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SRQ DAILY Jul 18, 2023

Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

"Ever since we opened our doors, the neighborhood and locals have been really supportive."

- Jessica Simmons, Owner of The Reserve Retreat
 

[The Dish]  Homemade Hospitality at The Reserve Retreat
Laura Paquette, laura.paquette@srqme.com

Nothing gets the morning off to a positive start like a steaming cup of coffee and a scratch-made omelet. At The Reserve Retreat, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in a cozy and welcoming historic setting complete with a boutique hotel.

John Ringling owned the three buildings that comprise The Reserve Retreat and relocated two of them to their current location on Tamiami Trail in the 1920s. He added the third building as an expansion of his circus property. The location’s rich history drew Owner Jessica Simmons to open her business there in 2017. Jessica and her wife Sarah Simmons, also the General Manager, dedicate themselves to creating a warm atmosphere for all guests, whether they’re staying in the hotel or just stopping by for a cup of coffee. According to Sarah, 95 percent of the menu is homemade, and no matter what meal diners choose, they’re sure to find something to suit their tastes. “The lox and bagel is one of our most popular sellers, and Jesus, our day chef, makes the best omelet in town,” she adds, noting that the Denver Omlette, with ham, bell peppers, onion, tomato, mushrooms, broccoli and cheddar cheese is a crowd favorite. The restaurant has an convenient pick two half sandwich and soup or salad lunch combination ideal for anyone on the go. Stop by during the hot summer days for Jesus’s Garden Veggie Gazpacho. On the weekends, savor brunch favorites, and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, stop by for a divine dinner courtesy of Chef Richard, whose Crab Bisque is a best seller even during the sweltering summertime.

From the coffee shop, delight in a cup of locally roasted Java Dawg coffee. The Reserve Retreat offers a plethora of flavors, and non-coffee drinkers can sip on loose leaf tea as well. The establishment also boasts a wine and craft beer bar, with an extensive selection curated by Jessica. On the third Thursday of every month, Jessica hosts a tasting and talk, where she imparts her wine wisdom onto guests who sample a selection of six varieties revolving around a certain theme. Aside from scheduled events like live music, the unique space caters towards private events such as weddings and parties.

As a place where hotel guests and restaurant patrons mingle together in a comfortable setting, dining at The Reserve Retreat is like having a meal at the home of a close friend or relative. “Both the customers and employees consider it to be a family business and feel that they are part of the family,” says Jessica, “and ever since we opened our doors, the neighborhood and locals have been really supportive.”

The Reserve Retreat, 1322 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, thereserveretreat.com. 

Pictured: Locally roasted coffed from Java Dawg and breakfast goodies abound at The Reserve Retreat. Photo Courtesy of The Reserve Retreat.

[The Dish]  Daiquiri Deck Offers Free Daiquiris for a Year During National Daiquiri Day

Daiquiri Deck, an iconic bar and casual restaurant that delivers a quality experience, great times, good vibes and the best frozen daiquiris around, is celebrating National Daiquiri Day at its five locations on Wednesday, July 19 with specials and multiple giveaways, including the opportunity for five patrons to win free daiquiris for a year. From open to close on National Daiquiri Day, customers at any of the five Daiquiri Deck locations can enjoy one free 10-ounce daiquiri or virgin daiquiri with any purchase. Live entertainment will also take place from 4 to 8 p.m. The iconic bar and casual restaurant will also offer a number of giveaways. Patrons can enter via an online form for the chance to win a variety of prizes, including: Five grand prize winners (1 winner per location) will win free daiquiris for a year. Five second place winners (1 winner per location) will win a gift basket that contains a shirt, $50 gift card and tumbler. Five third place winners (1 winner per location) will win a $50 gift card. Five fourth place winners (1 winner per location) will win a stainless-steel tumbler. Five fifth place winners (1 winner per location) will win a commemorative National Daiquiri Day t-shirt. Daiquiri Deck’s legendary happy hour will still be available on National Daiquiri Day. From 3 to 7 p.m., guests can receive half-price 16-ounce souvenir cup daiquiris, $1 off well drinks, wines and drafts, and specials on small portions of appetizers. 

Photo courtesy of Daiquiri Deck.

