SRQ DAILY Jan 7, 2025
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"This year, more than ninety winemakers will converge in Sarasota and show off their favorite vintages."
The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is a network of over sixty independently-owned restaurants dedicated to preserving and promoting the local dining culture. Since 2003, the Originals have championed the Gulf Coast’s unique culinary identity, hosting events, supporting restaurateurs, and encouraging the community to “Eat Like a Local”. This month, the group will host its annual fundraiser, the Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival, one of the most highly-anticipated foodie events in Sarasota. Forks & Corks is such a hot ticket that the main Grand Tasting event sold out in minutes this year. Since its inception though, the festival has grown to become a multi-day epicurean experience. Even if you didn’t get tickets for the Grand Tasting, there are still plenty of entertaining and informative events to enjoy.
“This year, more than ninety winemakers will converge in Sarasota and show off their favorite vintages. That’s something to raise a glass to!” says Marc Grimaud. Grimaud is the proprietor of Café Gabbiano and the president of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals and co-chairs Forks & Corks. Café Gabbiano is one of several member restaurants that will host Forks & Corks Wine Dinners between January 25th and January 27th. These dinners will feature thoughtful food and wine pairings selected in creative collaboration with visiting winemakers.
On Saturday, January 25th, wine enthusiasts can sample wines and shop while meeting winemakers at Forks & Corks Retail Tastings. These pop-up events will be held at The Butcher’s Block and at the Michael’s Wine Cellar. On the same day, the Michael’s on East Ballroom will be the home of Forks & Corks University, where oenophiles can take master classes and learn about wines in a casual, interactive environment. Ninety-minute seminars are led by a panel of renowned wine industry professionals and winemakers. And finally, between January 20th and January 26th, you can also check out the Forks & Corks Online Food and Wine Auction, which will feature rare and exquisite wines, travel, and unique dining experiences.
To learn more about the extensive array of events that make up the Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival, visit www.eatlikealocal.com/forksandcorks. You can also put your name on the waitlist for Grand Tasting tickets while you’re there. 
Pictured: The Forks & Corks Food and WIne Festival features multiple events, including master classes where you can learn about (and sample!) wines.
Join Gecko’s Grill & Pub’s, Sarasota Herald Tribune’s #BestSportsBar for the Big Game on February 9th, 2025! Seating is limited so reserve today with a $25 per person deposit. Reserved guests will receive a $25 GC to use on Big Game day (please be present 15 minutes before kick-off). Giveaways | Gecko’s special football menu & new cocktail menu | Small batch spirits + our usual huge variety of craft beer & award-winning Happy Hours! Ask for a manager for more details and reserve today! www.GeckosGrill.com
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. Hours are 10 - 5 p.m. both days. Guests receive a free bag of shells with their $5 paid admission fee. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult and the cost is $3 for students ages 12-18.
The Pops Orchestra is pleased to introduce the world’s #1 Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton tribute show to local audiences in three concerts on February 15, 16, and 17, 2025.The Valentine’s weekend concerts feature Marty Edwards as “Kenny Rogers” and Wendy Engler as “Dolly Parton” performing all their beloved hits including “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Lucille,” “We’ve Got Tonight,” “Islands in the Stream,” and many more!
Islands in the Stream, Saturday, February 15, 3pm., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center (5840 26th St. W, Bradenton); Sunday, February 16, 3:00pm., Riverview Performing Arts Center (One Ram Way, Sarasota); Monday, February 17, 7:30pm., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center (5840 26th St. W, Bradenton). Tickets can be purchased online or by calling The Pops Box Office at 941-926-POPS (7677).
