It's that time of year — our Summer in the City specials are live! This is our first SITC week, so join us for a prix fixe lunch, or dinner... or BOTH ... and enjoy unique dishes that highlight our chefs great talents. Here are our menus for this week, June 15 to 21.

SUMMER IN THE CITY Dinner:
$32.95 per person

Choice of Starter:

WATERMELON AND FETA SALAD Watercress and leaf lettuce, balsamic vinaigrette and pancetta crisp

SOUP DU JOUR Hot and chilled specialties of the Chef

Choice of Entree:   

MUSHROOM RAVIOLI In light lemon cream broth with chopped Portabella, spinach and goat cheese, truffle oil

BRAISED PORK SHANK With corn pudding, vegetable and braising broth

HERB GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST With vegetable quinoa, thyme and shallot red wine butter

For Dessert: 

GRILLED LOCAL PEACH With strawberry ice cream, raspberry and carmel sauce

 

SUMMER IN THE CITY Lunch:
$16.95 per person

Choice of Starter:  

WATERMELON AND FETA SALAD Watercress and leaf lettuce, balsamic vinaigrette and pancetta crisp

SOUP DU JOUR Hot and chilled specialties of the Chef 

Choice of Entree:  

SHRIMP AND PASTA With fresh roasted Roma tomato and angel hair pasta

CHOPPED MEDITERRANEAN SALAD Grilled lamb, romaine, feta, olives, artichokes, onion, cucumber, croutons, sun-dried tomato, herb vinaigrette

HERB GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST With vegetable quinoa, thyme and shallot red wine butter

 

Click here to make a reservation, or call  941.366.8111 — plus, our full dinner and lunch menus are available too, so you can try any and all of your Bijou favorites.

PS: We're doing lots of fun stuff on Facebook, including posting photos of all our tasty specials. Click here to follow us.

We are so excited to kick off this year's "Savor Sarasota" with the following lunch and dinner menu! Enjoy three-course meals for a special price now until June 14 as part of the event.

Following Savor Sarasota we'll begin our own prix fixe menus called "Summer in the City," showing off our chefs' specialties! Come visit soon and try both.

 

2013 “SAVOR SARASOTA” LUNCH

To Start

SOUP DU JOUR

Hot and Chilled Specialties of the Chef

Shrimp & Crab Bisque (additional $2)

or

VEGGIE LOVER’S

Cannelini beans, beets, asparagus, tomato, mushroom, soft lettuce and spinach, croutons, herb dressing

 

Entrées

WILD MUSHROOM AND GRUYÈRE GRILLED CHEESE

Shitakes and Creminis, creamy Gruyère, semolina bread, petite Caesar salad or pommes frites

or

SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN

Salad with bacon, tomato, pecans, dried cherries, fried onions and buttermilk ranch dressing

or

SEASONAL SALMON

Grilled Tarragon compound butter atop watercress, tomato and onion salad

$15 Exclusive of Beverage, Tax and Gratuity. Please No Substitutions

 

 

2013 “SAVOR SARASOTA” DINNER

To Start

SOUP DU JOUR

Hot and Chilled Specialties of the Chef

Shrimp & Crab Bisque (additional $2)

or

VEGGIE LOVER’S

Cannelini beans, beets, asparagus, tomato, mushroom, soft lettuce and spinach, croutons, herb dressing

 

Entrées

“BRAAIVLEIS” SOUTH-AFRICAN MIXED GRILL

Grilled house made “Boerewors”, lamb chop and strip steak served with South African grits and grilled tomato, Major Grays chutney

or

CHICKEN PAILLARD

Organic chicken breast, sautéed in olive oil and garlic and served with roasted Mediterranean vegetables and sautéed spinach, finished with lemon and butter

or

SEASONAL SALMON

Grilled Tarragon compound butter atop watercress, tomato and onion salad

 

Dessert

AMARULA CREME BRULEE

$29 Exclusive of Beverage, Tax and Gratuity. Please No Substitutions

I’ve wanted to add some new dishes to our menu focusing on offfering greater variety to our dinners and summer seemed like the perfect time to try them out. 

