We Love Brunch

Forget candle lit dinners and sunrise breakfasts—brunch is the weekend’s most defining meal. To outsiders, brunch qualifies as the simple act of eating pancakes with a side of bottomless mimosas at 12pm on a Sunday. However, true brunch connoisseurs understand that it’s more than that.—E.Burns

COTTAGE STYLE 

The Breakfast House

Traveling north to the Historic Downtown Village Of Sarasota, you can feast your eyes and stomach at The Breakfast House. Owner Wendy Goldberg utilizes recipes passed down from her mother and grandmother to create meals as beautiful and satisfying as her masterful interior design. Buying the property in 2009, Goldberg renovated the cottage and created a personalized atmosphere that captures the essence of classic Florida. Tables are set with pink and orange napkins that match the flowers and dining chairs unique to every party, and you can find purchasable work from local artists adorning the colorful walls. Be sure to check out their bestselling brunch item—Uncle Harry’s Big Breakfast. Named after Goldberg’s uncle, this breakfast platter is set with eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, grits and pancakes—all cooked to perfection. —E.Burns  The Breakfast House- 1817 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, 941- 366-6860

CREPE AWAY 

Wooden Rooster

Downtown Sarasota is where you can find The Wooden Rooster.
Specializing in their homemade crepes, you are bound to fall in love with
their cloud-like creations. With regular and gluten free options, brunchers have the opportunity to order over 14 different kinds of crepes. If you have a sweet tooth, try their vegetarian Berrylicious Crepe, made with mixed berries, ricotta, almonds, honey and raspberry coulis. If you’re looking for a more savory option, try out their Cubanito Crepe. A piquant combination of black forest ham, smoked pork, swiss cheese, dijon mustard and housemade pickle. The Wooden Rooster is bound to satisfy every palette. The Wooden Rooster- 1564 Main St, Sarasota, 941-953-7111

IN THE GARDEN 

The Green Orchid

Further north, you can find a delicious brunch with dishes and drinks that contain produce from Selby Gardens’ rooftop organic garden. Planted and maintained by Selby Gardens Operation EcoVets, The Green Orchid by Michael’s on East contributes to a non-profit organization that provides personal, educational and professional growth opportunities for military veterans. With options like smoked whitefish, lox and bagels, as well as Southern style chicken and waffles—The Green Orchid features a menu as sustainable as their practices. The Green Orchid- 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, 941- 265-8194

FLIPPING PANCAKES  

Flapjack Cafe

Flapjack’s Cafe, an intimate spot located only minutes from sunny Venice Beach, embodies this beloved social pastime. Specializing in New Jersey and Philadelphia style brunch options like the Philly Skillet, Flapjack’s Café places a strong emphasis on hospitality, ensuring that all who dine there feel like family. Locally owned and loved, owner Leyla Montrone prides her café for its quality meals and service, recommending their specialty pancakes and Taylor Ham. Flapjack’s Cafe, 810 E Venice Ave, Venice, 941-480-1020

ACROSS THE POND 

Crisp Waffle Cafe

Traveling west to St. Armands Circle, the Crisp Waffle Cafe provides top-notch brunch options, including their famous liege waffles, a variety of waffles that originate from Belgium. Each day, Crisp Waffle Cafe makes these waffles from fresh dough, caramelized with clustered Belgian Pearl Sugar. You may order specialty waffles like Let’s Go Bananas, a delicious combination of bananas, whipped cream and a choice of Speculoos Caramel or Nutella topping. You can also build your own liege waffle, choosing between toppings like Belgium chocolate, blueberries, and ice cream, as well as vanilla, strawberry, and peanut flavors. In true brunch fashion, Crisp Waffle Cafe offers to pair your meal with tasty mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. Nonetheless, you will find yourself craving these waffles long after you’ve tasted them. Crisp Waffle Cafe- 17 Fillmore Dr, Sarasota, 941-556-9261

