SRQ DAILY May 7, 2024
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"Opening in Maine originally, I'm a stickler for quality Maine lobster."
Next time you’re in the mood for a tasty and homemade meal, stop by Michelle’s Brown Bag Cafe. Owned by Michelle Ettinger, the Brown Bag reopened in a new location in Burns Court this past February.
The Brown Bag has been in business since Ettinger opened it in Bar Harbor, Maine in 2002. “We lived on the island, which is home to Acadia National Park, and there wasn’t a sandwich shop,” she says. “Everyone’s goal when they come to the island is to go into the park, so I opened up Michelle’s Brown Bag, and we were one of the busiest restaurants in Maine because there weren’t any places where you could grab a great fresh sandwich and head into the park.” The eatery maintained its success when she relocated it to Sarasota’s financial district and now the Burns Court area. “The menu has been the same for 22 years because everything sells,” she adds, noting that the only thing she’s changed is the names of the items which now have a signature local flair.
The cafe is beloved for its mouthwatering sandwiches, like the Bird Key, Longboat Brie and Harbor Master. With all-white meat chicken salad, tarragon, lemon, homemade mayonnaise, fresh celery, gorgonzola cheese, sliced Granny Smith apples, sliced tomatoes, sprouts and fresh spring greens, the Bird Key has been the bestselling sandwich for 22 years. Guests also love the Longboat Brie, a ham and brie sandwich with mango chutney. “Opening in Maine originally, I’m a stickler for quality Maine lobster. I stay true to the Maine lobster, and it comes in fresh two days a week. It’s fresh-picked lobster meat and our homemade dill mayonnaise. We put a few capers in there and serve it on a locally made baguette from St. Armands Bakery. It has lettuce, tomato and crisp cucumbers,” she says. While most of the sandwiches come with half a dill pickle, the Harbor Master also includes a side. All the sides are homemade, but the house chips are a classic favorite. The Brown Bag sources its baked goods from St. Armands Bakery and strives to use local produce whenever possible.
The cafe also carries all-day breakfasts like omelets and sandwiches, which Ettinger says is unique for a sandwich shop. “If you’re going to the beach, you can come in and get your breakfast sandwich and lunch at 9am,” she adds. With an eye on opening future locations on Siesta Key and Longboat Key, Ettinger is poised to grow her business. When it comes to delicious sandwiches, Michelle’s Brown Bag Cafe has got it in the bag.
Michelle’s Brown Bag Cafe, 630 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota, 941-365-5858, michellesbrownbagcafe.com. 
Pictured: The interior of Michelle's Brown Bag Cafe. Photo Courtesy of Michelle's Brown Bag Cafe.
You’ve probably heard of the Michelin Guide, but what about the prestigious Gambero Rosso? This Italian company is “the leading platform for content, training, promotion and consultancy in the Italian Wine Travel Food sector. It offers a complete range of integrated services for the agricultural, agri-food, dining and Italian hospitality which constitute the most successful sector with a significant contribution to the constant growth of the economy,” according to their website.
Gambero Rosso awards spicchi, or slices in Italian, to top Italian restaurants across the world. This year, they awarded the most authentic Italian restaurants, wine bars and pizzerias in Miami according to the ratings from the digital guide Top Italian Restaurants. “For the first time, they awarded two places outside of Miami and one was us, Osteria 500! We are very excited, as we received the "2 Spicchi" Gambero Rosso 2024 award along with some of the most authentic restaurants and pizzerias in Miami,” says the restaurant’s Co-owner Carmine Ussano.
This latest award comes on the heels of Osteria 500’s win at the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas in March. For a restaurant that’s been open for less than a year, these accomplishments signal a bright future, one that Co-owner Giuseppe Del Sole, who sold his shares of Napule Restaurant in Sarasota last year to focus all of his effort on Osteria, is especially proud of, along with fellow co-owners Carmine Ussano, Andrea DeDominics and Salvatore Scaccino. “We are very happy to have received two prestigious awards since 9 months of the opening of Osteria 500,” adds Ussano. "Only time will tell what this restaurant will cook up for us next."
Osteria 500, 1580 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota, 941-866-8962, osteria500.com.
Pictured: Gambero Rosso awards two slices to local eatery Osteria 500. Photo Courtesy of Osteria 500.