As of today, we're proud to unveil and updated lunch menu including some old Bijou favorites like our famous Jambalaya!

New items include southern fried chicken, an open face grilled veggie sandwich, and a “spa style” fish du jour. Many of the new selections were created or are easily modified so we can meet all types of dietary restrictions, including gluten free and low fat.

We serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and the full menu can be found here. Stop by the Bijou for lunch or dinner and let us show off our delicious new creations and old favorites! 

Sarasota is known for having the #1 beach in the USA but we also have the highest concentrations of Zagat®-rated restaurants in Florida. You knew that already? Well, did you know you can plan a culinary adventure around our award-winning eateries without breaking the bank?

That's right, during Savor Sarasota you can enjoy three-course meals from our famed eateries for just $15 per person for lunch and $29 per person for dinner. With a spread from Peruvian to French and every flavor in between, you'll taste your way around the world in no time.

And the best place to start this culinary adventure is the Bijou Café, of course!

After Savor Sarasota, we begin our very own “Customer Appreciation” celebration — as we have done for the past several years, The Bijou Cafe is once again featuring our popular Prix Fixe menu in appreciation of our year round residents.

Called "Summer in the City," the three-course dinner menu changes weekly and is intended to showcase the talents and creativity of our chefs. Cost is only $34.95 per person for a starter, entree and dessert. We also have a “Summer in the City” lunch menu with two courses for $16.95 per person. This incredible value menu will begin Mon., June 17 and run until the end of October.

We'll post each week's special menus here as they are released — click here now to make your reservations!  

Sunday, May 12th is the special day we set aside to honor our Mothers and thank them for all they've done for us. At the Bijou Cafe, we know just what moms want and deserve! All you have to do is make the reservation and we will do the rest!

Our special Mother's Day dinner starts at 4pm for the early diners and runs until 8pm. We are serving our usual award winning dinner menu, as well as the following heavenly Chef Specials just for our lucky mothers!

Call 366-8111 or visit us online to make your reservation today and treat your Mom to the best dinner in Sarasota! 

Please don't wait. Make your reservations now for Mother's Day, because she deserves it!

CALL 366-8111 or reserve your spot online here!

Sure, it's getting hot out again but the good news is that the first Friday of each month during the summer we host a wine tasting at the Bijou Cafe! Our "First Friday Wine Tastings" were such a big hit last year that we decided, after popular demand, to start them this year in May.

So mark your calenders for 5pm this Fri., May 3 and join us for some great wines, friendly company and tasty appetizers!

We'll have knowledgeable wine merchants pouring wines from all around the world and sharing interesting bits of wine info with you.

Small dishes and passed hors d' oeuvres are included in the cost, as well as a scrumptious artisanal cheese board. And for only $18 per person, the event is just too good to pass up!

We suggest you gather some friends and make a night of it! Many of the art galleries and shops are open late and will invite you to stroll in after the tasting! Be ready for an amazing evening, and we promise, you will want to come back every month.

See you on Friday! 

At the Bijou Café, we pride ourselves on making sure that every part of your dining experience exceedes your expectations. Between service, food, and a friendly smile, we see it work with our repeat customers and new ones as well. Apparently, we were not the only ones to notice, OpenTable's 400 million diners did too!

OpenTable is a website with over 27,000 listed restaurants. Every year they choose the Top 100 restaurants and present them with the 2013 "Diners' Choice" Award.

The award is based on more than 5 million restaurant reviews over the last year. Maybe it was our excellent pepper steak and the seared salmon that earned us the award. Or, maybe our happy hour with the tasty martinis and friendly wait staff. Whatever it is, we could not be happier and more thankful for the amazing support everyone has given us!

Thank you again for helping us win this award, it wouldn't be possible without every one of you. We hope to see you soon — click here to make a reservation now through OpenTable! 

