Vernona @ Ritz Carlton - Sarasota, FL
Posted by Ben | Under Restaurants - Fun Times Saturday Sep 13, 2008
Although I am not a morning person, I do enjoy breakfast… but I enjoy it about 6pm! Yes, I am one of those people that enjoys fried eggs and bacon in the evening hours. Rarely, do I eat anything more than a granola bar in the morning.
While staying at the nice boutique styled Ritz Carlton in Sarasota, I was awakened early (by the bad sunburn I received the day before), and decided to get a bite to eat. I ventured to the first floor and found myself seated at their beautifully appointed restaurant, Vernona.
Vernona is known for its organic offerings of regional cuisine. The Eggs Benedict was the good choice, however, the Anson Mills’ Organic Grits were a great choice! The grits tasted unlike any that I have ever eaten. Very clearly, they must have been cooked in whipping cream as they were not course but more akin to Cream of Wheat. The addition of a sweet cream butter made the bowl of grits almost souffle-like. Again, they were the best grits that I have ever eaten. My breakfast guest is not a Southerner and he ate every bite of his grits (I had to convince him to order a bowl).
Ritz Carlton’s are known for five star experiences, and the Sarasota property is no exception. Although smaller than most of its counterparts, this property is perfect for a weekend getaway. Located in the downtown area of Sarasota directly on the bay, there is plenty to do and see. Again, it is the perfect weekend getaway and the hotel boasts a very nice spa.
Anson Mills grits are the best! I was introduced to these stone-ground grits by chef Hubert DesMarais, formerly of the Four Seasons Palm Beach.
He cooked in a tribute dinner to the late Breakers’ chef, Mathias Radits, who loved the Low Country shrimp n’ grits.
Cooking them in half-and-half makes them creamy and delish! Adding cheese and a touch of garlic dresses them up. Leftovers can be chilled in pan, cut into squares or sticks and fried. Great under fried green tomatoes, or eggs and ham.
When Dylan was just a little thing, he came up with a name for having breakfast food at dinner time - “bupper!”
We used to have pancakes for supper, and sometimes eggs. I know a lot of folks who eat pancakes for supper — bacon-studded pancakes (this gets back to that bacon-maple flavor) are terrific.
My parents would eat corned beef hash topped with eggs. I never got my jaw set for that dish, particularly, but now that I have an adult palate, I could see where it would be OK. I think they serve this at Southern Kitchen, and possibly John G’s.
My husband and I have stayed at this Ritz several times. Nicely furnished, accomplished cuisine and good service. Try a Champagne Cocktail in their large lobby bar.