SRQ DAILY Nov 23, 2021
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"The secret is they cook their ramen broth beforehand and keep it warm before serving up one of their cheekily named options."
More often than not, ramen conjures up images of college dorms, where dirty microwaves share counterspace with dirty dishes spilling over from a sink that no roommate wants to claim as their responsibility. Celebrated as a cheap food and nothing else, ramen of the instant variety has kept many a broke and busy college student alive through their romps in higher education. But in this innocuous connotation of pragmatic subsistence, a legitimately delicious food is being murdered.
Actual ramen—the slow-simmering dish of immense complexity and profound umami—exists in a different universe than instant ramen. Real ramen, however, is hardly an easy dish to translate into a fast-casual concept. Fortunately, Motoneko Cafe & Izakaya has figured out a way to make it work.
Operating out of the lobby in the BOLD cowork space on Fruitville Road and Goodrich Avenue of downtown Sarasota, the Japanese café and bar and its Executive Chef Maria Palafox offer authentic and exceptional ramen with nothing more than countertop implements that would be available to any starving college student. The secret is they cook their ramen broth beforehand and keep it warm before serving up one of their cheekily named options. The Piggy Ramen comes with noodles, a soft-boiled egg and chasu (braised pork belly) in a rich tonkotsu (pork) broth. The café’s barista/server/cook takes a handheld torch to the pork belly before serving to add some char to the savory, slightly spicy flavor profile. Oishii! 
Motoneko pays homage to the Bosozoku motorcycle gangs of Japan, which thrived between the late-1970s and early-2000s. Photo by Andrew Fabian
What are your favorite childhood memories? For many of us, they involve going out with friends. They may include sitting around the table with family and chatting away about everyones’ day. For Bill Yoder, the founder and owner of Main Street Creamery and recent 35 Under 35 honoree, some of his fondest childhood memories revolve around the time he spent with his dad going out to get ice cream. And it’s exactly those memories that led to the creation of his ice cream shop in January of 2021.
Main Street Creamery serves up the creamiest ice cream, made with high quality ingredients and high butterfat. And, all of the shop’s ice cream is made in small batches, right here in Sarasota, by Yoder’s Southern Creamery. Right now—for a limited time—Main Street Creamery is scooping up some seasonal flavors to get you into the holiday mood, like Christmas Cookie, Hot Cocoa, and Peppermint. The ice cream shop is also offering two holiday inspired shake flavors—Eggnog and Peppermint Bark. For anyone that doesn’t find these flavors utterly mouthwatering, Main Street Creamery has 38 delicious flavors of frozen scrumptiousness—including dairy and sugar-free options—so even the pickiest person is guaranteed to find something to satisfy their sweet tooth. Handspun milkshakes in a variety of flavors are also available. And the cherry on top? Main Street Creamery gives customers the option to turn any one of its hand-scooped ice creams into a soft serve cone or cup.
Life is all about making memories. You might as well do so while enjoying an ice cream cone. So take a walk or ride to Downtown Sarasota and make a new memory in a shop that began with one.
1359 Main St, Sarasota, 941-361-2046, themainstreetcreamery.com, @themainstreetcreamery
Photo courtesy of Main Street Creamery
For Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd anniversary gala, “A Night at the Savoy,” the arts organization will re-create the look and sound of Harlem’s famous ballroom – the first integrated ballroom in New York. The event will take place on Saturday, December 4, 6-9 p.m. at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena (2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota). The arts organization has just announced that the legendary Tony Award-winning artist Melba Moore will appear at the gala, performing three songs along with WBTT artists and the live band. While in-person tickets are sold out, for those who would like to join in the fun from home while supporting the cause, WBTT is offering a livestream option, which is accessible via computer, tablet, smartphone or smart TV.