Another sensational Opera season has come to the end and we would like to thank all the Opera lovers who joined us for dinner. We also thank the Sarasota Opera for being such a world class venue and attracting visitors from all over the globe for their magnificent productions.

But alas, poor Yorick, we must apologize to those of you who wanted to join us when there were no tables left. To make some extra room for next year, we are contemplating having a communal table or two. Would you like to see a communal table on Opera nights?

From an article in FSR magazine:

Communal Dining Encourages Engagement

At casual eateries and corner taverns, communal dining has long been a slice of the American restaurant scene. But the increased appearance of strangers sitting side-by-side in upscale establishments is a new and exciting concept. People want to be connected to one another, especially when they have common interests such as the Opera.

A departure from the regimented ways of traditional dining, communal dining lends itself to a welcoming, spirited atmosphere. “Communal dining creates a feeling of togetherness and community that brings a different energy to the dining experience,” says Chicago restaurant The Publican’s general manager, Katie Syracopoulos, noting that an equal number of guests request a spot at communal tables as call for a spot at the eatery’s private tables.

We could accommodate about 20 or 30 more people on busy Opera nights at the Bijou Café if we sat couples at a single large table together.

So please let us know your thoughts by commenting here or on Facebook and perhaps we will consider a communal table next year, giving more people a chance to get a seat at the Bijou Café! 

Chefs are always asked what their favorite foods are; their favorite wines, restaurants etc., but nobody ever asks if there is something they just can’t stand.

When I was very young and growing up in South Africa my parents sent me to boarding school for a better education. It was a great school and has become one of the best private schools in South Africa today. However, at the time (1957), food for the boarders was not a prime concern. As a matter of fact it was pretty damn awful. In the best British tradition, you had to finish everything on your plate or you were punished. I think subconsciously that’s when and where I decided to become a chef so I would never have to eat lousy food again! 

Which brings me back to favorite foods! I have cooked and eaten all over the world. I am not afraid to try anything once and I very seldom turn away anything without at least a bite. I don’t understand the crazy people out there who eat disgusting things just for the shock value or to entertain on TV. There are only two things I have never been able to enjoy. Cilantro and Brussels sprouts. There … I have confessed.

I have discovered I am not the only person in the world to feel this way. There is even a website called ihatecilantro.com. That’s how serious it is! There is some discussion that the aversion to cilantro might be hereditary.

The strange thing is, I love the aroma and taste of coriander which is the seed of the cilantro plant and is used extensively as a flavoring in South African cuisine. Cilantro smells and tastes like perfumey soap to me and has ruined so many great Mexican and Indian dishes for me. I am trying to like it but at my age I’m not betting on any changes in my taste buds soon.

Brussels sprouts I can handle if I cook them myself. I steam first (gag at the smell!) and then sauté in olive oil with shallots, garlic, bacon, and lemon. Like to get them a little brown on edges, then finish with a touch of balsamic vinegar and butter, salt and ground pepper! Actually, with all that, you could leave the Brussels sprouts out and it would taste pretty good!

So unless it’s my night off or the chefs have started a revolution you will very seldom see cilantro and Brussels on the menu at the Bijou Café. There is a whole world of other food out there so who is going to miss those two culinary varmints!

Photo above: Little JP at boarding school. No, just kidding, it was not quite that bad! 

One of the reasons the Bijou Café has been successful over the years is our location across the street from the Sarasota Opera. When we started the restaurant in 1986 there were several nay sayers who predicted a short life for the Bijou because this part of town was pretty rundown with only a few struggling businesses getting by.

The Opera House had recently been re-furbished and was on its way to becoming one of the top Opera companies in the country.

People loved the idea of having dinner at the Bijou before the performance and we have never had an empty seat prior to an opera performance ever since!

So thank you Sarasota Opera. We love having you as neighbors and we also love to hear the performers practicing their arias as they walk down First Street!