Pommel Horse Superhero Returns Home

The returning U.S. Olympic Pommel Horse Bronze Medalist Stephen Nedoroscik touched down at SRQ Airport on Delta Airlines Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 7:23 pm on his trip home to Sarasota from the Olympic Games in Paris, France. Greeted by a cheering crowd of enthusiastic friends and fans waving large signs and balloons and wearing American flag capes, the 25-year-old first-time Olympian shared, “For the past five months now, I’ve been very locked into gymnastics, every single day. That’s kind of what you have to do when you’re training to be an Olympic medalist. So now that that weight is lifted off my shoulders, I’m just ready to go home and sit in my gaming chair and relax a little.” If the excited people who flew with him are any sign, Nedoroscik makes as strong an impression in person as he has through TV and iPad screens. Passengers from the plane came down the gangway ahead of the athlete, proudly announcing to the waiting crowd, “He was on our flight! He is right behind us! “ A man who claimed to have been Nedoroscik’s seatmate from Atlanta told waiting reporters, “We talked the whole flight. He’s a really nice young man.” Excited to welcome the returning champion was Tess McCracken, the athlete’s girlfriend, who also attracted attention with her enthusiastic cheering during Nedoroscik’s winning performance. McCracken had flown back to Sarasota a few days earlier and was already planning to make the most of the couple’s downtime, “I’m looking forward to doing some more things in the area. I’d love to go to Busch Gardens, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, stuff like that. Just to be able to hang out as a normal couple.” Kevin Mazeika, the Executive Director of Evo Gymnastics and one of the coaches who went to Paris with the team, was exuberant with praise for Nedoroscik, “He has really become quite the hero because he had a heroic performance. It was pressure-packed on the biggest stage for our sport, and he came through with flying colors. We’re really, really proud to welcome him home.” Stephen trains at EVO Gymnastics in Sarasota with Sam Mikulak, who was also named as the coach for the 2024 U.S. Men’s Gymnastics Olympic Team, and Paris Olympic Games teammate Brody Malone and alternate and 2020 Tokyo Games Olympian Shane Wiskus. Stephen says he is already looking forward to the 2028 Olympics to be hosted by Los Angeles, California, but for right now, he is happy to spend some time enjoying online gaming in Rocket League and online chess, as well as honing his skills with a Rubik’s Speed Cube. —W.Roberts

Blinded by the Sun

Sunglasses are like magicians for your eyes. They can instantly transform you from an ordinary human into an icon of coolness. Whether you’re rocking a classic look or a pair of bold, oversized frames, sunglasses are the must-have accessory of the season. With so many unique designs available locally, there’s a perfect pair of shades out there for everyone to protect their eyes from the harmful rays of the Florida sun and express their personal style at the same time.—B. Heit

Seeing Double

Brett Spitfire Sun C01. 51 $600, Matsuda M3128 $800, Soto’s Optical Boutique, 1383 Main St, Sarasota, 941-953-3788.

A Touch of Shade

Etnia Barcelona $285, Sunglass Express, 343 St Armands Circle, Sarasota, (941) 388-5115; Morgenthal Federics Lifesaver RD 46 $504, Cutler and Gross CGSN 9126 02 $575, Soto’s Optical Boutique, 1383 Main St, Sarasota, 941-953-3788.

Casting Shade In Style

Cutler and Gross CGSN 1386 A8 $585, Cutler and Gross CGSN 1398 03 $595, Cutler and Gross GFLE 005 01 $1,075, Soto’s Optical Boutique, 1383 Main St, Sarasota, 941-953-3788.