Pictured: Wendy Engler Marty Edwards Islands in the Stream. Photo courtesy of The Pops Orchestra.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat’s popular series, “Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens,” continues its fifth anniversary season and kicks off a brand-new year with “Book, Music, and Lyrics,” featuring Emmy Award and Drama Desk nominee Mark Sonnenblick. A Hermitage Fellow and recipient of a Jonathan Larson Grant, Sonnenblick will share stories and songs from his original works, and will preview some of what might be next for this rising star of the musical theater world. This Hermitage program will take place on Thursday, January 30 at 5:30pm at Selby Gardens’ downtown campus.
CreArte Latino Cultural Center celebrated a landmark moment with the grand opening of its new facility at 1913 Northgate Blvd in Sarasota. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on December 9, welcomed approximately 87 attendees, including community leaders, supporters, and cultural advocates. Carolina Franco, co-founder and producing artistic director, delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting the center’s role as a cultural family for its members and a vital hub for community engagement. Her heartfelt words resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the importance of the center’s mission to serve the diverse Latino population in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Clara Reynardus de Villanueva, the organization’s board chair, inspired attendees with her vision for a more inclusive community and her unwavering commitment to advancing the organization’s impactful work.
Pictured: The ribbon cutting ceremony at CreArte Latino’s opening of its new facility on December 9. Photo by Janet Combs.
Join us as we celebrate another milestone in the growth of SRQ Strong. Our new office is now also home to the mixed media sculpture " Arbor of the Soul", created by Christy Gahagan and Erika Schlunk as part of a collaboration between SRQ Strong, SPAACES and FACEing Mental Illness.
Pictured: Sculpture Arbor of the Soul Created by Christy Gahagan and Erika Schlunk as part of a collaboration between SRQ Strong, SPAACES and FACEing Mental Illness.
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.
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.
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
Teachers + Tuesdays = 1⁄2 OFF Pie’s at Pie On Main! Every Tuesday Teachers with School ID enjoy 1/2 off Pizzas when you Dine-in with us! Convenient parking in our lot behind the restaurant. 1/2 off Pizzas with purchase of any beverage, excluding personal pizzas.
Pie on Main, 1507 Main St Sarasota, FL 34236
Longtime friends Chef Charles Amherst of Chaz 51 Steakhouse in Venice and Barbara Gerdeman, co-founder of Creative Liberties Artist Studios in Sarasota, have joined forces to create a series of interactive “live art dinner showcases.” Join us every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings from 5-8:30 pm.
Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US-41 BYP, Venice, FL 34285
On Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 12:00-2:00 pm, the community is invited to visit Sarasota Opera House for a wide variety of free activities and offerings. Visitors can enjoy art songs, ensembles, and arias sung throughout the opera house, a raffle, backstage tours, wig and makeup demonstrations, a display of select pieces from our extensive collection of over 50,000 historic opera costumes, special ticket offers, and complementary refreshments.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota FL 34236
The 27th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival is a three-day event held Feb. 14-16, 2025 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds that benefits Suncoast Charities for Children. National Headline Acts include Blue Öyster Cult (Friday – Feb. 14), Grand Funk Railroad (Saturday – Feb. 15), and Creed Fisher (Sunday – Feb. 16). The Festival features continuous live music, vendors, daredevil acts, a charity motorcycle ride, bike show, a motorcycle “sound off” competition, biker games, and much more! On-site camping is also available. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate (12 and under free). Limited VIP tickets are also available. Over the past 26 years, the Festival has raised over $2.8 Million for charity.
