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SRQ DAILY Jul 26, 2022

Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

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Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

"Through the transformative power of the arts, Embracing Our Differences educates and inspires to create a better world, a world that embraces diversity, respects differences, and actively rejects hatred and prejudice."

- Sarah Wertheimer, Executive Director of Embracing Our Differences.
 

[The Dish]  Latin Quarters Offers an Authentic Taste of Puerto Rico
Kevin Allen, kevin.allen@srqme.com

It was at the end of a long day hiking in El Yunque rainforest when I first had a taste of what I’m told is authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. It was on Playa De Luquillo on the northeast side of the island. A long line of about 20 open air food and drink vendors set up shop there in the Kioskos de Luquillo. I was struck by the bold flavors and simplicity of the ingredients as my friends and I hopped from vendor to vendor, alternating appetizers and bottles of Medalla Light, the ubiquitous local brew.

Perhaps that’s why I was eager to try Latin Quarters, the newest addition to Sarasota’s Main Street dining scene. I had stopped by with a friend late one night soon after it had opened and found a lively scene: excellent live music, dancing, laughing, cheers-ing. It was elbow-to-elbow joy — an energy I hadn’t felt on Main Street before, and hadn’t experienced since my last trip to Viejo San Juan in 2019.

It was comparatively subdued when my wife, Janet, and I ate there for lunch recently while waiting to pick up our five-year-old daughter after her art class. Janet opted for the chicken fajitas, which came sizzling and steaming from the kitchen. We watched as every other diner took note, and sure enough, within 15 minutes the sound of the sizzle was back and making its way to our neighbors.

But I wanted to recapture that experience on Playa De Luquillo. I gave myself over to the kitchen, ordering the Caribbean appetizer sampler and encouraging them to surprise me. What arrived was a divine arrangement of bacalaitos, croquetas, yuca fries, maduros and empanadilla. And of course, a Medalla Light.

The croquetas stood out with their inviting crunch on the outside giving way to a smoky ham filling. The empanadilla was ridiculous — a perfectly formed crust wrapping marinated chicken like a warm blanket. But it was the bacalaitos that really brought be back. In Puerto Rico, they were served over the counter, the sound crashing Caribbean waves mere yards away.

And right there, in the middle of Main Street, in the renovated storefront that housed Barnacle Bills for 22 years, that I was transported back to that beach and the brief reminder that you can find good in the world wherever you are. But especially when you’re enjoying fried Puerto Rican apps at Latin Quarters.

Latin Quarters’ LQ on Main, 1526 Main Street, Sarasota, 941-362-0435.
 

Pictured: The Caribbean appetizer platter, an authentic sampling of deliciously fried items. Photo by Kevin Allen.

[New Hire]  Real Estate Attorney Natalie G. Coldiron Joins Williams Parker As Partner

Williams Parker is pleased to announce that real estate attorney Natalie G. Coldiron has joined the firm as a partner. Ms. Coldiron, previously an attorney with Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A., brings more than a decade of proven skill and demonstrated success in handling residential real estate transactions. Real estate paralegals, Lori Molnar and Kristie Tonitis, and real estate networking coordinator, Annette Bentley-Reilly, work closely with Ms. Coldiron and are also joining the firm. Ms. Coldiron’s practice includes advising on all types of real estate transactions, real property closings, and title insurance matters. She represents buyers and sellers in all varieties of real property acquisition and disposition. Ms. Coldiron has negotiated and closed hundreds of millions of dollars (and counting) of real estate transactions to date. Ms. Coldiron is an active member of the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), teaching classes on a variety of topics for real estate agents. She is also a member of The Florida Bar Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section and a member of the Women’s Council of Realtors Sarasota Chapter. Ms. Coldiron earned her J.D. from Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University and her B.S. from the University of Central Florida. She is a Sarasota native and attended Pine View School for the Gifted.  

