SRQ DAILY Oct 17, 2023
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"It makes people happy when they eat it, and if it is done right, it reminds them of family that is no longer with us."
Don’t let Lemon and Pineapple Avenues fool you. As New York-style Jewish delis pop up around Sarasota, the city is starting to feel more like the Big Apple than a tropical town. The newest addition is The Original Wolfie’s Delicatessen and Rascal House, opening at the beginning of November in the Rosemary District.
Wolfie’s is close to the heart of chef Sol Shenker, a New Yorker who made a name for himself running several beloved delis and restaurants in Sarasota, like Sol’s NYC Deli Corner at the Hotel Indigo. “Wolfie’s comes from Miami; a guy by the name of Wolfie Cohen owned the place. It was in business for decades and decades,” says Shenker. “Then my partner bought into the place, eventually owning it with his partners at the time, and that version of the restaurant was in business for years and years.” The restaurant closed, but Shenker's partner kept the business’s name. Together, Shenker and his partner built The Original Wolfie’s Delicatessen and Rascal House.
“Wolfie’s is the restaurant part, with all the food and the deli; we’ve got miles of deli cases, and we’ll be making sandwiches in front of everybody. The Rascal House is our old-time New York-style bar,” he adds. Wolfie’s will serve up classics from Shenker’s native New York with inspiration pulled from his time working at The Rascal House in Miami. Combining the crust of Junior’s cheesecake from New York with the cheesecake base from The Rascal House, he has created a myriad of flavors. Keep an eye out for the Pumpkin Cheesecake, which will arrive just in time for holiday feasts. If you can’t wait until the main restaurant opens, grab a piece from Wolfie’s Box Office, the grab-and-go section of the establishment that’s up, running and ready to dish out helpings of the famous cheesecake.
Stop by Wolfie’s for pastrami, corned beef and brisket, sourced from a New York butcher. “We have a lot of great authentic dishes, like slow-cooked braised shortribs called flanken, roasted chicken, stuffed cabbage, meatloaf and all our different sides like potato latkes and sweet noodle kugel. When I made my chopped liver, all of my clientele in Sarasota nicknamed it Jewish peanut butter. We also have a lot of great options for vegetarians, like cabbage soup and vegetarian mushroom barley, which is phenomenal,” Shenker adds.
While enjoying this iconic fare, patrons will be immersed in a restaurant experience where the New York deli meets Broadway, complete with marquee-style lighting, which sets the stage for an expansive deli case. “There will be guys with three brand-new meat slicers, slapping out the sandwiches,” Shenker says, describing the choreography of his restaurant. “It’s going to smell like corned beef, pastrami and pickles. Then you walk through to The Rascal House, with a beautiful black granite bar and copper ceilings. It really is Broadway meets South Florida, and I’m blown away. I’ve worked in delis all over the country, in Boca Raton, New York, everywhere, and I’ve never seen anything like this in my life,” he adds.
Behind all of the razzle-dazzle, Wolfie’s has a simple mission. “I do this for the love of this food. I do this because it brings people back to a better time, back in Manhattan when it was a whole different ballgame and people were eating at the New York delis. Eating this food almost brings back family values,” Shenker says. “It makes people happy when they eat it, and if it’s done right, it reminds them of family that’s no longer with us.”
The Original Wolfie’s Delicatessen and Rascal House, 1420 Boulevard of the Arts, Rosemary District, Sarasota, 941-312-4072, originalwolfies.com. 
The iconic New York Cheesecake is a favorite creation by Sol Shenker and can be purchased now at the Box Office. Photo by Peter Acker.
