CdZ Restaurant and Lounge

First, let me say this place is closing down. Today is the last day they will be open. Jack Dusty's opens tomorrow and then this place will be converted to a banquet room for the spectacular establishment next door.

I was going to give this place a little bit better review, but I had two issues that forced me to knock it down. First, the bartender was terrible. She was grumpy and had terrible customer service. Her name was Jen, and she seemed to not care one bit about our business. I literally had to thank her, be super nice, and try super hard to start conversations with her about the restaurant and Jack Dusty's next door for her to finally open up some, and even then, her customer service was only so-so. She also was quick to throw Chef Dwayne under the bus for whatever she could. Explaining it was his fault that we were not happy with our food. I really like Chef Dwayne and I won't hold my negative experience here against him. Jack Dusty's is going to be amazing. Based on the sampler event I attended tonight, I know it is going to be a real gem. A hundred million times better than this place! I had just meet Dwayne about an hour earlier at Jack Dusty's and her lack of loyalty was appalling.

Second, there was a defective menu. For some reason we were given a menu that listed the Lobster Mac & Cheese as being priced $8. WHAT A DEAL!!! Jen explained that it was very good and there was lots of Lobster meat. There was only 4 or 5 pieces! Well, $8 is a good deal, especially for Lobster Mac & Cheese. We were hesitant to believe that was the price, so we even double checked the price, counting items on the menu and counting down on the price. Turns out it was $28!!!! THE DEFECTIVE MENU REALLY SURPRISED US WHEN WE GOT OUR BILL!!! It was not cool. Especially because we were already pretty full, we just wanted to have another glass of wine and socialize with our friends before parting ways. We did not need to order more food, but since it was cheap we thought it would be fun to try. I really hope they find that defective menu and make sure it gets tossed out. Granted there is only a chance that it will effect someone for one more day and then the place will be closed.

The Lobster Mac & Cheese was pretty good, but TOTALLY NOT WORTH THE PRICE! There was not enough Lobster Meat at all! It was a total rip off and a major disappointment. Especially cause it was $20 more than our menu stated! We also got the Short Rib Flat Bread. That was also pretty good, and especially because it was actually the same price as the menu stated. The edges of the flat bread were a little burned, but that is expected with a good wood burning oven.

Overall, the food and drinks were expensive and the service was poor. It is expected to pay extra at a fancy establishment, but then extra spectacular service is expected. I did not get it and I was very disappointed. Nevertheless, the restaurant is closing and Jack Dusty's will be the primary restaurant  at the Sarasota Ritz Carlton. I trust that this was a one time incident and that you will have a wonderful time staying or eating at the Sarasota Ritz Carlton.

CdZ is tucked away in the Ritz in Sarasota and really surprised us.  The restaurant reminds you more of a smoking parlor than eatery, but that added to the appeal.  Large, comfortable chairs and plenty of space in between tables made for a private dining experience.  Known as a steakhouse, the ribeyes did not disappoint.  Prices and portions were on par with any nicer-end purveyor of beef.  Don't be turned off to the idea that it is inside the hotel - you won't regret it.

CdZ is the main restaurant in the Ritz Carlton serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The layout has suffered a little since I was here last as they are opening a new bar on one side of this so what used to be a separate bar and restaurant they are now open and together.  So the bar area is less comfortable than before but still offers up great service and food.

Don't let the decor fool you.  While it looks a little ostentatious with it's paneled walls and hanging tapestries, it can be as comfortable as you want to make it as the servers are all great as is the restaurant supervisor that I met, Brandon who was helpful and personable.

I took a seat at the bar and was immediately welcomed by the locals who frequent this place.  Always a good sign for me that a hotel bar has locals at it given all the other choices in town.

The bartender, Louis, was outstanding!  5 stars for him alone!  He was personable, quick with a quip and makes an amazing chocolate martini.  I wasn't drinking on the night I was there so he kept my Pellegrino flowing.  But he also did a great job in making sure my food was prepared EXACTLY as I requested which was a little different than how it usually comes.  I had only planned to spend an hour grabbing a bite to eat and then continuing on my evening plans, but Louis was so nice and the locals were so fun, I just decided to make this my evening destination!

The food is good.  My steak came up perfectly prepared and the steamed spinach was a nice side.  If you go- try the crab cakes.  The people next to me had them and they looked (and smelled) great!  Another surprise is how they serve their raw oysters. They come in 6 shot glasses with three sauces.  So oyster shots have taken a step up in the world as they are served at the Ritz!

The prices here are competitive with any good steakhouse so there were no surprises there.  But given the fun I had on this night in Sarasota, it was worth every penny!  And most of that credit goes to Louis!  A great bartender just makes a place!