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Savor Sarasota is Back!! – Where Will You Eat?

| Laura Bell Adams |

I cannot believe it’s that time of year again!  Time to partake and support our area restaurants while having a great meal at a discount.  What could be better?  Savor Sarasota started June 1st and will run until the 14th. The price fixed lunch menu will cost $16 and dinner up to $32 per person. Not all restaurants will offer the lunch fixed menu, so you will want to ask.

Last night while having cocktails with friends, we discussed our plans for which restaurants we would like to visit. I am torn because there are a few of my very favorites on the list and some restaurants I would like to try.  My husband suggested a few of the more expensive places, which would allow us to enjoy a wonderful dinner for less money. 

Personally, I could dine out every night, however, my budget and waistline would suffer greatly.  There are over 130 participating restaurants in this year’s Savor Sarasota. So, what to choose, what to choose? If you haven’t decided yet, I put together a list of a few places that I have been to in the past that were exceptional.  I added a couple restaurants I haven’t been to but will be trying for this year’s Savor.

Wonderful desserts at Off the Hook, a restaurant participating in Savor Sarasota.Off the Hook: 6630 Gateway Avenue, Sarasota.941-923-5570.  The restaurant is located in an unassuming small strip center in Gulf Gate. This is one of my all-time favorite places, but I save it for special occasions. The fixed dinner menu is a three-course meal. And they are also offering wine pairing for an additional fee. Fish is what they are known for, but there is an option for meat too.  Their desserts are homemade and out of this world-worth every calorie. You will want to make reservations because this is a popular place.  I can’t help myself, I will be going back during the special two weeks. 

Paris Bistrot: 8131 Lakewood Main St. Lakewood Ranch.  941-388-0564.  The minute I walk into the restaurant, my memory takes me back to a small European eatery I used to frequent when I lived there. For some reason, it seems most Americans are timid about French food. I guarantee when you walk into the Bistrot, they will make you feel welcome. They offer a special lunch menu as well as dinner. You can enjoy eating outside too. I checked out their fixed menus and they offer great options and of course for dessert a warm crepe (I’d go with the chocolate sauce & toasted almond).  My personal favorite is the warm brie salad, which is on the dinner menu.

Apollonia Grill: 8235 Cooper Creek Blvd, University Park. 941-359-4816.  The fixed menu was not posted, however, take a chance and go.  I am sure they will have many options to choose from. This is a frequent place for my husband and me to eat because you can get healthy dishes and great service.

Tokaj Restaurant: 6516 Superior Ave., Sarasota. 941-906-9444. I haven’t been here, but this one is on my list to try.  Tokaj has both lunch and dinner options. If you like Hungarian food (or want to try it) this looks like a good place.  One of my friends is from Budapest and when her Mother comes to the US to visit I beg her to make stuffed cabbage.  I was excited to see they are offering it as part of the special menu. Oh, Hungarian desserts are some of the best in the world! 

Apine Steakhouse offers great food participating in Savor Sarasota.Alpine Steakhouse: 4520 S. Tamiami Trail, 941-922-3797.  I haven’t been here, but I am definitely going to take advantage of their price fixed menu for dinner. My problem is going to be deciding between the Filet Mignon Beef Stroganoff, their famous Turducken or the aged NY Strip steak.  I also saw they are serving their homemade apple strudel for dessert. 

You can check out all the participating restaurants at www.visitsarasota.com/savor-sarasota

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock and visitsarasota website.

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