Live large with a tiny taste of the best truffle dishes in town

Unless you walk everywhere, you’d have to be blind not to see that rising gas prices make you feel like you’re taking out a mortgage. If you’re trying to go and see loved ones out of state, you’ve no doubt discovered that quick domestic flights somehow add up to the cost of an international getaway.

If you’re trying to eat healthy as an investment in your future, you’ve noticed that the price of one container of pomegranate seeds is suddenly equal to HOA fees at a downtown condo. OK, I’m exaggerating here, but not much.

So please hear me out: When the cost of living is climbing, why not indulge in little luxuries?

I've got some ideas to celebrate National Truffle Day on May 3. This feels like the perfect excuse to treat ourselves where it counts. Not in the big, unattainable ways, but in the bite-sized, buttery, truffle-rific moments that remind you life can still be awfully delicious at times.

Why makes truffles so expensive? Unlike mushrooms, their fungus cousins, truffles grow underground in forests and are usually harvested by animals who dig them up. Other factors that make them pricey are strong demand from chefs around the globe and a long growing period. 

Will prices go up on these menu items I'm recommending due to economic and political forces out of control? Probably. But trust me when I say these dishes are worth every last penny.

So go on, my foodie friends, treat yourself to the truffle dishes below.

MyMamma

3105 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-259-1911; My-Mamma.com

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Truffle Shuffle: The new spot near Ringling College of Art and Design makes a very convincing case for both delivery and dining in, thanks to its effortlessly “stay awhile” kind of vibe. The beef Genovese and truffle ($42.90) is pure comfort. Slow-braised beef in a velvety onion ragu layered with pork collar and sausage, served over truffled mashed potatoes that feel like a warm hug in every bite.

What a Fun-gi: Recipes at MyMamma are traditional yet reimagined with just enough flair to keep things interesting. Passed down through the generations, the paccheri contadina ($26.90 and up, $9.90 to add truffle), is pasta tossed with savory Italian sausage, earthy porcini mushrooms and a creamy sauce kissed with truffle that brings it all home. 

Cafe on St. Armands

431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; 941-388-4415; CafeonStArmands.com

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Truffle Shuffle: If you’re leaning into your earthy era in this truffle travel, the Cafe's mushroom bisque ($12) is calling your name. Rich, with a drizzle of white truffle oil and a hint of za’atar, it’s the kind of bowl that quietly transports you somewhere along the Mediterranean coast. 

What a Fun-gi: Steak frites ($38) might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think truffle, but this ribeye with Spanish seasoning and harissa butter is paired with the one, the only, the truffle fries ($10). One of the more trendy side dishes of my time, I hope it's one that never goes out of style or off my plate for that matter.

Kojo

1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; 941-536-9717; EatKojo.com

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Truffle Shuffle: Kojo lives rent-free in my flavor dreams. You don’t always walk into a modern Asian spot expecting a truffle moment, but the truffled chicken wontons ($14) change the game. Floating in a rich dashi-soy broth with scallion ginger oil, they’re delicate and savory, and clearly deserve a permanent spot on your must-order list.

What a Fun-gi: Ready to lean into luxury? The 10 oz. Wagyu Skirt Steak ($68) is that moment with roasted garlic, shishito peppers and a truffle, garlic and smoked soy butter that is extravagant. But if we’re respecting our budgets, the Tuna Pizza ($22) delivers its own kind of magic with truffle ponzu mayo, shaved red onion and micro greens.

Siesta Key Summer House Steak & Seafood

149 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key; 941-260-2675; SiestaKeySummerHouse.com

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Truffle Shuffle: Take a bite of the diver scallops with mushroom truffle risotto ($59) to continue this truffle trip of guilty pleasures. Seared scallops sit upon creamy risotto, accompanied with asparagus fettuccine, prosciutto crystals (whatever those are, I want more) white balsamic caviar and the dreamiest light dusting, yes, dusting of truffle.

What a Fun-gi: This opulent era we’re living in wouldn’t be complete without an order of the lobster truffle five cheese mac ($26). This dish defines a no-regrets order with bites of buttery, bold and not-here-to-be-subtle notes. Sure, your wallet might notice, but your culinary soul (and your very happy stomach) will thank you.

Station 400

400 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota; 941-906-1400; 8215 Lakewood Ranch St., Bradenton; 941-907-0648; Station400.com

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Truffle Shuffle: Truffles deserve way more brunch credit than they get, and Station 400 clearly agrees. The truffle eggs Benedict ($14.99) layers a toasted English muffin with poached eggs, arugula, Canadian bacon, roasted mushrooms, and a truffle hollandaise that makes every bite feel like money does grow on trees.

What a Fun-gi: If we’re really committing to the morning upgrade, the Station 400 Omelette ($18.99) is the way to do it. Poached lobster, blue crab, fried capers and that dreamy truffle hollandaise come together in a way that feels less like breakfast and more like something suitable for a king or queen.