2017 Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week

By Nicole Coudal

The 12th annual Savor Sarasota event will be here June 1-14, 2017!

If you haven’t participated in years past, this will be a great time to try it, especially if you’re a food lover.  The annual, two-week culinary celebration is a great way to work your way through a myriad of great restaurants throughout Sarasota County.  It will be the biggest year ever, with more than 70 participating restaurants, each offering multicourse menus $16 for lunch and $32.   Restaurants will each offer something special, so there will surely be opportunities to try new dishes.  Most haven’t yet posted their Savor Sarasota menus, but stay tuned as the dates get closer.

Participating restaurants are some of the most respected in the Sarasota area, including returning favorites like Cafe Baci, Captain Brian’s Seafood Market & Restaurant, Crow’s Nest, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Duval’s, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, and Siesta Key Oyster Bar.  Many are also members of Sarasota-Manatee Originals, locally owned/operated establishments, including Michael’s on East, Euphemia Haye and Cafe L’Europe.  There are several new participants this year, including Angelo’s, Beulah, Buffalo Wild Wings, CasAntica, C’est La Vie, Flavio’s Brick Oven and Bar, Jack Dusty, La Scarpetta, Lila, Mona Lisa Restaurant, Paris Bistrot, Social Eatery and Bar, Sophie’s at Saks Fifth Avenue, and Valentino Pizzeria, so you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.  While it’s probably not feasible to visit every single one of these restaurants during the 2-week period, between lunches and dinners, you could make a big dent on the list!

I spend a lot of time in my own kitchen testing recipes or preparing meals for my family, but sometimes I like to have someone else do all the work, allowing me to sit back and enjoy delicious food.  When that desire strikes, I like to visit some of my tried-and-true spots including these:

Blue Rooster

If you have a hankering for southern fare, this is your place.  Folks at Blue Rooster have a knack for preparing delicious food, in a cool setting, with great service.  They also like to incorporate as many local, fresh ingredients as

possible, so you’re sure to find something delicious.  Personally, their fried chicken satisfies my soul, but I’ve been known to gobble up their roasted beet salad and fried green tomatoes.  They also put on a Sunday Gospel Brunch

every week— it’s not just about the food, it’s about the uplifting sounds of live gospel music, and it’s a great way to start your Sunday.  And if you’re up for more great music and dancing during the late night hours, check out their weekly schedule to see the amazing groups that grace their stage.

Captain Brian’s Seafood

For fresh seafood, this place is a treasure in the Sarasota area.  Captain Brian’s is a casual spot offering a variety of locally sourced, seasonal seafood, as well as, fresh seafood from New England.  Stop in for lunch or dinner to enjoy thoughtfully prepared dishes, or visit the retail market to pick up something to cook at home.  Either way you’re sure to have a wonderful meal, provided by dedicated members of the Captain Brian’s family.  It’s a slice of old-Florida, and worth a visit, for sure.

Duval’s Fresh.Local.Seafood

For more seafood options, visit Duval’s Fresh.Local.Seafood — a little more upscale, with a menu that offers an eclectic array of flavors and preparation techniques.  Starting May 25, you’ll be able to see a preview of their Savor Sarasota menu, so stay tuned on their website.  And if you’re concerned about finding a parking space downtown, don’t worry because Duval’s Fresh.Local.Seafood offers something unique - a shuttle service to and from their restaurant!  All you have to do is call - details on the website.   

Sophie’s at Saks Fifth Avenue

This lovely eatery is housed in the Saks Fifth Avenue store at University Town Center.  There are only two locations for this iconic restaurant - here in Sarasota and in Chicago, so we’re in good company.  The seasonal menu highlights many locally-sourced ingredients, all creatively prepared by chef Andrew Thompson.  The restaurants are named after, and inspired by, Saks’ fashion icon Sophie Gimbel, the guiding force behind couture at Saks for more than 40 years.  It’s a lovely place for a business or social lunch, or just a tasty cocktail. 

C’est La Vie

I’ve been visiting this French bakery and bistro in downtown Sarasota since they opened in 1997, and I have yet to walk out without at least one freshly prepared croissant.  This sweet spot should be on your list of ‘must tries’ because it’s simply delightful for breakfast, lunch or dinner, whether you’re in search of

something light (say, a baguette with fresh brie and fruit), or a rich and cheesy Croque Monsieur, or simply a Cafe au lait with a flaky pastry.  For those of us who studied French in school, visiting C’est La Vie is a great way to brush up on our skills, but it’s also fun to just sit back and listen to the sounds of France.  The owners recently opened a new location at UTC, so there are even more opportunities to enjoy their tasty offerings. 

Crow’s Nest

The Crow’s Nest has been serving the Venice area for more than 40 years.  Upstairs, they offer “casual fine dining” including lots of thoughtfully prepared fresh seafood and meats.  Downstairs in the cozy Tavern, you can listen to live music, while snacking on casual fare like the famous “Jetty Burger” or any number of tasty appetizers that I’m sure aren’t on your diet.  This is a fun place to visit, especially if you’ve just docked your boat, or returned one of their rental “Duffy” boats or kayaks. 

For more information, check out Savor Sarasota.

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Nicole Coudal is a home chef and food writer based in southwest Florida, where she fishes and cooks using local ingredients. When not on the water, she visits farms, farmer’s markets, and other food-related venues to highlight what’s in-season and to create tasty recipes. Read more at www.MyDeliciousBlog.com.