We covered Focaccia in this space back in October when they expanded their hours and menu to begin offering breakfast. But the eatery first became known for its superb and satisfying sandwiches. At Focaccia, owner Nick Sammelman has made it his mission to serve delicious food that is also clean and wholesome. Everything is made in-house, starting with the focaccia bread the restaurant is named for which is baked fresh every morning.

The Prime Rib sandwich at Focaccia is probably the most emblematic of what the restaurant is trying to accomplish. First, a bone-in ribeye is marinated for 24 hours, then it’s roasted on a bouquet of vegetables and herbs including onion, carrot, celery, garlic and rosemary. Once the meat has rested, the bone is removed and placed in a pot with the roasted vegetables and some red wine to make a stock which will later be reduced further into a jus. The prime rib is sliced super thin, and it’s tender enough to melt in your mouth. Next, onions are caramelized in a skillet and covered with red wine. The mixture is slowly cooked down until the burgundy braised onions have a sticky, jam-like consistency. The prime rib and braised onions are joined on the sandwich by tangy white cheddar cheese and a housemade horseradish crema. Sammelman smokes the horseradish before folding it into the sauce to add another subtle layer of flavor. On paper, the dish has all the components of a traditional prime rib sandwich. But the approach makes it feel like something wholly unexpected.

During the holiday season, a lot of people get burned out on cooking after spending so much time in the kitchen baking cookies and preparing huge meals for the family. If you can relate to that, give yourself a break and try a hearty, homey sandwich from this local hotspot.

Focaccia Sandwich & Bakery, 2300 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, 941-924-2268, www.focacciasandwich.com. 

Pictured: The Prime Rib sandwich at Focaccia. Photo courtesy of Focaccia.

Ocean Prime, the acclaimed seafood and steakhouse from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR), is now open in the heart of The Quay Sarasota.Ocean Prime is known for its exceptional dining experience, combining fresh seafood, prime steaks, hand-crafted cocktails, and genuine hospitality. The Sarasota location will feature 9,513 square feet of space, two stories, over 355 seats, and breathtaking marina views. The opening expands Sarasota's culinary scene, bringing a new level of fine dining to both locals and visitors. 

A hurricane relief pilot program recently launched by All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) and Children First has been permanently implemented, providing consistent access to healthy food for 300 local families experiencing or facing hunger. Established in October as a pilot program after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, AFFB provides food for the grocery-style pantries, which are offered twice-monthly to families of students enrolled at Children First and the organization’s employees at three locations in Sarasota and North Port. This collaboration highlights AFFB’s commitment to finding and connecting neighbors in need to food, benefits services, nutrition education and case management. 

The Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative (SBAC) announces “Beyond Regional Boundaries,” a groundbreaking initiative created to amplify the voices of artists of African descent and BIPOC populations throughout the region. According to SBAC Executive Director Michéle des Verney Redwine, the effort “seeks to foster creativity, promote artistic excellence, and bridge communities.” Redwine highlights the “Art Innovation Zone” program as a key component of the initiative, featuring 12 exhibitions over 12 months in galleries and nonprofit spaces throughout the region.  

 Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is excited to announce its annual fundraising event, The Shindig, taking place on Monday, March 10, 2025, at FST’s Hegner Theatre Wing. This year’s theme, Oh What a Night!, draws inspiration from the upcoming spring musical Jersey Boys and promises an evening filled with entertainment, community spirit, and support for the theatre’s expansion project, the FST Arts Plaza. The event will be chaired by Anita DeVine, a longtime FST subscriber and 2024 Co-Producer. “I have been attending the Shindigs for over a decade,” says DeVine. “The event brings together theatre lovers, performers, and staff to celebrate FST. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to chair this year, and work with the staff to create a truly memorable event.”To reserve tickets or become a sponsor for this unforgettable evening, contact Kristin Hartnett, Development Associate, at KHartnett@FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call 941-366-9017 ext. 316. 

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2024 marks the 54th anniversary of Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s (SILL) “Global Issues” series. This hard-hitting series, which runs January 7-March 7, features internationally renowned experts discussing a wide range of domestic and global issues. The lectures are presented on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in downtown Sarasota; Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. at the Venice Community Center; and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 5 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church in Lakewood Ranch. Lectures will also be available for purchase on video. 

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