Nancy's BBQ

Pulled Pork Sandwich
Brunswick Stew
Derby Pie--Pecan, Chocolate, Bourbon
Red Velvet Cupcake

Our Protagonist had been kicking himself for some time about letting the Panini Press close before ever darkening their door, so he promised himself to not let the same occurrence happen again with the new incarnation that he watched metamorphose before him, Nancy's BBQ.  At last the day arrived when they opened, and he was able to pull in some assistance to get a good bead on the lunch scene.  There are actually s surprising amount of selections on the menu, which caused Our Protagonist to hold up the line as he second, third, and fourth-guessed his choices.  The recommendation that "Pulled Pork built the house" sealed the deal, and he went with the sandwich.  For the price, the meal was an incredible deal; a sandwich, generously topped with pulled pork and two giant sides for $6.95.  As for the main ingredient, the pulled pork nice and tender, still juicy; something you might not appreciate until you're served lousy barbecue.  Brunswick stew, a new experience, was basically a vegetable-and-potato soup with meat.  This could easily have been a meal unto itself; and it could be, for $5.95 for a pint off the Sides Menu.  The Derby Pie was an excellent take on pecan, Kentucky-fied, as it were, with the bourbon, but the addition of chocolate also proved noteworthy.  The pie even developed a nice crisp outer shell on top which added to the entire texture-and-flavor profile.  The Red Velvet Cupcake?  Our Protagonist can't speak to that as he was told by his dining partner to "Get your own!"  Even the salads looked good, here.  And then there's that "Real Banana Pudding" calling Our Protagonist back; if it's served hot, he will definitely come a-runnin'. 

Nancy's BBQ
301 S Pineapple Ave
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-955-3400

Caragiulo's Third Lunch

Pasta Arrabbiata with scallops, shrimp, and whitefish

Our Protagonist, staying true to usual form, went with the recommended special of the day, the Pasta Arrabbiata.  While the seafood that was included was tasty, of course that was the responsibility of the fish, not the chef!  The sauce, unfortunately, which under the direct supervision of the chef, was not very "arrabbiata"; while this shouldn't necessarily be reaching "Thai spicy" levels, you expect it to have at least a little kick.  Our Protagonist even recalls this particular dish as being the hottest he has ever eaten, all cuisines considered.  Of course, that rendition simply tasted like burning on top of more burning, so that wasn't particularly enjoyable, either, but this was, frankly, boring.  Perhaps it was toned down for the local palate?  Then don't serve it at all, rather than serve a watered-down version of a classic dish, Our Protagonist opines!   

Caragiulo's

69 South Palm Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-951-0866

Sangria

Tomate pan y queso: Tomato, manchego & basil on garlic rubbed bread and balsamic reduction
Tabla de quesos: manchego, fontina, and brie with fresh fruit
Pato con peras: braised duck confit with mushrooms, pears, and port wine sauce
Pollo in cerveza: beer marinated chicken wings with garlic sauce
Pincho de pollo al mojo picon: chicken brochettes served with caramelized onions and cumin-garlic     aioli
Crema catalana

Our Protagonist had help from two dining partners on this occasion, allowing for more than the usual sampling and less than usual guilt, afterwards.  One of those mysterious but wonderful Iberian dishes are the versions of garlic-rubbed bread.  Having grown up with Italian style garlic bread with a big roasted clove on each piece, it is a wonder to Our Protagonist how much garlic flavor really is imbued to the bread from the mere act of rubbing.  Combining this with an excellent balsamic reduction, fresh tomatoes and basil, and the never-fail Manchego cheese, and we have a winner.  The "Table of cheeses" speaks for itself.  Manchego joined with Fontina and Brie; how much better can it get?  That Duck confit?  Excellent; one really not need elaborate.  The Pincho de pollo?  It was fine, but was not the Duck; the Duck was simply that good as to wipe everything else out, memory-wise.  It certainly had a presence-demanding aioli, though, and contrasted nicely with the caramelized onions.  The beer marinated chicken wings were also good; slightly different than norm with their tangy garlic sauce, so a nice change of pace from your typical sports bar Buffalo-style offering.  The Crema catalana was a nice finish; smooth and creamy, but still light.  But was it the Duck, you're asking?  No, just make sure to not skip the Duck and your evening's happiness will be assured; no such guarantee on anything else.  Except, well, anything that includes Manchego cheese...