[The Dish]  Mattison's Riverwalk Grille Hosts July Live Blues Brunch Featuring the Ron Kraemer Trio

Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille is excited to announce their July Live Blues Brunch featuring The Ron Kraemer Trio. Every 4 th Sunday of the month, Mattison’s features live blues from local, national, and even international blues musicians at the chef owned and operated, award-winning restaurant on the beautiful Bradenton Riverwalk. Ron Kraemer is not new to the blues scene, but the trio formed in 2019, and forged during the pandemic. The crew consists of Ron Kraemer on guitar and vocals, with Michael Finley on brushes and JP Coley joining the group on upright bass for the Sunday Brunch performance. They were fortunate to be based in Sarasota where a number of outdoor venues remainedopened during Covid but were looking for smaller groups. While many bands across the country (and world) spent two years doing only online shows at best, the boys worked steady and grinded out over 200 gigs. Special guest Detroit Mike Hepner rounds out the Mattison's Brunch lineup and adds the perfect complement of B-3 organ to the mix. Brunch is served 11-3 with music from 11-2. The brunch menu includes Shakshuka, a traditional Israeli dish, a Smoke House omelet with cherry smoked bacon lardons and house made Stuffed French Toast with strawberry preserve, cream cheese filling, fresh berries served with warm syrup and cinnamon whipped cream. Signature Bloody Mary’s and bottomless Mimosas are a great way to start your Sunday! Reservations are encouraged but not required. Call 941-896-9660 for reservations or for more information. 

To learn more, visit

[The Dish]  Christmas in July at The Bazaar

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, even in July! Come celebrate with The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime on July 20th - July 22nd at our Christmas in July event, complete with festive decorations, holiday music, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself! The Bazaar is home to 40 local creators and curators and everyone will be offering amazing deals and discounts to make your holiday shopping fun and easy! On Saturday, Hamlet’s Eatery will be serving up a delicious breakfast fit for the jolliest of elves. Enjoy fluffy chocolate chip pancakes, crispy bacon, and you can even decorate your own Gingerbread cookie. The real star of the show is Santa, who will be stopping by Saturday from 11am-1pm to hear all your holiday wishes and have some chocolate chip pancakes from Hamlet’s Eatery. Bring your wish list and your best smile for a photo with the man in red. So mark your calendars for July 20-22 and join us for some festive fun. Feel free to dress in your holiday attire, you know we will! We can't wait to celebrate with you! The Bazaar and Hamlet’s Eatery is located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information visit www.bazaaronapricotandlime.com or call 941-445-1938. 

[Festival]  Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival

Online advance tickets and parking passes are now available for purchase for the 13th Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic to be held November 10-13, 2023 on Siesta Beach. Volunteer, sponsorship, vendor and amateur sand sculpting contest opportunities are also available. This four-day festival features twenty-four master sand sculptors competing for top prizes in solo and duo categories. Their masterpieces transform the always beautiful Siesta Beach into an amazing outdoor art gallery. And it’s more than just sand...the festival also features live music throughout the event along with a large variety of 80+ shopping and food and drink vendors. Free filtered water stations are provided by Sarasota County. Official Crystal Classic merchandise will also be available. Other activities include the popular three-day “Quick Sand” competition, sand sculpting lessons, an amateur sculpting competition, a children’s play area and people’s choice voting. The festival will be open 10 am to 5 pm daily with extended hours Saturday night until 9 pm with live music, food court, party tent, and a special display of lighted sculptures. The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is presented by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. The event mission is to promote tourism, local businesses and the visual arts via the production of one of the most unique sculpture festivals held in the world on the #1 beach in the U.S. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Scholarship Fund for Ringling College of Art + Design. The Siesta Key Chamber proudly acknowledges generous support from Publix (Platinum Plus Sponsor) and Siesta Key Beach Resort & Suites (Artist Lodging Sponsor). For more information about Siesta Key Crystal Classic visit www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com or contact the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce at 941-349-3800 or events@siestakeychamber.com. For video, please visit the Siesta Key Crystal Classic YouTube channel. 

To learn more, visit

[Event]  Wellness Pop-Up Event

Yummy & Trendy®, an active lifestyle brand designed for you to Wear it. Feel it. Love it. ®, will celebrate its 6th anniversary of the brand at their wellness pop-up event presented by InterMedia Productions. Shop premium activewear, sweat, stretch, snack, sip and make new friends. The brand has partnered with local companies in Sarasota, Florida for a fun day of wellness activations. For one day, attendees will shop premium activewear at an exclusive discount (up to 80% off) for leggings and sports bras starting at $10. The first 50 guests will receive a VIP gift bag of goodies from Yummy & Trendy®, Intrepid Salon, Lolablue Living and more. Start with a delicious cold brew, espresso or latte from Reform Coffee, a refreshing organic coconut water from Surfing Coconut or a premium raw kombucha brewed with organic ingredients from Flobucha. Enjoy eats from Fitlife Foods, acai bowls from Siesta Sea Moss; Juices and samplings of wellness products from the Vitamin Shoppe. Experience fitness classes from barre 3, Hot Yoga for You and Zumba with Yael; highlighted and mixed by the one and only DJ Truth. There will also be fitness assessments by Hygeia Spa & Fitness toinclude protein shake samplings from Juice Plus and body stretches with a flexologist from Stretch Lab and cyrotherapy from CryoXL. “We are excited and look forward to celebrating six wonderful years in business while partnering with our local vendors and community,” said the Founder of Yummy & Trendy®.” Sarasota we are bringing you a premier wellness experience and luxury activewear event! Follow us on social media to keep up with the latest: Instagram: @yummyandtrendy; Facebook: @yummyandtrendy, #WearitFeelitLoveit.

Saturday, August 19, 2023 | 10 am – 2 pm. InterMedia Productions, 901 Ponder Avenue, Sarasota. 

To learn more, visit

[Grants]  Hermitage Artist Retreat Receives Regional and National Grants to Support Artist Programs and Community Initiatives

The Hermitage Artist Retreat announced receipt of several significant grants that will support the Hermitage’s mission and community programming. The Hermitage offers one-of-a-kind artistic programming with a focus on community impact, education, and social justice. The Hermitage provides artists the opportunity to create bold new works of art across all artistic disciplines. These extraordinary talents give back to the community by presenting their works in progress to audiences throughout our region before they go on to national and international acclaim. The Hermitage welcomes nearly 100 of the world’s leading artists to Sarasota County each year. Their free community programming now includes over 50 events annually at locations throughout the Gulf Coast region. Support from these organizations allow the Hermitage to continue to support artists and community initiatives.  

To learn more, visit



[Forage]  Splash of Color
Andrew Fabian, andrew.fabian@srqme.com

SPLASH OF COLOR | Tzeva's eclectic Mediterranean menu reimagines hotel dining, July/August 2023. 

Read Here!

[SOON]  : Dooryard Citrus Workshop , July 18, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Have you heard of the Sugar Belle mandarin hybrid variety? This small fruit might make a big impact. Citrus greening disease was first found in Florida in 2005 and has disrupted our citrus industry ever since, reducing production by 75 percent according to USDA APHIS. While there is no known cure for citrus greening, University of Florida researchers have created a variety that is greening-tolerant, the Sugar Belle. It is a hybrid of Sweet Clementine and Minneola varieties, has a sweet and tangy flavor, and is easy to peel In studying what makes Sugar Belles less affected by greening, UF researchers are hoping to develop other tolerant cultivars which could significantly improve our citrus industry in Florida. Join UF IFAS Extension Manatee County for a Dooryard Citrus Workshop and learn about residential citrus selection, planting, and care. Sugar Belles and Tree Defender will be available for purchase. Register here: https://bit.ly/3OVRKBe.

[SOON]  FOOD: SIN Nights at Geckos on Hillview , May 12 – August 31, 10 pm to midnight

Enjoy SIN Nights for Geckos Hospitality and Service Industry Colleagues. Join Geckos on Hillview Street in Southside Village and let us serve you late at night after your shift on Friday and Saturday nights. We will keep the light on late for you and offer Geckos food and drink specials just for you from 10-Midnight. Come in wearing your uniform or bring in your schedule and enjoy the camaraderie of friends at Geckos on Hillview. 1900 Hillview Street, Sarasota, www.GeckosGrill.com.

