A night at Michael’s On East is a must when in Sarasota. One of only ten restaurants in America inducted into the Fine Dining Hall of Fame, the restaurant exceeds expectations with consistently fresh and versatile dishes that have kept folks
coming back for a quarter century.
With a collection of 1,000 wines exclusively from handpicked domaine estates and an “Epicurean Adventure” menu highlighting exotic fare from destinations such as South Africa and Spain, Michael’s On East is a sophisticated
supper club with an emphasis on old-fashioned service, fabulous wine, and unforgettable food.
Their secret is simple: Michael. In the restaurant business for more than four decades, Michael Klauber has made his passion for wine and his dedication to freshness and superb fare into a labor of love, pleasing patrons for more than 25 years. He visits every table, every night, and keeps his love of freshness and variety alive at Michael’s On East.
Favorite dishes, which will never come off the menu, include any of the aged steaks from Allen Brothers in Chicago, the broiled veal chop, and the signature bow-tie pasta. Not into a sit-down dinner? Then just pull up a chair to the piano bar for a cocktail or ask for the special table (called “the dirty thirty”), which gives guests a backstage pass for making musical requests.
It all adds up to an evening of fun times and fine cuisine. Fly directly into Sarasota Bradenton International Airport or
make your way over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from Tampa International Airport.
Michael’s On East is located at 1212 East Ave. South, Sarasota, FL 34239. For reservations and information, call 941.366.0007 or visit bestfood.com.
MICHAEL’S ON EAST TAKES A CULINARY JOURNEY THIS JUNE WITH THEAUTHENTIC FLAVORS OF ITALY
Sarasota, May 21 – Get ready for an authentic explosion of Italian flavors as Michael’s On East takes you on an Epicurean Adventurethis June, with a luscious three-course prix-fixe dinner for only $25 per person.
This glorious globetrotting dinner menu features a choice of two tempting appetizers, three elegant entrees and two luscious desserts every Tuesday – Saturday, and a smaller, and Power Lunch version is available Mon. – Fri., offers two courses, with an appetizer and entrée.Add perfectly paired wine for only $5 per person at lunch, and two perfectly paired wines for only $10 at dinner. Mangia! Mangia! For reservations, please call 941-366-0007 or visit www.bestfood.com.
June is the all about Italy, and Chef Al Massa’s culinary brilliance offers a molto delizioso menu to make even his mama proud.
Soft Mascarpone Polenta with Parmesan Cheese, Braised Leeks and Truffled Porcini
2008 Chardonnay, “L’Evimé”, Banfi IT
Entrees
Pintade Alba
Seared Game Hen with Crispy Potatoes, Taggiasca Olives, Prosciutto and Artichokes
Tajarin Albese alla Finanziera
Ragout of Sweetbreads and Duck Liver with Traditional Egg Enriched Tagliatelle, Mushrooms and Marsala Wine Sauce
Vitello Marengo
Sautéed Milk-Fed Veal Medallions, Tomatoes, Baby Green Garlic, Sweet Roasted Peppers, Carnaroli Risotto alla Milanese
2007 Barbera d’Asti, Araldica, IT
Desserts
Affogato
Shot of Espresso over Your Choice of Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream, Served with Biscotti
Torta Pignolata
Almond Frangipan, Macaroon, Toasted Pine Nuts, with Mascarpone and Strawberries
Michael’s On East is winner of the 2009 Fine Dining Hall of Fame, and one of only 17 restaurants in the nation to receive their 20th consecutive AAA Four-Diamond Awards. Founded on April 27th 1987, Michael's is a collection of fine food and wine establishments including: Michael's On East - fine dining restaurant featuring extraordinary atmosphere, inspired cuisine and intimate piano bar; Michael's On East Catering - creating memorable events from candlelit dinners for two, to dazzling galas for 1,000; and Michael's Wine Cellar - Over 200 wines under $20 at urban-chic, wine boutique and online store www.wineflorida.com.Visit www.Bestfood.com for reservations and more information.Michael's On East is located at 1212 East Avenue South, Sarasota, FL 34239.
DOUBLING EPICUREAN PLEASURE - MICHAEL’S BRINGS LITTLE ITALY TO SARASOTA & DOUBLE POINTS EVERY MONDAY
Sarasota, June 3 – Michael’s On East takes guests to Little Italy every Monday evening with a three-course prix-fixe menu for only $25 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Doubling guests’ pleasure and incentive to dine out on Mondays, Michael’s is offering double points for all Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club members from 5 pm to close.
This savory dinner menu features a choice of tempting appetizers or salads, flavorful entrees and ambrosial desserts every Monday from5 pm to close. There’s only one thing to say “Mangia! Mangia!” For reservations, please call 941-366-0007 or visit www.bestfood.com.
Mondays every one’s Italian! Using family recipes, Chef Al Massa and Phil Mancini have created a mouth-watering menu that would make their mammas proud.