The livestream begins at 7:30 p.m. and costs $100 (total amount is tax-deductible). In addition to Moore’s appearance, guests will enjoy a live performance from WBTT’s singers and band, with tunes from Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway and others, as they are “dropped off in Harlem” for a night to remember while supporting WBTT. During the event, longtime supporter and immediate past Board of Trustees Chair Marian Moss will be recognized as WBTT’s Heart & Soul Philanthropy honoree. Dinner will be catered by Michael’s On East.
Pictured: Melba Moore
Williams Parker announced that Samantha Zappola is the winner of its 2021 holiday card design contest with Ringling College of Art and Design. This was the fourth year the law firm partnered with Ringling College to seek student design submissions for its holiday card. The firm received numerous worthy submissions, and the winner was provided with a cash award to assist with school-related expenses.
Samantha (Sam) Zappola, originally from Hightstown, New Jersey, is an illustration junior at Ringling College of Art and Design. Sam likes to paint en plein air and listen to music. You can find her work on Instagram @zapplemyapples.
Photo courtesy of Williams Parker
The 5th Annual Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival returns to the Siesta Key Pavilion with fresh seafood and live music on Friday, December 3 from noon - 9 pm; Saturday, December 4 from 11 am to 9 pm and Sunday, 11 am - 6 pm. The event will offer a variety of seafood cooked fresh on site by local restaurants and food purveyors. Seafood dishes are prepared using only the freshest local and sustainable ocean resources from the Florida Gulf Coast. Meat lovers and vegetarians can select from a diverse menu of meats, vegetarian offerings, side dishes and desserts. Alcoholic, non-alcoholic and fruit drinks will also be available. On the breaks between performances enjoy shopping in a marketplace of fine arts, crafts, and select fine products and food items. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit paragonartevents.com
On November 10, 2021, Fifth Third Bank opened their brand new office of Bayshore Gardens at 5942 14th Street West in Bradenton. The office is the new modern and sleek look Fifth Third banking is bringing to all the new locations in Sarasota and Bradenton. Many local business, clients, organizations and employees came out for the festive ribbon cutting ceremony. The Bayshore High School band provided great music and had the crowd dancing to the beat. Bayshore Nutrition offered healthy drink options, Skyway Classics showed some beautiful collector cars, cookies were offered by BiteMe Cookies and lunch was catered by Chick-Fil-A.
SRQ Magazine, The United Way, Step Up Suncoast, The Manatee Chamber of Commerce and Board of County Commissioners were among the many attendees. It was a very great way to celebrate the new location as well as marking the 30th Anniversary of Fifth Third operating in Florida.
Registration is now open for Winter Break camp at Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere Street, for children ages 6-12. City of Sarasota Parks and Recreation staff will lead a variety of fun activities for the kids, including winter arts and crafts projects, recreation in the gym, games, sports and more. Two sessions are available: Dec. 27-31: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily and Jan. 3-7: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Space is limited to 20 children for each session, so families are encouraged to sign up early. Registration is $100 per camper per session. Campers are asked to bring a snack and lunch daily. The deadline to register is Monday, Dec. 20.
About Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex: Conveniently located less than two miles from downtown Sarasota, Arlington Park is located on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Owned and operated by the City of Sarasota, the facility offers a 50-meter lap pool, 25-yard instructional pool, outdoor and indoor basketball courts, tennis courts, playground, outdoor fitness gym, one-half mile walking trail as well as a dog park.
On November 12, 2021, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) received a renewal of the Airport Health Accreditation Certificate from the Director General of Airports Council International World (ACI). “Receiving ACI’s Airport Health Accreditation validates our commitment to providing passengers with a clean and safe traveling environment when using SRQ. Since the start of the pandemic, we have worked with our tenants and the TSA to implement multiple layers of cleaning and safety measures," stated Rick Piccolo, President, CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. "We upgraded our restrooms to a fully touchless experience. We implemented numerous measures throughout the terminal including plastic shields at all customer service counters, touchless hand sanitizer stations, and courtesy thermal temperature scanners. We doubled the size of our janitorial workforce and implemented strict cleaning protocols. You also see employees, tenants, and passengers wearing protective face coverings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 per TSA guidelines. We understand the importance and necessity of these measures and plan to continue dedicating funds and resources toward these efforts even after the pandemic has receded."
