Cuisine

As I said before, it never ceases to amaze us that people here eat out, rather than cook at home. The downturn in the economy maybe changed this phenomenon slightly, but when we go out, every place we've been to is packed, even in summer! Restaurants here do a booming business, and yet we've seen them come and go...it's also a volatile business as well, occasionally profitable depending on just the right combination of conditions..
Because one of my favorite things on earth is going out to eat (thankfully for Scott, though, I love to cook!), I present the definitive restaurants in our part of the world...(in other words, my "best of" list!)

Best Burger
Tied! The Hob Nob in downtown Sarasota, and the newly opened Five Guys (of Obama's liking too, evidently!)

Best Pizza
We recently tried several, and we always come back to Gio. Thin crust (a must!), charred, garlicy, divine ordinary toppings such as pepperoni (small rounds, slightly burnt at the edges)...divine!

Best Fries
Tied again! McDonald's, of course, no argument there, but Chick Fil A's fries are interesting and delicious!

Best Fast Food
Chick Fil A. McDonald's on Sundays.

Best Breakfast
First Watch...a varied menu...and available all day long. For a usual bacon-and-egg breakfast, Peaches in various area locations.

Best Chinese
This is a hard one. In our opinion there is no "best" here...But China Village is as good as it gets!

Best Japanese
Daruma. Although they changed their locale, they still serve sublime teppanyaki and sushi and Japanese favorites...but they no longer have "best view".....

Best Sports Bar
Gecko's, various locations. Our favorite overall!

Best Mexican
Mi Pueblo, without a doubt. My Mexican background knows authentic!

Best French (and probably most likely to empty your savings account!)
Maison Blanche. Some of the best food I've ever had in my life!

Best Date Restaurant
Euphemia Haye, Ophelia's, Bijou

Best Quirky Restaurant
The Melting Pot: all fondue, with melting chocolate fondue with strawberries for dessert!

Best Steak
Not here! Since we've been there, it's Bern's Steak House in Tampa. I have never had better steak. Ever. Here, probably Ruth's Chris.

Best View
Tied! The Colony Dining Room, The Beach House. Both sit right on the Gulf, and so do you!

Best Beach Place
The Beach House, Mar y Vista, The Sand Bar. Again, right on the water!

Best Italian
Has to be Carrabba's. Unbelievable. Try Brian's Chicken....

Best Barbecue
The guy on 17th and Tuttle, on Saturdays. His sauce is to die for!

I'll probably be adding more to this, as I think of it!