Inside: Michael's on East

Photos:

There is something timeless about Michael's on East.

Tucked around the corner in the Midtown Plaza in Sarasota, you might drive by it altogether, were it not for its parent company, Michael's Wine Cellar being visible from US41/Tamiami Trail, .  Deceptive, like the invisible building in the movie the Shadow, or the glorious Asian garden behind Mr. Miyagi's gas station in the Karate Kid, likewise, Michael's on East is a bit of magic hiding just 'round the bend, and once you discover it in an "aha" moment, you'll vow never to lose it again.

The Ambience:  Entering through the outdoor courtyard, there's a long tree-lined stretch of trees, with little cafe' tables sprinkled along the path, and birds greeting you as you make your way past Michael's formal ballroom, and to the restaurant entrance.

Walking in is a bit like being an Ambassador stepping on to a luxury cruise liner, as the interior's rounded walls and winding passages give the feel of being on a large ship.  White table cloths, even during lunch, tell the customer that whether they're spending $15 or $50 on an entree', he or she is important, and the baby grand in the piano bar and gold trimmed glass decor it what gives it it's timeless appeal. You're not sure whether you are appreciating contemporary interior design or have just stepped back into the Roaring 20's.

The Rules:  I have two simple rules for friends accompanying me on my reviews: 1) You let me take pictures of your food before you eat and 2) I get to sample the plate.  On the plus side, we usually all end up ordering something different and sharing, so everyone gets to try more than one appetizer, entree' and dessert.  There's no better conversation starter than each person's opinion on the menu selections.

The Beverages:  I stopped in to snap a photo of the inaugural Obamatini drink the day after the election, and got to sample the blueberry infused vodka martini in a sugared glass.  If you're not a blueberry fan, Michael's also serves the contemporary cocktails like the strawberry and raspberry Flirtini, and the Pomegranate martini.  Vintage cocktails reminiscent of Hollywood movie icons and their films include the Blood and Sand with cherry brandy, scotch and orange juice, and the Honolulu with a blend of tropical juices and a bit of sugar rum and gin.  

Wine is still their forte, however, with an extensive list that includes national and imported wines by the glass and bottle of every variety, and they are more than happy to make a recommendation to complement your entree'. Note: Michael's Wine Cellar offers more than 250 wines under $20 a bottle, with ongoing theme-based wine tastings.

Contemporary Cocktails:  $12     Vintage Cocktails:  $9.75 ($5 during Happy Hour from 5-7 p.m., Monday-Friday).   Wine:  Varies

The Food:  From the bar's Lounge Bites menu, I got to try the Crispy Duck and Hoisin Spring Rolls ($5 appetizer, $10 as a large sharing plate), served with sweet and sour chile dipping sauce and ginger and wasabe on the side. From the lunch menu, I tried the Power Lunch ($15), the mid-day version of their Epicurean Adventure dinner special that included one entree' and one dessert.  The cuisine changes monthly.  Last month, the focus was on Moroccan foods.  This month, Californian specialties were featured.  I ordered the Salmon Crepe with creme cheese, capers and green caviar (a Japanese delicacy, actually), served with a side of roasted arugula.  A beautiful addition to the entree' was a raspberry sauce drizzled over the plate, which was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also cut out the saltiness in the salmon, so that it wasn't too overpowering.  My friends settled on the East Avenue Caesar Salad lunch ($9.50) and the Turkey Club Wrap ($9.50) with peppered bacon, gruyere and a basil-parsley mayonnaise and crispy garlic potato chips.  

Lunches:  $9-$18 ($15 on Average)   Dinners:  $20-$45  ($30 on Average)

The Desserts:  Spoiled rotten were we, as we got to sample four of Michael's top sweets, the Strawberry Shortcake with a melt-in-your mouth meringue biscuit and a mascarpone cheese, the molten Lava Cake and its bursting warm chocolate filling, the Apple Cobbler and Key Lime Pie with a bit of white chocolate on top.

Desserts:  $6.95-$9.95

Ask About the Dirty 30!  We couldn't resist asking owner Michael Klauber about that well-known little booth that romantic couples have been known to request.  He turned red and pointed out table number thirty, just across from the piano and martini bar.  My friend told me that it's supposedly secluded in such a way that a couple could about have sex under the table and not be seen...Well, by no one but the piano player, that is.  Not that ambitious myself, but I did have to admit that it was a romantic little cubby, and I could understand it's popularity.

Overall Opinion:  There's just nothing to NOT like about Michael's on East.  It is a fine-dining experience no matter when you arrive, with menu options and prixe fixe dinners for those who want that experience but are on a budget.  The restaurant features ongoing dinner events that include Lobster Pot Fridays, Epicurean exotic dishes, Little Italy Night and wine dinners.  The cuisine and service is outstanding, there's nightly live music, and if you like the wine, bottles are available for take home.  

***

Michael's on East is located at 1212 East Ave. S, Midtown Plaza, Sarasota.  Phone:  941-366-0007

Add a comment