Nationally acclaimed Sarasota chef's new restaurant now open in brewery's new taproom

Jimmy Geurts, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Updated ·2 min read

The latest culinary concept from one of Sarasota-Manatee's most renowned chefs, and the new taproom for the acclaimed area brewery that houses the restaurant, have opened their doors.

PigFish is now open in Calusa Brewing's new space at 5377 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, the former location of music venue, nightclub and restaurant/bar White Buffalo Saloon. PigFish's co-founders are Steve Phelps, owner/chef of the acclaimed restaurant Indigenous in Sarasota's Towles Court neighborhood and two-time James Beard Award semi-finalist for Best Chef: South, and Anand Pallegar. Calusa Brewing, meanwhile, is known for its flagship Zote IPA and other beers it served out of its original location off of Clark Road before moving to its new taproom.

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"We can't wait to share this exciting journey with you," read a social media post shared by Calusa Brewing and PigFish ahead of their Nov. 3 opening. "Mark your calendar and get ready to explore our new space, savor fantastic brews and food, and create more memorable moments."

Along with Indigenous, Phelps is known for his interest in sustainable seafood including aquaculture, discussing the topic during a 2021 "CBS This Morning: Saturday" interview segment, and PigFish features a "focus on sustainable seafood and a nostalgic nod to the classic fish sandwich." In a previous interview with the Herald-Tribune, Phelps said he and Pallegar had known each for quite some time, with the latter dining at Indigenous, and discussed Phelps' fish sandwich restaurant concept. They'd also discussed other locations before Calusa Brewing, which Phelps had a longstanding relationship with as well, with Indigenous among the first restaurants to have their beer on tap.

PigFish, a new restaurant focused on fish sandwiches and sustainable seafood co-founded by Steve Phelps, owner/chef of the acclaimed Sarasota restaurant Indigenous, is now open.
PigFish, a new restaurant focused on fish sandwiches and sustainable seafood co-founded by Steve Phelps, owner/chef of the acclaimed Sarasota restaurant Indigenous, is now open.

The initial menu will include the namesake PigFish sandwich and a cobia "hot dawg," along with non-seafood sandwiches such as a pork belly "dawg," chicken katsu and mushroom grilled cheese. Other dishes include peel-and-eat shrimp, shrimp fritters, fish cakes and hush puppies; sides such as slaw, "roasties" (English-style roasted potatoes), and bacon-braised green beans; and a variety of tartars including bacon and jerk tartar. Beer is incorporated into multiple dishes, including a beer cheese fondue and cookie made using spent grain.

Beer and wine will be available to order from Calusa's bar, including a Bait Shop Kölsch-style ale being brewed in collaboration with PigFish. And while Phelps said PigFish will take its seafood seriously, the restaurant's style will be "super casual," with no table service or reservations and meals served on trays.

PigFish is located at 5377 McIntosh Road inside the new taproom of Sarasota brewery Calusa Brewing, which is also now open.
PigFish is located at 5377 McIntosh Road inside the new taproom of Sarasota brewery Calusa Brewing, which is also now open.

PigFish will be open 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information on PigFish, call 941-777-5220 or visit pig.fish.

Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Indigenous chef Steve Phelps' new Sarasota restaurant Pigfish now open