SRQ DAILY Sep 26, 2023
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"It is my dream come true. There is nothing like this in the area, and you can find a little bit of Spain here"
If you’re searching for a culinary escape, look no further than Taste of Spain, Gulf Gate’s newest addition, owned and run by Fatima Soriano, best known for her catering company Tapas and Fun. “I moved here with my husband and two small children 19 years ago, in 2004. Sarasota at that time was a completely different city,” she says. “Spanish food was starting to become popular in the United States, so I wanted to bring Spain to Sarasota.” With the success of Tapas and Fun, Soriano took the next step by opening Taste of Spain.
“It’s my dream come true. There’s nothing like this in the area, and you can find a little bit of Spain here,” she adds. Bright light filters through the shop’s cozy interior and spills onto the patterned tile floor, calling to mind the sunny whitewashed hilltowns of Andalucia in Southern Spain. Metal plaques and colorful posters adorn the walls with images of the country’s iconic places such as Madrid, Toledo and Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands from which Soriano hails. Taste of Spain is part gourmet market and part grab-and-go eatery which carries imported items including Spanish olive oil, sardines and serrano ham. Chips made with salt from the island of Ibiza are an ideal snack and pair well with the homemade grab-and-go paellas, desserts and tapas options, which guests can purchase and take away to enjoy, perhaps at home, the office or even the beach while pretending they’re lounging by the Mediterranean Sea.
The menu features five delicious paellas including a vegetarian variety. Don’t miss the tasty tapas, like the Almogrote, a spicy and peppery garlic and cheese spread from the Canary Islands. The Spanish meatballs, tortilla or omelet and gazpacho make a terrific meal. For dessert, sample the Tarta Santiago, an almond cake associated with the region of Galicia in the Northwestern area of the country. The gluten-free cake celebrates the rich flavor of almonds and comes dusted with powdered sugar. Delight in the chocolate mousse that Soriano makes with a family recipe that’s over 160 years old. For parties, Soriano takes custom orders, and it’s easy to assemble your own spread of options as well.
Patrons who’ve lived in or visited Spain will recognize familiar brands such as ColaCao, a chocolate drink similar to Nesquik and pico, small breadsticks served with olives before a meal. Whether you’re planning a party or popping in on your lunch break, Taste of Spain reminds patrons that a journey to Spain is just around the corner.
Taste of Spain, 2667 Mall Dr., Sarasota, 941-580-8663, tasteofspainsrq.com. 
Pictured: Paella from Taste of Spain. Photo Courtesty of Taste of Spain.
Siesta Beach
The soft, white sugary sands make this public beach oh so sweet! Located off Beach Road on the northwest side of Siesta Key, Siesta Beach is consistently ranked among the top beaches in America. Frequent dolphin sightings in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters are an added bonus, along with great spots for snorkeling and shelling. The playground and amenities, including a concession stand, restrooms and showers make this an ideal place for a day of sun and fun.
948 Beach Rd., Sarasota.
Sunday brunch is back at Ka Papa! The first brunch will be on Sunday, October 1st from 11 am to 2 pm. Also starting October 1st the restaurant will be open for dinner seven days a week. Dinner hours are from 5 - 9 pm. Kim & Bella and the Ka Papa team would like to thank you for your continuous support and they look forward to seeing you soon.
1830 S. Osprey Avenue, Suite 104, Sarasota, 941-600-8700, www.kapapacuisine.com.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios and Galleries presents "Collaboration and Community: Art in Common Places," October 5-28, at 927 N. Lime Avenue location. This exhibition is a retrospective of 34 broadsides (one-sided prints and posters) created by artists and poets collaborating via the local non-profit, Art in Common Places (AICP). An opening reception is October 5, 5-7 p.m., and will feature live poetry readings. Jackie Cutrone will read "The Rhythm of Structure" by the late John Sims; Anne Morrison will read her poem "On the Beach," and Glenn Schudel will read "Process.” The founders of AICP, and many of its artist and poet members will be in attendance. Lite bites and refreshments will be available. For more information about Creative Liberties, visit www.creativeliberties.net; call 941-799-6634 or email info@creativeliberties.net. The Limelight studios are open to the public, Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday to Wednesday by appointment. The Rosemary artists residency at Gaze Gallery is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pictured: AICP Founders (L-R) Cynthia Burnell, Leslie Butterfield and Teresa Carson.
