I went to a relatively new restaurant in Sarasota a couple of weeks back — Veg. It’s a vegetarian and seafood kind of place; located in a little strip mall right across from the Gulf Gate Mall (2164 Gulf Gate Drive).

Very relaxed, casual, but has a sweet, clean, and upscale kind of tone to the restaurant. Sometimes with vegetarian places, you get the relaxed and almost too-casual vibe and little attention is paid to the tone or experience. But at this place, Veg — has a really nice vibe — I liked it a lot. It’s even got a tiny little bar area where if you just want a bite to eat solo, you can perch on a stool and munch in solitude (relative!).

I particularly like the entrance — I know that sounds funny, but it just looks so welcoming. See the bench and the blackboard with the day’s specials? I like that.

My food was excellent. I had a veggie burger that was so tasty I am still hankering for another one. I’d like to go back in the evening and try the portabello volcano (marinated portobello topped with caramelized onions and garlic mashed taters with spinach — this sound SERIOUSLY YUMMY!!). You can check their menu online — it’s got lots of great stuff.

I took a take-home menu and it says that the owners are the Glucklich family — I believe the husband is from South Africa; and I met the wife and the daughter the day I was there. The hours are Tuesday through Sunday 11-230 pm for lunch. For dinner it’s Tuesday – Thursday 5 to 8 pm and Friday and Saturday until 9 pm.

I strongly prefer supporting local, especially family-owned, restaurants, and this place really hit the spot after I’d been on a Sunday morning hike (as much as a hike as you can get in the flatlands of Sarasota). I’m definitely going back.

Anyway — it’s a fabulous little find, and I recommend it. I doubt they’d remember me, but if you go, feel free to tell them you heard about their restaurant on my blog.