SRQ DAILY Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"One of the most essential elements of mental health is finding your happy place, and we are so fortunate to have found ours."
Hak Soo Kim is a talented tenor who has graced the Sarasota Opera House stage many times—he can currently be seen as Count Almaviva in their production of The Barber of Seville. Kim is also a certified sommelier who has worked at prestigious places including Per Se by chef Thomas Keller where he was head sommelier. Now his love of wine and music have come together at a fundraising event for the Sarasota Opera House at Michael’s Wine Cellar. On March 6, diners can enjoy a four course menu designed by Michael’s on East head chef Jamil Pineda with wine pairings by Kim.
“We focused on designing a menu of crowd pleasers,” Kim says of collaborating with Pineda. “At dinners, food is the centerpiece. Wine is the icing on the cake. After we had a rough concept about the format and possible candidates for the courses, Michael Klauber and I exchanged some ideas to feature wines that are classic and yet not as well-appreciated.”
The first course of the dinner will consist of pan-seared California halibut with Granny Smith apples, clams, Romanesco broccoli, micro basil and salmon caviar beurre blanc. Kim has chosen to pair that course with a Sancerre from the Loire Valley.
“Sancerre is great for seafood because of its salinity stemming from the bedrock of the region formed with fossilized seashells in the Jurassic period,” says Kim, who has put just as much thought into the other pairings but prefers to keep a little mystique around the event for now.
“I cannot go into too many details since I want the patrons to experience it themselves!” Kim says.
The Sarasota Opera Wine Dinner at Michael’s Wine Cellar will take place on Thursday, March 6 at 6pm. The price is $300 per person, and attendance will be capped at 50 guests. Attire is business casual or cocktail. To learn more or reserve tickets, visit www.sarasotaopera.org/minievent. 
Local resident and co-owner of Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry, Vilia Dragovoy, shares a special connection with us here at SRQ Media—she too has fallen in love with the community we call home. To showcase her affection for the area, Dragovoy proudly drives around town with a license plate that celebrates her love for Sarasota. “My family and I moved here four and a half years ago, and it was love at first sight,” she says. “One of the most essential elements of mental health is finding your happy place, and we are so fortunate to have found ours. When it was time to register our car, we couldn’t think of a better way to express our joy than with this plate.”
Sarasota’s favorite free monthly event, Fresh Fridays, welcomes “Downtown Social,” bringing the community together on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 7 to 10 p.m. on State Street in downtown Sarasota. The evening features Foreman’s 5, bringing lively tunes brought together by some of the finest musicians to represent the brand. With a track record of performing at nearly every country club in Southwest Florida. Guests can savor delicious food and drinks from downtown’s finest hospitality partners and bask in the warm, festive ambiance that makes Fresh Fridays an iconic Sarasota tradition.
The Sister Cities Association of Sarasota is delighted to announce the upcoming visit of Mayor Louis Aliot of Perpignan, France on the occasion of 30 years of a Sister Cities partnership with the City of Sarasota, FL. He accompanies a distinguished delegation including the municipal Director of Communications, Véronique Lopez; the Director of Tourism, Laurence Hérlin Lemaire. Orlando Honorary Consul for France, Anne Lancelle, will visit Sarasota to attend events. Learn more at sarasotasistercities.org.
Realize Bradenton is excited to announce the lineup for the spring 2025 Music in the Park series. The spring concerts will take place Fridays, April 11 - May 2 from 6 - 8 pm at the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion at Rossi Park (452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or a blanket to enjoy music and food along the beautiful Manatee River.
This Saturday, March 1, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime welcomes sellers from St Pete and Tampa to their courtyard for a vintage market. There will be a Flashback Fashion show at 11am. Free to attend.
821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota, bazaaronapricotandlime.com
Booker Middle School has been officially recognized as a Guy Harvey Conservation School by the Guy Harvey Foundation, a distinction that highlights the school’s commitment to marine and environmental conservation. This honor places Booker Middle among a select group of schools dedicated to promoting ocean conservation education and sustainability efforts. This achievement was made possible through the dedication and leadership of Karen Dieter and Sean McCarthy, two passionate educators who have championed conservation education at Booker Middle School. Their efforts in integrating marine science and environmental stewardship into the curriculum have provided students with hands-on learning experiences that inspire a lifelong commitment to protecting Florida’s natural resources. For more information about Booker Middle School’s conservation efforts or the Guy Harvey Conservation School program, please contact Karen Dieter at (941) 359-5824.
Artist in Residence Patti Smith returned to Selby's Downtown Sarasota campus on February 12 for An Evening with Patti Smith Dedicated to George Harrison!
