A client of mine, Alan Dee, decide to purchase a condo in 1350 Main in downtown Sarasota. I asked if he would write a few reasons why he chose downtown and 1350 Main. He was nice enough to write the following.

Downtown Sarasota: Sophisticated, Urban and Manageable

On June 30 we closed on our new home in downtown Sarasota.  It was the culmination of a four-year process that took us to three continents in search of a new place to live.

New York City had been our home for more than 30 years.  We loved the theater, the dance, the music, the museums and the art, the access to some of the world’s best shopping and restaurants.  Those are the positives, but there were negatives, too: the congestion, the prices, the subways at rush hour, and the general pace of things.

We made a list of cities we might consider – Paris; Palm Springs; Santa Fe; Sydney; Saratoga, New York and Vancouver –- and we travelled to each of them at least once to check them out.  We were looking for a manageable, sophisticated urban environment, a reasonable cost of living, and an active arts scene  Each had a lot to offer, but none of them captured both of our fancies or imaginations.

Enter Sarasota.   

Read the rest at – Why I Bought a Downtown Sarasota Condo

I took the family over to Owens Fish Camp a few weeks. I kept hearing rave reviews about it from my friends so we decided to give it a try. My wife’s and I meals were very good. I had the shrimp skewers. They were a little bit greasy to my liking but that is probably why it tasted so good. My wife had the cornmeal crusted grouper and it was yummy as well. My kids did not like their meals that much but they are a bit picky and tried something out of the ordinary (fish and chips).

Our waiter was really cool and he did a great job. I would recommend him but unfortunately I don’t remember his name. The atmosphere is very casual, relaxed and non pretentious. If you have not been to Owen’s Fish Camp I would definitely try it.

1350 Main

Residents of 1350 Main love the close proximity to everything. Starbucks, Whole Foods, countless restaurants and many other amenities in downtown Sarasota are within a short walk. This condo building has one of the best locations if convenience is important to you. Finished in 2007 this 138 unit condo building is one of the newest additions to the downtown Sarasota condo scene. Amenities include a fabulous swimming pool, jacuzzi, sun deck, security, concierge, fitness center, clubhouse, theatre and billiard room. Right now prices range from $325,000 to $1,850,000.

Burns Court Villas

It is great to see some diversity in architecture and is a great addition to the Sarasota real estate condo scene. Burns Court Villas was finished in 2007 and offer 23 Mediterranean style villas which surround a cozy courtyard with lush trees, landscaping and magnificent swimming pool. If you enjoy the idea of living near downtown yet far enough for a little more peace and quiet then you should definitely check out Burns Court Villas. Right now there is only one for sale and it is priced at $599,000. Since it is a smaller community there are not tons of transactions. So far in 2010 there have been two sales and they were $560,000 and $680,000.

Marquee En Ville

Where else can you live downtown where you get a 2 car garage, new construction, easy walk to amenities, over 2,000 square feet for under $400,000? You really can’t other than Marquee en Ville. Despite being on Fruitville road these four story townhouses are built well so you don’t really hear much if any road noise. Finished in 2006 there are 29 spacious units within a convenient walk to just about everything in downtown Sarasota. Right now, there are none for sale but there have been 5 sold in 2010 that have ranged from $325,000 to $385,000.

100 Central

Need Starbucks and Whole Foods nearby? If so, there is no better spot than 100 Central condos. Finished in 2005 there are 95 lucky residents who are within an easy walk to Starbucks, Whole Foods, Selby Public Library, the Ringling bridge, shopping, Patricks, Cafe Epicure, Two Senoritas, Selva Grill, Cafe Americano and numerous other restaurants. Amenities of 100 Central include heated swimming pool, clubhouse, concierge, security, fitness facilities, guest suites, exercise facilities and secured covered parking. Prices currently range from $375,000 up to $949,000. So far in 2010 there have been 6 sales in the building ranging from $320,000 to $895,000.

Downtown Sarasota is a great place to call home. It is large enough to have big city amenities yet small enough to keep that home town relaxed feel.

