Michael's on East, 1212 East Ave. S., 941-366-0007

Sometimes you need to wake up your palate and go out in search of new flavors. Lucky for you, Michael’s on East has been featuring its Chilean Epicurean Adventure menu this month and so you don’t have to travel far. This three-course specialty menu features diverse dishes bold in flavor and bountiful with the culinary essence of Chile. 

The Empanada de Carne starter is a crunchy and savory explosion. What makes this empanada truly stand out is the oregano, dill and parsley chimichurri sauce. The spiced and perfectly salted ground beef, raisin, potato and olive mixture find a delicious harmony when accompanied by the herby smoothness of this sauce. That sauce should be bottled and sold, it is that good. 

The Chilean seafood bouillabaisse, Paila Marina, will certainly please any shellfish or seafood lover. Aromatic with a hint of chili peppers (you can’t have Chilean food without it), this dish is brimming with lip mussels, clams, shrimp and corvina. Of course, Michael’s amazing bread basket is the perfect accoutrement to sop up all that delicious shellfish fume. 

Without hesitation, order the Alfajores Ice Cream sandwich for dessert. After a little heat from the peppers, a cool and creamy treat will end this adventure on a very sweet note. Dulce de Leche ice cream is sandwiched in between crispy butter cookies that have been lovingly drizzled with dark chocolate fudge and toasted coconut shreds. 

The Chilean Epicurean Adventure is available through Aug. 31. The three-course dinner menu is $34.95 per person and the two-course lunch menu is $18.95. Selected wine pairings from Chilean vintner, Santa Ema are available for $10 during dinner and $5 during lunch.

Michael's on East, 1212 East Ave. S., 941-366-0007