A couple of years back, Sarasota’s own, Chef Judi Gallagher put together a collection of her favorite recipes and stories through the years. Reflections & Recipes of Chef Judi. This combination of autobiographical and culinary resource will give you some great new recipes to make AND help you “get through life . . . one recipe at a time.”

I continue my journey with al fresco dining, this week focusing on water views.

Casey Key Fish House

It is well worth waiting your turn on the one-way bridge to get to Casey Key Fish House, an incredible gem. It feels like going to a private island. Sit on the colorful Adirondack chairs and sip a frozen libation while you wait (you can call ahead for parties of six or more, but you may still need to wait). The standard grouper sandwich is on the menu, of course, as well as good fish ‘n’ chips, but go uptown and try the tuna with soba noodles and wahoo with sliced avocados, both expertly prepared. For an appetizer, the new tempura lobster can be a meal for someone in itself, or you could share an order of mussels with garlic and white wine. And the bouillabaisse is one of my all-time favorite dishes.

The Table Creekside

Who says we don’t have gourmet dining on the water in Sarasota? The Table Creekside is the entire package. A global menu with new fall features that include incredible suckling pig, lovely ambiance on Phillippi Creek and an outdoor deck that sits within reach of sea grapes and jumping fish. When the weather eventually cools down, there are heaters to keep you warm so you can enjoy the sunset while you a sip a glass of Cabernet. My picks: braised Korean short ribs and lobster carbonara with house-made bacon. And yes, from time to time you may spot a few manatees slowly passing by.

Ophelia’s on the Bay

This is the time of year that Ophelia’s on the Bay shines best. Often voted one of the most romantic restaurants in town, Ophelia’s outside dining is pretty magical (albeit a little pricey). The menu has dishes that have been popular for the past few decades, like eggplant crepes, with entrée selections ranging from lobster to stone crab to filet to duck and more.

New Pass Grill  

There is something sublime about ordering a cheeseburger that comes in wrapped deli paper and sitting on a dock dodging pelicans as you scarf a side of French fries (I recommend having them the Connecticut way, with chopped onions and ketchup) and a perfect high-calorie double cheeseburger with a smear of mayo. Enjoy it while you look out at the turquoise water and watch boats glide by. And don’t worry about formality here–you can wear a bathing suit and a ball cap and be just fine strolling in from a day on the water. New Pass Grill is a burger utopia venue.

Next up: Do you have a favorite outdoor doggie dining destination? Please let us know your favorite places to bring your pups!

Full disclosure: I’m a restaurant and hospitality-industry consultant and some dining picks do come from my clients; however, all opinions are my own.

The market is held on Lemon Avenue every Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and not only is it a place to see and be seen–for dogs as well as humans–it’s a great place to buy all the fresh, locally grown produce you’ll need for a week of cooking. I’m a big fan of the Asian spinach that can be found there, and the Worden Farms stand is a fantastic place to buy organic produce, from herbs to colorful fruits and veggies. (The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is a big fan of Worden Farms’ produce.) You can get local honey a few booths down–it’s supposed to help relieve pollen allergies–and pick up fresh flowers for your springtime table, perfect for setting the scene for a great meal.

But my favorite new addition to the market is the fish monger, who has set up shop on the corner of Lemon and Main near the Brooks Brothers store. His swordfish is out of this world–you’ve got to try it!

A few tips for those buying fish at the market or grocery store: Always ask if the fish is fresh or frozen and when it was caught. Then buy two small pieces to cook and try for yourself at home. Be sure to try the fish from the market, though–you’ll be heading back to pick up more for sure!

– Judi Gallagher