Design Dynamos

With its rich architectural history and thriving arts scene, Sarasota draws in talented and creative professionals like a moth to a flame. Meet seven up-and-coming interior designers who are transforming the area with their innovative vision and fresh perspective.s. —K.Wight  

COOLNESS FACTOR 

Megan Bobay

Megan Bobay graduated from Purdue University in Indiana with a degree in interior design. After college, she moved to Chicago where she spent a few years exploring the design field, focusing mostly on furniture.  “I was Midwest all the way,” she says. That all changed eight years ago when a friend of Bobay, who was working in Sarasota as an interior designer, urged her to come to Sarasota for a visit and meet his boss. Not long after that, she had a job offer and plans to relocate to the Sunshine State. She would spend the next few years working at JKL Design before moving onto her current position as an interior designer at DSDG Architects.“Lately I’ve been working predominantly on residential projects and we’re doing some of the coolest things,” Bobay says. “People are so open to doing crazy things, and they want to see the latest and greatest of what’s out there. It’s funny because I always thought I wanted to do more commercial design but now I get to work on these fun projects where the sky’s the limit and design awesome homes that are now being built like commercial structures.” Bobay has worked on several residential and commercial properties during her time at DSDG. Recently she served as the interior designer for the Tarpon Bend house, which received a Platinum prize for Best Overall Home from SRQ Magazine’s 2024 Home of the Year Competition. DSDG Architects, 1348 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, 941-955-5645, dsdgarchitects.com.

DESIGN CALLING 

Michael Manoogian

Much of Michael Manoogian’s career has been design-adjacent. Before becoming an interior designer, he worked in visual merchandising, fabric sales, furniture sales and even textile distribution. But since starting with Clive Daniel Home a year and a half ago, he’s truly settled into his calling. “I enjoy never having a day exactly like the last,” Manoogian says. “Every day is a new opportunity for new projects, new trends, new exciting clients to meet and work with and new outlooks on my own personal design style.” Though Manoogian is early in his career, he has already been entrusted with some major projects. One of them was the Origami House by DSDG Architects, which received a Platinum prize for Best Overall Home from SRQ Magazine’s 2024 Home of the Year Competition. Manoogian worked closely on the interior design with homeowner Betsy Friedman who praised his contributions in curating the perfect pieces for the space. “It was an honor and a privilege to work on that one-of-a-kind home. Every piece was meticulously chosen for that property to reflect her personal style and new beginnings,” Manoogian says. “Completing the project exactly to her liking and leaving her with a space that reflects who she is internally was a huge accomplishment.” Clive Daniel Home, 3055 Fruitville Commons Blvd, Sarasota, 941-900-4663, clivedaniel.com.

WORKROOM TO SHOWROOM 

Quentin MacDonald

“I come from the fabrication world. I ran a workroom here in town for fifteen years where I sewed and upholstered and made custom furniture,” says Quentin MacDonald. “I built relationships with a lot of designers who liked bringing me to customers’ homes and having me take part in the customization and design aspect of a lot of the products. Because of that experience, I thought I could really bring a different eye when it came to interior design.” MacDonald joined the team at Clive Daniel Home shortly after they opened their Sarasota location in 2022, and since then his star has been on the rise. Design enthusiasts may have seen MacDonald’s work in person on this year’s annual Tour of Homes by the Junior League of Sarasota—he worked closely with the owner to design the maximalist masterpiece on Freeling Drive. You may have also seen him doling out design tips on the Suncoast View on ABC7. Recently, MacDonald worked with John Cannon Homes on a model home in Wild Blue at Waterside Village. That project has been nominated for a prestigious Aurora Award. Currently, he’s on a team that is designing two model homes for the new Arbor Lakes Development by Sam Rodgers Homes.  Clive Daniel Home, 3055 Fruitville Commons Blvd, Sarasota, 941-900-4663, clivedaniel.com.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Mareisa Madden

For Mareisa Madden, interior design runs in the family. “My start in the industry actually goes way back to when I was eight years old, when my mother got married to my stepdad,” she recalls. “I started working for their furniture store, doing little things here and there. My mom was working there as their visual merchandiser and accessories buyer so I assisted her a lot with that. My stepdad really taught me the ropes of so many different aspects of the business.” Madden has been with Clive Daniel Home since August 2022, shortly before they opened their Sarasota location, and in that time she has worn many hats. She has quickly progressed from customer service specialist to design assistant to boutique manager to interior designer. A Sarasota native, Madden is as passionate about investing in the community as she is about her career in design. “I love the projects that I’ve worked on for charity events. For example Children First and Selah Freedom through the Women’s Council of Realtors,” she says. “I’ve had some great opportunities to support those charities by designing rooms for them for their VIP lounges. I was born and raised here, so it’s really important to me to be able to give back to my community.”  Clive Daniel Home, 3055 Fruitville Commons Blvd, Sarasota, 941-900-4663, clivedaniel.com.

