Ray's at the Serving Spoon 1825 South Osprey Avenue Sarasota, FL 34239 Phone: 941-377-2486

9.1	Food Presentation Decor Service Value 10 9 7.5 9.5 8.5

Casually elegant, a uniquely defined gourmet dining experience, that is Ray's.

A typical Sarasota restaurant, not!  Ray's provides a unique, memorable, gourmet dining experience, in a most unusual setting.  A casual breakfast and lunch establishment, the Southside Village location of the Serving Spoon, is transformed on Friday and Saturday evenings, by the addition of white linens, candles, place settings, and smooth jazz music in the background.  Serving a 4 course Prix-Fixe Dinner for $42.00.  One's first impression might be, expensive for a place like this.  Do not let the price discourage you.  This is high end, high quality food with ample portions.  All served in an atmosphere that uniquely defines Ray's.   

There are always 2-3 appetizers, entrees, and desserts from which to choose, all accompanied by a salad course.  Since the weekend menu is usually available by Tuesday or Wednesday, you can check out the offerings while making your reservations. 

Our meal comprised of the following:

Greek Feta and Eggplant Pie:  A crispy phyllo crust is layered with sauteed eggplant, creamy feta cheese,fresh herbs and a light custard and baked until golden/served with light tomato coulis
Light, fluffy and full of flavor
Savoury Tarte Haute Provence:  An individual savoury tarte made of homemade puff pastry is topped with a flavorful ratatouille and layered with fresh buffalo mozzarella, thinly sliced proscuitto di parma and grated parmigiano reggiano
Pastry is flakey, the topping is both salty and sweet, one of my favorites!
Classic Mesclun Salad:  Baby organic field greens are tossed with my famous "Martha's Vineyard-grette" dressing which is basically a classic french vinaigrette with a Japanese twist
Greens are fresh, Asian flare is a nice "pop", next time I will ask for the dressing on the side
Belgian Braised Prime Shortribs:  Meaty short ribs are slowly braised until fork tender with Belgian dark beer, beef stock, streaky bacon and tomatoes and fresh herbs/  Served with au gratin of cauliflower and carrots vichy
Fall-off-the-bone delicious, stringy flavorful beef, just the way I like it
Marinated Grilled "Kobuto" Pork Normande:  Flavorful Kobuto boneless pork chops are brined then grilled to perfection and served with sauteed greens, an entree apple brown betty and a glace de veau
Depth of flavors, starting with the moist rich meat to the sweetness of the fruit
Ray's Famous Warm Chocolate Mousse:  Combine the bittersweet Belgian chocolate mousse and the best chocolate bread pudding, served warm, topped with homemade whipped cream
It's famous for a reason!

All of our dishes were elegantly served, with ample portions (in fact we took some home), accompanied by a very good bread service, and absolutely delicious.  Ray's is not your typical restaurant.  Chef Ray Schilcher and his wife Melanie Haddock have created a casually elegant, uniquely defined, gourmet dining experience.  A SRQREVIEWS must try.

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Insider Tips Rays, is BYOB with a $5 corkage fee per bottle.  Bring 1 bottle of wine per couple and create your own group dining and wine tasting event in a unique dining experience. Please note...Ray's does not take credit cards, cash or checks only.

Categories: New American
Styles: BYOB, Fine Dining, Zone - Southside Village

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