Inside: The Daiquiri Deck's new raw oyster bar

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Whether you're a Florida native or visiting from the North, one thing is true when you visit Siesta Key...you're on vacation, and the daiquiris start chilling at noon.  The Daiquiri Deck on Siesta Key recently opened it's newest addition, the Raw Bar, adjacent to the outdoor live music deck and main dining area.  It's hard to resist a restaurant that not only mixes its own specialty frozen drinks, but also shucks up the freshest oysters seasoned to perfection, and happens to be conveniently located exactly two minutes (by foot) to the sandy white beaches along the Gulf.

Oyster Options - Choose between three types of oysters: the Blue Point, Eagle Creek, and Apalachicola.

• Blue Point:  Atlantic Ocean oysters, they are firm, plumb and juicy with a bit of brine in flavor and clean finish  ($11.95-$13.95 per 1/2 dozen)
  
• Eagle Creek:  from the Pacific, these are saltier with a meaty consistency. Diners have referred to this oyster as having a sweeter, almost fruity aftertaste.  ($10.95-$12.95 per 1/2 dozen)
  
• Apalachicola:  These come right out of the Gulf, and have a clean taste, and are denser and less salty than the others.  ($5.95-$7.95).

The Raw Bar Menu - The words "raw" and "oyster bar" can be a bit misleading, because even if you are hesitant to try an oyster shooter shot, there are steamed clams and mussels ($10.95 per dozen) and a variety of cooked oysters as well.

For those looking for steamed oysters, how about the creamy Rockefeller Oyster with spinach, mozzarella, shallots and a touch of Pernod (giving it a vinegar-like "kick"), or the exquisite Oysters Casino, breaded with pareasan and bits of pancetta?  Of the cooked variety, the plain Steamed Oysters were the only ones small enough to slurp down off the shell and swallow whole (and also the only variety that required a bit of lemon juice and cocktail sauce).  The others were so thick and garnished that a knife and fork were in order.

The Oyster Ceviche was an Atlantic Blue Point, topped with diced onions, tomato and a healthy dose of cilantro, while the delicate Oysters Mignonette (a personal favorite), was surprisingly easy on the palate, even with the jalapenos, shallots, tomato based sauce (maybe it was the champagne vinegar?).  This is the raw variety to try if you're a bit squeamish and just not sure. The Raw Oysters are top choice for the brave who are sure, and the Oyster Moscow is the one to choose for the truly unusual experience as it's smothered in a sour cream sauce, a bit of caviar and touch of vodka.

The Drinks - It's almost a sin to visit the Daiquiri Deck without sampling one (or three) of their ample selection of signature drinks.  For those pretending to be healthy, try the antioxidant infused Pomegranate Margarita Daiquiri, that's like frozen POM juice with a blend of tequila.  For a potassium fix (good for the muscles, you know?), how about the Banana Slider with an exceptionally smooth coconut rum that really was like being on a sliding board...It goes down oh-so-easily.  Top kudos goes to the Voodoo Love Shake, a mix of coffee and banana liquer, creme' de cacao, and coconut rum with an amaretto finish that's certain to make you fall in love with whomever happens to be sitting at your table.  Drinks start at $6.49 (two for one during Happy Hour).

The Daiquiri Deck Menu - One of the most extensive menus around, there are a mix of burgers, wraps, chicken sandwiches, soups, seafood and salads.  The Gator Bites ($9.50) were a bit chewy, better-than-average as far as the meaty food goes, but not exceptional.  The Chicken Philly ($9.75) was better, with thickly cut sauteed onions and green peppers and jerk chicken.  Turn it in to a buffalo chicken philly, by asking for a side of wing sauce.

Overall Experience - There is nothing like the top-of-the line friendly service, live music, fantastic oysters and specialty daqs to make anyone feel like it really is Five O' Clock Somewhere.

The Daiquiri Deck and Raw Bar is open 12 noon - 2 a.m. Monday-Saturday, and until midnight Sunday.  5250 Ocean Drive W., Sarasota, Florida 34242. Phone: 941-349-8697.

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