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RESTAURANT HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NOVEMBER ISSUE |
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Grilled Petite Filet Mignon with Roasted Portobello Mushrooms
Mattison’s City Grille
This dish is a symphony of flavors, bringing two headliners together to share in the spotlight. A center-cut USDA choice is grilled to perfection, served atop a roasted Portobello mushroom and lightly coated with homemade horseradish cream sauce. The earthy and meaty flavors are a perfect complement to the crisp red and golden tomatoes served alongside. The dish is finished with aged balsamic vinegar to complete the balance of flavors. Mattison’s City Grille, in the heart of downtown, offers lunch and dinner, Saturday breakfast, late night dining and an outdoor, covered bar featuring live music. 1 North Lemon Ave., Sarasota, 941-330-0440
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Pepper Steak a la Bijou Café
Bijou Café
A hand-trimmed Black Angus NY Strip is lovingly encrusted in freshly cracked pepper then pan sizzled before being topped with an outrageous spicy, brown hot sauce for a unique flavor sensation that’s out of this world. Be sure to add a side order of the Pommes Gratin Dauphinoise, a heavenly accompaniment of sliced potatoes, cream, garlic and grated Gruyere Swiss cheese. Paired with a hearty Zinfandel or your favorite selection from the restaurant's award-winning wine list, the Bijou Café’s Pepper Steak will leave your taste buds in a state of nirvana. Bon Appetit called it a “stand out winner.” 1287 1st St., Sarasota, 941-366-8111
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Fresh Stone Crab Claws
Captain Brian’s Seafood Restaurant & Market
Captain Brian’s Seafood Restaurant & Market banks upon its reputation as a Sarasota landmark with an outstanding knack for preparing stone crabs to make it a success. The specialty is fresh, locally caught stone crab claws and seafood, but the kitchen is versatile, offering hearty chicken and steak dishes as well. The Stone Crab Claws—sweet, tender and delicious—are in season from October through May. Order them hot or cold, with melted butter or mustard sauce, as an appetizer, entrée or a la carte.
8441 North Tamiami Trl., 941-351-4492
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Mulberry Street Pizza
Cock & Bull
Settle in for this hearty, meat-lovers pie named for the famed Little Italy street in New York. Representing the Italian culture at the heart of the area, Cock & Bull tops its New York-style crust with sauce and cheese then pepperoni, meatballs, sausage and bacon—yes, we said meatballs!—and cooks to perfection in its stone oven. An insider’s tip from those in-the-know: Time it right and you may even catch Billy Joel’s “Big Man on Mulberry Street” wafting through the air as you take your first bite.
975 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, 941-341-9785
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Café L Europe
Chateaubriand For Two
Prepared in time-honored tradition, chateaubriand is perhaps the most elegant presentation of beef tenderloin, and Café L Europe’s master chef’s interpretation of this classic entrée is elevated excellence. Requiring the skill of a trained professional and certain finesse, chateaubriand served tableside is an experience—and Café L Europe promise to execute it with exceptionality. Black Angus Beef is seasoned, pan seared, oven roasted, then carved at your table and served with a bouquitiere of vegetables and potatoes along with Bearnaise and Demi-Glace. C'est Magnifique! 431 St. Armands Cir, Sarasota, 941-388-4415
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Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Grouper Bruschetta
Locally known for its fresh grouper and breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay, Dry Dock is a Longboat Key hotspot not to be missed. With indoor and outdoor seating available, take in the panoramic, waterfront views from your preferred vantage point—in a casual, nautically-themed atmosphere—and savor this seafood-lover’s delight. The Grouper Bruschetta features a grilled Gulf grouper filet served over rice and topped with tomato basil bruschetta then lightly drizzled with a balsamic vinegar reduction. 412 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, 941-383-0102
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Pan Seared Scallops
Michael’s On East
Fresh from an Asian excursion, Michael’s On East owner Michael Klauber found inspiration in the flavors of the Pacific Rim region for this new scallop dish highlighted by ginger, red curry paste and rich coconut milk. Seared until caramelized on the outside and cooked to tender, translucent perfection on the inside, the dish features four large (U-10), dry-packed scallops accompanied by pad thai noodles with a sautéed mix of carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, garlic, green onions, sesame oil, cashews and Michael’s special pad thai deglazing. Garnished with a julienne of crispy, fried spring roll wrappers and an herb salad. 1212 East Ave. S., Sarasota, 941-366-0007
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Tuna Tartare
Big Sugar Restaurant & Rum Bar
With old-world Caribbean charm, an extensive list of rum-based and specialty drinks and a roster of live entertainment—including some local, favorite bands—Big Sugar Restaurant & Rum Bar offers a casual, fun atmosphere and seasonally changing, authentic cuisine. The menu features fresh, local produce and products farmed from sustainable agriculture and inside, high ceilings, large paddle fans and exposed-brick walls set a warm and relaxing stage. Get things started with this Tuna Tartare appetizer with ginger, lemon, sweet pepper and tobiko caviar. Served chilled with crispy Island Root Chips. 1900 Hillview St., Sarasota, 941-388-7679
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