Sarasota, Bradenton's newest resort, rooftop restaurant opening this week

Sarasota-Manatee's newest resort and rooftop restaurant should begin welcoming guests this week.

Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, which offers spectacular views of the mile-wide Manatee River where it meets the Gulf of Mexico, previously announced plans for a grand opening in May .

Two months later, the eight-story resort, with 252 guest rooms and upscale amenities including restaurants and bars, is set to officially open. Once it does, the hotel will offer a covered walkway to the neighboring Bradenton Area Convention Center, which is getting a $48 million facelift to match the resort's style and expand its space.

"The resort and its culinary concepts are slated to open and be enjoyed by guests and visitors beginning July 16," said a spokesperson for Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, in a statement.

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Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa names executive chef

Palmetto's high-end new resort and spa, which is unlike anything the city has previously welcomed, has announced Anthony Castro as its new executive chef. Castro's impressive resume includes over 25 years of experience at top hospitality companies such as The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

Castro will helm the Oyster River Rooftop Restaurant, The Social, and the resort’s catering business. Oyster River offers guests views of the Manatee River from its perch eight stories high, while The Social restaurant and bar is adjacent to the lobby.

“We are thrilled to welcome a seasoned chef like Anthony Castro to the team and eager to share his talents with guests and visitors,” said Greg Ciaccio, General Manager of Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, via email. “His distinguished professional history and culinary philosophy perfectly align with our commitment to providing unparalleled hospitality and dining experiences.”

Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa opening this week to feature Oyster River Rooftop Restaurant

The Oyster River Rooftop Restaurant features a coastal-inspired menu that highlights fresh Florida fare with a Mediterranean twist, according to a press release. The dishes are designed to complement the panoramic views of the river and Gulf.

Guests can indulge in sharables such as the Mammoth Seafood Tower, Whipped Ricotta Caviar, Wagyu Steak Carpaccio, and King Prawn Thermidor, alongside a variety of oysters sourced from the Florida Gulf, New York, Massachusetts, and Japan.

Entrees include Seabass with Parsnip Purée, Poulet à la Oscar with Lump Crab, and Wagyu Filets. The full-liquor bar will serve signature cocktails like the Palomita Fresa and Ocean Pearl.

Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa opening this week to also feature The Social restaurant and bar

At The Social, located on the ground floor, guests are invited to enjoy cuisine and crafted cocktails in a casual, coastal setting.

Highlights of the breakfast menu include the Dulce Waffle infused with warm dulce de leche, fruit, and nuts; the Bistec de Palomilla & Eggs featuring a twist on steak and eggs with arugula, tomato salad, hash, and chimichurri; as well as the Wheatgrass Veggie Vibrancy Smoothie.

For lunch and dinner, offerings include Machete Devil Crab, Lobster Bites, Birria Asada Tacos, and Cortez Yellow Grouper with herb oil, coffee beurre blanc, Callaloo bok choy, Brussels sprouts, and jasmine rice.

Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa to cater to 'the most discerning brides and business travelers'

"With 60,000 square feet of outdoor event space and 10,000 square feet of indoor, modern meeting space ideal for weddings and events, Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa will cater to the most discerning brides and business travelers," the resort noted in a press release. "From continental breakfasts to plated dinners, carvery stations, and bar packages to themed breaks, business gatherings are reimagined through the tailored dining experience and thoughtful touches."

If you go

Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa is at 600 U.S. Highway 41, Palmetto. For more information, call 941-304-3115 or visit marriott.com .

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: Sarasota, Bradenton's newest resort, rooftop restaurant opening this week