Photo taken by Andrew Fabian

One of the great joys of the 21st century is the popularization of Brussels sprouts as a delicious and hearty leafy food. Long considered a bitter vegetable and the source of trauma for many children, that began to change in the 1990s when Dutch scientists formulated a less bitter, high yield variety by cross breeding old seeds with new ones. By around 2009, whispers began circulating in the culinary world about some chef named David Chang combining sprouts with bacon. Today, Brussels sprouts can be considered a safe addition to any menu, and Baker & Wife on Siesta Drive proves the point. 

Denoted as “fried Brussels & sausage” on the menu, Baker & Wife takes what has become an accepted staple of fried sprouts, then adds meat and flair. The little slices of sweet sausage help give the dish a more filling, toothsome appeal, particularly as the rendered fat from inside the sausage make its way into the folds and layers of the sprouts. If it stopped there, the appetizer could find success as a savory bar snack almost like popcorn chicken (sorry), but the added garnish of banh mi pickled vegetables and microgreens makes it a much more creative statement. The cool and tangy crisp of the carrots, radishes and cucumbers brings complexity and bounce. All it’s missing is a little bit of bread to soak up the juices at the bottom of the bowl, but the crust of the Oh Cheesus pizza might do the trick.

Photo taken by Andrew Fabian

Baker & Wife, 2157 Siesta Dr. Sarasota, 941-960-1765.