Best of Sarasota
What makes Sarasota great? Sunshine, sparkling water and miles of sandy beaches are an enormous part
of our city’s allure, but fresh Gulf grouper sandwiches, live theater, killer chocolate martinis, homemade
tortillas, sophisticated shopping and championship golf are just a few of the other assets—thousands upon
thousands of them—you named in this year’s “Best of 2006” contest. By mail and by Internet, the ballots
arrived in record-setting numbers, and the competition came down to the wire in many of our 74 categories.
As our city keeps expanding, so do the opportunities and experiences, from exotic restaurants and ultra-
luxurious spas to trendy boutiques and specialty services, and you honored many of those newcomers along
with tried-and-true establishments and attractions.Our list includes both winners and finalists in every
category, with the winners listed first, then finalists in alphabetical order.
Waterfront Restaurant- Marina Jack's Café On the Bay; Ophelia’s On the Bay Upstairs in Marina Jack’s
lavish dining room, you can feast on award-winning blue crab cakes and black grouper while gazing out over
Sarasota Bay and downtown Sarasota. Downstairs, the open-air raw bar is perfect for casual fare and
cocktails. Try the Old Salty Dog for a casual old Florida feel and good food, close to the Lido Islander.
American Restaurant -- Patrick’s, Michael’s On East; Stonewood Grill Patrick's combines old-time swank
with a casual ambiance. People from all walks of life share the bar, swapping stories, watching the game
and digging into juicy cheeseburgers and steaks. A true American classic.Meal Deal Yoder’s Mel’s Diner;
Vernona’s “Executive Lunch” at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Corn fritter cakes, fruit Jell-O, liver and onions,
spaghetti (nothing “pasta” about it)—these are a few of our favorite Yoder’s entrées. But after dinner, there’s
dessert, and that means choosing between 25 types of homemade pies. For close, affordable encounters of
Amish food at its best, there’s nothing like Yoder’s.
Italian Restaurant- Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Café Baci; Caragiulo’s At Carrabba’s, kids play with pizza dough,
chefs prepare dishes at Mario Andretti pace in the open kitchen, and adults kick back in the festive buzz with
hearty Italian fare. The “Thrill of the Grill,” a lusty mix of grilled seafood and meat, will leave you flushed with
the cheer of it all.
Chinese Restaurant- Mrs. Chen’s China Palace; Oriental Buffet For fast and affordable Chinese food, buffet
style, Mrs. Chen’s will not disappoint. We’re not sure what Mr. Chen is doing, but the missus has her hands
full with the daily crowds who are willing to wait in line to dig into the spicy fare.
Japanese Restaurant- DaRuMaJoTo’s Japanese Steakhouse; Pacific RimAt DaRuMa, diners can enjoy
tableside Teppan-style dining—or go for the traditional Japanese mat seating or sushi bar. And whether you’
re watching flashing knives or floating sailboats on Sarasota Bay, the view is great wherever you look.
Thai Restaurant Bangkok Restaurant Siam Orchid; Thailand Restaurant; Tropical Thai Bangkok features
classic specialties that hail from the north, south, lowland and coastal regions of Thailand. And it’s rich in
traditional décor, with exemplary service and a killer Thai tea, too.
French Restaurant- C’est La Vie Café L’Europe; French Affair Zut alors, how long has it been since you had
a leek and tomato crêpe, a delectable salade Niçoise or a pâté sandwich served on a crispy baguette?
Francophiles file into this casual bistro or sit curbside smoking their Gauloises, sipping café au lait and
dreaming of la vie en rose.Central/South American Restaurant Selva Grill Columbia; Javier’s The octopus
ceviche at Selva Grill is marinated in a Peruvian black olive sauce and topped with sliced avocados and
toasted bread. Sound tasty? Better make a reservation fast. This winner fills tables
.Mexican Restaurant- Mi Pueblo El Adobe; Two Señoritas Mi Pueblo is the next-best thing to a Mexican
vacation. Start with a margarita de oro, follow with tortilla soup and enchilada roja, and finish with a classic,
creamy flan. With a lively mariachi band adding to the mix, Mexico seems only a few salsa steps away.