Children wearing their Halloween costume at any of the South Florida Hooters restaurants on Tuesday, October 31 will receive a free kids meal. Kids meal choices include grilled cheese, wings, boneless wings, burger sliders and mac & cheese. Kids meals include a side and beverage. Deal is for children 10 and under wearing a Halloween costume on October 31. One free kids meal per paying adult, for dine in only. South Florida Hooters locations: Hooters of Bradenton (4908 14TH Street W, Bradenton) 941-758-1175, Hooters of Cape Coral (3120 Del Prado Boulevard, Cape Coral) 239-945-4700, Hooters of Fort Myers (4411 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers) 239 275-4666, Hooters of Naples (3625 Gateway Lane, Naples) 239-513-9964, Hooters of Port Charlotte (1360 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte) 941-625-0200, Hooters of Sarasota (6507 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota) 941-923-4666, Hooters of Beach Place (17 S Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd Suite 305, Fort Lauderdale) 954-767-0014, Hooters of Boca Raton (2240 NW 19 Street, Suite 1101-A, Boca Raton) 561 -391-8903, Hooters of Coral Way (3301 Coral Way, Miami) 305-873-6166, Hooters of Doral (8695 NW 13TH Terrace, Miami, FL 33126) 305-593-5088, Hooters of Hialeah (680 w. 49TH Street, Hialeah, FL 33012) 305-827-8000, Hooters of Fort Lauderdale (6345 N. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale) 954-928-0026, Hooters of Pembroke Pines (7990 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines) 954-962-6330, Hooters of Sunrise (3805 N University Drive, Sunrise) 954-748-1000, Hooters of Weston (2282 Weston Road, Weston) (954) 990-7047. LTP Management, a Franchisee of Hooters of America, owns and operates 15 locations in South Florida. For more information about South Florida Hooters please visit www.HootersFlorida.com or follow us at Twitter @HootersFlorida, Instagram @SouthFLHooters, TikTok @SouthFLHooters and Facebook @HootersFlorida.
Join us for the 32nd annual Farm City Week Agricultural Tour in Manatee County. The event is a day-long, chartered bus tour taking place Thursday, November 9. Each year, Farm City Week explores a new theme prevalent in agriculture. This year, attendees have the privilege of seeing first-hand how Manatee County agricultural productions are leading “Innovations in Agriculture”. Each tour stop explores different facets of the agriculture industry that have their own unique perspective on what innovation means for their operation. Wish Farms’ owner Gary Wishnatzki co-founded Harvest CROO Robotics and utilizes their strawberry harvester on the farm. This harvester can harvest, grade, and pack strawberries with its sixteen independently working robots, their vision system, and vision AI. Jones Potato Farm, which also operates a green bean farm and packinghouse, uses Key Technology’s advanced VERYX® B175 digital sorter that removes foreign material and substandard green beans on their process line. Both innovative processes maintain product quality while providing a solution to the pressing labor shortage. On the nursery side of the agriculture industry, Sweet Bay Nursery is innovating the way people think about pollinator gardens and native plants in the landscape. While a lot of common pollinator plants are not native, like the popular tropical milkweed, Sweet Bay’s philosophy is that planting natives will attract butterflies and other wildlife. In the world of livestock, innovative hay production practices from Gulf Coast Ag have allowed the operation to utilize new forage varieties to increase quality and quantity while also reducing the amount of nutrients and herbicides applied to the crop. Learn more about how local Manatee County agricultural operations are using the latest innovations from technology to ideology, to improve their business, the local economy, and our environment on the 32nd annual Farm City Week Agricultural Tour. The tour is $75 per person plus Eventbrite fees and includes transportation, lunch, water and snacks, and entry to each location. Register here: 2023fcwagriculturaltour.eventbrite.com.
In recognition of Manufacturing Month, PGT Innovations (NYSE: PGTI), a national leader in the premium window, door, and garage door industry, is hosting a plant tour and seminar for the Sarasota-Manatee Area Manufacturers Association (SAMA), a group that aims to improve the quality of life in the Suncoast community through the advancement of manufacturing. During the three-hour event, members of SAMA will receive an overview of PGT Innovations, including a tour of the 362,500 square-foot Venice facility that produces PGT Custom Windows and Doors products, as well as a seminar highlighting the best practices for organizational excellence led by Michael Pitcher, Senior Associate for Future State Engineering and Bruce Wesner, Vice President of Strategic Operational Reliability at PGT Innovations. Afterwards, a networking session will take place with light bites and drinks. Attendees must be a member of SAMA or an invited guest of a SAMA member or PGTI staff member. Media is welcome to attend for b-roll and photo purposes.
