When Gino Calleja, the chef and co-owner of Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill, conjured up the concept for this new Mexican restaurant, he was aiming to bring something fresh to Sarasota’s dining scene. Calleja, best known for his other local spot Reyna’s Taqueria, partnered with his friend and fellow chef Jose Rojas to bring Kolucan to life.

“Kolucan had been in my head for many years,” says Calleja, who named the establishment after San Lucas Colucan, the Mexican city from which he and his family hail. “I always liked strong words, and I thought it would be cool to pay homage to the town and my parents,” he adds. When translating many words in Nahuatl, a language indigenous to Mexico, the letter “k” is used, so Calleja added a linguistic twist to the eatery’s name.

Calleja and Rojas bring the same level of creativity to the dishes offered, which draw inspiration from the cuisine of a variety of states across the country. “Mexico is immense, and every part of it has different flavors, like here in the states,” he says. “We want to be unique and offer things from our backgrounds and roots without leaving out the most important components and original flavors, but presenting them in a different way.” Sample the Huachinango a la Veracruz, a fried wild-caught snapper with onions, peppers, jalapenos, capers and vino blanco sauce, served with roasted garlic-epazote potatoes and cilantro chimichurri. Calleja recommends trying the Tostadas de Tinga, three crispy corn tortillas with refried beans, chicken tinga, lettuce, radishes, crema, queso fresco and avocado, a fan-favorite from Reyna’s presented in a different way. Don’t miss the vegetarian Chiles Rellenos, made up of two poblano peppers stuffed with potatoes, mushrooms, onions, confit tomatoes and roasted carrots in vegetable mole with cashew sour cream.

Aside from a delicious meal, guests can enjoy the Frida lounge, decorated with works by artist Lipstick Lex, who will paint live at Kolucan once a month. With the growing diversity of people moving to the Sarasota area, Calleja is excited to introduce them to the richness of Mexican cuisine, with lunch and brunch options soon to come. “When you have that passion and keep focused on what you want to present, then people will respond,” he says.

Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill, 6644 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, kolucan.com. 

Pictured: The Callo de Hacha de Colima, featuring pan-seared sea scallops with street corn huitlachoche risotto, serrano peppers, cotija cheese and chili powder. Photo courtesy of Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill.

Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill

Making An Impact (MAI) has proudly launched an innovative web app version of its Disaster Recovery Resource Guide, strategically timed to address the escalating risks faced by residents during the peak of hurricane season in Southwest Florida. Renowned for its Community Connections Resource Guide, a trusted reference tool for essential needs, the organization originally introduced its Disaster Recovery Guide in both print and flipbook formats last year in response to Hurricane Ian. Following a comprehensive update for the 2023 hurricane season in June, MAI has now unveiled the new web format, poised to assist the community in preparation for impending Hurricane Idalia.The MAI Disaster Recovery Resource Guide is a comprehensive resource encompassing 29 categories, housing over 100 listings of organizations and agencies offering services and programs frequently sought after major disasters. This vital resource  is now accessible around the clock through a user-friendly searchable web app. Additionally, limited quantities of printed guides, QR code wallet cards, and informative signage are available to further support the community.  Making An Impact’s Disaster Recovery and Community Connections Resource Guides are available both in print and online, providing critical emergency and essential need information for Sarasota and Manatee counties. For immediate access to the new online MAI Disaster Resource Guide via a user-friendly web app. Please visit https://disasterrecovery.making-an-impact.org/ or explore the organization’s website at www.Making-An-Impact.org 

Airport Operations is monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia. The storm is currently expected to make landfall as a category 3 hurricane near the gulf coast of Florida. The SRQ airport is currently just outside of the cone, but we can expect wind and rain Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning. PLEASE SECURE LOOSE ITEMS, CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL, LUGGAGE CARTS, ETC., PRIOR TO TUESDAY EVENING. PLEASE CONTACT AIRPORT OPERATIONS (941) 359-2770 X4300 or SRQOPS@SRQ-Airport.com TO REPORT CHANGES IN YOUR OPERATIONS SUCH AS CANCELLED FLIGHTS, CLOSED OFFICES / BUSINESS, ETC OR TO REPORT ANY DAMAGE. 

Asolo Repertory Theatre announced today that Sarah Johnson has been named the theatre’s new Director of Development and Eric Pugh has been named Director of Marketing and Communications, both are now serving in these capacities. Asolo Rep's Managing Director, Ross Egan said, “As Peter Rothstein and I begin our tenure, we believe these two experienced and creative individuals will play a key role in leading Asolo Rep into its new beginning." About Sarah Johnson: Sarah Johnson holds two Bachelor degrees in Criminology and Investigations and Communications Studies from West Virginia University. She also holds an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management but has somehow found herself fundraising in the non-profit world for the past thirteen years. Sarah spent more than seven years working at the UNHCR- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, a job that took her all over the world raising funds and advocating for displaced people. Over the course of her career, she has raised more than $115 million dollars and is eager to make an impact at Asolo Rep. Sarah joined as the Associate Development Director in February 2022 and now as Director of Development, she is excited to build a strong team and contribute to the success of the organization. “I look forward to continuing to connect with our incredible supporters and to engage with the Sarasota community that has proved passionate about embracing the performing arts,” stated Johnson. About Eric Pugh: “I am honored to lead the marketing and communications efforts, working alongside Ross and Peter, at this historic and beloved theatre,” said Asolo Rep’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Eric Pugh. “I am looking forward to becoming reacquainted with the Sarasota community and strengthening the Asolo Rep’s commitment to community.” Eric Pugh joins Asolo Repertory Theatre, after most recently serving as the Director of Marketing for America’s oldest and largest outdoor theatre, The Muny, where he led audience redevelopment after the pandemic. Pugh’s successes have included increasing ticket revenue at the Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania by over $2.3 Million or 70% during his tenure, which also includes an increase in subscriptions of nearly 4,000 or 60%. He has held similar positions, with comparable results at Cleveland Play House, STAGES St. Louis, Florida Studio Theatre and the Carousel. An avid theatre fan, he feels blessed to be doing what he loves. When not at work, he can be found at a local theatre, or in New York, checking out the latest productions.  

The Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre presents Judy Collins on Thursday, January 18 at 8 pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 1 at 10 am. In her 50-plus years in music, Judy Collins has always exhibited impeccable taste in song craft. On her landmark 1967 album, Wildflowers, she curated a stunning collection featuring originals alongside songs by not-yet household names such as Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, and adventurous selections by Jacques Brel and Francesco Landini. Her discerning palette, and her literary gifts, have enabled her to evolve into a poetic, storyteller songwriter. Now, in her 6th decade as a singer and songwriter, Judy is experiencing a profound level of growth and prolific creativity. The cultural treasure’s 55th release, Spellbound, released February 25, 2022, finds Judy enjoying an artistic renaissance. The 13 song album is a special entry in her oeuvre. It marks the first time ever she wrote all the songs on one of her albums. It features 12 new recently-written modern folk songs, and a bonus track of her evergreen, The Blizzard. Spellbound is an introspective and impressionistic album. It unfolds as if Judy curated a museum exhibit of her life, and welcomed us into a retrospective of her most formative moments, some big and public, and some intensely personal and intimate. In Judy’s eloquently written liner notes, she dedicates Spellbound to folk masters Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. On the album, she furthers their traditions of generously sharing their lives, loves, and personal reflection. Also, in her notes, Judy relates the origins of her songwriting—a story some know, and a testament to how gloriously unpredictable art and the muse are. Story goes that in 1966 Leonard Cohen made a special trip to Judy’s apartment to play her his song, Suzanne, and, while there, asked her why she wasn’t writing her own songs. Her response was to sit down at her Steinway that very day and write, Since You’ve Asked. Judy has been writing ever since then. In the studio, Judy worked with a trusted family of musicians, including co-producer Alan Silverman and singer-songwriter-guitarist Ari Hest. Ari has worked closely with Judy for years, and, in 2016, Judy and Ari were nominated for a Best Of Folk Album GRAMMY® for their duet album, Silver Skies Blue. In the studio the core group of musicians on the album are multi-instrumentalist Thad DeBrock (Duncan Sheik, Nelly, Jonas Brothers), bassist Zev Katz (Marc Anthony, Elton John, Billy Joel), and drummer Doug Yowell (Suzanne Vega, Joe Jackson, Duncan Sheik) – additional musicians on album are detailed within the album’s liner notes. In a life and a career brimming with milestone moments, Spellbound is a high watermark of artistry and personal evolution. Though Judy has been writing for half a century, her new album ushers in an era of unbridled creativity. "I always knew I was going to be a late bloomer," she says, cracking up with laughter. Tickets priced at $65, $49 and $35 are available at The Raymond James Central Ticket Office at Ruth Eckerd Hall, by calling 727-791-7400 or visiting www.RuthEckerdHall.com. The Raymond James Central Ticket Office at Ruth Eckerd Hall is open Tuesday through Thursday, from noon to 6 pm, Friday, from 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday, from noon to 6 pm. The Bilheimer Capitol Theatre Box Office opens two hours prior to show time. 

All Star Children's Foundation and DreamLarge are thrilled to announce "State of Mind: A Trauma Informed Experience," a half-day event curated to raise awareness among community leaders about the profound impact of trauma on individuals and society. This event serves as a catalyst for open and thought-provoking discussions on the importance of trauma-informed approaches. The conference will take place on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 1pm to 7pm at Florida Studio Theatre. Tickets are on sale now for $75 and can be purchased online at dreamlarge.co/som or StateofMind.org Through the lenses of nationally-recognized speakers, State of Mind aims to shed light on the transformative power of trauma-informed care, fostering greater empathy and understanding in our community. This gathering serves as a platform to equip attendees with insights into how trauma affects communities and facilitate discussions on why adopting trauma-informed approaches is crucial. State of Mind is created by All Star Children’s Foundation and DreamLarge. With a deep commitment to evidence-based, trauma-informed practices, All Star Children’s Foundation aims to address the complex and diverse needs of these children while recognizing the intergenerational nature of trauma. DreamLarge, the first benefit corporation on the Gulf Coast of Florida, is dedicated to cultivating thoughtful and creative solutions for large community challenges. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit StateofMind.org. 

Caspersen Beach

There’s just some-fin about Caspersen Beach, also known as the shark-tooth capital of the world. Tucked away in quiet South Venice, the beach is home to crystal clear gulf waters and amenities such as a pavilion, playground, restrooms and showers, picnic tables and boardwalks. Enjoy two miles of shaded hiking trails with cut-through paths to the waves. 

4100 Harbor Drive S., Venice.

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