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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2011
EDIBLES: Favorite Restaurants by Molly Schechter | Food Editor
The men tell their fish stories The genesis of the Edibles’ monthly “Favorite Restaurants” feature was that it seems to be such an incredibly and indelibly popular topic in these parts. Yet, it can still be a surprising conversation. For example, Owen’s Fish Camp was an unexpected choice in last month’s roundup of romantic restaurants, but it’s not here today. Some old-time fish houses and places where you can’t find a parking spot are also missing in action. The question put to an all-male panel was, “Where do you want to go when you want a good piece of fresh fish?”
The best fish dish in town is Café Baci’s flounder. The red snapper is a close second. Roberto Mei is brilliant in his use of fresh ingredients. My wife, Deb, loves their fresh seafood over linguini, and their Christmas feast of the seven fishes is a magnificent tradition and a delight for anyone who likes fresh fish. —Charles Knowles
No matter where I am in Sarasota, Cosimo’s Brick Oven is always within a 10-minute drive. Grilled salmon is one of their house specialties, which is made with fresh, wild Atlantic salmon, and served over crispy polenta and roasted vegetables and topped with fresh tomatoes and artichokes. I’m not a big fan of dishes with a strong “fishy” taste, but the flavor profile of the fresh salmon and vegetables in this dish is absolutely divine. —Sam Davidson
When I’m in the mood for fish, I head to my neighborhood favorite, Kazu’s, for some yellowtail sashimi. The light, buttery flavor is exactly what fresh fish should taste like. I also go for one of the house specials, the Genji roll, which is Kazu’s creation of white tuna, spicy mayo and jalapenos — delicious! —Tim Battishill
Sam Snead’s Tavern has been my “local” since it opened. When it comes to eating fish, I adore the grouper Oscar, which is a big, 8-ounce filet of black grouper with crabmeat, asparagus and their own hollandaise sauce. I love the friendliness of management and staff, and not least the fact that I’ve never eaten a bad meal there. —Cliff Roles
Mar Vista and Moore’s have always have been two of my favorites. I like the stone crabs and fresh oysters on the half shell, and the lightly breaded fried shrimp at Moore’s and pretty much the same foods at Mar Vista. I like the OldFlorida atmosphere at both places, especially the outside seating at Mar Vista. Downtown, I prefer Barnacle Bill’s. —Howard Rooks
IF YOU GO Barnacle Bill’s Seafood 1526 Main St. and 5050 N. Tamiami Trail 365-6800 and 355-7700 Café Baci 4001 S. Tamiami Trail 921-4848 Cosimo’s Brick Oven Westfield Southgate 3501 S. Tamiami Trail 363-0211 Crab & Fin Restaurant 420 St. Armands Circle 388-3964 Kazu 2063 Siesta Drive 951-7778 Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub 760 Broadway, Longboat Key 383-2391 Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant and Marina 800 Broadway, Longboat Key 383-1748 Sam Snead’s Tavern 1860 S. Osprey Ave., Suite 100 906-7771
My favorite restaurant for fish is, without question, Crab & Fin, on St. Armands Circle. They have a wide and varied selection of fresh fish every day, and the preparation and presentation are innovative and inspired. Grouper, halibut, Scottish salmon, mahi-mahi, rainbow trout — the choices are endless. The service is always friendly, personable and impeccable. No better place in town for fish. —Greg Gregory
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6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key (2 miles from north end) ICW Marker 33 Open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
To see rental models available visit www.Cannons.com
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