Summertime meals and deals

Summer is in full swing, and for many, this is the quiet time of year. That's not necessarily true when it comes to dining in Sarasota, though. Indeed, the crowds at many restaurants have diminished. However, for chefs, owners and restaurateurs, this time of year can be quite busy planning new menu items, offering summer specials and opening new venues for our dining pleasure. From time to time, I like to capture these points of interest, summarize them and present the information in a “smorgasbord style.”

Back to the Islands

The Main Street Sarasota location of Eat Here is changing hands. Coming into the space is World of Beer. With the closing of its downtown restaurant, Eat Here will maintain its presence with island locations on Anna Maria and Siesta.

New Openings

With a very successful soft opening complete, Derek’s Rustic Coastal Cuisine, located in Bradenton, celebrated its grand opening June 18. Offering a wide selection of fresh, well prepared casual dishes with distinct flavor and served in an approachable, easygoing décor; Derek’s is the place to be for a foodie’s experience.

Can you find fast, casual, authentic Russian food in Sarasota? With the opening of the new Russian House on the South Trail, the answer is a resounding yes. We recently tried some of the items on the menu and were quite impressed with the quality and authenticity of the food. We will be doing a full review in the next few weeks, but our initial impression was a thumbs-up.

If you're a fan of Burns Court Café, you already know about the quality experience a visit provides. For years, we were hoping for more, and now it's about to happen. Burns Court Café is expanding by adding a “French Quarter” wine bar which will serve light, casual evening meals, light jazz music and, of course, wine.

New Menus

Mozaic, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located on Main Street in downtown Sarasota, started offering its new summer menu on July 1. Highlights include seafood, beef, pork, lamb, chicken and vegetarian dishes.

Speaking of vegetarian options, The Beauty of Sprouts, the downtown organic/vegan restaurant, located on the corner of Fruitville and Lemon, has also expanded its menu. Offering a range of organic, vegan, gluten-free and, in many cases, raw food, the Beauty of Sprouts is a place where one can enjoy a truly healthy, flavorful meal. Oh, and don't miss the guilt-free desserts, such as: lavender crème Brulee, mint-chocolate mousse and tiramisu — simply outstanding!

Café Americano, downtown’s Italian café, has changed its lunch and dinner menus. We recently tasted some of the new items featured on the dinner menu and found the experience to be quite enjoyable. The culinary team has definitely stepped up its game. We'll be doing a full review in the near future.

New Deals

How can you beat a $5 hamburger? Patrick’s 1481 is offering their specially priced burger for $5 on Mondays. Monday night is burger night at Patrick’s.

How about a dinner for 2? Cosimo’s Trattoria and Bar is offering a special summer menu Sunday through Thursday starting at 4 p.m. — wine and three courses for $34.95. This price offers outstanding value for two people!

Would you like to dine with a view? Are you a serious foodie? Do you like culinary adventures? If that's the case, then the summer menu at The Table Creekside is for you: a three-course meal for $29 per person.

Who does't like lobster? On Tuesdays from 4 to 10 p.m. throughout the summer, Phillippi Creek Restaurant & Oyster Bar is serving a ¼ lb. Maine lobster dinner for $13.95. Please pass me the drawn butter.