Lucky No. 5: Gecko’s Grill and Pub is scheduled to open its fifth location by the end of the month in the space that housed Big Sugar (1900 Hillview St.), which is one of the oldest buildings in Sarasota. Mike Quillen, Gecko’s co-owner (with Mike Gowan and Brian Jantzen), says, “We felt the Hillview Street location was a natural fit for Gecko’s Grill and Pub because we bill ourselves as a neighborhood grill and sports connection with casual dining, great service and a diverse menu and the Southside neighborhood is a premier, central location in Sarasota.”
On another front, Quillen, Gowan and Cary Spicuzza (of Hob Nob fame) gave The Rusty Hook Tavern (3824 Tuttle Ave. S., 924-5103) a complete renovation in classic Florida style and is offering Sarasota a new nightlife spot.
Worth the wait: Pei Wei (8511 Copper Creek Blvd., 359-8570), the restaurant based on parent company P.F. Chang’s, wasn’t quite prepared for the rush of fans it would garner when it opened in Sarasota six months ago. Pei Wei’s routine requires patrons to stand in line and wait to order until a table opens up, because the food is that fast. The recommended best time to go (especially on weekends) would be before 6 p.m. or after 8 p.m. (Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday). Be patient, because the food is worth the wait. Follow @PeiWei on Twitter for contests and coupons.
Dish of the Week
… goes to Owen’s Fish Camp’s (516 Burns Court) fried softshell crab BLT sandwich with basil mayo ($12). This month-old restaurant has been the talk of the town since its opening, and the talk this week surrounded this sandwich. “The sandwich is fried perfectly crisp, but when you bite into the sandwich, it bursts with juicy flavor of sweet softshell crab,” says fan Judi Gallagher. “A mound of bacon atop doesn’t hurt, either.”
The Observer is looking for your favorite restaurants, your beloved entrees and favorite mouth-watering desserts. Send your suggestions and restaurant tidbits to shannum@yourobserver.com.
Currently 2 Responses
- 1.
- 516 Burns Court.
- 2.
- NO ADDRESS FOR OWEN'S
- Feb
4 Sound Experience Seminar with Ustad Nizami
9:30 am - 10:15 am - Feb
4 'Ovation'
10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Feb
4 ROGER ROCKEFELLER Demonstrates Colored Pencil
10:00 am - 12:00 pm - Feb
4 Mystical Dances of Bali
7:30 pm
-
The Glenridge finishes expansion
02/02/12
The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch recently completed construction of a 10,700-square-foot expansion to The Carroll Center, the neighborhood in the community that provides Medicare-approved skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. -
PHOTO GALLERY: Catholic Schools Week at St. Martha
01/31/12
In honor of Catholic Schools Week, which is celebrated in Catholic schools across the country, St. Martha students and staff wore their favorite pajamas to school Tuesday, Jan. 31. Each day of the week had a different theme: Monday was red-white-and-blue day, Tuesday was pajama day, Wednesday was favorite-sports-team day and Thursday is career day. -
PHOTO GALLERY: Literature Spirit Day at Riverview High School
01/29/12
Students and teachers at Riverview High School celebrated Literature Spirit Day by dressing as their favorite characters from books. Book choices included Cold Mountain, The Cat in the Hat, Little Red Riding Hood among others.
