If you’re looking for a bit of Italian sunshine to brighten up the winter day, check out Acqua Pazza Coastal Italian, a new coastal-inspired Italian restaurant in Downtown Wellen Park. After traveling with his family across Italy, Co-owner David Valentino had been wanting to create an eatery that paid homage to the country.

“We are constantly talking about and developing concepts, and the idea of doing Italian in a more traditional approach has excited us and has been loosely on the back burner for quite a while,” Valentino says. “When we were approached by Wellen Park, for another opportunity to take over a restaurant space there, it didn’t take us long to understand that that was where we wanted to take it. Also, it’s something that this growing, exciting area didn’t have yet, unlike other areas.” He and his team, who own other businesses like Donatos and The Banyan House Restaurant, created an establishment that pulls from the rich culinary cultures of both Italians and Italian-Americans. Diners can sample the blend of these two traditions in dishes like the impressive veal chop parmigiana. “Our veal chop parmigiana is a show stopper. It’s a full 14 oz. veal chop on the bone. We take the bone off for the guest and pan fry the veal. It’s done with a San Marzano tomato and buffalo mozzarella topping in the traditional parmigiana style. It’s both the Italian and the Italian-American traditions combining,” he adds.

Other menu items draw from the heritage of Rome, a city that is just a 45-minute drive from the sea. “A lot of the coastal influences and fresh seafood are found in Roman cuisine above and beyond the four classic pasta dishes that we all associate with the area,” says Valentino. Still, his menu includes amatriciana, carbonara and cacio e pepe, three of those four pasta dishes. Other Roman delicacies that can be found at Acqua Pazza are fried artichokes, which are common throughout the city’s Jewish quarter. Also served in that part of Rome is salted cod, or baccala, one of the types of seafood in the fritto pesce, a fried seafood platter that’s ideal for sharing. For dessert, patrons can sample the pistachio tiramisu, which comes in a mug and presents another popular Italian ingredient in an inventive manner. Whether guests sample pasta or seafood, they will have enjoyed a bit of Italy’s culinary delights at Acqua Pazza.

Acqua Pazza Coastal Italian, 19750 Wellen Park Blvd., Unit #D, Venice, 941-244-5147, acquapazzaitalian.com. 

Pictured: A plate of fresh pasta made in-house at Acqua Pazza. Photo Courtesy of Acqua Pazza.

Acqua Pazza Coastal Italian

 First Watch is inviting guests on a culinary tour through its first seasonal menu of 2024, with limited-time items inspired by regional foodie hot spots like Brooklyn, New York and Mexico City. The “Jump Start” menu is available nationwide* – at more than 500 restaurants in 29 states – through March 17, 2024, to give breakfast, brunch and lunch the fresh start it deserves. “At First Watch, we believe a year has five seasons – which is why our new seasonal menu is nicknamed ‘Jump Start,’” said Shane Schaibly, Head Chef at First Watch. “This season’s dishes embrace the momentum of the new year while also appealing to those seeking comfort fare during colder months. We’ve traditionally lightened our winter offerings heading into spring, but this time, we’re leaning into the indulgence of savory meats and layers of flavor. Our new Brooklyn Breakfast Sandwich embodies this sentiment with the look of an everything bagel and flavors that’ll transport you to a New York deli counter.”  First Watch’s full seasonal menu includes: Brooklyn Breakfast Sandwich – Shaved pastrami, Gruyère cheese and house-roasted onions with an over-easy cage-free egg, house-pickled red onions, arugula, mayo and Dijon mustard on a griddled everything-seasoned brioche bun. Served with lemon-dressed organic mixed greens; Barbacoa Chilaquiles Breakfast Bowl – Seasoned, braised beef barbacoa tossed with Cheddar and Monterey Jack, salsa roja and crispy corn tortilla chips, then topped with fresh avocado, lime crema, Cotija cheese and scallions. Served with cheesy scrambled cage-free eggs and seasoned black beans with housemade pico de gallo; Blackberry Lemon Cream French Toast – Thick-cut, custard-dipped challah bread griddled and topped with lemon cream, fresh blackberries, mixed berry compote, crème anglaise and spiced gingerbread cookie crumbles. Lightly dusted with powdered cinnamon sugar; Holey Donuts – Cinnamon sugar-dusted cake donut holes with chocolate sauce and warm, mixed berry compote for dipping; Mango Passion Palmer Juice – Mango, passion fruit, organic ginger and green tea. First Watch’s Jump Start specialties are the newest in its revolving seasonal menu, which is guided by the restaurant’s “Follow the Sun” food ethos to source fresh ingredients, wherever and whenever they are in season. These seasonal menus change every ten weeks, five times a year, and have been recognized with national accolades for their innovative, trend-forward appeal and approach. First Watch is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. for pickup, delivery and dine-in service. For more information about First Watch and its seasonal menu offerings, or to find your nearest location, visit firstwatch.com. 

