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SRQ DAILY Mar 12, 2024

Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

"Living down here all these years, we realized that we basically live in a bread desert."

- George Prentice, Co-owner of Breadsmith of Bradenton
 

[The Dish]  Savor a Staple at Breadsmith of Bradenton
Laura Paquette, laura.paquette@srqme.com

A new franchise of the beloved Milwaukee-based brand Breadsmith has opened in Bradenton, and they’re on a roll bringing delicious dough to the Gulf Coast. Co-owners George Prentice, Corey Grubb and Jeremy Collins are excited to finally have the chance to introduce the region to the company’s products.

Prentice and Grubb hail from Milwaukee, where they first came across Breadsmith. “I’ve been eating it since 1993,” says Prentice. When he and Grubb traveled by bus from the Midwest to Florida, they’d haul as much Breadsmith bread as possible with them. Two-thirds of my freezer would be filled with Breadsmith bread to last until the next time we were up there,” he adds. “Living down here all these years, we realized that we basically live in a bread desert. On the whole west coast of Florida, there is no good bread. There are little bakeries that pop up here and there that make artisan-type bread; some of them last, and some of them don’t.”

Breadsmith specializes in breads made by hand, without additives or preservatives, and baked in European hearthstone ovens. Certain breads are available every day of the week, while a different selection of special breads is offered on specific days. Bestselling breads include baguettes, sourdough and rye bread. The rosemary garlic ciabatta packs a savory punch, while the apple pie bread swirls together the pie’s filling with bread. The bakery also carries a variety of sweets, which customers enjoy in the outdoor seating areas. The rich brownies are standouts and the lemon blueberry scones are delectable. Cinnamon rolls are popular as well and sell out by late morning. From making bread that brings sandwiches to a new level or dishing out sweet pick-me-ups, Breadsmith of Bradenton has something for everyone.

Breadsmith of Bradenton, 6425 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-567-5615, breadsmith.com/bradenton/. 

Pictured: Loaves of bread. Photo by Ivan J. Long, Courtesy of Pexels.

Breadsmith of Bradenton

[B&B Chophouse and Market]  Raising the Steaks in Lakewood Ranch

B&B Chophouse was founded in 2020 by myself Stephen Bishop,  and my partner Ron Fuller, owners of the Excellence in Restaurants chain. We both have deep roots in the steakhouse genre of restaurants and wanted to bring something unique to Lakewood Ranch. Open Mon-Fri for dinner and Sat/Sun brunch along with our popular 7 days a week Happy Hour, and live music on the weekends in our Piano Bar. Offering the largest bourbon selection in the area with custom flights from any combination of our nearly 200 varieties including 15 Stars a recent Best in the World winner. We feature certified Angus beef aged 30 days as our signature product for affordable excellence but also Jacks Creek Australian Wagyu, a multiple winner of Best Steak in the World. Our Daily Fresh Sheet includes fresh seafood recipes from our chefs that change multiple times a week. Our butcher’s market allows you to take home and cook our steaks yourself. A beautiful interior, thriving bar and covered patio are all available. We invite you to experience B&B Chophouse. 

Click Here To Learn More

[The Dish]  Celebrate St. Paddy's Day at Gecko's

We're gearing up at all six Gecko's Grill & Pub for a traditional Irish feast on St. Patrick’s Day, featuring a menu with locally sourced potatoes from Jones Potato Farm, Inc. & Bangers from Geiers Sausage Kitchen! Count on Gecko’s talented barkeeps to delight you with their special Irish cocktails, too! Each Gecko’s location will be featuring St. Paddy’s Day Portmagee and Jameson libations to compliment the all-Irish menu.  And of course, Guinness…for hoisting a pint and we’re enlisting the help of this hearty brew in our simmered brown sauce for our traditional Shepherd’s Pie.  Slainte!  www.GeckosGrill.com. 