 

ALL IN THE FAMILY 

Julia Kantor, Kira Lewis, and Katrina Lopes

At Solstice Planning and Architecture in Sarasota, the interiors for almost every project are the handiwork of a trio of young powerhouse designers who work closely together. With a master’s in economics, a degree in interior design and more than 15 years of experience (four of them at Solstice), Julia Kantor is the most well-established designer on the team. Kira Lewis is the newest to the field. She received her bachelor’s in interior design from Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania this past May and interned with Solstice for a year while still in school before coming to work for the firm full-time. Splitting the difference is Katrina Lopes, who graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design in 2020 with a bachelor’s in interior design and spent two years working at an interior design firm before joining Solstice in 2022.

While they work together on almost every project, each designer has their own personal favorite. Lopes enjoys projects that are a blend of commercial and residential spaces. Lewis is enjoying the challenges of a current project, a residential renovation where the new addition will have to match the interior and exterior of the rest of the home while still showcasing the team’s style. Kantor has more classic taste.

“One of my personal favorite projects has been the renovation of the Jack West house, which features a stunning midcentury modern design,” she says. “Jack West was one of the founders of the Sarasota School of Architecture and for anyone who loves this style—it is a dream to work on and be in! I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to be close to this masterpiece.” Kantor, Lewis, and Lopes have different interests, levels of experience and areas of expertise. All three designers agree it is those differences that make them such a strong team.

“Each of us brings unique strengths to the table, which really drives our project coordination,” says Lopes. “Julia is exceptional at modeling and rendering our projects, with a knack for quick design solutions. Meanwhile, Kira excels in technical drawings and swiftly develops visuals that clarify our concepts for clients. Personally, I thrive in face-to-face interactions with clients, where I can effectively communicate design intent, problem-solve creatively and dive into the technical aspects of each project. Together, our diverse skills ensure that we deliver innovative and comprehensive solutions to every project we take on.”

“I love working with others in general and got really lucky having coworkers like Katrina and Julia,” Lewis adds. “We each have our own skills that merge together to create ideas and gain inspiration from one another. I think each one of us brings a different perspective to our work and that can open doors for some really exciting designs.”  Solstice Planning and Architecture, 1900 Main Street, Suite 202, Sarasota, 941-365-5721, solstice-pa.com.

Boutique Fitness

Fitness fads may come and go but these boutique studios are proving that health and well-being are important to our community and they are here to stay.  —B.Heit

Barre3 Lakewood Ranch

Pointe your way over to the barre3 studio!

There is no experience required at barre3 in Lakewood Ranch—the workout is designed for every fitness level, from beginner to expert. Studio Owner Nikki Roenicke first discovered barre3 when she was fresh from maternity leave looking for a workout that was easy on her body but still challenging. After her first barre3 class she knew she had found something special—an incredible workout and such a supportive uplifting community. Although Roenicke bought the studio four years ago, it has been around for more than nine years, providing total body, cardio and mindfulness to the community. “We are just trying to redefine what success and fitness means,” shares Roenicke. “We don’t ever talk about losing weight and burning calories. We don’t talk about getting bikini-body ready. We just like to focus on functional movement and how we can make our daily lives stronger by what we do in the studio.” There are three different class types available at barre3. The signature classes are total body classes with low impact intensity, perfect for anyone that might have injuries and for all fitness levels. “We don’t really have a beginner or intermediate level class, but we offer modifications and layers so that each client gets to make their class their own,” explains Roenicke. Just recently added is a strength class, focusing on using heavier weights with slower movements, creating bone density and muscle mass but in a safe low impact way. The third and newest class is called Cardio and according to Roenicke, it’s not what people might expect. “Here, we warm up, get the body prepped and we go into three circuits. We get the heart rate elevated, kind of slow things down, get it back up and do some core work. We finish with a cardio blast so that we are elevating the heart rate in a safe way.” If you’re interested in being part of the barre3 method, there are many options available, including memberships, class packages and drop-in classes. Roenicke recommends taking class at least three times a week to see best results. “We create a welcoming environment here in the studio,” she says. “There is no judgment. Everyone’s safe and we are really just encouraging people to do what feels good for them and not compare themselves to anybody else.”  Barre3 Lakewood Ranch, 8141 Lakewood Main St.,Bradenton, lakewoodranch@barre3.com | 941-800-1333

