Gardeners get ready for your new favorite lunch spot - Shoogie Boogies. I love, love, love this place! It’s not fully open right now because of renovations, but John and I enjoyed dessert under the stars last Friday night.
The garden courtyard was set up as a photography studio and bloomed over time into a cafe, tea room and gift shop. It’s easy to see why. The location is fabulous – Towles Court, which is an artists’ colony west of US 301 in the downtown Sarasota area – and the atmosphere is nothing less than delightful. Flowers overflow from old-fashioned claw tubs, and yellow bells trail over the fence. Fountains and flower pots decorate the meandering brick patio.
The food is simple and delicious. I was there once for lunch back in April and gobbled up, if I remember correctly, a crab-tomato bisque and a Waldorf-type salad. What I definitely remember is that it was fabulous. I have a bizarre distaste for any type of warm liquid – coffee, tea, soup – never cared for them, but I loved that bisque! Our desserts were also excellent. John must have told the waitress at least three times how moist the chocolate cake was.
Part of the Garden Room’s appeal is the intimate courtyard, but that doesn’t leave a ton of seating. Reservations are recommended; call 941-951-5437. The address is 1919 Morrill Street Sarasota, FL 34236.
