Restaurant Jobs, Places to Rent...beaches (Sarasota, Bradenton: fit in, best neighborhoods, apartments)

[snivlem]

Well, it looks like we are moving to Sarasota. Currently in Flowery Branch, GA, we are planning on moving down to establish residency and attend college down there. We are a young (30,32) married couple with a dog and a cat, no kids yet. We both have jobs in hospitality, me a bartender at a country club, her a manager at an upscale bistro. We are planning on working in this field as we go to school, and we are sure that we will be able to find jobs in the hospitality industry down there. If you were to work in a restaurant down there, where would you want to be? I would prefer an independent casual restaurant near the beach/water/downtown, nothing corporate. Should I be looking out on one of the beaches or downtown? I would prefer to live close to work, and not more than 30 or so minutes from New College of Florida, so I am looking at places to rent that fit in this criteria. Are there good restaurants near the beach that have year-round business? I am a beach bum, so the closer to the ocean I am at all times, the happier I am. It would also be nice to be able to walk from where we live to stores and restaurants and such. Leaving suburbia somewhat is a goal. We are looking at places $900 and under, the more furnished the better, and must allow pets. What areas should we look into? We will be moving down mid-summer, does this give us an advantage on finding a nice place to sign an annual lease? I have a million other questions, but this is a good place to start.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by snivlem

Well, it looks like we are moving to Sarasota. Currently in Flowery Branch, GA, we are planning on moving down to establish residency and attend college down there. We are a young (30,32) married couple with a dog and a cat, no kids yet. We both have jobs in hospitality, me a bartender at a country club, her a manager at an upscale bistro. We are planning on working in this field as we go to school, and we are sure that we will be able to find jobs in the hospitality industry down there. If you were to work in a restaurant down there, where would you want to be? I would prefer an independent casual restaurant near the beach/water/downtown, nothing corporate. Should I be looking out on one of the beaches or downtown? I would prefer to live close to work, and not more than 30 or so minutes from New College of Florida, so I am looking at places to rent that fit in this criteria. Are there good restaurants near the beach that have year-round business? I am a beach bum, so the closer to the ocean I am at all times, the happier I am. It would also be nice to be able to walk from where we live to stores and restaurants and such. Leaving suburbia somewhat is a goal. We are looking at places $900 and under, the more furnished the better, and must allow pets. What areas should we look into? We will be moving down mid-summer, does this give us an advantage on finding a nice place to sign an annual lease? I have a million other questions, but this is a good place to start.

For work, I would look around St. Armand's Circle, just over the bridge from downtown. This area is lively year yound with locals and visitors, many upscale places and most of them seem to do well. Lido Beach is right there of course and you are only 15-20 minutes from New College. Second choice for work would be around downtown, not as seasonal as the beaches, but definitely less business during the off season.

For place to live, check Craigslist for neat places to rent such as garage apartments or other similar setups in the museum area, (walking distance to New College) Indian Beach and Laurel Park. If you find something in Laurel Park, it is walking distance to downtown, and right over the bridge to Lido Beach/St. Armand's Circle.

Good luck, I hope this helps a bit!

[snivlem]

Thanks much. Laurel Park sounds ideal.

[SoFLGal]

I totally agree with Gypsychic on her recommendations. I just wanted to add another neighborhood to the list-Sapphire Shores is also within walking distance to New College and close to the downtown area.

A few downtown and surrounding area restaurants worth checking out for employment are:
The Melting Pot
Bijou Café
Café Epicure
Fred's
Marina Jack's
Mediterraino
Pane Vino
Patrick's
Pho Cali

On St Armand's Circle:
Charley's Crab
Crab & Fin
The Columbia
Christopher's
Hemingway's
Silver Cricket

[byebyNJhelloFL]

does anyone know how well Bonefish Grill restaurants do in this area?

[SoFLGal]

I think the Bonefish does pretty well in Sarasota. If I remember right it's near the corner of Bee Ridge Rd and 41. Whenever I've driven past there's always been a line but then again it is season so most places have a line right now. I think it's been there a few years now.

[gypsychic]

There is also a Bonefish on University Parkway, and another up in Bradenton, so they must do pretty well. I have been to Bonefish in 5 different cities, including Asheville and they are ALWAYS busy - always a line. They have great food.

[snivlem]

What about restaurants on either Lido or Siesta? Are there many? Are they more seasonal than at St Armands and downtown?

And if you wanted to walk everywhere you went, where would be the best neighborhoods?

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by snivlem

What about restaurants on either Lido or Siesta? Are there many? Are they more seasonal than at St Armands and downtown?

And if you wanted to walk everywhere you went, where would be the best neighborhoods?

There are very few restaurants on Lido, and the ones that are there are part of the big hotels. The restaurants serving Lido are on St. Armands.

Siesta, IMO is more seasonal and the restaurants are few and mostly of the very casual variety. Most are in Siesta Village, and there is Turtles down at the south end. I don't know how well one could do there, but the ambiance is great. You will have a much farther commute to New college, and in season is very difficult to get on or off the key.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by snivlem

What about restaurants on either Lido or Siesta? Are there many? Are they more seasonal than at St Armands and downtown?

And if you wanted to walk everywhere you went, where would be the best neighborhoods?

Everything that Gypsychic said is correct. It does get kind of crazy getting on and off Siesta in the winter.

On Siesta you have:
The Daiquiri Deck
Lobster Pot
Siesta Key Oyster Bar
Turtle's

My ex used to work at Euphemia Haye out on Longboat Key. The owners Ray & Darcy Arpke are great to work for. The restaurant is very exclusive and they are always busy. Maybe something to look into.