Pure Barre Sarasota  

Let’s meet at the Barre.

The group classes at Pure Barre Sarasota focus on low-impact, small movements that strengthen and tone in 50 minutes or less. Lindsay Peirce Sato and Cyndi Giorlando, Co-Owners of the studio believe that the workout is something that every woman should be doing. “It’s full-body exercise, the results are amazing and it makes you feel good,” says Giorlando. With four different formats focusing on isolation, strength training, balance and cardio, the workout creates a mind-body connection and fosters community. The owners recommend taking class between three and four times per week and depending on the consistency and what is being done outside the studio, clients should begin seeing results after about ten classes. And because it is low impact, all of the four formats offered are safe enough to take part in every day. A new class was recently added to the Pure Barre lineup using heavier weights which helps build strength and bone density, but that can also be low impact and light weights can be used, giving clients different options. Giorlando believes that Pure Barre is different from other workouts. “It’s so intense and the technique is so real and also, we work out to the beat of the music which keeps the mind engaged as well.”  As owners and instructors, both women encourage participants to push as hard as they like and modify as needed. All ages are welcome at Pure Barre Sarasota with first-timers invited to join in a free 30 minute intro class called Pure Barre Engage™.  Pure Barre Sarasota, 3800 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 16, Sarasota, 941-953-2323, www.purebarre.com/location/sarasota-fl

BodyBar Pilates

Toned bodies are doing Pilates!

If you are looking to build strength and endurance while challenging your athletic intensity, BODYBAR’s Reformer Pilates classes deliver a fiercely effective workout experience powered by Pilates to build a balanced, athletic and real community. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Pilates practitioner, each of their classes are designed using the BODYBAR Method and will push you to the appropriate level of performance. For those not familiar with a reformer, it is a type of Pilates apparatus that was designed by Joseph Pilates himself in the 1920s. It includes lots of moving parts that allows it to be extremely versatile for any fitness level. The reformer has a gliding carriage that is attached to springs with different tensions, ropes and pulleys which all work together to make an exercise more accessible or more challenging. Kristin Ward, the owner of BODYBAR Pilates - Sarasota and BODYBAR Pilates - Lakewood Ranch says “Reformer Pilates has many benefits from strength building to better posture. Pilates focuses on your core, what we call your powerhouse. Strengthening your core improves spine stabilization, better posture and has the ability to prevent back pain.” Staff members meet people where they are on their fitness journey, understanding that everyone has unique starting points, goals and abilities. “We embrace the philosophy of getting comfortable being uncomfortable, because we understand that growth and transformation happen when we challenge ourselves,” says Ward. “We incorporate muscular endurance, time under tension and athletic based training. “ To get the best results, Ward recommends attending class at least two times per week, but three times per week may give faster results for a strong core.  BODYBAR Pilates - Sarasota, 62 S Lemon Ave, Sarasota, 941- 236-2576. BODYBAR Pilates - Lakewood Ranch, 7600 Island Cove Terrace, UNIT 102, Sarasota, 941-375-9042, bodybarpilates.com

Jazzercise Lakewood Ranch   

Come for a great workout and all that jazz!

