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Valentine’s Day

PSA: Valentine’s Day is Coming

| Jodi Schwarzenbach |

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but Valentine’s Day is less than a month away.  If you are wanting to impress your #1, a little pre-planning can go a long way.  Some of our favorite Suncoast restaurants are booked weeks in advance during tourist season, so if you want to get a table, the time to make that reservation is now.  Whether you are indulging your urge to splurge or looking for budget-friendly options,  we have some recommendations to make your date night exactly right.

Wonderful on the Water.  If you are envisioning an intimate dinner with an exquisite view, then you cannot beat the timeless fine dining at Ophelia’s on the Bay.  You won’t find a better view of Little Sarasota Bay, and the awards and accolades Ophelia’s has earned for their amazing food speaks to the excellence of the restaurant.  Rated “Extraordinary” 10 years in a row by Zagat Guide and claiming “Best Waterfront Restaurant,” “Most Romantic Restaurant,” “Best Continental Restaurant,” and “Best Creative Menu Board” from Sarasota Herald Tribune Reader’s Choice Awards is just a sampling of their distinctions. From a Maine Lobster Bisque starter to their phenomenal Filet Mignon of Beef, to their extensive wine list, the menu choices are as breathtaking as the view.   Ophelia’s on the Bay is located at 9105 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key.  Check out their menu and reservation options at Ophelia’s on the Bay – Fine Dining on Siesta Key.

Baby Likes Burgers and Beer.  Keeping it simple and not breaking the bank, but also enjoying a beautiful burger and frosty beer are lofty goals for a Valentine’s dinner.  BrewBurger’s in Venice delivers always good, freshly prepared burgers, wings, sandwiches, and sweet potato fries like no other.  Consistently voted “Best Burger in Venice,” BrewBurger’s is just a fun place to get great food at a reasonable price.  The service is always excellent, and, if you are into burgers, this is the place to go.  From the “Plain Ol’” to “Hawaiian” or “Breakfast” burgers, whatever is your favorite, there will be no disappointments.  Your date will be screaming, “Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner” after trying their wings with a myriad of homemade sauces.  The ambiance is fun, casual, and also dog friendly.  BrewBurger’s has two locations in Venice, but the island location is currently closed for renovations.  Their other location, 370 Commercial Court is conveniently located at Jacaranda and I-75.  For more information, please visit Home | Brewburgers | Best Tasting Burgers and Icy Cold Beer

Valentine’s Day

Cool, Casual and Crafty.  The reviews are in, and they are raving for Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez.  Family run and Cortez-proud, this establishment sources only the freshest, local ingredients for their specialty menu and craft cocktails.  Featuring a small plate and large plate menu, every palate and appetite will feel the love.  Selections like Seared Ahi Tuna Crostini and Shrimp Octopus Ceviche might be the perfect choice for your sweetheart.  And you might lean more toward the Shrimp Gambitto or Chef’s Flatbread of the Day.  Cozy up to a Chocolate Fondue Plate and toast to an exceptional evening with a Cortez Swizzle.  Slicker’s Eatery is located at 12012 Cortez Road West, Cortez.  Check out their amazing menu at Slicker’s Eatery | Crafts & Drafts – Cool, casual dining. Craft cocktails, eclectic plates, good vibes. Coming to Cortez – February 2021

That’s Amore.  Nothing says “I love you” quite like homemade pasta slathered in fresh sauces that have been simmering all day.  Shave some fresh parmesan on top, add a nice glass of wine and the perfect, quintessential Valentine’s Day is complete.  Of course, at Primo! Ristorante, “perfect” dishes are plentiful.  Take, for example, their pizza pies, baked over a wood-burning oven, or prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and expertly prepared risotto.  It. Is. All. Good.  And the owners and staff?  You get a little mix of Grandma’s kitchen, the Soprano’s and comedic genius all rolled into their friendly and efficient servers.  Hailed as one of Sarasota’s premiere Italian restaurants, you can find Primo! Ristorante at 8076 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, just down the road from Ringling Museum.

Coffee Dates are the Best.  Treat your significant person to something they really want.  (It’s coffee.  They all want coffee.) For daily drinks or a special Valentine’s Day, anyone will appreciate a charming morning date at Los Dos Cristianos Coffee.  With two locations in North Port and Punta Gorda, these cute shops bring the sunshine to everyone’s day, especially on Valentine’s Day.  Enjoy a custom blended hot or cold beverage of choice, add some delicious avocado toast or a sausage roll, engage in conversation that doesn’t involve the job or kids and you are in for a special Valentine’s Day with your love, or a lovely day with your pal-entine.  Enjoy the best coffee brewing at two Los Dos Cristianos Coffee locations:  1120 Plantation Boulevard, North Port and 320 Sullivan Street, Punta Gorda.  For more information, please visit Los Dos Cristianos Coffee – Los Dos Cristianos Landing site

Photos from Deposit Photos

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