When you tell people you’re a food writer, there’s one common question that typically follows. It starts with, “Have you been to …” and ends with the name of a restaurant they love. Since rejoining SRQ, I’ve heard Ryena’s Taqueria mentioned at the end of that question more than any other.

My friends (and even a couple strangers) rave about it. They crave the tortas, tamales (available on Saturdays), tinga molotes, and of course the tacos, burritos and quesadillas. But on a recent Friday visit, I was there for the sopes.

For anyone unfamiliar, sopes are round, a little bigger than a beverage coaster, about a half-inch thick, and made from masa harina corn flour, salt, water and shortening. These simple ingredients are combined, shaped into patties, and deep fried to create a base — nay, a canvas — upon which chef and owner Gino Calleja creates a pile of art.

Calleja opened Reyna’s four years ago, naming it after his mother and using many of her recipes. The passion with which he speaks about his food and the restaurant, and the love he  has for sharing it is reflected in each bite. You get a sense that there’s history behind each choice, each ingredient, and each combination he crafts.

Reyna’s offers 11 protein options, including barbacoa (chef Gino’s favorite), campechano, chorizo, carnitas, cod, shrimp and a veg option. I ordered two, which was perfect for lunch: the chicken tinga and pastor versions.

Both were perfectly seasoned, expertly cooked, and precisely portioned so that each bite had a bit of zippy, tender, meaty goodness.

Tying it all together were the salsas that Calleja brought out for us to try. There was the avocado salsa, which comes with every dish served there. As a signature flavor, its initial tanginess gives way quickly to a robust flavor that complements its recipient rather than overpowering it. The roja salsa is smoky and bold, bringing out the full flavor of the roasted chile peppers and tomatoes. My favorite by far was the mango habañero. Something about the sweet-meets-spice — and this one did have a big ol’ kick to it — just made the sopes come to life and evolve with each beautiful bite.

As transplanted Chicagoan, I was admittedly bummed when the Chicago chain Rosati’s Pizza & Pub vacated this Sarasota Commons location prior to Reyna’s arrival. Seeing how Calleja has transformed it into an expression of his love for authentic Mexican cuisine is enough to give anyone a shot of joy. And it’s clearly time for me to start asking my friends, “Have you been to Reyna’s yet?”

Reyna’s Taqueria, Sarasota Commons, Suite 701, 935 N. Beneva Rd., Sarasota, 941-228-6456. 

Pictured: Reynas Taqueria sopes bring impressive flavor combinations when combined with chef Gino Callejas house-made salsas. Photo courtesy of Reynas Taqueria.

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Over 200 young professionals in the Sarasota area gathered together for an event ready to “Align With Purpose.” This year was all about encouraging and providing guidance to those who want to elevate their career by aligning what they are passionate about with how they do business. It seemed regardless of where the attendees were in their professional journey, they left inspired to take the next step armed with great community connections. It would be hard to attend an event full of exercises, networking, and authentic voices from leaders in our community and not come out with some key takeaways. Mitch Lomazov, this year’s keynote speaker and emcee had this to say about the Summit:

“The success of an event is gauged based on the impact it has on the attendees long after. I am looking forward to seeing the positive ripple effects in our community as the next generation of leaders utilize the takeaways and align with their purpose. My challenge for the audience is to see which of them will be on the stage next year, inspiring and empowering the next group.” With this year’s event being a smashing success, it's no wonder we all look forward to next year's Sarasota Chamber’s Young Professionals Summit. 

PIctured: Mitch Lomazov, Keynote Speaker and Emcee for Alighn With Purpose Event.

The excited cheers of Cranberry Elementary School students greeted the joyful return of Cooper, the school’s world-traveling cougar mascot, at a celebration that capped a weeks-long experiential learning adventure dubbed “The Great Cooper Caper.” Cranberry Principal Brad Porinchak made the announcement that Cooper, who had not reported back to school as expected from his far-flung summer travels, had been spotted near campus that morning. On cue, Cooper, wearing bathing trunks and carrying a swim noodle, was escorted into the school’s cafeteria by North Port Mayor Pete Emrich, Commissioners Jill Luke and Barbara Langdon, and City Manager Jerome Fletcher. The North Port officials were called to deliver Cooper back to Cranberry students after he was discovered lounging at the North Port Aquatic Center surrounded by hot dog wrappers. Clearly relishing the exuberant welcome back party, Cooper encouraged students to explore new places and keep learning but assured them that of all the beautiful places he traveled and all the wonderful people he met, there was no better place than Cranberry Elementary School. “The Great Cooper Caper” was a CSI-style immersive mystery customized for Cranberry through a schoolwide grant from the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. The academic scenario was created in coordination with University of South Florida science professors Dr. Mitch Ruzek and Dr. Dana Zeidler of Immersive Academics.  Students in all K-5 grade levels at Cranberry Elementary engaged in the forensic-style inquiry-based learning adventure as they looked for clues to solve the mystery of Cooper’s whereabouts. Following the clues led students to track where he went, what he did, who he met, and the history, culture, geography and interesting facts about landmarks he visited. The immersive mystery integrated collaborative interdisciplinary schoolwide curriculum and investigative problem-solving to help K-5 students attain a higher level of scientific literacy, develop inquiry skills, and to better model authentic academic habits of mind. The examination also incorporated state standards and curricula including earth space, geology, American and world history, writing, reading, and more disciplines. 

Pictured: Students gathered to welcome Cooper back at Cranberry Elementary School.

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The table has been set! The 28th Brunch on the Bay is returning to the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus on Sunday, November 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Join us for great company and local cuisine while supporting student success. In addition to scholarships, this year’s Brunch on the Bay will support a next level of exciting initiatives – including construction of a planned Nursing/STEM building – that will create new academic and research opportunities for students and faculty and grow the invaluable partnership between the Sarasota-Manatee campus and the larger community.

Tickets and sponsorship packages are now available at sarasotamanatee.usf.edu/brunch

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As Key Chorale gets prepared for its 38th season, they announce three new additions to their professional core of singers and three new staff members. Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, is a fully auditioned ensemble of more than 100 singers with a paid professional core of 19. “For this season we have increased the size of our professional core and increased compensation for those positions,” said Maestro Joseph Caulkins. “This allows us to continue presenting programs and concerts of the highest caliber and to recognize and reward those appointed singers who are such a big part of our musical team. We are lucky to have so many talented singers both as our paid core and our incredible volunteer singers who bring so much love and passion for their art.”

Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, is dedicated to transforming lives through innovative programming, artistic excellence, educational outreach and service to the community. Led by Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale produces high quality collaborative musical events that engage and enrich our community. Through dynamic collaborations with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, The Sarasota Ballet, The Venice Symphony, The Circus Arts Conservatory, and more, Key Chorale is able to create unforgettable programs that continue to push the boundaries of choral music. 

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