SRQ DAILY Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"It is an adventure for people who do not normally eat raw stuff."
Samurai Japanese Fusion is on a roll. After opening last fall, the restaurant continues to introduce Sarasota to an exciting and innovative menu, where sushi is the star. Aline Chen and her husband, who goes by Chef Chen, own the establishment. While the pair owns restaurants in Naples and Port Charlotte, they wanted Samurai, located on Hillview Street, to bring a new approach to the dishes.
“This side of the city is where people have a demand for more contemporary dishes instead of the traditional ones,” Aline says. Because Chef Chen has worked with sushi for 15 years, he’s well-versed in the various techniques used to produce offerings that are exquisite in presentation and taste. One outstanding appetizer is the uni shot, which features uni, or sea urchin, salmon eggs and quail egg in a homemade ponzu sauce. As diners sip the shot, they alternate between the flavors of the sea, found in the uni, the richness of the salmon and quail eggs and the citrus-based ponzu sauce. “It’s an adventure for people who don’t normally eat raw stuff,” she adds. Each shot is well-balanced, allowing guests to savor each flavor and appreciate all of the ingredients, one of Chef Chen’s main goals. Every bite of a dish must provide a balance of flavors so that each can shine, like a symphony where every instrument has a solo.
Another intricately prepared option is the Cherry Blossom Roll. Filled with spicy tuna and avocado, the roll is encased in purple rice, which Aline considers to be a healthy alternative to white rice. A lobster salad tops each piece, and every bite offers diners’ palates a new experience. “We are focused on and dedicated to freshness and the unique taste of premium higher quality fish,” she says. While seafood is the star of the show, guests shouldn’t miss the decadent wagyu A5 beef tartar, which they can cook and season themselves on a hot stone. The marbled beef, from Japan, melts in the mouth and packs astounding flavor. Plus, it’s fun to cook using chopsticks. Whether visitors opt for surf or turf, they’ll enjoy creative fare in a dreamy and comfortable restaurant, designed by Chef Chen. From private dining booths encased in wooden house-like structures to the mountain-themed light art in the private dining room, the eatery is a lovely backdrop for a delicious meal.
Samurai Japanese Fusion, 1936 Hillview St., Sarasota, 941-777-7707, samurai-fl.com/index.php. 
Pictured: The Cherry Blossom Roll. Photo by Laura Paquette.
Norman Love Confections, specializing in exquisite, hand-crafted chocolate masterpieces, artisanal baked goods, gourmet desserts and gelato, announces a grand re-opening event to celebrate the relocation of its Sarasota chocolate salon. The new salon remains within University Town Center and is now located next to Trader Joe’s at The Shoppes at UTC at 8109 Cooper Creek Blvd., University Park. The grand re-opening event will take place on Monday, April 1 at 11:30 am. The first 25 people to arrive will receive complimentary swag bags.
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce will commemorate the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which will feature remarks from Chef Love and Norman Love Confections CEO Lisa Fisher. Live entertainment and complimentary refreshments will follow the ceremony. “We encourage the local community to stop by and enjoy the festivities on April 1,” said Fisher. “Guests will have the chance to mingle with Chef Love who is applauded for his creative concepts and innovative contributions that have significantly influenced the pastry industry.”
For more information, visit www.normanloveconfections.com.
Pictured: The new Norman Love location. Photo Courtesy of Norman Love Confections.
Calling all Rum Lovers! You’ll want to join us at Fruitville Gecko’s in the M&M Lounge for an unforgettable evening. Indulge in a delectable four-course dinner paired with the finest selection of Mount Gay Rum cocktails. This event promises an immersive experience where you can savor the rich flavors of Mount Gay Rum while enjoying great company and a menu designed to complement all the senses. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to taste the Caribbean's finest rum and indulge in a night of culinary delight.
The award-winning Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar is ready to serve you fresh seafood, stone crabs, oysters, steamer pots, their famous seafood boats for two along with their Chef Easter Special of Limon King Crab Scampi Fettucine on Easter Sunday, March 31.
Opening at 11:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. the “Creek,” as locals like to call their favorite waterfront dining destination, will be offering their dinner menu all day and of course daily specials for parties large and small to enjoy. Dine on one of our outdoor patios or large waterfront dining rooms and enjoy why food editors up and down the Suncoast call Phillippi Oyster Bar one of the best waterfront and seafood restaurants in Sarasota and beyond. Enjoy selections from their new Craft Cocktail menu. Call-ahead Seating is available for your convenience at 941-925-4444.
Pictured: Seafood at Phillippi Creek. Photo Courtesy of Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar.
Celebrate the great flavors of true Texas BBQ along with our holiday special menus this Easter, March 31. Whether you are dining out or looking for pick up/catering, Brick’s Smoked Meats has delicious choices to make your holiday a springtime feast of flavors. Serving Brunch 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Dinner 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. While you are enjoying your Easter celebration, step into the Photo Booth out front, and take a photo with our Easter Bunny. Bunny available 2 pm-5 pm, photo booth available all day.
Daiquiri Deck, an iconic bar and casual restaurant that delivers a quality experience, great times, good vibes and the best frozen daiquiris around, recently unveiled a refreshed menu with 19 new items, including entrees, appetizers and cocktails. In an effort to continue bringing fresh and appealing offerings, Daiquiri Deck has introduced the following new options: calamari fritto misto; blackened mahi bites; cold water oysters; mojo cuban sandwich; deck burger; tropical glazed mahi sandwich; mojo cuban bowl; caesar salad; OG house wedge salad; black bean soup; parmesan crusted cod; fried plantains; mini hot dogs guppy meal; Daiquiri Deck platter; and piña colada cheesecake. Burger fanatics looking for a fun food competition are in for a treat with Daiquiri Deck’s new Big Deck Energy Challenge that debuted on the new menu. Participants are tasked with eating 1.2 pounds of ground beef, topped with bacon, cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion and house sauce on a toasted roll. Those that are able to clean their plate without sharing will have their photo taken and put on the Big Deck Energy Hall of Fame wall. The popular seasonal brunch menu now also has a permanent spot on the menu with newly added items, including kid’s chocolate chip pancakes, kid’s cheesy eggs and a build-your-own mimosa for those 21 and older. The brunch menu is available Monday - Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. With all the exciting additions and to show appreciation towards its loyal following, the iconic bar and casual restaurant launched a free rewards program to give patrons the opportunity to earn rewards, like a free daiquiri. For more information, visit DaiquiriDeck.com.
Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. is offering a chef-curated Easter menu on Sunday, March 31st from 11am-10pm. The entrée selections on the menu include a choice of: Citrus-Infused Pork Chop, Chilled Salmon Salad, and Grilled Octopus. The chef-curated Easter menu will be available a la carte all day for lunch and dinner in conjunction with the regular menus. Duval’s also offers the Easter menu for takeout and free delivery! To view Duval’s delivery zone, visit https://www.duvalsfreshlocalseafood.com/free-delivery. Pre-orders are recommended for takeout and delivery to guarantee your desired timeframe. To pre-order, call (941) 312-4001 or visit http://www.duvalsfls.com/easter-2024. Limited reservations remain for dine-in. Please call the restaurant to reserve your spot. Duval’s also offers a free shuttle to transport guests to and from the restaurant. For more information about the shuttle, visit www.duvalsfls.com/shuttle.
Duval’s is located at 1435 Main St. Sarasota.
The Sarasota County Public Works Department has unveiled its new all-electric landscaping team, Public E-Works. The landscaping equipment will be manned by a six-person team with the capability to mow for up to eight hours on a single charge. The mowers are commercial-grade and feature a zero-turn design. "We are excited for the opportunity to roll-out our new all-electric landscaping team," said Spencer Anderson, director of Public Works. "This new team will allow us to continue providing professional maintenance to Sarasota County's landscapes by utilizing sustainable, cutting-edge tools and equipment that improve safety for county employees and the traveling public." The key safety aspects of Public E-Works include less noise pollution, no exhaust emissions and the elimination of flammable fuel. Electric mowers are generally much quieter than gas mowers, with the new electric mowers only producing noise levels around 75 decibels or less. Gas mowers can produce noise levels up to 110 decibels. For more information on Public E-Works, please visit scgov.net or call 311.
SPANISH AMBASSADOR | Immerse yourself in Spanish cuisine and culture at Taste of Spain, owned by Fatima Soriano of Tapas & Fun Catering, March 2024.
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.
Geckos Grill & Pub’s Award-winning Trivia-Think While You Drink! If you love Trivia, join the fun at Geckos all year round. All Trivia starts at 7:30pm. We will have prizes, giveaways and specials plus the Geckos made-to-order fare, signature cocktails and hospitality you love. Monday trivia will be held at the Clark Road location in Palmer Crossing and on Tuesdays at the SR 64 location in Braden River Plaza. The SR 64 location will be taking a break from Trivia in October, but will start back up in April. On Wednesdays, trivia will take place at the Hillview Street location in Southside Village. www.GeckosGrill.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.
Attention all business professionals. Join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event every Tuesday at Out and About Coffee in downtown Sarasota. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. O and A Coffee Supply, 1316 Main St., Sarasota.
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.
Attention all business professionals, join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event at Panera Bread at the UTC Mall every Friday. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. Panera Bread, 215 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.
