SEEING SARASOTA WITH THE SARASOTA MODERN
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/9/26
Discovering a modern oasis in the heart of Sarasota, FL’s art distinct: The Sarasota Modern! Over a long weekend, John and I made our way to South West Florida to experience The Sarasota Modern in downtown’s Rosemary Art & Design District. Let me tell you, The Modern as it is known celebrates a blend of bold architecture, modern design, playful art, yet casual comfort. It is a whole vibe. Here’s our thoughts on the hotel.
The lobby is clean and sleek with pops of contemporary design. The main lounging area has a bold orange couch with colorful pillows, blue chairs, and retro coffee table in a modern design. In the elevator area are more fun retro spots with an eclectic seating area and fireplace. When exiting look up, an alligator is perched above next to a palm tree looking down on the lobby.
The rooms have light and airy vibes! Spacious and clean design with the light wood floors, white and light comfy king bed, retro touches throughout. Large couch seating area with color puff for lounging. The bathroom is sleek white with a rain shower head shower and ample vanity space. The stunner is the balcony overlooking the pool area!
The amentities at the Sarasota Modern float my boat!
Starting with the gorgeous pool sanctuary lined with retro and contemporary green and white loungers and umbrellas. The deck is filled with palm trees galore. The main pool is a great place to cool off. They also have a hot tub, several cabanas that are open for anyone to use. Then, my favorite feature of the pool deck is the cold plunge. It is kept at about 50 degrees and is perfect for the heat! At the pool bar we got the Doctor’s Orders, a creamy and boozy painkiller with pineapple and coconut. For food I opted for the Ahi Tuna Nachos and the Loco Moco.
The nachos are crunchy wonton chips loaded with tender and fresh ahi tuna, creamy avocado, creamy spicy aioli, sesame, crunchy seaweed, picked onions and a delicious savory and sweet sauce. The Loco moco is rich hearty wagyu beef patty on top of white rice, a rich and savory sauce then topped with caramelized onions and mushrooms, a runny egg and scallions. I also enjoyed a poolside old fashioned, a sweet and boozy old fashioned.
Plus, on-site dining options that can’t be missed from Wink, Wink to a one-of-a-kind experience, 7 Paintings. As far as Wink Wink Lounge, is where dishes mix comfort food with a tropical twist paired with creative cocktails and a tiki floral atmosphere. We got several food and drink items from the Jerk Chicken to the Deviled eggs, and cocktails. Starting with the Jerk Chicken, a is tender and juicy chicken with spiced and flavorful jerk seasoning, spicy and sweet honey habanero collards. The Mac and cheese tho! It is rich and creamy. I paired it with the Gin ne sais qui gin martini with tart grapefruit, prosecco, floral lavender and glitter.
For our appetizer we got the Deviled eggs. They are pickled eggs with creamy filling, delicious aji Amarillo, topped with cheese and sprouts. I paired the eggs with the Hey there gorgeous is floral elderflower and bubbly Prosecco with sweet candied hibiscus flower. To end the night we enjoyed the Carrot Cake. It is moist and spiced with tons of carrots with a sweet yuzu lime cream cheese frosting.
Stop the presses, now you can now EAT a famous masterpiece at 7 Paintings. It is a one-of-a-kind (only 4 locations in the USA) interactive 7-course meal that brings 7 famous artists work to life through 3D mapping that brings stunning visuals to each canvas, themed music, amazing menu, and even a wine/cocktail pairing! My favorite part was when I got to play with my food and actually paint my own Jackson Pollack!
Here are the details on the courses, pairings, and artists:
The first course is the DaVinci/Michelangelo. You crack the code with a flashlight, open the box and bring out a hand with a rich, savory, sweet, whipped ricotta tart wrapped in Phyllo. This course is paired with Italian Brut.
The second course is the Banksy Girl with Balloon to reveal a Beef carpaccio! It is really rich and savory the earthy olive and the crunchy crostini perfectly paired with rose wine.
The next course is Picasso, Weeping Woman. It is a tender flaky fish red snapper dish with citrusy and creamy coconut rice. It is served with smooth Albariño.
The fourth course is the Painted our own Jackson Pollack! Paint brushes and cups with different dressings in them to dip the veggies and salad ingredients that comes on the side. My favorite is the ginger dressing. It is served with chenin Blanc.
The next course is the Andy Warhol dish. It came out under his famous tomato can with coco-cola reduction in a bottle!! Rich and tender meat, sweet and savory cocoa glaze and creamy potatoes topped with crispy tangy onions the make this dish! Wine: Cab & Merlot
The first dessert is the Surrealism with Dali. It is an ice cream and crema with a bruleed top. It is served with accoutrement like chocolate, olive oil spray and berries in a smoky bowl. Paired with espresso martini, boozy and strong coffee cocktail.
The final course is another dessert. We got to paint a starry night by Van Gogh IN CHOCOLATE on top of a delicious coconut cake overlay.
Other amenties include complimentary bikes, water, coffee, tea, breakfast muffins, towels, and beach gear. They also have the Retro VW Bus, The Reggie, to take you within a 3 mile radius. Another great amenity is the location! It is in walking distance to local bars and restaurants, Main Street, the Marina, and of course to all things art! Then, only 3.6 miles from the beautiful Lido Key beach with AMPLE beach parking if you go early.
