SRQ DAILY Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

"These events are a great way to both forge new and deepen longer relationships."


Food has long been a bridge between cultures, a way to connect people through shared flavors, traditions and experiences. Sarasota Opera’s Mini Events series embraces this idea, offering intimate, themed gatherings that celebrate global cuisine while also bringing the community together, all in support of the opera. This season’s “Around the World” theme takes guests on a journey through international flavors, fashion and entertainment.
“These events are a great way to both forge new and deepen longer relationships,” says Mini Event Chair Aline Blanchard. Blanchard has developed lasting friendships through her opera circle and has brought back the Mini Events as a way to connect not only opera enthusiasts, but also other people who are interested in making friends and developing relationships in the Sarasota community.
There are four upcoming events currently in the works, but the intention is that more Mini Events will be added to the calendar throughout the year. For more information or to reserve your tickets, visit the Sarasota Opera House website.
A Bit of India in Sarasota
Host Stella Sookdeo Pla invites guests to a private home to experience a bit of Indian culture. This intimate event will include a fashion show with lenghas, shalwars, saris, and Indian jewelry. Learn how to wrap a sari and enjoy culturally traditional finger foods, desserts, and music.
Wine Dinner at Michael’s Wine Cellar
Tenor Hak Soo Kim is renowned for his performances at Sarasota Opera and on other stages. He’s also a certified sommelier and has worked at some of New York City’s finest restaurants, including Thomas Keller’s restaurant Per Se. Join him at this fun, informative wine-pairing dinner hosted by Sarasota Opera at Michael’s Wine Cellar.
Maritime Morsels – A Nova Scotian Feast from the Sea, Land and Air
A unique way to experience Nova Scotian fare in a private home in southwest Florida. Hosts Jadwiga and Donald Brown have designed a menu featuring Nova Scotian cuisine from sea (lobster and other seafood), air (poultry), and land (lamb).
Argentine Adventure: Dinner, Dancing and Theatre
Hosts Rick Kerby and Jonathan Coleman invite guests to enjoy a specialty cocktail, wine or beer at Rae’s Cabaret, in the grand lobby of the Manatee Performing Arts Center, followed by a brief participatory tango demonstration, and a two-course dinner, accompanied by Argentine wines. Guests will also receive premium mainstage seating for MPACs production of the award-winning Broadway musical, Evita.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, 941-328-1300, www.sarasotaopera.org.
Pictured: Sarasota Opera's next Mini Event, "A Bit of India", takes place Thursday, February 13.

Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota invites patrons to enjoy Pearls and Prosecco: the perfect blend of brine and bubbles. Every Wednesday evening from 4:30-6:30 p.m., guests can order $3.50 glasses of prosecco and $3.50 oysters no matter where they’re seated in the restaurant.Price is per oyster and per glass.
Reservations are not required but can be made on OpenTable here

If you and your Valentine or Galentine enjoy a casual, beachy vibe, live music under the Tiki and specialty cocktail and a small bite, we've got your heart at Blase Martini Bar. Join us to experience our special His and Hers Menu and take your pick of cocktails and appetizers for $28. Can't wait to the 14th to celebrate Love? Blase's special cocktail of the month, our Love Potion is available now and all of February and is the perfect potion to get you in the mood for the 14th.

This Valentine’s weekend, trade roses for oysters and serenades for sensational live music at the Babcock Ranch Seafood & Music Festival from February 14-16 at 42850 Crescent Loop. Experience a weekend of love, laughter, and delicious seafood, perfect for a romantic date or a fun outing with family and friends. Indulge in a delectable array of seafood prepared fresh on-site, from succulent shrimp to savory crab and everything in between. Whether you’re sharing a platter with your sweetheart or diving into your favorite dish solo, there’s something to please every palate. Pair your meal with a refreshing selection of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Admission is free.
Friday, February 14: 4p-10pm, Saturday, February 15: 11am-10pm, Sunday, February 16: 11am-6pm.