PGT Innovations, 1070 Technology Drive | North Venice, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, 1 to 4 p.m. For more information or to schedule an interview in advance, please contact Stephanie Cz, Corporate Marketing Manager for PGT Innovations, at scz@pgtinnovations.com or 941-480-1600.
Urfer Family Park
You won’t be steered wrong with a visit to this park where you can still see cattle grazing near the old windmill. With three playgrounds designed for various ages, a one-mile nature trail with diverse ecosystems, and a paved fitness trail, there are plenty of options to enjoy the natural beauty of this 55-acre site. A boardwalk overlooks wetlands and the historical Dr. C.B. Wilson House which has been restored so that visitors can take a self-guided tour.
4012 Honore Ave., Sarasota.
The Sarasota County Libraries One Book One Community committee has selected the top seven finalists for their 2024 book selection to be featured in a community-wide book discussion and author talk. The One Book One Community committee is made up of library staff from all 10 county library branches. Throughout the year, they discuss and consider multiple books before carefully selecting a book to bring the community together through a shared love of reading. The top seven selections are as follows, The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean. The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune. An Immense World by Ed Yong. Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. The One Book One Community program is a catalyst for bringing people together to express ideas that will spark conversation, discussion, and relationships. The program can instigate a shared sense of community by advocating the common goal of reading the same piece of literature concurrently. In March, the author of the selected book will visit Sarasota for a book talk. In addition, libraries and community partner organizations will hold book discussions and present programs and events around the book, with every local branch participating. For more information, email news@scgov.net or call 941-861-NEWS.
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is excited to announce they will be the new home for the 34th Annual Hob Nob BBQ event on December 6th, previously put on by Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation. This event has been the premier networking event in the region for decades, which brings together the business community from the Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch Region to enjoy an evening of food, drinks and fun. The event will be held at the Premiere Sports Campus from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.For more information, visit members.lwrba.org.
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.
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.
Oak and Stone is now open, featuring a 50-tap craft beer wall and casual family-friendly vibe in its newest location in Downtown Wellen. The two-story restaurant serves dinner, lunch and weekend brunch, accommodating up to 185 guests with indoor and alfresco dining areas, a bar and a 1,000-square-foot rooftop patio with views of downtown’s 80-acre Grand Lake. As an inspired twist on the classic tavern, Oak and Stone offers a scratch menu featuring an array of specialty pizzas, slow-roasted stone oven-baked wings, hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and plant-based choices. Customer favorites include the crispy grouper BLT, voodoo chicken, watermelon refresher salad and smoky gouda mac ‘n’ cheese. Oak and Stone also offers a well-curated selection of whiskeys, bourbons, wines and craft cocktails, and the famed beer wall highlights local and international pour-yourself craft brews. Brunch, with options for bottomless mimosas and bloody Marys, begins at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Downtown Wellen is the sixth location for the Sarasota-based restaurant company and its first two-story venue. Open daily, Oak and Stone is located at 19795 Wellen Park Blvd., Suite 3. For more information, visit oakandstone.com or call 941-258-3606.
Eat Local Week, organized by Transition Sarasota, is back for its 12th year! Events during this week-long festival will revolve around the theme “Local Food, Future Resilience”. Educational and engaging events will cover a range of topics from a farm tour with Honeyside Farms, edible plant walk with Chinese Herbalist Bob Linde, a “Meet Your Farmer” speaker event and cooking demo at Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market, music from The Garbage-Men, fruit tree workshop, cooking demo with Zildjian Catering and Consulting, composting presentation with Sunshine Community Compost, a tour of Palma Sola Park, and more. Festivities begin on October 14th and conclude October 21st. Eat Local Week celebrates the rich local food environment of Sarasota and Manatee Counties with connections to local businesses and nonprofit partners and a diverse selection of independently organized events. Full details and how to register for events is available at transitionsrq.org/eatlocalweek and on Transition Sarasota’s Facebook page. Mark your calendars! Eat Local Week events have limited space, so be sure to sign up in advance. We hope you’ll be inspired to join the celebration!