This year marks a monumental milestone for The Perlman Music Program Suncoast (Perlman Suncoast). It’s the 20th anniversary of one of its largest events: The Perlman Music Program (PMP) Winter Residency. Led by acclaimed violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman and his wife, Toby Perlman, this two-week event energizes local audiences while providing unparalleled musical training for gifted students ages 12-20+ from all over the world, who play the violin, viola, cello and bass. Lisa Berger, executive director of Perlman Suncoast says that they are “honored to support the PMP Winter Residency for the past two decades. Last year, after a two-year hiatus, audiences were thrilled to watch the transformative interplay once again between young, gifted musicians and world-renowned faculty, including Itzhak Perlman. It’s truly an inspired experience.”
Pictured: Toby and Itzhak Perlman. Photo by Burt Farbman.
Selby Library, an integral part of downtown Sarasota's cultural landscape, will celebrate its 25-year journey with a commemoration event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29. Located at 1331 First St., Sarasota, this milestone occasion offers a vibrant atmosphere of engaging experiences. Attendees can look forward to the debut of the Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources' Pop-Up Library, providing access to a wealth of knowledge in various locations across the county. The event will also feature a Creation Station open lab, where attendees can use state-of-the-art technology to craft unique items. A diverse range of exhibits will showcase the library's rich history and contributions to the community. The celebration will include Mote Marine and the Sarasota History Center presentations, offering unique insights into Sarasota's past and the library's enduring role in shaping its future. Remarks by Sarasota County commissioners Mark Smith and Ron Cutsinger will provide a glimpse of the library's vision and commitment. Selby Library's legacy extends far beyond its 25 years of dedicated service. In 1907, the library's story began when the Ladies' Town Improvement Society began a small library in an upstairs room of a building on the southwest corner of Main St. and Pineapple Ave. The community is invited to celebrate this milestone, paying homage to Selby Library's rich history while looking ahead to an even brighter future. Sarasota County Libraries cherishes its role as a cultural hub and a source of knowledge and is excited about the next chapter of its journey. About Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources. Sarasota Libraries is a system of 10 community branches, a history center, and a mobile library that provides opportunities for lifelong learning, vibrant culture, and enriching activities across all ages. With more than 2.5 million items borrowed every year, our collection extends beyond physical books, offering resources to nearly 200,000 cardholders through mobile services, a phone app, and an extensive digital library. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs, or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net/ADA.
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS | Owen's Fish Camp, September 2023.
Siesta Key Rum runs free year-round tours for guests to learn the story of the craft distillery, the awards they have won and the secret to how they make their rums taste so good. During our 30-45 minute tour we will discuss the following topics: history of Siesta Key Rum, an overview of the awards our small company has won, what makes our rums taste so good, the rum-making process from mashing and fermentation to distillation, barrel aging and bottling of our rums. After the tour, we welcome you to sample a freshly made Siesta Key Rum cocktail, stock up on your favorite rums and browse our gift shop. 2212 Industrial Blvd., Sarasota.
Calling all Jeep Enthusiasts! The Sarasota Hooters location is hosting Jeep Night on the third Thursday of the month starting at 6pm. Hooters is giving away raffle prizes during the monthly events. The September 21 raffle prize is a Flashcal For Jeep Superchips Calibration Tool. Congratulations to Shawn Miller who won a Jeep Tow Kit during the August 17 Jeep Night. Upcoming Jeep Nights will take place on December 21. Hooters of Sarasota is located at 6507 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Visit Hooters during Jeep Night and present your Jeep key for 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages and an entry for the giveaway. Jeep Night has become a favorite thing to do for the Sarasota community. From regular customers to Hooters Girls who own Jeeps and Jeep lovers everyone is enjoying this opportunity. For more information, visit www.HootersFlorida.com.
Many fantastical claims are made about our food and how it is produced. Some are accurate, some are half-truths, some are outright lies. Join us to learn tools and principles to think more critically about our food and food production, and where to go to get unbiased, research-based information. Register now to save your seat, only through ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com. Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Rd., Sarasota.
Taste of New Orleans will take place on Saturday, October 28th at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. This event has developed an exceptional reputation, providing guests with hors doeuvres, live entertainment, and an unforgettable bayfront setting. Taste of New Orleans sponsorships are available at a variety of levels. Proceeds support Truly Valued programs, that increase confidence and better decision making skills through changed behaviors of the youth and families that we serve. Visit https://trulyvalued.org/taste-of-new-orleans to purchase tickets.
