In Sarasota, we’re surrounded by beach vibes, but sometimes, we yearn to explore a new coastline. If jetsetting across the globe isn’t in the cards, head to The Mall at University Town Center, where the delightful Riviera French Cafe invites patrons to experience a taste of the good life on the French Riviera.

Owned and run by husband and wife team Andrea Chretien and Paloma Barcelo, Riviera French Cafe is a Mediterranean oasis. The couple, now in their mid-twenties, grew up in Cannes, France, and met in high school. They both studied at Skema Business School in the South of France, with Chretien focusing on marketing and Barcelo on entrepreneurship. While they spent a year at North Carolina State University, they decided to relocate to Sarasota, which holds a special place in Chretien’s family history. Sixty years ago, his grandmother began traveling to Sarasota, introducing him to the area. Through her husband, Barcelo became acquainted with the city that they now call home.

“We wanted to create much more than a cafe because we wanted to bring all that we have from France and the South of France. Every time we see a French cafe in the U.S., it’s inspired by Paris which everybody knows,” Barcelo says. “But we are proud of coming from the South of France and we think it’s different. It’s what we want people to experience when they come here.” The bright navy blue and white featured everywhere from the cafe’s bistro chairs to to-go cups reflects the stunning beauty of the French Riviera, which the couple describes as having a relaxed lifestyle where it’s common to spend a leisurely afternoon on a cafe terrace.

Guests can channel this carefree attitude while enjoying eats and drinks at the cafe, which imports most things, like coffee, tea, flour and syrups from France. “Our syrups just have sugar and flavor, and no additives or bad components,” Chretien adds. The couple sells Belleville coffee, a specialty brand roasted in Paris by one of their friends. Riviera French Cafe is the only place in the United States where patrons can purchase a of cup of this bold and flavorful coffee. Customers can also buy bags of Belleville coffee to enjoy at home. From being fair-trade to offering training in areas such as latte art, Belleville shares Chretien and Barcelo’s commitment to quality and ethically produced products.

The pair recommends trying the bestselling vanilla latte or escaping to the lavender fields of Provence in the South of France with the lavender latte. “It’s not so sugary, but it’s floral and light and can be served hot or iced,” says Chretien. Aside from drinks, the cafe stocks locally-made pastries like croissants and pain au chocolat. They also make scrumptious crepes such as the Nutella, strawberry and banana crepe, which celebrates the popularity of the Italian hazelnut spread in the neighboring South of France. The cafe has savory options as well, such as croissant and baguette sandwiches, and will soon expand the menu to include waffles, savory crepes and a signature Riviera coffee blend.

While Barcelo and Chretien are focused on providing delicious food and drinks to their patrons, they hope to grow the business even more by opening additional locations and building a lifestyle brand based on the French Riviera. “It’s not only about creating a cafe, but it’s about creating a brand and experience because we’re starting with the cafe, but we want to follow with a clothing brand, perfumes, candles and home decor,” Barcelo adds. “It’s a way to create a home away from home and bring people from Sarasota to the French Riviera ambiance and enjoy what the South of France has to offer. It’s all about luxury and quality.”

Riviera French Cafe, The Mall at University Town Center, Second floor in front of the elevator, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota, 813-825-1750, rivierafrenchcafe.com. 

Pictured: A selection of coffee, tea, crepes, pastries and sandwiches at Riviera French Cafe. Photo Courtesy of Riviera French Cafe.

Riviera French Cafe

Pick the 49ers or Chiefs when you preorder a wings to-go package for the big game.  Choose correctly and win 10 free Buffalo Shrimp. Choose incorrectly and you still win 10 free Buffalo Shrimp when you buy 10.  Hooters is offering special packages to enjoy from your home for the big game. The 50 Wings package includes four sides of Blue Cheese or Ranch for $60.  The 70 Wings package comes with five sides of Blue Cheese or Ranch for $87.  This wings special offer is valid on February 11 for To-Go only. Phone in your pre orders or stop by your local Hooters restaurant. Dining at Hooters to watch the big game?  Our Buffalo Chicken Dip appetizer is back by popular demand.  The Buffalo Chicken Dip is made with shredded chicken mixed with a variety of cheeses served with ranch or blue cheese dressing and served with spiced tortilla chips.  Enjoy the Buffalo Chicken Dip and your other favorite Hooters menu items as you watch the game on many TVs throughout the restaurant. 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.  

Looking for a delicious dining experience in a relaxed waterfront setting for Valentine’s Day? Look no further than Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar. Located at 5353 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, for over 38 years The Creek has served up the freshest seafood, steamed crab legs, stone crabs, seafood boats for two, and award-winning specials. This year enjoy Chef Pedro’s special surf and turf. Lobster tail paired with a filet mignon served with buttery mashed potatoes and jumbo grilled asparagus. The full dinner menu will be available offering steamer pots, stuffed grouper, seafood towers, iron cast-seared sirloin steak, an array of fresh and baked oysters, and more. Start or finish your Valentine’s meal with a chocolate-covered strawberry cocktail from the new cocktail and wine list while you enjoy the beautiful waterfront views. Dine indoors with waterfront views or on the comfortable waterfront patios. Whether you’re dining for two or twenty, The Creek is pleased to serve you. Come see why Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar consistently wins one of Sarasota’s best waterfront dining and top restaurants. 

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It's time to make your song dedications for the Pops Orchestra's upcoming show: I Love You to the Moon and Back! If you have tickets to this performance and would like to dedicate a selection to that special someone, click the blue button below to fill out our "Song Dedication Form." You will see the list of songs we are performing when you click into the form. Come back to this email and click the red button below to make your $100 donation to have your dedication listed in the program and announced by Robyn at the show.  You can also use this form to tell us about someone’s birthday, an anniversary, or that special holiday memory that our show transports you to. Deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 8 at noon. 

The Gulf Islands Ferry will expand service to the historic Bridge Street pier in the City of Bradenton Beach starting Friday, February 9, barring any inclement weather. This stop is in addition to the existing ferry stops: the day dock in downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria City Pier. Visitors and residents can catch a ride on the water Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. with departures every hour, on the hour. Ride times on the water are approximately 30-35 minutes each way. The two catamarans hold 49 passengers and will have two crew aboard to ensure smooth transport to and from each port. For up-to-date information on run times, ticket information and scheduling, riders can contact Customer Service for the Ferry at (941) 357-2587 (voice) or (727) 200-6487 (text). Current run times and scheduling can still be found at gulfislandsferry.com. For up-to-date information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov. 

GO WITH THE FLO | Florian Trinkwalkder crafts premium raw kombucha, February 2024. 

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