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SRQ DAILY Jan 24, 2023

Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

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Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

"I do not use frozen or canned products because people want real and fresh ingredients even if they take longer to cook."

- Sasha Lindenmuth, Owner of Sashas Cuban Cafe mobile food truck.
 

[Cuban Food]  Sasha's Cuban Cafe Brings Authentic Cuban Flavors to Sarasota-Manatee
Laura Paquette, laura.paquette@srqme.com

Cuban-American Sasha Lindenmuth, the owner of Sasha’s Cuban Cafe mobile food truck, grew up in Miami, a national hotspot for Cuban food. As a child and adolescent, she taught herself to cook, a process which involved experimenting with various recipes and observing how her Cuban grandparents prepared beloved dishes. Among the first meals she made was a piece of steak. “I put so much salt and pepper on the steak that my grandma choked on a bite of it and called my mom to tell her how I’d overseasoned it,” she says, “but I wanted to eat the steak because I made it myself.”

Years of kitchen experimentation turned cooking and baking into a passion for Lindenmuth, who ran a small meal preparation company in Miami. She later moved to Venice and specialized in baking desserts, consistently sellling out of cakes and other goodies. Driven by a fondness for her Cuban heritage, she decided to expand her offerings to more savory fare. In September of 2021, she named the new business Desserted by Sasha Cuban Cafe and began selling Cuban sandwiches, empanadas and more. “I was surprised by how fast everything sold out,” says Lindenmuth, who saved enough to purchase a food trailer which she takes to locations in the Sarasota-Venice area.

At the end of 2022, she changed the business’s name to Sasha’s Cuban Cafe, shifting the focus toward authentic Cuban food instead of desserts. “I don’t use frozen or canned products,” says Lindenmuth, “because people want real and fresh ingredients even if they take longer to cook.” Fan favorites are the Cuban sandwich, pernil (roasted pork), empanadas and the Cuba Libre Bowl, a layered steak bowl with sweet plantains, rice, beans and fried cheese. One dessert that remains is the delicious tres leches cake, which is also popular. An eager ambassador of Cuban cuisine, Lindenmuth recommends that first-timers try the Cuban sandwich or pernil. “Every customer who’s never had Cuban food before has loved both,” she adds.

While based out of Venice, Lindenmuth aims to grow her business on a larger scale, visiting farmers’ markets, opening a brick-and-mortar location and becoming a household name in Cuban food as well as a community leader. Following Hurricane Ian, she cooked meals for people displaced by the storm and plans to deliver care packages to people still searching for normalcy in the affected areas. “Throughout my life, I always made sure that anyone who was my friend was fed,” she says, “and I’m so proud that my dream has come true.”

Sasha’s Cuban Cafe, 941-777-0829. Follow on Facebook and Instagram for trailer pop up location updates. 

Pictured: The fan-favorite Cuban sandwich from Sasha's Cuban Cafe. Photo courtesy of Sasha Lindenmuth.

[The Dish]  Give Me All the Late Night Tacos at La Primavera
Kevin Allen, kevin.allen@srqme.com

On the south wall of La Primavera, one of the area’s most celebrated Mexican grocery stores and eateries, something special happens every weekend evening. If you want to simplify it, call it a taco bar that’s open until midnight. But there’s something bigger happening here.

The first thing that hits you is the smell of sizzling meat and corn tortillas. The mind starts to wander to thoughts of which meats, which toppings, which combinations will I try tonight?

The al pastor (pork), asada (steak) and birria (beef stewed with chiles and spices) are the more traditional offerings, and represent an easy entry into authentic Mexican cuisine. La Primavera also offers delicacies like tripa (tripe) and lengua (beef tongue) that provide exceptional experiences for the more adventurous diner.

A trip for late night tacos at La Primavera has become a tradition ever since my friend, the local theater director Will Luera, introduced me to them (and invited me to play on the Late Night Tacos softball team, named in honor of La Primavera’s offerings). Lines can get long and then tend to dissipate a bit after 11:30, but if you have to wait a bit, know that it’ll be worth it.

Paired with an ice cold bottle of Corona or can of Modelo, every single bite of these tacos, served with such expertise at such an unassuming locale, is a reminder that there are hidden gems everywhere in this city. La Primavera also serves as a de facto hub for Sarasota’s Hispanic community, and the patio always has a welcoming, party atmosphere. The staff is amazingly friendly, patient and passionate about what they do, always quick with a recommendation.

“I don't think there's another store that puts out a taco cart on the weekends like we do,” La Primavera owner/manager Neida Esquivel says. “I think that's probably pretty unique to us, and people love it. They're obsessed with the tacos outside.” Esquivel notes that many of the clientele for the late-night taco bar are restaurant workers just getting off their shift.

Inside La Primavera, you’ll find plenty of authentic Mexican dishes every day and into the evening, while the late-night taco bar, which offers two salsas, onions, cilantro, lime, and radishes as toppings, is only open during the weekend.

Sarasota is seldom thought of as a late-night dining destination, but La Primavera has staked its claim as the spot for affordable, authentic, and delicious cuisine after hours.

La Primavera, 901 N Washington Blvd, Sarasota, (941) 366-5321. 

Pictured: In addition to its daily offerings of authentic cuisine, during the weekends, La Primavera transforms into a late night taco oasis. Photo by Kevin Allen.

[Appreciation Breakfast]  Aqua Plumbing and Air Feeds 500 at the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office

Aqua Plumbing and Air, a local heating, air conditioning, and plumbing company, partnered with Gorman Company, a plumbing wholesale company, to host the 6th annual “Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Appreciation Breakfast” on Friday, January 20, 2023. “It’s important to say ‘thank you’ to people who serve our community, and we are proud to continue this annual appreciation breakfast for our local heroes,” said Skip Stanton, co-owner of Aqua Plumbing and Air. “Our Sheriff and his team work 24/7, 365 days a year, to keep our community safe. Not only is it good to give back, but we also believe it is our responsibility as business owners to show appreciation to our community. We are proud to partner with Gorman Company to host this annual event and look forward to showing our gratitude year after year. In addition, thank you to Sutter Quality Foods for saving the day with a donation of eggs.” From 7am - 9am on Friday, January 22, 2021, Aqua Plumbing & Air staff, along with support from Gorman Company, served 500 Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office employees breakfast at the SCSO headquarters, located in Sarasota, Florida. “We are beyond grateful to Skip, Chuck, and their team, who come out every year to show us their appreciation for our profession. Now more than ever, we feel fortunate to be supported by the community we serve,” said Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman. The event, started by Aqua Plumbing and Air co-owners Skip Stanton and Chuck Jacobson, began in 2017. To learn more, visit www.aquaplumbingsarasota.com. 

[Arts & Entertainment]  Sarasota Concert Association Presents Three Extraordinary Orchestras at Van Wezel PAC in March

Sarasota Concert Association presents three remarkable orchestras in Sarasota in March. All three concerts are presented by the Sarasota’s Concert Association’s Great Performers Series and will take place at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Hailed as one of the greatest orchestras in the world, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra makes its highly anticipated return to Sarasota on Wednesday, March 1. In his final season as Music Director, Riccardo Muti leads the Orchestra in an exciting program with works from Beethoven, Liadov and Mussorgsky that celebrates their extraordinary partnership. English Chamber Orchestra: The English Chamber Orchestra with conductor José Serebrier will perform on Sunday, March 12. The most recorded chamber orchestra in the world, the London-based, Grammy Award-winning English Chamber Orchestra (ECO) has made 860 recordings of 1500 works by 400 composers and has performed in more countries than any other orchestra. Their program includes works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Haydn. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Music Director, Joann Falletta, will perform on Monday, March 27. Falletta has led the Grammy Award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic on international tours and in numerous recording projects. The program includes works by Kodaly, Mendelssohn, and Dvořák. The evening will also feature violinist Sandy Cameron, performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. As Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic, Falletta became the first woman to lead a major American ensemble and has been credited with bringing the Philharmonic to an unprecedented level of national and international prominence. Single tickets are on sale now at www.SCAsarasota.org or by calling the Sarasota Concert Association Box Office at 941-966-6161. 

[New Homes]  Neal Land and Neighborhoods Announces Camp Creek Amenity at North River Ranch

Neal Land and Neighborhoods, a Manatee and Sarasota-based master-planned community developer, is pleased to announce the start of construction of Camp Creek – a new and unique amenity coming to the master-planned community of North River Ranch. Camp Creek will be located in the heart of the community. North River Ranch, voted Best Community in Bradenton in Bradenton’s Best, is an amenity-rich, active living community featuring award-winning home builders, home designs and amenities. In addition to the existing community amenities, the 12+ acres of Camp Creek bring many new and exciting features to the community including The Homestead – a 4,859-square-foot main gathering and social amenity hub with indoor and outdoor living, a canteen-style café, and workspaces. The Headwaters Swim Center will offer a resort-style pool with a double-loop slide, tropical landscape, and ample lounge and passive spaces. Additional amenities of Camp Creek at North River Ranch include: The Outpost: a discovery center with a bike station where you can rest up and prepare for a trail run or bike ride using the community’s Bike Share. The Fieldhouse: a 1,634 square-foot screened-in game room and porch. Bike Pump Park: featuring a skilled-rider challenge course and a trainer park for beginners. The community’s extensive trail system’s main walkway the Greenway, interconnects into the native and natural landscaped green spaces, the Great Lawn, nature pathways and walks, and a new feature, the Big Meadow. SuperStream Hot-Spot, wi-fi available at all of the community’s amenities. Electric vehicle charging stations. Future phases will include multi-purpose sports courts and pickleball. Late last year, North River Ranch announced a wellness-focused Village Center anchored by HCA Hospital and a Market Walk shopping area to be part of the community. Market Walk will be anchored by Publix, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Other retailers will be announced throughout the year. Both amenities are thoughtfully designed to encourage pedestrian use and will be conveniently accessible to the community. Visit North River Ranch for updates and information on the community and its amenities. For more information on Neal Land and Neighborhoods, including the company’s latest development news, visit www.NealLand.com. 