Tonight’s Opera is Bizet’s “Pearl Fishers”, a must see for true opera fans.

Set in legendary Sri Lanka, the story follows two men whose vow of eternal friendship is threatened when the object of their mutual desires, the priestess Léïla, suddenly returns igniting a dangerous triangle of forbidden love.

This proven Sarasota Opera favorite features the famous Act I duet for tenor and baritone, "Au fond du temple saint", which is sure to lift you out of your seat. For more info on Sarasota Opera click here. 

In September of 2012, Freddy Matson of Vineyard Brands hosted a trip to Argentina and Chile for a group of "Wine Guys" and me to visit wineries and meet the winemakers.

It was an amazing experience and we are delighted to be offering some of the wines we tasted for our upcoming Forks & Corks wine dinner.

We are also pouring some excellent wines from Spain, so it will be quite interesting to compare styles and tastes. We've planned a fabulous five-course menu to complement these magnificent wines!

Call 941-366-8111 today to make your reservations for this unforgettable winemaker dinner.

The full menu is below: 

 

 

Location: The Bijou Cafe, 1287 First St., Sarasota

Date: Friday, January 2

6:30 pm Reception

7:00 om Sit down for Dinner

Price: $85.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity)

 

2013 Forks & Corks 

Winemaker Dinner Menu

Featuring the wines of Chile and Spain

 

HORS D'OEUVRES

Smoked salmon devilled eggs

Shrimp Ceviche Shooters

Chilean Empanadas

Goat cheese rounds with tomato marmalade

2011 Cono Sur Viognier, Colchagau, Chile 

2011 Marques de Caceres, Rioja Rose, Spain

 

FIRST COURSE

Scallop a la Plancha

Served atop creamy white bean puree, chorizo  

2011 Marques de Caceres,  "Deusa Nai" Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain

 

SECOND COURSE

Marinated Oysters on half shell

With fresh Key lime and cilantro

2011 Cono Sur, Organic Sauvignon Blanc,

  

THIRD COURSE

Oven Roasted Chilean Sea Bass

Cumin scented glaze, avocado cream, roasted corn

2008 Cono Sur, "Vision" Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, Chile

  

Pisco Sour lemon sorbet palate cleanser  

 

ENTRÉE

Grilled Tenderloin of Beef

Fresh herb chimichuri sauce, 

roast garlic rosemary potato 

2005 Marques de Caceres, Reserva Rioja, Spain

2010 Cono Sur, "Vision",  Pinot Noir, Colhagua Valley, Chile 

DESSERT

Lavender scented poached pear on puff pastry

2011 Marques de Caceres, Satinela 

 

For more information about the "Fresh Originals" and the Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival, click here.

 

 

During the summer months the Bijou Café is closed on Sundays, but now that the busy season is upon us we will be open for Sunday dinner starting at 5 pm. Our little family at the Bijou Café is ready to invite you into our home and give you a Sunday dinner that will leave you feeling satisfied, happy and ready to tackle the week ahead of you.

In addition to our regular menu, we have a new introduction for Sunday nights: special homestlye meals.

Our chefs love the opportunity to whip one of their favorite creations, transporting you and your taste buds to their hometowns all over world. Just wait till you try Max's fried chicken!

Book your reservations now by clicking here or calling 941.366.8111. We'll see you Sunday!

Foder’s, the leading name in travel guides for over 75 years, today announced that we have been recognized as a 2012 Fodor’s Choice selection. This distinction designates us as a leader in our field for service, quality, and value in the 2012 year.

We are honored to receive this distinctive award from Fodor’s. For almost 27 years we’ve set the standard in Sarasota for fine cuisine, unparalleled service and value, and we are thrilled to be recognized for this.

The editors and experts of Fodor’s have been selecting only the top fifteen percent of their listed properties and activities as Fodor’s Choice award recipients since 1988. Every year, Fodor’s writers experience, examine and evaluate thousands of hotels, restaurants and attractions in their travels across the globe. While every business included in the guide is deemed worth a traveler’s time, only those offering a truly remarkable experience are given the Fodor’s Choice designation.

