My fabulous friend, Maggie Wood, invited me to join an intrepid group of food loving adventurers on a culinary walking tour Saturday of St. Armand’s Circle. I’ve lived in Sarasota, off and on, for the better part of 20 years, and I write about food, so I was fairly sure the tour would be a pleasant way to spend the morning but not necessarily a learning experience. Wrong! I learned so many things I can’t believe I didn’t know. For example: did you know that there’s a park in the center of St. Armand’s that was modeled after New York’s famed Central Park? Did you know that Columbia Restaurant is one of only about seven  restaurants in the country that has been family owned and operated for over 100 years? Did you know that “Tommy Bahama” was a character created by three friends who decided to open a clothing store and restaurant that catered to said fictional character? The food at each stop was delicious and the tour was fun and informative. I especially loved the tasting plate at Blu Kouzina, which included a sample of Greek beer and my favorite dessert:Galaktoboureko (creamy custard in flaky phyllo). I can’t wait to try the Happy Hour Tour.

Key Culinary Tours, 301 John Ringling Blvd., 941-893-4664.