[The Dish]  Brick's Smoked Meats Celebrates Easter

Celebrate the great flavors of true Texas BBQ along with our holiday special menus this Easter, March 31. Whether you are dining out or looking for pick up/catering, Brick’s Smoked Meats has delicious choices to make your holiday a springtime feast of flavors. Serving Brunch 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Dinner 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. While you are enjoying your Easter celebration, step into the Photo Booth out front, take a photo with our Easter Bunny and #EasteratBricks for a chance to win a Bricks Easter Basket! (Bunny available 2 pm-5 pm, photo booth available all day). Easter Menus - Brunch: Bottomless Mimosa $10 (until 3 pm); Appetizers -- Deviled Eggs Smoked Wings Mac and Cheese Bites Bacon Burnt Ends.  

For more information click here

[The Dish]  The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Brings Easter Splendor to Florida's Gulf Coast

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, a luxury landmark located on Florida’s central Gulf coast, is thrilled to announce its robust programming schedule for the upcoming Easter holiday. Beginning on Wednesday, March 13th through Sunday, March 31st, the resort will be offering a wide array of holiday-themed events and experiences including decadent culinary experiences, family-friendly recreational activities, and indulgent treatments at the newly renovated The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Sarasota. “Our highly curated events and experiences for this Easter weekend will create cherished moments for the entire family,” said the property’s General Manager, Mark Sherwin. “We invite guests and locals to enjoy a magical experience with the timeless sophistication that defines The Ritz-Carlton and the warm hospitality that only our Ladies and Gentlemen can provide.” Reservations for holiday dining experiences in Jack Dusty can be made by calling (941) 309-2266 or on OpenTable. Easter Grand Ballroom Brunch reservations can be made by contacting Holiday Events at rc.srqrz.holidayevents@ritzcarlton.com or by calling (941) 309-2401.  For reservations for spa experiences please contact the Spa at (941) 309-2090.  

For more information or reservations, please visit

[The Dish]  Find St. Patrick's Day Gold at Ford's Garage

Feeling lucky? Ford’s Garage, your neighborhood burger and brew joint serving up delicious food with vintage vibes on the side, invites guests to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the Ford’s Garage way. Available through March 18, savor limited-edition menu items, including:  Mint Condition Milkshake – Tillamook™ Vanilla Ice Cream blended with Mint and OREO®. For a boozy upgrade, add a shot of Jameson® Irish Whiskey! and St. Patty’s Melt – Half pound of grilled Black Angus, Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut and spicy mustard on toasted rye bread. Served with Ford’s fries. To view the full menu, visit www.fordsgarageusa.com. 

[The Dish]  Ka Papa Offers First Day of Spring Wine Dinner

Join us in celebrating the arrival of spring with an exquisite wine dinner experience! Save the date: Tuesday March 19th 2024 at 6:00 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm) at Ka Papa Cuisine. Supported by the amazing Robin Stephensen @unfiltered_unfined_wines.

Mar 19, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 1830 S Osprey Ave Suite 104, Sarasota. 

For reservations click here.

[Arts & Entertainment]  Renowned Artist Lipstick Lex Unveils Artistic Evolution in First Solo Exhibition in Four Years

Alexis Fraser, better known as Lipstick Lex, is poised to make a triumphant return to the art scene with her highly anticipated solo exhibition after a four-year hiatus. The artist made the bold decision to close her Rosemary District gallery during the pandemic, shifting her focus towards commissions, workshops, and commercial projects. The exclusive exhibition is scheduled for March 20, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the elegant showroom at Clive Daniel Home, located at 3055 Fruitville Commons Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240. While the pop-up event is open to the public and free of charge, attendees must RSVP to secure their spot on the guest list, and reservations can be made atwww.lipsticklex.com. 



[Forage]  All Roads Lead to Rome
Laura Paquette, laura.paquette@srqme.com

ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME | Acqua Pazza, Wellen Park's new Italian restaurant, honors the coastal flavors that represent the country's cuisine, March 2024. 

Read Here!

