Roast, 1296 1st Street, Sarasota, 941-953-1971

In my capacity as a volunteer usher at The Sarasota Opera House, I’ll be standing this Wednesday in the aisle at one of my favorite venues in Sarasota, taking in a performance of La Boheme and reflecting on the delicious meal I enjoyed Monday night at Roast. Roast occupies a beautiful, Ringling-era Sarasota building adjacent to the Opera House and the La Boheme-inspired menu that Chef Andrew Thompson is offering during the run of the popular opera is as sumptuous as the music itself. The three-course menu, only $39, includes a glass of earthy Bordeaux that pairs beautifully with the meal. The first course is presented on a wooden board with artfully arranged charcuterie, delicate slices of pate, pickled vegetables, smoked sausages and a couple of slices of crusty toasted bread. The entrée is Beef a la Bourguignon with Horseradish Mashed Potatoes. This dish is sinfully good. The meat has been braised until it is so tender and juicy it melts in your mouth, and the mashed potatoes are imbued with the unmistakably sharp tang of horseradish, the ideal complement to the beef. Dessert is an Orange Scented Crème Caramel, which is famously ordered in the opera by lead character Mimi. Chef Andy’s version is subtle, creamy and not overwhelmingly sweet—for which you will be thankful after having eaten every bite of the decadent previous courses.

Pictured: Roast Charcuterie

Roast, 1296 1st Street, Sarasota, 941-953-1971