Interesting place We…read morewere heading someplace else for dinner which was unexpectedly closed and were convinced to try Poki Joe's by none other than Joe himself. It is the off season and very slow, which made us the only customers during our visit. Friendly people, interesting place. I like collecting things, for example restaurant visits, so I was particularly impressed with the old vinyl records and photos covering the walls, and a small beer can collection. 50's music was playing. They offer both sandwiches and dinner entrees, I went with what they call their Big Ass Cheeseburger. It was pretty big at 9 oz, and came with 2 sides. The sides were also big. All my food was very good and only took about 10 minutes. Unfortunately there was a kitchen smell we didn't like. I got used to it, my wife not so much. That threw off her desire to eat so we brought most of her food home. Poki Joe's has mainly been a catering business for many years, only infrequently operating as a café. That changed a few months ago. They are definitely still a catering business but also operate the café. The café is open every day except Sunday, and on Sunday is open for special events.

Made a reservation for 9 with a 2 hour notice, no problem. Started with the Greek Cesar Salad…read more.. Best I've ever had! Ordered Fettuccine Ala Poki (bacon &a mushrooms) OMG! So good!!! Wait staff was so accommodating! Are you looking for fun music, very nice wine/beer selection, nice people and GREAT food... This is your place! The owner came out, sat with us & had great conversation! Thank you "Poki" Joe for a great night!

There are all types of BBQ out there and I admit I am a harsh critic when it comes to BBQ. It's…read moreobvious that this small family operation offers up a fresh product but I don't know if I can classify it as BBQ or even smoked meats. I always look at the surroundings and didn't see any evidence of a wood stack or that there had ever been wood onsite only a few large propane tanks attached to the front of the trailer. This is usually the first sign of a gas smoker and with the absences of any smoke coming from the vent stack I was immediately a skeptic. I stopped in for a light snack because it very difficult for me to drive by any road side BBQ stand without at least trying a few rib bones regardless if I'm very hungry or not. Today's visit was no exception this is a beautiful food trailer set up next to a gas station, the property is very clean and neat it's very clear these people are very organized and care about their appearance. The staff was extremely friendly and told me I could order as much or as little as I wanted I love that option and that's what ordering by the pound is all about. I ordered 3/4 of a pound which came out to four bones of spare ribs for a little over nine dollars. I also was tempted by the chicken but it looked more roasted than smoked so I decided to pass. The utensils, napkins and sauces (hot sauce had excellent flavor not too spicy though) are serve yourself right next to the walk up window it was well organized and very clean this was a great setup especially since the meats are not pre-sauced another great decision since it's impossible for someone to know what type of sauce I like or how much I like. Now on to the food - Pork Spare Ribs - Fall off the bone tender and very meaty Lacked any bark or dry rub seasoning that I could detect Lacked a smoke ring or smoke flavor The ribs tasted roasted not smoked but if you like tender ribs and like to dip or cover them with sauce these maybe the ribs for you. I love the taste of smoke and the absence of smoke is the issue like I said earlier they are offering up a good fresh product just not what I call authentic BBQ.

Bbq was delicious. Cornbread was so moist! The best I have tasted around town. We will be regulars…read morehere!

Chef Thomas was incredible! He was so accommodating with the menu, the birthday girl wanted simple…read moredishes, but also wanted some fun & flavorful options for her guests, and he totally nailed it. He went above and beyond to make sure everyone had the best experience, and even surprised us with a few extra touches that made the night feel extra special. The food was amazing, and the service was just as impressive. Highly recommend booking him, you won't regret it!

I hate to say what I'm about to write, but I feel you must know who you're dealing with if you do…read morebusiness with Tom Villetto. For years I considered Tom a good friend. He stayed at my house. We had many dinners together. I trusted him so much I loaned him a sizeable amount of money to buy a large piece of equipment for his business. He signed a contract with repayment terms. He made some payments, and then he ghosted me. I learned that he sold the equipment and wasn't going to repay me. I hired an attorney, served him a Demand Letter, and have been struggling for years to get full payment. He won't even return my texts and calls. Clearly, I no longer trust or respect Tom. I recommend you do not do business with him.

Sarasota Catering did an amazing job providing excellent food and attentive service for a family…read moreevent. The staff arrived on time and worked nonstop throughout the day and into the late evening. They were friendly, professional and gracious. The strolling hor d' oeuvres were presented beautifully and perfectly prepared. The bartender kept up and was knowledgeable. Our dinner was a high point and beautifully executed. We had several options so I went with the grouper. The picture came out kind of flat because of the lighting but it was delicious. Our drinks were never empty and we had to ask for nothing.

We had a 70th birthday party and invited the neighborhood to the pool pavilion. Sarasota catering…read morebrought a huge grill and made the best hotdogs, hamburgers and chicken skewers. They had all the sauces and fabulous sides. The desserts or different types of baked goods that were wonderful. Their staff helped clean up as plates were used and everything went very smoothly. I highly recommend them.

