On a recent trip to Sarasota Florida, I learned about a "Gulf Coast Cookery" out on the Beach of Anna Maria Island, about a twenty-minute drive from downtown. It was a pretty drive, right along the ocean and I wondered if the food could equal the scenery on this succulent summer evening.
Lucky me. Turns out, the Bistro is included in Zagat's "Top Restaurants in America" and according to the guide is "the best food on the Gulf Coast," - "as good as any in New York or Paris."
The restaurant is right on the beach so come for a stroll (burn a few calories) and stay for a sunset meal.
I didn't tell owner host Sean Murphy I was writing a review, but when I showed an interest in his food, he started bringing me little bites of everything. Dangerously tasty! And the presentation was as fabulous as the food!
For my actual meal, I started with a half portion of the Caesar Salad (I was saving room). The menu calls it "A variation on the classic preparation, like at Arnaud's in N’'Awlins. With romaine and baby red romaine. Excellent.
Next came the Blue Crab Cocktail. Delicately delicious buds of lightly seasoned jumbo blue crab tossed in a champagne vinaigrette and garnished with crab claws, roasted pepper coulis and Key Lime-chive puree. I could have eaten a couple of those for dinner. But I didn't.
Instead I had the Bistro Aged Tenderloin.I chose Charlemagne style with classic béarnaise and hunter’s sauces (I ordered mine on the side but I was tempted to dump it on top).The dish is also available Peppered - with, spiced cognac, black, green and pink peppercorn demi-glace.
My husband, who is a vegetarian, enjoyed his Warmed Bella Roma Tomato Salad - plum tomatoes, warmed in a skillet and tossed with an herbed balsamic vinaigrette. Garnished with baby greens, herb toast and parmesan crisp.
As a main course, Sean prepared him a sampler with a dollop of every vegetarian side dish available that evening. He insisted I taste everything. It was all so interestingly seasoned, I believed him when he told me he could eat there every night.
We ordered two deserts. (just to taste them) with our decaf lattes.
Chocolate Truffle Terrine: A blend of bittersweet chocolate. With homemade wild berry Melba, praline and chef-made ice cream
Praline Alexandra: Bistro made praline-crushed and rolled in French vanilla ice cream and Frangelico, with a drop of real whipped cream
These tasted as good as the menu descriptions. (Not finishing them was the toughest part of the evening)
The Beach Bistro is a must visit if you ever find yourself within 50 miles of the place. It's popular spot; so, make a reservation. Meals are not cheap but well worth the investment. You'll eat well and you can eat light; many dishes are available as appetizers or in half portions. But, bring your willpower!
Contact Beach Bistro at:
941-778-6444
6600 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island, Fl.
34217
