Sarasota, Florida's Jewel of the Gulf
Table of Contents
Story and photos by Scott Kendall (unless otherwise indicated)
Sarasota is a beautiful city on the southwest coast of Florida on the Gulf Coast. With miles of white sandy beaches and warm blue waters, locals and visitors are drawn year long to this inviting Florida paradise. Tampa and Clearwater are about an hour north of Sarasota. Other popular nearby destinations are Bradenton and Anna Maria Island to the north, and Venice and Fort Myers to the south. Sarasota includes the islands of Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Siesta Key.
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
Marriott has hit the mark with their new line of Autograph Collection hotels. With 300 Autograph Hotels this year, the blend of luxury, art, convenience, location, and top of the line amenities, these hotels are something special. In the middle of downtown, just blocks from the marina, the Art Ovation Hotel in Sarasota welcomed us with colorful, distinctive artwork and live entertainment at the piano in the lobby. I even met Andy, Dali, and Frieda in a sidewalk painting by the front entrance.
I’ve also had the pleasure of visiting the Luminary Autograph Hotel in Fort Myers, which was also fantastic! One of the many features we enjoyed at both locations was the rooftop bar. In Sarasota, the Perspective Rooftop Bar has plentiful seating, a swimming pool, bar drinks and bites, and beautiful views of the city.
The excellent Overture Restaurant & Gallery Lounge had the perfect breakfast for me. I ordered the Overture Continental, with oatmeal, guava turnover, fresh fruit, coffee and orange juice. The lovely combination of fresh fruits included strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, and the unique Dragon Fruit. The Overture also offers a nice selection of other breakfast items, as well as extensive offerings for lunch and dinner.
Lido Beach Resort
As advertised, Lido Beach Resort may be Lido Beach’s most luxurious resort. With large, comfortable rooms, top amenities, a private beach, and a first class restaurant, this fabulous resort on the Gulf has it all.
Walk out the back door to your private paradise. Swimming pools, an outdoor bar, and the white sandy beaches and clear blue waters are just steps away. We were treated to the house special Key Lime Colada, a delicious twist on the popular Pina Colada. With drink in hand, we enjoyed some fun island music and strolled along the sandy beaches. Families, couples, and small groups were having a great time relaxing and splashing in the warm Gulf waters. There was plenty of room for us to spread out and the beaches did not feel crowded at all.
Lido Beach Resort also features the Drift Kitchen & Bar, a brand new concept restaurant on the 8th floor of the Palm Building. With Chef Mike Desorcie and a talented staff, Drift offers creative dishes made with local ingredients with an emphasis on seafood and contemporary American fare. Guests dine in comfort as they enjoy spectacular views of the beaches and Gulf waters through the large floor to ceiling windows.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
The fantastic Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota combines science, education, and fun. As expected, Mote wows visitors with spectacular displays and exhibits featuring exotic fish, octopi, whales, manatees, rays, and other creatures of the deep. In addition, visitors learn about the animals, plants, habitats, and sustainability of our oceans.
There are several hands-on exhibits, where kids (and curious adults) can safely touch and play with these intriguing animals. Our morning at Mote was filled with awe, wonder, and information. Some of my favorites included the lively octopus, the venomous lionfish, the whimsical seahorses, and the playful otters.
Siesta Key Rum Distillery
“Perhaps the best rum on the planet,” says the Sarasota Herald Tribune of the spirits distilled at the Siesta Key Rum Distillery in Sarasota.
For over a decade, this distillery in Sarasota has been making world class rum. In addition to their signature Silver and their Reserve, Siesta Key Rum produces award winning Toasted Coconut, Coffee, and Spiced rums.
I am normally not much a rum drinker. However, I loved the Toasted Coconut mixed with pineapple juice. The Coffee and Spiced rums were also very good. To me, they tasted smoother with just a slight note of sweetness, and were much better than any rums I have tried before. Maybe that’s why, among many other awards, the Siesta Key Spiced Rum won “Best Spiced Rum of the Year” six years in a row (20212 – 2017). In addition, Miami New Times said it was “possibly the tastiest rum in the world.”
Find out for yourself by visiting the Siesta Key Rum distillery in Sarasota for an informative tour and tasting. These special rums are also available at Total Wine and More and other stores selling spirits throughout the US.
Duval's Restaurant
There are lots of good reasons Duval’s Restaurant has been voted “Sarasota’s Best Restaurant” for seven years in a row. One bite of the Shrimp Po’ Boy on a freshly baked baguette (voted best sandwich in Sarasota) convinced me. Others in our party were also very pleased with their Fish and Chips, crab cakes, and freshly made salads.
Duval’s Restaurant has earned their reputation as one of the best restaurants in Sarasota. In addition to award winning cuisine, Duval’s is known for their fine wine list and their creative cocktails. And, to finish things off, try the Floribbean Flo’s Key Lime Pie (voted best in Florida), the signature Bread Pudding, or other delicious desserts.
99 Bottles Taproom and Bottle Shop
Founded in 2019 by a team of compassionate hospitality professionals, 99 Bottles is committed to bringing the best craft beer from all over the world to Sarasota. They also are proud to supply boutique wines, other extraordinary liquids, tasty bites, and fun times to Sarasota.
Pilsners, IPAs, Kombucha, Roses, and Proseccos share the stage at 99 Bottles. With all of these great beverages to enjoy, 99 Bottles has not forgotten about the food. The creative and flavorful bites menu created by Chef Eddy Ismail complements the wide array of liquid refreshments. Bagels, toasts, flatbreads, sandwiches and more complete the menu at 99 Bottles. Also, check their website for dates when 99 Bottles hosts rotating Pop-Ups and Kitchen Takeovers throughout the year.
