SRQ DAILY Oct 19, 2021
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"From live music to the arts, we want to bring local creators and makers together to further the neighborhood and downtown ecosystem."
When The Lounge at Element opened earlier this year, the space hoped to find a concept and identity that would stick. It shares back-of-house infrastructure with Element, where executive chef Nils Tarantik has amassed quite a following and, just as important, assembled quite a staff. And so, The Lounge provided an opportunity for him and his team of chefs to flex their culinary creativity and offer diners a tasting room of sorts where the outfit can try out its crazy new ideas.
“I get bored really quickly with our menu,” jokes Tarantik, “that’s why most of the Element menu on any given night is specials.” Recently, The Lounge played host to Culinary Culture, a pop-up series of menus that featured specials celebrating the broad cultural make-up of Tarantik’s kitchen staff. But Tarantik certainly has some room to play around with new ideas too.
One such crazy new idea is the bacon kebab. Featuring skewered pork belly and peppadew peppers, the Happy Hour bite packs an enormous amount of punch. That punch comes courtesy of two things. The first is smoke. Each skewer exudes as much crackling haze as a 12-hour smoked brisket pulled from a barrel smoker. The second is heat, which comes courtesy of the peppadew peppers and the black pepper that flecks the brown sugar glaze on each kebab. The result is an amount of heat and smoke that, were it not contained on such a bite-sized plating, might warrant a call to 9-1-1.
And in the spirit of newness, The Lounge announces an all-new food and beverage menu on November 1st. So get your fire and smoke kebab while you can.
Happy Hour runs Thursday through Saturday from 4-6 p.m. 
The Lounge at Element, 1409 Main St., Sarasota, 941-724-8585.
Though it may feel like an endless summer, it is finally fall in Sarasota. The sun is setting a little earlier. Jack-o-lanterns make appearances on porches and patios. The weather will (hopefully) begin to cool down. And most importantly, pumpkin spice-flavored everything is making its annual comeback. If the autumnal equinox was not enough of a reason to indulge in the fruit of the season, then maybe National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day will persuade you to.
The Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe is an up-and-coming bakery and cafe on Holmes Beach. Owned and operated by Jennifer Geils, the restaurant’s colorful menu is stuffed with sandwiches, flatbreads, overnight oats and cheesecakes–specifically that of the pumpkin variety. With a dedicated cheesecake menu, Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe offers an array of flavors ranging from original to blueberry lemon to Snickers. And now for fall, the bakery (or shall we say cheesecakery) is selling a pumpkin spice flavored Cutie (personal-sized) cheesecake—available individually, by the half dozen or by the dozen. And as if that weren’t enough, Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe also has the Thankful Sailor cheesecake–made with a housemade pumpkin spice seasoning infused into the cheesecake and topped with homemade whipped cream–and a gluten-free version of their pumpkin Cutie. All three fall-inspired desserts are available now through Christmas.
Celebrate National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day this Thursday, October 21 with Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe. And while you’re there, try any of their other 20+ flavors. Because you can never have too much cheesecake, right?
The Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe, 3324 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-779-2253, cheesecakecutie.com, @cheesecake_cutie
Photo courtesy of the restaurant
Last Friday, the Sarasota-Manatee Originals did not disappoint in shaking things up their highly-anticipated 2021 Set The Bar - Cocktail Competition Benefiting Embracing Our Differences. Hosted at Ed Smith Stadium for an evening of drinks, food and fun, The Originals encouraged attendees to “Sip Like A Local” as the crowd enjoyed the sun setting over the baseball field and experienced specially-crafted cocktails from 25 locally-owned restaurants as well as bites from Restaurant Members. Equally distributed amongst five different spirit brands who sponsored the event—New Amsterdam Vodka, Hiatus Tequila, Papa's Pila Rum, Waterloo Gin and Treaty Oak Distilling—attendees were able to cast their vote for their favorite cocktail to take home the top prize as People's Choice.
