SRQ DAILY Sep 24, 2024
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"There's something about our classes that people just line up for."
In July, we reported on how chefs Frank Imbarlina and Mellissa Louty were keeping their business Two Chefs on Hillview alive after the unexpected loss of their storefront. While they are still looking for a permanent home of their own, they are excited to announce the return of their wildly popular cooking classes.
“From the minute we closed that was the first thing people were asking about,” says Imbarlina. “There’s something about our classes that people just line up for.”
Young Chefs Academy in Sarasota is providing the space for Imbarlina and Louty to hold their revived public cooking classes. The first two classes are scheduled for October 4th and October 18th from 6:30pm-8:30pm and will focus on hors d'oeuvres. In these hands-on classes, participants will prepare five different hors d’oeuvres and learn how to plate and present them, then enjoy their creations together as a group. After the class, they’ll take home recipe books of the hors d'oeuvres as well as a doggy bag. While there, guests can also enjoy non-alcoholic beverages and snacks prepared by the Two Chefs, all for $85 per person.
“It’s a good time,” says Louty. “We enjoy it just as much as the people who come to the classes.”
The Two Chefs plan to offer these public cooking classes twice a month going forward. They post their dates on Facebook and their website, and interested parties can contact them through the website to sign up. Public classes are capped at 20 people, so it’s always a good idea to sign up before the slots are filled. The Two Chefs also offer private cooking classes, which are a fun idea for date nights, family get-togethers, or girls’ night out. They’ve also seen a lot of interest from local businesses in scheduling private classes for team building exercises.
“We’ve already booked a team-building exercise for April which we’re really looking forward to,” says Imbarlina.
Two Chefs on Hillview, (941) 210-3535, chefs@twochefsonhillview.com, twochefsonhillview.com.
Young Chefs Academy, 3800 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 
Pictured: Two Chefs on Hillview (Mellissa Louty and Frank Imbarlina) are excited to bring back their popular public cooking classes.
Blase Martini Bar/Pi 3.14 Pizza are excited to welcome everyone to our brand new deck! Full regular business hours for both reseume starting Saturday, September 21st; Pi 12pm to 2am and Blase 5pm to 11pm. To show off our brand new look, we will be hosting a "NEW DECK PARTY" on September 27th! An all day event that will include our regular happy hour and live music (feat. UNDR8ED BAND), as well as a few extra specials- $3.14 Slices of Pizza (cheese or pepperoni); $1 Wings (increments of 5 please); 10 for $10 Jell-O Shots. We are beyond excited to head into another great season with all of our favorite locals and repeat tourists. We cannot wait for all the new dancing and memories that will take place under our tiki. Let's Party!
Art Center Sarasota is pleased to announce Clara Reynardus de Villanueva’s appointment to its board of directors. As a dedicated nonprofit leader, community advocate, and accomplished artist, Reynardus de Villanueva brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to enhancing access to the arts in the Sarasota-Manatee region. She currently serves as the development director for the University of South Florida Foundation’s Sarasota-Manatee campus.
Embracing Our Differences is pleased to announce the return of “Embracing Kindness,” its collaborative exhibition with Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design. Now in its second consecutive year, this year’s exhibition runs from October 26 to December 18 on the Museum’s great lawn, parallel to the Tamiami Trail. It features 14 enlarged images of original artwork created by students under the mentorship of renowned Sarasota artist and educator Jeffery Cornwell. Spanning more than two decades, these selected works celebrate the transformative power of kindness and respect, as expressed by young artists from Booker High School’s Visual and Performing Arts program, as well as NewGate School, who participated in Cornwell’s visionary art programs. Admission to the “Embracing Kindness” exhibition is free during Museum hours and can be accessed through the Museum's lobby, leading to the great lawn.
Pictured: Let's Play Together by Fiona Greenleaf, 9th Grade, Booker High School.