Sandbar Seafood & Spirits’ Mother’s Day Beachside Brunch - May 12, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This is a ticketed event. 100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria, FL 34216. The restaurant will be offering a special Mother’s Day menu along with a special Kid’s menu. A bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary’s selection is provided.Beach House Waterfront Restaurant’s Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet: May 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. No reservations or tickets needed; this is a walk-in only event. 200 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217. Pricing: Adults: $69.99. Kids 12 & Under: $29.99. Bottomless Mimosas & Bloody Mary Bar: $24.99. The delectable spread features include: Pastry and Breads with Jams, Scones, Muffins, Bagels, and Cream Cheese; Cold Area delights including House Salad, Caprese Salad, Fruit Boards, Parfaits, Cheese Boards, Sliced Deli Meats, Pickles, Grain Mustard, Jams, Peel & Eat Shrimp, Oysters, Crab Claws, and Smoked Salmon; Hot Breakfast favorites like Scrambled Eggs, Eggs Benedict, Sausage Links, Crispy Bacon, Waffle Station, and Cheesy Potato Hash. Customize your omelet at the Omelet Station with an array of toppings; A Carving Station featuring Roasted Turkey Breast and Prime Rib; Hot Area specialties including Bacon and Leek Quiche, Baked Brie Cheese, Ravioli with Bell Pepper Ragu, Honey Glazed Carrots, Crab Cakes, Seared Mahi, and Roasted Garlic Mash Potatoes; A Sweet Dessert Table of Cakes and Pies, Mousse, and even Candied Bacon from Anna Maria Bake House! Plus, a kids’ buffet offering Sliders, Chicken Fingers, Fries, and more.
Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. is offering Mother’s Day specials on Sunday, May 12th from 10:30am-10pm. The entrée selections on the menu include brunch-style selections as well as traditional lunch and dinner options. The entrée specials include Steak and Eggs, Chicken and Waffles, Seafood Linguine, Croque Madame, and a Citrus-Infused Pork Chop. The chef-curated menu will be available all day for lunch and dinner in conjunction with the regular menus. Duval’s also offers the Mother’s Day menu for takeout and free delivery! To view Duval’s delivery zone, visit duvalsfreshlocalseafood.com/free-delivery. Pre-orders are recommended for takeout and delivery to guarantee your desired timeframe. To pre-order, call (941) 312-4001 or visit https://www.duvalsfreshlocalseafood.com/mothersday24.Limited reservations remain for dine-in. Please call the restaurant to reserve your spot. Duval’s offers a free shuttle to transport guests to and from the restaurant. For more information about the shuttle, visit www.duvalsfls.com/shuttle.
Duval’s, 1435 Main St. Sarasota.
First Watch, the Bradenton-based restaurant serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, will open its newest location along State Road 70 and Lorraine Road on Monday, May 2. The restaurant will bring a chef-inspired menu to a 5,560-square-foot space that seats more than 200 people, offers outdoor dining under a covered patio, and serves signature juices and cocktails at a dedicated bar. Located at 14475 State Road 70 E., the restaurant will be open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. To celebrate the opening, customers who dine in at the new restaurant Monday, May 6-Friday, May 10 will receive a free cup of Project Sunrise coffee with their meal. First Watch’s menu takes an elevated approach to traditional breakfast, brunch and lunch offerings. All dishes are made to order using fresh ingredients in a kitchen without heat lamps, microwaves or deep fryers. Fan favorites include Avocado Toast, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Million Dollar Bacon. From the dedicated bar, the restaurant juices daily using ingredients like Fuji Apple, kale and beet and brews its Project Sunrise coffee, sourced by women coffee farmers based in South America. Five times a year, First Watch offers a revolving seasonal menu that follows the position of the sun to source fresh ingredients. This menu has featured specialties like the Barbacoa Quesadilla Benedict, Elote Mexican Street Corn Hash and Watermelon Wake-Up fresh juice, among others. The State Road 70 restaurant will offer its first seasonal menu in Fall 2024. The restaurant will employ 30 people and operate on a one-shift a day, “No Night Shifts Ever” approach that enables its teams to enjoy their evenings and build a better quality of life. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at careers.firstwatch.com. Further ahead, First Watch anticipates opening a restaurant in Parrish at 8990 US-301 N. by the end of 2024, and has several leases in various stages of negotiation. First Watch serves its entire menu seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. for pickup, delivery and dine-in service. To place an order or join a digital waitlist, visit firstwatch.com.
Local restaurant Stottlemyer's Smokehouse is hosting a benefit concert on May 19th, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm to support Pat McDonald, a well-known drummer in the Southwest Florida music scene, and his family. McDonald, who has played with bands like Kettle of Fish, The Monsoons, and Charlie Daniels Band for over 20 years, recently suffered a stroke. While he has returned to performing, his wife Jen, who works full-time in healthcare and cares for their four children, has also been diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. The benefit concert aims to raise funds to assist the McDonald family during this challenging time. The “Party of The Decade” event will feature EIGHT HOURS of live music from a variety of popular local acts. In addition to the music, attendees can participate in raffles, auctions, and giveaways throughout the day. There will be a silent auction from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with winners announced at 5:45 pm. (Mustbe present to win.) A 50/50 cash raffle will run from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with the winner announced at 6:30 pm. A live auction featuring two autographed guitars, one signed by that day’s event performers and another from Big & Rich, will take place at 3:45 pm.Stottlemyer's Smokehouse will offer its signature barbecue, along with drink specials and refreshing cocktails throughout the event.
