Shamrock Pub, 2257 Ringling Blvd., 941-952-1730

Thanks to The Shamrock Pub’s wildly popular annual event “Summer Chef Jam,” it’s been a summer full of warm Monday nights spent noshing on tasty local treats and sipping on refreshing local brews in the front parking lot of the pub in downtown Sarasota. So far this summer, I’ve had the pleasure of eating Chef Caleb Taylor of Jack Dusty’s version of a fried egg sandwich with house cured pork paired with JDubs Poolside Kolsch. I’ve braved the heat for the frosty intrigue of a pickled watermelon popsicle served by the talented Emily Harris of Pop Craft Pops and washed it down with Darwin’s Chirapa Spice Porter. I’ve also discovered the talent of one Chef Evan Gastman of The Cottage Siesta Key. Chef Evan prepared a Duck Bacon and Roasted Lemon Apricot dish (pictured) that packed an almost emotional punch of flavor. It’s been a very long time since I ate at The Cottage but thanks to Chef Evan’s Monday night offerings I intend to spend a lot more time there. There’s always a DJ and a fun crowd comprised of Sarasota’s best and brightest and for $25 a person I can’t think of better way to spend a Monday night. For upcoming restaurants and menus check out Shamrock’s Facebook page or give them a call.

Shamrock Pub, 2257 Ringling Blvd., 941-952-1730