Lauren M. Kritsas's Blog (17)

It’s far from a secret that I have a love affair with Brasserie Belge on Main Street Downtown. What started out as a courtship, quickly grew into a discrete yearning. It wasn’t long before I was pinned and had eyes swooning for my Western European lover. If it’s possible for me to gush more, now is the time. To say “the best just got better” would be a farce in the sense that it wouldn’t do Brasserie Belge enough justice. Brilliance became magnificent? Okay, those lush words will have to do.…

Small plates are the new fad, so what?  Most restaurants have them and at times, they're undistinguishable from a regular appetizer.  Yes they're popular but what does that really mean?  For me, when I'm dining, I'm looking for the edge.  The edge that separates good food from great.  You can go out and eat anywhere, that novelty is over.  When I heard about Fleming's Prime Steakhouse &…

Lakewood Ranch is shutting down Mainstreet! Mainstreet traffic will be closed on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9th starting at noon! In preparation for the CYCLE OF LIFE Celebration crowd, The Lakewood Ranch association is closing off Main street to vehicles for an ole’ fashion Street party and for the arrival of our 200 mile and 100 mile riders as they finish their CYCLE OF…

At Sarasota Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, September is thirty days of discovery and memorable moments for the palate...and the wallet!  This is a downright extraordinary way to sample some of the most innovative and cutting-edge wines ranging from iconic to the most classic of wineries.  Become your own sommelier, it's just that simple.  Beyond being simple,…

Taste of Asia is helping the Team Tony Foundation in a big way. Every Tuesday and Friday evening beginning August 9 through September 30, when you dine at Taste of Asia, on Siesta Key, mention ‘TEAM TONY FOUNDATION’ and the Lum family will donate 25% of the proceeds to help support those in need while battling cancer. The award winning and downright delicious Lao, Thai,…

A salad is a salad is a salad, or is it?  The classic and lackluster 'lettuce, crouton and house italian' combo are a thing of the past.  I've procured, at least in my mind, the best salads which Sarasota has to offer.  The salads that would make a steak and potatoes dish blush.  This tour-de-greens will take you on a ride ranging from ethnic, to savory, to healthy, to sinful indulgences.  In no particular order ladies and gentlemen, our winners are as follows... 

Pho Cali…

A picture’s worth a thousand words right?  Then to me that means sharing a picture montage for you might be just a little more effective in this case.  Okay, what am I talking about right?  When I say burger bar and grill, the immediate thought is grease, deliciously sinful meal, grease, salty warm fries, grease, and a about a million calories that will inevitably consumed.  Don’t turn up your nose; you know it’s the truth!  What if I told you I knew of a mystical place that had No hormone…

I feel like everything is going towards personal and small portion route these days right?  Theres cupcakes instead of full slices of cake, flat breads instead of whole pizzas, tapas bars are all the rage…the list literally goes on and on!  I for one am in total favor!  We’re all guilty of order from the menu, getting a heaping portion, and then loving it so much that we over indulge!  Belly up, bloated and overstuffed, ew.  I’m loving the predetermined plate size that lets you be a little…

Finding a great burger isn’t exactly the easiest task in the world.  I mean let’s be honest, there’s almost a full business plan that comes into play when trying to satisfy “the craving.”  Melodramatic?  Maybe.  Completely on point for a lady craving savory meet between two buns?  I think yes.  There are endless components that come into play…

When it comes to hair, plain and simple, it’s easy, nay expected, for women to become bored.  Should I go for a summer bob?  Why is it taking sooo long for my locks to grow out?  Highlights, lowlights, or dye-job?  These are just a few of the many melodramas that plague the everyday woman in need of some sass in her tendrils!  What’s a girl to do when she needs a pick-me-up…

There’s nothing I love more than my Mom, but there is a close second; a down right, unhinged, unremorseful and tasty good deal.  I’ve been contemplating for weeks now trying to figure out how my Mother and I will spend the day this Sunday, May 8^th.  I have to admit, there is a little pressure this year.  One sibling is still cracking the…

Carmel Café and Wine Bar is a feast for the eyes.  A savory mix of fabulous flavors and romantic modern décor truly elevates this dining experience to one that satisfy’s on a sensory level that is truly indulgent!  Food can be amazing but when your surroundings are a bust, the diner is left with a void and a somewhat unmet need.  I love a dive…

The Main Bar Sandwich Shop is the epitome of perfection, plain and simple.  There’s no fancy verbage or whimsical picture I could paint with words to properly portray how great this place is.  It’s a landmark, it’s a haven, it’s comfort food.  You won’t find smoke screens or mirrors trying to convey authenticity, because authenticity is served up…

March is a decedent month hands up, that’s right, hands up, not hands down!  March is a month where men and women can cheer in unison, “G-O BABY” and “THATTA WAY” without any sideways looks.  Dick Vitale-isms are praised, fans are adorned with college threads from head to toe and madness reigns from one coast to the other.  Grab your brackets and…

A deal is a deal, is a deal.  But when a deal is laced with a fabulous intimate setting, refined delicate flavor profiles, and spot-on drink pairings, it’s a win-win without a shadow of a doubt!  Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers a great new alternative to start…

When walking down Main Street in Sarasota, it’s hard not to notice the lively atmosphere and people walking about.  It’s truly the epitome of a thriving downtown with eclectic and varied restaurants and cafés at every turn of the head.  The seasons are turning, and everyone is taking notice.  Nothing is better than a lunch in the sun with a cool breeze to keep the average…