Of the spirit-specific winners—chosen by a select group of judges—bartenders Tobias Halk and Daniel Garcia of Miguel's Restaurant won first place for New Amsterdam Vodka with their cocktail 'Porn Star;' bartender Rhiannon Mahon of GROVE won first place for Hiatus Tequila with her cocktail 'Grove Loma;' bartender Andrea Wilsie of Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine won first place for Papa's Pilar Blonde Rum with her cocktail 'The Golden Daiquiri;' bartender Anthony Rizzo of Duval's Fresh Local Seafood won first place for Treaty Oak "Red Handed" Bourbon for his cocktail 'Solar Eclipse;' and finally, bartenders Andrea Zahn and Jennifer Bruggemann of El Melvin Cocina Mexicana won first for Waterloo Gin No.9 for their cocktail 'El Pajaro Borracho.'
Once the winners were announced, The Originals Executive Director Sarah Firstenberger culminated the event with one last award—the cocktail garnering the most votes throughout the course of the event from Set The Bar's thirsty crowd. Earning the title of the night and crowned 'People's Choice' was Rhiannon Mahon of GROVE for her cocktail 'Grove Loma,' encompassing Hiatus Tequila Blanco infused with cucumber and pineapple, agave, lime, fresh mint, topped with a grapefruit Jarritos float and a Tajin-dusted rim with cucumber garnish.
The night culminated in dozens of creatively decorated booths, good-hearted, friendly competition, drinks shared by many, community support and the proceeds benefitting Sarasota nonprofit, Embracing Our Differences. Cheers to every member restaurant who participated and every attendee who got through the entire list sampling every one of the 25 cocktail creations on display.
The Sarasota-Manatee Originals network promotes and sustains over 60 independent area restaurants and provides diners with a comprehensive resource of some of the finest locally-owned keepsakes throughout Florida’s Suncoast. Remember to “Eat Like A Local” and check out eatlikealocal.com or @941originals socials for restaurant updates, promotional deals and upcoming events. Pictured: Bartender Rhiannon Mahon celebrating two wins for her Hiatus Tequila cocktail, alongside one of the event's judges Brandon Weppner. Photo taken by Zach Dauth
DreamLarge announces the launch of the RADD Night Market, an evening market that takes place every third Thursday of the month in the heart of the Rosemary District. Formerly known as the Rosemary Night Market, the RADD Night Market launches on Thursday, October 21 and continues monthly through April 21, 2022. Designed to be loud, lively and creative, RADD Market brings makers and creators from all over - to share their wares and enliven the district. The open-air market will feature a curated and diverse selection of vendors, spanning the region, as well as live music and art. The first market will feature a performance by local band DreamThing.
“We're relaunching this night market to further the vibrancy of the Rosemary District,” says Anand Pallegar, Founder of DreamLarge. “From live music to the arts, we want to bring local creators and makers together to further the neighborhood and downtown ecosystem.”
If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, click here to fill out the vendor application form. For any questions, please contact hello@rosemarydistrict.org or visit rosemarydistrict.org/radd-market
Imagine you are a young child, dependent on others, but unable to communicate your needs. This was Luna’s story, as she struggled with a developmental disability impacting her daily life. She began attending the Starfish Academy preschool at The Florida Center for Early Childhood, where teachers and therapists work together through wrap-around services that enhanced Luna’s social and developmental skills. At Starfish, Luna was motivated by typically-developing children in her “inclusion” model classroom, and encouraged to reach her full potential. Luna’s parents were thrilled when she spoke her first within a year of attending the school.
Luna’s progression was inspiring, but the expense of additional therapies was difficult for her family to afford. Thankfully, contributions from caring donors helped cover the cost of Luna’s preschool and treatments. You can help children like Luna by supporting The Florida Center. With 1 in 6 children suffering a mental, behavioral or developmental disorder, your gift today will light the way for a brighter tomorrow for children in need.
