-------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- New buzzword hereabouts is "American Fusion" cuisine. Raise your hand, those who know what that is. As somewhat of a traditionalist, I find it difficult to swallow the idea of the "food-style of the day" Elitist posturing and overly-creative Chefs"simply annoy me. In my experience, food trends resemble fashion trends. Only a few pay them any attention. The rest of us realize they''ll soon change. In my opinion, Michael's exemplifies the genre: "Fashionable", trendy, over-priced and over-rated. Diners go to see, be seen and do some serious elbow rubbing. Some might even savor a serving of buffalo chips if told it was "Fabulous, darling", called a fancy name, christened a new trend, piled high and crowned with "own-deeeve". The Daily Mullet Wrapper would give it an Award. So much for taste among the boujoise. That said, my favorites include LBK's Euphemia Haye. Downtown, the new Burns Lane Cafe gets raves and Alley Cat garners well-earned kudos. J. Ryan's has some interesting dishes and, possibly, the only stone-topped grill in the area; great for seafood! Their Chef Christian has launched several noteworthy area eateries. My list of "Bests" also includes Cafe Baci, Cafe L'Europe, Poseidon, Cafe on the Bay, Bijou Cafe, Caragiulo's, Mamma Onesti's for southern Italian dishes and good pizzas; Moore's Stone Crab (Stone Crab season ended May 15th), Hillview Grill, Augie's, Cafe of the Arts; Mr Wong's and China Palace for above-average Chinese food; Harry's on LBK does nice work with seafood. Beach Bistro may be among the 5 Best; you may add Siesta Key's Ophelia's to that lofty list. Maybe it's nostalgia, but I still enjoy Siesta Key's Beach Cafe (name change from Inn Between, same owners), I was there on opening night in 1971. Try the seafood at Nokomis' Captain Eddie's, but don't go for the atmosphere. There ain't any. Anna Maria Island's Mutiny Inn is worth mention. Ditto Ristorante Bellini in buzy Downtown Sarasota. El Adobe is still the Best Mexican restaurant. Have breakfast at Siesta's Broken Egg. My personal pick for traditional German fare is Little Bavaria, in Venice. Coaster's is always at the top, and Venice's Crow's Nest ranks among the area's best casual, fun, seafood joints. Many favorites have bit the dust, others will soon debut; part of Downtown Sarasota's recent restaurant-building boom. If you're coming to Sarasota, call ahead to reserve at these busy eateries. Email me if you need more information: [email removed] Bon Apetit! ********** TableTips Dining Guide (Since 1976) ******** Coming to the Web with News, Reviews, Tips, Freebies and Links of value to Foodies and Restaurateurs. ******emailto: [email removed] or Fax: 941-927-5029****** *****Put Your Menu Online Now***** TableTips Online Restaurant Marketing Services Writes & Post Reviews, Listings, Menus, Ads on the Best High-Traffic Dining Web Sites ** Email to: [email removed] Fax: 941-927-5029**
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