Element for great steak, seafood, and pasta
Element is a fine dining downtown restaurant in a modern, elegant Sarasota setting serving excellent steak, seafood, and pasta. Eat in the elegant dining room or on the beautiful outside terrace.
We started with Oysters on the Halfshell with fresh lemon, drawn butter, flavorful horseradish cocktail sauce, and citrus mignonette. The Linguini with Shrimp was a group favorite, with large shrimp on a bed of pasta in a white wine sauce with sliced tomatoes. I had the delicious Black Grouper special, a tender fish filet served with heirloom summer vegetables.
A nice selection of steak and lamb choices caught my eye on the menu. Filets, Tomahawk Ribeyes, Chateaubriand, and Colorado Lamb Chops are all prepared with that Element expertise. For dessert, several of us enjoyed the refreshing Mango Sorbet, a fitting ending to a wonderful meal at Element, one of the best restaurants in Sarasota.
World Famous Sarasota Opera House
The world renowned Sarasota Opera House venue has been entertaining audiences since opening in 1926 as the A. B. Edwards Theater. The building was originally used as a theater with several shops, and hosted popular performers like Will Rogers, the Ziegfeld Follies, and a young Elvis Presley.
Over the years the theater wore down from use, weather, economics, and time. In 1973 the theater closed, and sat empty until the local Asolo Opera Guild bought the building for $173,000. Several renovations later, including major renovations in 2007/08, dramatically improved the aesthetics and functionality of the building. Musical America said the Sarasota Opera is “one of the finest venues for opera in the United States” after the $20 million in renovations.
Today, the Opera House runs a full schedule of operas for a Fall and a Spring Season. Verdi operas are among the very popular offerings, as well as classics like Madam Butterfly, Don Giovanni, and Secret Marriage. While on our tour, Marketing Director Stephen Baker had us sing Happy Birthday. And, now, he told each of us, you can say that you sang on the stage of the Sarasota Opera.
St. Armands Key
St. Armands Key is an island connected to the Sarasota mainland by the John Ringling Causeway. Ringling, the famous circus magnate, founded St. Armands Circle and his influence can be seen throughout the island. This exclusive shopping district is world renowned with more than 130 shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
Stroll the Circus Ring of Fame, browse through the many shops and galleries, and grab a bite at one of the many outstanding eateries on the circle. Choose from Crab & Fin, Columbia, Settimo’s Gelato, and so many other great options. We had fun relaxing in the park, shopping, and visiting some nice galleries. Wyland Galleries was one of our favorites, with an eclectic selection of beautiful paintings, sculptures, and glass artwork by James Coleman, Steve Barton, Robert Wyland, and other talented artists.
Ophelia’s on the Bay
Ophelia’s on the Bay has a well earned reputation as one of the best waterfront restaurants in Sarasota. Among the many accolades are “Best Waterfront Restaurant,” “Best Romantic,” and “Most Creative Menu.” The view of Sarasota Bay is one of the best in the area, whether you dine inside or on the extensive outdoor patio. Watch for dolphins, herons, and other wildlife as the calm waters and sunsets mesmerize you.
And then there’s the fabulous food. Our group started with Pan Braised Prince Edward Island Rope Cultured Mussels with fresh mango, Cubanelle peppers, aromatics, Indian curry nage, and roasted Marcona almonds. I couldn’t resist the New Bedford Diver Sea Scallops, caramelized in clarified butter, with Dijon infused Champagne-Dill reduction, smokey bourbon bacon jam, and served with Jasmine rice. The scallops were melt in your mouth tender, and the bacon-bourbon-butter combination was just perfect.
Other seafood, steak, and pasta items on the menu looked equally tantalizing. I can’t wait to return to Ophelia’s on the Bay to savor the incredible food, gorgeous views, and friendly staff.
The highly rated and local favorite Toasted Mango Cafe, with two locations in Sarasota, is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast or lunch. According to MSN Food and Drink, “Family-owned Toasted Mango Cafe in Sarasota has the best breakfast in the Sunshine State. “
Our breakfast got off to a great start as we were welcomed by smiling, helpful staff. I just had to try the Toasted Mango Waffles on the menu, voted as Best Waffle in Florida by the Food Network in 2018. I could have these waffles with fresh cut mango, whipped cream, toasted coconut, and a side of bacon every morning – oh, so good!
Homemade Corned Beef Hash, French Toast, Omelets, and other great choices fill the menu. We also enjoyed the artwork of local artist Mary Lou Johnson displayed throughout the restaurant. The Toasted Mango Cafe is truly a Sarasota treasure.
The Sarasota Art Museum, housed in an old Sarasota High School, is devoted to highlighting the work of contemporary artists around the world. This wonderful museum opened in December of 2019, and focuses on a more in-depth, deeper look into rotating collections of art.
For example, much of one floor was devoted to the work of Steven and William Ladd, brothers who grew up around St. Louis. Now based in New York, these two extremely creative artists have spent decades transforming everyday materials like beads, belts, and fabrics to make intricate, unique landscapes and pieces of art.
Other artists displaying during our visit included Katrina Coombs’ textile and fiber art and Christian Sampson’s unique, playful layering of color and light. Sarasota Art Museum is also the home of the Ringling College of Art & Design, helping to prepare and encourage promising young artists to follow their passions.
Scott Kendall is the Founder, Editor, and frequent contributor to PlayStayEat. He is a former Navy Officer, teacher and tennis coach who is an avid traveler and writer. Scott has traveled extensively throughout the United States and overseas to Italy, France, England, Croatia, Slovenia, and others. In addition to his contributions to PlayStayEat, much of his published work can be seen at scottkendalltravels.com.