Puttin' on the Ritz!

Since all of the events with Yelp in 2012 were so awesome, I couldn't wait to see what 2013's events had to offer! Brett, our community manager, sent out the email to RSVP to the first event ("Who is Jack Dusty?") and I immediately say the words "Ritz Carlton" - yes please! We were going to a classy Yelp Elite Only event at a restaurant opening for Jack Dusty at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota!

To answer the proverbial question:

Who is Jack Dusty?

The restaurant’s name harkens back to nautical lore and was an 18th century short-hand term for the naval store clerk. “Jack” referred to the additional national flags flown at the bow of a ship and later became a general term for sailor (Cracker Jack). “Dusty” comes from “Jack of the Dust” who was once the Purser’s steward working in the bread room, handling the flour. The Jack Dusty, under the “Purser” was responsible for doling out the daily lot of rum, or “grog” to sailors on board ship. In later years, the Jack Dusty was assigned the task of meticulously maintaining the inventory of the ship’s rum and food stores. Today, Jack Dusty is a symbol of camaraderie and community; festively gathering together to enjoy a good meal and drink.

Hubby and I were able to get to Sarasota in about 50 minutes and it was totally worth it! We entered the Ritz Carlton, with lovely valet service, and walked into a Yelp mirage! Check-in was seamless!

Once we walked into the venue we knew it was going to be a good night! A great DJ pumped fantastic tunes, servers were everywhere with drinks and hor'dersves! We were even given the chance for a scavenger hunt using the Ritz Carlton app and visiting people who worked with the restaurant inside - genius idea! That was my first project, so that I could enjoy the party without homework simultaneously! ;)

The views from the terrace outside of Jack Dusty's are gorgeous!

We bopped around and ran into a couple of friends we knew and made our way around stalking finding servers with tons of bites and drinks to try!

Venue: Amazing! I loved how the decor was very sailor-esque, while still being modern and sheek. The bar was open and spacious with a person shucking oysters right at the end! The Terrace was my favorite - it had awesome views of the Intercoastal and plenty of places to sit. Stone fire pits adorn the area along with comfy sofas and seats.

Wait. Let me back up a second. I have to remember that I'd entered a Twitter contest during the week tweeting @YelpTampaBay with the hashtag #WhoIsJackDusty to try to win daily prizes! I won on Tuesday which meant we were coming back for a future overnight stay and drinks on the house!

This gem was my lucky entry:

"I'm sure the Starboard Swizzle will lead to the Party Rock Shuffle #justsayin @JackDustySRQ @YelpTampaBay #whoisjackdusty "'

(The Starboard Swizzle was a drink on their menu!)

So, this trip was also to check out the digs for our upcoming Anniversary trip ;)

(Sidenote: we'd thought about a big anniversary trip, but with oodles of run-cations and trips planned, we decided to keep it semi-local)

Horderves: Yum - City! From what we were able to try (Tuna sashimi, ceviche, calamari, olives, caviar, and mini ice cream sandwiches) we were very impressed! There was definitely seafood on the menu, but even with fried bites it had a clean feel to it - not the usual fish n' chips-beach-dining exprience.

Drinks: Amazing. I take that back - DEVINE.

UL: Not sure of the name but it was a berry-rum mixture. UR: The Purser's Bane - My FAVORITE! It's a mix of coconut, passionfruit juice, grapefruit, Aperol, and fine Cocchi vermouth. I'm not sure what most of that even means, but it tasted lovely! I was super impressed that the bartenders fresh-squeeze juice and hand-carved the ice! Schnazy! LL: their olive variety - delish. LR: Hubs had a Sanguine Shore that was like a rum sour with bitters and maple syrup in it - it even came with a pretty seashell in it!

Prize winners, and our swag - oh and oysters ;)

I was so happy we were able to get out and have such an awesome time in Sarasota! AND that we get to come back!

We clean up nicely ;)

Go figure that I remembered there was a Trader Joe's down the street from the Ritz once I bumped into Caroline and she reminded me. Oh snap!

We don't have a TJs by us :( So, since we were closely we made a pit stop on the way home!

Our haul was ridiculous - I already want to go back! Please bring TJs to Tampa Bay! Where else can you get such reasonably-priced groceries that are mostly organic and all healthy?!

Did we go overboard??

Have you enter been to a Ritz Carlton and seen its splendor?

What's your favorite cocktail to 'get loose' with on off days??

Don't forget yesterday's GIVEAWAY!