Pictured: Ophelia's Tuna Wontons, taken by Peter Acker.

The buzz throughout Ringling Museum's picturesque courtyard brought one of the largest and liveliest crowds to date for the anticipated, annual foodie and wino festival. "Guests at the 13th annual Forks & Corks 2020 Grand Tasting were welcomed to the Ringling with gorgeous weather as well as world-class wines and delicious dishes from the area's Sarasota-Manatee Originals' restaurants," shares Sarah Firstenberger, executive director of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. "Sarasota area restaurants were well-represented alongside 47 total locally-owned and operated Suncoast eateries."

Among them, was one the newest members to join the organization, Avli Mess Hall. The recently opened  which featured a sampling of its acclaimed Alexandria Kefta, a Mediterranean-inspired dish of beef, Muhammara and pita. Meanwhile, two like-minded French restaurants provided crepes as their featured dish. The Bijou Café impressed the masses with its Duck Leg Confit Crepes with Boursin and port wine cherry sauce, and Miguel's Restaurant kept it sweet and simple, with peaches and cream. Ophelia's on the Bay repped Siesta Key and brought the ever-pleasing seafoodie favorite, Tuna Wontons with Tropical Pico, while Bradenton's Ortygia Sweet Stuffed Peppers showed its Italian colors, and Tsunami hand-rolled its faved Party Roll, sushi with spicy tuna, shrimp and lobster. For a traditional American staple, Webber's Hot Dogs offered its hot dogs, with build your own toppings, and Reyna's Taqueria kept it authentic Mexican with Blue Corn Sopes with chicken in mole poblano, garnished with crema and sesame seeds. It appeared each team of culinary experts stuck to what they do best and gave the crowd what they wanted: an epicurean adventure that represents the local, yet worldly talent of this region.  

Pictured: Ophelia's Tuna Wontons, taken by Peter Acker.

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