European

Everyone who makes it out to Miguel’s (6631 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key [1], 941/349-4024, 5–10 p.m. Tues.–Sat., main courses from $18) thinks they’ve discovered a secret little beachside treasure. But this French restaurant, stuck in a hidden corner in a nondescript strip mall, has been a Siesta Key staple for years, serving up a somewhat lighter take on French standards.

Almost half of the entrée selections are seafood-based, and even the sauces employed for many of the meat and poultry dishes—lemon-butter, Madeira, balsamic vinegar—shy away from the decadent creamy richness most often associated with French food. (Fear not, milk-and-butter fans, the kitchen can still whip up a rich béarnaise or cream Champagne sauce.) The restaurant draws an older crowd, especially during early-bird dinner time.

Those looking for Polish delicacies should head for the Gulf Gate area and K & I Lucy Delicatessen (6542 Gateway Ave., 941/926-8980, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sat., main courses from $6). In addition to selling sausages, cheeses, and hard-to-find Eastern European groceries, K & I also serves deli sandwiches and from-scratch pierogi, soups, cutlets, and other Polish dishes.