Not every week is filled with rock concerts and a New York/ New Jersey pig out (but I sometimes wish it was—see last week’s post). Still, in our own backyard there are those weeks where you just smile and say, "Darn good meal!" This was one of them. So, in no particular order, I would [...]

Ribeye and shoestrong fries at Fleming’s. It started with a great grilled Reuben at Lucky Pelican and ended with a bone-in prime ribeye and wedge salad at Fleming’s. In between was pure yumminess all week long (and yes, great hospitality mixed in as well). The 100 Mile Dinner at Indigenous was a locavore’s dream. Thanks [...]

WWAS (What Would Andy Say)? Perhaps I miss Andy Rooney from 60 Minutes and his snickity way of saying what irked him. Perhaps I find that there’s an oxymoron in being in the hospitality business and not being hospitable. No matter what, I very seldom need to use my blog as a platform to vent. [...]

Star Fish Company Market & Restaurant Years ago, Sean Murphy of Beach Bistro and eat here fame introduced me to what Old Florida is really about: fishing. In the little enclave known as Cortez Village lives a gem with outdoor picnic tables and one heck of a good, fresh grouper sandwich. It’s called Star Fish [...]

Downtown Sarasota’s El Greco A reminder that some things are just plain comfort food: Although we all tend to believe that comfort food is meatloaf and mashed potatoes and country fried chicken with a slice of pie (and don’t get me wrong, I tuck into mac-’n’-cheese quite often), as I was sitting outside at El [...]

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 [...]