[Safety]  Sheriff's Office Acquires Law Enforcement Driving Simulators

Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce the acquisition of two state-of-the-art driving simulators. The PatrolSim law enforcement driving simulator from L3Harris provides hands-on, experiential training for emergency first responders, offering real-world experience without risk to people or equipment. The purchase of the simulators was made possible through a $240,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. The simulators are replicas of actual commercial vehicle compartments, and the size, weight, turning radius, tire, and suspension characteristics can be changed to simulate any emergency vehicle. They’re able to present drivers with changing weather conditions, traffic densities, lighting parameters, and several other external factors to give the most realistic experience possible. The simulators will enhance driver training and help reduce accidents, improve fuel efficiency and limit maintenance and damage to fleet vehicles. 

Pictured: From left: Barancik Foundation CEO Teri Hansen, Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman, Longboat Key City Manager Tom Harmer and Longboat Key Police Chief George Turner. Photo courtesy of Sarasota Sheriff's Office.

[Grant awarded]  Embracing Our Differences Receives Arts Appreciation Grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Sarah Wertheimer, the executive director of Embracing Our Differences, recently announced that the organization has received a $50,000 Arts Appreciation grant from the Helen Hamilton Fund at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The grant will fund various aspects of the organization’s year-round educational initiatives. EOD partners with local educators and arts organizations to create a variety of educational programs, including free school field trips to EOD’s annual outdoor exhibit and two reading day programs for pre-k through third grade students in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Programs created for high school students include docent training as part of the Coexistence Club experience and the Unity Day program, a full-day workshop that promotes empathy and respect through team building activities. Teacher workshops that provide area educators with skills, strategies and resources relating to arts appreciation, character building and diversity education are also offered.

“Through the transformative power of the arts, Embracing Our Differences educates and inspires to create a better world—a world that embraces diversity, respects differences, and actively rejects hatred and prejudice,” says Wertheimer. “We believe these values are more important now than ever and we are grateful to the Gulf Coast Community Foundation for so consistently supporting this vital mission.” For 19 years, Embracing Our Differences has drawn on the passion and perception of artists, students, writers, and others to create powerful statements of diversity and acceptance in its annual outdoor public art exhibition consisting of 50 billboard-sized works of art and accompanying quotes. The scale and impact of this outdoor exhibition has continued to grow, attracting more than 4 million visitors since its inception. This exhibit is the heart of a year-round program of activities designed to use art as a catalyst to create awareness and promote diversity. Next year’s Bayfront Park exhibit runs January 18-March 12, 2023. In addition, for the first time, the exhibit will also be displayed at Butler Park in North Port, March 22-April 19, 2023; and at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, April 26-May 29, 2023. 

Pictured: Embracing Our Differences Teacher Workshop.

[Artists]  Saturday is Christmas in July at Creative Liberties

Creative Liberties, based on a foundation of artists helping artists, presents an Open Studio, Thursday, July 7, 5-7 p.m. Guests can meet artists, watch them work, purchase art, and enjoy sips and bites and inspired conversation. On Saturday, July 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., the “Christmas in July” event features handmade holiday gift options, festive activities and foods, and an interactive ornament-creating event. Creative Liberties Artist Studios is located at 901-B Apricot Avenue, Sarasota, in the Limelight District. For more information, visit www.creativeliberties.net or call 941- 799-6634. Creative Liberties was founded in November 2021 by Barbara Gerdeman and Elizabeth Goodwill, two artists and art educators. Goodwill explains that they launched this venture to empower regional artists with a variety of business services and studio and exhibition opportunities. The Creative Liberties Artist Studios is a collective, communal space that provides work and display space for local artists. There are also display walls available for non-studio artists to rent. Monthly artist markets provide an opportunity for local artists to sell their work—and will resume in October. Nine artists have made the Creative Liberties Artist Studios their artistic workspace. These include: Jenny Berry (oil painting); Elizabeth Goodwill (book art, fiber art and mixed media); Barbara Gerdeman (photography, acrylic painting, and mixed media); Donna Bergman (collage and mixed media); Lisa DiFranza (acrylic painting, gouache, and mixed media); Traci Kegerreis (acrylic painting, collage and mosaics); Sandy Koolkin (acrylic fluid painting, watercolor and fiber art); Jay Li (pastel portraiture) and Judy Levine (jewelry design, collage and photography). 