Outstanding I didn't…read moreknow this place existed until today when my wife mentioned it. I know it exists now, and I know they serve some outstanding meatloaf. Chef Ken's Meatloaf is a large serving of meatloaf atop a potato waffle, topped with a mushroom gravy. It all worked together very well. Plating was professional. The green and blue look of the restaurant promotes a fresh clean feel. It is a small place, they said 7 tables, with a nice choice of background music. It is also a place where interactions can include conversation as well as attentive service. It is a place where I would like to return.

I haven't visited the restaurant, but the food truck is AAA. Amazing food truck fare, huge servings…read moreand good prices. I've had them on a few different occasions and have been impressed each time. Their pulled chicken Mac n cheese is to die for, and their shrimp or chicken pitas are fantastic!

Lovely spot- spacious and clean decor. Super friendly and helpful staff. AND…read morethe food is superior quality and lovely styling. Highly recommend this for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Will not break the bank when dining here. J

I was happy to see the old Nellie's Deli site is being used again, this time for Claudie's, a…read moreFrench restaurant. This family run business has only been open for a couple of months. I stopped in this morning for breakfast just as they opened. The restaurant is large with an open layout and a very fresh look. French instrumental music played in the background. I had a relaxing visit. For breakfast I tried their Broccoli Quiche, a personal sized serving, and I chose a salad as my side. It was a good breakfast, the crust was flaky, the filling tasty. At the moment they offer 5 different types of quiche, including the classic Quiche Loraine. I hope someday they expand the breakfast menu to include my favorite, Croque Madame. I wish them well as they continue to get established in the restaurant scene. They also offer catering.

Deliciously authentic puertorrican food. Highly recommended for the great food and outstanding…read moreservice.

Food is fire. Service is good. Close to home. Authentic Puerto Rican food. Prices are reasonable.read more

A wonderful five course, wine paired dinner hosted by two chefs and a wine importer at Innovative…read morein the Sarasota airport business district. Chefs Gaetano of Bradenton' Ortygia and Chef Rich Knowles of the former Enriched teamed up to create a terrific menu in a lovely space. Lots of laughs, great food and good fun for $105pp All five courses were unique and paired with whites and reds that matched the dishes origin, intensity and flavors. The first course salad, a Chef Rich creation paired with a rich Pinot Grigio and was followed by a Chef Gaetano octopus stew that was paired with a unique Chianti that blended Sangiovese with 10% dried Cabernet (a little Ripasso) that added depth without the oak. A fav WOTN. We moved on to Guy's Pappardelle with Bolognese and a massive wine that would please big boy wine lovers. The final main was Rich's lamb chops (was totally full by then) which were amazingly flavorful and the accompanying white bean truffle puree was killer. We finished with that amazing pistachio cake and a glass of Tokaji from Hungary. Service, provide by Richard and Jeffrey was impeccable! The space was classy and comfortable - perfect for this kind of event. Thanks to April Childers for organizing and coordinating it all! Look for more in the future! Or call them up for your own on site event! Cheers!

Innovative Dining by Chef Rich Knowles is a boutique-style catering company that hosts monthly…read morefixed price 5 course food and wine pairing events at a facility located in The Airport Commerce Center just behind the Sarasota International Airport. Chef Rich Knowles is a Bradenton native who opened up his own bistro in Bradenton, enRich Bistro, which became a local favorite spot for great food, wine and craft cocktails for 6 years until he had to close down due to Covid. Fortunately, as one door closed for Rich, another door opened. Chef Rich is excited to be opening a new restaurant & winery at the Water's Edge Winery in Downtown Sarasota soon! Tour of Napa Wine Dinner Menu Reception: Silverado, Sauvignon Blanc, 2018 9/10 Course 1 Local Stone Crab Chowder, sherry cream, micro celery 8/10 Blushing Frog, Rose, 2019 9/10 Course 2 Arugula Salad, pickled shallots, herbed goat cheese, baby heirloom tomatoes, coriander cured duck egg yolk, yuzu chardonnay vinaigrette 9/10 Flora Springs, Chardonnay, 2017 9/10 Course 3 Seared U10 Scallops, roasted sage butternut squash puree, Thai basil pesto 10/10 ZD, Pinot Noir Carneros 50th Anniversary, 2018 9/10 Course 4 Braised Bison Short Rib, mole Bison jus, truffled celery root puree, sauteed broccolini, ZD cabernet reduction 10/10 Cabernet Duo: ZD, 2017 and Vineyard 29, 2017 9/10 Course 5 Sweet Corn Crème Brulee 8/10 Frog's Leap, Zinfandel, 2018 9/10 I could have ate more scallops or braised Bison Short Rib! It was so delicious! Portion sizes were a little on the small side but the wine selection was exceptional! I look forward to trying more of Chef Rich Knowles creations at the Water's Edge Winery which will be opening in Downtown Sarasota soon!