Yesterday marked the long-anticipated opening of Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar at University Town Center. Owner Rocco Mangel opened the first Rocco’s Tacos in 2007 in West Palm Beach, FL. Having grown up in the restaurant industry alongside his parents and extended family, Mangel is well-versed in the food world. Before opening Rocco’s, he collaborated with the company’s current culinary director Rich Garcia at a Mexican restaurant called Moquila. At Moquila, Mangel and Garcia delved into the country’s diverse cuisine and culture, traveling to Mexico for inspiration. Their combined expertise has helped differentiate the Rocco’s brand, which emphasizes fresh and authentic flavors.

The tableside guacamole, made with Mangel’s recipe, is a staple at the restaurant, which prides itself on using the right technique to get the most out of the avocado. “Avocados are such a unique fruit because once they’re opened they start deteriorating,” says Garcia, “and to make the guacamole fresh right in front of you sets us apart from the rest.” Another unique dish is the molcajete, a stew served in a hot volcanic rock bowl sourced from Mexico. “The molcajete is a sharable and fun conversation piece,” adds Mangel. The molcajetes come with tortillas and garnishes which guests can use to make their own tacos at the table. “We’ve made the switch at the majority of our locations to cook, grind and form our own fresh corn tortillas,” Garcia says, “because the most important ingredient in a taco is the tortilla, and it’s a labor of love.” The tortillas stand out in the restaurant’s many street taco offerings, like birria, mahi and shrimp tacos. Rocco’s beverage menu also highlights well-thought-out flavors. “Our bartenders use fresh berries in our craft cocktails,” Mangel adds.

In addition to the food itself, the restaurant’s decor transports guests to the enchanting country of Mexico. The UTC location boasts metal star lanterns, intricate mosaics and a section inspired by artist Frida Khalo. The vibrant and mesmerizing setting provides a fitting backdrop for diners wishing to be whisked away, if only for one meal. “We’re looking forward to showcasing what we do and bringing joy and happiness to the people of Sarasota,” says Garcia.

Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, 243 N Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, roccostacos.com 

Pictured: The tableside guacamole made fresh at Rocco's. Photo courtesy of Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar.

Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar

The culinary team at Michael’s On East is challenged to create new dishes inspired by the world’s most exotic destinations each month. Join us to experience ever-changing, palate-pleasing global cuisine with Michael's Epicurean Adventures. We invite you to enjoy special wine pairings for $10 per glass or $18 for the pairing. The three-course dinner menu is available Tuesday through Saturday evenings for $42.95 per person. This month’s Epicurean menu is the result of a four day expedition to the Pampas Region of Central Argentina. Argentinian cuisine is known for its spices, which production is like an art form in this country. From the finest restaurants like Cabaña Las Lilas in Buenos Aires to the celebrated vineyards of Susana Balbo and Zuccardi Valle de Uco in Mendoza, GCCC members experienced the full breath of Argentine culture. Epicurean Argentina represents a sample of the local cuisine and exceptional wines discovered in this country of dramatic landscapes and endless diversity.  

Pictured: Brocheta de Solomillo de Cerdo con Puré de Batatas y Manzanas. Photo courtesy of Michael's on East.

On March 10 enjoy an amazing free show under the stars at Hamlet’s Eatery. R.A.D. Entertainment will be performing from 5-8pm. R.A.D. is a collective of three talented performers known for writing dynamic hooks and delivering action packed performances. (R)aleigh Mosley, (A)riel Blue and (D)erric Gobourne, Jr. each borrowed a letter from their first name to become a soulful collective, where each member retains their own artistic identity. You may recognize their names from area shows including many at Westcoast Black Theatre. The trio will be performing pop, soul and R&B songs from the 70s through the present. Don’t be surprised when you witness some moonwalking dance moves and so much more!There is no charge for this show. Hamlet’s Eatery will be offering both traditional and vegan dinner options with craft beer, wine, and Prosecco on tap available. Located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information visit www.Hamletseatery.com or call 941-445-1938. 

Registration is now open for the 2023 spring semester at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Ringling College (OLLI at Ringling College). The term, which runs March 13-May 5, 2023, once again includes the popular documentary film series Connections, held at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The spring semester of Connections offers three screenings and a post-screening event. As the name CONNECTIONS implies, the themes of the films showcase the connections humans have with each other, with the physical world, and with other species that share our planet. General admission for each screening is $15. Julie Cotton, a member of the OLLI Advisory Council’s Strategic Program Planning Committee, is the coordinator and host of this series. Cotton has a doctorate in human development and is a former organizational consultant and executive coach. She is an aficionado of documentary films and a skilled facilitator of group conversations. Cotton stated, “The communal viewing experience offers our students the opportunity to connect to many of today's pressing global issues via the penetrating perspectives of contemporary films. After watching a film together, students can engage in a conversation, which I facilitate, about the film's content and impact, forging deeper learning and social connections.” 

To learn more click here.

The Sarasota Coalition on Substance Abuse (SCoSA) will honor the 2023 award winners at the 17th Annual Sarasota Shining Stars Recognition and Awards Luncheon. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, at Michael’s On East, 1212 East Ave., Sarasota. Tom Knight, former Sarasota County Sheriff, will serve as the emcee. Individual tickets are $80; table sponsorship is available for $1,000. Tickets are available online at www.SCoSA.org or by calling SCoSA at 941-928-4435.This year’s honorees are: Citizen of the Year - Mark Pritchett, President and CEO, Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Mark Pritchett is being recognized for his years of community service. He has served as the president and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation since 2015; he is retiring this year. Under Pritchett’s leadership, the Foundation has tackled many of our community's toughest issues, including homelessness, affordable housing and mental health services. His smiling face and words of encouragement make you want to be part of his team to move forward, pull resources together and motivate people to do things for the greater good. Pritchett serves on the boards of the Florida Chamber Foundation, Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation, and the Community Foundations of Florida CEO Leadership Team. He is a Lifetime Member of Leadership Florida and supports many causes outside of his role at the Foundation. In 2021, he received the Civic Achievement Award by the American Jewish Committee. His caring attitude and sincerity make Mark Pritchett the perfect Citizen of the Year for the Sarasota Coalition on Substance Abuse. Community Leadership Award- Lt. Col. Michele Matthews, Sarasota Area Commander, The Salvation Army. The award recognizes the leadership and community contributions made by Lt. Col. Michele Matthews, who has served as The Salvation Army’s Sarasota area commander since 2021. During recent tragedies she led efforts to help people suffering from loss, homelessness and other issues. Matthews supervised The Salvation Army Homeless Shelter that housed two residential addiction recover programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ian. She facilitated food trucks and worked to provide assistance to many individuals in North Port in the aftermath of Ian, including temporary housing. Previously, Matthews was The Salvation Army’s national secretary for Social Services and Public Policy; national director for White House Relations; and territorial director for Pathway of Hope, a national poverty alleviation initiative, for The Salvation Army, USA Southern Territory. Matthews also has served as CEO of The Salvation Army’s Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Command and chief development officer for The Salvation Army Caribbean Territory. The Sarasota Coalition on Substance Abuse is proud to recognize Lt. Col. Matthews with the Shining Stars Community Leadership Award. 

To learn more click here.

New College of Florida student interns are making a lasting impact on the Sarasota-Manatee economy. Close to 100 local nonprofits and businesses have been assisted by interns through the College's Center for Career Engagement & Opportunity (CEO). Some local organizations which have hired interns include Sarasota County, Florida Department of Health in Manatee, Mote Marine Laboratory, Ringling Museum, 12th Judicial Circuit, Manatee School District, Art Center Sarasota, Save our Seabirds, Roskamp Institute and many more. Madeline Tympanick, M.Ed., Associate Director, Employer Relations & Work-Based Learning says, "We bring intellectually curious minds who can solve complex problems and think outside the box." 

To learn more and recruit New College students, please click here

A HOME TO CALL THEIR OWN | Florence and the Spice Boys left their food truck behind to bring culinary joy to The Landings, March 2023. 

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