SRQ DAILY Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"The enmoladas are really the stars of the new menu."
Rob DiSilvio opened his first location of Casa Masa on Bee Ridge two years ago. In that time, he’s built up a devoted following who are drawn to his Oaxacan-inspired menu with unique proteins and clean ingredients. Now he’s building on his brand, with the opening of a second location in The Landings that opened on December 21, 2024.
While the new Casa Masa shares the core menu of the original location, the new location is in no way a facsimile of the original concept. DiSilvio has expanded on his original concept, offering a selection of craft cocktails and elevated small plates as well as new entrees that work better in the new location’s sit-down format.
“Originally we thought we were going to shut down the Bee Ridge location because the restaurants are only four or five minutes apart,” DiSilvio says. “But the vibe is totally different, and both are doing really well.”
Families with younger kids will still probably gravitate toward the fast-casual approach at the original Casa Masa, while the edgier atmosphere at The Landings is great for date night or an outing with friends. Order a craft margarita like The Smokeshow, with mezcal and pineapple agave and share an assortment of small plates, or dig into unexpected entrees like enmoladas, a traditional Oaxacan dish similar to enchiladas but topped with mole sauce. The enmoladas de mariscos are filled with lobster, shrimp and corn and topped with white mole sauce which is typically made for special occasions like holidays. Like virtually everything else at Casa Masa, the mole sauce is made in-house which takes the flavors to the next level.
“Most of the moles you see in restaurants are from paste starters, but both of our moles are made from scratch,” says DiSilvio. “There are 30-40 ingredients in each of the moles and they take five or six hours to put together but it’s worth the effort. The enmoladas are the stars of the new menu.”
Casa Masa, 4862 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 941-921-0578. 
Pictured: In addition to entrees like enmoladas, Casa Masa at The Landings also offers elevated small plates. Photo courtesy of Casa Masa.
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. Whether you’re stopping by for coffee and pastries at Café Soleil, enjoying tapas and cocktails at The Wet Bar, or gathering for a fresh, shareable meal, Café on St. Armands is ready to welcome you. Open Daily! Café Soleil: 8am–2pm; The Wet Bar: 10am–Last Call ; Main Dining: 10am– 9pm (Friday & Saturday till 10pm).
Café on St. Armands, 431 St. Armands Cir, Sarasota.
Two of Tampa’s most popular restaurants are coming to University Town Center (UTC) next year. Olivia and On Swann, both by award-winning Chef Chris Ponte, are set to open back-to-back locations in the West District of the premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination. The two restaurants will be located along N. Cattlemen Rd. in a new ground-up development on the opposite side of Ford’s Garage. Olivia will occupy about 6,500 square feet and remain a family affair, with Ponte partnering with his wife, Michelle, and sons JT and Andy Mahoney to operate the business. Like its Tampa sister, Ponte will partner with Chris Arreola for On Swann, which is expected to take up to 5,000 square feet. For more information on University Town Center, visit www.utcsarasota.com
Join us on the Great Lawn of Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus for a casually elegant outdoor 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 Johnson. Attire: Garden Party.
Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s (SBAC) “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative continues its powerful exploration of Black artistry with a dynamic exhibition, “Celebrations of Form and Grace,” showcasing paintings by Dominic Avant, March 10-30, at Sarasota Opera, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. An opening reception, with the artist, is Monday, March 10, 5-6:30 p.m., in the Selby Lobby.
Sarasota Opera will open Gioachino Rossini’s The Barber of Seville on Saturday, Feb. 22. One of the most beloved comic operas in the repertoire, it is also one of the most frequently performed works worldwide. There will be ten performances of the opera through March 29 at the Sarasota Opera House. The opera is a comedic masterpiece filled with wit, slapstick humor, and clever dialogue. Its comic elements are timeless and continue to entertain audiences of all ages. Rossini's score is packed with memorable melodies and energetic, engaging music. The overture is particularly famous and has been used in various films, cartoons, and commercials. Warner Brothers famously used it as the soundtrack for a Bugs Bunny cartoon entitled The Rabbit of Seville.
The Junior League of Sarasota invites the community to experience its highly anticipated 48th Annual Simply Sarasota Tour of Homes, presented by Arbor Landscapes, on Feb. 21-22, 2025. This signature event offers a rare opportunity to step inside six of Sarasota’s most distinctive residences, each showcasing unique architectural styles, breathtaking interiors, and inspiring design elements. Open to the public, the Tour of Homes invites attendees to explore, shop, and celebrate Sarasota’s vibrant community—all while supporting the Junior League’s mission to develop women leaders and fund initiatives for young adults aging out of foster care.
You’re invited to an unforgettable evening at the private Thousand Pines Ranch, just off Exit 195—a venue rarely open to the public to support Catholic Charities programs and services in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties.The evening includes cocktails, dinner, live country music by Whiskey Country, raffles, and the chance to make a real impact at Boots & Bandanas on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Tickets $125 per person and 100% of event proceeds support Catholic Charities’ services and programs in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties.
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
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
On March 4, Meals on Wheels of Sarasota will celebrate their signature fundraiser, March For Meals, at Michael's On East. Meals on Wheels of Sarasota is striving to raise a
fundraising total of $125,000. Proceeds from the event will benefit their Home Delivered Meal program which serves more than 500 elderly and homebound citizens with a nutritious meal, connection, and wellness checks. Between January and November 2024, Meals on Wheels served 146,000 meals with the help of 200+ weekly volunteers.
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 an interactive culinary experience led by Chef Greg Campbell! This engaging, classroom-style event is designed to elevate your kitchen confidence as you learn how to shop smarter, cook fresher, and eat better—all while enjoying an expertly prepared meal.
Grove Ballroom, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
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
Think while you drinks! Gather your friends, co-workers or family and join us for a fun-filled evening. Prizes and specials each night. Monday – Wednesday at 7:30pm. Gecko’s on Clark – Monday ; Gecko’s on SR64 & Stickney Point – Tuesday ; Gecko’s on Hillview – Wednesday.
Gecko's Grill & Pub, Multiple Locations
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
A bourbon dinner? Call us old fashioned. Savor a five-course meal at Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails curated by Specialty Chef Joe Bennett. Experience interactive cocktail pairings crafted by The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota's award-winning lead bartender Heidi Finley and specialized Angel's Envy tastings from bourbon expert Jenna Athey. At the end of the evening, each attendee will be sent home with a DIY ‘Bubble Bee’ cocktail kit complete with an exclusive engraved mini Angel’s Envy bottle.
Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, 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
We're gearing up at all six Gecko's Grill & Pub’s for a traditional Irish feast on St. Patrick’s Day, featuring a menu with locally sourced Bangers from Geier’s Sausage Kitchen! We will also be featuring some fun and festive Irish cocktails all month long! The Guinness will be flowing for hoisting a pint for a traditional Slainte!
Gecko's Grill & Pub, Multiple Locations
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
Selby Gardens presents an exciting exhibition that explores the deep and meaningful connection between musician George Harrison – best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band The Beatles – and the pastime of gardening, which became his greatest passion. The resulting multi-sensory experience highlights George’s connection to nature and celebrates his life and legacy through the power of plants!
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street Sarasota, FL 34236
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 25th anniversary season, titled "25 Years of Black Heritage," continues through May 25. The remaining shows in the season are "Fences" (through February 23), "Five Guys Named Moe" (March 5-April 6), and WBTT's first-ever, world-premiere tap dancing musical revue, "Syncopated Avenue." Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org to learn more about WBTT and to purchase tickets. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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