SRQ DAILY Aug 8, 2023
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"The Wood Fire Food premise is to create an experiential atmosphere where the table is the anchor and the conversation created by it is fueled by the local artisans and produce in the area."
Wood Fire Food, an experiential catering and event enterprise, has arrived in sunny Florida. Wood Fire Food sources locally-grown, farm-to-table ingredients cooked outdoors over a live, open fire. The company has hosted elegant events in picturesque settings like wide, open fields, and its foray into Florida celebrates the bounties found on the Gulf Coast.
Guests can book a Wood Fire Food experience for weddings, parties and other private and corporate events in any part of the state of Florida. Co-Owner and Creative Director Daniel Sabia and his culinary team mingle with attendees, sharing stories about the food’s origins and preparation. Because the great outdoors is his kitchen, guests are able to watch as their meals are prepared by hand. “Wood Fire Food’s premise is to create an experiential atmosphere where the table is the anchor and the conversation created by it is fueled by the local artisans and produce in the area,” Sabia says. In his cooking, Sabia, who grew up in a family that prioritized time spent together around the table, combines his experience in Michelin-starred restaurants and other fine dining establishments to create a warm atmosphere that unites those gathered together.
Sabia’s dishes are at once inspiring and inventive. “We source everything from a 10-15 mile radius of where we are,” he adds. “We also like to tie in the story of the guests or clients that we’re working with to create the menus for them.” For the inaugural dinner held at The Fox Mercantile on July 28, Sabia drew upon Floridian and southern staples like the main course of ember roasted red snapper with leek escabeche, achiote and orange. The meal was served family-style, encouraging conversation and interactions from every corner of the table. For dessert, he combined iced peaches, sheep’s milk cream and fried cornbread, playing with beloved southern eats and transforming them into a delicious final bite of the meal. Such attention to detail resonated with guests and added another dimension to the evening.
Sabia is especially excited to work with fresh citrus and seafood products from Florida and transform them into something special. “We’re not setting banquet ballrooms,” he says, “but we are setting a table in the middle of an open field and using nature as the backdrop.”
To learn more or book Wood Fire Food, visit woodfirefoodco.com. 
Pictured: Charred corn, pickled snow crab, nectarine, green onion, heirlooms, europa and aioli from Wood Fire Food. Photo by Megan Mitchell.
Chart House invites wine aficionados to the Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner on Thursday, August 24, beginning at 7 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to sip and savor an exquisite collection of wine, paired perfectly with a four-course dinner prepared by the executive chef, while learning from Duckhorn Vineyards representatives. Menu: First Course- Fire Charred Shrimp – avocado blini, roasted corn relish, mild roasted beurre blanc, Duck Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast. Second Course- King Salmon – heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn succotash, Decoy Limited Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast. Third Course - Short Loin Noisette – roasted tomato + onion marmalade, potato fondant, Migration Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast. Fourth Course- Braised Short Rib– gnocchi, asparagus, spinach, shiitake mushrooms, red blend jus, tomato relish, Decoy Limited Merlot, Alexander Valley. Dessert - Flourless Chocolate Torte- blackberry coulis, Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain. Tickets cost $135 per person, tax and gratuity included.
The 2024 Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival, hosted by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, will take place January 25-29. Grand Tasting tickets go on sale in October. A full five-day slate of food-and-wine themed fun is planned, including the always-popular University Master Classes (January 27), a bountiful selection of wine dinners at area restaurants (January 25-28), oodles of wine shop tasting events (January 25-27), a trade tasting (January 29) and the much-anticipated Grand Tasting at The Ringling Museum of Art (January 28). Forks & Corks’ most sought-after event is the Grand Tasting which will take place on Sunday in the historic courtyard of The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. Guests will savor delicious dishes presented by over 50 Members of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, while sampling from a collection of more than 300 unique wines from around the world. There will be live, local musical entertainment, and a wine shop is also available, where patrons can purchase the various wines, making Forks & Corks one of only a few festivals in the Southeast to provide the opportunity to purchase their favorite wines onsite during the event. Due to the unprecedented demand for tickets, ticket sales for The Grand Tasting launch on two consecutive Tuesdays: On October 10 at 9 a.m. there is a pre-sale of the VIP and Early Access tickets. VIP ticket holders ($450+ each) receive a variety of perks including a $150 wine voucher for the onsite wine shop and complimentary valet parking, as well as entry into the Forks & Corks VIP Tent presented by The Scout Guide Sarasota with covered seating, and exclusive VIP tastings and engaging demonstrations. Early Access tickets ($350+ each) include a $50 wine voucher. Both VIP and Early Access Ticket holders will enjoy expedited early access to the Forks & Corks wine shop with a Champagne Reception as well as early event entrance into the Grand Tasting in the Ringling Courtyard. On October 17 at 7 p.m. General Admission tickets ($175+ each) will be available and historically have sold out in a matter of minutes. All Forks & Corks Grand Tasting tickets are available online only at this address: https://forks-corks.squadup.com/. The Online Food and Wine Auction will include a tempting collection of lots featuring rare and exquisite wines, travel, and one-of-a-kind dining and party experiences. The Auction opens for bidding on Monday, January 22 at 8am and ending on Sunday, January 28 at 3pm.
Join us on Tuesday, August 15 for dinner, and classic songs of the "crooners," including the late Tony Bennett. Professional singer Andy Marsano, a Tampa transplant from New York, will be singing all the great jazz and pop songs that made the icon famous before his death on July 21, 2023. Let's celebrate his music, and share memories. The mike will also be open for those who might want to sing with Andy (or solo). For them, we'll give a lot of applause! A full menu is offered, but the Savor Sarasota Menu promotion is on a 3-course meal for $40.00 per person. Seating is limited, so please make reservations soon by calling (941)383-1111.
