Each year, the state of Florida welcomes around 900,000 snowbirds, many of whom flock to the Sarasota area. A significant number of these snowbirds come from New England states like Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. While there is no shortage of fantastic restaurants serving up fresh Florida seafood in Sarasota and the surrounding areas, sometimes it’s nice to indulge in the ingredients and flavors you’re most familiar with. Visitors from New England who are longing for a taste of home will find it at Claw & Co. in Downtown Wellen Park.

Claw & Co. is the brainchild of brothers David and Dennis Valentino and their business partner Mark Costanzo. The trio own several successful restaurant brands in south Florida, but Claw & Co. is particularly personal. All three men are married to women from New England, and they wanted to create a menu that was authentic and nostalgic.

“It’s always challenging when you step into something that is so well-known and so beloved to a region,” says David Valentino. “I own three pizzerias and believe me, people have very strong ideas of what pizza is or what it should be. Lobster rolls are no different.”

Lobster rolls can be a hot-button topic in the New England seafood world. Some diners fervently believe that Maine-style lobster rolls are superior, while others insist that Connecticut-style lobster rolls are the best. Claw & Co. keeps everyone happy by offering both variations on their menu, both of which feature fresh, unsalted lobster brought in from New England. On the Cold Lobster Roll (Maine-style), the lobster is lightly dressed in lemon juice, homemade mayonnaise and finely-shaved celery and served chilled on a toasted New England-style brioche bun. On the Hot Lobster Roll (Connecticut-style), the lobster is tossed in clarified butter and served warm on that same toasted split-top brioche bun.

That same level of care and attention to detail has gone into every menu item. The crispy, battered Fish and Chips are made with haddock, a mild and flaky white fish that is commonly used in New England cuisine. The New England Clam Chowder is creamy, thick, and hearty. The Clam Strips, a New England specialty particularly associated with Maine and Massachusetts, are dredged in perfectly seasoned flour and fried. The side order of Onion Rings is actually prepared more along the lines of traditional New England onion straws. In this preparation, the onions are sliced extremely thin before being battered and fried to create a lighter, crispier texture.

Claw & Co. has a small footprint and a small kitchen which has kept the menu streamlined: this has allowed the restaurant to really focus on creating authentic New England seafood. Whether you’re a New Englander looking for familiar food or a Floridian looking to try something a little different, Claw & Co. is bound to offer you a delightful dining experience.

Claw & Co, 19777 Wellen Park Blvd., North Port, 941-206-9657, clawandcompany.com. 

Sarasota-Manatee Originals is thrilled to announce details for their upcoming editions of "The Blend," a unique summer dining series offering a delicious twist on the traditional wine dinner. Taking place in August and September, The Blend whisks guests on a guided culinary adventure aboard a trolley, visiting a curated selection of five, beloved, locally-owned restaurants that are Members of Sarasota-Manatee Originals. A Flavorful Journey Through Sarasota-Manatee: Each stop on The Blend features a specially crafted dish paired with a perfectly complementing wine, creating an unforgettable progressive dining experience. A knowledgeable chef and a local wine expert will be on hand at each tour stop to guide the tasting experience, ensuring guests can savor every bite and sip. "The Blend is more than just a delicious journey; it's a celebration of the vibrant Sarasota-Manatee community," says Sara Brenner, Sarasota-Manatee Originals Membership Manager. "Our July edition took participants on and around Siesta Key with great success. We can't wait to introduce our guests to more hidden gems and established favorites, all while spreading the love to restaurants that support our area year-round and savoring the essence of what makes our Suncoast culinary scene so special." Upcoming "The Blend" Editions: August 20, 2024, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Explore the culinary delights of Venice and Nokomis, visiting Pop's Sunset Grill, Chaz 51 Steakhouse, Café Venice, Fins at Sharky's, and the famous Paradise Grill. (See below for a sneak peek at the mouthwatering menu!); September 25, 2024, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Embark on a culinary adventure through Bradenton and Palmetto including Mean Deans Local Kitchen, Birdrock Taco Shack, Ortygia, The Riverhouse and more! Tickets and Information: Tickets for The Blend are on sale now, and available online only for $135 per person which includes all food, wine pairings, transportation aboard the trolley, and gratuities. Due to the nature of the event and the quantity of guests, specific dietary restrictions and meal requests cannot be accommodated. “Don't miss this chance to discover new favorites, savor the essence of the region, and celebrate the local communities that make our Gulf Coast a culinary paradise!” adds Brenner. To secure a spot and to learn more, visit: https://www.eatlikealocal.com/events/the-blend. 

There’s a new mobile bar in Sarasota offering a versatile range of beverage options designed to elevate any event. Jessica Dell'Amico, the creative force behind Tap and Toast Mobile Bar, combines her 15 years of hospitality experience and her deep passion for bartending in her mission to deliver unforgettable experiences right at your doorstep. Tap and Toast Mobile Bar features a distinctive teardrop trailer equipped with a state-of-the-art 4-tap system. This innovative setup allows for an extensive range of beverage offerings, from refreshing beers, wines, and proseccos, to draft craft cocktails, mocktails, kombucha, cold brew, and more. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, birthday party, community engagement function, or any special occasion, Tap and Toast can curate the perfect drink menu to suit your needs. “I’m excited to bring Tap and Toast to the area,” says Dell'Amico. Our goal is to custom-tailor memorable moments and exceptional drink experiences for every event we serve.” Tap and Toast proudly services a 30-mile radius around Sarasota. For events beyond this area, they offer travel services for an additional fee based on location. For more information or to book Tap and Toast Mobile Bar for your next event, please visit www.tapandtoastmobilebar.com. Stay up to date with them on Facebook and Instagram at @tapandtoastmobilebar.  

To learn more, visit.

Arts Advocates is pleased to announce its schedule of September events, which includes JC Wayne’s exhibit “Wondrous World: Illuminating Sacred Spaces of Memory with Art & Words in Dialogue”; a “Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage” tour; and the art talk, “An Artistic Life with Katherine Michelle Tanner.” Unless otherwise indicated, registration is required at ArtsAdvocates.org.To learn more about or become a member of Arts Advocates, or to register for events, visit ArtsAdvocates.org. 

Pictured: Arts Advocates Sept2024 JC Wayne artist member exhibit.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is selected for TIME's list of the World's Greatest Places of 2024! The list highlights 100 extraordinary destinations around the globe, and Selby Gardens was one of only eight places to visit in the United States that made the list; the only Florida location in its category; and the only botanical garden included from around the world!