Local Fine Dining Showcased at Sunday's Forks and Corks Festival

The Crew of Bradenton Beach's Sun House

SARASOTA – The Sarasota-Manatee Originals once again delivered a marvelous showcase of the area's fine dining, complimented by a world-class wine tasting event. The 4th Annual Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival concluded yesterday with the Grand Tasting in the courtyard of the Ringling Museum of Art. The gala was a veritable roll call of the most outstanding restaurants in the area and immediately reminded attendees of how many culinary blessings we enjoy in the Sarasota/Manatee region.

There was not a single disappointment to be sure, and I did my best to sample as many of the offerings as possible. A few that really stood out included Paul Mattison's sweet potato risotto topped with pan-seared pork belly and a maple brown sugar drizzle. A rich and unique comfort food, it absolutely danced across the taste buds. Harry's Continental Kitchen served a simple beef and rice dish that was topped with a spectacular spicy-plum wine sauce that was the epitome of subtle perfection.

Celebrated local chef Raymond Arpke of Euphemia Haye brought his famous pepper sauce, though with a twist, adding it to tender strips of filet mignon over a bed of his legendary Caesar salad. Downtown Sarasota's Bijou Cafe, long known for their uniquely delicious starters, served an impeccable salmon pastrami appetizer.

In the dessert category, Lynch's Pub and Grub, the St. Armand's Circle reincarnation of the old Longboat Key landmark, Lynch's Landing, stole the show with a banana-blueberry crumble cake that was a commonly repeated sample by delighted attendees.

Ophelia's, the bay front Turtle Beach staple that consistently gets nods for most romantic local view, nonetheless managed to steal the show with their baked oyster stuffed with Maine lobster and caviar. It was nothing short of perfect and I'll admit to coming back for seconds of this rich assortment of perfectly complimentary seafood flavors.

Sun House also impressed me with a delicious Guava BBQ shrimp that was tangy and rich without being overpowering. I was very pleased to see that two of my personal favorites brought their signature fare: the nothing short of perfect prime rib from Michael's on East and the impossibly thick and rich lobster bisque from Siesta Key's Lobster Pot.

I also have to give tremendous credit to Primo, the long-time local last word in fresh, authentic Italian. It requires tremendous confidence to offer up something as routine as a meatball amid such unique delicacies, but there is a lesson to be had in sticking to what one knows best.

It was the last thing I sampled, always somewhat of a disadvantage at such a large event, but even on a full stomach, the moist, juicy and impossibly tender meatball set a new standard that every one I eat going forward will have the considerable challenge of being compared to.

On the wine side, I was particularly impressed with Italian winemaker Banfi's Centine Toscana. 60% Sangiovese; 20% Cabernet Sauvignon; 20% Merlot – it is intensely fruitful with remarkable balance.

From the Barossa Valley in Australia, known as their Napa, Chateau Tanunda is affectionately referred to by the winemaker as the Tanunda from down under. A standard bearer of the region, they delivered strongly on the wine that the area is famous for with their Noble Baron Shiraz – an incredibly smooth wine with excellent finish.

After delighting in the international offerings, I was very pleased by Napa Valley's Truchard Vineyards and their Cabernet. From the Carneros region of Napa, the intense cab was well-balanced with flavors of plum, cherry and spice. Gold Coast Eagle added premium craft beers to the event and one worth noting was Belgiam's Leffe and their unique Blonde - Blonde, a crisp Belgian pale ale with subtle banana and pear tones that make it a refreshing brew, perfect for a hot Florida day. In fact, it would be a great addition to any golf course's club house tap room.

There were dozens of other unique and delicious offerings at this perfectly orchestrated culinary event that combines the one of a kind beauty of the Ringling grounds with the area's finest cuisine. A silent auction held during the tasting benefited Meals on Wheels Plus. Flow was well-managed, despite a sellout crowd of nearly 1,300 and the ambiance was casually elegant. Overall the event was nothing short of perfect. Hats off to the Sarasota-Manatee Originals for another smashing success and if you missed it, I'd strongly recommend tuning in next year for what's sure to be another first-rate festival.