The 2024 Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival, hosted by the Sarasota Manatee Originals, will take place January 25 to 29. Grand Tasting tickets go on sale in October. A full five day slate of food and wine themed fun is planned, including the University Master Classes, wine dinners at area restaurants, wine shop tasting events, a trade tasting and the much anticipated Grand Tasting at The Ringling Museum of Art. Due to the unprecedented demand for tickets, ticket sales for The Grand Tasting launch on two consecutive Tuesdays: On October 10 at 9 a.m. there is a presale of the VIP and Early Access tickets and on October 17 at 7 p.m. General Admission tickets will be available and historically have sold out in a matter of minutes. All Forks and Corks Grand Tasting tickets will be available online only. For more information, please visit www.eatlikealocal.com.
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at the beautiful and conserved Myakka Headwaters Preserve. Located where seven creeks converge to form the mighty Myakka River, our Myakka Headwaters Preserve is a breathtaking slice of natural Florida. The property contains numerous diverse landscapes, including floodplain forests, marshland, longleaf pine flatwoods, and oak hammocks. Fields of wildflowers host pollinators of all shapes and sizes, and fern-lined streambanks rise just a foot or two above the clear-flowing water, which supports submerged aquatic vegetation unable to grow in the sunlight-blocked blackwaters found elsewhere in the Myakka River. Experience this stunning landscape firsthand at our eighth annual farm-to-table luncheon, Feast Upon the Fields. Featuring a one-of-a-kind menu by Chef Paul Mattison, this ticketed event will sell out quickly. Early reservations are strongly recommended. conservationfoundation.com.
Featuring over 70 Food Vendors, and coinciding with the Grand Arrival of Santa Parade held at UTC. 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota.
Suncoast Food and Wine Fest offers an afternoon of samplings and tastings from a large selection of fine restaurants as well as a variety of fine wines and other beverages in a beautiful outdoor setting. Your participation by purchasing a ticket provides financial assistance to many charitable organizations within Sarasota and Manatee counties, and other Rotary projects. Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.
Join experts from UF and IFAS Extension and the Manatee Rare Fruit Council to discover some of the lesser-known edible plants that can be a successful addition to your garden or landscape. Attendees will tour the fruit tree orchard and participate in a planting activity. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. Northwest Bradenton.
Enjoy garden-fresh produce long after the harvest, by learning the basics of pressure canning to lock in the freshness and taste. For your safety, we ask that you wear closed-toe shoes and pull back any long hair you might have. This is a hands-on class, so feel free to bring an apron to protect your clothing. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. So, register early through ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com. 6700 Clark Rd., Twin Lakes Park, Sarasota.
Mademoiselle Paris will host the Loire Valley Wine Dinner at their University Town Center and Anna Maria Island locations. As wine lovers, we organize every month a wine tasting, on a specific region of France. The menu is designed by our chef Arnaud Wallet and related to the region. During this wine tastings we introduce the specific region or grape, talk about tourism and the vineyard. We introduce each domain, trying to pick family businesses, and every wine. Each time we also introduce a restaurant we recommend in France and we share a little bit of France Culture and history. We use a PowerPoint support to illustrate with pictures and graphics and to give more interest in our presentation. As the cherry on the cake, we have a quiz and we offer bottles of the wine tasting to the best participants. Reservations required. Reserve your spot at mademoiselleparis.com/winetasting.
Journey to Bourgogne, France with a wonderful 4-course dinner paired with 4 glasses of wine, great ambiance, live music and friendly staff at Mademoiselle Paris University Town Center and Anna Maria Island locations. UTC dinner on Oct. 19, and AMI dinner on Oct. 20. mademoiselleparis.com.
This monthly gathering of car enthusiasts brings together automobile lovers from every walk of life, not to mention a wide array of spectacular cars. Bring your own vehicle (all makes and models are welcome) to show off, or check out the hundreds of cars on display. Each month, the event sponsors a different charity, and attendees are encouraged to donate $10 to benefit the charity. The event, occuring on the second Sunday of each month, will feature live music, complimentary coffee and more. To learn more, visit facebook.com/carsandcoffee941. Sarasota Cars and Coffee, The West District at University Town Center near Ford’s Garage, 295 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota.
Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.
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