Happy New Year, everyone! 2005 is off to the perfect start, planning a trip

My DH and I are planning a trip to Florida in March (a short visit w/ family and then some alone time). Originally we wanted to go to Naples, but have changed our minds.

Anyone stay at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota? They recently opened a new beach club on Lido Key which looks splendid ~ perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Also, can anyone recommend any casual dining options in that area?

Thanks so much!

How casual and how inexpensive?

The Ritz is right downtown. The ever-failing development called the Quay is right next door but most restaurants have closed there unless some have re-opened recently. I believe they still have a DuRuma there, a sushi and Japanese place that is a branch of the one we have in Naples -- good for sushi. But a few blocks away is one of my favorites -- Bijou, a sort of trendy, yet casual place with French overtones. Not inexpensive.
Out near the beach is St. Armand's Circle and I enjoy going to the Columbia for lunch -- old Spanish -- a branch off the one in Tampa. Tommy Bahama's on the circle is also a fun lunch or casual dinner place with a tropical feel and good food.

Hello seetheworld. Happy New Years

I stayed not too long ago at the Radisson Resort on Lido Key which is a few hotels down from the Ritz Carlton's property. Unfortunately, we could not venture onto the property because it was a "members only" club. There was a staff member who was questioining and stopping non-members. We didn't ask about this members only thing so I don't know what that meant. Perhaps these were guests of the Ritz which is actually quite a drive from the beach.

But if you determine that you can stay on the beach, the beach is beautiful there. You can walk to St. Armands Circle where there are a few restaurants (the Columbia, for one). There are two restaurants at the Radisson, and Christopher (I think that was the name) was a very good upscale restaurant at the top of the hotel, then another downstairs with casual dining, burgers, breakfast, etc.

This location was also very good for getting into the city, and close to the Ringling Museum and Marie Selby Gardens.

I hope this was somewhat helpful.

Happy New Year, Patrick! By casual, I mean no suit/tie for the DH but silk slacks with an island shirt

Tell me about Bijou. Is it a special occasion type of place? What's YOUR favorite meal there? Would it run us about $50pp w/o drinks?

Thanks

Happy New Year to you also, Tandoori_Girl!

Yes, that "members only" thing refers to guests of the Ritz. They do provide a shuttle which is okay because it's just the two of us. But we'll also have a car ~ so we can explore if we want to.

Sounds like you and Patrick have been to Columbia. Can you get by with wearing shorts for lunch?

Thanks for mentioning the gardens ~

Never fear folks, they don't allow coats and ties in Sarasota (well, almost). Nice slacks and a sport shirt will be as dressed as most men get. You'll be amazed at the places where both men and women wear shorts.
Shorts at the Columbia? Yea. I've seen a fair share of people in bathing suits there with a terry cloth coverup for that matter.

This is casual Florida. He'll blend right in with the tropical shirt.

By the way, I think the best thing at the Columbia is their chopped salad (called 1908?). I used to buy their dressing in the shop next door and make it at home. The Cuban bread is addictive, and the black beans or bean soup is very good. Every time I've ordered more major meals I've been somewhat disappointed. That's why I love it for the soup, salad, and bread type lunch.

You may be attracted to the casual place at the Hyatt facing the Ritz, sitting over the water. I'd forget it. It's a lot more "fun looking" than it is "good".

If you're there on Saturday go downtown to the Saturday market, kind of fun. And do visit Selby Gardens and the Ringling Home which was recently restored to its funky grandeur.

The little art colony of Burns Court is fun for a walk around, and there is a nice place for lunch on an old porch -- I forget the name.

In Florida, the restaurant sign we see most often is "No shoes, No shirt, No service". I just returned from Miami where they had signs at bars stating no dew rags, and no Timberlakes.

As you can tell, the rules are different here. I think you'll be allowed to wear your Timberlakes in Sarasota where there are few posing bars, not the pretentious glamour of South Beach. Very low key.

Patrick, I think it's 1905 salad, pegged for the year they opened the original Columbia restaurant in Ybor City. Whatever the date, it is addictive isn't it? I think it's the cheese. Mmmm.

Actually I was thinking it was the chopped olives. I can never remember what that date is.

....the chopped salad sounds great!

We're all booked and can't wait for March to arrive.

So Patrick, you didn't tell me more about Bijou. You mentioned trendy...but is it good? What do you usually order?

I would second the recommendation on the Bijou Cafe. $50 per/person without drinks would be about right. I would also recommend Zoria on Main Street downtown. We have had excellent meals at both places. I recommend you make reservations.

A third for Bijou! Delicious! And good service.

I've never stayed at that Ritz but I have eaten there twice. Surprisingly, both times the service and food left a lot to be desired. Hotel looks nice, though.