Little Italy Mondays Three-Course Prix-Fixe menu:
First Course Calamari Fried Calamari, Shaved La Quercia Rossa Prosciutto,
Parmesan Cheese, Olive Salad and Basil Oil
Insalata di Mare Calamari, Mussels, Shrimp, Prosciutto-Wrapped Mozzarella,
Tomatoes with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette
Roasted Stuffed Pepper House-made Red Wine Garlic Sausage, Pignolis and Golden Raisins
Zuppa di Casa Escarole, Cannelloni Beans and Prosciutto
in a Rich Chicken Broth with Crostini di Parmigiano
Main Course Ravioli Quattro Formagi Ricotta, Asiago, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Cheeses
with a Light Sauce of Summer Tomatoes and Basil
Risotto Frutti di Mare Arborico Rice with Clams, Mussels, Shrimp and Calamari
Linguini de Mancini Fresh Shrimp with Garlic, Tomatoes
and Toasted Breadcrumbs with Linguini Aglio e Olio
Pesce Spada Mediterraneo Pan-Roasted Swordfish with Arugula, Roasted Peppers, Fennel Confit, Olives and Preserved Lemon
Osso Bucco alla Milanese Classic Braised Veal Shank, Roasted Vegetable Fregula
and Ricotta Salata
Cornish Game Hen "Al Mattone" Pan-Roasted Under a Brick with Fresh Herbs, Roasted Corn Fregula, Sautéed Escarole, Drizzle of Tuscan Olive Oil and Lemon
Scallopini di Vitello Medallions of Veal with Fresh Mozzarella, Eggplant Ragu, House-made Ricotta-Stuffed Zucchini, and Pepperocini Oil
Dessert Cannoli Filled with Chocolate Chips, Ricotta,
Candied Orange Bits and Hints of Cinnamon
Zabaglione Ripe Seasonal Berries Under a Blanket of Fluffy Marsala Custard
Kimmie's Espresso Crunch Served with a side of Amaretti Cookies
Michael’s On East is winner of the 2009 Fine Dining Hall of Fame, and one of only 17 restaurants in the nation to receive their 20th consecutive AAA Four-Diamond Awards. Founded on April 27th 1987, Michael's is a collection of fine food and wine establishments including: Michael's On East - fine dining restaurant featuring extraordinary atmosphere, inspired cuisine and intimate piano bar; Michael's On East Catering - creating memorable events from candlelit dinners for two, to dazzling galas for 1,000; and Michael's Wine Cellar - Over 200 wines under $20 at urban-chic, wine boutique and online store www.wineflorida.com.Visit www.Bestfood.com for reservations and more information.Michael's On East is located at 1212 East Avenue South, Sarasota, FL 34239.
Bill Diamond, Senior Motor Auto Club Manager from the AAA Auto Club South presented Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini their 20th consecutive AAA Four-Diamond Award on Friday, February 12, 2010 at Michael’s On East.
Michael’s On East is one of only 17 restaurants through-out the United States, and one of only two restaurants in Florida to receive the AAA Four-Diamond award for more than 20 years uninterrupted.
Professional evaluators dine unannounced at nominated restaurants by AAA Members, evaluating based upon a rigorous evaluation criteria: a combination of the overall food, service, décor and ambiance. Restaurants do not pay to be AAA Approved and Diamond rated, ensuring objective information and an ample selection.
The AAA Four-Diamond Awards Criteria for receiving this prestigious and distinctive fine-dining experience are:
1.The orchestration of the executive chef
2.An accomplished and proficient staff who delivers exceptional service and meets the guests every expectation
3.A menu that reflects a high degree of creativity and complexity
4.Presenting imaginative dishes that enhance the high-quality and market fresh ingredients
5.A staff knowledgeable of the menu and can provide recommendations of wines and libations to complement each dish
6.A highly refined ambiance, incorporating quality materials and well-coordinated décor, and a variety of upscale design enhancements to give each guest a first-class dining experience.
Michael’s On East is one of only two recipients in Sarasota County to receive the AAA Four-Diamond Award.
The team behind Michael’s On East has been making news lately — becoming local celebrities, really.
However, behind the great success of the staple fine-dining spot, a bigger success is brewing. Sarasota is on the map and not only for its beautiful beaches this time. Sarasota’s tasty talent is finally being discovered.
By staying on top of technology and trends, Michael’s On East has stayed fresh and in front of consumers for more than 22 years. Word-of-mouth reviews from its loyal customers haven’t hurt, either. But continued local attention burst into national attention, when Michael’s On East was named one of only 10 restaurants in Nation’s Restaurant News 2009 Fine Dining Hall of Fame. The inductees, among them big names in New York, Chicago and San Francisco, will be highlighted in the July 20 issue of Nation’s Restaurant News.
Michael’s On East adds that award it to its ever-growing collection, including honors such as the AAA Four Diamond Award every year since 1992, being recognized by the Zagat Survey as the “most popular restaurant on Florida’s Gulf Coast” and consecutively named as one of Florida’s top 20 restaurants by “Florida Trend” magazine for the past 18 years. Even after decades of awards, it seems co-proprietors Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini are just hitting their prime.
