Celebrated Longboat Key chef, owner to lead new restaurant inside Sarasota car dealership
One of the most unique Sarasota restaurant openings in recent memory is scheduled to take place before Christmas.
Connoisseurs of French haute cuisine have been dining at Maison Blanche on Longboat Key for more than two decades. Soon, though, those same Francophiles might just be enticed to visit an American car dealership located near downtown Sarasota for purchase of an automobile — and crème brûlée French toast prepared by Chef Jose Martinez, a James Beard semifinalist who was previously awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant in Paris.
The same new restaurant nestled inside the car dealership might also appeal to a fellow craving a burger while waiting to have his oil filter replaced. In fact, that automotive service customer will likely be enjoying his meal for free. Let me try to explain.
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Sarasota Ford to open Le Mans Kitchen, led by Jose Martinez, inside the dealership
Sarasota Ford has announced it will soon open Le Mans Kitchen inside its dealership at 707 S. Washington Blvd., near downtown. Le Mans Kitchen is described as "a first of its kind restaurant inspired by Ford’s history of racing at the 24 hours of Le Mans in France." Chef Martinez, of Maison Blanche, will lead the kitchen team. The 3,367-square-foot, 38-seat private, fine-dining restaurant will be open to "Sarasota Ford buyers and their guests, as well as Sarasota Ford automotive service customers," according to the press release.
I inquired via email if the general public could visit Le Mans for a meal. The publicist responded that "the restaurant will serve those who purchase a Ford at the Sarasota location or those who service their automobile at Sarasota Ford. "You don't have to own a Ford to get service done there. One meal is free when you buy or service your car there."
I then sent a follow-up email, and received this response to basically the same question: Can the public just drop in to buy themselves breakfast or lunch?"At this point no," the publicist said via email. "Right now, only if you purchase a car or service your car. BUT, you don’t have to buy your car there to get it serviced there so like even if you own a Tesla or a BMW, Hyundai, Toyota, etc. anyone can get their car serviced there. Even an oil change gets you a free meal voucher. People who buy their car there get one free meal and can come in as many times as they like later for a paid meal. They might open it to the public for special events, etc. in the future. Also, car buyers or people getting service can bring a guest for a paid meal."
The original press release notes that those who purchase or own a Sarasota Ford will be able to "visit anytime and will receive a meal and drink voucher for their first visit, and Sarasota Ford automotive service customers will receive a meal and drink voucher valid only for the day of their service."
Le Mans will take the place of the dealership’s former cafe, the press release notes. A nine-month renovation was done to transform the previous 1,275 square-foot space. Other dealership offerings for customers include a 11-seat movie theater and a "relaxation room" with hydro massage chairs.
“Not only did we want to create something that was unlike anything anyone has ever imagined and turn the dealership experience completely upside down, but we also wanted to show appreciation to our loyal customers with a world-class experience,” said Matthew Buchanan, president of Buchanan Automotive Group, and son of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, in a statement. “Le Mans Kitchen will give customers Michelin star level food and mocktails paired with a world-class, private club level experience, with unmatched ambiance.”
Menu to feature 'American-inspired cuisine with a French accent'
The menu is described as featuring "American-inspired cuisine with a French accent." Items include Le Mans’ signature pillow pancakes ($14), crème brûlée French toast ($14), house-ground signature burger ($18), heirloom caprese toast ($15), mocktails, milkshakes with a gelato base, and made-to-order coffee with beans ground per cup. Additionally, a seasonal menu will be offered. Le Mans does not serve alcohol.
“When I first met with Matt Buchanan about this, I told him this was a crazy idea but that I am up for the challenge,” said Martinez in a statement. “Since I started in the restaurant business, I’ve always compared a restaurant to a car. The front of the house is the exterior. It needs to be clean and beautiful every day. The back of the house is the engine. If you don’t have a good engine, you cannot win any race. Cooking for me is not just about high-end items like Kobe beef or foie gras. I love cooking with any ingredients and as long as it is with good technique, is well seasoned and at the perfect temperature you can achieve a lot of things.”
Le Mans Kitchen, located inside Sarasota Ford at 707 S. Washington Blvd., is scheduled to open on Monday, Dec. 11. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with weekend hours to follow in 2024. Customers are encouraged "to begin making automotive service appointments now." For more information, visit LeMansKitchen.com.
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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Chef Jose Martinez to open Le Mans Kitchen restaurant at Sarasota Ford
