Chili Paneer
Chicken Tikka Masala
Lachha Paratha
Mango Chutney
Tamarind Chutney
Hot Indian Pickle
Raita
Ras Malai
Our Protagonist had heard many great things about Gateway to India, so he ventured to find out for himself, with the assistance of two dining partners, regulars, as it were. The appetizer of Chili Paneer, stir-fried Indian cottage cheese flavored with ginger and garlic, and tossed with both sweet and chili peppers was a very interesting first course, from both a texture and flavor standpoint; they were a standout of the meal. The Chicken Tikka Masala, a boneless chicken marinated and cooked in a tandoor oven and sauteed with a tomato-based sauce was extremely flavorful, if a bit creamy by the end. Our Protagonist still looks back fondly on the great spices in this dish. The Lachha Paratha, layered and grilled whole wheat bread had some interesting dipping sauces to go with, most notably the Mango Chutney. Tamarind Chutney, on the other hand, which was also the accompaniment for the Paneer, was more of a liquid sauce than a chutney, so it didn't add any texture to the simple crispy bread. Hot Indian Pickle, described as "assorted vegetables picked in a traditional Indian way, flavored by special herbs and exotic oils," was also a fun dish as there were several kinds of veggies in the little ramekin. Raita, made from grated cucumber and salty yogurt provided a nice contrast from some of the spicier dishes. On to the desserts; the Ras Malai, delicate patties of shaped Indian cottage cheese, soaked in thick saffron flavored milk, was the perfect exotic end to this cuisine Our Protagonist has barely scratched the surface of. The food was quite lovely all around, but the service, well, was quite lacking. If one isn't in a hurry and can get something from the bar quickly to take the "edge" off, then a great time will be assured. Just keep drinking the wine as the servers make mistakes, and you'll become much more forgiving. Too bad they forgot to even bring Our Protagonist his wine, and then charged him, anyway.
Gateway to India
1960 Hillview St
Sarasota, FL 34239
941-364-4777
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Primo Dinner
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Seafood Risotto
Zuppa inglese
Come to Italy! The large billboards have tried to entice Our Protagonist out of his usual downtown scene and up Tamiami Trail to the home of bottled salad dressing. Through a series of machinations, Our Protagonist found himself eating alone at a table for two on this particular occasion. The Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, the soup of the day, was excellent. Rich tomato flavor, creamy texture, good basil and spices profile. He passed on bottle of salad dressing unceremoniously brought to the table, as following a creamy soup, Our Protagonist had no desire for creamy salad dressing, with or without Carlucci's name on it. Bring the balsamic vinegar, please! The Seafood Risotto, raved about by his server, was boring; rice in a simple butter "sauce" with seafood; honestly, what's the point? Just saute the seafood and leave off all the rice. But, wait, couldn't that just be done at home? Yes, it can. Does one need to spend close to $20 to eat this in a restaurant? Our Protagonist says, resoundingly, "no." Fortunately, the Zuppa inglese was a nice exploration of smooth and creamy textures, and served as a rebound to a quickly spiraling meal. An Italian take on an English style trifle, it was also a welcome change from the ubiquitous and wholly overdone Tiramisu.
Primo Ristorante
Seafood Risotto
Zuppa inglese
Come to Italy! The large billboards have tried to entice Our Protagonist out of his usual downtown scene and up Tamiami Trail to the home of bottled salad dressing. Through a series of machinations, Our Protagonist found himself eating alone at a table for two on this particular occasion. The Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, the soup of the day, was excellent. Rich tomato flavor, creamy texture, good basil and spices profile. He passed on bottle of salad dressing unceremoniously brought to the table, as following a creamy soup, Our Protagonist had no desire for creamy salad dressing, with or without Carlucci's name on it. Bring the balsamic vinegar, please! The Seafood Risotto, raved about by his server, was boring; rice in a simple butter "sauce" with seafood; honestly, what's the point? Just saute the seafood and leave off all the rice. But, wait, couldn't that just be done at home? Yes, it can. Does one need to spend close to $20 to eat this in a restaurant? Our Protagonist says, resoundingly, "no." Fortunately, the Zuppa inglese was a nice exploration of smooth and creamy textures, and served as a rebound to a quickly spiraling meal. An Italian take on an English style trifle, it was also a welcome change from the ubiquitous and wholly overdone Tiramisu.