Date: Sunday May 19, 2024, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Stottlemyer's Smokehouse, 19 East Rd, Sarasota.
Pictured: Stottlemyer's Smokehouse will host a fundraiser for local musician Pat McDonald and Family on May 19.
CoolToday Park, the Spring Training Home of the Atlanta Braves, announces the 2024 Movie Nights, presented by Sharky’s on the Pier, Fins & Snook Haven. Back by popular demand, the Summer Movie Nights provide a unique experience for everyone during the summer, while remaining fun and affordable. The 2024 Summer Movie Night lineup offers something for everyone. Enjoy Paw Patrol Mighty Movie with little ones, make your Father’s Day celebration extra special with a movie for Dad, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, and end Shark week festivities like never before with a screening of the Shallows on our 40’X80′ scoreboard! Summer Movie Nights will take place on most Sundays during the months of June and July, inside the stadium at CoolToday Park. The movies will be shown on the scoreboard and will begin at 5 PM each night. Children ages 3 and under will receive free admission, while tickets for ages 4-9 are only $3, and ages 10+ are $7. Tickets are available now at the CoolToday Park box office, online at cooltodaypark.com/movies, or by calling 941-413-5004. Parking is free, seats will be available in the seating bowl. No outside food, beverages, or chairs are allowed inside the stadium. The Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill will be open for full dinner service. For more information on the 2024 Movie Nights, or CoolToday Park, visit www.cooltodaypark.com, email springtraining@braves.com, or call 941-413-5000.
Connect with local business owners at every Thursday at Oscura. Lets Connect is a community of collaborative business professionals from the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend, admission is free.
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.
Treat Mom to a special meal at Amore Restaurant, which will be open from 5 to 9 pm on Mothers Day. Enjoy their regular menu and live music with Eddie Tobin, the former music director of Engelbert Humperdinck. To learn more, visit amorelbk.com.
Geckos mixologists created The Magnolia, a refreshing cocktail that combines the rich, smooth flavors of NYAK peach brandy with the sweetness of peach nectar and the tang of orange and lemon juices. Topped off with a splash of sparkling wine, this drink is the perfect blend of sweet, just like Mom, and citrus in every sip. www.GeckosGrill.com.
Celebrate Mothers Day amid Mother Nature at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus. Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet catered by Michaels On East with a special performance by the female vocal trio The Vocalitas at each brunch seating. Tickets to Mothers Day Brunch grant you full access to our Downtown Sarasota campus to view our Spring Exhibition Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia OKeeffe before and/or after brunch. Check-in opens at 10:00 a.m. outside of the Welcome Center. Mothers Day Brunch takes place inside the Event Center. To learn more, visit selby.org.
Join the Geckos Hospitality Group family of restaurants to celebrate the culinary creativity of your favorite Geckos Grill and Pub Chefs during the annual Geckos Hospitality Group Iron Chef Challenge. From May 13th to June 9th and June 10th to 16th each of our six Geckos will participate in a weekly special Iron Chef Menu, with several of our Chefs designing delectable and inventive fare, plus some tried and true favorites with a creative twist. The contest is a weekly competition between Geckos Kitchen Creatives, and guests may sample what the GHG kitchen pros have up their Chef Jacket sleeves. Whichever Iron Chef Special Menu is the favorite of our GHG guests for the week wins the Iron Chef title for that week and a cash prize with the Iron Chefs named after the competition knives have been cleaned and put away in June. There will be a Championship Final the week of June 10-16th, with the winning GHG location being crowned the Geckos Hospitality Group’ Iron Chef 2024 Champ. www.GeckosGrill.com.
Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.
Head out to Waterside Place for a rocking evening as part of the Lakewood Ranch Sights and Sounds Program. Enjoy a live concert in partnership with Easterseals and EveryoneRocks, featuring artists who are rocking their spectrum. This event is free and open to the public; there is limited seating at the Plaza, but attendees are welcome to bring their own seats. Food and beverages will be available from numerous Waterside Place merchants. For more information on shows, dates, and times, visit lakewoodranch.com/sights-sounds/. Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota.
Attention all business professionals. Join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event every Tuesday at Out and About Coffee in downtown Sarasota. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. O and A Coffee Supply, 1316 Main St., Sarasota.
Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.