Restaurant to Propose--- Ophelia’s On the Bay Michael’s On East; Vernona at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Shimmering bay waters, award-winning cuisine, gracious service and stunning sunsets. Pop the question,
already!
Restaurant for Seafood- Barnacle Bill’s Seafood Bonefish Grill; Captain Brian’s This always busy restaurant
is famous for good seafood, a respectable wine selection, amicable atmosphere and affordable prices. Must-
haves include Barnacle Bill’s bouillabaisse and the seafood risotto. None of the four locations is on the
waterfront, but who’s looking out the window?
Restaurant to Seal the Deal--- Michael’s On East Fleming’s; Vernona at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota This is
where the cognoscenti flock to engage in serious talk over serious food. Michael’s classic décor,
sophisticated menu and discreet service create the ideal environment for the art of networking.
New Restaurant(opened in 2005)Mi Pueblo at University Walk PlazaDJ’s; Metro Coffee & Wine This family-run
restaurant offers specialties that reflect the cuisine of northern Mexico, including colorful dishes heaped with
fresh homemade tortillas filled with all things spicy and good. Bring the kids, tap along to the mariachi band
and enjoy an authentic taste of Mexico.
Steakhouse Fleming’s Ruth’s Chris; Sam Seltzer’s Steak, anyone? The chefs at Fleming’s cook theirs at
1,600 degrees to seal in the juices. Then, depending on how big a beef connoisseur you are, you can have
up to 20 ounces of it. Twenty flaming ounces. Go ahead—worry about your cholesterol tomorrow.
Restaurant Wine List- Fleming’s Fred’s; Michael’s On East Offering more than 100 wines, Fleming’s is
serious about catering to oenophiles. Can’t decide? Try the “Wine Flight,” which lets you experience three
variations on a varietal at a time.
Power Breakfast-- First Watch Broken Egg; Vernona at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Don’t bother calling
business bigwigs or powerful politicos before 9:30 a.m. weekdays—they’re probably downing coffee and
attacking stacks of cranberry nut pancakes at First Watch. The morning place to eat and meet.
Brunch- The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Dining RoomFirst Watch; Vernona at The Ritz-Carlton,
Sarasota How do we love the Colony brunch? Let us count the ways: fresh oysters, Gulf shrimp, prime rib,
Belgian waffles, eggs Benedict, omelet stations, grilled mahi-mahi, fresh whipped cream, spiced beef stew
and more. Did we mention the breathtaking view of the Gulf of Mexico?
Bar- Fred’s Cà d’Zan at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota; Michael’s On East Sidle up to that ruinously handsome
man or tragically mysterious woman. This popular watering hole is the place to sip, flirt, see and be seen.
And if nothing else works out, you can always get a great dinner here, too.
Restaurant to Eat Outdoors- Marina JackMattison’s City Grille; Old Salty Dog on City Island Marina Jack’s
bustling open-air raw bar overlooks the marina and Sarasota Bay. Sit back with a beer, some oysters on the
half-shell and conch chowder and enjoy Florida living the way it was meant to be.
Early-Bird Specials- Café Baci Barnacle Bill’s Seafood; Rosebud’s Skip lunch and head to Café Baci
between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. for one of the best food deals in town. From the calamari fritti all the way to the
tiramisu, customers will enjoy award-winning Café Baci cuisine—at award-winning prices.
Non-chain Pizza- Il Panificio Demetrio’s; Rico’s There’s nothing complicated about the pizza at Il Panificio.
Choose from one of 10 varieties, watch it warm up in their always-fired pizza oven, sit under the outside
umbrellas and see Main Street go by. Who said life had to be complicated?
Place for Dessert- Euphemia Haye Jolly; Michael’s On East; Yoder’s The “dessert room,” upstairs at
Euphemia Haye, offers a dazzling display of desserts, including homemade pies (try the pecan), cakes, tarts
and flambéed finales. The cherries jubilee (flamed with Kirshwasser) is both luscious and sexy; indulge at
your own risk.
