C’est La Vie, with its cozy, inviting atmosphere, is one of Sarasota’s favorite French restaurants. Owners Christophe and Geraldine Coutelle founded C’est La Vie in 1997, bringing delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner options to the community. While many patrons frequent the establishment for morning and mid-day eats, Christophe encourages everyone to sample its dinner offerings.

“We started having dinner during season in 2002. Some years we did dinner, and some we didn’t. We tried different versions,” Christophe says. “Since last year, we started doing a serious dinner five nights a week, from Wednesday through Sunday nights.” The dinner menu changes based on the season, but C’est La Vie features certain staple dishes year round, like the lamb tajine with prune and apricot. “Tajine is a traditional North African dish,” he adds. The name tajine refers to the clay pot used to cook and serve the meal which features a lamb stew with honey sauce, apricot and prune served with couscous. In order to prepare large portions of the tajine, C’est La Vie uses larger vessels, but still serves the dish to customers in the special clay pot for an authentic touch. Other classic dishes include the sole, a mild, flounder-like fish accompanied by roasted vegetables and a lemon sauce. “Sole isn’t a strong-tasting fish. The meat is very tender and soft, and I think that’s what makes it popular here in America because some people don’t really like fishy fish,” Christophe says. “Sometimes when we try fish that are really strong in taste, they don’t sell well.”

He also recommends several appitizers, like the French onion soup, escargots, fois gras and a watermelon and feta salad with scallions and mint. The warm brie, which is melted on toasted bread with honey, tomato confit, rosemary and walnut is also a good option, as is the charcuterie board. If guests have room for dessert, Christophe suggests they try the crepe suzette, profiteroles or creme brulee. To complement the staple menu items, C’est La Vie will unveil new, seasonal dishes, like stews, in December, just in time for the winter months. With iconic favorites and exciting offerings to come, this French restaurant has something tasty for everyone.

C’est La Vie, 1553 Main St., Sarasota, 941-906-9575, cestlaviesarasota.com. 

Pictured: Sample the charcuterie board at Cest La Vie before dinner. Photo Courtesy of Cest La Vie.

Nestled inside the Art Ovation Hotel Autograph Collection, Tzeva features modern Mediterranean cuisine with Israeli influences that shine in beautifully plated dishes full of bright colors, unique flavors and global spices. The restaurant is partnering with Children of Fallen Soldiers, a charitable organization founded in October 2003 to help military children and disabled/wounded veterans. As an active member of the Sarasota community, Tzeva is committed to supporting the organizations that uplift the city. Guided by this commitment, the restaurant is launching Tzeva For Sarasota. This campaign will spotlight a different local charitable organization every month and Tzeva will donate 20% of dinner and lunch proceeds to the organizations on the third Monday of each month. On Monday, November 20, Tzeva is partnering with Children of Fallen Soldiers, whose mission is to provide programs that provide emotional support, college scholarships, financial assistance, morale-boosting, mental well-being, and children's enrichment programs that help with school trips, sports activities, equipment, etc. for our children whose parent(s) are unable to provide for these needs.

1255 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236, Monday, November 20. Lunch is served from 11 AM - 2 PM. Dinner is served from 5 pm- 10 pm. Reservations can be made via OpenTable. 

Phillippi Creek is the perfect waterfront destination for gathering with family and friends. The award-winning Phillippi Creek restaurant will feature the regular menu with additional specials like fresh Stone Crabs, baked stuffed seafood, fresh steamed oysters, and oysters on the half-shell and Seafood boats for two along with a traditional Turkey Dinner for those craving the flavors of the holiday. For over 40 years, the “Creek” as locals like to call it, has been a favorite to gather for the freshest seafood, cocktails, and daily specials for lunch and dinner. Large parties without reservations are welcome for al fresco dining or can enjoy one of the larger tables indoors. Whether early lunch, late afternoon family meal, or a cozy dinner for two, Phillippi Creek is your destination to enjoy the holiday. Thursday, November 23, 20223. Opening at 11 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Phillippi Creek Village Restaurant & Oyster Bar, 5353 Tamiami Trail South, Sarasota, 941-925-4444. 

