Pictured: The Spanish Point shrimp toast at The Green Orchid. Photo by Laura Paquette.

The Green Orchid has just sprouted up at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Campus as part of its first phase of expansion. “Selby Gardens will be the world’s first net-positive botanical complex, meaning that we will generate more energy than we consume, which is groundbreaking,” says Nancy Seijas-Kipnis, Selby’s vice president for strategic communications. “Because of that, The Green Orchid will be the first net-positive restaurant in the world.” Local institution Michael’s On East is in charge of the project, which is currently only open to garden visitors.

One unique feature of The Green Orchid is the Drs. Andrew and Judith Economos Rooftop Edible Garden, which is adjacent to the restaurant. Operation EcoVets, an organization of military veterans, manages this jungle-like wonderland, from which the restaurant sources produce like celery, fennel and tomatoes, as well as edible flowers which add a pop of color and whimsy to the dishes. The menu, set to change on a seasonal basis, celebrates the flavors of fresh produce with a fun flair. Standout options include the crispy yucca fries, which give traditional french fries a run for their money and are served with a delightful chipotle aioli. The eponymous green orchid salad, chock full of romaine hearts, avocado, English cucumber, sugar snap peas, edamame, toasted pistachios, mint and housemade goddess dressing is another delicious choice. Add the crispy fried goat cheese for extra crunch and texture. Seafood lovers shouldn’t skip the Spanish Point shrimp toast, with piquillo red peppers, avocado, celery, capers, shaved radish, coriander and lemon mayo. This sharable dish packs bold flavors and a lovely presentation with an edible flower. For dessert, the lavender-fused creme brulee with light floral and vanilla notes is the way to go.

As part of the Morganoroth Family Living Energy Access Facility which has a 50,000-square-foot array of solar panels, The Green Orchid is leading the way in not only providing delicious food for garden visitors but also providing a model of sustainability for the restaurant industry. Eating your veggies never felt, or tasted, so good.

The Green Orchid, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota, 941-265-8194, bestfood.com/restaurant/the-green-orchid.

Pictured: The Spanish Point shrimp toast at The Green Orchid. Photo by Laura Paquette.

The Green Orchid