Ilka

We are heading to Sarasota (for the day we live just a few hours away) with our 17 yr old who has an interview at Ringling School of Art and Design. We'd figure we cruise the area a bit and have lunch somewhere. Any suggestions?

FLmom

http://www.theoldsaltydog.com/serv01.htm

samschack

It's a bit of a tough question to answer without knowing what you are looking for? The art school is in the northern city area and I am not aware of many places for lunch in the immediate area other than very casual and/or fast food type places. There is a reasonably good italian place just to the south of the school on US 41. Also, you are only 5 minutes north of the downtown area and there you'll find dozens of lunch places. Some are somewhat upscale places frequented by business people and others more casual.
The above post for Salty Dog is fine for waterfront dining but it is a drive out to Lido and then north towards the south end of Longboat Key to get there.
If you don't want to drive so far and want waterfront dining you could always go to Marina Jack which is just to the west of downtown at Island Park.

Ilka

We will be coming from the direction of Ocala, but do not want to stray too far from the school. Our appt. is at one thirty so we don't have a lot of lunch time. Waterfront dining would be great if it is somewhat close. If not, anything with 'atmosphere' would be fine. I am looking for a great first impression of Sarasota.

teacherD

If you're short on time, the Ringling museum has a very nice bistro/cafe where we had lunch recently. The menu was quite good with many unusual choices.

samschack

OK, here is what I would recommend. Go just north of the art school to the Ringling Museum and have lunch at the Treviso restaurant. Phone # is 941-360-7390. Depending on the weather you can dine inside or out and you don't need a ticket to the museum. It will definitely give you a feel for what Sarasota is about. BTW: Ringling is a terrific school. I have a friend on the faculty there and I am sure that you will be very impressed the school.
it is one of the most respected schools of it's kind in the country.
Enjoy your time here in Sarasota.

NeoPatrick

Actually the one waterfront place with "atmosphere" is the Boathouse at the Hyatt, quite close to Ringling.

I have to say, I thought the food was really pretty bad at the museum --that's been a couple years ago. Do you mean that semi screened free standing building about half way back to the house?

samschack

Yes, the food at the museum is not that great but it is very close and if time is an issue it is worth considering. I think it used to be called the Banyan or some such thing. It is now italian. The Ringling Museum and Mansion are quite something to see so at least it would give a sense of what Sarasota is (or at least was) all about. I forgot about the Hyatt and it does have some atmosphere although it's not on the bay but rather a large basin coming in off of the bay. With the Ritz and the new condo to the west I don't think the views are as good as they once were. If it were me and I had the time I'd go with Marina Jack. It's only a 5-10 min. drive south of the school. Food is okay but the main draw is the view of the bay and the park where the restaurant is situated.

NeoPatrick

Ah, yea, I remember that place as The Banyan.

My main objection to Marina Jack is the college age one will be about50 years younger than anyone else there -- especially at lunch. At it's a slow rather big deal. My elderly mother loved it but the last time we went there for lunch, I think it took us close to an hour and a half -- very slow. Lots of business people eat at the Boathouse and you can get in and out. No, the views aren't much, but it is on the water and has a rustic, "fun" feel to it.

samschack

Neo--You are correct sir! I actually forgot that most of the customers are about the age of my parents. I'm in my mid-50's. You may also be correct about the service. I usually go on Sundays when time is not an issue.

teacherD

No I am NOT referring to the Banyan which is mainly burgers. That still exists but inside the building where you buy your tickets and also where they have the gift shop there is a bistro/cafe. More upscale, wine etc.

FLmom

I think NeoPatrick has picked the winner. I forgot about The Boathouse, the only "close", waterfront lunch spot I could think of on the fly was The Old Salty Dog. I haven't been to The Boathouse in awhile, but always enjoy going there and I love their
grouper ruben sandwich!!

Like Samschack; IMHO, Ringling School is like a “Harvard” or “Princeton” of the Art and Design schools in this country. My DD and I recently learned from the PBS broadcast of “The Gulf Coast Journal”, that a graduate from Ringling School has been a primary contributor to each of the top 10 grossing animated films over the last several years, think Toy Store, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo and others.

All I can say is ‘that sure is one lucky; and most probably, talented and dedicated 17 year old’. Best Wishes for an enjoyable visit, it’s a really nice place to live.