LJHdineSRQ

Ideas in Food is a fantastic cookbook. I know a lot has been made and said about Modernist Cuisine lately. And, this is not meant as a slam on MC, but, you can actually cook out of Ideas. It's usable AND you don't need to clear off an entire book shelf to store it. Seriously though, they both have their place in the kitchen. I did a review of Ideas for my web site: Ideas In Food: Food+Science=Delicious Like a lot of people on this thread, I also made the Mac & Cheese. Turned out amazing! It gets a BIG thumbs up from me.

I agree Mike. I forgot about Ideas in Food. I made this pretty great Mac and Cheese out that book. I love that fact that it's divided into two parts, Home & Pro.

Well, granted none of those are as groundbreaking or hefty as Modernist Cuisine. But, awful... well. Who doesn't love a book dedicated solely to one humble condiment, yes, Sriracha? I can't get enough of grilled cheese sandwiches (just ask my cardiologist), so that makes my cut. Even the stuffiest of New Orleans Chefs have a soft spot for Buster Holmes. Texas=Steaks (I'm not from there, but, that's what I hear). There may not be another Mastering The Art of French Cooking in that list, but, all have some worth in the kitchen. What's your top cookbook of 2011 so far? Anything other than what's been discussed.

Good call! I just saw it when it reprinted this Spring. Thanks!

What are your favorite cookbooks that have been released so far this year? I think 2011 has been a pretty descent year for new releases. Some ones that rise to the top of my 2011 list are: The Sriracha Cookbook, Randy Clemons Grilled Cheese, Please, Laura Werlin The Buster Holmes Restaurant Cookbook, Buster Holmes The Big Texas Steakhouse Cookbook, Helen Thompson and Janice Shay Plenty: Vibrant Recipes from London's Ottolenghi, Yotam Ottolenghi Those are some of the early winners for me. What about you? I'm going to write a post for the website. Any book suggestions?

There are tons of great red beans and rice recipes out there. And, frankly, I like red beans and rice so they're all pretty good for me. I wrote a review for the website of Buster Holmes cookbook. If you're not familiar with Buster you should be. He was truely a New Orleans original. His restaurant pumped out great creole and cajun dishes for many years. Here is his "world famous" Red Beans and Rice recipe. It's pretty damn awesome. Buster Holmes World Famous Red Beans and Rice. oh Here's a video too.

I'm a BIG fan of grilled. I know that people are divided into two camps. I think it may have something to do with how you were raised. My Mother always cooked grilled cheese for us (kids), but, a toasted cheese for her. Hey, what's up with that. I guess I was left with the "toasted cheese is for adults" stigma. I don't want to really be an adult even now. So, I guess I'll just go heat that frying pan...

Here's some good news for you. MoZaic has opened up on Main. They have gotten some pretty good reviews too. haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but when I do I'll post about it on dineSarasota.com

One of the great things about living down here, is that we have so many fantastic restaurant choices. For a city its size, Sarasota really has a vibrant restaurant and dining community. It's amazing how many great new restaurants spring up in just a years time. - LJH

I think I can help. For upscale on Longboat, here are some choices: Pattigeorge's Colony Dining Room Euphemia Haye Cafe on the Bay, and of course Maison Blanche Derek's is great of course, but do check out: The Rustic Grill Cru Bistro and Sangria Tapas Bar, they are all downtown You can check out a few hundred restaurants on www.dinesarasota.com LJH

No, Euphemia Haye is still open on Longboat Key and doing a brisk business. I was just commenting on the fact that sometimes restaurants need a little breath of fresh air to stay up to date and viable in a market as competitive as Sarasota's - LJH

If you're looking for a place for a Thanksgiving dinner it's going to pretty hit and miss. Here's a few for you to try, (phone #'s on the dineSarasota.com web site): Michael's on East (Midtown) The Colony Dining Room (Longboat Key) Ophelia's on the Bay (Siesta Key) Marina Jack's (Sarasota Bayfront) Boathouse at the Hyatt (Downtown) Christopher's (Lido Key) If you want to carry in a Thanksgiving dinner Morton's Gourmet Market does a fantastic job with that. (Southside Village)

Euphemia has been around for a really long time here. Sometimes those kinds of place are in need of an update, both from the menu side and the service side. There is a lot of competition here in Sarasota, so I think place that don't keep up, eventually get weeded out. We're working on printing the 2007 edition of our annual dining guide and it's amazing how many Sarasota "institutions" are no longer operating. - LJH

I'm in an out of Sarasota 2-3 times a month and, while I'm pretty familiar with the dining scene there, I've never heard of Madison's. I think that you may be referring to Mattison's. If that is the case, you need to narrow it done to which restaurant your parents are referring to. The owner, Paul Mattison, has 3 of them in the area. Downtown, at the corner of Lemon and Main (across from the Gator Club), is Mattiison's City Grill. Basically, it's a large open bar and covered outside dining area. Though I have never had a full meal there, I've been there a number of times for apps and cocktails. They have live entertainment most evenings. Bottom line - The food's OK (apps at least). Nothing to rave about. Nice place to meet your friends for drinks and snacks. On Longboat Key is Mattison's Steakhouse. I've been there once and it was pretty much what it is advertised to be - a steakhouse. Think Morton's or Ruth Chris. On Siesta Key, near the base of the South bridge, is Mattison's Siesta Grill. Similar to the downtown location with the exception most of the dining is inside. I've been there a number of times for cocktails, apps, and also dinner. As before, it's OK. And, for me at least, it's a decent choice if I don't feel like driving much since my house is nearby. Re: Burn's Court - The only places that I recall are El Haberno and Uva Rara. I enjoyed both early on, but over time they have gone downhill in as far as quality and service are concerned. I might give El Habanero another shot but you won't catch near Uva Rara anytime soon. ←

I agree. There are lots of other great choices besides Euphemia. If you want to make that long ride up Longboat and beyond, check out Beach Bistro. Sean Murphy does a fantastic job with just about everything. I think Derek's also has a great upscale "big city" menu. He really does nice work. Cru Bistro downtown offers some interesting choices and a large and varied wine list. - LJH