Marc Rasmussen is a Realtor in Sarasota, Florida

Thinking about buying a vacation home or condo? Take a look at some of the great values to be found on Longboat Key. We have not seen prices like this in several years. You can now buy a nice beachfront 2 bedroom/2 bathroom condo in the $300,000′s. For those who are not familiar Longboat Key is a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. It 11 miles long and half the island is in Sarasota county while the other half is in Manatee county. The beaches are gorgeous and the waters usually very clear. It is a great place to unwind and escape the daily grind.

Longboat Key Fun

There is plenty to do on and around Longboat Key. You can also choose to do nothing. It is a very relaxing environment. Some of the fun things to do include:

• Walk the beach
• Go fishing
• Take a cruise on a boat
• Golf
• Swim
• Tennis
• Dine in any one of several fine dining or very casual restaurants
• View marine life at Mote Marine
• Go to a play at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center
• Shop at St. Armands Circle or downtown Sarasota
• Take a long bike ride on Longboat Key

This is not like Disney World. When you leave Longboat Key there is a good chance that your knots will be untied and you will be very relaxed.

Longboat Key Real Estate

There are many options for today’s Longboat Key home or condo buyer. However, inventories are decreasing. It seems like a bottom has set in. There are very few foreclosures and short sales on the island to drag prices down further. Visit my Longboat Key real estate page to view the latest real estate offerings. Give Marc Rasmussen a call at 941.812.6272 if you are interested in buying or selling a home or condo on Longboat Key.

We just had dinner at Mattison’s City Grille in downtown Sarasota. Locals won’t be surprised to hear that she thought the food was great (salmon salad), the atmosphere was fun and the wait staff was attentive. Although the main dinner plates can seem a bit pricey for the ambiance, if you stick to lighter fare you’ll call it a bargain. I think their hamburger is one of the best in town!  Stop by early to enjoy a really good happy hour with great bar food, too.

We arrived late enough to slide right into the live music of the evening in full swing. I love the life that Mattison’s open air dining and live music brings to Main Street seven nights a week. Tuesday night features Jennifer Leigh & New Digs, Motown, 60s, and R&B music from 7:30-11pm, and I’m old enough for that to be nostalgic! I love that a different band “owns” a nightly slot at Mattison’s, which means that each night of the week develops a following and its own personality.

Find the daily music line up and more about the Mattison’s empire (here’s a surprising factoid for you: Mattison’s does kosher catering?!) at their website:

www.mattisons.com

If you don’t know what German cuisine is, I’ll give you the low-down.  Unfortunately Heinrich’s doesn’t have an online menu but don’t let that stop you!

• Wiener schnitzel is one of the most popular dishes – wiener meaning Vienna, schnitzel meaning cutlet.  This boneless entrée is typically veal, although Heinrich’s offers pork and chicken as well.  It’s pounded thin, coated in breadcrumbs and fried.  The schnitzel in Austria was the size of two hands spread out – Heinrich’s isn’t that big but it’s a very generous portion!  Many varieties of schnitzel are offered – plain with a wedge of lemon, covered in mushroom sauce, with an egg on top, you name it!   
• “Spätzle” is Heinrich’s homemade pasta.  It’s normally shaped to look like mini dumplings – made with flour, eggs, and water.   I’ve tried to cook spätzle and it’s not easy so I’d recommend getting it where you know the chef’s a pro. 
• Goulash is a stew originating from Hungary.  It consists of beef, onions, and paprika – yummy. 
• Bratwurst – german sausages
• Potato pancakes – with apple sauce, sour cream and/or mushroom sauce – soooooo good! 
• And the usuals such as red cabbage, sauerkraut, potatoes, etc. 

If you like different beer, Heinrich’s is the place to go!  You can get a ½ liter, 1 liter or “das boot” which is 2 liters of beer in the shape of a boot!  Come on, how cool is that?!?  Minus the fact that it might get warm if you don’t drink it quick enough… 

Prost!! (cheers in German)

8420 Lockwood Ridge Road

Sarasota, F 34243

941-355-5453

I have a not-so-secret weakness for pie. Others may have their cake and eat it too, but I’m a pie fanatic. I love the contrast between the flaky crust and the gooey filling. The natural affinity for a scoop of vanilla ice cream is an added bonus. In Sarasota, a favorite destination for pie lovers is Yoder’s Amish Restaurant.