The Sarasota Hooters location is hosting a Jeep Show and Shine contest on Thursday, January 18 starting at 5pm.  During the Jeep Show and Shine, Sarasota Hooters will donate 20% of your sales from your tab when you mention the Local 7433 Friendraiser. In addition, Local 7433 will be awarding their favorite Jeeps with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place that night.  Hooters of Sarasota is located at 6507 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. “We look forward to seeing everyone for Jeep Night and helping raise funds for a good local cause.  We offer the Friendraiser program as an easy way to help local charities and organizations raise additional funds,” said LTP Management Director of Marketing Kristi Quarles.  “Our Jeep events have become a favorite thing to do for the Sarasota community.  It is an opportunity to check out all of the unique Jeeps,” said Hooters of Sarasota Managing Partner John Irwin.  Local 7433 focus on making the maximum positive effort for our community. Our members and volunteers provide the momentum that helps us give back to those in need.  We provide support that will make a long-lasting difference for others. 

Longtime friends Chef Charles Amherst of Chaz 51 Steakhouse in Venice and Barbara Gerdeman, co-founder of Creative Liberties Artist Studios in Sarasota, have joined forces to create a series of interactive “live art dinner showcases.” The first of these events is set to take place in February, promising “an unforgettable experience for patrons seeking a blend of gastronomic delights and artistic inspiration,” says Amherst. To kick off the collaboration, a "Meet the Artist Showcase" is Wednesday, January 24, 6-8 p.m. According to Gerdeman, the event offers a “sneak peek into the magic that awaits during the upcoming live art dinner showcases.” Guests attending the event can anticipate an evening filled with tantalizing small bites, exceptional wine selections, and the opportunity to meet local artists. The event will also feature live painting, allowing attendees to witness the creation of captivating works of art in real-time. The event is free to the public at Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US 41 Bypass N, Venice. Guests can RSVP via Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-the-artist-live-showcase-tickets-786021460347?aff=oddtdtcreator) or by calling Chaz 51 at 941-484-6200. 

Pictured: Chef Charles Amherst of Chaz 51 Steakhouse and Barbara Gerdeman, co-founder of Creative Liberties Artist Studios.

