Siesta Key Oyster Bar, 5238 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota, 941-346-5443

Siesta Key Oyster Bar has been a successful fixture on Siesta Key’s main drag for long enough to rest on their laurels but they’re pushing the envelope and shaking things up thanks to a new general manager and a new executive chef. General Manager Stephanie Brown grew up in Sarasota and has over a decade of experience in the restaurant business and Chef Aaron Chavarria is a respected member of the Sarasota food community who specializes in “resort style, sustainable, farm-to-table dishes.” The new menu items at SKOB are sure to excite locals and visitors alike. Standouts include the Daily Chef’s Oyster Special, which features rotating oyster varieties with fresh shaved horseradish and a house made Bloody Mary Granita, and appetizers like the Ceviche Duo with Florida Whitefish and fresh shrimp. The Chili Crusted Tuna offers a zing of background heat a drizzle of local Orange Blossom Honey and ginger. For the entrée course, I recommend the Carribean Mariscada, which is full of sautéed seafood, crispy yucca, and plantains. The broth for the Mariscada is flavored with Siesta Key Rum and I ate every bit of mine after calling for a spoon. The daily dessert special featured a pineapple brioche with cinnamon ice cream, coconut and a homemade rich and tasty caramel sauce.  There’s live music, a convivial atmosphere and plenty of Lavender Mojitos and other crafty cocktails to enjoy – have you been to SKOB lately?

Siesta Key Oyster Bar, 5238 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota, 941-346-5443