Sangria
1532 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34236

941-955-8272

Michael's On East

Epicurean Adventure: Naples

L'uovo e Formaggio Due Modi:  Chilled Grilled Asparagus with Black Pepper Pecoino Zabaglione, Crispy House-Made Guanciale, Crostini and Arugula
Creste e Gambertti Arrabiata:  Local Shrimp with Olives, Fennel, Basil, Lemon with Spicy Tomato Sauce, Home-Made Creste di Gallo Pasta
Pasticcio di Ricotta:  Ricotta and Farro Pie, Orange Blossom Water, Hint of Cinnamon, Apricot Compote, Lemon Curd and Fresh Blueberries

Our Protagonist finally sallied forth to try one of the Epicurean Adventures At Michael's On East.  The L'uovo consisted of a picture-perfectly topped egg filled with a refreshingly light and just-peppery mousse-y zabaglione.  This was clearly the best part of this plate, as the guanciale was quite disappointing and tasted like, well, merely bacon.  Our Protagonist highly questions the claim that it was "house-made", or that it was even the right cut of pork to be guanciale.  Rumor has it that a vastly superior guanciale has been created down at Gulf Gate's Transatlantic Sausage Company, but all digressions aside...The rooster comb pasta was a fascinating shape for the arrabiata, which wasn't quite so "mad" as it was citrusy; the lemon really dominated the flavor palette, but what was missed was some more heat.  The other spices, though, bolstered the lemon quite well.  A citrus lover's dream come true.  The pasticcio continued the citrus-y trend with lemon now joined by orange.  This is the Italian version of a buttermilk pie, but with a good, hearty crunch due to the farro crust.  The Apricot Compote, Lemon Curd and the blueberries all helped round out the dish in a swirl of sweet and tart flavors.  A very nice finish.  All in all, Our Protagonist heartily approved, at both the meal and the prix fixe price; a very affordable jaunt to Italy!  He will be pouring over his tour guides to see where he should travel to, next...

Michael's On East
1212 East Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34239

941-366-0007

 

Bijou Cafe

Duck Mousse
Daphinois Potatoes
Red Grouper with lobster and Edamame Succotash
Roasted Asparagus with Truffle Hollandaise
Chocolate Banana Croissant Bread Pudding

When one sits down to an Easter dinner, one should expect to indulge.  And then there was this meal Our Protagonist overindulged in at the Bijou Cafe.  The Duck Mousse was superb, but a note; this could (or should) be your entire lunch!  It was VERY filling, and came with little to no help from the other two dining companions as well as its own salad, so the Rocket Salad order was canceled lest Our Protagonist would explode a la The Meaning of Life.  Left with more Mousse than crispbreads, he resorted to schmearing it on his bread.  The Grouper was a bit dry, although the accompanying succotash was flavorful, and the lobster was succulent enough.  The roasted asparagus, though, was another perfect choice.  Nice, smokey flavor and the truffle Hollandaise was truly addictive.  The Daphinois potatoes, really, are all about the cheese; the potatoes are merely a vehicle.  The cheese was so nicely crisp though, that more overeating occurred.  And then onto dessert; chocolate banana croissant bread pudding was surprisingly light for its title; then again, maybe not so surprising at all.  The croissant picked up just the right amount of batter, and the bananas lent a certain lightness as well, punctuated with chunks of chocolate.  Heavenly.  Our Protagonist will return after he has lost the weight he gained from this meal. 

The Bijou Cafe
1287 1st Street
Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-8111

Paris to Budapest (Gulf Gate)

Duck Soup
Tomato Soup
Rabbit Paprishka with Spaetzle
Chocolate "Goose Feet"

A fascinating juxtaposition in a restaurant's title such as Paris to Budapest really demands exploring, and Our Protagonist finally found it way there one afternoon for lunch.  The Duck soup was like high-end chicken soup; the farina dumpling dissolved completely into the soup almost making it a European gumbo.  He enjoyed the large mushroom cap that was mixed in with the broth, although, would have been easier to eat if it had been sliced (Re: Pho Cali review).  The Tomato Soup of his dining partner looked and tasted very hearty.  Both had a a typical Hungarian entree; Our Protagonist's Rabbit Paprishka (while the dining partner had the chicken version) was very tasty and spicy, albeit quite bony.  It proved to be a lot of work for not a lot of meat!  The side of spaetzle was a little cool by the time it came out according to partner, but perhaps this was a timing issue that wasn't quite as good as it could have been.  Our Protagonist didn't mind, though, as he mixed the flavors together and didn't even notice it having overly cooled.  The surprisingly-named Chocolate Goose Feet (which derives its unusual title from the wedge shape and color of the dessert) was quite yummy; a chocolate sponge cake (dry, typical of Hungarian-Viennese style desserts, and served with the da rigueur "schlag" of whipped cream) topped with a chocolate custard and finally with a ganache.  The ganache was the best part in Our Protagonist's opinion; it had just the right amount of crispy-and-chewiness all combined.  Also there was a nice hit of cinnamon or another spice just at the bottom of the layer that really stood out.  He even took a piece to go to share with a friend.  Our Protagonist looks forward to making another trip to either Paris OR Budapest in the near future.