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Theresa Caputo Live, The Experience , April 11, 7:30pm

For more than a decade, Theresa Caputo, known worldwide as the Long Island Medium, and star of the new Lifetime Series Raising Spirits, has touched the lives of millions of fans, comforting supporters when they need it most. Now Sarasota fans will get their chance at healing when the acclaimed medium and beloved personality appears live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Thursday, April 11 at 7:30pm. Known for her unique ability to communicate with those who have passed on, Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience brings Theresa face-to-face with her fans as Spirit guides her through the audience. A full-stage video display ensures that everyone in the theater has an up-close experience regardless of seat location. Through personal life stories, candid humor, and intimate details about her gift to communicate with those who have passed, the beloved television personality and best-selling author delivers healing messages to her audience, reassuring them with the revelation that their deceased loved ones are still with them, just in a different way. Recognized as one of the most renowned mediums for over 20 years, Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience is an awe-inspiring event you will not want to miss. Learn more about Theresa at www.theresacaputo.com. Tickets start at $64.23 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office. Pre-show dining is available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office.

[SOON]  DANCE: Celtic Throne, The Royal Journey of Irish Dance , June 2, 7:30pm
Irish dancers and musicians from Edmonds Herbert W. Armstrong College and Armstrong Dance will embark on their fifth U.S. tour beginning May 5, visiting 10 states over seven weeks with their show Celtic Throne, The Royal Journey of Irish Dance. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will host a one-night performance at 7:30 p.m., June 2. Celtic Throne, The Royal Journey of Irish Dance explores the ancient origins of Irish step dance and celebrates the millennia-long journey of a music-and-dance-loving people as they migrate from the ancient Near East to Ireland, Scotland, England and the United States. Tickets to Celtic Throne, The Royal Journey of Irish Dance begin at $25 and can be purchased at VanWezel.org. For more information, please visit celticthrone.com.
[SOON]  MUSIC: Kenny G , May 5, 7pm

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome Kenny G to Sarasota on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 7pm.  Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Pre-show dining is available through Mattisons at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Van Wezel Presents The Concert, A Tribute to ABBA , May 4, 8pm

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome The Concert, A Tribute to ABBA to Sarasota on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 8 p.m. The Concert: A Tribute To ABBA continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling all who see with their fantastic performance while playing the most iconic hits from ABBA, including Mamma Mia, S.O.S, Money, Money, Money, The Winner Takes All, Waterloo, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, and Dancing Queen. Tickets are $30-$75 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Pre-show dining is available through Mattisons at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: How to Use Sales Funnels and Marketing Automation to Grow Your Business , March 28, 1pm
A sales funnel is a marketing term describing where your customers are in their purchasing journey and what marketing tools you can use to guide potential customers from interest to purchase. In this webinar, you will learn how to use sales funnels to grow your business, automate your marketing tasks, create a complete customer journey map and determine your business KPIs so you can easily track what is working and what is not. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Family Saturdays , March 23 – May 25, 10am-12pm
Kids and kids at heart can enjoy fun art and nature activities on Saturday mornings, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on March 23, April 27, and May 25. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to noon each day, and participation is included in admission to the Gardens, which is always free for Selby Gardens members. These Family Saturdays celebrate the current exhibition on view, Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia OKeeffe. Several activity stations with different art-focused projects will be set up in the Ann Goldstein Childrens Rainforest Garden during each monthly event. The goal is to invite kids of all ages to explore the artwork of Yayoi Kusama and Georgia OKeeffe through activities that also connect them to the natural environment. Admission to Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus is $26 for adults, $11 for ages 5 to 17, and free for children 4 and under. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at selby.org. Selby Gardens members always receive complimentary admission as well as discounts for guests. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit selby.org.
[SOON]  GALA: 2024 Transformation Gala , March 22, 5-10pm
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation proudly announces the return of the 2024 Transformation Gala on Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Featuring Kristin Chenoweth, New York Times best-selling author and Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer, the 2024 Transformation Gala promises an incredible evening dedicated to experiencing the transformative power of the arts. Set along the beautiful waterfront of Sarasota Bay, the 22nd annual event supports the PAFs vision for a new Performing Arts Center and its transformative arts education work that touches the lives of more than 33,000 educators, military families, and students. The night begins with a bayside cocktail celebration and exceptional dining catered by Michael’s on East, followed by a thrilling concert featuring Tony Award-winning artist Kristin Chenoweth in the Van Wezel Hall. The celebration concludes with a rocking private afterparty in the grand foyer. Proceeds from the gala help to fund PAF educational programs, support our partnered educational programs at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, contribute to the planning of the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center, and solidify the future of the arts in Sarasota. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit sarasotaperformingartsfoundation.org.
[SOON]  BUSINESS: Google My Business, How to Get Your Business on Google Search and Maps , March 21, 1pm
Ensure your business appears on Google Search and Maps and boost your online visibility by leveraging Google My Business, now known as Google Business Profile. In this webinar, our expert presenter will show you how to build and manage your Google Business Profile, ensuring visibility and accuracy across Google Search and Google Maps. Take advantage of this opportunity to maximize your online presence and attract customers in your local community and beyond. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
[SOON]  BUSINESS: Mastering Credit Repair, A Guide to Improve your Credit Score , March 19, 1pm
Regardless of whether you have learned from past credit mistakes, your bad credit history can hold you back from achieving your financial goals. Join us and learn the actionable steps you can take to repair your credit score. In this webinar, our expert presenter will walk you through the strategies and techniques that will help you take control of your credit score. Whether you are struggling with overdue bills, loan denials or just want to improve your credit standing, this webinar will equip you with the tools to succeed. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Lunch and Learn , March 13, 11:30am-1pm
Join Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for an in-depth look at the role we play in protecting the places that make a difference in our community, giving us clean water to drink, protected habitat for plants and animals, beautiful natural places to enjoy, great spots to hike and fish, and a world-class shoreline. During this one-hour presentation, we will discuss the history of our organization, programs, past and present initiatives, and ways for you to become a part of our conservation community. As a special bonus, after lunch, we will take you on a guided tour of Bay Preserve. Registration for this free event is required and space is limited. To learn more and register, visit conservationfoundation.com.
[SOON]  BUSINESS: Choosing the Right Business Type, An Attorney Weighs In , March 13, 12pm
There are so many options when choosing a business entity. Your choice can affect your legal liability and asset protection. Sara Castro Potts explains the options and helps you decide which is best for your business. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
[SOON]  THEATER: Better Late , March 13 – March 21, Various times

Sarasota Jewish Theatre is pleased to present the Florida premiere of Better Late, a comedic riff on a December-December-December romance, March 13-21 at The Players Centre Studio 1130 at the Crossings at Siesta Key Mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. To purchase tickets for $18-$36, visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494. For information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Rick Springfield Returns to The Van Wezel , March 13, 7:30pm

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome Rick Springfield back to Sarasota on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased at VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Beach University , March 7 – March 28, 9:30-10:30am

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Beach University series returns for the 17th year to Siesta Beach. Beach University is held at the historic main pavilion beginning at 9:30 a.m. every Thursday in March. In partnership with the Siesta Beach Ambassador volunteer program, this free educational series invites community members and visitors to learn about coastal environments in one-hour sessions. Each session will focus on topics like human and wildlife conflict, reef ball and its contribution to the marine environment, manatee rehabilitation at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and the trickle-down effect: stormwater to bay life. Beach University sessions are from 9:30-10:30 a.m., every Thursday in March at the historic main pavilion at 948 Beach Road on Siesta Key. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs as seating is limited. No registration is required. For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 311 or visit SarsotaCountyParks.com.

[SOON]  THEATER: A Night in November , February 21 – March 15, Various times
One of the most highly acclaimed Irish comedies, A Night in November is a hard and humorous look at The Troubles in Northern Ireland during the 1990s. The play follows Kenneth McCallister, an opinionated government clerk who, barely, tolerates his wife, his in-laws, and his Catholic boss. On one fateful night in Belfast, as the Republic of Ireland qualifies against Northern Ireland for the World Cup, Kenneth finds himself watching the fanatical hatred of the crowd rather than the match, an event that profoundly changes his life. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit floridastudiotheatre.org.
[SOON]  SEMINAR: You Are Worthy Life Enrichment Workshop , February 15 – April 11, 6-8pm
The Womens Resource Center presents You Are Worthy, an eight-week series moderated by Chris Florand and Denise Whalin. This in-person series is part of the Womens Resource Center’s life enrichment programs and helps participants improve self-confidence, boundary-setting, and negotiation skills. No program the week of March 14. The program is $25 for all sessions and takes place at WRCs Sarasota office at 340 S. Tuttle Ave. To register, please call 941-256-9721 or visit mywrc.org/youareworthy.

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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