[New Construction]  Neal Communities Breaks Ground on New East Manatee Community

Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, Neal Communities, has broken ground on a new community in eastern Manatee County. Marisol, located on 39 acres near Lakewood Ranch’s northeastern sector, will include 172 paired villa homes. The community will feature a British West Indies and Coastal architectural theme. All of the villas are maintenance-assisted for worry-free upkeep. Two villa home styles ranging from 1,434 square feet and 1,524-square feet will be offered inside the new neighborhood. The community will be conveniently located just outside of Lakewood Ranch’s borders on State Road 64. The homes will encircle a small lake, and some will have waterfront views from their lanais. The community also will have a private pool with bathroom facilities. Marisol residents will enjoy the close proximity to Lakewood Ranch, a 50-square-mile community filled with shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, nature and recreation. State Road 64 also offers easy access to Bradenton, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island and I-75. Neal Communities, based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, is Southwest Florida’s largest and most established locally owned and operated private builder. During the company’s 50-year history, it has built over 19,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. The company consistently ranks among the nation’s top 100 home builders and has earned numerous awards including the prestigious Builder of the Year from Professional Builder in 2015 and America’s Best Builder in 2012 from BUILDER Magazine. For more information about Neal Communities and Marisol Villas, call 941-229-0630 or visit NealCommunities.com. 



[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Selby Gardens: Seeing the Invisible , September 25 – August 31, 10am-5pm

The most ambitious and expansive exhibition to date of contemporary artworks created with augmented reality (AR) technology will premiere at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, opening on September 25, 2021 and ongoing through August 31 2022, as one of 12 participating gardens across six countries. Seeing the Invisible features works by more than a dozen international artists such as Ai Weiwei, Refik Anadol, El Anatsui, Isaac Julien CBE, Mohammed Kazem, Sigalit Landau, Sarah Meyohas, Pamela Rosenkranz, and Timur Si-Qin—including several artists’ first work in AR. Visitors will engage with Seeing the Invisible via an app designed for the exhibition downloadable to smartphones and tablets. Forging new links between botanical gardens located in diverse biomes around the globe, the exhibition fosters collaboration between institutions, artists, and audiences, highlighting the power of art to connect people around the world.

[SOON]  GALLERY: As long as there is sun, as long as there is light: Selections from the Bring Gift and The Ringling Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art , November 21 – August 13, Museum hours.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is pleased to announce the opening of As long as there is sun, as long as there is light. Selections from the Bring Gift and The Ringling Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art. The exhibition will run Nov. 21, 2021 – Aug. 13, 2023, in the museum’s Searing Wing. In 2020, The Ringling received a significant gift of art from Murray Bring and Kay Delaney Bring, in support of the modern and contemporary collection. Highlights from the gift include an important minimalist work by Anne Truitt and a monumental work on canvas by Gene Davis, both artists affiliated with the Washington Color School, an art movement during the 1950s to 1970s in Washington D.C., made up of abstract expressionist artists Additional works in the gift represent a generation of prominent artists who work, or have worked, in abstraction, including Clement Meadmore, Jules Olitski, Beverly Pepper, Rebecca Salter, Kenneth Snelson, and Yuriko Yamaguchi, among others. Also on view are sculptures and paintings by distinguished African American and Latin American artists from The Ringling collection, including William Edmondson, Eduardo Mac Entyre, Omar Rayo, Baruj Salinas, and Joyce de Guatemala.  

[SOON]  GALLERY: The Ringling: Eleanor Merritt: Remembrance , February 18 – August 21, Museum hours.

