TWIS = This Week Is Savory

- Judi Gallagher is a noted restaurant and hotel consultant, food and wine editor and television personality. A Johnson and Wales graduate, Judi began her career as the owner of several successful Boston-area restaurants. After selling her restaurants and highly reputable dessert company, Judi launched her consulting business in an effort to share her knowledge of the hospitality industry with others. She works with a wide variety of clients, including national hotel companies and restaurants, boutique inns, shopping centers and fractional ownership resorts. Judi also regularly contributes to many local and national magazines, radio and television programs. Judi’s impeccable work in the industry has led to her reputation as a tastemaker and trusted resource for both clients and colleagues.

Sarasota may now be  known for its trendy new downtown restaurants, but simple, authentic Vietnamese food is the real measure of a growing city’s culinary culture. While authentic Chinese food may still elude us, Sarasota’s has its Vietnamese staple: Miss Saigon, located  on 301 just north of Fruitville, is one place that puts ethnic flavors on a piece of French bread in an almost spiritual way.

Bánh Mì, Vietnam's most popular export, is a sandwich of luscious flavors: succulent grilled and marinated pork, topped with marinated shredded carrots, julienne of cucumbers, mounds of fresh cilantro and slices of jalapeño---seeds included. Ultimate Vietnamese fans will choose the grilled pork with pâté and ham, but I am a bit of a purist and prefer the grilled pork with its flavorful marinade taking center stage.

Be very careful, one Vietnamese sub may not be enough, as Heather Dunhill and I can attest on a recent visit.

Savor these upcoming events

- Planned Parenthood's High Tea at High Noon 2012 kicks off Nov. 15 at the Van Wezel, and I am thrilled to be this year’s Chairperson. We upped the ante this year with creative flavors and decadent desserts … let’s just say a special year to celebrate!

- It's all about being “Hospitabull” on Nov. 28 when USF’s School of Hospitality will host a fresh farm-to-table dinner at Michael’s on East. Students have planned this special dinner using local ingredients and a flair for flavor. Proceeds go the Hospitality School program scholarships.