Toys and trains and some special visitors from the North Pole are some of the ways families can get into the holiday spirit with the joy-filled A Night Before Christmas event, Friday, December 8, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Bradenton’s G.T. Bray Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting the park and taking pictures with the children. The event will include bounce houses, petting zoo, crafts, face painting and train ride along our Christmas path. Several local vendors and food truck line up will be joining in on the celebration. Entry for this annual event is FREE; however, a suggested donation per family of a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots is kindly requested. Wristbands will be sold for $5 apiece to allow access to a variety of activities, including bouncing, sliding, and crawling over the inflatables, a train ride and festive face painting. Pre-sale wristbands will be on sale beginning December 1 at the G.T. Bray Front Desk (no refunds or replacements will be issued). Wristbands will be available on a cash-only basis at event entrance December 8). G.T. Bray Park is located at 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West in Bradenton. Visitors may access GT Bray Park from 59th St. W. or 51st St. W. Parking will be available in various lots around the park. For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.  

Wellen Park is lighting up the holiday season in signature style with a tree lighting and holiday celebration, the spirit of giving, and much more. Throughout December, Wellen Park is hosting family-friendly events in Downtown Wellen, which are complemented by CoolToday Park’s annual Braves Jingle Jam and Tomahawk 5K. “The holidays really capture the essence of Wellen Park and our community’s emphasis on joy and heartfelt connections,” said Christine Masney, vice president of marketing of Wellen Park. “We have planned fun, meaningful experiences that are unique to Wellen Park for families, friends and neighbors to create memories they will cherish for years to come.” The upcoming events take place in Downtown Wellen and Wellen Park. From Light Up Wellen to a fun-filled weekend of festivities at CoolToday Park, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays at Wellen Park. December’s calendar reflects the vibrant spirit of Wellen Park and foreshadows a full winter season of activities. For more information, visit wellenpark.com/events.  

The Florida Turkey Trot Presented by Publix is a 3.1 mile run/walk for all ages and abilities! Your registration includes a professionally managed race course, custom race shirt, and a beautiful, spinning finisher's medal to commemorate your achievement. After you cross the Finish Line, celebrate with delicious Publix pastries and fruit and sip on bubbly mimosas. All participants will also be given a special sweet treat to take home and enjoy! The first 100 Male and first 100 Female finishers will receive a special Thanksgiving themed award.

November 23, 2023, 7:15am, Kids $20 | Adults $35-40, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, fit2time@fit2run.com. 

The diverse community of over 40 local creators and curators inside The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime are offering amazing deals during Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. As the holiday season approaches, The Bazaar aims to support local businesses, giving shoppers the opportunity to discover unique and one-of-a-kind items while enjoying exclusive discounts. With an array of talented artisans and entrepreneurs, visitors can explore The Bazaar's vibrant atmosphere and find something truly special for themselves or their loved ones. On Black Friday, The Bazaar will kick off the holiday shopping season with incredible deals that cannot be missed. From unique artwork, jewelry, and stylish clothing, to home decor, gourmet treats, succulents, and much more, there is something for everyone. Shoppers can take advantage of special promotions and discounts offered exclusively on this day, making it the perfect time to find the perfect gifts. But the excitement doesn't end there. On Small Business Saturday, Nov 25, the Bazaar continues to celebrate the spirit of supporting local. Shopping at The Bazaar on Small Business Saturday not only allows customers to find unique items, but also helps contribute to the growth and success of independent entrepreneurs. While browsing, guests can enjoy live music and delicious food from Hamlet’s Eatery. The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime is located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. The hours for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are 10 am - 3pm. For more information, please visit www.BazaarOnApricotandLime.com or call 941.445.1938. 

FAMILY STYLE | Family ties are a key ingredient for the success of these four family-owned French eateries, November 2023. 

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