Jimmy’s Sand Trap. Do not be afraid of the name, which sounds more like a 19th-hole watering spot (but looks more like a somewhat dingy bar). Do not be afraid of the Kermit-the-Frog-green walls and Bud Light pool table lights (note: pool table has been removed). Do not be afraid of the 1960s green, scalloped [...]

Food trucks are coming, and not a moment too soon. I dream of walking around in the warm Florida sunshine (well, not too warm) with melted cheese sticking to my chin as I bite into some concoction of the newest, gooeyest sandwich that comes out of a food truck. I love food trucks and would [...]

Well, if you never knew where Fourth Street was, you sure do now! The buzz around Darwin Santa Maria’s newest culinary playground is explosive. I have heard guests describe their meals as “the best ever,” “exceptional flavors” and perhaps my favorite: ”OMG, I really have died and landed in culinary heaven.” Like the song sort [...]

Is there any better way to start the day than with pancakes–and blueberry pancakes, at that? Below, find the recipe for the best blueberry pancakes I’ve ever had, courtesy of Chef Peter Timmins at the Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande. Blueberry Pancakes Executive Chef Peter Timmins Yield: Approximately 12 large pancakes  2 large eggs  2 [...]

Place settings at the Master Chef’s Dinner. Dining with Englewoodians and Sarasotans was half the fun. Gasparilla Inn’s master chef, Peter Timmins. Apprentice chefs. Learning the art of great gumbo. Gasparilla’s blueberry pancakes: the best I’ve ever had. Forget the pirate parades in Tampa—Sarasotans should be celebrating Gasparilla in a much different way. A weekend [...]

Savory at Night transforms the Savory Street space. Sarasota boasts many restaurants where you can get a good meal. However, how many restaurants can you say actually participate in the guests’ experiences? Enter Savory at Night. The Savory at Night menu proves that Savory Street has found its voice. While Savory Street initially had a [...]

2011 was quite a year for comings and goings of our local restaurants. For our newly arriving snowbirds, I thought I would update you on what’s new, what’s gone and where the overall best dishes are being created. Let’s make this quick: Gone are First Street Chop House, Patty’s, etc. Eat Here. Really do! Veal [...]

I love the traditions of many different cultures. When I lived north of Boston, the city was charmed with both Italian fiestas and Portuguese celebrations. And of course, each was filled with the tastes of the country’s homeland. Festive celebrations at the Simbang Gabi and Noche Buena Filipino Mass and feast. This year I was [...]

The poetic, gooey goodness of Eat Here’s French onion soup. By now, almost everyone in Sarasota and Manatee County has tried Eat Here, this food writer and Sean Murphy buddy included. Eat Here has by far the city’s best fish taco, though I am hearing the beef taco upstairs is a killer. I am totally [...]

A toast to celebrating with fewer calories and more cheer to share. In taking a scene from Fiddler on the Roof, I often feel I can not break from the traditional foods of the holiday season. My husband, however, believes changing tradition shows the sign of a secure person. So, acting a bit secure this [...]