From soaring harmonies to spellbinding magic and a heartwarming musical comedy, Glenridge Performing Arts Center’s March and April lineup offers something for every taste. Highlights include the world-renowned Yale Whiffenpoofs (March 2), the dazzling folk-dance spectacle of The Tamburitzans (March 9), and jazz greats Ken Peplowski and Ted Rosenthal (March 30). For those who love a little mystery, magician and mentalist Star Newman (April 1) promises an evening of mind-bending illusions, while Grammy-winning artist Tony DeSare (April 18) delivers his signature blend of jazz and timeless classics.
In recognition of Black History Month, Sarasota Memorial reflects on the trailblazing African American nurses and pioneering leaders from Newtown who overcame obstacles and broke through barriers to care for patients during segregation and beyond. SMH also produced a short video with interviews of Newtown leaders Jetson Grimes and Renee Gilbert reflecting on the community’s pioneering clinicians.
Mattamy Homes has completed four professionally decorated coach home models in Lakespur at Wellen Park, the nation’s sixth fastest-selling master-planned community based on mid-year 2024 new home sales. The models illustrate Mattamy’s four consumer-inspired floor plans offering two bedrooms, two baths and 1,341 to 1,721 square feet of living space. Lakespur connects to Wellen Park’s Oakheart Trail and is within walking distance of future K-12 grade schools and close to youth activities, making the neighborhood a popular option for nature enthusiasts and families with children. Lakespur is also convenient to Downtown Wellen and CoolToday Park, the Atlanta Braves spring training facility offering family friendly events year round.
Pictured: Mattamy Homes has completed four professionally decorated coach home models in Lakespur at Wellen Park.
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
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
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
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
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
Join us for our Tropical Soiree | Peace, Love, and Plants Market. Embrace yourself in nature while shopping local under the big oak trees!
The Meadows, 5041 Ringwood Meadow Sarasota, FL 34235
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
Your evening begins by meeting your fellow South American oligarchs over a specialty cocktail (or beer or wine) at Rae's Cabaret in MPAC's grand lobby. Next, you will be conducted upstairs to the Ballroom, for a brief participatory tango demonstration, followed by a two-course dinner accompanied by Argentine wines. Finally, you will be given premium main stage seatin g for MPAC's production of the award-winning Broadway musical "Evita."
Manatee Performing Arts Center , 502 3rd Avenue West Bradenton FL 34205
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
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
Join us on the Bolger Campiello for live music and dancing. Food and beverage will be available for purchase on the bayfront. One chair per person will be available. No outside food, drink, coolers, chairs or pets are permitted. Members please note: $20 tickets are limited to one for Individual Memberships and two for all other Membership levels.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Toss some fun into your Thursday! Join us at Waterside Place for a fun morning of Casual Cornhole! Whether you’re a cornhole pro or a newbie, don’t miss this chance to show off your tossing skills and have a blast with friends! Grab a partner or go solo, we’ve got enough beanbags and boards to keep everyone entertained!
Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch, 7500 Island Cove Terrace Lakewood Ranch , FL 34240
Lily Evans uses photography to evoke deeper conversations about historical events, current issues, and race. The exhibit is part of “Beyond Regional Boundaries,” an initiative created to amplify the voices of Black artists across the Sarasota- Manatee region.
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct, Sarasota, FL 34236
The American Watercolor Society began as a group of eleven painters who gathered in New York City in 1866 and began to hold exhibitions of their work. Their annual exhibitions have continued from that day. The annual juried exhibition of the AWS is open to all artists worldwide. The traveling exhibition features 40 paintings from the original 160+ exhibitors each year and travels to three to six locations each year.
ArtCenter Manatee, https://artcentermanatee.org/2023-2024-exhibit-season/
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
Ron and Joy are stunned when their well-meaning but clueless friend, Gary, lands a book deal for his self-help guide. As they try to talk him out of quitting his job to become a life coach, their efforts unravel hidden secrets, throwing their own relationship into chaotic—and comedic—turmoil. Advice explores ambition, friendship, and the chaos that comes with taking your own advice.
Bowne's Lab, 1265 1st Street Sarasota, Fl 34236
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is excited to announce the return of the popular sunrise beach walks.The walks will be held every Wednesday and Thursday at Siesta and Nokomis beaches. Walkers are asked to check in with staff before or after their walk between 8-9:30 a.m. Enjoy a fun and energizing start to the day with this community-favorite event. For just a one-time registration fee of $5, participants will receive a punch card and have an opportunity to receive an event T-shirt and gift from the Florida Department of Health.
Siesta and Nokomis Beaches, Various Locations
Circus Sarasota is back with an ALL NEW show in 2025 featuring awe-inspiring artistry from around the world. Your hometown circus returns under our NEW BIG TOP at Nathen Benderson Park this winter. Limited tickets are available for this annual tradition – book today!
Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235
Determined to win the heart of the beautiful Rosina, Count Almaviva enlists the help of Figaro, the barber of Seville, to steal her away from her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Hilarious complications ensue to some of opera's most delightful music. The Barber of Seville is one of the most beloved comedic works in the operatic repertory.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
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