Summer in Sarasota is a humid, heated, happy affair, especially if you, like I, derive happiness from delicious new menu items from your favorite restaurants.

Jack Dusty at The Ritz Carlton: Once you’ve tried the BBQ Fried Oysters with Winter Park “Sunshine Blue” cheese dip, you’ll wonder how you’ve lived this long without them. The textures are crisp yet melty and the local cheese dip sets off the smoky sweet oysters beautifully. Pair with one of the exciting new craft cocktails for a truly sensuous experience.

Darwin’s on 4^th: I can’t get enough of the El Patron Ceviche, which features a ginger cream sauce that I would happily bathe in. I also love the Marinated Tender Beef Heart, which lives up to its name in that a dollar from each sale of this dish goes to a Peruvian charity supported by Chef Darwin and his wife. Customer favorites Tuna Tiradito, Skirt Steak and Lima Salad are still on the menu but there are over 14 new items to try!

Amore by Andrea: The Chicken Liver Pâté is so aesthetically pleasing that you’ll insist on taking a picture for Instagram before you let anyone eat (check out the one above). The intensely flavorful pâté is paired with a Meyer lemon glaze, sautéed onions and toast points. I could eat this dish every day with a glass of pinot noir in the beautiful front room of Amore that feels like an elegant tree house.