As a 2012 Fodor’s Choice property, we will receive special recognition in the next Fodor’s guidebook to this area and on fodors.com. For more than 75 years Fodor’s has presented travelers with the very top recommendations from hidden-away restaurants to can't-miss museums, and being picked as the best of the best is a great honor.

Come in for dinner and try Sarasota's Fodor's Choice restaurant to see for yourself why we have been chosen for this amazing award.

 

 

We're very happy summer is nearly over and we're starting to enjoy some cool weather. On the other hand, that means the end of our weekly prix fixe Summer in the City menu for the year. Come in this week, Oct. 8-13, for your last opportunity to try it at lunch or dinner 

SUMMER IN THE CITY Dinner:
$32.95 per person

Choice of Starter:

GRAVLAX SALAD Bibb lettuce, house cured gravlax, cucumber, tomato, capers creamy herb dressing, marble rye croutons

SOUP DU JOUR Hot and chilled specialties of the Chef

Choice of Entree:    

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST With cheese and truffle sachetti, asparagus, shiitake mushrooms and lemon butter wine sauce

PAN SEARED SEA SCALLOP With lobster and edamame succotash

GRILLED SKIRT STEAK With chipotle mashed potato and chimichurri sauce

For Dessert: 

ROASTED APPLE AND RICOTTA CREPES With maple syrup and candied walnuts

 

SUMMER IN THE CITY Lunch:
$16.95 per person

Choice of Starter:  

GRAVLAX SALAD Bibb lettuce, house cured gravlax, cucumber, tomato, capers creamy herb dressing, marble rye croutons

SOUP DU JOUR Hot and chilled specialties of the Chef 

Choice of Entree:  

GRILLED SHRIMP AND PASTA On angel hair pasta with roasted tomato sauce

CLASSIC GRILLED REUBEN Boars Head corned beef brisket, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, thick marble rye

CHOPPED MEDITERRANEAN SALAD Grilled lamb, romaine, feta, olives, artichokes, onion, cucumber, croutons, sun-dried tomato, herb vinaigrette

 

Click here to make a reservation, or call  941.366.8111 and join us at your convenience! Reservations are recommended but not required. And of course our full dinner and lunch menus are available now as well. Lastly, click here to follow us on Facebook! 

Good news! We're back on Mondays! As summer winds down, we have reopened on Monday for lunch and dinner.

Here are our prix fixe menus for this week, Oct. 1 to 6, and we are happy to report you can have our famous "N'Awlins" style jambalaya at lunch or dinner all week...

SUMMER IN THE CITY Dinner:
$32.95 per person

Choice of Starter:

BIJOU CAESAR Romaine lettuce, herb croutons, Parmesan crisps, creamy roasted garlic dressing, anchovy

SOUP DU JOUR Hot and chilled specialties of the Chef

Choice of Entree:   

BRAISED PORK SHANK Brussel sprout and apple hash

RAINBOW TROUT Rum glazed and served with corn pudding and braised greens

JAMBALAYA Our version of the N’Awlins classic served over white rice

For Dessert: 

RHUBARB AND PEACH CRISP With vanilla bean ice cream

 

SUMMER IN THE CITY Lunch:
$16.95 per person

Choice of Starter:  

BIJOU CAESAR Romaine lettuce, herb croutons, Parmesan crisps, creamy roasted garlic dressing, anchovy

SOUP DU JOUR Hot and chilled specialties of the Chef 

Choice of Entree:  

PULLED PORK TARTINE With cumin cabbage, pickle and waffle chips

RAINBOW TROUT Rum glazed and served with corn pudding and braised greens

JAMBALAYA Our version of the N’Awlins classic served over white rice

 

As always, we have an excellent wine of the week available to pair with your prix fixe menu for $6 per glass and $24 per bottle. Click here to make a reservation, or call  941.366.8111. The full dinner and lunch menus are available too, so you can try any and all of your Bijou favorites.

