Darrell's in Venice was AWESOME!

by Laura Cooper
(Laporte, Colorado, USA )

Darrell's specializes in southern cooking.

I had a Po'Boy made with the catch of the day, blackened salmon.

It was wonderful.

Fried catfish also excellent.

For the land lubbers, there are ample choices from the barbecue menu, too.

Great prices and excellent service.

Publisher's note: Darrell's Restaurant is at 215 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL

Half Shell Oyster House - University Parkway, Sarasota

by Merily Bryson McFadden
(Sarasota)

We are Sarasota, Floridians who dined at the Half Shell Oyster House recently.

Of course my husband had to order a dozen oysters on half shell...(since our most favorite restaurant is Dock's Oyster House in Atlantic City, New Jersey and I think the last time he ordered and ate a dozen oysters on the half shell was when we were on vacation in Carmel, California).

But, I digress...the Oysters here were plump tender and tasty...not gritty or sandy...and the Gumbo was awesome!

Both my brother in law and myself ordered the Florida Redfish (especially since season had just opened for catching this fish)...the Redfish was sauteed with a coating of crusted pecans, topped with chopped bacon and had an accompanying orange beurre blanc sauce.

And, we had to try the Parmesan Garlic Cajun Fried Potatoes...and they were delicious, too!

We had great service.

The atmosphere at Half Shell Oyster House is fun with "jazzy" artwork throughout.

It was a relaxing and fun dining experience and the food was very good...definitely deserves a repeat performance!


(Editor's note: The Half Shell Oyster House is at 5231 University Pkwy #109, Sarasota.)

Marcello's is Fabulous!

by Patsy
(Osprey, Florida USA)

You have to drive slow or you will pass this gem.

Marcello cooks all the food himself and you can watch him prepare meals if you sit at the 4 seat bar, which is fun to do.

The restaurant only seats about 40 people, so you need reservations or you can't get in.

Always start your meal with the table-side prepared Caesar salad. Hope you like garlic. It's so good!

They have specials every night so we usually order from that or you can also order entrees from their daily menu. You need to try the pounded veal entree and any of the fresh fish dishes.

End your meal with the homemade tiramisu. You'll wobble home and sleep with a full belly.

I always take my visiting guests here and everyone loves it.

Thanks Marcello!

Love your place!

It is located at 4155 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Mike and Patsy

Senor Siesta Spanish and South American Cuisine is TERRIFIC

by Desiree
(Barcelona, Spain)

This is a new restaurant tucked away in the Village Plaza on Siesta Key, right next to the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and Davidson's Drugs.

It is family operated and has several flavorful unique (to Sarasota) offerings.

We absolutely love their PASTELONE (gluten free, sweet plantain Lasagna), LECHON CON RESINBINSI (the best rice and beans we've had in a long ime), and CARNE ASADA PLATO TIPICO.

Our favorite is their wonderful PAELLA.

The owners told us to look for their 2 for 1 PAELLA (including Sangria or bottle of Spanish/South American wine) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Check them out.

Prices are reasonable and portions are pretty generous!!

Wait staff is friendly and helps describe the many dishes and appetizers--most not offered elsewhere in SRQ.