About the Florida Center for Early Childhood: For more than 40 years, The Florida Center for Early Childhood has been the leading provider of therapeutic services, early education and healthy development for young children in southwest Florida, offering a seamless delivery of services for the whole child and their family. Today, the agency is nationally recognized for its early childhood expertise in a variety of specialties. The Florida Center provides developmental therapies, mental health counseling, Starfish Academy preschool, the Healthy Families home-visiting program, and the state’s only Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders clinic.
For more information, visit thefloridacenter.org or call 941-371-8820.
It's time to clean out the garage and gather discarded household items, appliances, junk, tree trimmings and other garbage as Sarasota County will hold a free community cleanup in the South Venice area from 8 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Oct. 23. Electronics, appliances, computers, and tires no larger than 25 X 16 will be accepted at the South Venice Community Center location.
Hazardous waste, such as paint, oil, and gas will not be accepted at the listed locations. However, it may be taken to the Sarasota County Chemical Collection Center 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. The centers are located at 8750 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and 250 S. Jackson Road, Venice. Dumpsters for residential customers will be available at the following locations: South Venice Community Center, 720 Alligator Drive, Venice; South Venice Ferry Landing, 2000 Block Lemon Bay Drive, Venice; and Seaboard Drive near Orange Street, Venice.
For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 or visit scgov.net
The Venice Symphony has named Holly Anderson as Director of Philanthropy for the organization. Ms. Anderson will lead efforts on donor cultivation and stewardship, building strategic business and community partnerships, fundraising campaigns, event planning and securing grants. She will also serve as liaison to The Venice Symphony Chair Society.
“We are thrilled to have Holly join The Venice Symphony leadership team in this key position,” said Christine Kasten, President and CEO of the Symphony. “She brings extensive development experience and a strong commitment to our community and has embraced the mission and vision of the Symphony. Holly has already established relationships with our patrons and created new opportunities for The Venice Symphony to partner with businesses and other organizations.”
Enjoy a daily carnival with rides and games for all ages October 21-24 and favorite fair food, and a Fall Festival Saturday - Sunday from 11am-6pm with family-fun entertainment and more. Event parking and admission are free. Unlimited ride wristbands are $35 on site while supplies last and online in advance for $29 each, 2/$55 or 4/$99 (Pre-sale ends Thurs., Oct. 21 at 5pm). On Saturday and Sunday, ride wristbands will only be available from 5pm to closing. Ride tickets are sold on site for $1.50 each, $30/20 tickets, or $60/50 tickets plus 1 free ride. Online pre-sale special: $45 for 50 tickets (includes 1 free ride). Midway hours: 5-10pm Thursday, 5-11pm Friday, noon-11pm Saturday, noon-10pm Sunday. Parent/guardian supervision is required for guests ages 17 and younger. The Fall Festival will feature live music and entertainment, a pumpkin patch, beer garden, food trucks, vendors and Sunday activities including the Little Miss & Mister Pumpkin Pageant (11am), Pet Costume Contest (3pm) and Trunk or Treat (4pm).
Presented by Alltrust Insurance, the 2021 Tidewell Trot 5K and 1-mile Run/Walk benefitting Tidewell Foundation is scheduled to be held on October 21, 2021, at Nathan Benderson Park — 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir. Proceeds benefit Tidewell Foundation in its grants to Tidewell Hospice for charity care, grief support services, specialized veterans care, music therapy, telehealth, and more. The vendor fair will begin at 5pm, the 5k at 6pm, and the 1-mile run/walk at 6:15pm.