Siesta Key Rum runs free year-round tours for guests to learn the story of the craft distillery, the awards they have won and the secret to how they make their rums taste so good. During our 30-45 minute tour we will discuss the following topics: history of Siesta Key Rum, an overview of the awards our small company has won, what makes our rums taste so good, the rum-making process from mashing and fermentation to distillation, barrel aging and bottling of our rums. After the tour, we welcome you to sample a freshly made Siesta Key Rum cocktail, stock up on your favorite rums and browse our gift shop. 2212 Industrial Blvd., Sarasota.
Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.
Realize Bradenton is happy to announce the return of the Bradenton Market to its weekly schedule. This beloved community gathering will be held Saturdays through May 25, 2024 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm on Old Main Street in Bradenton. Founded in 1979, the Market has expanded to include more than 90 local vendors. In addition to the weekly shopping and music, the Market hosts special event days throughout the season. Halloween at the Market will be held on Saturday, October 28. This family-friendly event includes trick or treating with vendors, face painting with Manatee School for the Arts Academic Team from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, and a dance performance by Slick Motion Studios at 10:00 am. For more information, visit RealizeBradenton.com.
The Circus Arts Conservatory and Key Chorale are thrilled to come together again for an all-new production of Cirque des Voix: Circus of the Voices, a one-of-a-kind performing arts experience. There will be three performances, with shows taking place March 22-23, 2024. The three performances will feature acts choreographed to exciting and unforgettable compositions. Circus artists of national and international acclaim, as well as youth performers from the Sailor Circus Academy, will dazzle audiences with acts performed to exquisite musical accompaniment. This show will feature brand new music, with all of the circus artists making their Cirque des Voix debuts. The show will include music from works such as Game of Thrones, the James Bond movie Skyfall, video games Fortnight and Assassins Creed, and other powerful and dramatic works by renowned composers. Performances this year will take place at the Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, on Friday, March 22 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets for Cirque des Voix are $50-$100. Visit CircusArts.org or call 941-355-9805 to reserve your seats.
Ensure your business appears on Google Search and Maps and boost your online visibility by leveraging Google My Business, now known as Google Business Profile. In this webinar, our expert presenter will show you how to build and manage your Google Business Profile, ensuring visibility and accuracy across Google Search and Google Maps. Take advantage of this opportunity to maximize your online presence and attract customers in your local community and beyond. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
The Sarasota Jazz Festival returns this March. The event will feature concerts, the jazz trolley pub crawl, late-night jazz jams, jazz films and more. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit jazzclubsarasota.org.
Sarasota Jewish Theatre is pleased to present the Florida premiere of Better Late, a comedic riff on a December-December-December romance, March 13-21 at The Players Centre Studio 1130 at the Crossings at Siesta Key Mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. To purchase tickets for $18-$36, visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494. For information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.
Enjoy a day of art and family fun at Sarasota Art Museum. On the second Sunday of each month, we offer free admission for visitors, special performances, and art-making activities for the whole family. To learn more, visit sarasotaartmuseum.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.
Join your friends, after-work buddies and the team at Geckos for our new Late Night Happy Hours. Every Friday and Saturday from 10 pm to Midnight, we will offer food, wine, cocktails and beer specials sure to prolong your weekend fun. Join us and ask your friendly barkeep or server about our Late Night Happy Hours. ONLY at Geckos on Hillview Street in Southside Village. GeckosGrill.com.
Trivia is back at Hamlets Eatery in 2024 with a twist. Not Your Typical Trivia with co-hosts Mark Klecka and Scott Malouf of Sarasota Street Talk Podcast starts Wednesday, Jan 10. These two will not only test your knowledge but keep you entertained throughout the night. There will be Weekly prizes for 1st, 2nd and Place and surprises throughout the night. You can also join the cool kids club and win prizes just for coming each week. Doors open at 5:45 for dinner. Trivia starts at 6:30pm and will end at 8pm. Reserve a table for your team by calling 941-445-1938. Hamlets is located in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime. 821 Apricot Ave. Seating is outdoors under a covered patio. For more info visit www.Hamletseatery.com.
Longtime friends Chef Charles Amherst of Chaz 51 Steakhouse in Venice and Barbara Gerdeman, co-founder of Creative Liberties Artist Studios in Sarasota, have joined forces to create a series of interactive live art dinner showcases called A Taste of Art. The first of these events takes place Thursday, February 1, 5:30-8 p.m., at Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US 41 Bypass N, Venice. The events will continue on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. Guests who visit Chaz 51 on these evenings will be able to witness the creation of captivating works of art in real-time. To make a reservation, call Chaz 51 Steakhouse at 941-484-6200. To find out which artists are scheduled for February, check out the calendar at CreativeLiberties.net.
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