Photo by Dale Ann Clancy Photography
Sun-drenched, white sand beaches. Thrilling arts and culture. Championship golf courses. These are just some of the things that make the Sarasota area such an incredible place to live – but it may surprise you to learn that we can also add award-winning, world-class cuisine to the list.
With the highest concentration of Zagat®-rated restaurants in Florida, Sarasota is a bona fide foodie’s heaven, and Savor Sarasota’s Restaurant Week is the perfect time to experience our area’s culinary tour-de-force. From June 1 through June 14, you are invited to sample the best of local cuisine, with acclaimed restaurants offering mouthwatering prix-fixe menus for just $29, and some featuring lunch menus for just $15. Indulge in fresh seafood straight from the Gulf, experience inspired international flavors and tantalize your taste buds with offerings to suit every palate. With so much to choose from, we’ve selected some scrumptious top picks for this year’s event, from Lakewood Ranch to Longboat Key and beyond:
Polo Grill and Bar A firm favorite with the fashionable Lakewood Ranch crowd, Polo Grill and Bar serves up American classics with an exotic twist. This year’s Savor Sarasota menu includes dishes such as Grilled Coffee and Ancho Flat Iron Steak, Grapefruit Glazed Mahi and Strawberry Tiramisu. Dig in! Downtown Sarasota Darwin’s on 4th Situated in Sarasota’s historic Citrus Exchange, Darwin’s on 4th offers authentic, exciting Peruvian cuisine created by internationally acclaimed chef, Darwin Santa Maria. Sample a “Clasico Ceviche” before moving onto the Arroz con Pato – grilled duck breast – and you simply must finish with the “Tumbao" Pot of Mousse - bittersweet and white chocolate mousses wrapped in a rich dark chocolate pot. ¡Deliciosa! Siesta Key Siesta Key Oyster Bar The epitome of laid-back beach dining, SKOB will be serving up Popcorn Crawfish, Snapper Vera Cruz and Lemon Meringue Pie. Perfect for a relaxed, alfresco dinner after a day at the beach. Cool, man. St. Armands Circle Café L'Europe This iconic Sarasota destination has been serving up amazing French and European cuisine for 40 years. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to Paris, with dishes including Escargot Bourguignon – French snails baked in garlic butter – and Profiterole – a French puff pastry stuffed with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Ooh la la! Venice Fins at Sharky’s Adjacent to the Venice favorite, Sharky’s on the Pier, Fins offers a slightly more refined dining experience with an outdoor terrace for magnificent sunset views. This year’s menu includes Grilled Watermelon Salad, Grouper Piccata and Key Lime Crème Brûlée. Bon Appétit! For a full list of this year’s participating restaurants, visit http://restaurantweek.savorsarasota.com/whats-cooking Where will you be dining? Share your favorites with us!