Paris to Budapest
6551 Gateway Avenue
Gulf Gate, FL 34231
941-552-9707

C'est la Vie return lunch

Poularde Crepes and Side Salad
"Nice" Toasted Sandwich
Strawberry Mousse

Finally, Our Protagonist had a very welcome return to a great lunch spot!  The crepes in the Poulade Crepes were made from savory buckwheat; very flavorful.  The sauce was filling, but the portion was small, making the serving just right.  Our Protagonist just can't get enough of that salad dressing!  Simple, but delicious.  His dining partner enjoyed the Nice Toasted Sandwich (i.e. from the city of Nice), but didn't share, Sacre Bleu!  The Strawberry Mousse proved an excellent dessert choice; whipped so smooth and topped with a barely broiled meringue, with just a hint of a crisp outer layer before plunging through the warm softness. Que magnifique! 

C'est la Vie
1553 Main Street

Sarasota, FL 34236-5802
941-906-9575

Divino lunch

Timballo
Papardelle with beef and red wine sauce
Chicken Parmigiana
Cannoli

For Our Protagonist, who doesn't like eggplant (except in baba ganouj), the Timballo was an eye-opening experience.  Described as a "pie of zuchini, eggplant, and mozzarella", he wasn't sure if it would be in a crust or not, having never tried such a dish before.  As it turned out, the only crust was the crispy skin of the zucchini which had a wonderful flavor.  The eggplant had a nice tenderness, and didn't taste the horribleness that had always associated with eggplant.  Even eggplants frying with parmesan could make Our Protagonist run from a room screaming just from the very smell.  On the contrary, he thought this was very good; imagine if he actually liked eggplant!  Homemade papardelle was very tender, with chunks of braised beef (also tender) in a lovely sauce.  It made one think of what beef stroganoff would purpose to taste like if only it could lose the awful accompaniment of sour cream, that catchall to add "flavor" when none is to be found, otherwise.  Simply, it was comfort food at its finest; was it the best dish ever?  No.  But was it excuted well?  Certainly.  The few bites shared of another's chicken parmigiana proved a nice experience as well.  This tired-old recipe really sang in the hands of the chef, as it was nicely spiced, not over breaded, and the chicken wasn't overdone!  The server assured that the cannoli were made from scratch, and a lovely thing they were, too.  The ricotta cheese filling had just the right amount of sweetness without being cloying, and the shells had delightful crispness.  This reminded Our Protagonist why he was so sad that Ben & Jerry's "Holy Cannoli" ice cream flavor had been retired; now he'll have to get some to cannoli shells to go and see if he can't crumble them into some sweet ricotta gelato...

Divino Restaurant & Bar
1766 Main Street
Sarasota FL 34236
941-330-9393

Il Panificio Dinner

Everything Pizza/Pepperoni & Sausage

With pizza, itt's all about the crust.  Pizzas live and die by the the quality of their crust, and if one can find a crust that is soft and crisp all at the same time, then you have attained true pizza nirvana.  As Our Protagonist discovered when he took his son for a fun outing, the crust at Il Panificio is just so described, with the toppings all trying to slide off, almost embarrassed to even think of overshadowing this fundamental element.  It was so unlike a chain pizza in every way.  The toppings were of very good quality, in spite of their attempt at a hasty exit, but it's the perfectly-burned-ness of the crust that will make Our Protagonist return; that just-barely blackened, caramelized outer dusting that seals the deal on a well-wrought pizza.  Bravo.

Il Panificio
1703 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-366-5570  

Yume Sushi

Sea Urchin Shot
Quail Egg
Dynamite Roll (California roll with conch, special sauce)

Our Protagonist had read about Yume Sushi's Sea Urchin Shot in Edible Sarasota, so he was dying to try it.  However, his dining companions tried to scare him with descriptions of sea urchin as having that most-appetizing texture of mucous.  But on he went, undaunted.  Having asked for instructions, he was told to down the sea urchin-sake and then munch the cucumber.  Perhaps, he wondered after the fact, should he have munched the cucumber first so that there would have been a better mixture of flavors?  Still, it was quite an interesting first foray into sea urchin!  The quail egg was tiny and looked very cute; it didn't have a huge taste on its bed of rice, but was subtle, and apparently all yolk.  The Dynamite Roll was aptly named, in that it tasted fabulous.  The conch and special sauce had fantastic flavor, and married well with the California roll base.  It was truly first rate sushi, just as described!  It would take months to work through the sushi menu; perhaps Our Protagonist should start making some reservations now?