Amore Restaurant, 180 N. Lime Ave , Sarasota, www.amorelbk.com, 941-383-1111.
Wellen Park is hosting its first Wedding Expo at Solis Hall, the region’s newest waterfront venue for weddings, community celebrations, business meetings, milestones and just-because events, in Downtown Wellen on Saturday, Sept. 16. The Wedding Expo will feature more than 20 local vendors in the wedding industry to help couples plan their big day. Interested guests can register to attend one of two sessions taking place 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased online in advance at wellenpark.com/events. Attendance is limited to 80 people per session. The Wedding Expo will give those soon-to-be-married a chance to mix and mingle with a curated selection of local wedding industry vendors, including photographers, videographers, musicians, florists, decor rentals, wedding planners, bridal boutiques, men’s wedding attire, bakeries, hair and make-up artists, calligraphy and stationary providers, and more. Guests will have the opportunity to explore Solis Hall’s indoor and outdoor venue spaces, while sampling passed hors d’oeuvres from The Banyan House, Downtown Wellen’s flagship waterfront restaurant and exclusive Solis Hall caterer. Throughout the expo, attendees will have an opportunity to receive special giveaways and exclusive discounts. By attending the Wedding Expo, guests will receive automatic entry into a raffle drawing for various prizes. Now available for rent, Solis Hall is nestled along downtown’s 80-acre Grand Lake. The 4,400-square-foot event venue features soaring 25-foot ceilings, an outdoor stage overlooking the Great Lawn, and more than 4,000 square feet of outdoor gathering areas, porches and patios along the water. Solis Hall was inspired by New Urbanism town halls in Florida. Its exterior has a gable roof, sloping walls and an all-glass entry beneath an arbor. Most of Solis Hall’s interior space is dedicated to a main hall, illuminated by expanses of windows and glass doors visually and physically opening to lakefront outdoor areas. As a multifunctional venue, Solis Hall and neighboring alfresco spaces can be booked individually or together. The adjoining Canopy Green, an enchanting and romantic lakefront destination, offers seating under relocated live oak trees. The green is tucked between Solis Hall and The Banyan House. The restaurant provides the convenience of on-site food and cocktail preparation, an extensive menu of elegant catering options for events of all sizes, a large lakefront bar and outdoor patios. For information and to submit a rental inquiry for Solis Hall, visit wellenpark.com/venues.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios and Gallery, based on a foundation of artists helping artists, continues its season’s offerings with an all-packed August, starting with an opening reception, Thursday, August 10; 5-7 p.m., for Creative Liberties’ featured artists. Join artists and art supporters for a fun evening of art and lite bites—and meet the new featured artists. At both the 901-B Apricot Avenue and 927 N Lime Avenue locations.
ON A ROLL | JPAN's bluefin tuna cutting reminds novice and seasoned sushi lovers why the time-honored cuisine has stood the test of time, July/August 2023.
This monthly gathering of car enthusiasts brings together automobile lovers from every walk of life, not to mention a wide array of spectacular cars. Bring your own vehicle (all makes and models are welcome) to show off, or check out the hundreds of cars on display. Each month, the event sponsors a different charity, and attendees are encouraged to donate $10 to benefit the charity. The event, occuring on the second Sunday of each month, will feature live music, complimentary coffee and more. To learn more, visit facebook.com/carsandcoffee941. Sarasota Cars and Coffee, The West District at University Town Center near Ford’s Garage, 295 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota.
Break out the big hair and acid-washed denim because Laser Light Nights are back at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from May 25 through September 2, we are rocking out to some of your favorite artists in the Planetarium! A variety of food options and drinks are available for purchase onsite with cash or card. Tickets are $15. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W., Bradenton, bishopscience.org.
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is excited to announce a monthly trivia series this summer at their Bay Preserve headquarters in Osprey on June 9, July 14 and August 11. The free community events will take place from 5pm to 8pm with trivia beginning at 6pm. Each month a different food truck duo will be onsite offering a variety of tasty options the whole family can enjoy. The public is invited to come watch, play, or simply enjoy nature and food with family and friends. Each monthly event will have a different theme with a variety of questions covering categories ranging from movies and music to science and nature. Teams can have up to eight members and multi-generational teams are encouraged. The winning team for each individual monthly event will receive a prize package in recognition of their win. Points will also be accumulated across the series, with the overall winning team receiving their choice of a private, guided hike or kayak trip for up to ten people. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit upon for this outdoor, picnic-style gathering. In the event of rain, the trivia component will be moved to an area under cover. Learn more and RSVP at conservationfoundation.com/events. Conservation Foundation, 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey.
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.
Realize Bradenton is pleased to announce the continuation of the Bradenton Public Market through the summer months. The summer Markets are scheduled once a month on the last Saturdays of each month, on June 24th, July 29th and August 26th on Old Main Street and 3rd Ave West in Bradenton. Our Market family is excited to see their customers throughout the summer while still enjoying some well-earned time off. The Market was founded in April of 1979 in a Downtown Bradenton parking lot. Over the past 44 years, the Market has grown and evolved to fill Old Main Street with produce, local artisans, and prepared foods. realizebradenton.com/market.
Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.
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.
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.
Head out to Waterside Place for a rocking evening as part of the Lakewood Ranch Sights and Sounds Program. Enjoy a live concert in partnership with Easterseals and EveryoneRocks, featuring artists who are rocking their spectrum. This event is free and open to the public; there is limited seating at the Plaza, but attendees are welcome to bring their own seats. Food and beverages will be available from numerous Waterside Place merchants. For more information on shows, dates, and times, visit lakewoodranch.com/sights-sounds/. Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota.
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 |
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe
