Bond. The Restaurant Bond.

This delightful structure is the old Herald Building located at the apex of Pineapple Avenue and Orange Avenue. A new restaurant, called Bond, recently opened there with outdoor seating and charming  bright umbrellas near a fountain.  They were preparing for dinner when I snapped this pic. I haven't eaten there but based on the menu and the inviting ambiance it looks good.  Plus, I read they're going to offer gluten-free bread.  Excellent!  On a side note, the entire SDP staff would like to extend a hearty thank you to our faithful follower Clamco for bestowing us with a Leibster  Blog Award.   Find out what it is by visiting her blog which features her family's journey toward moving to the Sunshine State and her adventures in acquiring unique items to sell on e-Bay.   Happy Tuesday!

Introducing...Pomona

Behind these doors, on the edge of downtown, is the hottest new restaurant in Sarasota.  It's called the Pomona Bistro and Wine Bar  and there's about a week wait to get in.   Right now, they're only serving dinner and their menu looks delicious (not to mention the ambiance).  A friendly staffer, who engaged me to find out why I was taking a photo of their door, informed me the chef is happy to handle special orders for those with food allergies (c'est moi!) with advance notice.  Looks and sounds delightful!  Now, the question is....when to go???

The Library

The second floor of the First Street Chop House is called "The Library".  To describe it is as cozy and quaint would be an understatement.  There's a small ornate bar which overlooks about 8-10 tables situated on beautiful wood floors.  (The building dates back to 1925 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.) In the evening a pianist plays and John the bartender (the gentleman in the background) spontaneously breaks into song while filling drink orders.  He has a wonderful voice!  It was such an unexpected surprise -- it was like a slice of New York in SRQ.  When I originally posted this photo, some people were concerned that the Chop House only serves meat.  Oh, contraire!  My wild caught salmon entree was some of the best salmon I've eaten in the Lower 48.  My friend had the grouper and shrimp and described it as "succulent -- perfectly prepared".  For lunch, they offer a nice salad menu.  Check out more about the First Street Chop House here.  I'll definitely return!

Chop House

I love the entrance of the First Street Chop House in downtown Sarasota, with the ivy covered wall, white trimmed windows and old fashioned lighting.  It opened about six months ago and I  haven't eaten there yet, but the menu and ambiance look great.  It's definitely on the list to check out.