Best of 2009

We admit it—we’re crazy about Sarasota, Florida, from the blue-green Gulf and wild rivers to the bustling downtown and world-class cultural and restaurant scene. We are, after all, a magazine whose motto is “Living in Paradise”—and that’s not an exaggeration, it’s a simple statement of fact.

And at the risk of seeming ridiculously optimistic during a year of global gloom, we’re convinced there’s more to love about this city than ever. The beaches and the sunsets are as beautiful as they were when real estate prices were rocketing; our retailers and restaurateurs keep coming up with creative new ways to excite us (and often to do that without breaking our budgets), and artistic experiences that thrill and inspire us are more abundant than ever.

This year, we’ve expanded our list of “bests” to include both the winners of our annual readers’ poll, and choices from our editors, which begin below. We didn’t make those choices lightly—behind every “best” lies lots of discussion, cross-checking and sampling, and even some downright debates. We hope our story helps you discover some great new Sarasota spots and experiences, and we invite you to share your personal “bests by going to this story at sarasotamagazine.com and posting a comment at the end.
 

Best Totally Shameless Diet Busters

The Salty Dog (The Old Salty Dog): a quarter-pound, batter-dipped, deep-fried hot dog. Get it topped with bacon and cheese (and then schedule a visit with your cardiologist). $6.95, 1601 Ken Thompson Parkway, 388-4311; 5023 Ocean Blvd., 349-0158; 1960 Stickney Point Road, 927-1110.

Twisted Southern Chicken (Lee Roy Selmon’s): Two chicken breasts atop smashed potatoes (with ham) and smothered in maple-bacon creamed corn, sour cream and cheddar cheese. Because dinner tastes better when it’s served in one big pile. $9.99, 8253 Cooper Creek Blvd., 360-3287.

The Pound (Flying Dog Café): A simple sandwich on steroids, featuring a whole pound of Boar’s Head deli meats—your choice of three (ham, salami and bacon, anyone?)—topped with whichever two cheeses you prefer, and mayo, of course. Get the mixed fruit as a side if you feel guilty. (Get the mashed potato salad if you don’t.) $7.50, 500 Tallevast Road, Sarasota, 359-9788.

The Baked Ziti Special (Filippo’s Pizzeria): Penne pasta and meat sauce, injected with ricotta, smothered in mozzarella cheese and baked into a luscious mass. It’s what every casserole dreams of being. $10.95, 6392 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, 360-8065.

Funnel Cake Fries (Suds Sports Grill): A heaping helping of the doughy, deep-fried, powdered-sugar-dusted carnival treat, served in strips disguised as fast food’s favorite side dish. With a side of—not ketchup—raspberry compote for dipping. $3.95, 5301 29^th St. E., Ellenton, 721-3663.

The Fat Sandy (Munchies 420 Cafe): A Philly cheese steak made with two hamburger patties and fried chicken fingers, topped with mozzarella sticks, onion rings, steak fries and macaroni and cheese. Hey, if you’re already ordering delivery at 3 a.m., you might as well go all out. $9.79, 6639 Superior Ave., Sarasota, 929-9893.

COOL BEANS

Best new neighborhood coffeehouse: Café Du Monde at the corner of the North Trail and Mecca Drive has become a hit with Ringling College folks and museum-area residents for its friendly vibe and the simple but delicious breakfast, lunches and pastries it serves with the java. 5119 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 355-1114.

Best place for an afternoon coffee break: Downtown Sarasota’s Pastry Art is a great alternative to Starbucks, with fresh-brewed coffee and pastries that are indeed artful—and delicious. Head over around 3 p.m. and settle into a comfy chair by the window or at an outdoor table. Then relax and let the world pass you by for a bit—you’ll return to work rejuvenated (and properly caffeinated, too). 1512 Main St., Sarasota, 955-7545

Best European-style coffee: We love the rich dark blend (it’s a proprietary mix of carefully chosen beans) they serve at C’est La Vie. And the atmosphere could not be more Parisian, with croque monsieurs, croissants and other authentic delicacies and a staff that chatters in French. 1553 Main St., Sarasota, 906-9575.

Free—and freeish—cultural treats.