Maison Blanche 2605 Gulf of Mexico Drive Long Boat Key, FL 34228 Phone: 941-383-8088 Fax: 941-383-8085

9.4	Food Presentation Decor Service Value 10 9.5 10 9 8

Fabulously French food fit for "foodies"!

Located on Longboat Key, in one of the more unlikely spots for a high-end, fine dining French restaurant, Maison Blanche completely sets itself apart.  A simple sign and unassuming presence welcomes you upon arrival.  One step inside the restaurant and a stunning transformation takes place.  A white curtained dining room, leather chairs, white table linens, hardwood floors, sleek modern bathrooms, and impressive flower arrangements set the stage for a gastronomic show.

A European styled menu offering a selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts one is not overwhelmed by choice.  However making a selection is not easy, because every item sounds exceptional.  Clearly the chef/owner, Jose Martinez is focused on making the dining experience one to remember.  Although it was not an easy decision, we chose the following:

Mesclun Salad:  field greens with fresh herbs, pine nuts, cilantro, and shaved parmesan cheese $10.00
Fresh and flavorful with the right amount of crunch from the pine nuts.
Tomato Tart:  baked and served with basil juice. $14.00
Surprisingly sweet and fresh tomato taste; outstanding.
Sea Bass:  roasted meuniere, served with young spinach and condiment sauce $36.00
Fish is silky smooth, subtle flavors and unusual pairings of spices; nice blend of flavors and texture.
European Sea Bass:  pan-fried with braised fennel. $30.00
A silky, flaky fish complemented by the subtle texture and flavor of the fennel; a great combination.
Chocolat Warm Cake:  caramel sauce and topped with yogurt sorbet. $12.00
Warm, sweet moist cake contrasted by the yogurt sorbet; “plate licking” delicious.
Apple Tart:  very fine layers with brown sugar and apple sorbet. $12.00
Classic tart, flaky sweet and full of flavor.

In true European style, we were provided small “extra” tastes compliments of the chef between courses; a very nice touch. Additionally, Maison Blanche has an extensive wine list from which to choose your perfect pairing to accompany the fine food.

Although Chef/Owner Jose Martinez hails from France and had restaurants in Paris and the south of France for a number of years, the menu is not classic French. Using classic French culinary techniques, adjusting for American tastes, and using sauces and seasonings to enhance the essence of the food, Jose Martinez, the James Beard Award nominated chef, consistently produces some of the finest dishes in Sarasota and dare I say all of Florida. Flavorful, tastefully presented, subtly seasoned the style is most definetly updated European; no heavy sauces here!

Fabulously French, high-end sophisticated gourmet dining, expensive, but worth every cent! Maison Blanche, a fine dining experience defined.

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Insider Tips With seating up to 10 people, Maison Blanche can provide a customized private dining experience for any special occasion.

Categories: European, French, Seafood
Styles: Fine Dining, Zone - Longboat Key

URL: http://maisonblancherestaurants.com

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