The team behind Michael’s On East, a staple of Sarasota’s fine dining, wine, and events industry, will begin construction on a yet-to-be-named concept located in Selby Gardens, at 1534 Mound St, with plans to open next fall according to co-proprietor Michael Klauber.
“We’re continuing our relationship with Selby Gardens, and planning a new farm-to-table restaurant to open in October 2023,” Klauber tells What Now Tampa.
Michael’s on East currently operates Selby Gardens’ on-site cafe, and also serves as the historic landmark’s exclusive catering partner. The cafe, located inside Selby House, boasts a menu of fresh sandwiches, wraps, grain bowls, salads, soups, snacks, pastries, and desserts, as well as specialty coffees, espresso drinks, hot and iced teas, and beer and wine.
Founded in 1987 by Klauber and business partner Phil Mancini under the Best Food umbrella – which also includes Michael’s Wine Cellar and Michael’s Events & Catering – Michael’s On East enjoys the unique distinction as Sarasota’s only Four Diamond Award restaurant according to AAA, thanks to its elevated menu of fresh seafood and pasta, steak, prime meats, and elegant side dishes such as Molly’s Truffled Mac & Cheese, Royal Wild Mushrooms, and savory Potato Croquettes.
Perhaps more impressive, however, is the restaurant’s monthly epicurean three-course dinner, dubbed Michael’s Epicurean Adventures, which “[challenges]…the culinary team at Michael’s On East…to create new dishes inspired by the world’s most exotic destinations,” according to the brand’s website, and promises an experience of “ever-changing, palate-pleasing global cuisine.”
