Welcome To Restaurant Week

The Vernona Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Restaurant Week Returns

June 1-14, 2012

Extraordinary, Economical Eats ...

Tasty! That's right, foodies, it's your turn to cash in on Sarasota's culinary genius, with cuisine that will please your palate -- and at a price that's easy to swallow -- during the 7th annual Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week. And, due to the overwhelming popularity since its 2006 inception, VISIT SARASOTA COUNTY has extended its Savor Sarasota event into a two-week epicurean escapade from June 1 -14, 2012.

The event showcases local chefs and enlists eateries to offer smaller, multi-course meals at a discounted rate, allowing patrons to sample the Gulf Coast's finest cuisine. With more award-winning, highly rated restaurants per square mile than any other place in Florida, it seems only fitting that Sarasota would celebrate her culinary prowess with an economical opportunity that allows locals and visitors alike  to nosh on the notable fare.

From fine dining to Florida casual, each participating restaurant will offer multi-course lunches for $15 and dinners for $25 per person. Whether you're in the mood to go uptown, downtown or just chill out waterside, with the large selection of restaurants participating in the event, you're sure to find an epicurean experience that's easy on the taste buds and the wallet.

The Details

Visit www.savorsarasota.com  to find the list of the local, participating restaurants. The website also contains other details such as menus, directions and even event accommodations. It’s designed for those visiting Sarasota and her islands during Restaurant Week.  Simply choose the restaurants that arouse your appetite and inspire your taste buds and then call to make your reservation. Most restaurants will offer guests a few options for each course on their Savor Sarasota prix fixe menu. The multi-course meal usually consists of an appetizer, an entree and a dessert course, although other variations may exist.

Many of this year's contributors, including Michael's on East, Harry's Continental Kitchens, Ophelia's on the Bay, Pattigeorge's, Libby's Cafe & Bar, Cafe Venice, Salute! and Polo Grill and Bar, to name a few, are members of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, a local chapter of Dine Originals, the national group committed to preserving each community's culinary traditions.

"We are so fortunate to live in a community which boasts such a large number of locally owned, independent restaurants," says Michael Klauber, co-proprietor of the prestigious Michael's On East, which is now celebrating its 25th year.  "Sarasota is a beautiful place to live, visit, play and dine. I am especially proud to be a part of the passionate group of restaurateurs who work together as the Sarasota-Manatee Originals to preserve and elevate the culinary heritage of our region.  Savor Sarasota creates a perfect opportunity for visitors and locals to enjoy celebrated favorites plus explore the next generation of local classics."

Other returning favorites include downtown hot spots like Selva Grill and Mozaic, upscale entities like Vernona at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, and venues known for their outdoor dining like Mattison's City Grille and Siesta Key's famous Daiquiri Deck. Whether you're intrigued by opulent eats, traditional ethnic cuisine or something a bit more casual, there is definitely a plethora of food and flavors that will fancy even the most discerning of diners.

The Last Bite

In addition to monumental morsels for unimposing prices, Savor Sarasota offers  wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and classes designed to ignite your passion and your proficiency. The trinity of fresh, local cuisine, award-winning restaurateurs and the finest chefs form a trifecta of food fusion that quite simply … Should. Not. Be. Missed.  So, come out to the beautiful Gulf Coast setting, and savor Sarasota with us. You'll be glad you did.

For more information, visit www.savorsarasota.com.