SRQ DAILY Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"Our focus is to create an atmosphere where people are comfortable and want to come and hang out."
In 1989, the original Bad Ass Coffee opened on the Big Island of Hawaii. Since then, franchises have popped up in 14 states. In January, longtime friends Michael Miller and Dan Slavin brought Bad Ass Coffee to Lakewood Ranch when they opened their own franchise.
“Normally I could just have one cup of coffee a day and then I’m done and it doesn’t really matter where it came from,” says Slavin. “But a friend of mine has a Bad Ass store in Naples and once I drank this coffee I was like, ‘Whoa, this is really good.’”
Slavin had been retired for a few years but was feeling bored and antsy, and he believed in the coffee so much, he decided to open his own franchise with his friend. And while he’s still very excited about the food and drinks they sell, Bad Ass has become so much more than a coffee shop. In recent years, bigger chain coffee places have gotten rid of comfortable chairs and placed time limits on how long patrons can linger. Slavin is taking the opposite approach, ensuring Bad Ass Coffee is an inviting spot for the community to gather together, whether that’s for meetings, book clubs, working, studying or playing board games.
“Our focus is to create an atmosphere where people are comfortable and want to come and hang out,” says Slavin.
In addition to the inviting environment, Bad Ass also serves up tasty drinks and food. For traditional coffee drinkers, try the smooth 10% or 100% Kona brewed fresh throughout the day. Got a sweet tooth? Go for one of their specialty lattes, like the Three Waves with coconut, caramel, and macadamia nut. (If you get it iced, you’ll notice the ice cubes are made of coffee so your drink doesn’t get all watered down which is a great bonus.) Don’t forget to sample one of their breakfast sandwiches like the Aloha, with ham, egg, swiss cheese, pineapple and BBQ drizzle, served on Kings Hawaiian sweet bread.
Bad Ass Coffee, 6588 University Parkway, Sarasota, 941-217-6001.
Pictured: As the weather starts to heat up, cool down with an iced latte from Bad Ass Coffee in Lakewood Ranch.
Jack Dusty will be offering two unique specials on Sunday, March 16 and Monday, March 17 in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Sip on an Irish Grasshopper, crafted with Teeling Irish Whiskey, Green Chartreuse, Fernet Branca Menta, Crème de Cacao, lime juice and cream. For those with an appetite for a grand Irish meal, enjoy the Old World Classic: New York-style corned beef, braised savoy cabbage, red bliss potatoes, heirloom baby carrots, mustard velouté and a crispy cabbage garnish. Sláinte!
Sarasota-Manatee Originals is excited to announce an enhanced edition of Set the Bar, now featuring a brand-new Bar Bite Competition alongside the renowned Cocktail Competition. Taking place on Sunday, April 13, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ed Smith Stadium, this 21+ event showcases the exceptional talent of Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ member restaurants.
Save the Date! March 18th is the return of the Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl, with stops at Watershed Hospitality Concepts siblings, Pie On Main, Lefty's Oyster & Seafood Bar and Cask & Ale. Enjoy a great meal and stellar cocktails with us and of course, #AllThatJazz thanks to the Jazz Club of Sarasota.
Flower Child, the full-kitchen, fast-casual restaurant known for its vibrant, health-forward menu, is set to open its first Florida location in Sarasota in late spring 2025. Created by eleven-time James Beard Award-nominated restaurateur Sam Fox, Flower Child is part of Phoenix-based Fox Restaurant Concepts. It is beloved for its commitment to wholesome, made-from-scratch meals that cater to all lifestyles.
Second Friday at Gulf Gate is here, and we’re bringing the best of Spain to Sarasota! Join us this Friday at Taste of Spain for an unforgettable evening filled with authentic flavors, great company, and festive vibes! Gather your friends, bring your appetite, and come celebrate with us! Whether you’re a longtime fan or visiting for the first time, we promise a night full of amazing food, warm hospitality, and the true taste of Spain.
Taste of Spain, 2667 Mall Dr, Sarasota, 941-580-8663.
