SRQ DAILY Apr 1, 2025
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"People are sophisticated and they want something that's going to be sophisticated to enjoy."
On Friday, March 28th, the highly-anticipated Sugar Champagne Bar opened its doors in downtown Sarasota. This experiential lounge serving craft cocktails, luxurious small plates and (of course) champagne is truly one-of-a-kind, which should come as no surprise. It is, after all, the passion project of Ronnie Shugar, an entrepreneur and founder of Raw Sugar who has a unique vision.
“I’m doing this as a legacy, so it’s something that will be here twenty, thirty, forty years from now,” Shugar says. “Sarasota has matured. People are sophisticated and they want something that’s going to be sophisticated to enjoy.”
That sophistication starts with the interior design. Sugar Champagne Bar is a feast for the senses, starting with the eyes. The decor is lavish and sumptuous, with plush seating, colorful wallpaper, custom tile and chandeliers dripping with crystals. It’s over the top in all the best ways. The menu lives up to the surroundings. Sugar Champagne Bar offers Frozen Bottle Service of vodka and tequila, a few select wines, and a well-curated collection of champagnes. The craft cocktail menu includes creative concoctions like the Raw Sugar (Shugar’s favorite) which includes coconut rum, coconut cream, mango puree, mango liqueur and rosé wine. Despite the complex ingredient list, the cocktail is clear and understated (apart from the edible gold leaf, of course).
While Sugar Champagne Bar doesn’t have a full menu, they do offer an array of elevated canapes, all including caviar. The A5 Japanese Wagyu tartare melts in your mouth. In the mood for something sweet? There are desserts too (served in champagne glasses, naturally).
Such a high-end experience does come with expectations. There is a dress code, and seating inside the bar after 6pm requires a $150 minimum spend per person. Reservations are a must right now - the bar is already booked out for the next sixty days. However, if you have champagne tastes without a sky-high budget, come by between 4pm and 6pm (with or without a reservation) to enjoy a cocktail with no minimum spend requirement.
Sugar Champagne Bar, 127 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, 941-233-9133, www.sugarbarsrq.com. 
Pictured: Based around caviar, the menu of small plates includes luxurious bites like A5 Japanese Wagyu tartare topped with white sturgeon caviar. Provided photo.
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Suncoast Chapter, in partnership with the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa and the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, is proud to announce the inaugural Taste & Toast Gulf Coast—a premier culinary and beverage competition and showcase taking place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at The Yard at South Bay, Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa.Taste & Toast Gulf Coast will feature top chefs, mixologists, and beverage artisans from across the Gulf Coast region. Guests will enjoy an interactive experience filled with live culinary and mixology competitions, tastings from 20+ wineries, breweries, and distillers, craft cocktails, mocktails, and exciting live entertainment.
CreArte Latino Cultural Center announces the premiere of “VOICES of Hidden Minds” (“VOCES de mentes escondidas”), a powerful dramatized reading presented in Spanish with English surtitles. This original production, created and directed by Angélica Castro and Marcela Vanegas, is based on real testimonies from members of the Hispanic community in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Their voices are woven into a narrative that explores the lived experience of those facing mental health challenges—stories rarely shared and often stigmatized. The presentations are Thursday, May 8, through Saturday, May 10, 8 to 9:30 p.m., followed each evening by a bilingual audience talkback. Performances take place at CreArte’s new home at 1913 Northgate Blvd in Sarasota. Tickets are $20 and available at CreArteLatino.org.
Begin the evening with the opening reception of exploring the intersection of tradition and abstraction, the exhibition highlights the dynamic connection between music and visual art. The exhibit is part of “Beyond Regional Boundaries,” an initiative created to amplify the voices of Black artists across the Sarasota-Manatee region.
PART 1: FREE ARTIST RECEPTION: 5-6:15pm, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
Running April 9 to 20 at The Sarasota Players, don’t miss Stephen Sondheim’s beloved musical, Into the Woods at The Crossings at Siesta Key (3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239). “Be careful what you wish for” seems to be the ongoing theme in Sondheim and James Lapine’s Brothers Grimm inspired modern classic.
April 9-20, The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota.