Businesses in Sarasota and Manatee counties can support the arts and feed community members in need through a unique partnership this Fall. The Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival is seeking sponsors. Companies can sign up through the Mayors Feed the Hungry Program, and 25% of their sponsorship amount will be donated back to the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program that helps families struggling with food insecurity. The festival is seeking sponsors at all levels, from Blues Fans ($250 and up), to Cool Cats ($1,500 and up), to Blues Legends ($5,000 and up) to Auto Dealership Partners ($10,000). To ensure funds are allocated to the MFTHP, sponsors must sign up through the Program. Prospective participants can contact the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program at (941) 350-6075 to guarantee their sponsorship goes toward serving local families in need. The Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival – formerly the Bradenton Blues Festival – will be held December 7, 2004 at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. Musicians Danielle Nicole, Vanessa Collier, and other acts will perform at Waterside Park. Mayors Feed the Hungry Program volunteers will collect non-perishable food donations the day of the event, so non-sponsors will still have an opportunity to give.
In our community – widely perceived as affluent given the proximity to beautiful beaches, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, and thriving tourist industry – hunger is close. Sometimes, it’s just a house over. Each year, nearly 200,000 people in Sarasota and DeSoto counties need food. In order to bolster its efforts to feed our neighbors who are experiencing hunger, All Faiths Food Bank will offer three signature events in the fall of 2024. Proceeds from these events will help to support many programs and services intended to supply food and lift people from poverty, provide fresh fruit and vegetables to ensure neighbors in need have access to healthy nutrition, and purchase and distribute thousands of turkeys during the holiday season. On October 5, AFFB will host the Autumn Harvest Dinner, featuring an exquisite farm-to-table dinner, in its Sarasota warehouse. This event is part of the Autumn Harvest campaign, which helps to put millions of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables on the tables of people in our communities experiencing hunger. Of the more than 21 million pounds of food distributed last year, nearly 6 million pounds was fresh produce. Event hosts are Tom and Pam Gurrentz. The Autumn Harvest Dinner is sold out. On November 10, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Bowls of Hope – one of the community’s largest events – returns to Ed Smith Stadium. During this family-friendly event, 40 of our area’s finest restaurants and caterers serve delicious soups, bread, desserts, and more. Guests select beautiful handcrafted bowls – all donated by local potters, artists, and students – to keep while enjoying a modest meal as a reminder of the empty bowls they help to fill. Sponsors are eligible to attend the “Bubbles & Beignets” reception at 10 a.m. Event chairs are Ron and Jo Jadin. Tickets, which go on sale October 1, are $35; sponsorships are still available. Finally, on November 15, guests are invited to Friends FULL of Giving, an evening of friends, delicious food, music and fun at an exquisite location in Casey Key, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. All proceeds will benefit the ThankFULL Tummies campaign, which provides turkeys to our neighbors experiencing hunger during the holiday season. Event chair is Lisa Napolitano. Sponsorships are available for $1,500-$10,000. For questions or to receive sponsorship information, please contact Becky Abraham at 941-549-8131 or events@allfaithsfoodbank.org.
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.
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.
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.
Since we opened in January, SRQ is getting to know us for our hand-tossed & crafted Pie's, Calzones, Sammies & Salads + our tasty beverages. Now you can join your buddies for what some call 'the most wonderful time of the year' - FOOTBALL SEASON! Drop in when you're strolling on Main to catch your team or join your buddies for Pie On Main's Game Watching parties, featuring Happy Hours from 4-7:00 Daily, plus our Special Sub of the Day and extensive selection of Domestic and craft taps. Ask your friendly barkeep about our Tuesday Karaoke or our sister restaurant, 3.14 Pi in Siesta Village. Convenient parking in our lot on First Street.
Pie on Main, 1507 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Cask & Ale on Main Street lifts a toast to our fabulous Jazz Brunch every Sunday from 11:00-3:00. We offer a diverse chef-prepared menu with a full spread of Brunch delectables + our rotating Chef's Special menu, Bottomless Mimosas and a wide selection of craft cocktails. And of course, sharing the good vibes of live Jazz with you from Noon-4:00!
Cask & Ale, 1548 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
A veritable feast of Baroque gems opens the Chamber Soirée season. Ceremonial brass set the stage for J.S. Bach's festive Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 for strings. The percussion have their moment with Philidor’s March for Two Pairs of Timpani, which was first performed for King Louis XIV in 1683. Igor Stravinsky's glorious Neo-Baroque Pulcinella Suite concludes this royal banquet.
