SRQ DAILY Jan 19, 2021
Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning
"You'll feel you've been transported to Paris sipping your coffee to a backdrop of French music and David and his family chatting merrily in their native tongue as orders come in."
Over 30 countries claim a coastline along the waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is not a small body of water, so when a restaurant bills its menu as “modern Pacific fare,” the vision for that menu has a lot of sea to cover. Seabar just might have it covered. With a heavy infusion of Pan-Asian cuisines like Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese, Gulf Gate’s newest late night foodie spot also dips its toe in the surf of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Seabar’s coconut shrimp croquettes riff on the croquetas de atún (tuna croquettes) popular in Southern Mexico. The basic premise of a croquette is to take some sort of meat—ham, chicken, tuna, shrimp—mince and mix it with cooked potatoes into a mush, then bread it and deep fry it until golden brown. Seabar’s shrimp croquettes come perfectly crispy on the outside, with a sweet and creamy filling of shrimp, potato and spices on the inside. Stacked into a little pyramid, the croquettes sit atop a sweet mango-chile sauce that looks and tastes a lot like a Hawaiian sweet-and-sour sauce. Garnished with pickled fresno chiles and cilantro, the croquettes touch on a lot of flavor profiles, from sweet to savory to a touch spicy with the chiles. 
Running the business alongside his wife, and resident chef Frieda, and internationally trained son and baker Adam, owner David of L’Opera Bakery Bistro jokes, “the only things we don't make here are the beer and wine.” From the fresh, herby salad dressing to the buttery, flakey melt-in-your-mouth croissants, every item leaving the L’Opera kitchen is made daily from scratch.
This pastry paradise is dishing out buzzword classics such as eclairs and macarons with the delightful addition of some lesser known, but equally tasty, items such as Kouign-Amann, Galette de Rois and Baba au Rhum. The Kouign-Amann is their signature bake which features layered pastry filled with butter and sugar creating little pockets of sweetness. The Galette is filled with housemade (but of course) almond cream, and the Baba au Rhum is a small yeast cake saturated with rum (yum) and topped with heavy whipped cream.
Their overflowing case of both viennoiserie and pastry will fill any Francophile with glee. An interesting fact for any bake-off fan is the distinction that viennoiserie are sweets typically served warm, such as an almond croissant, while pastries are normally served cold/room temperature like a macaroon or eclair.
Beyond sweet treats, L’Opera has a wide ranging menu where you can travel the whole of France without leaving the Gulf Gate area for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One of our favorites is the Bonjour Croissant. Filled with thinly sliced ham, cheese and omlette and topped with creamy bechamel sauce, you’ll feel you’ve been transported to Paris sipping your coffee to a backdrop of French music and David and his family chatting merrily in their native tongue as orders come in.
L’Opera is open Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch 7:30am-2pm and dinner service Thursday through Saturday from 5pm-9pm.
2336 Gulf Gate Dr, Sarasota, FL, 941-922-2253
Michael’s On East is now on the approved list of caterers for the Powel Crosley Estate, the Bradenton Area Convention Center and the Premiere Sports Campus. This expands upon Michael’s on East current off-site preferred catering locations. Michael’s on East continues to provide award-winning, full-service catering services including rentals, event coordination and menu design within the Manatee-Sarasota region for all special occasions.
Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s has received a grant of $15,000 to expand yoga and mindfulness therapeutic programs to empower people with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers to experience new levels of hope by optimizing function and restoring independence. These programs are adapted to meet all levels of the disease, valuable to newly diagnosed, progressed states and caregivers alike. “There is quite a bit of research available regarding the physical and emotional benefits of yoga and mindful breathing practices for those in all stages of Parkinson’s,” states Pamela Shackley, Executive Director, Yoga Project International. “By partnering with Neuro Challenge, we are able to offer all those in the Parkinson's community access to programs that can help with the physical and emotional challenges of Parkinson’s Disease.”