Sarasota Fairgrounds
This time of year had a special significance in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, and the term originates from their studies of astrology. Nowadays, the term has taken on new meanings as pet parents associate it with lazy days when dogs are so hot they just want to lay in the shade and sip an ice-cold Puppuccino. Artists are invited to share their favorite fur-baby creations of dogs and cats.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
The 34th National Juried Exhibition showcases the best representational paintings produced across North America. With nearly 200 juried artists and many invited Master Signature artists, it serves as a showcase for both up-and-coming talent and some of the most celebrated artists working today. The exhibition does not focus on a single style or theme but instead celebrates the diversity and art produced within the representational oil painting tradition. The exhibition & opening is in conjunction with the OPA National Convention, which features numerous lectures, painting demonstrations, and social events geared to artists and collectors.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
ArtCenter Manatee once again joins with the School District of Manatee County to showcase the work of K-12 visual arts students. By partnering with ArtCenter Manatee, that commitment is furthered by giving these young artists a 'voice' - three museum-quality galleries, where their work can be professionally displayed and where the artists can receive positive recognition by a wider audience.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
The Grammy Award-winning Catalyst Quartet was founded by the internationally acclaimed Sphinx Organization in 2010. The ensemble believes in the unity that can be achieved through music and seeks to redefine and reimagine the classical music experience. They have toured widely throughout the United States and abroad, including sold-out performances in some of the world’s most prestigious venues. This program includes music by Gershwin, Piazzolla, and Ravel. Tickets are $43 & $63 and the event will be held at the First Presbyterian Church. For more information, visit Artistseriesconcerts.org.
A Protestant minister returns from a mission abroad to be confronted by his wife's infidelity. Stiffelio faces his wife's transgression, battling his all-too human emotions with his religious faith. Written just before Rigoletto, this long neglected, emotionally charged work is now recognized as an important opera by the great Giuseppe Verdi.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota FL 34236
Calling all lovers of the expressive French horn! Sarasota Orchestra’s co-principal horn Hugo Bliss disjointed by a fellow superstar, Milwaukee Symphony’s hornist Scott Sanders whose career also began in Sarasota. Together with Joesph Holt on piano, they offer a cornucopia of remarkable music for this most magnificent instrument. The program includes Beethoven’s mighty sextet for two horns and string quartet. The performance will be held at the Sarasota Yacht Club on March 13, 2025 at 11 am. Tickets are $70. For more information, visit Artistseriesconcerts.org.
Continuing the story of The Barber of Seville, Count Almaviva's eye has now wandered and his current objective is Susanna, Figaro's fiancée. The distressed couple, along with Rosina (now the Countess Almaviva) conspire to reveal the count's lechery, despite the many obstacles thrown in their way. Mozart's musical genius, along with Lorenzo DaPonte's witty libretto make The Marriage of Figaro one of opera's masterpieces.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota FL 34236
The Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society was founded in 1983 with 17 Charter members and 24 Associate members. The original purpose to foster the advancement of and promote excellence in the art of watermedia painting remains their focus today. As of August 2023, 90 of their 170 members attained Signature status and 27 are Master Signature members.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
This annual get-together joins community and business leaders; philanthropists; non-profit agencies; foundations; and volunteers in an inspiring celebration of non-profit excellence, mission, and impact: past, present, and future! Our theme this year, DARE TO C.A.R.E.! will celebrate the power of Collaboration, Action, Responsiveness, and Evolution as we celebrate 35 years of services and impact in our community!
Carlisle Inn, 3727 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34232
Two operas, two betrayed husbands, two tragic ends. In Cavalleria rusticana the calm of a Sicilian Easter morning is broken by a betrayed lover who sets off a chain of events ending in violent tragedy. In true theatrical tradition Pagliacci's clown tries to go on with the show, but his real-life humiliation and despair lead to a grim climax. The violent passions and raw emotions of these two works changed the direction of Italian opera forever.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota FL 34236
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with UnidosNow and The Ringling at the third annual NocheUnidos, a collaboration between The Ringling and UnidosNow. This elegant evening, held in the magical Museum of Art Courtyard, features dining, dancing, music, and fellowship that honor the rich and dynamic cultures that have influenced our Gulf Coast community, including the African diaspora, Indigenous America, and Europe. The event kicks off with festive Puerto Rican rhythms from Bomba Yemayá and parades into the night with an upbeat Mardi Gras spirit captured by the New Orleans-based 79rs Gang. Dress in white to call in the season with elegancia as we come together to honor unity and the riches of our region.
The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
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