Place for Salad- Sweet Tomatoes Columbia; Olive Garden At Sweet Tomatoes, salad doesn’t always mean
lettuce. The salad bar features a creative mix of alternatives, including field corn and wild rice, pineapple
coconut slaw and tuna tarragon. Pile up that plate and don’t be shy about going back for more; that’s what this
place is all about.
Sushi- Pacific Rim DaRuMa; JoTo’s Japanese Steakhouse Pacific Rim treats you to all the colors, scents,
tastes and sounds a well-run sushi bar can provide. Ask the sushi chef for his recommendations, don’t
overdo the wasabi and remember to say domo arigato when you go. (You’ll want to.)
Burger- Patrick’s, Cheeburger Cheeburger; Hob Nob Hearty, no-nonsense and egalitarian, the hamburger
is a true American icon. Patrick’s chefs serve theirs up grilled and unadorned for purists, or festooned with
cheese, mushrooms, bacon and onions for the rest of us. As Teddy Roosevelt would say, it’s “bully!”
Barbecue Sonny’sOaks Open Pit; Woody’s Founded in 1968, Sonny’s offers small-town atmosphere and the
best smoked fixin’s you can find. Ribs, chicken, pork and beef are treated to Sonny’s slow-smoked flavor and
signature sweet barbecue sauce. Add a heap of fried okra and cornbread and you’ll be licking your fingers for
days.
Caterer- Michael’s On EastMorton’s; Nellie’s Deli Michael’s ranks right up there with the beaches and the
Gulf as a major Sarasota asset. Maestro Phil Mancini and his able crew can turn events of all sizes and
shapes into inspired experiences. Hand the worrying over to them and let the party begin.
Deli -Nellie’s Deli Morton’s; Publix; Toojay’s Nellie’s gourmet market and deli are justly famous for their
kosher-style sandwiches, home-style soups, salad bar and a deli case filled with side dishes and baked
goods you’d swear were prepared in your grandma’s kitchen. Want to give up cooking for a while? Just say
“hello, deli” at Nellie’s.
Gourmet Grocery/Market-- Morton’s, Publix; Whole Foods A trip to Morton’s expands the horizons of your
culinary universe. You go in to buy fish and bread; you walk out with imported pastas, exotic pâtés and artisan
cheeses. Morton’s also offers meals to go, fine wines and an outstanding bakery. The shopping is almost as
delicious as the food itself.
Bakery -Publix, C’est La Vie; Morton’s Ever try to steer your cart past the bakery section at Publix without
stopping? Those shelves and cases laden with fresh breads, pastries, petit fours, pies and specialty cakes
cry out like sirens, urging you to indulge. Resistance is futile.
Ice Cream Store- Big Olaf, Cold Stone Creamery; Kilwin’s One of the best things about living in a warm
climate: Ice cream is always a welcome treat. The folks at Big Olaf know this. This Sarasota-based business
is expanding across Florida, with four locations here. The ice cream is made locally and comes in 36
tantalizing flavors, including brand-new Butterfinger Blast.Martini Chocolate. Big Olaf, Kilwins and another
Scoop Daddy are all on St. Armands Circle.
Martini- at Ca d’Zan at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Chocolate Martini at Bonefish Grill; Espresso Martini at
Fred’s The secret of master bartender Peter Whitely’s chocolate martini? Instead of syrup, he uses chocolate
ganache for an oh-so-smooth and creamy texture. Dessert or aperitif? One sip and it doesn’t matter.
Happy Hour- Chili’s Bonefish Grill, Fred’s The art of happiness is alive and well at Chili’s. The restaurant
tempts us with no fewer than 10 varieties of margaritas, each more enticing than the last. Liquid libations
include rum, Blue Curaçao, Midori, Cointreau, Chambord, Grand Marnier, mango juice, sour and grenadine
and, si, tequila. Get happy!