[Event]  SB2 Luncheon

Join us on March 7, 2023 at Michael's On East for a dynamic luncheon symposium centered on conversations focused on regional philanthropic topics. The luncheon will include a panel discussion to explore the ever-changing world of non-profits and honor outstanding individuals who have made a meaningful impact within the community 

Reserve Your Tickets Here

[SOON]  GALLERY: Contemporary Realism First Friday Gallery Walk at the Dabbert Gallery , January 6 – January 31, 6 to 9 p.m.

Contemporary Realism First Friday Gallery Walk at the Dabbert Gallery. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, the Dabbert Gallery will host the First Friday Gallery Walk through its new contemporary realism exhibit. The exhibit runs through Jan. 31. For more information, visit dabbertgallery.com. Dabbet Gallery, 46 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks at the Bishop , January 11 – March 18, During museum hours

Get inspired to create your own ‘towers of tomorrow’ with over 200,000 loose LEGO® bricks available in hands-on construction areas. Young and old will be limited only by their imagination as they add their creations to a steadily rising futuristic LEGO® metropolis inside the exhibition. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit bishopscience.org.

[SOON]  : Compass Rose History Experiences 2023 Tours , January 28, 3:30 p.m.

Compass Rose History Experiences announces the launch of Resilience: A Guided Walking Tour Experience. Guides Mimi Cirbusova and Andrea Knies will navigate attendees on a journey back in time down Main Street as we explore the resilience of the Sarasota community during the Great Depression and World War II. Locals and visitors alike will find inspiration from the stories of the people and places of Sarasota's past. In addition, spring dates have also been announced for the popular Sarasota 1926 walking tour. Tours meet at Five Points Park in Downtown Sarasota and cover a distance of less than one mile over the 75-90 minute tour. All tours begin at 3:30 pm. Sarasota 1926: January 28 and March 18; Resilience: February 25 and April 22. Tickets cost $20.00 and must be purchased in advance. Guests purchasing both tours can receive a $10 discount by selecting the ticket package. To learn more, visit compassrosehistory.com.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Optics of Storytelling When Told by Women Journalists of Color , January 26, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

On Jan. 26, Renee James Gilmore and Mercedes Soler will participate in this first part of the “Listening to Women” series. Two seasoned broadcast journalists, in the third act of their careers, come together to share their perspectives on the current state of journalism, what it’s like to practice that craft as women of color, the role they play as communicators in community advocacy, and some alarming facts surrounding neighborhoods that are heavily populated by their families and friends. To learn more and purchase tickets, call 941-309-5111, or visit OLLIatRinglingCollege.org. Sarasota Art Museum, the Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: 10 x 10: Ten Slides, Ten Speakers at the Sarasota Art Museum , January 26, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

After a two-year hiatus, the 10 x 10 series will return to the Sarasota Art Museum. 10 speakers will be invited to present 10 images of their work, interest or inspiration. Slides advance automatically every 30 seconds with brief introductions between the speakers. The informal and fast-paced event is intended to showcase and introduce a diverse group of leaders and creative minds from our community. Tickets are $15 for AIA members, $15 for Ringling faculty and staff, $25 for non-members and free for students. Sarasota Art Museum, McGuire Hall, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit 10slides10speakers.com.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: The Past, Present, and Future of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall , January 29, 2 to 4 p.m.

This important community discussion about Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will include presentations about the history of the building and its architectural significance, its current condition and the viability of having it continue as Sarasota’s Performing Arts Hall. Van Wezel family members have been invited to participate.

Professionals in the fields of architecture, finance, and the arts will provide information about the current status of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and entertain questions from the audience.