On Friday, October 22 we’re asking our members, business partners, and guests to share in our commitment to supporting the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Walk by joining us for the 2021 Fashion Show. This is the 27th show our network has staged, and after the lights were dimmed in 2020, we are back and better than ever with a show like no other. Women’s Council presents our Models of Courage: Sarasota’s Hometown Heroes. Doctors, nurses, police, firefighters, teachers, and first responders – we rely so much upon them and celebrate their pledge to our community. This year’s event will be held at the Art Ovation Hotel, and would not be possible without the generous support of our business partners. Berlin | Patten | Ebling, PLLC is our 2021 Diamond Sponsor, with Media Sponsorship by SRQ Magazine. Tickets are on sale now on Eventbrite and are expected to sell out quickly. Seating is limited, so reserve your seat or table and lock in your low price of $95; after October 1, tickets are $105. Guest tables of 12, and VIP Tickets are also available. Please e-mail us at sarasotawcr@gmail.com to join our Fashion Show Committee, or for additional information on this epic event. 2021 Fashion Show: The New Roaring 20s. A portion of the proceeds benefit "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer." Seated luncheon by Art Ovation. Men's and Women's Fashions by Jackie Z. Models of Courage: Sarasota’s First Responders. LIVE Music & Entertainment. LIVE Auction. “The Bee’s Knees” LOTTO Tree Raffle. Spiffy, Swell & Swanky: Our Online Silent Auction. Speakeasy Style: Our Vendor Boutique.
Program 1 – New World opens The Sarasota Ballet Season with a revisit to Martha Graham’s Appalachian Spring, a vibrant tribute to pioneer life and a hallmark display of Americana. Set to a score commissioned by Graham from Aaron Copland, this bucolic tale of a 19th century Pennsylvania farmhouse weaves four characters’ narratives together to face uncharted obstacles. Appalachian Spring is joined by an exciting World Premiere by Resident Choreographer Ricardo Graziano. This will mark his first new choreographed work since the January 2019 premiere of Amorosa and, paired with Graham’s iconic work, opens this important Season with a sense of optimism, hope, and excitement for the future. New World will take place on October 22 2021 at 7:30pm, October 23 2021 at 2pm and 7:30pm, and October 24 2021 at 2pm and 7:30pm at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 North Tamiami Trail.
TerraNova Equestrian Center welcomes you to its inaugural event, The Event at TerraNova, Oct. 22-24. The Event at TerraNova showcases the Olympic sport of three-day eventing. Like an equestrian triathlon, eventing tests the abilities of horse and rider in three phases– dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Join us for the ultimate in equestrian sport and a lovely day in the country. General admission and VIP experiences are available. Our goal is to create a world-class experience for all levels of riders, horses and spectators. The Event at TerraNova is a destination event for competitors, owners and sponsors, located just a short drive from Sarasota and some of the nation’s top beaches, resort hotels, golf courses and upscale restaurants.
A comedic romp into the fantasy world of Dungeons and Dragons. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with vicious fairies, nasty ogres and ‘90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. She Kills Monsters will show from October 22 to November 7 at the Venice Theatre. Recommended for middle school and up. Strong language and themes.
The Sarasota Sailing Squadron located on City Island is pleased to announce that the 50th World Sunfish Championship will be coming to Sarasota in October 2021. The 100 competitors come from North, South, and Central America, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Europe. They will be sailing new boats supplied by Sunfish Direct. They have qualified previously in events held in their respective countries and represent the country's best sailors. The week long event will be held Oct. 23-29. Twelve races are planned during the week. A "lay day" is scheduled if needed for inclement weather, a time for visitors to enjoy the many amenities that Sarasota has to offer. Many family members also attend and join in the Squadron's planned activities, enhancing the experience for everyone. The 50th Regatta organizers also plan to invite past Wold competitors to attend which will bring many more sailors to enjoy the racing via spectator boats and entertainment events.
The Venice YMCA Black Tie Gala 2021 will take place on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 6PM at the Venice YMCA, 701 Center Rd., Venice. Join us for a fabulous evening of gourmet dining, bidding, dancing and fun at Venice's Premier event of the season. There will be dinner, dancing, music, and a silent and live auction. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Paul Raker, Executive Director, at 941-492-9622 or praker@ymcaswfl.org. Purchase tickets online at www.ymcaswfl.org/events/black-tie-gala-2021.
