Lolita Tartine brings the flavors of France to the Rosemary District.

By Hannah Wallace

The Place Lolita Tartine, 1419 Fifth St., Sarasota, (941) 952-3172, lolitatartine.com. This high-ceilinged Rosemary District eatery features a clean and welcoming industrial/shabby-chic design and authentic European hospitality—appropriate, as Lolita Tartine comes to us from the owners of Main Street’s C’est La Vie. Tables, banquette seating and a small bar inside, as well as alfresco sidewalk tables outside.

The People See-and-be-seen downtown professionals, relaxed but sophisticated European ex-pats.

Time Factor From the pre-meal bread-and-butter basket to the post-meal cup of coffee (or wine) and fresh-made desserts, Lolita Tartine embraces a no-hurry kind of vibe.

The Food The namesake tartines, or open-faced sandwiches on toast, range from the simple (the Van Gogh, with three melted cheeses and walnuts, $11.90) to the sublime (the Dali, with smoked duck breast, asparagus, tomato, walnuts, mesclun and onion marmalade, $13.90). There are also paninis and salads (from $8.90) as well as a “Savory from the Bakery” section of the menu with quiches, feuilletes (savory pastries) and even a “vol au vent of the day” (hollow puff pastry) from $10.90.