the 941

Things are looking up, Sarasota, just in time for season to start filling our empty coffers with filthy tourist luchre. Here are just a few of the new spots that have opened recently, some just in the past week.

Braza Brazillian Steakhouse 1481 Main St., Sarasota, 955-1481 or brazasteakhouse.com
Sarasota’s first churrascaria is finally open, after an extensive remodel of the former of Ritz Camera on Main Street. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, Braza serves rodizio-style, with servers cruising the restaurant bearing spits of grilled meat which they carve direclty onto your plate. It’s all-you-can eat meat, with some seafood offerings and a big salad bar featuring side dishes.

Blu Smoke Island Grill 149 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, 346-0738 or blusmokeislandgrill.com
This restaurant  — in the former space of Maximo’s just off the main drag in Siesta Village — features traditional barbecue mixed with interesting open-fire grilling, along with a variety of sides.

Daawat Indian Restaurant 239 S. Links Ave., Sarasota, 366-4433
After six weeks in the old Canvas Cafe space in Towles Court, Daawat has decided it’s ready for a grand opening celebration. Will this second new India restaurant in a mere six months be a step up?

Urban Reef 1888 Main St., Sarasota, 365-3722
In the former home of Esca, Urban Reef hopes to bring Floribbean cuisine to Main Street, along with island sounds in the upstairs lounge and bar.

Sangria 1532 Main St., Sarasota, 955-8272 or sangriatapasbar.com
This one is more of a re-opening, since owners Caryn and Alex Amaro closed their tapas bar last year to focus on opening Ivory Lounge down the street. Even though many felt the place would never serve again, this spot is again serving its signature Spanish small plates and eponymous red, white and pink sangria for dinner.

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