“Quality recognition for our restaurant scene can only encourage more budding restaurateurs to join our ranks here,” Klauber says. “To be honored by our national restaurant peers is truly a great accomplishment, but it is the pride in the eyes of every one of our staff that is the best reward.”
Editor-in-chief of Nation’s Restaurant News, Ellen Koteff, said that Sarasota is no longer a place known only for “early-bird specials,” but it’s an up-and-coming restaurant destination. With a number of Sarasota, Longboat Key and other area restaurants continuously named “Florida Trend” Golden Spoon winners, it appears Sarasota’s focus on food is on the upswing.
Restaurants and chefs aren’t the only ones noticing this change. According to research provided by Sarasota & Her Islands Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sarasota County is home to the highest concentration of Zagat-rated restaurants in Florida. In spring 2009, 90.2% of visitors listed “dining out” as an activity they enjoyed while in the area — which ranks higher than the 85% who answered “the beach.”
“We are poised to become a restaurant destination,” Klauber says. “The diversity in restaurant cuisine and ambience has grown dramatically over the past few years in Sarasota. This honor will bring new attention to our local culinary scene, which I believe truly rivals that of some of the bigger well-known markets.”
Derek’s Culinary Casual Restaurant’s executive chef, Derek Barnes, agrees.
“Sarasota is most definitely poised to become a restaurant destination,” Barnes says. “I have lived here for seven years and have watched a wealth of great, innovative restaurants surface in my short time. We already have a large number of highly-rated Zagat guide restaurants and a good amount of Golden Spoon award recipients.” Barnes, who has garnered national attention as a 2009 James Beard Foundation semi-finalist for best chef in the South, credits Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau’s “Savor Sarasota” restaurant week with helping to reinforce the quality restaurants in our area.
Other Golden Spoon award-winning local chefs and restaurant owners are noticing a few more trends in our local culinary world: more international clientele, as well as internationally experienced chefs (such as The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota’s chef, Chris Southwick), a wide variety of fresh, local products, seafood and produce, and most importantly, local supporters.
“The key is a core of chefs who care about producing excellent products who have stayed and not left for a big city,” says Selva Grill’s Darwin Santa Maria. “In all food articles you must now talk about Sarasota chefs and the support of local customers.”
“I think Sarasota is headed in the right direction with trying to establish a more distinct culinary culture,” says Katie Moulton, president and general manager of The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort. “With the continuation of the ‘Savor Sarasota’ campaign, it provides further reinforcement, particularly to our local residents, that they live in an area rich with dining choices. Also, supporting the local, independent restaurants is extremely important if we want to establish the area as a culinary destination.”
best of the best
Nation’s Restaurant News” 2009 Fine Dining Hall of Fame honorees:
• Barolo Grill, in Denver
• Blue Ginger, in Boston
• Bouley, in New York City
• Herbsaint, in New Orleans
• Naha, in Chicago
• Nana Restaurant, in Dallas
• Michael Mina, in Las Vegas
• Michael’s On East, in Sarasota
• New Rivers, in Providence, R.I.
• Slanted Door, in San Francisco
IF YOU GO
Michael’s On East
1212 East Ave. South
366-0007
www.michaelsoneast.com
Michael's On East has been named, along with top restaurants in New York City, Chicago and San Francisco, to Nation's Restaurant News magazine's 2009 Fine Dining Hall of Fame.
Sarasota resident Burton Sack, a former chairman of the National Restaurant Association, said inclusion in the magazine's hall of fame is a very big deal. "To be selected by the industry's leading publication for inclusion in their Dining Hall of Fame is a high honor," he said. "Those of us that live here should be justifiably honored to have one of our own restaurants selected as one of only 10 restaurants in the entire United States to be selected for inclusion this year."
Michael's On East and the other fine-dining restaurants were selected by the magazine's editors based on criteria including excellence in food quality, gracious and professional service and memorable ambiance. "This is the biggest thing in our whole industry, and I've been hoping for this for 10 years," Michael Klauber, who co-owns the restaurant with Philip Mancini, said Thursday. "It's like the Oscars in our industry." Klauber said the staff "was walking on air" because normally the honor goes to well-known restaurants in big cities. "It will help Sarasota get recognized for the awesome restaurants we have here," he said. "We're very excited." Klauber and Mancini have operated Michael's on East for 23 years, and it has hosted the monthly Tiger Bay Club meeting for at least two decades.
The hall of fame designation is the latest in a string of awards won by the restaurant. Michael's on East was named by Florida Trend magazine as one of "Florida's Top 20" restaurants from 1992 to 2006. The Zagat Survey named Michael's On East as the "most popular restaurant on Florida's Gulf Coast" in 1996, 1999 and 2001 and the restaurant has received AAA's "Four Diamond Award" every year since 1992. Just during the last month, Michael's on East was host to United Cerebral Palsy's annual Fabulous Foxes and Hot Mamas event and the Sarasota Pride Festival and fed Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink during the Sarasota County Civic League's annual banquet. "It is not so much an honor for Phil and I as it is for our staff," Klauber said. "They are the ones who made this happen."
