A New Spot for Parties In Sarasota

If you’re seeking a different spot to host a birthday, wedding shower, company dinner or other special occasion, the folks at Creekside Trader Gift Shop at Phillipi Creek Village have a new opportunity.

Stop in with a theme in mind … or not… and the chefs can prepare just about anything your heart desires – from Mediterranean to Global or Island cuisine.

The media was recently treated to a Lazy Susan-style sit down dinner at the expanded Creekside Trader gift shop with an incredible spread of spinning delights as a sample of what one can expect for a party.  We were greeted with a glass of champagne, followed by a choice of wine. Dinner was impressive and included: Spanish Roasted Prawns in shallot butter, pan-seared Ahi tuna steaks, Peruvian chicken a la Brasa, and coriander-crusted sliced tenderloin of beef. Tomato-toasted bread, hummus and assorted sides were also included in this “taste of the islands.”

Served in a delightful cold copper cup, Ginger B’s were brought out as an after dinner drink, an unusual combo of ginger liqueur, key lime and honey ice cubes and vodka. It got better as the ice cubes melted. The dessert was my favorite – flan – the best I’d ever tasted.

Chef Raphael hails from the Dominican Republic and Chef Pedro from Mexico City. Both have worked together for 25 years and have been part of the team at Phillipi Creek’s Table and Oyster Bar for seven years. From global cuisine at The Table to luscious seafood at the Oyster Bar and more, there’s literally nothing these two can’t conjure up for your special occasion.

The dinner was held to celebrate the expansion of the gift shop and its double-capacity space to accommodate special occasion parties.

The Creekside Trader gift shop features your typical tourist finds – from t-shirts to trinkets, and has also expanded its offerings of prepared snacks, beer and wine to take home.

Call (941) 926-0123 for more information or stop in to 5353 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

photos by Patti Pearson