PS: We're doing lots of fun stuff on Facebook, including posting photos of all our tasty specials. Click here to follow us.

Two beautiful things to note on this week's Summer in the City menu: 1. Our caprese salad — always a classic and we prepare it classically with fresh basil, mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes. That's available at lunch or dinner. 2. Surf and Turf Sliders! Only available at lunch — skirt steak and crab cake. Wow. Here are the full menus for this week, Sept. 24 to 29:   

SUMMER IN THE CITY Dinner:
$32.95 per person

Choice of Starter:

CAPRESE SALAD Fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, basil, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze

SOUP DU JOUR Hot and chilled specialties of the Chef

Choice of Entree:   

GRILLED SKIRT STEAK Soy & balsamic glaze, creamy grits and aspargus

HERB ROASTED CHICKEN BREAST White wine & lemon, green vegetable succotash, roasted creamer potatos

SHRIMP, SCALLOPS & MUSSELS Tossed with garlic, tomato, vermouth & basil with gnocchi

For Dessert: 

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKE Rich, dark and luscious

 

SUMMER IN THE CITY Lunch:
$16.95 per person

Choice of Starter:  

CAPRESE SALAD Fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, basil, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze

SOUP DU JOUR Hot and chilled specialties of the Chef 

Choice of Entree:  

SURF & TURF SLIDERS Crab cake, remoulade and arugula, skirt steak, fried onions, blue cheese butter

HERB ROASTED CHICKEN BREAST White wine & lemon, green vegetable succotash, roasted creamer potatos

SHRIMP, SCALLOPS & MUSSELS Tossed with garlic, tomato, vermouth & basil with gnocchi 

 

Try the special wine of the week at a special price — $6 per glass and $24 per bottle, every week. We look forward to seeing you! Click here to make a reservation, or call  941.366.8111. Here's a link to the full dinner and lunch menus, as well. Be sure to join all the fun we are having on Facebook by following us. Click here.

Have you ever tried Nueske's bacon? It's only the best Applewood-smoked bacon available, prepared the same way (with a few tweaks for modern production), since 1933. We've got it for you on this week's Summer in the City lunch menu, and three tasty choices for you at dinner, as well:   

SUMMER IN THE CITY Dinner:
$32.95 per person

Choice of Starter:

ROASTED PEAR & SPINACH Red onion, goat cheese, dried cherries and candied walnuts tossed with port wine vinaigrette

SOUP DU JOUR Hot and chilled specialties of the Chef

Choice of Entree:  

CHICKEN PAILLAIRD Olive oil, lemon and garlic, with roast vegetables

LOCH DUART ROASTED SALMON Tomato and lemon broth with mashed potato

CENTER CUT PORK CHOP Pink peppercorn and brandy sauce with mustard gnocchi

For Dessert: 

BIJOU KEY LIME TART

 

SUMMER IN THE CITY Lunch:
$16.95 per person

Choice of Starter: 

ROASTED PEAR & SPINACH Red onion, goat cheese, dried cherries and candied walnuts tossed with port wine vinaigrette

SOUP DU JOUR Hot and chilled specialties of the Chef 

Choice of Entree:  

SPINACH, BACON & FETA QUICHE Served with arugula salad

NUESKE'S “BLT” Semolina bread, avocado and mayo, served with petite caesar or pomme frites

CHICKEN PAILLAIRD Olive oil, lemon and garlic, with roasted vegetables

 

Our wine of the week is available for just $6 per glass and $24 per bottle, at lunch or dinner.

Come in to the Bijou this week to try this special menu — make a reservation online by clicking here, or call us at 941.366.8111. And please follow us on Facebook for news on specials and more, every day!

Beets. Totaly tasty, but even tastier with a bit of goat cheese. Come try our beet and arugula salad this week, or any of the other awesome selections — including our signature Bijou Crab Cakes! — on this week's prix fixe Summer in the City menu for Sept. 10-15. 

