Ever since the safer-at-home orders back in March and April, many of the restaurants that remained open had to pivot from plates to paper. Most of whom had never really dealt with many takeout orders before the pandemic, suddenly had to source sufficient containers for their cuisine to supply customers with safe and efficient carryout. Even new social media campaigns such as @TakeOutSRQ launched to feature restaurants crushing the takeout game in the midst of the restaurant dining shutdowns.
![Arancini from Avli Mess Hall. Photography by Wyatt Kostygan](/clients/52/assets/c52_articles/20200831122945971.jpg)
ARANCINI FROM AVLI MESS HALL. PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN
Among them, Main Street’s Avli Mess Hall converted their gorgeous Mediterranean spreads, tapas platters, handhelds and flatbreads into appropriate boxing for shareable picnicking in the park. Circo upped the ante with recycled paper containers manufactured with inventive compartments built in for each individual artisan taco to stay upright in transit—avoiding spillage of taco fillings and breakage of shells.
![Fried zucchini beignets from Avli Mess Hall. Photography by Wyatt Kostygan](/clients/52/assets/c52_articles/20200831122945702.jpg)
FRIED ZUCCHINI BEIGNETS FROM AVLI MESS HALL. PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN
JPAN brought in a brand new cardboard bento box for its customers to call ahead and pick up large orders of sushi rolls curbside, and Speaks Clam Bar launched meal kits for two, which include salad, garlic bread and an entree—deconstructed pasta, meat, sauces and cheese to build at home.
![Nachos from Brick’s Smoked Meats. Photography by Wyatt Kostygan](/clients/52/assets/c52_articles/20200831122945242.jpg)
NACHOS FROM BRICK’S SMOKED MEATS. PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN
Meanwhile, Brick’s Smoked Meats didn’t let the mess of barbeque deter them from ramping up their takeout sector—utilizing aluminum pans for their ribs, boxes for cornbread and large ramekins for mac and cheese. With dining at home, or in an outstanding setting becoming more prevalent, an increased number of restaurants are streamlining their takeaway process and materials so you can still enjoy your favorite chef-cooked meals when you need a break from your own kitchen. SRQ
![Ribs from Brick’s Smoked Meats. Photography by Wyatt Kostygan](/clients/52/assets/c52_articles/20200831122945475.jpg)
RIBS FROM BRICK’S SMOKED MEATS. PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN
Avli Mess Hall, 1592 Main St., Sarasota, 941-365-2234, avlionmain.com. Circo, 1435 2nd St., Sarasota, 941-253-0978, circcosrq.com. Speaks Clam Bar, 29 N. Blvd. of the Presidents, Sarasota, and 8764 E. State Rd. 70, Lakewood Ranch, speaksclambar.com. Brick’s Smoked Meats, 1528 State St., Sarasota, 941-993-1435, brickssmokedmeats.com. JPAN, 3800 S. Tamiami Trl. #3, Sarasota, and 299 N. Cattlemen Rd. #61, Sarasota, jpanrestaurant.com.
![Sushi from JPAN. Photography by Wyatt Kostygan](/clients/52/assets/c52_articles/20200831122945980.jpg)
SUSHI FROM JPAN. PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN