Lala C.
Yelp
Since this is in the Ritz, a higher level of anticipation and expectations are in place.
It has been a few years since we dined here but since it was our anniversary, we were looking for something elevated from the typical mediocre experiences in the area.
Typically, we have gravitated to the Ritz in Naples and Amelia Island. The Sarasota Ritz just doesn't measure up to her sister properties. This was reinforced by our recent visit.
Valet parking is validated when dining here - very nice, thank you.
For a Monday late lunch in off season, it was fairly quiet. We wanted a table by the window so that brought us to the back of the restaurant. The table condition was very poor- it is surprising that it was still in the dining room. At least put a tablecloth on it so the beat up finish would be hidden.
The house brown bread shows up in its baking tin and the server takes it out. The bread is more like a muffin- probably great for brunch but for other meals, it did not pair well with savory dishes.
Although there were plenty of staff walking around and there were not many diners, the food took about 30 minutes to show up , no one checked on us, it was very slow service. It looked like a Manager and another employee were glued to the front desk area- never circulated. Despite Pellegrino water bottle on our table, no one stopped by to pour it. ( that sounds odd - but this is a Ritz and service should anticipate !)
My Aperol spritz was delicious and hubby enjoyed his pinot noir.
Hubby ordered the fried green tomatoes appetizer and it had way too much mayo sauce on it. My "deconstructed" tuna poke was yummy, good portion. Server brought wasabi and soy sauce when I asked for it.
Here is where the Ritz service exceeded expectations- I had mentioned anniversary in my Open Table reservation and our chosen dessert was complimentary.
The coconut sorbet was incredible! I asked for toasted marshmallows since I had noticed it on another dessert item. 2 were added and that was a amazing pairing. Yessss! I knew that the Ritz quality would surface somewhere!!
So- overall it was a positive visit but frankly there is not much competition in Sarasota for fine dining. Perhaps that is why this location seems to be below its sister locations.