Gulf Coast Community Foundation has published a first-of-its-kind resource to spur and guide community-wide action to transform environmental water quality throughout the Sarasota County region. “Sarasota County’s economy and reputation depend on protecting and restoring our natural waters,” said Jon Thaxton, senior vice president of Gulf Coast Community Foundation, who chaired the Playbook initiative. “This Community Playbook for Healthy Waterways focuses, prioritizes, and coordinates critical activities we must undertake to realize our community’s vision for clean and healthy waters.”
In partnership with Leadership Sarasota and the Junior League Sustainers, the Tidewell Foundation, Inc. is hosting a linen drive for Tidewell Hospice patients from January 17-February 14. Donated linens will be made available to Tidewell Hospice field teams, who will distribute the sheets and towels to resource-limited patients receiving in-home and assisted-living facility hospice care. “We are so grateful to partner with Leadership Sarasota and the Junior League Sustainers on this important initiative,” said Tidewell Foundation President Debbie Mason. “Many Tidewell Hospice patients — from younger ones facing financial hardship to older ones exhausting what's left of their money — don’t have the means or ability to purchase much-needed towels and sheets. It can be especially challenging for the latter group, with more than 22% of seniors in our region living alone and at least 13% living below the poverty line. We appreciate our generous community for their support of patients in need.”
Goodwill Manasota recently recognized four fabulous volunteers who were especially helpful as the nonprofit organization worked through the challenges of the pandemic last year. Goodwill honored: Louise Cataldo: a retired math teacher who volunteers with Goodwill’s Job Connection customers, helping them to create and update their resumes; Jim Flora: a retired corporate executive who volunteers with the Job Connection and Veterans Services programs doing mock interviews, to help participants during the job search; Andrea Nierenberg: an e-commerce business developer and executive coach who donates her time, style, and fashion sense to help create videos showing how to shop Goodwill stores for different looks, for the holidays, and more; and Jo Rita Stevens: a retired Realtor who is the longest-serving volunteer – over 50 years – in Goodwill history.
On the heels of its wildly successful inaugural outdoor theatrical venture, We Need a Little Christmas, Asolo Repertory Theatre proudly announces its 2021 outdoor season. Performed in its newly constructed, socially-distanced outdoor venue Terrace Stage, located in front of the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, the four productions will be held February – April, 2021. Asolo Rep’s top priority is the safety of its patrons, artists and staff. The outdoor season replaces the theatre’s previously announced indoor 2020-21 productions of Our Town, Grand Horizons, Knoxville and Hood, which are now slated for the 2021-22 season.
Englewood Area Board of Realtors® (EABOR) presented Michael Saunders & Company Englewood & Boca Grande Branch Manager Mary Smedley with the prestigious REALTOR® of the Year Award.
Over the past 5 years, Bayside Pet Resort of Osprey has hosted more than 74,322 pets for boarding; 49,649 dogs for daycare; 6,495 pets for grooming and 1,861 dogs for Day School training. Lori Hines, General Manager of Bayside Pet Resort of Osprey said "“Our dedicated staff provides a fun, safe and loving environment for all the pets that come through our doors. We create a special relationship with all our clients and making them part of our Bayside family."
Dr. Melania Kesoglou, Ed.S., Ph.D., and Director of Education at Children First, has been invited to serve on the National Head Start Association's Region IV Foster Care Challenge (FCC) Committee. In her role, Dr. Kesoglou will help to oversee the FCC’s work in Head Start’s Region IV, the southeastern United States, representing more than 170,000 children, 40,000 staff and 300 member programs.
Nate Tracy has joined Fishman & Associates as a Purchasing and Service Manager.
Check out all the features in SRQ Magazine's January 2021 edition - out now!
Click here to read the full SRQ Magazine January 2021 Health and Wellness edition.
Crop Juice Stickney Point is featured in SRQ Magazine's January 2021 Health and Wellness edition. The address for their new location is: 2480 Stickney Point Road in Sarasota.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a positive COVID-19 test result for a Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) driver on Friday, January 15th. In consultation with DOH-Sarasota, SCAT has identified the following operational dates and routes served by the affected driver: Routes 1 and 1713, 8:45am. to 7:10pm Sunday, January 10 and Route 40, 7:40am to 5:35pm Monday and Tuesday, January 11-12. If a passenger suspects they have been exposed or feels symptoms of COVID-19 they are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider, DOH-Sarasota or visit one of the free state-testing sites located at: 5400 Bradenton Road, Sarasota.