Join us on the Great Lawn of Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus for a casually elegant outdoor Garden to Plate dining experience! Enjoy fine wines selected by Michael Klauber that complement a multi-course dinner personally designed by Phil Mancini. Hosted by Eileen and Howard Curd, Patricia and Peter Estes, and Nora and Billy Johnso. Attire: Garden Party.
Café on St. Armands, the highly anticipated reimagining of Café L’Europe, is now officially open! This Mediterranean-inspired dining destination brings bold flavors, vibrant spaces, and a modern twist to the heart of St. Armands Circle. With a variety of new ways to serve you, whether you’re stopping by for coffee and pastries at Café Soleil, enjoying tapas and cocktails at The Wet Bar, or gathering with friends for a fun, fresh shareable meal, Café on St. Armands is ready to welcome you. Proprietors Amanda and John Horne announce the appointment of a new management team to ensure that the restaurant delivers the Five Star hospitality experience that fans have come to expect from parent company, Oysters Rock Hospitality.

The Orioles recently announced that they have invited 26 non-roster players to MLB Spring Training in Sarasota. The list includes 10 right-handed pitchers, two left-handed pitchers, four catchers, five infielders, and five outfielders. Baltimore’s current Spring Training roster is attached. Orioles pitchers and catchers are scheduled to hold their first workout on Thursday, February 13, while the first full-squad workout will be held on Tuesday, February 18. The Orioles are slated to open 2025 Grapefruit League play at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday, February 22, against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Sarasota Paradise, a USL League Two team based in Sarasota, is hosting open tryouts for its 2025 USL League Two roster. The team is seeking passionate players that are ready to bring their skills to the pitch and defend the team’s South Florida Division title. This season’s upcoming highlights include facing off against FC Naples in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, March 18 at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.Fans are encouraged to come out and watch tryouts to see who solidifies a spot on the 2025 League Two team.
Saturday, Feb. 8--Sunday, Feb. 9, 10am to noon, Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch, Fields 21 and 22, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.

Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s (SBAC) “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative continues its powerful exploration of Black artistry with a dynamic exhibition, “Interpretations, Perceptions & Realities,” showcasing the bold, evocative creations of three Gulf Coast artists: Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks, Dwight Rose, and Allen Pettigrew. The exhibition runs through February 25 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Avenue West, Bradenton. The reception is Thursday, February 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, and offers an opportunity to engage directly with the artists and their work.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) presents the National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere of Bad Books, a bold new play by award-winning playwright and television writer Sharyn Rothstein. Directed by Kate Alexander, this gripping drama previews March 5 and 6, officially opens on March 7, and runs through March 28, 2025, in FST’s Bowne’s Lab Theatre. Subscriptions for the 2025 Stage III Series, which include Advice and Shedding a Skin, start at $59. Subscriptions and single tickets are available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.
Don't miss Sean Altman and Jack Skuller performing the hits and harmonies of pioneering rock duo The Everly Brothers! Information and tickets for The Everly Set and all Venice Theatre events through May 2025 are available at VeniceTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 941-488-1115.
Don't miss Sean Altman and Jack Skuller performing the hits and harmonies of pioneering rock duo The Everly Brothers! Information and tickets for The Everly Set and all Venice Theatre events through May 2025 are available at VeniceTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 941-488-1115.
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
The Sarasota Farmers Market Vendors Incorporated (“SFMV”) has been established as a not for-profit organization under laws of the State of Florida, continuing the 40+ year tradition of enhancing and improving the quality of life in Sarasota. Our charitable mission is to create a social opportunity for residents and visitors to gather and interact, to bring foot traffic to downtown Sarasota sustaining the economic viability of the entire downtown area, and to provide a venue for other not-for-profit organizations benefiting Sarasota.
Sarasota Farmer's Market, N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Think while you drink! Gather your friends, co-workers or family and join us for a fun-filled evening. Prizes, specials and FUN!
Gecko's Grill & Pub, Multiple Locations
Discover a vibrant community gathering at the Phillippi Farmhouse Market, nestled within the scenic Phillippi Estate Park. This seasonal market, open every Wednesday from October through April from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., invites you to experience the best of fresh produce, prepared foods, artisanal products and live music. Beyond shopping, visitors can explore the park’s beautiful grounds, including the historic Edson Keith Mansion, through a free, docent-led tour beginning promptly at 10 a.m. each Wednesday.
Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits is thrilled to announce the launch of its much-anticipated Sunday Brunch. Guests are invited to indulge in a delightful brunch experience on our beautiful covered patio or casual dining room with nautical touches. Our new brunch menu features a variety of mouth-watering dishes created by Chef Cesareo Cardenas, including his decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast, savory Steak & Eggs, succulent Lobster Benedict, the flavorful Tripletail Brunch Burger, and Crab & Shrimp Omelet. To complement your meal, guests will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa with the purchase of any entrée.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits , 4870 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231
Wellen Park is dedicating Valentine’s Day weekend to the arts. The inaugural Weekend of Art, encompassing a performing arts showcase and fine arts festival, on the Great Lawn and the Solis Hall stage in Downtown Wellen. The event is free to the public and includes performances by local performing arts organizations. Guests will also enjoy an outdoor gallery of original and handmade art, including paintings, sculpture photography, jewelry, woodworking, glass, fiber, ceramics and mixed-media works by artists from Florida and around the U.S.
Downtown Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice FL 343293
Experience a bit of Indian culture right here in Sarasota. This intimate event will include a fashion show with lenghas, shalwars, saris, and Indian jewelry. Learn how to wrap a sari and enjoy culturally traditional finger foods, desserts, and music. Door prizes and changes to win special clothing items.
Private Home in Bent Tree , (34241)
Gather your closest, wine loving friends for the 3rd Annual Galentine's Day Wine Dinner. Special entertainment will top off this incredible night of food, wine and friends! This year we chose wine ranked in the TOP 10 wines from Forks & Corks 2025! Truely the best of the best from around the world, paired with 4 great courses.
Pop's Sunset Grill, 112 Circuit Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275
No reservations at Pop's? Sometimes rules are meant to be broken! This Valentine's Day, treat your special someone to dinner at your favorite waterfront dining restaurant! The full dinner menu will be available in addition to Chef's Valentine's Day Specials.
Pop's Sunset Grill, 112 Circuit Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275
The Southside School Foundation for the Arts (SSFA) is thrilled to announce its third annual Cooking for the Arts event, co-chaired by Molly and Ethan Biter and Sepi and Ryan Ackerman. This extraordinary evening will welcome nearly 250 guests for a one-of-a-kind, hands-on culinary experience. Under the expert guidance of renowned local celebrity chefs Phil Mancini and Jamil Pineda, attendees will collaborate to prepare a delectable four-course meal, making for an unforgettable night of camaraderie and creativity.
Michael's On East , 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
Tenor Hak Soo Kim is renowned for his performances at Sarasota Opera and other stages. In addition, he is certified sommelier and has worked at some of New York City's finest restaurants includin the last three years as head sommelier at James Beard Award winner Thomas Keller's restaurants Per Se. This extraordinary wine dinner feature wines selected by Mr. Kim paired with a sumptuous four-course dinner prepared by Michael's on East under the direction of Exective Chef Jamil Pineda.
Michael's Wine Cellar, 1283 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Fl 34239
Join us on the Great Lawn of Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus for a casually elegant outdoor Garden to Plate dining experience! Enjoy fine wines selected by Michael Klauber that complement a multi-course dinner personally designed by Phil Mancini.
Downtown Sarasota campus , 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join us for the 2025 ALSO Youth Brunch Benefit at Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill. Enjoy live music, sushi buffet, a silent auction of local treasures, and joyous community! Tickets are $50 per person. Seating is limited - make sure you have a spot by purchasing your tickets in advance!
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill, 100 Central Ave suite 1022, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join The Market on Dearborn every Friday evening from October 2024 - May 2025 from 3pm-7pm on Historic Dearborn Street in Englewood, Florida as we launch an evening market to expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs and provide an additional family-friendly event for local residents and guests of Englewood
The Market on Dearborn, 232 W Dearborn St., Englewood, FL, United States, Florida 34223
Join us for an unforgettable evening with food served a La Parisienne family style by French Chef Arnaud Wallet who has 20 + years of cooking expereince and live music by Chuck. Our Valentine's Day Dinner is available at all of our locations: UTC & AMI & Main Street Sarasota
Various Locations, Various Location
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