I know. I have a hard time believing it myself. How can it possibly be May already? But somehow it is! What I do know is that a new month means a brand-new list. May sees the return of some of Sarasota's most loved restaurant names. That's always exciting.
As a bonus, it appears (at least on the surface) that we've all survived another Sarasota season, pretty much intact. So, was it me, or did this year seem just a tad less hectic than 2021? I'm sure there are people out there who know the numbers much better than I do.
One thing that I do know. The folks in our Sarasota restaurant community had another outstanding spring. After worker shortages, supply chain issues, and food prices that have been all over the map, it's great to see them still making it work! And I'm sure they are super happy for all of your continued support.
Before we dive into our most popular restaurants for May, we have some new names to bring you up to speed on. Let's get right to that, shall we?
New places are always fun to talk about. There are SO many places opening in our area that it is a head-spinning exercise just to keep up. But, lucky for you, we're making that easy!
These three new places are about as different as you can get. Just opened on Bradenton Beach is the Tahini Beach Café (103 Gulf Dr. N., (941) 251-4022). Chef Emad Al-Masri brings his "Memorable Mediterranean Dining" to the barrier island. It's a family affair. His wife and daughter are both by his side in their new adventure. It's breakfast and lunch. And YES, they have shawarma!!
Back in downtown Sarasota, Flirt Sushi Lounge (1296 1st St., (941) 343-2122) takes over this nice dining space. You might remember it most recently as Umbrellas. But it was Munroe's back in the glory days of this spot (also, First Street Chop House and Roast). Flirt is serving an "Eclectic World Fusion Menu." They feature a medium sized selection of sushi rolls and sashimi. And I believe they are the only place in town where you can get a bowl of Andalusian Gazpacho!
One last new spot for you. This is the one folks have been waiting for, at least the local lobster crowd! LobsterCraft (28A S Boulevard of the Presidents, (941) 346-6325) has opened on St. Armands Circle. They have three other locations, but you'll need to get on a plane to eat there. Luckily this one is just across the Ringling Bridge (yes, I know there are days when it feels like you need a plane to get to the circle, too!). They have lobster EVERY way. It's the LBLT (lobster, bacon, lettuce, and tomato! 😲) sandwich that seems like it would be really hard to pass on. We'll be bringing you a "First Look" real soon. Keep an eye out for that.
OK, now for today's main event! Here are the restaurants that have been most sought out on our dineSarasota.com website.
Our most searched for restaurant in the past 30 days has been GROVE Restaurant (10670 Boardwalk Loop, (941) 893-4321). You are going to see a pattern with our top five this month. Yes, that pattern is all of you looking for places to take that special someone for a Mother's Day meal. Even though that holiday has just passed for this year, it's never too early to make some notes for next May.
Number two, Mattison's Forty-One (7275 S. Tamiami Trl., (941) 921-3400). Mattison's + Mother's Day, you just know that is one tasty formula!
The Bijou Garden Café (1287 1st St., (941) 366-8111) moves up from number six in April to number three in May. It's recently under new ownership, having been bought just a bit ago by the Realm Restaurant Group (Yes, they also own Sage). Seems like they'll be an excellent caretaker of Bijou's fantastic local reputation.
Pier 22 (1200 1st Ave. W., (941) 748-8087) rolls in at number four. If you haven't been, you really should book a reservation. With it staying light a little longer now, it gives you a little more opportunity to take advantage of those water views!
And finally, number five this past month was The Capital Grille (180 University Town Center Dr., (941) 256-3647). One of UTC's original restaurants. It's a fantastic big-city steakhouse experience.
Let's have a look at the rest of the TOP 10, shall we?!
Michael's on East, Café L'Europe, Duval's. Fresh. Local. Seafood. Plus, newcomers Kore Steakhouse and Meliora round things out.
With Mother's Day in the rear-view mirror, I expect there will be some reshuffling of the deck in next month's list. I'm hoping you'll check that out come June!
Summer is coming up sooner than you think! Not that it matters so much in Florida. Up north, though, summer is a BIG deal. Warmer weather has been teasing up there for a little bit. It's in the high 60s, then you look out the window, and it's snowing. About all you can do is shake your head (it's much better than crying 😢). Once you get into May, though, all of those false starts are getting packed away with along with the thermal underwear.
Summer means barbecue! It's an outdoor activity I think we can all get behind. Grilled food just TASTES like summer. Does that make sense?
Memorial Day seems like the unofficial start to the barbecue season! Grilling on gas is easy. It's kind of like cooking on a stove or in an oven (depending on what you're grilling), it's just that you're outdoors. But cooking on charcoal takes some skill, patience, and practice. I really want to say "art," but I also don't want to get carried away here.
The folks over at Serious Eats are going to run down a few great tips for using a charcoal grill. These are helpful, no matter what your grilling skill level might be. A summer refresher course is always in order. Happy grilling!
🗓️ SARASOTA FOOD EVENTS 🗓️
Here are some upcoming local food events that we think you might find interesting. All you need to do is make that reservation. We’ve provided you with a link to more info.
ALL MAY – Epicurean Adventure, Southwest – Michael’s on East
ALL MAY – Savor The Taste of New Orleans – Rosemary & Thyme
MAY 11 – Downton Abbey Dinner – Taste Magazine
MAY 12 - RouteStock Wine Dinner - Sage
MAY 12 - Vineyard Brands - Element
MAY 12 - Fess Parker Wine Dinner – Mattison's Forty-One
MAY 13 - Alexander Valley Vineyards Wine Dinner – Mean Dean’s
MAY 13 - Castello Banfi Wine Dinner - BeachHouse
MAY 13 - Bernard Magrez Estates Wine Dinner – Michael's Wine Cellar
MAY 13 - Paul Cluver Family Wine Dinner – Fin's at Sharky’s
MAY 12-15 – Forks and Corks – VARIOUS EVENTS (INFO)
MAY 14 - Italian Superstars Wine Dinner – Michael's Wine Cellar
MAY 14 - Food Trucks Tunes and Brews - INFORMATION
MAY 20-22 - Sarasota Shrimp & Music Festival - INFORMATION
MAY 21- Lola Wine & Food Pairing – 99 Bottles
MAY 26 – Alsace Wine Tasting Dinner – Mademoiselle Paris
JUN 3 - Bites & Libations: The Rum Edition – GROVE Restaurant
JUN 9 - Wine Cellar Social Club – Michael’s on East
🧑🌾 FARMER’S MARKET INFO🧑🌾
EVERY SUNDAY - Siesta Key Farmers Market - DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch - DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmers Market - DETAILS
EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market - DETAILS
THIRD THURSDAY NIGHT – RADD Night Market - DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmers Market - DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY - Downtown Bradenton Public Market - DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Farmers Market - DETAILS
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