My First Savor of Sarasota’s Restaurant Week

[Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist]

Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week (actually 2 weeks) started yesterday, and I was not going to miss out in spite of all the boxes left to unpack in my new home. Actually, I can’t think of a better reason to dine out, except maybe the phenomenal restaurant deals offered during Savor Sarasota. My entry into the week was intended to begin al fresco at Libby’s where the beautiful evening could be savored as well. What a disappointment it was when my friend called to say Libby’s was closed. Already on the road, panic set in as to what other restaurants participating in Savor Sarasota might be closed on a Monday evening. But sometimes (okay usually) things happen as they should. Our final destination, the Bijou Café, was an impeccable introduction to Savor Sarasota, and my tired body didn’t have to travel far from home.

Dining outside in the Bijou Cafe's courtyard, enjoying the perfect weather, and eating some of the most delicious food in Sarasota definitely constituted a night to savor. My meal at the Bijou Café was so divine that I can’t help but suggest ordering exactly as I did:
Chilled Raspberry and Champagne Soup paired with Charles de Fere Blanc de Blanc
Pan-seared Duck Breast with Nectarine Salsa served with rice and haricot verts, accompanied by Earthworks Shiraz
Fresh Berry and Peach Sabayon, an array of seasonal berries and peaches topped with a Grand Marnier custard sauce and whipped cream, matched exquisitely with the remainder of my sparkling wine.
Best of all, all three courses only cost $25 (non-inclusive of beverages)!

If my choices aren’t your cup of tea, there are other menu options from which to choose. Make sure you schedule dinner at the Bijou this week, as they will be changing the Savor Sarasota menu weekly---meaning you’ll want to return next week, too! These tastes are definitely meant to be savored!

Make sure you don’t miss this opportunity to try some restaurants you don’t normally frequent during Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week, June 1-14 (savorsarasota.com). Now I have to go decide who is cooking dinner for me tonight!

[Chellie Gardiner]

One of my favorite places too! I've never had anything there that wasn't terrific.

[Marcy Stern]

I agree, Amy! The Bijou Cafe is amazing. I look forward to trying more restaurants during Savor Sarasota - some of the menu items listed on their website shouldn't be missed!

[admin]

So Amy....Who cooked dinner for you last night?

[admin]

What a Life..