Join Creative Liberties for its second “Limelight Artists Night,” a celebration of creativity featuring the diverse works of 37 studio and featured artists, Thursday, April 3, 4-7 p.m., at both of Creative Liberties’ Limelight locations: 901B Apricot Ave. and 927 Lime Ave. Enjoy an evening of art, connection, and inspiration, with lite bites and beverages.
Hundreds of local students will have new opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) as Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) announces a major expansion of its Classroom Makeover Grant program. Alta Vista Elementary in Sarasota County will receive a $50,000 grant to transform their classroom into an innovative learning space, igniting a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among its students. In celebration of FPL's centennial, the company is super-sizing the program this year, expanding from five STEM Classroom Makeover Grants to 20 grants across the state – quadrupling the program and devoting $1 million to benefit Florida students. For more information on FPL’s educational programs, visit FPL.com/Education.
Sarasota High School Theatre is proud to present the musical Big Fish, running Wednesday, April 2 through Saturday, April 5. Sarasota High School’s Theater (2155 Bahia Vista Street. Show Dates & Times: Wednesday, April 2 – 7:00pm, Thursday, April 3 – 7:00pm, Friday, April 4 – 7:00pm, Saturday, April 5 – 7:00pm.
We’re back with the incredible 2025 TGIF | BEST OF SRQ LOCAL PARTY celebrating the winners recognized and voted on by our readers in SRQ Magazine’s epic 2025 Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition. Join us on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 5-8 pm at the Aloft Hotel in Downtown Sarasota to taste and experience some of this year's "Best of SRQ Local" restaurants and cocktails. Share a hip evening with our area’s passionate localvores and foodies.
Aloft Sarasota, 1401 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
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
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
Every Wednesdat at 6 pm a 5k Fun Run starts and ends at 99 Bottles. Course runs through Downtown Sarasota and along the Bayfront, all skill levels, all fun. Each time you finish a run, you must get yout card punched to get an attendance credit and receive 99 bottles prizes. All runners are expected to obey all traffic laws, be courteous to other runners, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, etc.on the route and to know your limits - running and/or drinking!
99 Bottles, 1445 2nd St Sarasota, FL 34236
The Simon & Garfunkel Story is the immersive concert-style theater show that chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, using huge projection photos and original film footage. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60’s and their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981.
Ven Wezel, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
The 27th annual Sarasota Film Festival (SFF) is recognized as a world-class cultural event featuring thought-provoking films from some of the best-known and emerging independent voices. Held in Sarasota, FL, SFF emphasizes the best in cinema alongside exciting programs and events with filmmakers and celebrity guests. It screens over 200 films each year, including features, documentaries, shorts, and a robust educational program.
Various Locations, Various Location
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
AmeriCosmos has captivated audiences in theaters, planetariums, and diverse venues nationwide. Venuti’s performance showcases rare electronic and acoustic instruments, creating a calming and awe-inspiring experience unlike any other. Join us for immersive and awe-inspiring live music and a visual voyage through the heart of nature, sound depths, and space’s vastness—experience AmeriCosmos at The Planetarium at The Bishop.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
The longest-running egg hunt in Lakewood Ranch is hopping up on us! EGGstravaganza, presented by Grace Community Church. Join us for a fun-filled morning of photobooth with the Easter bunny, face painting, food and sweet treats.
Waterside Park at Lakewood Ranch, 7301 Island Cove Terrace Sarasota, FL 34240
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
Dr. Anthony Fauci is perhaps the most recognized and influential figure in public health and policy in modern time. With a career bookended by the HIV/AIDs and COVID-19 pandemics, Dr. Fauci’s impact spanned 7 presidents, covered 50 years of public service, and touched billions of lives.
Ven Wezel, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Enjoy Easter Brunch at Selby Gardens! Ticket price includes a hot and cold brunch buffet catered by Michael’s on East, featuring an omelet and pancake station, carving station, dessert bar, plus coffee, tea, and water. All other beverages will be available for purchase. Bring the kids for a fun Easter egg hunt and balloon twisting. Your brunch ticket also grants you full access to our Downtown Sarasota Campus to view our Spring Exhibition, George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life, before or after your seating time!
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
With Peter Rothstein, producing artistic director of Asolo Repertory Theatre. When Peter Rothstein stepped into Michael Donald Edwards’ shoes, his vast experience gave him just the background he needed to guide Asolo Rep to exciting new heights. Rothstein will share his vision for Asolo’s future.
Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
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