The scent of sizzling seafood floats through the air surrounding Chipi’s Food, a new food truck in Bradenton. The truck’s ocean blue hue calls to mind relaxing days spent lounging on the beach, listening to the crash of the waves. For Owners and Chefs Rebeca Fernandez and William Jimenez, the husband and wife team behind Chipi’s Food, their mobile restaurant is the ideal vehicle to blend beachside staples from their native Venezuela with American delights like tacos and sandwiches.

The couple started Chipi’s in March 2023, but Fernandez began her culinary career at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota, where she had the opportunity to work in the kitchen, preparing meals for banquets, the restaurant and room service. “After I had my child, I left that job, but I always had the desire to do something for myself, something with food,” she says. The pair brainstormed the idea of opening a food truck that would feature a menu different from most other similar establishments’ specialties. They called the truck Chipi’s Food, paying tribute to “chipi chipi”, the nickname that Fernandez’s mother used to call the small children in her family. “I told my husband, what if we did seafood?” she adds. “You can go to a restaurant and get seafood, but we don’t have a lot of street seafood here.”

Inspired by Venezuela’s culture of beachside food vendors and iconic coastal cuisine, they developed a menu highlighting some of the country’s most beloved dishes. One of their bestsellers is the Fried Red Snapper, a whole fish served with tostones (crispy fried plantains), avocado and housemade coleslaw. The red snapper is a common sight on tables in Venezuela and across the Caribbean. “Google recommends us as the best fried fish in the area for our Red Snapper,” says Jimenez, “and this is a great achievement because we’re a food truck that’s just opened and is competing with businesses that have been open for years.”

Aside from snapper, diners can chow down on crunchy tostones, which are served with cheese, homemade sauce and coleslaw. While Fernandez and Jimenez don’t want to be just another taco truck, their shrimp tacos and fish tacos pack stellar flavor and freshness. Don’t forget to add the homemade red and green salsa for an extra kick. To appeal to Americans’ palettes, the truck offers Shrimp Po’Boys, Grouper Sandwiches and Lobster Rolls, but the owners hope that Chipi’s introduces them to Venezuela’s food culture. Patrons can sample refreshing seaside dishes like a cold seafood medley called Rompe Colchon and a Tuna Antipasto, which Chipi’s packages in portable jars perfect for beating the heat by the water. The business also sells Frescolita, a cream soda that adds a sweet twist to any meal.

As the menu expands, Fernandez and Jimenez keep the restaurant’s ties to Venezuela strong. “We want Americans to learn about our food and flavors,” adds Fernandez, “and like they have adopted the taco, we want them to adopt a bit of our gastronomy.”

Chipi’s Food, 3326 Cortez Rd W., Bradenton, https://www.canva.com/design/DAFbs9W2wGo/cmHe0i8FS9UNx7wEd2-rNQ/view?website#2:menu. 

The Fried Red Snapper is a crowd pleaser, from the Carribean Sea to Sarasota Bay. Photo by William Jimenez.

On, Thursday, June 8th, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties celebrated 131 graduating seniors from area high schools at the organization’s annual Senior Night. The seniors have participated in a variety of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties’ leadership and service programs such as SRQVolunteen, STAR Leadership Training and Keystone. Guests, including the seniors’ friends and families as well as school board members and community partners, gathered in the gymnasium at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club for a memorable evening of celebration and recognition. Eight different awards and scholarships were presented to 29 seniors who have demonstrated excellence in academic success, outstanding character and a commitment to leadership and service. The scholarships included the EmpowerED Scholarship, the Shannon Staub Excellence in Leadership Award, The Club’s Post-Secondary Transition Scholarship, the Dick Vitale Scholarship, the Knight Foundation Scholarship, the Drs. Robert and Patricia Gussin Endowed Scholarship at Duquesne University, the Steven and Marjolaine Townsend Scholarship, and the Youth of the Year Scholarship. High School Senior Alex C., who was presented with the prestigious Drs Robert and Patricia Gussin Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Endowed Scholarship at Duquesne University said, “This scholarship has opened a door in my life to reveal an opportunity that will bring monumental change. Most importantly, now my mom can see the person I have become as a direct result of her efforts in raising me. We are both truly grateful.” Established in 2014, the Gussin ​Endowed Scholarship is a unique opportunity for outstanding high school students to attend Duquesne University in Pittsburg​h, Pennsylvania completely free of cost. Alex will be an incoming freshman at Duquesne University in the fall and plans to major in Athletic Training. An impressive group of 16 members joined the existing 60 Steven and Marjolaine Townsend Scholars which provides a two-year Florida Pre-Paid Scholarship to the state community college, vocational school or four-year institution of their choice. Townsend Scholar recipient Daria T. shared, “This scholarship will mean that I will not have to worry about debt throughout my first year of college, as it allows me to spend more time on my studies.” Daria is a soon-to-be Freshman at Florida State University where she will study Computer Science and Political Science. 