Yume Sushi

1537 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-363-0604

Americano breakfast

Eggs, Leek, and Speck
Eggs Benedict

Our Protagonist, having been fairly disappointed thus far with too many of his meals at Americano, gave them one more shot, this time at breakfast.  Sadly, he failed to challenge the kitchen with this breakfast pick; besides the single egg over-easy, the speck merely had to be sliced, as well as the leek.  He had expected something a little more original then merely an egg, a piece of speck, and a slice of leek, but that's what it was.  Out of boredom he glanced over at the Eggs Benedict of his dining partner which had a rather runny-looking hollandaise.   This appeared to be mostly egg yolks and not a lot else, unfortunately, and apparently that's what it tasted like, too.  Our Protagonist hould have ordered a fritatta or something to let them show their abilities a tad more than simply demonstrating their knives were still sharp.  He could have made this at home for much cheaper than what the price was, which is another aggravating point about dining out; even simple dishes need to have their own twist or why eat out at all?  The next visit to Americano will be made kicking-and-screaming, Our Protagonist assures us.  

Cafe Americano

1409 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-365-1026

Tropical Thai return

Chicken Sa-tay
Beef Sa-tay
Pork Fried Rice
Chicken Pad-Thai
Squid Panang Curry
Fritters

A favorite of Friends of Our Protagonist, going to to Tropical Thai is basically one big excuse to overfeed oneself, and this visit was no exception to that rule.  The double appetizer of Chicken and Beef Sa-tay could easily proved a meal unto itself; the very tasty meats-on-a-stick would probably be one of the best street vendor fare one could hope to find in Bangkok.  The meat inside was still tender and moist, adding to the marvelously thick sauces they were happily drowned in.  Oh for a piece of bread to dip in!  But Our Protagonist digresses; still, it was probably the best part of the meal.  Afterwards it became an engorgement of epic proportions as Pork Fried Rice, Chicken Pad-Thai and Squid Panang Curry all made their way to the table.  One of these shared amongst the three would have been sufficient, but that wouldn't have been "fun" enough!  Our Protagonist has a hard time turning down squid in all its forms.  As well as Mussels.  And Scallops.  Oh, and one mustn't forget shrimps, but again Our Protagonist digresses.  But one can gather the similar overwhelming nature of all these dishes heaped around the table, and they were all tasty.  Not incredible, but tasty.  And then came fritters for dessert.  Dessert?!  Our Protagonist had to switch his scale's measurement units the next day to kilograms to feel better about himself, but such are the perils of dining out...

Tropical Thai
1420 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-364-5775

Pho Cali lunch

Pho Special Combo: Beef Broth Noodle Soup with Rare Steak, Rough Brisket, Flank, Tendon, & Tripe
Pho Mixed Veggies

After having walked by this Vietnamese spot over and over again, Our Protagonist finally managed to synchronize schedules with a regular.  And what to get in a restaurant called Pho Cali, but a bowl of warm, good-for-the-soul Pho.  Indeed, even though the companion was a vegetarian, he willingly overlooked the fact that a bowl of Pho begins with beef broth!  That boded well to the meat eater of the pair; looking to maximize the tastes of his first visit, he went with the "kitchen sink" approach, including that ever-so-not-popular menu item, tripe.  The textures presented by all the different proteins contrasted with the crisp snap of the vegetables.  Its basically a steak and salad in a bowl of soup.  Perhaps an untrimmed steak, at that.  His companion, not completely ready to cast off the shackles of vegetarianism, went with the "Mixed Veggies" version, which was his usual fare.  The beans, chili peppers, and flavoring sauces all came on the side to be added for one's taste.  The one complaint: the table service needs to include a cutting board and knife with accompaniments; no one wants to just throw a giant piece of jalapeno into their broth!  Sadly, the fork and spoon were inadequate to dice up the pepper, properly, but besides this flaw the soup was a fun exploration of tastes one doesn't get to experience everyday.  And isn't that truly what dining out is all about?  Our Protagonist intends to slake his next hankering for Pho at, you guessed it, Pho Cali.

Pho Cali
1578 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-955-2683