A new studio opened by a new local resident, Jazzercise Lakewood Ranch offers group fitness classes for all levels, incorporating dance, cardio and strength training to sculpt and tone your muscles in the ultimate full–body workout. Whether you’re looking for physical results or a way to relieve stress and feel your best, the club’s instructors will guide you every step of the way in your wellness journey. Owner Shari Nastri moved from Connecticut to Lakewood Ranch in August of 2023. A long time fitness instructor and Jazzercise instructor, she had every intention of continuing her fitness career in CT until she came here and realized there was a need and a niche for what she did. So for the first time, she decided to become a business owner and open her own Jazzercise studio here. “We just started year two and we’re continuously looking to grow and build community ties both personally and professionally,” she says. Jazzercise is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year and as a lot of fitness trends tend to come and go, Jazzercise has stood the test of time. While it is a dance-based cardio program, it is so much more than that, shares Nastri, because it incorporates strength training, stretching and mobility. “It’s cardio for all people, all levels, all ages,” she explains. “We are highly trained and we are very cutting edge. We are independent but our studio is in a gym called Pumps Fitness so we are able to work together, refer clients and collaborate for our clients’ fitness needs.” With many different formats of classes, participants can take a 60-minute, 45-minute, or a 30-minute class. Memberships range from unlimited monthly memberships to different types of class packages, as well as walk-in options. “Being in such an active area, we understand that although we feel we’re one-stop-shopping, people like to do other things so we make it very convenient and try to have options for everyone,” adds Nastri. She recommends coming three times per week for the greatest physical and mental results. Jazzercise Lakewood Ranch, 9009 Town Center Parkway, Suite 102, Lakewood Ranch, 860-833-4874, jazzercise.com.

H.E.R Fitness Boutique

Strong and fit ladies are saying, “I’m with H.E.R!”

Gail McBain is no stranger to fitness. With over 44 years in the industry, she recently created H.E.R Fitness Boutique, offering a welcoming space where women can comfortably connect with others sharing similar fitness goals. Conveniently located on Fruitville Road in Sarasota, the space offers a myriad of machines and equipment, group fitness classes and one-on-one personal training just for women, housed in the former Shapes location, which was also under McBain’s leadership for eight years. “Knowing that we were well-established and the club was stronger than it’s ever been, I was ready to go on my own and create H.E.R Fitness. I thought the name was very fitting because I’ve always believed women should strive to be healthy, empowered and resilient—that’s just a great way to live life,” says McBain. With a focus on all things wellness-related including physical and mental health, nutrition and recovery, H.E.R is a gym where women can create community with other women. “There’s a variety of ways for women to get help if they need it no matter what their budget is or isn’t. So a lot of our personal attention comes just by being a member,” says McBain. “We also have the kids zone where kids can play while their mom works out. There is a huge population of stay-at-home moms or single moms that could never have the opportunity to be healthy, powered and resilient if it wasn’t for being able to put their kids in the kids club for up to two hours while they get a physical break, a stress break—something powerful that they can do for themselves.” In addition to helping women, McBain is committed to giving back to the community. Every year, the Club sponsors a Girls Night Out Fitness for Charity event benefiting a local nonprofit organization. “We do a dance class and a boot camp out in the parking lot and have vendors and sponsors and great music. It’s all for a good cause and to motivate women to get and stay healthy,” she adds. HER Fitness Boutique Sarasota, 5451 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, 941-341-9276, herfitnesssarasota.com

RIDE Cycle  

Don’t just spin your wheels looking for a good workout.