Primo Ristorante
8076 N Tamiami Trl
Sarasota, FL 34243
941-359-3690
Sarasota, FL 34243
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
First Street Chop House Dinner
Veal "Awesome" Bucco
Grilled Pear Salad
Lobster Gemelli
Rice Pilaf
Jack Daniel's Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Raspberry Bread Pudding
Our Protagonist has, indeed, made many trips to this restaurant; he admits to having a soft spot for it, and appreciates that it has a menu that can actually be sampled over several visits, rather than the myriad choices at, say, Sangria, where one would simply have to move in for awhile to get a handle on things. Today, he ventured into some unknown parts of the meal, but also visited some old favorites. He had been hounded by servers to get the "Awesome" Bucco. Unfortunately, the Veal was not as awesome as name suggests; it was quite average, really. If only it tasted like the veal equivalent to Moroccan Lamb Mechoui...The Grilled Pear Salad was a "redo" from the lunch where he was still suffering from burned taste buds. It featured nicely crisp pears, lightly seared, so it was true to its name sake (without needing to add hyperbolic adjectives, such as "awesome"). The Lobster Gemelli is, and continues to be, the best riff on mac and cheese Our Protagonist has ever tasted. Case closed. Which was good, because the rice pilaf was, well, pretty much just rice. The gemelli, however, redeems most sins culinary; it is that good. On to dessert, which was "something old, something new." The Jack Daniel's Chocaolate Cake is for icing lovers, especially considering it's the icing that gets the whiskey spike. However, Chocolate Raspberry Bread Pudding cannot be beat; surprisingly light for a bread pudding and featuring a beautifully executed sauce, this is one of the best renderings of what could be considered an overdone restaurant offering.
First Street Chop House
Grilled Pear Salad
Lobster Gemelli
Rice Pilaf
Jack Daniel's Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Raspberry Bread Pudding
Our Protagonist has, indeed, made many trips to this restaurant; he admits to having a soft spot for it, and appreciates that it has a menu that can actually be sampled over several visits, rather than the myriad choices at, say, Sangria, where one would simply have to move in for awhile to get a handle on things. Today, he ventured into some unknown parts of the meal, but also visited some old favorites. He had been hounded by servers to get the "Awesome" Bucco. Unfortunately, the Veal was not as awesome as name suggests; it was quite average, really. If only it tasted like the veal equivalent to Moroccan Lamb Mechoui...The Grilled Pear Salad was a "redo" from the lunch where he was still suffering from burned taste buds. It featured nicely crisp pears, lightly seared, so it was true to its name sake (without needing to add hyperbolic adjectives, such as "awesome"). The Lobster Gemelli is, and continues to be, the best riff on mac and cheese Our Protagonist has ever tasted. Case closed. Which was good, because the rice pilaf was, well, pretty much just rice. The gemelli, however, redeems most sins culinary; it is that good. On to dessert, which was "something old, something new." The Jack Daniel's Chocaolate Cake is for icing lovers, especially considering it's the icing that gets the whiskey spike. However, Chocolate Raspberry Bread Pudding cannot be beat; surprisingly light for a bread pudding and featuring a beautifully executed sauce, this is one of the best renderings of what could be considered an overdone restaurant offering.
First Street Chop House
1296 1st Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-554-4375
Sarasota, FL 34236
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Square 1 Burger
Rise & Shine Burger
Green Chile Cheeseburger
Peanut Butter Pie
The new Square 1 Burger that suddenly popped up on Tamiami Trail caught Our Protagonist's eye on one of his drives around town, and gourmet burger locales have to be sampled to see just what they're offering. Two different burgers were sampled courtesy of the dining partner; Our Protagonist went with the southwestern selection of the Green Chile Cheeseburger, while his partner went with the brunch-inspired Rise & Shine. Unfortunately, the fire-roasted poblano sauce just wasn't the inspired taste he was imagining. The jalapenos brought the heat, of course, but you can get grilled jalapenos at Whataburger...The Rise & Shine was the nice choice; one can't go wrong with the addition of egg (see the Croque Monsieur/Madame comparison), and something magical happens with the combination of the three proteins of beef, bacon, and egg. So, is it the burger itself? Well, it was executed just fine in both instances, and some imagination is definitely happening, but was it much better than Patrick's? Not at all, in Our Protagonist's opinion. The Peanut Butter Pie, though, was memorable; it was a dessert special of the day, and the silky peanut butter mousse was quite lovely. A good burger, yes. Just don't expect an outstanding burger.
Square 1 Burger & Bar
1737 South Tamiami Trl
Sarasota, FL 34239
941-870-8111
Green Chile Cheeseburger
Peanut Butter Pie
The new Square 1 Burger that suddenly popped up on Tamiami Trail caught Our Protagonist's eye on one of his drives around town, and gourmet burger locales have to be sampled to see just what they're offering. Two different burgers were sampled courtesy of the dining partner; Our Protagonist went with the southwestern selection of the Green Chile Cheeseburger, while his partner went with the brunch-inspired Rise & Shine. Unfortunately, the fire-roasted poblano sauce just wasn't the inspired taste he was imagining. The jalapenos brought the heat, of course, but you can get grilled jalapenos at Whataburger...The Rise & Shine was the nice choice; one can't go wrong with the addition of egg (see the Croque Monsieur/Madame comparison), and something magical happens with the combination of the three proteins of beef, bacon, and egg. So, is it the burger itself? Well, it was executed just fine in both instances, and some imagination is definitely happening, but was it much better than Patrick's? Not at all, in Our Protagonist's opinion. The Peanut Butter Pie, though, was memorable; it was a dessert special of the day, and the silky peanut butter mousse was quite lovely. A good burger, yes. Just don't expect an outstanding burger.
Square 1 Burger & Bar
1737 South Tamiami Trl
Sarasota, FL 34239
941-870-8111
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
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
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
Sarasota, FL 34236
Monday, August 29, 2011
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
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
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