AAA designates Michael's On East as a premier restaurant

Michael’s On East co-proprietors Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini have been presented with the restaurant's 24th Four Diamond designation from AAA. Michael’s On East is the only restaurant in Sarasota to receive this rating this year.

Approximately 754 restaurants out of 29,000 with AAA approval — 2.6% — received this restaurant rating.

“It’s the highest level of fine-dining that would qualify,” Klauber says. He explains that an AAA team member can come into the restaurant at any time to rate it based on a list of criteria without the proprietor’s knowledge. “You have to be on your toes; it’s all about the details.”

AAA defines the designation as an establishment that offers fine dining, an executive chef and accomplished staff that demonstrates a desire to meet or exceed guest expectations, including a knowledgeable wine steward; as well as having complex and creative menus, imaginative presentations and high-quality, fresh ingredients.

“We focus on today’s innovation in every aspect of the operation,” Klauber says. “Service, technology, food, wine, innovative cocktails — all those things.”

Contact Mallory Gnaegy at [email protected].