Robert L. Taylor Center, 1845 34th St., Sarasota.
Join us for an online reading of Last Call at the Old Slave Quarters Lounge by playwright Kenneth Jones, a bold new work in progress set in a popular Mississippi restaurant steeped in unsettling history, on January 29 at 3pm. When long-buried secrets are unearthed, they challenge the status quo of three generations of a family of restaurateurs, revealing conflicting views on heritage, community and responsibility. Following the reading, stay for a chance to give feedback and ask questions of the playwright. FST is requesting a suggested donation of $10 to attend this event. Reservations are limited to one per order, per device. Attendees will need to download the Zoom mobile or desktop app to participate in this event.
Join us for an online reading of The Drolls, a new work in progress by playwright Deborah Brevoort. Cox, Littlewood, and Etherege are drolls - street performers plying their forbidden trade in London’s back alleys while avoiding the ill-intentioned Constable Cowly - on February 5 at 3pm. Cox and Littlewood are more than happy to entertain the English citizens with low-brow humor and silly voices; Etherege is not. When Etherege finds the work of a seminal writer known as Shakespeare, Etherege and Cox engage in an epic battle between the competing art forms of dramatic tragedy and lowball comedy. Following the reading, stay for a chance to give feedback and ask questions of the playwright. FST is requesting a suggested donation of $10 to attend this event. Reservations are limited to one per order, per device. Attendees will need to download the Zoom mobile or desktop app to participate in this event.
Join us for an online reading of As You Are, a new work in progress by playwright Rachel Lynett, on February 12 at 3pm. In a loose adaptation of Shakespeare's As You Like It, an apartment community is stuck inside trying to find joy in the darkest of situations. Orlando, a recovering addict, struggles to pay rent and "earn" his stay while also trying to woo an artist, Ros, who's looking for the perfect moment to capture with her camera. Silvius, a high school teacher, tries his chances with exhausted nurse Phoebe while Audrey, a classically trained musician, tries to come to terms with being “good,” but not “great.” Throughout this play with music, each character attempts to adjust to what it means to find joy in the midst of great loss. Following the reading, stay for a chance to give feedback and ask questions of the playwright. FST is requesting a suggested donation of $10 to attend this event. Reservations are limited to one per order, per device. Attendees will need to download the Zoom mobile or desktop app to participate in this event.
Join us for an online reading of America In One Room, a new work in progress by playwright Jason Odell Williams, on February 19 at 3pm. When eight strangers receive an invitation to the America in One Room convention, promising debate on a wide range of topics, they are hesitant to participate. However, as each personality files into the aptly-titled Liberty Room, their insecurities, strengths, weaknesses and hopes for the future are put on full display. Inspired by the 2019 convention of the same name, America in One Room dissects recent headlines and our nation’s past to answer the question: what does it mean to be an American? Following the reading, stay for a chance to give feedback and ask questions of the playwright. FST is requesting a suggested donation of $10 to attend this event. Reservations are limited to one per order, per device. Attendees will need to download the Zoom mobile or desktop app to participate in this event.
Join us for an online reading of American Rhapsody, a new work in progress by playwright Michael McKeever, on February 26 at 3pm. Starting with the Moon Landing in 1969 and ending in the near future of 2032, American Rhapsody tells the story of the Cabot family. As America evolves into a new identity, so does the family. Members of other races and sexual orientations marry into and redefine who the family thought they were—all set against the backdrop of the ever-changing landscape of the American zeitgeist. Following the reading, stay for a chance to give feedback and ask questions of the playwright. FST is requesting a suggested donation of $10 to attend this event. Reservations are limited to one per order, per device. Attendees will need to download the Zoom mobile or desktop app to participate in this event.
Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure - a new exhibit created by Minnesota Children's Museum and the creators of the top-rated PBS Kids TV series "Wild Kratts" - will open soon at Mote Aquarium. The exhibit focuses on building STEM-based skills for children ages 3 to 9. It will be at Mote from January 30 to June 6, 2021. Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure transports visitors to the Wild Kratts world, immersing them in whole body explorations of ocean habitats. Using Wild Kratts technology and the powers of science and teamwork, children and their families will join the Wild Kratts team to solve problems, help marine animals, and foil the villains' nefarious plans.
Join other learners from around the world for a free, live, interactive virtual program about our manatees on January 22 at 1pm. Do you know how to train a 3000-pound relative of the elephant? Find out how Mote Marine Laboratory cares for Hugh and Buffett, our resident manatees, and learn how big and smart they are. Students will learn the basic characteristics of mammals and the adaptations of manatees. Students will also learn how our biologists care for manatees and what conservation efforts are being made for wild populations. Recommended for learners in 3rd–6th grade. Connect through CISCO WebEx and get ready to enjoy quality programming from within your classroom or the comfort of your own home. The program is free with registration.
Interested in marine science and want to learn more about potential jobs? Get your feet wet with an introduction to the field of marine science and the career opportunities it offers. During this Virtual Learning Lab, participants will explore the variety of disciplines found in the field of marine science through hands-on experiences and activities. Mote's Learning Labs are a series of virtual, interactive college and career preparatory labs that will provide students the opportunity to develop and hone professional skills for future STEM careers. Participants will gain basic knowledge in marine science concepts and experience in lab/field work. Additionally, marine science professionals will introduce participants to a variety of career opportunities and conduct career explorations. The intention of this program is to offer participants a head start toward their future goals in STEM and advance the next generation of STEM professionals. Learning Labs take place monthly on Mondays from 4pm to 6pm, via secure Zoom webinar. Registration for each Learning Lab is $10 and covers all necessary materials for your session.
Love research projects but not sure where to start? Join Mote for this introductory Learning Lab focused on the scientific method of research projects. This session will go through research projects step by step to better understand how and why researchers perform these experiments. We will discuss key elements, important procedures, and even work with data sets to better understand how to analyze your results. If you have to do a project for school, this is a great place to start. Mote’s Learning Labs are a series of virtual, interactive college and career preparatory labs that will provide students the opportunity to develop and hone professional skills for future STEM careers. Participants will gain basic knowledge in marine science concepts and experience in lab/field work. Additionally, marine science professionals will introduce participants to a variety of career opportunities and conduct career explorations. The intention of this program is to offer participants a head start toward their future goals in STEM and advance the next generation of STEM professionals. Learning Labs take place monthly on Mondays from 4pm to 6pm, via secure Zoom webinar. Registration for each Learning Lab is $10 and covers all necessary materials for your session.
Interested in pursuing a science field as a college major or career? Join Mote educators and experts to get a jumpstart on science communication. This Learning Lab will examine how to read and interpret scientific papers on various topics. Participants will also learn how to communicate the science back to peers and the general public. Participants will be able to apply the skills learned during this Lab to other subjects in school. Mote's Learning Labs are a series of virtual, interactive college and career preparatory labs that will provide students the opportunity to develop and hone professional skills for future STEM careers. Participants will gain basic knowledge in marine science concepts and experience in lab/field work. Additionally, marine science professionals will introduce participants to a variety of career opportunities and conduct career explorations. The intention of this program is to offer participants a head start toward their future goals in STEM and advance the next generation of STEM professionals. Learning Labs take place monthly on Mondays from 4pm to 6pm, via secure Zoom webinar. Registration for each Learning Lab is $10 and covers all necessary materials for your session.
Did you know that it is "National Popcorn Day" is coming up? We have some fun "CORNY" facts for you on Tuesday, January 19 from 11am to 11:30am about popcorn and then we are planting some seeds for you to take home. Enjoy some popcorn to snack too! Included in admission & free for members.
Join Healthy Teens Coalition on January 19 from 3pm to 4pm online as we kick off the new year with important information about the COVID vaccine rollout in Manatee County. Special guests, Dr. Jennifer Bencie, County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County, and Geoffrey Cordes, who leads the COVID vaccine distribution in the FL Dept. of Health in Manatee County will present.
SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email |
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe
