SRQ DAILY Dec 12, 2023
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"Right now, we have six different cuisines, from poke bowls to burgers to Asian to Italian, and you can have that all from the same kitchen in the same order in 25 minutes. We can make and deliver all of those cuisines, so everyone will find something they like."
Everyone faces the age-old question “What should we order for takeout?” Mom wants Mexican, but Uncle Jack prefers Chinese. Clara’s yearning for a juicy burger, but her husband would rather have pizza. What’s a hungry diner to do? Crave Kitchens, a new food delivery and pick-up concept in Gulf Gate hopes to present an efficient and satisfying solution. Unlike other companies with online platforms where customers can order takeout from various restaurants in their area, Crave Kitchens also has a brick-and-mortar location, complete with a kitchen, where chefs prepare dishes from their in-house brands, each representing a different cuisine, such as American, Asian or Mexican, to name a few. The company hopes to incorporate local restaurants into the concept as well, inviting them to prepare their takeout meals in Crave’s kitchen and take advantage of their streamlined delivery and pick-up model.
“Crave is unique because we have multiple brands under the same roof. Crave Kitchens isn’t one cuisine, and it’s not a restaurant with a seating area. It’s more or less the kitchen, and under that roof, we have multiple brands and concepts. They can range from a national brand to an in-house brand that our executive chef creates to a local brand,” says Joseph Giardino, the owner of the Sarasota location. “This is a dedicated kitchen for having multiple brands expand their scope,” he adds. “The competitive advantage in that is to offer different cuisines all under the same roof. Right now, we have six cuisines, from poke bowls to burgers to Asian to Italian, and you can have that all from the same kitchen in the same order in 25 minutes. We’re able to make and deliver all of those cuisines, so everyone will find something they like.”
All of the in-house brands, which can be ordered for takeout or catering, are created by Executive Chef Mark Bibby and feature flavors from across the globe. “I’m a huge poke guy, and I think there’s not enough poke places around here. We just implemented the brand Umi Poke, and it’s really good. It’s a beachy type of dish that’s healthy with fresh vegetables and seafood or whatever meat you choose,” Giardino says. “Our biggest hit is our burgers, under the Big Red’s Burger and Grill brand. We haven’t had anyone tell us anything other than ‘How do you make your burgers? They’re incredible.’” He also recommends Asian dishes, like orange chicken or sweet and sour chicken, from the Red Crane brand.
While Crave’s catering range is slightly larger, the current delivery range encompasses part of Sarasota County. When plugging in their address to order, customers can see if their location is covered for delivery. Once they’ve decided on delivery or pick-up and placed their order, all diners have left to do is enjoy a delicious and hassle-free meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Crave Kitchens, 6609 Superior Ave., Sarasota, 941-922-9468, cravekitchens.com/locations/sarasota-florida. 
Pictured: An order of chips and guacamole, a chicken tinga burrito bowl, pork carnitas tacos, chicken tenders and fries and honey garlic bone in wings. Photo Courtesy of Crave Kitchens.
Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. is offering a Christmas Eve dinner on December 24th from 3pm-8pm. The 3-course menu was thoughtfully created by their chefs. Entrée selections include a choice of Surf & Turf with a Filet and Seafood Risotto, Halibut Almondine, or Seafood Linguine. The Christmas Eve menu is the exclusive menu at Duval’s for the evening meaning their regular menus will not be available after 3pm. For guests who would like something different, Duval’s offers three other options on Christmas Eve: Land & Sea Alfredo, Ribeye, and a Seafood Sampler. Duval’s also offers the Christmas Eve menu for takeout and free delivery! Please call the restaurant to reserve a spot. Duval’s offers their guests a free local shuttle to help them get to and from the restaurant without worrying about where to park. For more information on Duval’s Free Local Shuttle, visit https://www.duvalsfreshlocalseafood.com/shuttle.
Duval’s is located at 1435 Main St., Sarasota.
Hard Heart Burlesque is back and ready to rock around the Christmas tree and menorah Sunday, Dec. 17 at 8pm at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre. Join Florida's finest burlesque and variety performers as we celebrate the end of another year. There will be some tease, some live vocals, dance, comedy and more. As Sarasota's local burlesque company, Hard Heart is proud to bring in artists from all over the state for your viewing pleasure. Created by your producers "the sweetheart with a switchblade," Miss Marina Elaine and "the quadruple threat," Karma Kandlewick,December’s show features Jezebelle Red, Emma Jewel, Mary Strawberry, Lady Bri Adonis, Nicole Dreger and emcee Ram Cat Jackson. This is an 18 and older show.
Sunday, Dec. 17 at 8pm, McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, Tickets: $37.
Pictured: Marina Elaine, known as Florida's Sweetheart with a Switchblade, has been a burlesque performer for over seven years, traveling to stages near and far to perform.
First Night St Petersburg is excited to announce its return for the 2023-2024 celebration year, marking the 30th annual New Year's Eve celebration of arts. This year's event, themed "Art in the Park," will be held at North Straub Park from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on December 31, 2023, and is free for all ages, thanks to our sponsors, Hines and the Tampa Bay Rays. First Night St Petersburg 2024 will transform North Straub Park into a wonderland of artistic expression and family-friendly fun. Highlights of the evening include: Dundu Dole Urban African Ballet: Performing from 5:00-5:30 p.m. and 6:20-6:50 p.m., this First Night favorite and one of Tampa Bay’s premier dance companies will dazzle with high energy and colorful costumes; Literary Village: Sponsored by the Story Garden, featuring story times, a book nook, and bookmark creation; Interactive Art Village: Showcasing recycling giants by Art Club of St Pete, a 3D mural immersion by Zulu Painter and other unique art installations; Performances: A range of acts from the Curiositorium LLC, including stilt walkers and aerial artists.Musical acts by Mr. Brad and Shana Banana; Musical Village: Featuring the Urban Gypsies Drum Circle and a custom-made music wall; Dance Stage: Offering classes and performances in various dance styles; Children's Activities: Including the Tiny Theater, Sensory Studio, and First Night Picasso Masks. After adapting to virtual and at-home sessions in 2020 and 2021, and taking a break in 2022, First Night St Petersburg is thrilled to be back in person, celebrating the resilience and creativity of the community. This year's commemorative button, designed by local artist Marc Lavesseur, reflects his southern roots and passion for light, shadow, color, and texture. His work invites viewers to engage with art on multiple levels, adding a unique touch to this year's celebration. As a non-profit event, First Night St Petersburg relies on community support. While admission is free, attendees are encouraged to purchase commemorative buttons, with proceeds going back into the arts and programming. Volunteer opportunities are also available for those who wish to contribute to the success of the event. Attendees are advised to park at the South Core parking garage and catch the Trolley to North Straub Park. Food trucks, snacks, and hot chocolate will be available for purchase, and guests are welcome to bring their own picnic food. Please note that First Night St Petersburg is an alcohol-free event. For more information, to volunteer, or to become a sponsor, please contact us at info@firstnightstpete.com.
Hamlet’s Eatery, is hosting a rock and roll bash featuring Sarasota's favorite local band, MonkeyFinger this Saturday, Dec. 16th from 6-9pm. MonkeyFinger is no ordinary band - they've got two singing chick drummers! With their incredible talent, they'll be playing classic rock, pop, and hair metal hits from some of the greatest bands of all time. Think .38 Special, The Beatles, Pat Benatar, Boston, Bryan Adams, CCR, Cheap Trick, EMF, Fleetwood Mac, The Foo Fighters, Joan Jett, Loverboy, Poison, and many more! There's no cover charge! So, join us for dinner and stay to dance the night away. Located outdoors at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. There is plenty of seating under a covered patio with loads of room for dancing. For more information, visit HamletsEatery.com or call 941-445-1938. Let's rock and roll!
Suncoast Technical College’s Adult & Community Enrichment program (ACE) is set to hold their annual Art Sale, just in time for the holidays! ACE is known in the community for enrichment classes – over 40% of those classes are in the creative & visual arts. With over 4,000 students in the ACE Art program, there will be a marvelous selection of handmade, original, reasonably priced artwork to peruse and purchase. Come and enjoy the beautiful ceramics, paintings, fiber art, photography, baskets, jewelry, and much more! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the ACE Art program and the ACE Scholarship Program.
Wednesday, December 13, 11:00am – 4:00pm, Conference Center in Building 2 at Suncoast Technical College, 4748 Beneva Road, Sarasota.
CULINARY ALCHEMY | Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill invites guests to step into the magical world of authentic Mexican cuisine, December 2023.
Join us for the inspiring stories of philanthropic work by our Sarasota and Bradenton Area's nonprofit organizations as we celebrate the season of giving. Explore ways you can make an impact through the programs of 13 of this year's SRQ Giving Champions.
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TOGETHER – WE ARE CAT DEPOT!
Cat Depot saves lives, finds loving homes, and provides resources and education needed to improve the destiny of homeless cats. Simply put – we help cats and the people who love them. With your help, our priority focus is to keep cats safe and healthy, in their homes, and our lifesaving programs running at full capacity: RESCUE, ADOPTION, COMMUNITY FOOD BANK, CAT CARE CLINIC, and HUMAN EDUCATION.
Celebrate 75 years of inspiring music all season long, and our Celebrate 75 special concert and gala experience will be the party to top them all. We invite you to support 75 more years, and beyond, of enriching lives through music by purchasing tickets to Celebrate 75. For access to the best seats and the full celebration, opt for a Gala ticket, which includes pre-concert cocktails and a gourmet dinner after the performance. Concert-only tickets are also available for purchase. The concert program, led by Creative Partner Peter Oundjian, captures all the euphoria of reaching this milestone in our history as Florida’s oldest continuously operating orchestra. After two stirring fanfares written by Aaron Copland and Joan Tower, legendary pianist Garrick Ohlsson joins Sarasota Orchestra for the monumental Piano Concerto No. 3 by Rachmaninoff. Paired with An American in Paris by Gershwin, a rhapsodic portrait of a stroll through the City of Lights, this one-night-only program promises to thrill. Gala begins at 6:00 pm, and concert begins at 7:00 pm. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, sarasotaorchestra.org.
The 2024 Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival, hosted by the Sarasota Manatee Originals, will take place January 25 to 29. Grand Tasting tickets go on sale in October. A full five day slate of food and wine themed fun is planned, including the University Master Classes, wine dinners at area restaurants, wine shop tasting events, a trade tasting and the much anticipated Grand Tasting at The Ringling Museum of Art. 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 presale of the VIP and Early Access tickets and on October 17 at 7 p.m. General Admission tickets will be available and historically have sold out in a matter of minutes. All Forks and Corks Grand Tasting tickets will be available online only. For more information, please visit www.eatlikealocal.com.
Kick-off 2024 at Selby Gardens. Enjoy private access to Lights in Bloom, passed hors doeuvres, a seated four-course dinner, as well as a performance by The Sarasota Ballet and dancing to DJ Karim. The countdown to the new year culminates with a champagne toast and an excellent view of the fireworks overlooking Sarasota Bay. selby.org.
Local Honey features guitarist David Munoz with vocals by Emily Baar. The duo serenades our guests with holiday melodies, standard classics, and their original compositions. Tickets are $10.
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources invites children ages 12 and under and their families to the free Breakfast with Santa event, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 16. Enjoy breakfast, holiday music, and a visit by Santa in person at Laurel Park and at Newtown Estates Park. Pre-registration is required to attend this event. Register children ages 12 and under online before Friday, Dec. 8, or until the event is full. Unwrapped toy donations for children ages 12 and under are being accepted through Monday, Dec. 11 at Sarasota County parks, events, fire stations and library locations throughout the county. For more information, or to register, visit scgov.net.
Join us under the stars for a night of good eating and great observing. We have partnered with the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers to bring Sidewalk Astronomy to The Bishop. At this free event, you will have a chance to see the Moon, Saturn, and much more through powerful telescopes. We have also partnered with the FEWD Taco Tent and the Edible Cookie Dough Cafe for you to enjoy a bite to eat while observing the universe. Drinks, including beer, wine, soda, and water, will be available for purchase. In addition to telescopes and tacos, you will have a chance to see our newest Planetarium show, Big Astronomy, at 6:15 and 7pm for just $3.00 per person. The Museum Store will even be open until 8pm for any last-minute holiday shopping. bishopscience.org.
Join us for a festive workshop with local artist Alissa Silvers. Decorate your own bottle of bubbly to keep as a stunning centerpiece or give as a gift this season. Space is limited. The workshop fee of $75 includes all supplies and one bottle of sparkling wine or non-alcoholic cider. artsarasota.org.
Join us for our Coffee With A Scientist series, a free public event held on Tuesdays in Boca Grande and hosted by Mote Marine Laboratory. Hear from Mote scientists on January 16, February 13 and March 26 as they share with you the latest in their groundbreaking research and their plans for the future with a Q and A session to follow. On Visit mote.org/pages/coffee to sign up and for more information.
Celebrate the holiday season and help support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, serving Sarasota and Manatee counties during Holiday Splendor on December 14. Local schools will provide musical entertainment and there will be Art Making, as well as a free Holiday Book Market. Children will receive a free book of their choice. All venues will be open for self-touring, including the Museum of Art, Ca dZan, and the Circus Museum. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission to this event is free with one unwrapped toy per person. Regular admission will apply without a toy donation. $15 Adult / $5 Child. Guests are encouraged to shop in the Museum Store, which has a large selection of toys under $20. Please enter through the Visitor's Pavilion. ringling.org.
The famed holiday cocktail pop-up bar Miracle is open at Tamiami Tap for the 2023 holiday season. Featuring festive original cocktails, over-the-top decorations, and exciting new mug designs to bring the holiday season to life, the Miracle at Tamiami Tap location will offer a menu of cheerful libations and saturated, floor-to-ceiling holiday decor, ranging from nostalgic to contemporary and everything in between. The themed cocktail menu returns with fan favorites such as the Christmapolitan and Christmas Cricket. New this year is Rudolphs Replacement, The Krampus, and Marshmallows and Unicorns. At the end of this year, Miracle HQ will donate 10 percent of all proceeds from the sale of Santa Pants, Christmas Carol Barrel and Santa Heads signature glassware to the Seva Foundation, a global nonprofit eye care organization that works with local communities around the world. Miracle at Tamiami Tap is located at 711 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, https://tamiamitap.com/.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is excited to bring children and their families the magic of the holiday season with the latest iteration of Deck the Halls. This interactive family-friendly, music-filled show celebrates everything that makes the holidays in Sarasota special. Since Deck the Halls was first produced in 2016, the show has become a holiday tradition for many families on the Suncoast. This year, the festivities return with all-new sketches, all-new songs, and all-new memories ready for the making. Created by Caroline Saldivar and Sarah Durham with additional material by Dellan Short and Jeremy Weinstein, Deck the Halls plays select Saturdays and Sundays with showtimes starting at 10am and 12pm in FST’s Keating Theatre. For more information, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Wellen Park is hosting a variety of musical genres and musicians throughout each week. Wellen Wednesdays and Thursday Tunes will feature various local bands every week under the Heritage Tree from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday Night Live will host a live band on the Solis Hall stage overlooking the Great Lawn from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday Sounds will feature music on the first, second and fourth Saturday of the month under the Heritage Tree from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday Groove will feature music under Heritage Tree from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors are invited to bask in the captivating scenery and waterfront vibe by bringing their own lawn chairs or blankets for maximum comfort. These upcoming musical gatherings offer an open-door policy, requiring no prior RSVP for attendance. Guests can participate in Wellen Park’s Sip and Stroll program by purchasing to-go alcoholic beverages from Downtown Wellen food and beverage merchants. For more information, visit wellenpark.com.
Connect with local business owners at every Thursday at Oscura. Lets Connect is a community of collaborative business professionals from the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend, admission is free.
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