A Sprig of Thyme Review

After settling into our campsite in Sarasota, Florida, we decided we didn’t feel like cooking. Generally, on our adventures, I have everything well planned, including where we will eat. So with the change in plans, I left Chris with the task of figuring out where to eat. After researching several options, he settled on A Sprig of Thyme, not too far away.

When we arrived at the restaurant, I questioned whether they were open. We parked down the street and walked back to the restaurant, happy to find they were indeed open. Another couple entered behind us. A server greeted us and asked if it was a party of four. When we indicated it was just the two of us, the server directed us to pick any table.

We chose a table halfway between the front door and the kitchen. We were pleased to see the other couple picked a table on the opposite side with plenty of distance from us. The décor in the restaurant was lovely, with beautiful flowers on the tables.

Our server offered wine and looked less than thrilled when we decided to stick with water. After the other table ordered a bottle of wine, we noticed that the server spent a lot more time with them talking about the menu.

I was mildly concerned that we would receive less than stellar service based on our lack of interest in wine and our casual attire. As our meal progressed, however, Rosemary allayed my qualms, giving us excellent service.

The menu was fantastic, making it difficult for us to decide what to order. We ordered Tomato Tartare for our first course. The gorgeously constructed dish of Roma tomatoes, shallots, figs, and garlic with olive oil, cracked peppercorns, and sea salt was spectacular, with the look and feel of a traditional tartare. The gorgonzola-green onion crème fraiche highlighted the other ingredients with a beautiful buttery feel followed by a lovely pop of parmesan. The toasted baguette added the perfect crunch to the dish.

We next ordered Bistecca Bruschetta, thinly sliced beef tenderloin poached in Lambrusco wine served chilled on garlic butter crostini, topped with tomato bruschetta, and parmesan. The dish was succulent, luxurious, and flavorful. The tenderloin almost melted in my mouth as I ate. While I wanted more, we still had entrees coming.

The decision on the entrée was even more challenging than the appetizer. I wanted to sample everything on the menu. Chris finally decided on Saltimbocca of Scallops. The trio of colossal scallops was wrapped in prosciutto and smoked bacon, giving it a presentation unlike any scallops we have seen before. The scallops, dusted with sage, were broiled golden and served over sauteed spinach. The reduction of port wine and thyme was the perfect accompaniment to the scallops.

I have only recently become a fan of salmon. I have never enjoyed the fish as it is so often overcooked, dried out, and most unpleasant. When Chris finally cooked salmon for me, I was doubtful but willing to taste it. I found my new favorite protein. Due to my previous experience, I am still hesitant to order salmon when we go out because I don’t trust they will get it right.

With the quality of the appetizers we had already eaten, I was confident that the Salmon a La Provence would be delicious. I was not disappointed. The seared and pan-roasted filet of wild salmon was perfectly medium-rare. The tomatoes, onions, garlic, and peppers topping the fish gave it an elegant flavor, and the lavender bud and tarragon beurre-blanc was the perfect finish. Both of our entrees came with beautifully tender carrots and green beans as well as divinely fluffy mashed potatoes topped with a lovely, crunchy potato tuile.

As fantastic as all the food had been so far, I wanted to order Tiramisu for dessert but did not have room left to eat it right away. Knowing this dessert could not be packed to go without losing its presentation, I expressed my dilemma to our server. She asked how long we would be in town. When we mentioned that we were staying overnight, she suggested we take the dessert to eat later and return the dish before leaving in the morning. It was the perfect solution, and I thoroughly enjoyed the dessert while listening to the tree frogs later that night.

Before leaving the restaurant, the chef came out to make sure we enjoyed our dinner. We learned about his and the building’s story. Our server has been working in the same building through three restaurant changes.

We were delighted to find A Sprig in Thyme. Of all restaurants we have been to, this was one of the top five best meals we’ve eaten. Cost for two appetizers, two entrees, and dessert $94.16.