic seafood dishes daily. Here's a peek … [Read more...]