Friends of Manatee County Animal Services (FoMCAS) invites everyone to join them at the February Yappy Hour at Motorworks Brewery. FoMCAS will be the featured nonprofit and will have over $4000 in raffles and silent auction items plus a 50/50 drawing to help fundraise for the Manatee County Animal Services shelter animals. The family friendly and pet friendly event will be held on Sunday, February 21st in the Motorworks Beer Garden from 1pm to 4pm. The event will feature vendors selling an array of pet and non-pet related products with drink specials and food from local food trucks all in the 12,000 sq ft. artificially turfed beer garden. Raffles and silent auction items include resort stays on Anna Maria Island, spa packages, restaurant gift cards, sailing excursions, fabulous gift baskets, pet items, tickets to sporting events and a golf package, handmade arts by local artisans, jewelry, baskets of spirits, gourmet gift packages, and much, much more. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their leashed pets to enjoy the day and help contribute to the Friends of Manatee County Animal Services whose mission it is to work hand in hand with Manatee County Animal Services to enrich the lives of the shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources, medical care and heartworm treatment. Animal Network is the event partner with Motorworks Brewery for the monthly Yappy Hour held on the third Sunday of each month. It features different local nonprofit animal organizations that support, rescue, and find loving homes for dogs and cats in our community. Each month, the guest organization receives the funds raised through the silent auction, raffles and 50/50 split drawing. Over the last three years the event has raised over $100,000 shared among the various guest organizations. Animal Network, Dawg Phonics and Motorworks are sponsors of the Yappy Hour.
Fall in love all over again with the music of the ‘50s and ‘60s! Honoring the dynamic harmony groups of the mid-20th century—from The Four Seasons and The Platters to The Beatles and beyond, The Wanderers will transport you to simpler times with their tight harmonies, smooth moves, and, of course, matching jackets. Featuring such timeless hits as “At the Hop,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and “With A Little Help From My Friends.” The Wanderers, by Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser, will play beginning September 29, 2021 through February 6, 2022 in FST's Court Cabaret.
Selby Gardens’ annual Orchid Show, from October 9 to November 28, brings together two of Sarasota, Florida’s most renowned legacies —orchids and the circus. Presented in collaboration with the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (The Ringling), The Orchid Show 2021: Aerialists from the Tree Top to the Big Top!, is presented by Better-Gro®, celebrates the breathtaking beauty of orchids in tree-top canopies high above the forest floor with the artistry and spectacle of the circus, particularly the aerialists who perform extraordinary feats of human ability high above captivated crowds. Pairing astonishing air plants with amazing aerial acts enables a fascinating exploration of the intersection of nature and entertainment. The show is deeply rooted in Selby Gardens’ status as possessing the world’s best scientifically documented collection of orchids. As always, the Orchid Show highlights the diversity and richness of the Orchidaceae family, one of the largest families of flowering plants on earth. The synergy with Sarasota’s extensive circus history fortifies the theme of this year’s show. Once the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the city remains the home of many circus performers and their families. In addition to The Ringling, housing the finest circus collections in existence, Sarasota is home to the Circus Arts Conservatory and associated Sailor Circus Academy, the oldest youth circus in America.
The Players Centre for Performing Arts is thrilled to celebrate our 5th annual production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at the Sarasota Polo Club. This year, for the first time, The Players Centre is proud to introduce the Headless Horseman to South County at Selby Botanical Garden’s Historic Spanish Point. This family-friendly, yet spooky, and always festive play is based on Washington Irving's classic tale about Ichabod Crane, the object of his affection Katrina, his rival Brom Bones, and of course, one of the most famous ghosts in American Folklore, the Headless Horseman. The show runs an hour in totality and is suitable for audiences of all ages. Sarasota Polo Club shows have been known to sell out, so reserve your tickets early. The Players Centre is excited to be bringing this holiday production to an even wider audience and to be pairing with such esteemed cultural organizations to showcase the talent and beauty of our entire community. Show dates are Oct. 22 at 6pm, Oct. 23 at 4pm and 6pm at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane. Rain dates are Sunday, October 24, October 29 and 30 at 5:30pm at the Guptil House at Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Students $10, Adults $20, and Family 4-packs $50. Please bring your own chairs and/or blankets, none will be provided, this is an outdoor event. All seating will be socially distanced. Masks are recommended for those that are unvaccinated.
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