Moonlight & Melodies Dinner Series is a new dining experience for opera lovers. This year Sarasota Opera welcomes our community into the Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt Courtyard for an immersive themed dinner series that highlights composers from the season. As we come together to share our awe for the exquisite art these composers created, enjoy curated cocktails and food prepared by the best of Sarasota’s chefs in a setting that will transport you to a different location each evening. Make your reservations now so you won’t miss out on this exciting and new event. Moonlight & Melodies Dinner #1 will take place on Monday, November 1 at 6pm and Moonlight & Melodies Dinner #2 will take place on Monday, February 21 at 6pm.
At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen by Terry Guest Directed by Damian Lockhart will run from October 29 to December 5, 2021. In rural Georgia, drag star Courtney Berringers (given name: Anthony Knighton) would like to welcome you to her wake. She has recently died from complications due to AIDS, you see. But make no mistake, this isn’t your grandma’s funeral. There will be no black frocks, no perfumed flowers, and definitely no crying. Tonight is a celebration.
Selby is offering special early hours access to our Tropical Conservatory during the Annual Orchid Show. This special opportunity permits photographers with advance registration to use tripods to capture images of hundreds of rare orchids and other endangered tropical plants. Open to all ages/experience levels. Early registration is recommended, as space fills up fast. Drop-ins are encouraged, but are limited to a first-come, first-served basis. Drop-in fee is $20. Payments can be made with cash, cheque, or card. Orchid Show Tripod Tuesdays will take place on Tuesdays from 9am to 10am. Class fee per session: $20. Class Size: 20 Students.
FST Improv Presents Out of Bounds Playing Every Saturday Beginning October 2 at 7:30pm. Out of Bounds is the heart of the FST Improv Winter Season. Eight teams comprised of our top improvisers will be competing for your attention, love, and points! The show is a fast-paced, no holds barred improv show featuring five of the best improv comedians of the Suncoast for a night of games, scenes, and skillful storytelling. No rules. No boundaries. Just spectacular comedy and incredible improvisation.
A new series focusing on topics like history and architecture, and how they relate to the museum. A catered, two-course lunch will follow. Fresh Perspective Lunch #1 on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 11:30am in Thomas McGuire Hall at Sarasota Art Museum, Featured Speaker to be announced soon. Fresh Perspective Lunch #2 on Tuesday, February 8, 2021 at 11:30am in Thomas McGuire Hall at Sarasota Art Museum, Featured Speaker to be announced soon. Individual Tickets: $125/person, Member Price: $75/person, Contact Laura Stuart Wood at lwood1@ringling.educreate new email or 941-309-4321.
Dancer/choreographer Rhodnie Désir journeyed to Haiti, U.S.A., Brazil, Martinique, Canada, and Mexico to expand her knowledge of her own ancestors as well as other peoples of the African diaspora. As part of her research, she explored the dances and rhythms that enslaved people produced, understanding these dances as a means of surviving enslavement, evading cultural genocide, and cultivating strategies that would lead to liberty and emancipation. Désir’s video installation and inaugural exhibition Conversations investigates how these dances continue to thrive, evolve, and transform the world today, running from November 14, 2021 through February 6, 2022. At the heart of the exhibition are conversations: those that helped Désir commemorate and spotlight Black culture from a rich understanding of the past and those that still need to take place in order to distribute and circulate that knowledge. Examining the practice of dance among enslaved people and their descendants, Désir sees movement as a tactic of survival. In her video work, Désir documents her journey along with the many encounters she had with the people she deems “memory keepers.”
