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EAT, DRINK, READ, THINK
Volume 19
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Dear Readers,
As we usher in this year's special edition of COOKS, we are grateful for the ever-evolving, always-exciting culinary options and chefs in our Sarasota-Manatee community. This month is yet another opportunity to patronize our local restaurants and get to know the beloved people behind them. So many reasons to give thanks!
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Dear Abby: I haven't seen you out much at local restaurants lately. Are you traveling? - Keeping Tabs
Dear Keeping Tabs: The opposite, actually. I've been in temporary hibernation while doing a program called P90X, which includes a rigorous at-home diet and exercise routine. I feel lively, strong and full of energy, but I am definitely looking forward to when the "fat shredder" phase ends and I can splurge on my local food favorites. Right now, I'm daydreaming about:
1. An Aztec sandwich with rare roast beef and jalapeno mayonnaise at the Main Bar Sandwich Shop.
2. The Leche de Tigre at Jalea-a creamy, savory ceviche with a cilantro kick, served in a wine glass.
3. A sweet, infused pineapple rum and yogurt liqueur martini at Apollonia Grill.
Maybe I'll scarf all three in one day when the time comes. In the meantime, it's back to plyometrics and protein shakes!
-Abby Weingarten
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Subscribe To Edible Sarasota Today!
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During the season of giving, All Faiths Food Bank's Turkey Distribution Program provides more than 7,000 turkeys to families in the area at Thanksgiving. Care to donate a bird?
All Faiths Food Bank: 8171 Blaikie Ct, Sarasota, 941-379-6333; allfaithsfoodbank.org.
-Abby Weingarten
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Lunch City! Five Restaurants Welcome Afternoon Diners
Louies new "Classically Modern" lunch features vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free fare such as spiced butternut squash soup, garbanzo quinoa wraps with curry mango aioli and vegan shepherd's pie, as well as a sliced flat-iron steak and bistro burger.
Eat Here serves "contemporary Gulf Coast cuisine" specialties including grilled cheese, tomato soup with Maytag bleu cheese crumbles, Caesar salad with shrimp and baby kale, hot dogs, bistro burgers and poutine (fries and demi-glace with Parmesan). Dine indoors, on the covered deck or around the fountain.
Eat Here: 1888 Main St, Sarasota, 941-365-8700, eatheresarasota.com.
Chianti offers classic Italian options such as fettuccine with prawns, shallots, mushrooms and cream sauce; pan-roasted salmon fillet piccata with lemon-caper sauce; and baby organic spinach with roasted beets, goat cheese and candied walnuts.
The Polo Grill's selections include an organic grass-fed burger on a toasted pretzel bun with crispy skinny fries; hand-cut filet mignon with fresh garlic herb butter and frites; and honey chipotle chicken wing lollipops with house-made ranch dipping sauce.
Polo Grill and Bar: 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Bradenton, 941-782-0899; pologrillandbar.com.
A new Sarasota restaurant, ROAST, has fresh Gulf Coast lunch items such as
leek-and-potato soup with chive cr�me fraiche; a salad with local greens, shaved shallots, sherry and Parmesan cheese; and a BLT on a brioche roll with dried tomato aioli.
ROAST Restaurant and Bar: 1296 First St, Sarasota, 941-953-1971; roastsarasota.com.
-Abby Weingarten
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Farmers Market Manager's Field trip
Check out this month's latest installment of the Managers' Field Trip, in which Peter Burkard, owner of Nature's Partner, gives the behind-the-scenes scoop on his longtime farmers' market business and his honey connection.
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Sarasota Farmers Market Mangers Field Trip: Peter Burkard, Natures Partner
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Natures Partner: Sarasota Farmers' Market
-Abby Weingarten
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Thanksgiving Made Easy: Dine In or Carry Out
Grab a Thanksgiving feast to go at Cosimo's (roasted turkey breast, gravy, stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, green bean saut� and homemade cranberry sauce). Party platters and desserts are also available. Order before November 21.
Cosimo's Trattoria and Bar: 5501 Palmer Crossing Cir, Sarasota, 941-922-7999; cosimos.net.
Dine in at Caf� L'Europe for slow-roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, salad, haricot vert, herb stuffing, whipped sweet potatoes and desserts, or just take it all home. Order by November 22.
Caf� L'Europe: 431 St Armands Circle, Sarasota, 941-388-4415, ext. 4;cafeleurope.net.