Place for Live Music -Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 5 O’Clock Club; Cà d’Zan at The Ritz-Carlton,
Sarasota Where else but the Van Wezel can you experience Arlo Guthrie, Willie Nelson, the Jerusalem
Symphony Orchestra and Tony Bennett, all in the space of a few weeks? The Van Wezel’s performance line-
up is the epitome of eclectic.
Place to Play Tennis- University Park Country ClubThe Colony Beach & Tennis Resort; Meadows Country
ClubWith 11 lighted Har-Tru courts, lush landscaping, a USPTA- and USPTR-certified tennis instructor, USTA
and local tournaments played on-site, University Park Country Club has major game.
Place to Play Golf- University Park Country Club Meadows Country Club; TPC at Prestancia University Park’
s picturesque and challenging Ron Garl-designed course has been rated topnotch by major golf magazines.
The course, surrounded by pine and oak trees, stretches to 7,247 yards with five sets of tees to
accommodate players of all skill levels.
Museum -John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art G.WIZ; South Florida Museum The Ringling is not just
about art on the walls, although its collection is world acclaimed. The Cà d’Zan mansion celebrates Venetian
style gone tropical, and the Circus Museum roars with the art of the Big Top. Add courtyard concerts, cocktail
gatherings, seminars and family programs, and you’ll know why it’s a Sarasota treasure.
Art Gallery (not museum) Wyland Gallery Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art; Selby Gallery If art depicting the
creatures of the sea tickles your fancy, dive into the Wyland Gallery on St. Armands. This octopus’ garden
showcases Wyland paintings, prints, sculpture and collectibles, as well as works by Jim Warren, James
Coleman, John Pitre, William DeShazo, Guy Harvey and others.
Attraction for Kids G.WIZ Jungle Gardens; Mote Aquarium G.WIZ offers an electric mix of education and
entertainment at the edge of Sarasota Bay. Here, kids learn about Florida’s natural environment, electricity,
magnetism, sound and light—and the adults who take them get to feel like kids again. Gee whiz!
Florist Beneva Flowers Mr. Florist Plants N’ Things; Tiger Lily Need two live Maine lobsters delivered to your
home in a steel cooking pot with lobster bibs, seafood forks and a long-stemmed candle? No problem—
Beneva Flowers will even throw in the butter warmer. From flowers to fish, Beneva Flowers delivers deluxe
romantic experiences.
Swimsuits Swim Mart Le Tennique; Swim CityDid you know that the bikini debuted in 1946—the same year
as the Bikini Island atomic bomb tests? For affordable designer swimwear, Swim Mart is da bomb—even if
you don’t wear bikinis.
SpaThe Met Body & Spirit; Diane K; Hollywood Salon & Spa Indulge yourself at The Met, a full-service day spa
dedicated to everything that does a body good. This center of pleasure is acclaimed for its impeccable
service, from massage to restorative body care and cutting-edge treatments for skin, nails and hair.
HOTSPOTS & HIGHLIGHTS
Sarasota Souvenir Sand Shells; tan Strictly speaking, the keepers of our beaches prefer that our sand stay
where it is. Dig your toes into it, build castles on it, lie submerged up to your neck in it—just leave it behind
when you go.
Place to take visitors Beach John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; St. Armands CircleIf you lived in Paris,
you’d take them to the Eiffel Tower; in Manhattan to the Empire State Building. Here? Take them to the beach;
it’s a free—and fabulous—way to inspire awe.
Place for a first date Beach Ophelia’s On the Bay; St. Armands Circle Pack the hamper with cheese, bread
and wine and head out for the best seats in town. Spread a blanket, pop the cork and let the sun set while you
ponder the enormity of love. No waiters, no bill and, best of all, no closing time.
Free fun Beach Island Park; St. Armands Circle Sarasota County boasts 35 miles of beachfront, and many of
those beaches consistently win awards. Sometimes we need our Northern visitors to remind us to get those
pails, chairs and bathing suits out of storage and onto the beach. It always reminds us of why we moved here
in the first place.Best Part of Living Here Climate/weather Arts/culture; Beaches OK, some might take issue
with the steamy summers, but for most of the year, there really is no place like home.
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