Bob's Train
BOB'S TRAIN - Restaurant Review
Come on board for a magical tour of the CIRCUS and a MOOSE Burger!
a 'unique & entertaining' Dining Experience for Adults & Children alike!
I probably should start this article with a ‘discaimer’: The burger is NOT really made from a MOOSE!! “Mozzarella, Olives, Onions, Sauce (homemade horseradish) & Extras (lettuce & tomatoes) ground beef burger” $8.75.
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| Welcome aboard! |
However, you will be eating this Burger on a REAL Circus Train! The Circus had ‘Dancing Elephants’……..so why NOT a ‘Moose Burger”?
Bob’s Train is a restaurant in Sarasota aboard real Circus Trains!! The most ‘infamous’ of the trains, is John Ringling’s personal private train car (JOMAR). Owned by Bob Horne, this is a living TRIBUTE to the Magical History of the Circus. Bob is not only the owner, but he is also the chef and chief ‘Tour Guide’!
The aisles of the trains are literally lined with circus memorabilia (posters & autographed photos) and Bob can tell you the stories and history behind each and every one of them! In fact, Bob himself is much like the ‘Ring Master’ of his own restaurant!
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| Circus Memorabilia |
Open for lunch from 11 – 2:30 Monday through Friday, plan on having an extended lunch so you don’t miss anything! We also recommend making a reservation by calling 941-321-5643.
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| Sue & Robert |
My most recent trip to Bob’s Train was to reunite with friends I grew up with in Sarasota who also experienced the Circus in its ‘hay day’!
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| Brenda, Leslie & Rilla |
Despite our advanced age, we all felt like kids again when on board the ‘Circus Trains’!
After a lot of hugs and some catching up, we all turned our attention to the MENU at Bob’s Train.
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| Gordon |
Bob’s Train offers everything from appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers to entrees!! There were several items that tempted me but I am only one person. One of the perks of dining with friends, is that several of them agreed to let me have a ‘bite’ of what they ordered (including a ‘Moose Bite’)!
One guest (a frequent Bob’s Train visitor) highly recommended the “Blue Cheese Chips” (Danish Bleu Cheese melted over homemade potato chips) $6.75
OK……..so I had MORE than one ‘bite’!! (Who can stop with just 1-bite when it comes to potato chips?) In a word, “Delicious”! Thank you to Rilla Fleming.
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| Homemade Blue Cheese Chips |
Before I proceed, I’ve talked about the “Moose Burger”, but I haven’t told you how GOOD it was!! My friend, Brenda Whittle Smith, kind of had to be convinced to order it. (I think she wasn’t quite sure it wasn’t a real Moose).
In particular, I loved the combination of the olives and mozzarella. It kind of reminded me of the Muffuletta of New Orlean’s fame. Thank you, Brenda for the ‘moose bite’.
My own selection from the menu was the “Beef Cordon Green” $9.85 This was described as
“center cut roast beef w./melted Provolone & wilted spinach rolled up and sautéed in extra virgin olive oil”. This dish absolutely melted in my mouth and I consumed every morsel.
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| Beef Cordon Green |
Other selections made by friends, were the Chicken Salad Sandwich; the Brittany Salad; & the Ham Sandwich.
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| Ham sandwich, Brittany salad, Chicken Salad sandwich |
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| Private Dining Room |
Taking a break in between ‘bites’, I wandered down the myriad of train aisles and stumbled across a special room.
Bob has orchestrated a delightful area that gives the appearance of a private dining car. Set with fine china & crystal, this was an enchanting setting. I made a mental note to remember this room for a special occasion.
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| "BOB" in the kitchen |
Proceeding down the aisle (very slowly as to take in all the many pictures and posters), I then discovered where Bob was when he wasn’t telling us his fascinating stories and acting as the tour guide. YEP, that was the ‘ring master’ himself, hiding in the kitchen ‘ring’!! Speaking of 'hiding', this unique Treasure of Sarasota's Circus History, is somewhat challenging to find! I suggest you take a look at the following link for driving instructions! Bob's Train Driving Directions. (Click on the sentence that begins with "Bob's Train Driving Directions" to be taken to the page).
I'm already looking forward to a return trip to Bob's Train. No matter how many times I have been there, I always find some priceless article of Circus Memorabilia I didn't see before! I also want to sample some more items from his menu. I highly RECOMMEND putting this special Sarasota gem on your 'to do' list and don't forget it the next time YOU are giving your OWN 'tour of SRQ'! Your visitors, your kids, your grandchildren.........will LOVE it!
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