I doubted that a sports bar could serve good ahi tuna, but I ate my words. Nested in house-made crisp wontons, sesame-crusted slices of rare ahi tuna are topped with seasoned seaweed salad and a creamy wasabi sauce. This Asian version outclasses traditional nachos, and is delicate enough to enjoy with a chilled glass of pinot grigio.

Gecko’s has five locations; we like the one at 1900 Hillview St. for its great outdoor space for doggie dining. (941) 953-2929.

Read more dining news at Chef Judi Gallagher’s “Foodie’s Notebook” blog.

This article appears in the June 2012 issue of Sarasota Magazine.

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