The Green Orchid by Michael's On East — Restaurant in Sarasota

culinary delight with standards as high as Walt Disney World's premium restaurants. What an experience. Thank you. First let's start with location. This restaurant is at the Selby Garden. We moved to the area 4 years ago. After 1 visit to the Selby we became members. Adding this green restaurant to a place we already love was a great idea. The atmosphere is very clean and decorated beautifully. The service was top notch. Tiziana was our server and she was incredible. She was knowledgeable and attentive. We never waited for anything. Diana, one of the managers was a very gracious hostess at her restaurant. She was making sure all of us in the dining room were happy. The watermelon martini is a perfect brunch drink. The flavor is not only amazing but there's a basil leaf and a slice of watermelon sitting on top so that in every sip you have the clean scent of basil and watermelon. I had the bagel, lox and whitefish. I literally ate everything on my plate. The dill and chive cream cheese accompanying it all really makes this spread. My husband had an omelette. He said it was the best he has had. He also ordered sausage that look freshly made. For dessert we had the key lime tart. That dessert deserves an award. I dared my husband to ask me to lick the plate clean. Lol. It was that good and no I wouldn't but I thought about it. I have to tell you the Green Orchid has high standards. Something I rarely see. This was such a great date day, Sunday brunch with my husband. I told my husband and I'm telling you the restaurant is flawless in my opinion. We will be regulars. Brunch, a birthday or a date this place will not disappoint. The Parra's...

My lunch experience at the Green Orchid was very pleasant. The menu is creative with unique offerings. I had the Yucca Fries with Chipotle Sauce ($9) as a start and then the Coconut Curry Soup with pulled Chicken ($12) both from the starter menu. The fries were outstanding! The soup was delicious but barely warm, I did not send it back for a reheat as the flavor was outstanding and I just wanted to eat it. I might be wrong but the serving size seemed small, maybe 8 to 10 ounces. My friend had the Crispy Goat Cheese Salad ($18) and she loved every bite. Everything is super fresh. I gave it 4 stars out of 5 because my soup was barely warm and my friend added salmon ($12) to the salad which was raw in the center. Also, I was surprised there was a charge for water. ($4 for a carafe) After the waiter took our drink orders she asked if we wanted water as well. There is no mention on the menu that you will be charged for water; as there was also no pricing for the add-on salmon. That is a pet peeve of mine. It is almost to say, if you have to ask then maybe you shouldn't eat here. We did enjoy our food, conversation, and atmosphere until the end of our meal when more and more dinners came in. The noise level became quite high and all conversation ceased. There are a few outdoor tables but they fill up first. Bottom line is definitely eat there. The food is super fresh, local, and sustainable with many items grown on the property. Just be aware of the hidden prices. I will certainly go back myself. It...

We wanted to spend the afternoon at Marie Selby Gardens since the latest beautiful expansion of the complex ...and we were not disappointed. After figuring out that it is MUCH BETTER to simply join Selby before venturing into the restaurant, we met Ivelina who escorted us through the delicious menu. Everything we ate was exceptionally prepared in the Michael's on East tradition and simply bursting with flavor. We started with Cucumber Ginger Fresca's that were delicious ...on to the Coconut Curry Soup ...Bacon and Eggs (deviled) ...and then on to the Phil's Rhode Island Lobster Rolls ...finishing with Lavender-Infused Creme Brulee that was out of this world. What an incredible restaurant ...able to brag that it is the WORLD'S FIRST net positive energy restaurant with a 50,000 square foot solar array! We had a wonderful afternoon filled with incredibly positive energy and EXCELLENT food! You will love it!! ...