I’m always excited about new restaurants opening in Sarasota-Manatee, but — let’s be real — another fast-casual concept doesn’t exactly make me drop everything the way a buzzy new spot from an acclaimed local chef might.
Especially a fast-casual place with a silly name, incongruously situated on Palm Avenue — downtown Sarasota’s “gallery row,” known for its thriving arts scene and home to beloved, high-end restaurants like Caragiulos, Café Epicure, and Kojo, plus the charming boutique hotel Art Ovation.
So, yeah, I’d been seeing the signage for the fast-casual restaurant Waffle Monkey nearly daily for months on my walk to or from the gym, Jefferson Fit. Now, though, after dining at Waffle Monkey twice, I’m afraid all my workouts will be in vain — thanks to the constant urge to dive into one of the most ridiculously good fried chicken and Belgian-style waffle combos in town…