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.
The public is invited to enjoy an elegant night out at the Powel Crosley Estate, where Sarasota-Manatee students will deliver an unforgettable hospitality experience from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 17. The event promises to delight guests with a gourmet spread, including risotto, salmon, steak, dessert and an opportunity to customize their own “potato martini” with sautéed Spanish onions, roasted garlic confit, apple smoked bacon and other savory toppings. A second dinner will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the same location. The semi-annual dinner series is an opportunity for students in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management to gain hands-on experience in designing, preparing and executing an all-inclusive dining event. “This will be a dynamic learning experience for all of them,” said Joe Askren, a professor of instruction in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, who, along with his colleague Angad Dang, will assist the students throughout the night. “We look forward to showcasing our students’ skills at these events.” Visit usf.to/taste to purchase tickets.
Limited tickets are on sale now for Gaze & Graze, a progressive dinner and gallery tour, Friday, October 20, starting at 5:30 p.m. Gaze & Graze is presented by Creative Liberties and Grae Productions. Guests will visit seven locations, including Hamlets Eatery, Vino Bistro, SPAACES, Define Art Gallery, Art Ovation Hotel, and Creative Liberties. Featured local food includes Hamlets, Vino Bistro, Skinny Niks BBQ and Tzeva. Tickets are $125 per guest, limited tickets are available. For more information, or to purchase tickets visit creativeliberties.net/ggdinner.
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.
Botany has never tasted so good. In this new series, learn the plants behind your favorite foods and beverages and sample your way through science. This Halloween-themed event will highlight the history and science of sinister potions, murderous plots, and poisonous plants. Learn from a Selby Gardens horticulturist why plants create toxins, the benefits of being poisonous, and why a plant would choose a carnivorous lifestyle. Then, really celebrate Halloween by joining a master mixologist and an executive chef in an open dialogue about global culinary culture. Finally, put your new knowledge into practice by sampling witchy cocktails featuring a special Chicory Liqueur from Cathead Distillery. And for the frightening food, the chefs at Sage have concocted terrifying recipes crafted from gruesome botanical ingredients. Downtown Sarasota Campus, Selby Gardens’ Banyan Tree Patio, 1534 Mound Street Sarasota. Members $66/Non-members $69.
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.
Please join us for the annual Resilient Retreat Farm to Table dining experience on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 4:00 pm. The funds raised at the event are critical to Resilient Retreat to continue to serve survivors of trauma and first responders and helping professionals. Come immerse yourself among the majestic oaks at 84 acres of conservation land on the retreat. In true farm to table fashion, our local chefs will craft a tasting menu featuring the very best local seasonal foods. Dine under the stars nestled among the beautiful live oaks while experiencing al fresco farm to table dining. Farm to Table proceeds will benefit the Resilient Retreat mission to empower survivors of trauma to thrive through self care and community. Visit https://givebutter.com/farmtotable2023 for more information and to purchase tickets.
Globe-trotting French singer-songwriter, Eric Vincent will be stopping in Sarasota on his farewell USA tour. He will be performing at So French Café on November 1st.
Tickets $20 online, $25 at the door. Get your tickets early as seating is limited. Doors open at 6pm, come early so you can sample a delicious menu from the restaurant before the concert. There will not be food service during the concert. Cash bar and restaurant service available. Tickets are available by phone 941-955-0700.
Kicking off Friday, October 13, naturally, our popular Halloween-inspired light show is back for a second year! The show will run from October 13-31 with entry times at 6:30pm and 7:45 nightly. Don't miss the chance to see our Historic Spanish Point campus transformed into Spooky Point where you can follow an eerily lit path and encounter fantastic creations and boo-tanically-themed decorations along the way. Equal parts campy and cute, this walk-through show is fun for all ages. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly encouraged, buy yours soon to secure the dates and times of your choice. To purchase tickets at the member price, you must log in to your Selby Gardens member account. For more information visit selby.org.
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