Gifts for foodies, Christmas dining and New Year’s celebrations

Yes indeed, it is the merriest time of year. Parties with family and friends, special meals, traditional holiday foods, and ringing in the New Year are just a few of the activities we enjoy. While it is truly a festive time, there is also a bit of anxiety as an accompaniment. What type of gift to get? Where to shop? Should we dine in or go out for Christmas dinner? What about New Year’s? Here to allay some of those qualms, I bring you ...

A Food-Centric Guide to the Holidays in Sarasota

Gifts for the Foodies:

A gift of food is always appreciated, and this year is no exception. A number of restaurants are offering discounted gift cards either through their own site or through a partner.

• Sarasota-Manatee Originals - Offering 30% discounted dining certificates to over 20 restaurants.
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar - Offering a $20 bonus card for every $100 in gift cards purchased.
• Groupon Food and Drink Deals - Up to 50% off special deals, updated regularly.
• Nancy’s BBQ - Offering a $10 bonus card for every $100 in gift cards purchase.
• Darwin’s on 4th - Offering a special half-priced gift card that must be purchased on Dec. 20 from 9 p.m. to midnight only.

In addition to restaurant gift cards, there are always gourmet shops offering fine foods and gifts. Stop into one (or a few) of these specialty stores:

• Casa Italia - Italian market with Indian specialties and gift baskets
• Morton’s Gourmet Market - A one-stop shop for gift baskets, wine and holiday treats
• The Artisan Cheese Company - Fine specialty cheeses
• Pop Craft - All-natural artisan popsicles (grab a couple of six-packs and be a hit at your next holiday party!)
• As Good As It Gets - self-proclaimed (and TWIS-approved) "Purveyor of Extraordinary Delicacies"

Holiday Dining:

Christmas Day:

Finding a restaurant open on Christmas Day in Sarasota can be challenging, but not impossible. Here are a few for you to consider:

• Ophelia’s on the Bay - open for dinner from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 941-349-2212
• Utamaro - open for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. 941-366-0095
• Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill - open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 941-366-1288
• Yummy House - open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 941-351-1688
• Drunken Poet Café - open for lunch and dinner from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 941-955-8404
• Yume Sushi - open for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 941-363-0604
• Philippi Creek Village Restaurant & Oyster Bar - open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 941-925-4444
• The Ritz-Carlton - offering a Christmas brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 941-309-2000

New Year’s Eve:

Finding a place to celebrate New Year’s Eve Sarasota-style is not too difficult. However, trying to decide on one place might be more challenging because there are so many options. Our highlights include:

• Derek’s Culinary Casual - will offer a special NYE menu; limited seating. 941-366-6565
• Mozaic - special NYE menu; two seatings at 5 p.m. (to 6 p.m.) and 8:30 p.m. 941-951-6272
• Indigenous - regular menu with specials and later seatings. 941-706-4740
• Darwin’s on 4th - regular menu with many specials. 941-343-2165
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar - New Year’s Nights on Dec. 28, Dec. 29, Dec. 30 and Dec. 31. 941-358-9463
• Carmel Café and Wine Bar - special NYE menu. 941-893-5955
• Duval’s New World Cafe - special five-course NYE menu; three seatings at 5 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.  941-312-4001
• Eat Here - full menu, live music and glasses of bubbly. 941-365-8700

It is hard to believe 2012 is already coming to a close. It has been a busy, productive and fun year. Thank you for making it so good. I wish you a Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years. Enjoy the holidays and this time of year!