To RSVP click here

Oysters Rock Hospitality is thrilled to announce significant leadership changes within its Restaurant Operations team, reflecting the organization’s commitment to fostering talent and excellence. The organization proudly shares the promotions of Abby Elliott and Tim Bingham to the crucial roles of Regional Managers. These dynamic individuals have not only played pivotal roles in shaping the success of our restaurants, but have also become cherished members of the Oysters Rock Hospitality family. Abby Elliott, who initially joined the Landside location, has quickly risen through the ranks, demonstrating an extraordinary impact on both our team and guests. Under the guidance of Greg Guevara, Abby progressed from her starting position to become Assistant General Manager, showcasing outstanding leadership qualities, impeccable communication skills, and a results-driven mindset. Abby’s ability to inspire positive change has not only contributed to the success of Landside, but has also positioned her as a valuable asset capable of elevating our entire restaurant network. Tim Bingham, with an impressive 19-year journey at Oysters Rock Hospitality, exemplifies dedication, expertise, and strong leadership. Tim’s contributions have been instrumental in the growth of the brand, from opening the Bridge Street Pier restaurant to successfully managing the Ellenton location for several years and overseeing the launch of the UTC restaurant. His extensive experience across various roles has equipped him with a profound understanding of all operations. Tim has been a consistent source of innovation, playing a pivotal role in product development and collaborating with marketing to roll out engaging promotions. Each has been entrusted with overseeing the daily operations and financial management of a regional cluster of restaurants. Abby, taking charge of Cafe L’Europe, Landside, and UTC, brings a keen sense of effective communication and a commitment to excellence that re-emphasizes  high standards of service. Additionally, Abby will lead Beverage operations to deliver a consistent and exceptional experience for guests. Tim, responsible for Ellenton, Cortez, and the Pier Oyster Bars, draws on his extensive experience to enhance overall performance and guest satisfaction. Alongside his management duties, Tim will spearhead the optimization of Food operations across all Oysters Rock Hospitality establishments, contributing to an elevated culinary experience while honoring the heart and soul of our guests’ favorite dishes on the menu. Chief Executive Oyster of Oysters Rock Hospitality John Horne expressed his excitement about the new appointments, stating, “Our ultimate goal as a company is to deliver on our brand promise of ‘Five Star Fun’ for every guest, on every visit, at every restaurant. The depth of experience and passion for hospitality that Abby Elliott and Tim Bingham share makes them the right individuals to inspire that spirit in employees at all levels of our organization. I have every confidence that Abby and Tim will contribute in a significant way to the continued growth of Oysters Rock Hospitality.” 

Mission Café & Coffee on Venice Island is the newest recipient of a Venice Spirit Award. Randy Moore, the publisher of South County Healthy Living made the announcement today. The award recognizes an individual, couple, business, or nonprofit making a sustained and meaningful contribution to the health and vitality of the region. “Mission Café & Coffee contributes to the health of area residents and visitors by providing healthy food selections for breakfast and lunch every day,” Moore noted. “The café also distinguished itself with its recovery following Hurricane Ian.” Mission Café & Coffee is the seventh recipient of the Venice Spirit Award since 2019. Prior award winners include Restorative Medical Center, The Island Bookshop, Big Bam Bikes, Aspire Direct Primary Care, Venice Urban Forest, and Venice Island Gallery. Other community awards presented by South County Healthy Living and its sister publication Englewood Healthy Living includes the North Port Spirit Award, Englewood Spirit Award, Sarasota County Spirit Award, Wildlife Champion Award, Inspiring Artist Award, Venice Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Englewood Lee Reid Lifetime Achievement Award. 

On January 22, at the Robert Taylor Community Center in Newtown located at 1845 John Rivers St, Sarasota, FL 34234, there will be a free lunch event to learn about the value and importance of having a business mentor. Entrepreneurs with a business idea, owners of existing small businesses or those with a future dream of how to start a business, will learn how having a seasoned business mentor can provide guidance. This event is another effort by SCORE Manasota to contribute to the economic development of entrepreneurs. Attendees will hear Mary Butler, a local business owner, Carlos Yancy, Sr., Business Development Specialist at BayFirst Financial, Vickie Oldham, President of the Sarasota African-American Cultural Coalition, Inc., and Renee Gilmore, Executive Producer at WWSB, speak to the value of entrepreneurship with the guidance of small business mentoring. They will also learn how SCORE Manasota volunteers who have experience in technology, marketing, accounting, real estate and start-ups can help guide you with free, personalized mentoring. For more information about starting or operating a small business, visit SCORE Manasota at https://www.score.org/manasota.   

GOOD VIBES. GOOD EATS. | Daquiri Deck's new Corporate Chef and Director of Culinary Jeremy Thayer adds his twist to the eatery's fun flavors, January 2024. 

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