This summer, downtown Sarasota’s Bijou Café and Sage restaurants will be serving up a handful of bright new flavors alongside the amazing classic dishes that first put them on the map.

In addition to bringing back several of both restaurants’ greatest hits, Executive Chef Chris Covelli, who is overseeing kitchen operations at both spots, has created summer menus for Sage and Bijou Garden Café that capture the celebratory mood of the summer of 2021.

“These dishes will be much more vibrant in color,” says Covelli. “We’re creating lively new sensations for your eyes as well as your palate.”

Sage welcomes the return of Covelli’s colorful scallop crudo, as well as his original bouillabaisse with cod, shrimp, lobster, scallop, and black lotus rice. The Sage summer menu also features rich retro revivals including their Indian-spiced rogan josh and eye-popping desserts like their ruby chocolate mousse with passionfruit marshmallows, and their chocolate dome with mousse, raspberry coulis, coffee foam, and gold leaf.

And Bijou fans can rejoice at the long-awaited return of the Moroccan salad, as well as other Bijou classics like stuffed ravioli, short ribs, and French Creole jambalaya. Many of the Bijou’s greatest hits will be featured as weekly specials throughout the summer.

“We’re putting all of our firepower into these dishes,” says Covelli. “We want this summer to be special, so we’re serving up food that will leave you with incredible memories.”

Sage

1216 1st St.  (941) 445-5660  sagesrq.com

The Bijou Café

1287 1st St.  (941) 366-8111  bijoucafe.net