RIDE is a new rhythmic, beat-based indoor cycling studio located in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Founded in July 2023 by Ariana (Ari) Olivo, a veteran of the fitness industry for the past nine years, RIDE offers low-impact, high-intensity workouts that get the job done in just 45 minutes per class. “Indoor cycling is just so easy on the joints so if you’re rehabbing an injury or you’re looking to get into shape or maintain, it’s good for all of those things, along with heart health, of course,” says Olivo. “In addition to the physical and health benefits, we try to help people focus on what the workout does for mental clarity, too. Because of the fun lights and high energy of the music, it makes people feel more like they’re at a party instead of a workout!” All of the classes at RIDE are highly connected to the music which makes them different from other cycle workouts that incorporate metrics and numbers and tend to be more competitive. “We like to make sure that it’s an atmosphere  where everybody feels recognized and included,” says Olivo. “Our bikes don’t even have monitors on them so you’re getting that stress relief that you need, that energy pickup that you need and the benefits are happening regardless just by being here and taking the class. You’re getting a chance to clear your head and set new goals for yourself that you didn’t think you were capable of before you got here.” By attending class just two to three times a week, participants will begin to master the rhythms and feel comfortable on the bike. The RIDE studio features 40 bikes, a top-notch sound and lighting system and a variety of free weights for the upper body portion of class. The space also includes multiple showers and a full service vanity area. RIDE Cycle, 121 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, 941-376-2982, ride-cycle.com.

The Cream of the Crop

Whether enjoyed in a charming gelateria in Rome or savored on a sunny street in Sarasota, ice cream and gelato are delectable indulgences and crowd-pleasing desserts. The beloved frozen treats, with their velvety textures and variety of flavors offer a melt-in--your-mouth taste of perfection. The four local shops below offer an authentic taste of frosty heaven and a bit of a departure from the traditional varieties many of us have come to know and enjoy.  —V.Tasé Sueiro

Made in Rome Organic Gelato 

The gelato is not made in Rome, but the people who make it were.

Made in Rome Organic Gelato opened in April 2017, and has since upheld its promise of homemade, organic gelato. Every ingredient is organic, and most are locally sourced. On any given day of the year, you can watch Massimo and Diane Cuna make the gelato from scratch, carefully following the 160-year-old family recipe. To clarify, gelato is made with milk, whereas ice cream is made with cream and pumped with air. This is why gelato has almost 25% less fat but is creamier and more compact—and melts much slower. At Made in Rome, you have 48 flavors to choose from, each so rich they stick to the roof of your mouth. The Pistachio, made with Sicilian pistachios, sells quickly, as does the flavor Made in Rome, which features a homemade Nutella. If you’re a coffee drinker, the Affogato al Caffè, a shot of espresso with a scoop of gelato, will energize you and satisfy your sugar cravings all at once. There are many vegan and sugar free options to choose from and some are even better than the originals. Whether you go to taste the gelato or to hear the stories that immediately make Massimo and Diane feel like old family friends, you won’t regret taking the road that leads to (Made in) Rome. Made in Rome Organic Gelato, 5204 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-960-5344, madeinromegelato.com.

Ice Cream La Oaxaqueña

Don’t cry over burnt milk.

Leche Quemada, burnt milk, is a tradition from the state of Oaxaca. The story goes, a group of rancheros in Oaxaca went to round up their cattle one day and forgot all about the milk they had left boiling. The milk burned. Most of it evaporated, and what was left was a sweet opportunity for the rancheros. They turned it into an ice cream—and the sweet and smoky treat would soon become a house favorite all over Mexico. As a child, Santiago Sanchez, owner of Ice Cream La Oaxaqueña, would ask his grandmother to burn the milk before making ice cream. Now at his shop he infuses his Leche Quemada ice cream with that same traditional smoky flavor. While the Leche Quemada is a real showstopper with its complex and sultry flavor, Ice Cream La Oaxaqueña also offers brighter, more tropical treats like the Mango Loco, where fresh mango is shredded into spaghetti-like strips and topped with Tajin (a Mexican seasoning blend of dried red chilies, dehydrated lime juice, and sea salt), lemon and chile. Between traditional treats and bold innovative flavors, Ice Cream La Oaxaqueña has something for everyone.  Ice Cream La Oazaqueña, 2201 14th St W, Bradenton, 941-896-4650.

Paleteria y Neveria La Mexicana  

Pallettes for all palates.