The existence of a vibrant Amish-Mennonite community in Sarasota ensures what might otherwise seem like an odd coupling: beach/tourist town and old-fashioned Amish cooking. The menu at Yoder’s does have a few “healthier” choices, but this is mostly stick-to-your-ribs, comfort, high-carb and high-fat food. It’s pretty much uniformly delicious, consistent and tasty…..but the pies!

Mrs. Yoder understands pie. Don’t skimp on the fillings, use great ingredients, and take care with the crust. Hers are flaky and lightly golden; no overcooked or overworked crusts here. The fillings are PILED in and then gilded with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

There are 25 varieties all told, but my current favorite is the peanut butter cream. I’m told the chocolate-peanut butter is richer, but I’m truthfully not sure I could handle it! I’d be embarrassed to have to ask the nice ladies at Yoder’s to carry me to my car.

After indulging in a piece of pie, I waddled the short distance across the parking lot to Yoder’s Farm Market and picked up a bunch of fresh vegetables for an extra healthy dinner. I might be able to make a weekly Yoder’s pie habit work if I have their farm-fresh vegetables for dinner as “penance.” I am QUITE sure a Yoder’s peanut butter pie will be on the menu for Thanksgiving!

Yoder’s Restaurant

www.yodersrestaurant.com

2009 Yoder’s Restaurant Inc.
3434 Bahia Vista St.
Sarasota, FL 34239
Hours – 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon – Sat
Telephone – 941-955-7771

Learn a little more about the Amish-Mennonite in Sarasota:

http://bahiavista.fl.us.mennonite.net/Home/History

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Sarasota, Florida? Take this Sarasota MLS listings search for a test drive. This property search is updated daily with new listings. Here you can find virtually all homes, condo and land for sale in Sarasota, Bradenton, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key, Bird Key, Lido Key and Lakewood Ranch. Property pages contain multiple photos, virtual tours, Birdseye views, Google maps, Realtor descriptions and area demographics.

Are you thinking of selling your home? The Sarasota MLS search can give you all of your competition. To sell a home in today’s market you need to create more value than your competitors. Buyers simply will not overpay for a home. Using this Sarasota MLS search will help you price your home wisely so you can sell your home quickly and easily. Remember, price is EVERYTHING when selling a home. Sellers hate to hear that but it is the truth.

Need help buying or selling? Give Marc Rasmussen with Michael Saunders and Company a call at 941.812.6272.

It’s a great hobby to get some fresh air, exercise and feel excited everyday when you see something new sprouting or budding.  My garden is starting to grow zucchini, cucumbers, broccoli, snap peas and lettuce.  And my pots are growing green beans, tomatoes, basil and cilantro. 

Below are a few steps for vegetable garden planning and growing – I guarantee you’ll find it rewarding, especially when you can just pick from your garden instead of heading to the store! 

1. Try to pick a site that offers at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.  This spot should ideally be located close to a water source and offer proper drainage.  Prepare your soil at least three weeks before planting. 
2. Most soil does better with the addition of organic matter – animal manure, rotted leaves, compost, coffee grinds, etc.  Composting includes anything from lawn/yard waste to kitchen scraps.  You never know, you may grow something you didn’t expect – after composting her garden all summer long, my mom discovered five unexpected acorn squash! 
3. If number two isn’t up your alley – buy some soil meant for growing vegetables.
4. Use organic plant feed or fertilizer – these contain essential nutrients that encourage plant growth
5. Watering – young plants need frequent but light irrigation.  Crops that have matured need more water but less often.  Raised planting beds allow for better drainage.
6. Try to steer clear of pests by perfecting your soil.  If you have problems, use an organic spray.  I’ve heard that cinnamon does the trick as well!