SARASOTA — Having not been to the Ritz-Carlton since it added Rufa, an al fresco eatery on the veranda that serves as a more casual alternative to Jack Dusty, I took Savor Sarasota as the perfect opportunity to sample the fare in the serene bayfront setting.
During Savor Sarasota, participating restaurants offer exclusively crafted prix fixe menus featuring a three-course dinner for just $45, and Rufa’s was the perfect complement to the sunset we enjoyed.
Course one consisted of two delectable rock shrimp tacos, topped with pickled red onion, pico de gallo, cilantro, and smoked chipotle aioli. They proved to be a perfectly refreshing starter on a sweltering hot evening.
My guest had the hand-held Rufa Salad, a sturdy stack of avocado, plantain chips, heirloom tomatoes, red onions, toasted pepitas, white anchovies, baby gem lettuce, with traditional Caesar dressing that was likewise suited to the balmy weather. The signature guacamole was available as a third option…