Originating in Tocumbo in the state of Michoacán, the Mexican Paleta is a beautiful marriage of ice cream and popsicles. Victor Rivera, owner of Paleteria y Neveria La Mexicana, learned the traditional process of making paletas in his hometown of San Luis Potosi. La Mexicana opened in October 2016 and has been educating Sarasota locals on the Mexican way to make ice cream for almost a decade. Paletas are typically made with seasonal fruits and can be mixed with milk or water—so this means that La Mexicana also has vegan-friendly options. The traditional flavors include Coconut and Fresas con Crema (strawberries with cream). But Piñon (pine nut) or Mango with Chili and Chamoy (a savory blend of pickled fruit) might just take home the prize for most palate-pleasing. “I still follow the tradition of the 80s,” says Rivera, “That one should make things with quality rather than quantity in mind.” No matter how many paletas are made at La Mexicana, quality is a palpable ingredient? at La Mexicana. Paleteria y Neveria La Mexicana, 1303 N Washington Blvd Unit A, Sarasota, 941-955-1810, places.singleplatform.com/paleteria-y-neveria-la-mexicana/menu.

Settimi’s Gelato

It takes two to tango: milk and sugar! 

Argentinians outside of their country constantly search for anything close to the real thing. At Settimi’s Gelato on St Armands Circle, they look no further. Owned by a Spanish-Argentine couple, and managed by Yoanka Copanione, who is from Cuba and is familiar with the reputation Dulce de Leche must uphold, Settimi’s puts the sweet in Dulce. To make the gelato, two kinds of Dulce de Leche are used: Heladero (the gelato base) and Repostero (the rich cream that is folded into the gelato). The result is a gelato with a complex texture and a rich historical background. This flavor option is the perfect treat after a day at Lido Beach or a meal at any of the decadent restaurants on the Circle.  Settimi’s Gelato, 367 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, 941-388-4485.

Sweet Bites

Everybody loves cookies! If you don’t, maybe you haven’t tried Sarasota’s sparkling trove of cookie boutiques. Unlike mass-produced cookies, these locally owned bakeries craft treats that tell a story of passion and local flavor. Clarabell Cookies prides itself on their exceptionally clean ingredients, with cookies that are handmade and baked from scratch all day. Clarabell found her love of baking during Covid while living in New York City. Making cookies for her doormen and friends, she soon discovered her talent for quality cookies. By creating unique recipes and with baking help from her brother Gates, Clarabell supplies unique flavors and high-quality cookies to her customers. Throughout the year, you can order Snickerdoodle, Lemon Poppy Seed, and Espresso Chocolate Chip cookies. At the right time, you can find seasonal flavors like Creamsicle and Pumpkin Spice available. If unique, specialty flavors are your thing, you need to try Tutu’s Cookies. From the skies to Sarasota, owner Alani Drezin was once a flight attendant, baking for her crew on the aircraft thousands of feet above ground. Since then, she has rooted herself in Sarasota as one of the city’s best cookie boutiques. Try her Fly Gal cookie, nicknamed after her 14 years of flying. Using a treat from her old industry, Drezin stuffs this mouthwatering cookie with crushed Biscoffs, white chocolate and Biscoff butter. With seasonal lineups, Drezin is known for her holiday boxes, where one can order a variety of flavors including homemade ginger snaps and jam thumbprint cookies with coconut. Looking to cater an event with handmade, whimsical cookies? Search no further, because CC’s Sweets has you covered. Owner Corinna Gorczynski is a one woman team, driven by her passion and talent for baking. Working at Publix as a cake decorator for 12 years, Gorczynski  has developed her skill for abstract designs, including a watercolor effect by painting fondant with diluted food coloring and vodka. Gorczynski uses her creative abilities to tailor to her client’s events, even using their wedding dress and event invitations as inspiration for her personalized designs.  —E.Burns  Clarabell Cookies- 6564 Superior Ave, Sarasota, 941- 923-1742. Tutu’s Cookies- 703- 407-2630. CC’s Sweets- 1919 Baywood Dr, Sarasota, 941- 539-6460