Realize Bradenton is happy to announce the return of the Bradenton Market to its weekly schedule. This beloved community gathering will be held Saturdays through May 25, 2024 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm on Old Main Street in Bradenton. Founded in 1979, the Market has expanded to include more than 90 local vendors. In addition to the weekly shopping and music, the Market hosts special event days throughout the season. Halloween at the Market will be held on Saturday, October 28. This family-friendly event includes trick or treating with vendors, face painting with Manatee School for the Arts Academic Team from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, and a dance performance by Slick Motion Studios at 10:00 am. For more information, visit RealizeBradenton.com.
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.
Join us for Space Saturday, the first Saturday of every month, as we explore a different topic in the world of astronomy. During Space Saturdays, you will discover an out-of-this-world activity during Backyard Science, formerly Science Sprouts, in The Mosaic Backyard Universe, explore space with a staff astronomer during KidSpace in The Planetarium, and finish your day with an astronomy-themed story during Tales Under the Tree. To learn more, visit bishopscience.org.
Get ready to use your brain coral and start Kraken the case at the new Mystery Reef exhibit Mote Aquarium. Coral reefs, the rainforests of the sea, are in serious danger. Help us find out what is hurting the corals and how we can help. Become a coral detective and uncover clues throughout Mystery Reef while learning about real coral science and restoration at Mote Marine Laboratory. For more information: mote.org/mystery.
The inaugural season of the Manatee Music Series continues with Trevor Bystrom and Zion Albert, who will perform at the Amphitheater on April 18. Paul Fournier is on the bill for the May 16 concert. In addition to the outdoor concerts in this beautiful tree-covered section of the park, located at 2811 51st St. W. in Bradenton, there will be family-friendly activities by local community partners and crafts sponsored by Bayside Church. Visit mymanatee.org to learn more.
Friday Fest, the free, outdoor summertime concert series at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall returns with an exciting lineup of bands who will bring the audience to their feet. This year the festivities kick off in May. Each event runs from 5-9 p.m. on the lawn of the Van Wezel overlooking beautiful Sarasota Bay. Bring blankets or lawn chairs, take in the music and the sunset, and enjoy food and beverages from local vendors.
Students from 18 elementary, 7 middle, and 6 high schools throughout Sarasota County will show off their creative talents at the North County K-12 Spring Art Show, April 30-May 13, at Art Center Sarasota. Nearly 50 teachers are part of the effort. The North County Art show is presented in conjunction with the South County Art Show at the Venice Art Center, April 29-May 9, to comprise the Sarasota County Schools Spring Art Show, serving all the public schools in the county. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For information, visit www.artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.
Check out The Petticoat Painters, an exhibition of female artists, at SPAACES. The exhibition runs from May 3 through June 1, with an opening reception on Friday, May 3 from 6-8pm. The Petticoat Painters is one of the oldest continuously exhibiting art groups of women in the U.S. This group was formed in 1953 to showcase the talents of female artists at a time when women had difficulty finding venues to show their work. Seven women participated in the first show held at a local Sarasota, Florida gallery. These original members selected the name Petticoat Painters, thinking it would be a one-time show of their work. The name continues to be used both in honor of the founders and to retain its historical signature. While we revere our history, each generation of members evolves its own identity framed by contemporary thinking. As we continue to engage new members, we actively move into the 21st Century in concert with the dynamic metamorphosis in art philosophy and aesthetics. Learn more at Petticoatpainters.com. SPAACES Art Gallery, 2051 Princeton Street, Sarasota.
Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens will be on view through August 31, 2024 at the Historic Spanish Point campus. Selby Gardens is excited to present the extraordinary imagery of photographer and conservationist Clyde Butcher throughout the grounds of the Historic Spanish Point campus. Large-scale prints on aluminum of Butcher’s beautiful photographs of plants, animals, and habitats of Florida will be exhibited amid the natural landscape of the 30-acre waterfront preserve, enabling the public to engage with the artist’s work like never before. In the tradition of earlier landscape photographers like Ansel Adams, Butcher captures the beauty and majesty of America’s natural treasures in dramatic black and white. The unique environments of Florida have been subjects of particular interest to Butcher since the 1980s, when he was first introduced to the magic and mystery of sites such as Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Nature Through the Lens will include Butcher’s photographs of regional locales such as Myakka River State Park and Casey Key. This exhibition is presented in partnership with the Clyde Butcher Gallery & Studio in Venice, Florida. For more information, visit selby.org.
Join your friends, after-work buddies and the team at Geckos for our new Late Night Happy Hours. Every Friday and Saturday from 10 pm to Midnight, we will offer food, wine, cocktails and beer specials sure to prolong your weekend fun. Join us and ask your friendly barkeep or server about our Late Night Happy Hours. ONLY at Geckos on Hillview Street in Southside Village. GeckosGrill.com.
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