Last seen in Sarasota in 2005, Verdi’s opera about infidelity and forgiveness, Stiffelio, opens Saturday, March 15. Written just before Rigoletto, this long-neglected, emotionally charged work is now recognized as an important opera by Verdi. Stiffelio, a Protestant minister, returns from a mission abroad to be confronted by his wife's infidelity. He faces his wife's transgression, battling his all-too human emotions with his religious faith. The opera is based on the French play Le pasteur, ou L'évangile et le foyer by Émile Souvestre and Eugène Bourgeois and is more realistic than other more melodramatic works Verdi had produced. Operatic subjects in Italy were under strict censorship in the 1850s, and the authorities in Trieste, where the opera was first seen, insisted on many changes. Verdi made several revisions but ultimately withdrew the opera.
2025 marks the 54th anniversary of Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s (SILL) “Global Issues” series. This hard-hitting series, which runs through March 27, features internationally renowned experts discussing a wide range of domestic and global issues. This month’s lectures feature key global issues explored by leading experts, including Dr. John Bruno on cognitive control and its role in aging and neurodegenerative diseases; Ellen Laipson on the “The Middle East You Don't Know” and Amb. John Tefft on Vladimir Putin’s place in Russia’s autocratic history.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to produce The Flying Penguin & Other Winning Plays, a collection of original short plays written by elementary school students from the local community and around the world. This uplifting and imaginative production, directed by Caroline Saldivar, is the final show in FST’s 2024-2025 Children’s Theatre Series. The Flying Penguin & Other Winning Plays debuts March 15 and runs through April 13 in FST’s Keating Theatre. Join the fun from March 15 to April 13! Tickets start at just $12 and are on sale now at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.
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.
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
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
Indulge in a magical experience at our inaugural luncheon where you can step into your own wonderland and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Holiday House SRQ. Proceeds from the lunch will directly fund the 2025 Holiday House Season.
Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd, 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
This fine art show is free to the public and features over 150 works of art created by local artists
ranging from large- and small-scale original paintings, mixed media, photographs, sculptures, small
prints and beautiful notecards. There truly is something to satisfy everyone's taste and budget.
University Park Country Club Ballroom, 7671 The Park Blvd University Park, FL 34201
Join us for our annual Irish Celtic Festival! This event is filled with fun, laughter, delicious food, dancing, and more! You can enjoy: A variety of Irish-themed food, Irish beer and whiskey, Exciting stage performances, Kidz Korner, Lucky Dog Parade sponsored by Satchels Last Resort Animal Shelter/Sanctuary and 21+ Relay Race by MVP Sports and Social!
Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Save the date for the return of the Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl. Enjoy a great meal and stellar cocktails at one of the multiple locations.
Van Wezel , 777 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236
Children's book author Christina Shawn will read her book LUCAS PLAYS and invite kids to try out the instrument! Come get a personalized copy of the book and pre-order her upcoming title, AND THEN CAME YOU. Although everyone is welcome, this event is especially for kids in pre-school and K-5. Let's go on a magical musical adventure together! We will make connections between music, books, and our lives. We will explore our imagination while listening to different types of music. We will read LUCAS PLAYS and learn about the violin. Together we will generate ideas that we can play with. Maybe some of them will turn into stories of your own!
Bookstore 1, 117 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Arts Advocates presents monthly luncheon programs at the Sarasota Yacht Club, featuring engaging speakers discussing local arts-related topics. Barbara Ramsay, chief conservator of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Art conservators identify potential risks and aim to prevent damage to works of art so restoration treatment will not be required. Ramsay will outline the role of the art conservator and reveal details of some recent painting conservation treatments. $45 for Arts Advocates members; $50 for non-members. Lunch is included.
Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
Each year, My Hometown Fest draws thousands of people from Florida’s Suncoast for a day of fun featuring food from dozens of area restaurants, craft beer samples from around the country, and live music from the region’s best bands. The event features plenty of family friendly activities as well.
Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235
The nostalgia of the best decade returns to Fresh Fridays. Join us for our classic Back to the 80s night on Main St. from 7 to 10 pm on April 4. Stay tuned for all the throwback details that are soon to come.
Downtown Sarasota, Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
Jump into Spring at the Meadows Market! Catch the Easter Bunny on the lawn for a Family Photo or search for the Golden Egg at the Egg hunt
The Meadows, 5041 Ringwood Meadow Sarasota, FL 34235
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