Holley Hall, 709 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL 34236
In addition to the live music, attendees can enjoy an exclusive silent auction featuring a variety of unique items, including everything from hotel stays and fishing charters to gift cards and bottles of wine. The event will also include a raffle, Taste of the Beaches ticket sales, and delicious food and beverages available for purchase." You can join us for the inaugural Kickoff party at 6 p.m. in Horan Park. This free event is open to the public and will feature a live music performance in collaboration with the City of St. Pete Beach's October Concert series, making it a perfect evening for locals and visitors. In addition to the live music, attendees can enjoy an exclusive silent auction featuring a variety of unique items, including everything from hotel stays and fishing charters to gift cards and bottles of wine. The event will also include a raffle, Taste of the Beaches ticket sales, and delicious food and beverages available for purchase.
Horan Park , 7701 Boca Ciega Drive St. Pete Beach, Fl 33706
Do you feel a slight change in the air? Kick off your Fall festivities with Season Four of Fresh Fridays! Celebrate the vibrancy of downtown Sarasota and say farewell to those hot summer months. OctoberFresh will take place on Main Street between Palm and Pineapple Avenue. You will find the stage for the evening adjacent to First Watch Restaurant and our lineup of hospitality vendors placed along lower Main Street!
Main Street - Downtown Sarasota, Main Street between Palm and Pineapple Avenue Sarasota FL
Taste of the Beaches is back! The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber will hold its week-long taste tour from Saturday, October 5th to Sunday, October 13th. Before the tasting fun begins on October 5th, the Chamber will be having their Taste of the Beaches Kickoff on Friday, October 4th.
Horan Park , 7701 Boca Ciega Drive St. Pete Beach, Fl 33706
Enjoy a day of art and family fun at Sarasota Art Museum. On the second Sunday of each month, we offer free admission for visitors, special performances, and art-making activities for the whole family. To learn more, visit sarasotaartmuseum.org.
The Wellen Park Night Market returns the second Thursday of each month from 6-9pm offering an evening of shopping, live music and dining under the twinkling lights of Downtown Wellen. The Night Market features independent artists and makers specializing in art, jewelry, boutique fashion, home decor, bottle art, wood designs and specialty food items set up along Wellen Park Boulevard with 50 rotating vendors. Food items included rum cakes, desserts, lemonade, barbecue and vegan fare.
Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd
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.
Presented by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, BooFest is our biggest and most popular annual event that the community screams for! This year, you can expect a fantastic lineup of food and drink vendors, a Kids Korner for fun activities, a live DJ, a full schedule of dance performances, and MORE! Plus, there will be plenty of trick-or-treating! Join us on Lakewood Main Street on Friday, October 25th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for a fun-filled Halloween night you won’t want to miss!
Lakewood Main Street, 8100 Lakewood Main St Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
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.
Wellen Park is kicking off Southwest Florida’s wine festival season with the inaugural Wellen Park Wine Festival. The ticketed outdoor event will feature 30 vintners, a wine class for those aspiring to learn more about wine, live music, light bites and plenty of opportunities for aficionados to sip, swirl, savor and shop dozens of wines. The festival, taking place along Wellen Park Boulevard and on the Great Lawn in Downtown Wellen, celebrates distinguished winemakers and the culinary talents of Wellen Park restaurateurs. The Wellen Park Wine Festival offers an exclusive Premium Experience, beginning with a gourmet wine dinner and preview tasting Friday evening, Nov. 15. This package also includes early entry to the grand tasting Saturday, Nov. 16, from 1 to 4 pm. Aimed at elevating the festival experience, an 11am Wine Tasting 101 class will introduce the essentials of wine tasting and how to pick the right wines based on smell and taste. General admission tickets are $85 for the grand tasting event on Nov. 16. The wine class, from 11 a.m. to noon in Solis Hall, is $25.
Downtown Wellen Park, 12275 Mercado Drive, Venice
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