For the first time since the recession began 7 years ago, construction cranes will rise above downtown Sarasota in 2013.
Simultaneously, the most talked-about of the Sarasota downtown restaurant in years is opening to rave reviews. Downtown Sarasota is booming again with new businesses and new construction, and longtime residents can feel the excitement on the street.
Louie’s Modern on Palm Avenue opened the first week of April with a menu designed to appeal to Sarasota’s diverse range of residents and to visitors from around the world. Louie’s Modern highlights culinary creativity, the freshest foods, and superlative personal service. The menu begins with snacks, soups, and pizzetas, and it includes entrées like Sweet Onion-Scottish Salmon Hushpuppies, Spoonbread Johnnycakes, Short Rib Bourguignon, and Curry Roasted Cauliflower with Red Quinoa Pilaf. Vegetarian plates, gluten-free items, and indulgent desserts are also part of Louie’s menu. Snack and entrée prices range from $4-$24, and craft beers are offered ranging from $4-$8. Wine enthusiasts will want to check into the extensive wine list.
At Louie’s Modern Barista Bar, open daily at 7:00 a.m., customers can grab breakfast to-go or savor the perfect cup of coffee. Past the Barista Bar and through Louie’s dining room, you’ll discover The Francis, a special events venue available for conferences, groups, and parties of 10 to 250. Louie’s provides catering and attentive professional service to events at The Francis, and the facility features stylish, private dining, up-to-the-minute audio/video technology, and complementary covered parking. Louie’s Modern has hired more than 100 employees, and the restaurant is a key factor in Sarasota’s post-recession recovery, but it’s still only one part of the vibrant downtown picture.
The Jewel, a high-rise luxury condominium tower, is going up this year at Palm Avenue and Main Street after several years of anticipation. Designed by Sarasota architect Gary Hoyt, the sophisticated-yet-trendy complex plans to feature a state-of-the-art fitness facility, a heated pool, Jacuzzi, spa, yoga room, caged tennis court, and even a six-hole putting green. The Jewel promises a contemporary look with plenty of glass and a lush 4th-floor garden; the complex will offer 18 ultra-luxurious condos and 6 ground-floor retail and restaurant sites. Plans are also proceeding for a new 10-story luxury hotel on Palm Avenue and a fashionable, 40-unit town-home community on Ringling Boulevard next to the County Administration Building. In 2013, downtown Sarasota is lively, busy, and booming. The city continues to emerge as southwest Florida’s leader in commerce, culture, and quality of life.