- April 10, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
This time of year I'm constantly reminded why I moved to Sarasota nearly a decade ago.
How could I possibly miss Connecticut? Just last weekend, my husband took my friends, my mom, our dog and me out on the boat for the perfect Saturday morning.
We kicked things off with ooey-gooey breakfast sandwiches and mimosas, were treated to an impromptu dolphin show and breathed in the crisp, red-tide-free Gulf air, all before noon.
The weekend before? A casual vow renewal at the stunning Powel Crosley Estate, where our friends from back home swapped their winter coats for sunglasses, danced under palm trees and disco balls and soaked up every bit of Sarasota sunshine before heading back to cold, harsh reality. Waving them off to delayed flights and dreary forecasts almost felt mean.
March in Connecticut? Can’t say I miss it.
Not even a little — generally speaking.
Generally? As in General?
Oh, snap ... General Tso's.
Shoot!
I've been holding off on on tackling takeout for awhile. If you were raised on Tri-State Chinese culinary creations like me, your standards for rice, spice and everything nice aren't generally met in our Gulf Coast community. When you grow up 45 minutes outside New York City, your dumpling diaries read differently from those in the rest of the country.
But listen up, my fellow Lo Mein lovers and dim sum superstars. I've found what I believe to be the best Chinese takeout in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
2224 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota; 941-922-6765; TasteOfHongKongSRQ.com
How I (Egg) Roll: I would be remiss not to shout out my dear friend Elaine for opening my eyes and taste buds to this Gulf Gate eatery. Elaine, a proud Tri-State foodie, doesn’t think twice about making the trek from Longboat Key (even in peak season traffic!) just to get her fix at Taste of Hong Kong. I get it. Their modern takes on classic Chinese dishes, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, are worth every mile from the island to the mainland. One bite of their chicken Lo Mein ($9.99+) and suddenly, I’m back in NYC (the cream of the crop when it comes to Chinese food) chopsticks in hand, living my best takeout dream.
Bao Down: If there’s an egg roll hall of fame, Taste of Hong Kong’s ($1.89) deserves a special place. This little golden masterpiece delivers can't-miss crunch and crispy, flaky perfection, giving way to a savory, well-seasoned filling that hits just right. It’s the kind of bite that instantly transports you to a bustling Manhattan street corner, minus honking cabs and the guy in a hurry who just knocked over your $20 cup of coffee. Absolute egg roll excellence!
8194 Tourist Center Drive, Bradenton; 941-306-5848; DimSumSarasota.com
How I (Egg) Roll: If you're the type of person who stares at a menu like it's a life-or-death decision, brace yourself — this one’s a doozy. But trust me, no matter what you pick, your taste buds will do a happy dance like mine do every time I order the Mongolian beef ($15.99). We’re talking tender, stir-fried beef, perfectly seared and coated in a rich, spicy brown sauce, mingling with caramelized onions, scallions and just the right amount of hot pepper heat. It’s saucy, savory and just spicy enough to keep things interesting.
Bao Down: My little dumplings, prepared to be devoured by this bao-tiful list of recommendations. Shanghai style dumplings ($5.59) burst at first bite with savory broth, while the crispy fried pork dumplings ($4.59) are crunchy and comfortingly meaty. The chive and shrimp dumplings ($6.49) are scrumptious foodie pillows. All items swing in with umami-packed flavor.
5209 33rd St. E, Bradenton; 941-751-5773; RainbowIslandBradenton.com
How I (Egg) Roll: If it were socially acceptable to eat crab rangoons for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert, I think I might just eliminate the "What's for dinner" conversation in my household altogether. I would quite literally do anything for a stellar crabby, cream-cheesy, fluffy and crunchy won-ton wrapped gift. Sit in Ringling Bridge traffic for two hours for a bite of crab rangoon? Sign me up.
Direct tourists during rush hour through roundabouts for an order of six? When do I start? Rainbow Island, you are my salvation for bringing me eight ($7.25, per order) of these sweet and savory takeout staples.
Bao Down: My husband sees fried rice on a menu and it’s a done deal — no need to browse further. And honestly, I can’t blame him when the house fried rice ($11.75) is this good. We’re talking a steaming, flavor-packed bowl of stir-fried perfection, loaded with crisp veggies and your choice of protein, all tossed together in that irresistible wok-fired magic. It’s the kind of dish that’s comforting, satisfying and so good you’ll find yourself stealing bites off your partner’s plate.
4346 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; 941-377-4200; JadeGardenSarasota.com
How I (Egg) Roll: I finally found a sesame chicken plate that leaves me stuffed and satisfied. Jade Garden, you had me at first bite. At $12.25, this dish is saucy perfection. Need a little extra heat? The Szechuan chicken ($11.75) brings the spice and then some. What's even better than the sauciness is this Bee Ridge gem is takeout and delivery only, meaning your cravings don’t have to wait long. Fast, delicious and straight to the point; this is how Chinese takeout should be.
Bao Down: I’m tempted to keep this lunch special to myself, but good food is meant to be shared — so consider this your inside scoop! From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week, you can feast on a plate of crispy, saucy General Tso’s chicken served with flavorful fried rice, plus your pick of an egg roll, a refreshing soda or a cozy bowl of wonton or egg drop soup, all for $9.50. It’s the kind of deal that makes you feel like you’re getting away with something. I totally get it if you start making this your new lunchtime ritual.