Also a second for Tommy Bahamas. Perfect place for lunch!

I think I've most often had rack of lamb at Bijou, but have had various things all very good. They do a side order you can get of some sort of potatoes au gratin that is out of this world.

By the way I too have heard reports that the restaurants at the Ritz leave something to be desired. We used to always go to the bar there for a drink between shows at the Asolo Theatre. One time when we ordered our drinks the waitress loudly said, "and how will you be paying? I need a credit card to hold please". We were aghast! Nothing like this every happens to us at the Ritz in Naples. And one time we gave up trying to get a second drink -- horrible service.

Thank you for your feedback. That's too bad about the food at the Ritz, not that we were planning on dining there (just breakfast which comes with our package), but I am surprised to hear about the service and hopefully it was just a fluke and it has improved. Patrick, your experience was downright rude and unacceptable!

Any suggestions for seafood in the area? We love fish, particularly intersting catches of the day.

I guess I was a little too nice before, but since we're sharing stories....actually our service at the Ritz was a DISASTER. The first time, we had resverations for 8 people in a private dining room. They made us WAIT 30 minutes (in the private dining room, no less) while they set up the dining room before our eyes. And to top it off, they were too lazy to get the right sized tables into the room, so they just used what was already in there--and took OUT the oversized, plush chairs, leaving us with much smaller wooden chairs (before our very eyes!).

The 2nd time (thinking it was a fluke, we went back), the chandeliers kept bussing on and off, as if they had a short. No other lighting in the restaurant was having trouble; just the chandeliers above our table. Their solution? They actually turned the lights off (!!) and put tealight candles before each person. I swear, I still don't know what sides came with my steak that night. I couldn't see my plate!

Having said all of that, the property IS lovely and I would not hesitate to stay there. (I'd just be sure to eat somewhere else!)

Okaaaaay...we do NOT plan on dining at the Ritz. We generally never eat at the hotels we stay at but for the times we arrive rather late and even then, we do not expect too much. But I know the Ritz prices, so I wouldn't waste my money particulary with such bad reviews.

The property does look terrific, but I have to say now I'm feeling a little disappointed.

Here's one thing to make you feel better. We avoid dropping in at The Ritz in Naples now since they require valet parking which is $12 or so minimum. That's a little pricey when we just want to go out and have a sunset drink.
But at Sarasota the valet guys usually don't charge us and park the car right out front when we say we'll only be there for an hour or so for drinks. Maybe it helps that we are usually in a Range Rover or Z-3, and that we give them a nice tip, but I think it's a nicer gesture on their part instead of making a big deal about putting the car in the garage and charging us an arm and a leg.
By the way, much of the Ritz building in Sarasota is private apartments. The hotel part is really fairly small I believe. And it IS lovely. Enjoy it!

The Ritz in Sarasota is a very nice hotel with solid service. The new spa and club (less than 1 year old) is a very nice facility. To top it off...the prices are very reasonable. Make sure to book a Club level room.

Also be sure to use an Amex Platinium or Black card when booking with Amex TAs to get special rates that include upgrade, $100 spa credit, 4PM check-out, breakfast, and all at the lowest rate out there. Its called the Fine Hotels and Resorts rate through Amex.

A full review can be found in Flyertalk's luxury hotel forum:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=383805

"solid service" ttangomd? Personal experience from several of us would indicate otherwise, but that sounds like a quote from their advertising.

Prices "reasonable" for a club room? Compared to what. It is unquestionably the HIGHEST priced hotel in the city of Sarasota. What are you talking about? Of course it may be "reasonable" for the quality, but it is funny to hear someone tout reasonable prices when it is the MOST expensive hotel in the area.

....Good Morning, Patrick


Did I mention that we're visiting family before we head to the Ritz As long as I keep away from their restaurants (of course we will continue to drink there - just easier, ya know?!?), it will all work out just fine.

So...What about a good fish place?


Oh, and BTW, any problems with the elevators that I should know about, Patrick? ...because THAT would be the deal breaker for me! LOL

Hee hee, guess you saw my Pier 66 post, huh. I've never been in a Ritz elevator in Sarasota so I can't say. I assume you'll be all right.

Fish? I'm drawing a blank. I'd avoid Charley's Crab at St. Armand's. There are a couple of fun casual places -- one right at the bridge over to Siesta Key but on the mainland side -- forget the name. There used to be a great place in a little house just about a block from the Ritz. It's had several reincarnations; at one time it was called Noah (?). Once had the most wonderful live diver scallops there, and had a couple of great fish meals. But I'm not sure what has happened to that place or if it is even still good. I loved the atmosphere of the place. Any locals with information?
I'm also not sure what has happened the past year with the place at The Quay which used to be owned by Michael's on East -- but they had wonderful seafood. Help, anyone?