Savor Sarasota Waterside at Korê Steakhouse

LAKEWOOD RANCH — As Savor Sarasota continues through its 20 days for 20 years gastro celebration, I had the opportunity to try Korê Steakhouse at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. The result was one of the very best Savor Sarasota experiences I’ve had. 

Korê is a Korean steakhouse that specializes in authentic Korean food and culture. Having grown up with a Korean aunt nearby, Korean food was a part of every holiday and family celebration, so I was particularly interested in trying this restaurant and knew that a Savor Sarasota menu (prix fixe three-course dinners for $45 at more than 60 restaurants) would be an ideal manner in which to do so. 

Located in the serene, water-laced confines of Waterside Place, Korê has a warm, modern ambiance that is elevated by excellent service from the moment you are greeted at the door until your parting goodbye. Their Savor Sarasota menu is definitely the most substantial in recent memory, with hearty appetizers, two proteins, and substantial dessert options.

Having arrived early, we enjoyed a cold cocktail at Good Liquid, which has a branch of their brewery/distillery across the street. Once seated at Korê, we were immediately brought some spicy kimchi that was truly superb, and then asked if we would like to try some Subak Mulkimchi, a delightfully refreshing watermelon kimchi that’s crisp, tangy, and well-suited for the scorching heat we’ve been experiencing as of late.

The first course offers a choice between Salmon Crudo and a Kimchi Pancake. The crudo was quite good, but I have to give the nod to the crisp, savory, pan-fried pancakes that were a regular part of my youth. While we were enjoying the apps, our server asked if we would like to sample Korê’s cheese corn, a baked sweet corn dish with mayo and mozzarella cheese, similar to Mexican elote in a cup. Sans the bite of elota, the mozzarella really stood out, making for an interesting appetizer that I’d also recommend.

The second course was prepared at the table with protein choices of New York Strip (4 oz), Beef Bulgogi (4 oz), Filet Mignon (4 oz), Galbi Short Ribs (4 oz), Jumbo Shrimp (3 pieces), and Scallops (4 pieces). The filet was tender and perfectly pink, while the traditional bulgogi more than held its own with the top-shelf cut. The delectable shrimp were a solid seafood option, but the soft scallops, with perfectly seared surfaces, were definitely the star of the seafood options.  A generous side of sticky rice and an assortment of refined housemade dipping sauces complemented the meats nicely.

Dessert choices were Chocolate Trilogy, Melona Korean Ice Cream, Pistachio Gelato, and Affogato, a gelato-based Italian dessert. Again, it was a scorching hot day, and the Melona was nothing short of perfect for the occasion. Korean ice cream is closer to what we usually find in fruit-based ice cream bars, and the tart, honeydew-flavored blocks were served over rich and creamy vanilla ice cream. The result was nothing short of sublime and a perfect way to end a downright outstanding summer meal.

Afterward, we walked off some calories strolling the idyllic Waterside Place, while a band played music and the staunch heat finally began to lift. If you’ve never been, a visit to Korê and some suds or cocktails from Good Liquid is a great reason to make the trip. Savor Sarasota runs through June 20. Click here for a list of participating restaurants and their menus.