Fifth Third Bank is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast for its annual Giving Tree Toy Drive campaign. The Giving Tree Toy Drive program will begin on November 8, 2021 and end on December 3, 2021. Each Fifth Third financial center will host a “Giving Tree” decorated with gift tags with specific information that pertains to the need of a child in the community. We encourage you to visit any local Fifth Third Bank financial center in South Florida during the month of November to pick up your gift tag. Your donation of a gift or gift card will help make a difference and ensure a brighter holiday season for the underserved youth in our community. All donations can be dropped off at any local Fifth Third Bank in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Broward and Palm Beach. To find the nearest location, visit 53.com.
“Birking” at the Celery Fields will take place every week on Wednesday, repeating until November 24, 2021 from 8am to 10am at the Celery Fields, 6893 Palmer Blvd. Birking (biking and birding) at the Celery Fields. Meet at the Nature Center. Bring your own bike and binoculars. We will bike about a 4-mile loop around the Celery Fields, stopping to bird along the way. Email Kathryn Young or phone (612-760-1771).
The comedy team of Compton and Bennett are off their walkers again in this hysterical sequel to the runaway hit about the nursing home and beyond. Christmas, Hanukkah, and retirement will never be the same. Assisted Living the Musical® THE HOME...for the Holidays with Music, Lyrics & Book by Rick Compton and Betsy Bennett will show from November 19 to December 19 at the Venice Theatre.
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE lights up the stage in this dazzling family spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the family! As lights dim and music plays, a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life presenting an elaborate wonderland, invoking the stories behind a child’s eye as they dream on the most magical of nights. Ballerinas, nutcrackers, snowmen, reindeer, ethereal aerialists, gingerbread people and colossal ornaments fly, juggle and stretch imaginations. This show will take place on Monday, November 29 at 7:30pm.
Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is hosting its fifth annual holiday toy drive benefitting the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem program. There are currently more than 1,300 children from throughout Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect and as such, appointed a Guardian ad Litem. Because the children range in age from newborn to 18 years old with varying personal needs, the sheriff’s office has chosen to focus the holiday initiative solely on toys and gift cards. Citizens are asked to refrain from donating clothing or stuffed animals and to make sure all donations are new and unwrapped. The initiative begins Wednesday, December 1 and continues until Sunday, December 12. Citizens can deliver donations to the agency’s headquarters located at 6010 Cattleridge Boulevard, Sarasota, every day between 7am and 7pm. The initiative launched in 2017 when the agency moved into its new headquarters facility on Cattleridge Boulevard in Sarasota. To date, with help from agency members, residents, local businesses and organizations, the sheriff’s office has donated more than 7,000 gifts including $20,000 in gift cards to the Guardian ad Litem program. Thanks to a partnership with the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Public Safety Department, public safety personnel are once again generously donating a holiday tree which will serve as the collection site for the toy drive. The tree will be delivered to the sheriff’s office headquarters on Monday, November 29 at 11am.
Join The Florida Center for Early Childhood for the 34th Annual Winter Gala, Lighting the Way For A Brighter Tomorrow. It will take place on Friday, December 3 at Michael's on East. In-person event at Michael's on East with virtual options. Silent Auction opens to the public on Black Friday, November 26. Celebrate luminaries. Recognize people who have been lights in your life and help local children and families with a $25 donation.
Start your countdown—the holiday season is upon us. That’s why Fresh Fridays wants to give you a reason to Shop, Stroll and Sing! in celebration of the holiday spirit. After visiting your favorite downtown store for some special holiday shopping, we hope you’ll join us again for the second Fresh Fridays event on Lemon Avenue and State Street from 8pm to 11pm. Join in with your friends for a special holiday karaoke on our main stage, enjoy a sampling of sweet treats from local restaurants and bakeshops, and even a possible forecast of snow. Whatever your holiday tradition, we hope to see you on Friday, December 3rd at the freshest event of the holiday season. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and information in the weeks ahead.
