The Green Orchid Experience: Nature on Your Plate

My dear readers, it is Tuesday, which means a new article is ready for your attention. I publish articles twice a week about Sarasota, my vision, and my experiences, which I consider excellent, sophisticated, and unique—Sarasota through my eyes to share with you. When I moved here five years ago, I wished to find selective information about my interests. I am a perfectionist and love everything unique and special—from extraordinary people to tasteful experiences and progressive living.

Today, I am thrilled to share the unique dining experience at The Green Orchid restaurant (https://bestfood.com/restaurant/the-green-orchid). This one-of-a-kind establishment is not just a place to dine but a revolutionary concept. It is the world’s first net-positive energy restaurant, generating more energy than it consumes. Operated by Michael’s On East, a renowned Sarasota fine-dining institution, the restaurant is powered entirely by solar energy and features a garden-to-table menu. The majority of the produce comes from the rooftop garden maintained by Operation EcoVets, a nonprofit supporting military veterans. This dining experience goes beyond the plate, offering a unique blend of sustainability and culinary excellence.

Imagine dining in the heart of nature, surrounded by the lush greenery of Sarasota’s Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (https://selby.org/). This is the unique setting of The Green Orchid, a restaurant that opened in early 2024 as part of the gardens’ new phase one master plan. It's not just a dining experience; it's a journey into the beauty of Sarasota's natural landscape.

The restaurant's interior is bright, open, and inviting, giving diners the feeling of being connected to nature even while indoors. The design reminded me more of Swedish interiors, known for light colors, quality wood, and simple yet elegant furnishings. The space includes a small bar and indoor and outdoor seating options, with shaded areas available for comfort during Sarasota's hotter months.

The restaurant’s menu (https://bestfood.com/images/green_orchid/Green%20Orchid%20Menu-1pg.pdf) reflects its focus on sustainability, featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes. Some menu highlights include the “Green Orchid Salad,” “Cape Malay Street Tacos,” and inventive desserts like “Lavender-Infused Crème Brûlée.” The restaurant seats 150 guests, with indoor and outdoor seating, and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to Selby Gardens is required to dine at The Green Orchid.

The Green Orchid contributes some of its proceeds to Selby Gardens' mission of preserving native plants and supporting environmental sustainability. By dining at The Green Orchid, you're not just treating your taste buds but also supporting a noble cause.

I believe it is a beautiful lunch stop after a long walk in the Selby Gardens. It can be a great experience to visit the gardens’ renewed property, have a lovely time with your family, or even alone, which I do the most as I live two minutes away and love to have my healthy lunch at this pretty corner.

Photos: iruphotos.com