Cuisine:

• Casual
• American
• New American

Derek's Culinary & Casual Description:
When Derek Barnes left 5-One-6 Burns, Sarasotans were sad---but not for long. In no time Barnes launched his eponymous bistro in the up-and-coming Rosemary District. His gutsy cooking style brings new excitement to the city's dining scene in an off-the-beaten-path downtown location. Look for a San Francisco-style hipness, bolstered by an au courant spin on American comfort food. Years of cooking under Emeril Lagasse surfaces as pure panache in dishes like grouper cheeks sous vide with faux watermelon and a jasmine froth; or maybe veal shank ravioli with quinoa and a savory mushroom broth. The kitchen spins classics: try beef tartare paired with béarnaise ice cream and a beet carpaccio. Service is smart and even smarter attired elegantly in black with long bistro aprons; high ceilings and crisp white linens give the dining room a spare elegance. The globetrotting wine list lingers on less trammeled ground (South Africa, Austria), with a focus on well-priced wines and spicy Rhone-style blends that ably complement the kitchen's efforts.


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