Photo courtesy of Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

To read more about the other scholarships and recipients, visit:

First Watch, the Bradenton-based Daytime Dining concept serving a chef-driven menu of brunch favorites and seasonal specialties, has renovated its Downtown Sarasota restaurant to feature an open-air patio with a built-in bar and outdoor mural designed to complement the area’s vibrant arts scene. The newly refurbished restaurant at 1395 Main Street was First Watch’s third restaurant in Florida, having opened in 1992, and has evolved significantly since its time as the original site of the breakfast, brunch and lunch concept’s corporate office in its early years. The mural facing the Selby Public Library was designed by muralist Effie Theodosiou (@lzysunday) and brought to life by Florida-based lettering artist, muralist, and illustrator, Morgan Elyce (@uhbeautifulmes). Nestled within the design are breakfast essentials like a pot of coffee with nods to the fresh seasonal produce grown in the Sunshine State and sourced for First Watch’s rotating seasonal menu, such as oranges and watermelon. The renovations come just as the restaurant concept unveils two new specialty iced coffees and launches its new summer seasonal menu with five limited-time offerings – from a Strawberry Tres Leches French Toast to Lone Star Brisket Hash – available now through August 13. With its headquarters based in Bradenton, First Watch has been a Florida brunch staple for more than 35 years with more than 110 locations across the state. The concept serves its entire menu seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. for pickup, delivery and dine-in service. To place an order or join a digital waitlist, guests can download the First Watch App available for Apple iOS and Android or visit FirstWatch.com.  

For the first time ever, the award-winning food truck, Hamlet’s Eatery, is hosting a rock and roll bash featuring Sarasota's favorite local band, MonkeyFinger! Mark your calendar for this Saturday, July 15th from 6-9pm, for an evening filled with live music, delicious food, and drinks! And the best part? There's no cover charge! So, come and dance the night away. MonkeyFinger is no ordinary band - they've got two singing chick drummers! With their incredible talent, they'll be playing classic rock, pop, and hair metal hits from some of the greatest bands of all time. Think .38 Special, The Beatles, Pat Benatar, Boston, Bryan Adams, CCR, Cheap Trick, EMF, Fleetwood Mac, The Foo Fighters, Joan Jett, Loverboy, Poison, and many more! Don't miss out on the fun! Located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. There is plenty of seating under a covered patio with fans and loads of room for dancing. For more information, visit HamletsEatery.comor call 941-445-1938. Let's rock and roll!

Brick’s Smoked Meats is excited to share their new daily summertime features. Come in and enjoy the best flavors of our popular dishes and cocktails. Taco Mondays, why wait until Tuesday? Weekly Taco Feature includes two of our fresh, flavorful tacos with a house side for $12.00. Order our featured margarita for $9.00. Rib Tuesdays- a half rack of our Slow Smoked St. Louis Ribs with two house made sides for only $16.00. Order a refreshing Texas Ranch Hand Cocktail for only $10.00. Wing Wednesdays- enjoy a savory Bakers Dozen of our most popular smoked wings for $16.00. Bucket of Miller Light or Michelob Ultra for $22.00. Meatloaf Thursdays- our homemade Meatloaf with Brussels and Mashed for $15.00, BBQ Smoked Old Fashion for $11.00. Filet Fridays- 6-ounce hand-cut filet with smashed potatoes and grilled asparagus $34.00, Decoy Cabernet $11.00. Dino-Rib Saturdays- our one pound smoked braised short rib with choice of homemade side $22.00, spicy Paloma cocktail $10.00. Sunday Supper BBQ Platter- feeds 4 people, $50.00. Enjoy an order of our house made deviled eggs appetizer, followed by the BBQ Platter: 4 St. Louis Ribs, 8 ounces of our 18-hour smoked brisket, 8 ounces pulled pork, jalapeno cheddar sausage, 4 ounces burnt ends with sides: macaroni and cheese, brussels sprouts and potato salad and apple crumble skillet for dessert. 

Sarasota Crew, in partnership with Visit Sarasota County, is proud to announce the highly anticipated Summer Festival of Rowing, taking place at the renowned Nathan Benderson Park from July 12th to July 15th. This exciting event marks a new era in summer rowing, offering a refreshing departure from the traditional time trials that have become all too common in youth rowing competitions. Breaking free from the monotonous routine, the Summer Festival of Rowing is designed to provide young rowers with an enriching and dynamic experience. The meticulously crafted schedule allows for a greater number and variety of races, ensuring participants can accumulate valuable racing experience. Spread across four action-packed days, each day will feature distinct events, with races taking place in the mornings and college showcase events in the afternoons. In a groundbreaking move to enhance college opportunities for high school rowers, the Summer Festival of Rowing introduces the College Showcase. Unlike conventional races where college coaches struggle to identify individual athletes, this showcase offers a unique platform for rowers to display their talent directly to collegiate recruiters. On Wednesday, July 12th, college coaches from across the country will have the opportunity to witness the racing up close from specially designated launches. Representatives from 15-20 esteemed colleges such as the University of Iowa, University of Connecticut, University of Tennessee, Drexel University, Jacksonville University, US Naval Academy, and Stetson University, will be in attendance. While the Summer Festival of Rowing maintains a strong focus on competitiveness, it also emphasizes the importance of fun and camaraderie. The organizers strive to create an unforgettable experience that resonates with young rowers long after they return home. With 10-boat races that pit competitors against each other simultaneously, the adrenaline-fueled excitement is unparalleled. The event promises an abundance of grand finals, petite finals, and heats, all without the need for time trials. Furthermore, this year's festival proudly includes the renowned CanAmMex race, featuring U19 national teams from Canada, America, and Mexico, showcasing elite talent from across the continent. The Summer Festival of Rowing has attracted widespread participation, drawing teams from prominent rowing clubs and schools nationwide. Among the notable attendees are Greenwich Rowing Club (CT), St. Joe's Prep (Philadelphia, PA), Vero Beach, Miami, and participants hailing from various regions, including Hawaii, Canada, and China. Sarasota Crew and Visit Sarasota County are thrilled to host this groundbreaking Summer Festival of Rowing, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for young rowers to excel, connect with college coaches, and revel in the joy of rowing. For more information and updates, visit https://rowingcampsofamerica.com/index.php/theregatta/the-regatta.