The Polo Grill has a "Thanksgiving Buffet Extravaganza" with rosemary roast, smoked Virginia ham, and whole roasted turkey with giblet gravy. There is also a carryout dinner with turkey, cornbread stuffing and cranberry relish. Reservations are encouraged for the buffet, and take-home orders must be placed two days before Thanksgiving.
Polo Grill and Bar: 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Bradenton, 941-782-0899; pologrillandbar.com.
Dine at the City Grille
for oven-roasted turkey with sweet potato casserole, sausage pecan stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin cheesecake, or at Mattison's Forty-One for turkey with sage stuffing, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. Reserve an entire to-go meal by November 24.
Mattison's City Grille: 1 N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, 941-330-0440; mattisons.com. Mattison's Forty-One: 7275 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-921-3400; mattisons-forty-one. Michael's On East offers a traditional turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day with mashed potatoes, pan gravy, candied sweet potatoes, green beans, and dried-cranberry-and-cornbread stuffing. A holiday menu with a la carte specialties is also available. Michael's On East: 1212 East Ave S, Sarasota, 941-366-0007, ext. 224; michaelsoneast.com . Euphemia Haye's menu includes roast goose or sliced turkey with prune stuffing, and roast duck with sage stuffing, as well as pumpkin rum bisque and tossed cranberry salad. The Haye Lounge features pianist/vocalist Debbie Keeton, starting at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Euphemia Haye: 5540 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, 941-383-3633; euphemiahaye.com. The Bijou Caf�'s dine-in turkey feast includes roast Carolina turkey with all the trimmings. The restaurant's full dinner menu is also available. The Bijou Caf�: 1287 First St, Sarasota, 941-366-8111; bijoucafe.net. Pier 22 serves sit-down or to-go dinners of roasted turkey, stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, broccoli casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce and homemade pumpkin pie. Order by November 26.
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Holiday Party Central
Seeking a setting for a holiday office party or friendly get-together? Consider the three Eat Here restaurants (on Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key, and in downtown Sarasota). Spend as little as $20 plus alcohol for a cocktail party and customize a menu. Beer, wine and liquor are available, and cocktails can be crafted for any theme.
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A Standing O for Sapore della Vita!
Sarasota's own Sapore della Vita, run by Kristine Insalaco-Gaioni and Fabio Gaioni, was recently named a finalist in the prestigious Good Food Awards 2014 for its Lick My Spoon caramel sauce. "We are very proud that our product meets their strict standards. Thank you to all the folks and cows at Dakin Dairy Farms for making the best cream that goes into our caramel sauce," Kristine Insalaco-Gaioni says. "I make my sauces in small batches using all natural ingredients to ensure the richness and full flavor impact, and you will definitely be compelled to 'Lick My Spoon.
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Charlotte's Coconut & Butternut Squash
Soup with Curried Croutons
Serves 4-6 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for bread 1 onion, chopped Salt and freshly ground pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth 1� cups coconut milk 1� pounds butternut squash, peeled and chopped (about 4 cups) � pound rustic bread, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 teaspoons curry powder Heat oven to 350�. Heat oil in heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook until soft and golden. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add broth, milk, and butternut squash. Bring to a simmer. Cook, covered, until squash is tender, about 25 minutes. Working in batches, carefully blend soup until smooth. Return to pot and season with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, arrange bread on a rimmed baking sheet; drizzle with enough oil to lightly coat and toss with curry. Bake, tossing, until golden, about 15 minutes. Serve soup with croutons. NOTE: During the haze of Thanksgiving madness it's easy to overlook comforting meals that don't include turkey or mashed potatoes. This sweet and creamy soup is the perfect combination of comfort and unexpected flavor.
Recipe courtesy of Edible Sarasota recipe editor Charlotte Abrams
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Madfish's Seasonal Menu  For a limited time, indulge in a special menu with autumn kale salad, a fire-braised turkey cobb stack, pumpkin ravioli with mascarpone cream, and pumpkin bread pudding bites. True November decadence. |
A Holiday Open House and Wine Dinner at Michael's
Sample more than 60 global wines at the first Holiday Open House of the season at Michael's Wine Cellar from 1 to 4 p.m. Sat. Nov. 23. Bring an unwrapped toy as a donation for admission and contribute to the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program. That evening, from 7 to 10 p.m., Robert Kacher will host the November wine dinner-a multi-course feast paired with fine wines. Cost is $95 per person, plus tax and tip. Call for reservations.
Michael's Wine Cellar: 1283 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-955-CORK; michaelsoneast.com.