Crocker Memorial Church, 1260 12th St. (in Pioneer Park), Sarasota.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: FST - A Place in the Sun - A Tribute to Stevie Wonder , November 16 – April 16, Varied

A Place in the Sun – A Tribute to Stevie Wonder, will begin playing in FST’s Goldstein Cabaret on November 16, 2022. The new music revue celebrates the legendary musician whose catalogue spans six decades and multiple musical genres, taking audiences through the beloved songbook of musical pioneer, Stevie Wonder. Created by Jason Cannon, Richard Hopkins, and Sarah Durham, this all-new Cabaret features such timeless hits as “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” “Isn’t She Lovely?,” and “Superstition.” Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Geckos Grill and Pubs Trivia , July 1 – June 1, 7:30 pm

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.

[SOON]  THEATER: Asolo Repertory Theatre: Chicken & Biscuits , February 15 – April 13, Varied

The hilarious new play CHICKEN & BISCUITS introduces us to the Jenkins family, as they gather to celebrate the life of their beloved and recently deceased father and grandfather, the Revered Bernard Jenkins. When an unexpected guest reveals a secret, they all discover that nothing brings a family together like a big side of drama. This side-splitting new Broadway comedy explores the tenderness of family, the joy of reconciliation, and the nourishing power of love. Written by Broadway newcomer Douglas Lyons and directed by the talented Bianca LaVerne Jones, who was associate director of the 2021 Broadway production, CHICKEN & BISCUITS proves that while family may drive us crazy, we’re lucky to have each other. 

Asolo Repertory Theatre

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Thunder by the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival , February 17 – February 19

The 25th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival. The iconic three-day Festival, organized by and benefitting Suncoast Charities for Children, is scheduled for February 17-19 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Continuous live music will be featured throughout the weekend, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for outdoor seating in front of the stage. The Festival plans to feature over 100 vendors, a 17-class bike show, a motorcycle stereo sound off competition, motorcycle freestyle demonstrations, a tented full bar area with seating, a “little riders” kid zone, a food court, “Thunder Alley” inside Robarts Arena and so much more!  For tickets, vendor information, sponsorship opportunities, and a complete listing of all Festival events visit: THUNDERBYTHEBAY.ORG | (941) 487-7904. 

Sarasota Fairgrounds

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: SB2 Luncheon: Featuring the Good Hero Awards , March 7, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
The SRQ Philanthropic Agenda and Good Hero Awards luncheon and panel discussion will explore the dynamic and ever changing world of non-profits. What's trending, who's innovating, why are donor-advised funds growing so rapidly and what exactly are donors looking for? The luncheon will culminate with the SRQ Good Hero Philanthropic Awards program at which we will honor individuals who have meaningfully impacted our community for good in the past year and for-profit companies who have been incredible philanthropic partners to the community.

Michael's On East, 1212 S East Ave Sarasota, FL 34239

[SOON]  DANCE: Sarasota Ballet: Program 7 - Tribute to Balanchine , April 28 – April 29

The Sarasota Ballet is excited to announce the Company’s 2022 – 2023 Season. Over seven programs, The Sarasota Ballet will perform 15 works by some of the most celebrated and prestigious choreographers and composers of the ballet world. Program 7 - Tribute to Balanchine. April 28-29, 2023 at the Sarasota Opera House. Featuring: Divertimento No. 15 - Choreography by George Balanchine, Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Four Temperaments - Choreography by George Balanchine, Music by Paul Hindemith. Western Symphony - Choreography by George Balanchine, Music – American folk tunes arranged by Hershy Kay. For more information visit www.sarasotaballet.org, Box office 941.359.0099

Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  THEATER: Asolo Repertory Theatre: Man of La Mancha , May 10 – June 11, Varied

Considered by many to be one of the best musicals of all time, MAN OF LA MANCHA is brilliantly reimagined with a contemporary urgency by celebrated director Peter Rothstein, who immerses us in Miguel de Cervantes’s retelling of Don Quixote and his quest. This epic and poignant journey celebrates the perseverance of one man who refuses to relinquish his ideals and who is determined to see life not as it is, but as it ought to be. The winner of five Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, and featuring a soaring score, including “Man of La Mancha (I, Don Quixote)” and one of theatre’s most beloved songs, “The Impossible Dream,” this classic musical celebrates the power of theatre, the bravery of holding strong to our dreams, and the resilience of imagination.

Asolo Repertory Theatre

[SOON]  HEALTH: A Woman's Journey , March 3, 9:15 - 11:30 a.m.

Don't miss A Woman's Journey, on March 3rd at the Westin Sarasota. Since 1995, Johns Hopkins Medicine’s annual women’s health program A Woman's Journey provides new and compelling information about important issues affecting women's health. Through a selection of seminars presented exclusively by Hopkins faculty physicians, participants are able to hear first-hand about advances in medicine from the individuals performing the research, all the while interacting with a diverse group of attendees. Registration is $95. Click here to register: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/awomansjourney/upcoming-live-programs/florida-2023-sarasota.html

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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