SUMMER IN THE CITY Dinner:
$32.95 per person

Choice of Starter:

 BEET & ARUGULA SALAD Goat cheese, red onion, croutons, with a white balsamic vinaigrette

SOUP DU JOUR Hot and chilled specialties of the Chef

Choice of Entree: 

BIJOU CRAB CAKES Creole remoulade and veg du jour

VEAL PICCATA Sauteed garlic, artichokes, lemon, butter and parsley

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST With mushroom ravioli, light lemon cream sauce and chevre

For Dessert:

KARPATKA Polish style Napoleon

 

SUMMER IN THE CITY Lunch:
$16.95 per person

Choice of Starter: 

BEET & ARUGULA SALAD Goat cheese, red onion, croutons, with a white balsamic vinaigrette

SOUP DU JOUR Hot and chilled specialties of the Chef 

Choice of Entree: 

CHICKEN CAESER SALAD Our version of the classic with grilled chicken breast

SHRIMP FRANCHESE Lemon, parsley, garlic and butter over angel hair pasta

BIJOU HAMBURGER Smoked cheddar cheese, carmelized onions, waffle chips

  

Try any of the above with our wine of the week for just $6 per glass and $24 per bottle.

Join us this week! Reservations are recommended but not required. You can make a reservation online by clicking here, or call us at 941.366.8111. And do follow us on Facebook for news on specials and dishes du jour throughout the week.

During the summer we host a wine tasting every First Friday, and this one is extra special because it's JPs last day before a two-week sojourn in South America!

Join us from 5 to 7 p.m. this Fri., Sept. 7, for wines from all over the world poured by sommeliers Jenn and Phil (pictured at right!), plus a tasting of some fine new crafted beers we are now featuring.

Small dishes and passed hors d'oeuvres are included as well as a scrumptious artisanal cheese board at only $18 per person.

Gather some friends and make a night of it. Join us for dinner after the tasting and take a gander at our super value prix fixe menu "Summer in the City." First Friday also means many of the art galleries and shops are open late and invite you to stroll in.

It's summer, come downtown, Sarasota, and enjoy First Friday with us! Free valet parking. 

Did you have a nice Labor Day? We did, and hope we can help welcome you back into the work-week with a lovely new prix fixe Summer in the City menu for Sept. 3-8. Chocolate mousse and cookies, anyone? Or maybe some mini osso buco Milanese...

SUMMER IN THE CITY Dinner:
$32.95 per person

Choice of Starter:

SPINACH SALAD Neuske’s bacon, Brie, roasted garlic, hibiscus flower vinaigrette

SOUP DU JOUR Hot and chilled specialties of the Chef

Choice of Entree:

GRILLED SALMON Ginger peach relish, coconut rice

HALF ROAST CHICKEN Free range chicken, white bean cassoulet, natural jus

MINI OSSO BUCO Braised with orange and fennel broth a la Milanese

For Dessert:

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE assorted cookies

 

SUMMER IN THE CITY Lunch:
$16.95 per person

Choice of Starter: 

SPINACH SALAD Neuske’s bacon, Brie, roasted garlic, hibiscus flower vinaigrette

SOUP DU JOUR Hot and chilled specialties of the Chef 

Choice of Entree: 

GRILLED SALMON Ginger peach relish, coconut rice

HALF ROAST CHICKEN Free range chicken, white bean cassoulet, natural jus

WILD MUSHROOM GRILLED CHEESE Shitakes and creminis, creamy Gruyère, semolina bread, petite Caesar salad

  

Our mushroom grilled cheese is a staff favorite! The side Caesar even makes it a vaguely healthy choice. Try it, or any of the above options, with our wine of the week for just $6 per glass and $24 per bottle.

Ready for dinner? Make a reservation online by clicking here, or call us at 941.366.8111. Follow us on Facebook for news on specials and dishes du jour throughout the week.