-Abby Weingarten
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It's on at Antoine's
Restaurateur Christian Zebier, former owner of Brasserie Belge, serves continental, gourmet bites at the new Antoine's Restaurant. Chef Karl Deneubourg's handmade pastas, phyllo dough-encased goat cheese drizzled with honey,Prince Edward Island mussels and steak tartare with capers are among the delights.
Antoine's Restaurant: 5020 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, 941-377-2020; antoinessarasota.com.
-Abby Weingarten
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Five Scrumptious Years of Libby's
To celebrate its fifth anniversary, Libby's has compiled new winter menus for lunch, early dinner, happy hour and the bar. The menus showcase the restaurant's best offerings since the 2008 opening. Favorites include deviled eggs with Mote marine sturgeon caviar, Kobe meatloaf sliders, as well as newcomers such as baked potato flatbread and cast-iron meatballs.
- Abby Weingarten
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Wine and Dine at Caf� Gabbiano
An Argentinean wine and Italian cuisine pairing comes to Caf� Gabbiano at 6:30 p.m. Thurs. Nov. 21. Portobello caps stuffed with spinach and fontina cheese, butternut squash ravioli and fresh chocolate souffl� will be coupled with the highest quality vino. Cost is $69.95 per person and includes all wine.
Caf� Gabbiano: 5104 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, 941-349-1423; cafegabbiano.com.
-Abby Weingarten
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Celebrity Chef Tour Returns to Darwin's
Darwin's on 4th hosted the James Beard Foundation's Celebrity Chef Tour last December, and the stellar sold-out event has returned. Chef Darwin Santa Maria hand-selected renowned chefs to collaborate on a Peruvian/Latin meal. This year's visiting chefs include Steven Meese of "A Chef's Journey" on PBS; Diego Oka of Mandarin Oriental in Miami; Steve Phelps of Sarasota's Indigenous; and Anthony Lamas of Seviche in Louisville, Ky. A five-course meal begins at 6:30 p.m. Wed. Dec. 11, and tickets are $200.
-Abby Weingarten
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Single and Ready to Mingle?
Sarasota Singles Society has arrived! Founded by retired interior designer Sherry Janes, the group debuted on November 1. It is an "upscale yet comfortable social group that not only helps area singles meet people but develop lifelong friendships." There will be a farm-to-table dinner at King Family Farm and Market on Wed. Nov. 20; dinner at the Bijou Cafe and a show at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on December 2; and Christmas cocktails at the Sarasota Yacht Club on December 10. Enjoy a special introductory membership rate of $25 in November and December.
-Abby Weingarten
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Selby's Rainforest Garden Opens
Explore banyan trees, marvel at a waterfall and check out epiphyte caverns at the Ann Goldstein Children's Rainforest Garden, which opened earlier this month at Selby Gardens-perfect for the little ones. Admission is $19 for adults, $6 for children ages 4 to 11, and free for ages 3 and younger.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 811 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, 941-366-5731; selby.org
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Buy Local Holiday Fruit from Brown's Grove
Send greetings from Florida with a Brown's Grove box of Ambersweet oranges, fallglo tangerines, navel oranges or grapefruits. Also, stop by Brown's Grove Parrish Farm Market location (12255 U.S. 301) on December 7 for "Country Christmas" with Santa.
Brown's Grove: 16015 Winburn Dr, Sarasota; 941-322-2835; brownsgrove.com.
- Abby Weingarten
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In Style with CheeseTiles
Highlight your fromage with CheeseTiles-erasable ceramic accent labels for cheese or dessert trays (ideal for dinner parties or any other food gathering). Replace cheap plastic tags and let your labels reflect the quality of your cheese. Tiles retail for $29.95 for a set of four and can be purchased at retailers throughout North America.
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Invest in the Earth's Future
Prepare for the Eighth Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop: "Investing in Our Future," in which national experts and local leaders will discuss innovative sustainability practices. Alternative financing and economic development opportunities will be spotlighted topics. The workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wed. Dec. 18 through theUF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County at Gulfcoast Florida Girl Scout Council Headquarters:
4780 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, 941-861-5000; scgov.net
-Abby Weingarten
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Cookbook author Giuliano Hazan not only hosts classes in Sarasota but also in Villa Giona in Tuscany, which was recently named one of Fox News' Top 10 Hotel Culinary Schools. If you can't travel quite that far, sign up for one of his at-home classes, which always end with dinner and wine. Upcoming dates are December 3; January 9 and 24; February 4 and 20; March 7 and 20, and April 4.
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Sincerely, Edible Sarasota |
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Current Issues  Fall 2013  Summer 2013
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