[SOON]  THEATER: Divas Three , July 11 – September 17, Various times

Florida Studio Theatre presents Divas Three, a dynamic music revue featuring four decades of hits by some of the most influential women of music. With songs made famous by Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Carole King, and more, this original revue pays tribute to the artists whose musical impact has earned them the coveted title of diva. Created by Nancy Allen Productions, Divas Three begins playing on July 11 in the FST Court Cabaret. Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000. Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 1st St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: 55 Frida Project , June 18 – August 18, Various times

Maverick, Mexican painter Frida Kahlo painted 55 self-portraits in her short and tragic life. View the commemorative exhibit by artist Beck Lane of her work at UUCS Lexow Wing Gallery, her artwork merges extraordinary creative vision and innovative technique and has been collected and shown in pop-up galleries, solo shows, galleries, and private collections in Boston, California, New York City, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Miami, Brussels, Switzerland, South America, and Israel. On her YouTube Channel, Catalyst and Co., Beck records herself painting live, while offering encouragement to fellow artists, and sharing her experiences as an artist and her painting process and techniques. These mixed medium works pulsate with powerful, vibrant energy, fluid color and rare style. On Sunday, July 16, Lane will be painting live from 12-2 pm at the Lexow Gallery. UUCS Lexow Wing Gallery, 3975 Fruitville Rd., www.uucsarasota.com, www.becklaneartist.com.

[SOON]  THEATER: Black Pearl Sings , June 28 – August 6, Various times

In 1935 Depression-era Texas, two women from very different backgrounds discover the other holds the key to everything they have each been searching for. Susannah is an ambitious Library of Congress musicologist, determined to record undocumented slave songs. Pearl is an African American woman with a soulful voice, a steely spirit, and a sentence in a high-security female prison. Pearls memory is a treasure-trove of unrecorded slave era music, but can she hand over her ancestors’ songs without giving up something of herself? Black Pearl Sings tells the evocative story of an unlikely bond, preservation of musical heritage, and the human need for hope and healing. Florida Studio Theatre, Keating Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, floridastudiotheatre.org.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Creative Collaboration , July 1 – July 28, Various times

The newest artists at Art Uptown Gallery will be featured in the July exhibit, Creative Collaboration, showcasing their original paintings. Meet the artists, Donna Grossman, Christine Hales, Debbie Kadagian, Maureen Riesco and Kathryn Adele Schumacher at the First Friday public reception on July 7 from 6-9 p.m. All five award-winning artists are local, full-time residents of Sarasota. The exhibit opens on Saturday, July 1 and runs through Friday, July 28. Art Uptown Gallery welcomes patrons and friends at 1367 Main Street where the diverse work of regional award-winning artists is exhibited. Telephone 941-955-5409 or visit www.artuptown.com for hours and further information.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Summer Circus Spectacular , June 9 – August 12, Various times

Circus fans of all ages, from near and far, can beat the heat this summer at reasonable prices while experiencing the best of the circus arts, thanks to the continued partnership of The Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. The Summer Circus Spectacular returns this year, with exciting acts signed on for the one-hour, action-packed show. The 2023 Summer Circus Spectacular, which has become a seasonal highlight for locals, visitors, families and groups alike, takes place from June 9 through August 12. Tickets are $20 for adults, $13 for children 12 and under, and tickets for the 7 p.m. opening night performance and celebration on Friday, June 9, which includes a gala reception with the artists, are $50. To complete their circus experience, Summer Circus Spectacular patrons can enjoy access to the Circus Museum on the day they attend a show for an additional $5. Visit Ringling.org or call the Box Office at 941-360-7399 to purchase tickets and learn more. The Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Identity, Exploring the Human Condition , June 1 – August 5, Gallery hours

The 2023 exhibition season continues with Identity, Exploring the Human Condition, which highlights the diverse talents of artists from across the southeast region of the United States and will be on display in all four gallery spaces. On view from June 1-August 5, the opening reception is Thursday, June 1, 6-8 p.m. The juror is Christy Paris, an art professor and PhD candidate in the College of Education at the University of South Florida. A Juror’s Critique, with Paris, will take place on Tuesday, June 6. Art Center Sarasota is located at 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For information, visit www.artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Lake Club of Lakewood Ranch Art Exhibition , May 8 – July 31, 9 am-5 pm
ComCenter Lakewood Ranch hosts local art groups to exhibit in the main lobby area of the building. The exhibits are open to the public to view Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, and the majority of the art is for sale. The artists are usually treated to a welcome reception by ComCenter as well. The exhibits continually change about every four to six months so there is always something new to see and our ComCenter clients and their clients enjoy the ever-changing exhibits. The next group, The Lake Club of Lakewood Ranch, will be exhibiting for the first time at ComCenter from May 8 through July 31. ComCenter Lakewood Ranch, 9040 Town Center Pkwy, Lakewood Ranch, comcenters.net.

SRQ Media Group

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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