Javier's Restaurant, Sarasota

The robust menu at Javier's Restaurant puts a Peruvian spin on Latin American staples. Corvina lima is a popular dish that takes Peruvian Pacific whitefish and sautées it with extra virgin olive oil and garlic and finishes it with fresh cilantro and lime. Other dishes include Conchitas a la Parmesana, which are large, sweet sea scallops quickly broiled with a crisp topping of lemon, butter and Parmesan cheese, and a tapas sampler with chargrilled bacon wrapped scallops, locally made spicy chorizo sausage, marinated Peruvian black olives and fresh Kasseri cheese. The wine bar offers a selection of flavorful South American vintages and Peruvian beers. Both the dining room and bar feature lush plant life, giving the place a jungle-like feeling.