The Old Salty Dog Restaurant is at New Pass directly on the water just in from the Gulf of Mexico heading to Sarasota Bay. The fried shrimp are indescribable. Complimented by delicious cole slaw, and fries plus a new-found favorite beer, Sam Adams Summer Ale. It's not nearly as good as the shrimp - what is??!! - but really good on a near 90 degree day. If you like beer, check out this description: malted wheat, lemon peel and Grains of Paradise, a rare pepper from Africa first used as a brewing spice in the 13th century, to create a crisp taste, spicy flavor and medium body. Believe me, if I wasn't driving I'd have had a couple more...just to slack my thirst on a hot, humid Florida afternoon. Old Salty Dog was featured on Travel Channels' Man vs Food. Dogs are welcome and you're encouraged to bring Fido. The easiest way to get to Old Salty Dog is to take Fruitville Road Exit west off I-75 north or south toward Sarasota. Continue on Fruitville until it ends at Highway 41. Turn left, stay in the right lane and head out to St. Armand's Key on John Ringling Boulevard. Keep right at the circle toward Longboat Key and turn right onto Ken Thompson Parkway. Mote Marine Laboratory (worth a visit!) is directly across the street. The shrimp are on the left. Enjoy!