Tim Grimm is a bit of a Rennaisance man in the performing arts world. He has for the past 20 years, blended his love for songwriting, travel, and the storytelling of acting (theatre, film and television). His most recent recording- GONE, was released in March 2021 and debuted at #1 Folk album for the month. It’s title song was released as a single in October, ’20 and ended up the #1 most played song on Folk radio for the year. Opening the show: Carmela Pedicini and David Brain (from Passerine) will open the show with a short set. This performance will take place on Sunday, December 5 at 7pm.
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) is celebrating the holiday season with its annual Holiday Luncheon. The luncheon will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 beginning at 11am. The location is Michael’s on East, 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Get in the spirit of the season and help spread good cheer. Guests will enjoy a delicious lunch, entertainment by the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and much, much more. Bring unwrapped toys, gifts and gift cards for kids, teens and moms; purchase bake sale goodies from Sarasota’s most notable bakers and outstanding one-of-a-kind holiday decorations while helping the survivors and children SPARCC serves. Andrea Andrus and Maggie Shaw chair this year’s Holiday Luncheon. In the 2020 - 2021 fiscal year, SPARCC provided advocacy services and crisis counseling services to 1,280 individuals; offered a safe shelter to 126 adults, 99 children and 16 pets; responded to more than 4,436 Helpline Crisis calls; and provided legal services for injunction for protection to 256 individuals. To learn more or RSVP, please visit sparcc.net/events or call 941-365-0208 ext. 110.
This smash Off-Broadway hit takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy: four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” In Act II, the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their ten-year reunion. We learn about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and are charmed to find that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together. Single tickets available Sept. 1, 2021 ($26.50 preview/ $29.50 single/ $14 student). Subscriptions are available now. The show dates are Dec. 8-11, 14-18 at 7:30pm and Dec. 12, 18-19 at 2pm.
The SRQ Philanthropic Agenda and Good Hero Awards luncheon and panel discussion on Thursday, December 9, 2021 with a 11am registration and 11:30-1:15pm program at The Hyatt Regency will explore the dynamic and ever changing world of non-profits. What's trending, who's innovating, why are donor-advised funds growing so rapidly and what exactly are donors looking for? The luncheon will culminate with the SRQ Good Hero Philanthropic Awards program at which we will honor individuals who have meaningfully impacted our community for good in the past year and for-profit companies who have been incredible philanthropic partners to the community. The event will feature Keynote Speaker Mark Brewer, President and CEO of the Central Florida Foundation. Featured panelists include the Executive Director of the Manatee Community Foundation Susie Bowie, the Executive Director of the Bishop Parker Foundation Adell Erozer, Senior Community Investment Officer of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation Jennifer Johnston and the Vice President of Knowledge and Equity of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County Ranata Reeder. We invite the community to nominate individuals who have made a significant impact to realize the mission of local nonprofit organizations— from volunteers and board members to individual staff members and donors. We will recognize our annual Good Hero Philanthropic Award recipients, who are ambassadors of the incredible giving back spirit in the region, at the SB2: Philanthropic Agenda Luncheon and Good Hero Philanthropic Awards Luncheon. In honor of the late Steve Seidensticker of Tableseide and its group of local restaurants, the Good Hero Corporate Titan Award recognizes a for-profit organization who has made significant and lasting contributionts to the regional philanthropic community.
WORLD PREMIERE. When eight strangers receive an invitation to the America in One Room convention, nobody knows what will happen. However, as each attendee files into the aptly titled Liberty Room, their insecurities, strengths, and beliefs are soon on full display. As everyone is convinced they are right—sparks fly, tempers flare, and humor abounds. Can these eight people find a way to bridge the divide? Inspired by the real-life convention of the same name, America in One Room dissects recent headlines and our nation’s past to answer the question: what does it mean to be an American? America in One Room by Jason Odell Wiliams will play beginning December 8, 2021 through February 27, 2022 in FST's Keating Theatre.
SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email |
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