Pictured: The new seared yellowfin tuna appetizer at Michael's on East gets a bold pop of color from carrot-ginger puree. Photo courtesy of Michael's on East.

The holidays are a great time to gather together with family and friends and share a meal. If you’re not up for cooking, invite your loved ones to meet you at Michael’s on East to sample some of their newest menu additions, from fresh seafood appetizers to festive craft cocktails.

“We live in an arts city,” says Jamil Pineda, the executive chef at Michael’s on East. “With our food, we like to incorporate a lot of different colors and flavors and aromas with beautiful presentations that bring out those colors.”

That artistic influence is very evident in the plating of the new seared yellowfin tuna appetizer. A black clay plate serves as a dramatic backdrop for vibrant elements like sriracha aioli, wasabi pea crumbles and carrot-ginger puree. The new Michael’s seafood tower is equally visually impressive–a two-tiered stand is filled with ice and packed with an array of seafood, including fresh Maine lobster, yellowfin tuna poke, Prince Edward Island mussels and more. The Maine peekytoe crab stack with avocado, pineapple, tomatoes, European cucumber and crispy plantain chips has a simpler presentation, but is just as elegant to behold.

The mixologists at Michael’s on East have also been hard at work creating craft cocktails with a festive twist for the holiday season. The cranberry limoncello spritz is tart and sweet thanks to housemade limoncello and cranberry jam, and has herbaceous undertones from gin and a fun fizzy quality from prosecco. Meanwhile, the pine-neer is a warming drink with a rich and complex flavor profile. Maker’s Mark Bourbon provides a smooth base with hints of spice and sweetness, while Amaro Montenegro and rhubarb bitters add herbal and earthy notes. Siberian pine cone jam introduces a unique, earthy sweetness, and the edible pine cone garnish has a mild, woodsy crunch.

Michael’s on East, 1212 South East Avenue, Sarasota, 941-366-0007.

Pictured: The new seared yellowfin tuna appetizer at Michael's on East gets a bold pop of color from carrot-ginger puree. Photo courtesy of Michael's on East.