Sorry Shakespeare, tragedies are off the menu. Hamlet’s Eatery has entered a joyful new era under the leadership of its new executive chef Mitch Rosenbaum. Rosenbaum has worked as an executive chef at award-winning restaurants around the country, including Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas which has a Michelin star. He has also served as executive chef at local favorite Ophelia’s on the Bay. Rosenbaum had retired from the restaurant industry a few years back, but he jumped at the chance to get back into the swing of things.

“I’ve missed the kitchen for a while. Being a retiree was just not interesting. I was kind of at a loss,” he says. “Hamlet’s is an artistic, fun environment. I’ve been given a lot of latitude, so for the most part I can really put out what I want to put out.”

Hamlet’s Eatery is a food truck that is permanently located in the courtyard of The Bazaar On Apricot & Lime. The kitchen is small, but Rosenbaum’s creativity is boundless. Though the menu is limited in size, Rosenbaum incorporates flavors from around the world in a way that’s still accessible. In keeping with the restaurant’s existing “To Meat or Not To Meat” slogan, Rosenbaum incorporates plenty of vegetarian and vegan options onto the menu alongside the more carnivorous selections. While some menu items like the bard’s breakfast are always available, others change each week depending on what fresh local ingredients are most inspiring. The new menus are posted every Wednesday on the restaurant’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hamletseatery.

Hamlet’s Eatery is open each week on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 3pm. On certain occasions, they also open up in the evenings - check the events page on the eatery’s website for more details.

Hamlet’s Eatery, 821 Apricot Avenue, Sarasota, 941-445-1938, www.hamletseatery.com. 

Pictured: Chef Mitch Rosenbaum is bringing the flavor to Hamlet's Eatery. Photo courtesy of Hamlet's.

The legacy of Café L’Europe is being reimagined as The Café on St. Armands, a Mediterranean-inspired dining destination. Featuring vibrant small plates and seafood-forward dishes, The Café brings the flavors of the Mediterranean coast to life in the heart of St. Armands Circle. The venue also includes multiple new offerings, such as the redesigned Wet Bar and Café Soleil, designed to create an unforgettable dining experience for both locals and visitors.

Grand Re-Opening Campaign: January 2025, The Café on St. Armands, 431 St Armands Cir, Sarasota. 

Arts Advocates is pleased to announce its schedule of January events, which includes a luncheon featuring Morris (Marty) Hylton III of Architecture Sarasota, a group exhibit by the Creative Liberties studio artists, Kathryn Chesley’s “Becoming Ladies of History” art talk, and a Van Wezel tour. Unless otherwise indicated, registration is required at ArtsAdvocates.org. 

Soundbox Ventures announces its 2024-25 season of the “Listen Hear” salon concert series at St. Boniface Episcopal Church. Each salon-style event centers on a classical music program, insights from the artists, and conversations with the audience. This season, titled “Re-imaginations,” celebrates classical music masterpieces with the spirit of improvisation and arrangements with “New Year, New Chapter” on January 2 and “Improvising Mozart” on February 25. Curated by violinist Max Tan, this season’s “Listen Hear” concerts will serve as fundraisers for the restoration of St. Boniface’s campus as a spiritual and cultural center in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton. Tickets for both benefit concerts are available online at www.soundboxventures.org. St. Boniface Episcopal Church is located at 5615 Midnight Pass Road on Siesta Key. 

To learn more, visit.

CreArte Latino Cultural Center is excited to announce that it has moved to a new location in Sarasota County. The new facility features enhanced amenities designed to better serve the community as a vibrant cultural center and theater. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is Monday, December 9, from 5 to 6 p.m., and is open to the public. CreArte is located at 1913 Northgate Blvd, Sarasota. Visit CrearteLatino.org or call 941-732-7191 for more information. 

The internationally acclaimed Cleveland Orchestra returns to Sarasota under the baton of conductor Kahchun Wong and features violinist Sayaka Shoji. The concert is presented by the Sarasota Concert Association on its Great Performers Series and is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Tickets are available at www.SCAsarasota.org or call the Box Office at (941) 966-6161.

Photo courtesy of The Sarasota Concert Association.

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) invites audiences on a delightful journey of timeless wisdom and whimsical fun with Aesop’s Fables, part of its 2024-2025 Children’s Theatre Series. Adapted by Sarah Durham, this lively two-actor production debuts January 4 and runs through February 2 in FST’s Keating Theatre. Join the fun from January 4 to February 2! Tickets start at just $12.  

To learn more, visit.

"Unveiled Strength: Portraits of Intimacy and Vulnerability," featuring evocative works of award-winning Bradenton-based artist Gary LaParl, will be on display from December 15, 2024, to January 16, 2025, at the Lexow Gallery at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. This collection of portraits explores complex themes of male relationships and vulnerability, inviting viewers to engage with deep, often overlooked aspects of masculinity. The opening reception is Sunday, December 15, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. An evening reception is Friday, January 10, 5-7 p.m. The Lexow Gallery is located at 3975 Fruitville Road in Sarasota and is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Pictured: "Dinbratten" by Gary LaParl received a second-place award in last year's Art Center Manatee members exhibit. It will be featured in his solo exhibit at the Lexow Gallery at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, December 15-January 16.

Join Hard Heart Burlesque Sunday, Dec. 15 at 8pm at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre for a sparkly show that celebrates winter and the holiday season. Producers Karma Kandlewick and Miss Marina Elaine will take the stage along with emcee Swanky Valli and some of the most talented performers from around Florida including Misty Rose, Tessa Toogood, Morgan La Rue, the duo of Tank and Tilly and more. It has been chilly across the state, but these entertainers are ready to keep you warm. With live vocals, strip tease, comedy and sultry songs, there is something for everyone. 

For ticket information click here.

Seashell collectors and enthusiasts, beachcombers and artisans of all ages are invited to attend the 2025 Sarasota Shell Show. Last year’s annual show attracted thousands of visitors over the successful two-day event. The Sarasota Shell Show offers a great way to learn about seashells and the critters that created and inhabited them, plus view unique shell art and learn from scientific exhibits. Visitors will enjoy a variety of vendors who display and sell common, exotic and rare shells, rocks and minerals; shell-inspired jewelry; clothing; shell crafts and art; and much more. The annual Sarasota Shell Show will be held Feb. 7 and 8, 2025 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds in the Potter building, 2896 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. 

To learn more, visit.

Nick Sammelman is marching to his own beat, December 2024. 

Read Here!