Community Spotlight Community Spotlight: Michael

SARASOTA — Michael’s On East has been awarded its 26th consecutive Four Diamond rating by AAA. Michael's On East Co-Proprietors Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini accepted the award during a brief presentation the morning of Tuesday, March 3, 2015.

“We take great pride and careful consideration in awarding this prestigious recognition. Today was a truly special presentation in our region as Michael’s On East is one of only two restaurants in the entire state of Florida to maintain the AAA Four Diamond status for 25+ years,” said Don Schwartz, Sarasota-Manatee Field Manager for AAA. Schwartz added that only 24 restaurants have held the Four Diamond status for 25+ years across the United States and Canada. 

Locally, Michael’s On East is the only Four Diamond Award restaurant in Sarasota, Fla. The AAA Diamond Rating Process is North America’s premier restaurant rating program, performed each year by professionally-trained evaluators from AAA’s national headquarters. Only 2.5 percent of the nearly 30,000 restaurants rated are approved by the AAA Four Diamond list. 

“Last year marked an exciting milestone as we celebrated the AAA Four Diamond Award status for a quarter of a century; however, Phil and I are even more proud as we look forward," said Michael Klauber. "As we accept this honor for the 26th consecutive year, we are humbled and thankful for the support of our clients, community and internal team which delivers consistent excellence. We look forward to many more years!"

AAA defines a Four Diamond restaurant as being geared to individuals in search of a distinctive fine-dining experience. Often orchestrated by an executive chef and an accomplished staff, menus reflect a high degree of creativity and complexity, using imaginative presentations to enhance high quality, market-fresh ingredients.

The equally proficient service staff demonstrates a strong desire to meet or exceed guest expectations. A wine steward is typically available to provide menu-specific knowledge on wine selection. The ambiance is highly refined, comfortable and well-coordinated, incorporating quality materials and a variety of upscale design enhancements to give a first-class impression.

There are no payments or membership dues associated with the AAA rating system to ensure objective and trusted reviews.   

About Michael’s On East

Michael’s On East was founded on April 27, 1987. Located at 1212 East Avenue South in Midtown Plaza, the iconic restaurant is open for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, open for dinner 6 p.m. to close Monday through Thursday and 5:30 p.m. to close on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays, with the exception of Easter and Mother’s Day each year.

The establishment is the winner of the 2009 Fine Dining Hall of Fame, and received their 26th consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award in 2015. Michael’s On East is a contemporary fine dining restaurant featuring an extraordinary supper club atmosphere, inspired cuisine and an intimate piano bar. Michael’s On East Catering is Sarasota’s premiere caterer creating memorable events from candlelit dinners for two to dazzling galas for 1,000. Michael’s Wine Cellar hosts more than 1,000 International estate-bottled wines including more than 200 domaine wines under $20, boutique spirits and craft beers. Michael’s Wine Cellar is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 941-366-0007 or visit www.bestfood.com.