Jetsettersblog

May 27-June 8, 2008

The Sarasota Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (SCVB) announces the third annual “Savor Sarasota” Restaurant Week, now extended to run nearly two full weeks, from May 27-June 8, 2008, culminating in the new “Forks & Corks” culinary festival as the grand finale. Sarasota is recognized nationally for our beaches, culture and circus heritage

Sarasota, FL - The Sarasota Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (SCVB) announces the third annual “Savor Sarasota” Restaurant Week, now extended to run nearly two full weeks, from May 27-June 8, 2008, culminating in the new “Forks & Corks” culinary festival as the grand finale. This 13-day dining event will showcase Sarasota’s chefs and the eateries which have helped the city earn the distinction of having one of the highest concentrations of Zagat-rated restaurants in Florida.

The SCVB is continuing the tradition of holding the “Savor Sarasota” dining promotion to encourage both visitors and locals alike to experience Sarasota’s numerous and varied restaurants and to create more public awareness of the region’s award-winning restaurant scene. The event has become one of the most popular culinary events in the state over the past three years, as it encourages food and wine lovers to visit Sarasota to imbibe in the best of the region’s restaurants.

The SCVB has currently recruited over 30 restaurants, many of which have earned Zagat ratings, to participate in the third year of the event, during which patrons will be able to enjoy multi-course meals at participating restaurants for $15 per person for lunch and $25 per person for dinner.

“Sarasota is recognized nationally for our beaches, culture and circus heritage,” said Virginia Haley, President of the SCVB. “‘Savor Sarasota’ opens our visitors to the creative cuisine our talented chefs prepare, and we are so pleased that so many of our wonderful restaurants have chosen to participate for the third year in a row.”

Sarasota Restaurants Look Forward to Another Successful Restaurant Week Restaurants taking part in the third annual “Savor Sarasota” restaurant week include: Michael’s on East, with it’s classic 40’s supper-club aura and menu that blends European, Asian, and Latin influences with American classics; and Caragiulo’s, offering fine Italian fare. Additional participants for 2008 include Vernona Restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton, featuring an all-organic menu; Selva Grill with it’s Peruvian flair; and Derek’s Culinary Casual, offering a daring menu of original flavors.

Michael Klauber, owner of trendy near-downtown Sarasota eatery Michael’s on East, is looking forward to another successful event again this year, especially as 2008 will play host to the first “Forks & Corks” Food and Wine Festival, sponsored by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, of which Klauber is president.

“Michael’s On East was on board for ‘Savor Sarasota’ from the start, as we believe it is important for all local restaurants to unite for this wonderful occasion,” said Klauber. “We are especially excited this year, as the event will culminate with the new ‘Forks & Corks’ festival, which will showcase the diverse cuisine from the independent restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, and will offer a grand finale for the larger celebration of the region’s restaurant scene.”

“Forks & Corks” will be held June 5-8, 2008, and will offer interactive tastings and seminars, vintner dinners, food competitions and a grand festival celebration with live music, children’s activities and a charity auction. A portion of proceeds from the “Forks & Corks” event will benefit Meals On Wheels in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

For a complete list of participating restaurants, events, accommodation packages and contact information, please visit www.savorsarasota.org. For more information on “Forks & Corks,” please visit www.FreshOriginals.com

Visitors to Sarasota Enjoy Special Rates and Packages During Restaurant Week

In addition to the wonderful restaurants patrons will experience during “Savor Sarasota” restaurant week, visitors to Sarasota can also enjoy some great rates and packages at local hotels and resorts from May 27 - June 8 2008, in conjunction with the event.

Guests visiting town during Restaurant Week can enjoy a special “Savor Sarasota” package, offered by The Ritz-Carlton. The package includes overnight accommodations in a city-view or water-view guest room, overnight valet parking, and dinner for two at Vernona from the “Savor Sarasota” menu. This package is available for $259, May 27-June 15, 2008. Advance reservations are required; rates listed are per room, per night, single or double occupancy.

During restaurant week, The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort is offering a two day/one night package that includes a one or two bedroom suite from as low as $120 per person. The package also includes daily breakfast for each adult, a $100 dining credit for use in the Colony Restaurants, a complimentary spa treatment, 10% off additional spa services and 10% off at two designer boutiques. Reservations can be made through www.colonybeachresort.com/savor  or by calling 941.383.6464.

The Tropical Breeze Resort of Siesta Key is offering a special “Buy 3 Nights, Get 1 Free” promotion to guests visiting Sarasota for restaurant week. Travelers can visit the resort’s website at www.tropicalbreezeinn.com  to inquire about reservations.

The Captiva Beach Resort is offering a package at $385 per person that includes: 3 nights lodging in a suite; bottle of wine upon arrival; “Savor Sarasota” dinner for two at Caragiulo’s Italian Restaurant; breakfast for two at the Broken Egg Restaurant; one breakfast in bed delivery basket; and two one-hour in-room massages. Travelers can visit www.captivabeachresort.com for more information.

The Comfort Inn Sarasota will offer standard rooms at the special restaurant week rate of $69.95, and The Days Inn Sarasota will offer standard rooms at the special rate of $59.95. The Hotel Ranola will have standard rooms available for $99 and suites available for $129. A Beach Bungalow is offering fully equipped bungalows at $895 for the week. These special rates will be available May 27 - June 8, 2008, and visitors to Sarasota for the “Savor Sarasota” restaurant week can visit http://www.sarasotafl.org   for booking information.

Sarasota and her string of eight islands are located along Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast between Tampa and Ft. Myers. Sarasota and Her Islands is comprised of Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Manasota Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Englewood, Nokomis, North Port, Osprey and Venice. In addition to sandy beaches, Sarasota and Her Islands also offer numerous cultural and ecological attractions. For more information on saving and discovering in Sarasota, call the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 522-9799 or visit www.sarasotafl.org