I have been a fan of The Table Creekside since it opened. Chef Pedro has a flair that puts him up against any James Beard winner.We love the service, ambiance and quite frankly the cocktails and cuisine really are some of the best in Southwest Florida. So when I heard about their summer tasting menu for only $20 Sunday through Thursday 4 p.m. to closing, I just had to go—and thank goodness we did. The meals were incredible, service as attentive as ever and with the selections, you really can dine there two or three times a week and experience a different meal each time.

We opted for a happy hour at the bar first—again what a delicious deal: $5 tapas and cocktails, $2.50 drafts and a selection of wines by the glass for $5. Now when they say tapas, they don’t mean little skimpy portions; the plates are the same size as their regular appetizers and over the top with flavor. We started with mango and pear sangria with diced Granny Smith apples marinated in fresh pineapple. Did I mention this refreshing twist on a Spanish classic is only $5? Light, refreshing and beautifully presented. The sangria changes weekly with creative flairs and twists.

The nightly special appetizer was a Mediterranean risotto ball with Alaskan king crab fondue and peach jam with Key lime sangria aioli. Next up we tried the sea bass fritters—again only $5, and the couple next to us was raving about the spinach fondue. Here is the REAL cool deal: The sign says happy hour is Sunday through Thursday from 4-6:30 p.m. But listen up, Sarasota: They are also using this blog to let locals know they will honor happy hour on Friday nights as well! The bar and lounge are the perfect setting to meet friends and share mojitos, exquisite small plates and a relaxing vibe. (Girlfriends, are you reading?? Meet me there next week!)

Feeling satiated already with the appetizers, we were on a mission to try the $20 tasting menu and we refused (as always) to give in. Seated by the window after a light rain, we watched the manatees gently swim by and thought it just doesn’t get better than this—but of course that was before our meal came. The summer tasting menu allows choosing three items from the tasting menu plus a dessert. If you care to order a bottle of select wines, the bottle is only $15. This offer is also available when you order entrees off the nightly menu, so drink up!

While I opted for the moist Scottish salmon topped with creamy crabmeat, a delightful  duck ravioli and the rock shrimp carbonara, my hubby went for the short rib (no surprise), scallop-and-shrimp carbonara. Another Southern gentleman joining us decided to order a regular entrée of shrimp and grits and declared his mighty good indeed.

"A Chunky on steroids" bread pudding

But wait, there’s more. You still enjoy those award-winning yucca mozzarella biscuits with your plates, and of course choice of chocolate bread pudding or watermelon basil granita. The bread pudding was like a chunky on steroids, amazingly rich and creamy. A winning combination, while the granita was a light and refreshing way to end the meal. The topper of the evening was our wonderful server, Rodrigo, brewing a fresh pot of decaf for us. Now that is award-winning service.