The Ringling is pleased to present an exhibition that celebrates the life and artwork of Eleanor Merritt from February 18, 2022 to August 21, 2022. Eleanor was a dedicated volunteer at The Ringling for many years as a docent and Board member. She also served as president of the Venice Art Center and was active in other arts organizations as well. Eleanor passed away in 2019 leaving a legacy of art and public service. This exhibition is dedicated to her spirit and creativity and represents a small sample of a significant body of work the artist created over her long career. Beginning with an early work from the 1950s Untitled (Seated Figure) and concluding with her last painting Blue Embrace of 2018, the exhibition highlights her creative use of materials, movement between figuration and abstraction, and her commitment to women’s rights. The works in the exhibition come from the artist’s estate and from a few prestigious private collections. The artist’s daughter, Lisa, and artist Mike Solomon were critical guides in the development of this exhibition. 

[SOON]  FILM: Summer Movies at Sarasota Opera House , May 22 – September 23, Varies.

Sarasota Opera is pleased to announce the lineup for the 2022 summer movie series: HD at the Opera House and Classic Movies at the Opera House. HD at the Opera House featuring filmed performances of opera and ballet from around the world will open on Sunday, May 22nd at 1:30 p.m. with Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in London, with tickets at $22, and $20 for Sarasota Opera subscribers. The Classic Movies at the Opera House series will open with In the Heat of the Night on Friday, July 8th at 7:30 p.m. with tickets at $12. (Tickets will go on sale starting Monday, May 2nd.)

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: The Bishop: Laser Light Nights , May 26 – August 13, 7pm and 9pm

Break out the big hair and acid-washed denims—Laser Light Nights are back at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from May 26 through August 13 at 7pm and 9pm, 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 going fast—get yours today! Please note: Laser Light Nights run at a volume similar to a rock concert. Ear plugs are advised for those who prefer a lower volume.

Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Amore Restaurant Extends Savor Sarasota Promotion to December , June 1 – December 18

Amore Restaurant has decided to extend Savor Sarasota Menu through December 18th (not combined with any other offer and, not available on special occasions). Savor Sarasota is a 3 course menu dinner for $35.00 per person. The restaurant offers a Portuguese and an Italian menu. They are open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 9PM. Fridays and Sundays 5 to 9:30pm. With indoor and outdoor seating available. Easy and free parking. Menu can be viewed here:https://www.amorelbk.com/savor-sarasota/

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Florida Studio Theatre: Rock & Roll Reignited With Not Fade Away , June 14 – August 7, Varies.

This is Rock & Roll Reignited! Inspired by the legendary music of artists like Buddy Holly, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, and more, this new revue reignites Rock & Roll classics with sizzle, showmanship, and style. Fresh off their national tour, Not Fade Away has performed to sold out theatres in over 150 cities. Now, the four-piece band brings the best of the ‘50s and ‘60s to Sarasota with such hits as “It’s So Easy,” “Rave On,” “Johnny B. Goode,” and more. Rock & Roll Reignited With Not Fade Away, created by Jared Mancuso with musical arrangements by Jared Mancuso and Nick Gallardo plays June 14 - August 7, 2022, in FST's John C. Court Cabaret. Run Time is 70 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.

Florida Studio Theatre's John C. Court Cabaret

[SOON]  HEALTH: Zumba at The Bay , July 9 – September 24, 10am-11am

Join Ya’el Campbell for a special monthly Zumba from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. This is a high energy outdoor Zumba class! Come dance with a fantastic group of Zumba Rockstars who will make you move, smile, jump, shake and sing… (it happens sometimes). Grab a friend, bring your kids, and meet new Zumba friends. Program Dates: July 9 (Bayfront Community Center); August 20 (Bayfront Community Center); September 24; The Bay Park, 655 N. Tamiami Trail.

[SOON]  FILM: Summer Fun Under the Stars at The Bay's Family Movie Night! , July 29, 7:30pm-9pm

Come early to enjoy a walk through The Bay Park, then find a spot on the Civic Green, set out your blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic if desired. We recommend you bring beverages and bug spray, but definitely don't confuse the two! Once the sun sets, enjoy the free movie, popcorn and ice cream stretched out under the stars. Brought to you by our Founding Business Partners of The Bay! Run time: 1.5 Hours Date and time Fri, Jul 29, 2022, 7:30 PM EDT Location The Bay Park - Civic Green North side of the Municipal Auditorium, 801 North Tamiami Trail.

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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