Everyone needs an escape from daily life. While jet-setting across the globe to a private island isn’t an option for most people, Sarasotans can slip into the tropical oasis at Bar Hana and enjoy a little slice of paradise. Bar Hana, owned by Hi Hospitality Group, which operates neighboring Kojo, opened on April 7, combining elements of traditional tiki bars, the welcoming Hawaiian spirit of aloha and a tropical twist.

According to Hart Lowry, culinary director, and David Roth, beverage director for Hi Hospitality, Bar Hana experiments with innovative flavors and breaks the mold of the classic tiki bar. “The goal was to design, create and execute this little room where you feel you could be anywhere and escape,” says Roth. This deliberate planning makes the establishment appealing to all sorts of guests, whether they’re searching for an Instagram-worthy happy hour cocktail or tasty Asian bites. Even though drinks are the star of the show, the food offerings tucked away at the back of the menu represent a creative take on elevated bar food. “The menu is strategically engineered to be salty, spicy and crispy with flavors that wake your palette up and make you want to sip a delicious cocktail,” Lowry adds.

He recommends the Big Island Burger, a smashburger with a Hawaiian flair. The burger comes with grilled pineapple-caramelized onion relish (a standout stand-in for pickles), teriyaki mayo and white American cheese. Guests also love the Roasted Duck Peking Style Bao with a house hoisin glaze, tropical fruit chutney, cilantro and shredded vegetable slaw. “The sweet and sour fruit cuts through the gaminess of the duck,” he says. Other fan favorites include the Ono Fried Chicken Sandwich and Wagyu and Shiitake Dumplings. For dessert, don’t miss the bite-size mochi ice cream, a handheld treat ideal for late-night snacking.

No visit to Bar Hana is complete without sampling a cocktail or mocktail, crafted by Roth and his team of drink alchemists. Because Bar Hana exists in the same universe as Kojo, Roth was able to expand the restaurant’s beverage offerings. “Kojo has a successful cocktail program,” says Roth, “and we wanted to capitalize on that.” He highlights the Frisky Flamingo, a play on the Porn Star Martini made with vanilla vodka, passion fruit and bubbles and served in a pink flamingo tiki mug. Another special drink is the Mainland Margarita, which comes with blanco tequila, ume plum liqueur, agave, lime and a li hing mui salt rim. “Because this Hawaiian salt is unique and visually stunning, it gives us a chance to engage with the guests and start a conversation,” he adds.

From globally-inspired eats and drinks to lush tropical decor with fun “easter eggs” that nod to Hawaii and tiki bar culture (think Lilo and Stitch Funko figurines), Bar Hana allows guests to depart from Sarasota for brunch, lunch and dinner. “It’s all about escapism,” Roth says, “and once we close those blinds, you could be anywhere.”

Bar Hana, 1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota, barhana.com. 

Pictured: Coconut Habanero Ceviche with local snapper, spicy yuzu leche de tigre, avocado, plantain and taro chips accompanied by the Mainland Margarita with blanco tequila, ume plum liqueur, agave, lime and a li hing mui salt rim. Photo by Natalia Levey.

Join the Gecko’s Hospitality Group family of restaurants to celebrate the culinary creativity of your favorite Gecko’s Grill & Pub Chefs during the annual Gecko’s Hospitality Group Iron Chef Challenge. From May 15th – June 11th and June 12th-18th each of our six Gecko’s will participate in a weekly special Iron Chef Menu, with several of our Chefs designing delectable and inventive fare, plus some of our guests’ tried and true favorites with a creative twist. The contest is a weekly competition between Gecko’s Kitchen Creatives and guests may sample what the GHG kitchen pro’s have up their Chef Jacket sleeves. Whichever Iron Chef Special Menu is the favorite of our GHG guests for the week wins the Iron Chef title for that week and a cash prize with seven Iron Chefs named after the competition knives have been cleaned and put away in June. There will be a Championship Final the week of June 12-18th, with the winning GHG location being crowned the Gecko’s Hospitality Group’s Iron Chef 2023 Champ! Weekly Iron Chef Menu must include minimum of three Entrees, with a maximum of five items on the menu and including the use of one food item determined by a blind drawing of each team. Winners are based on Iron Chef menu item sales vs. total food sales at each location, with one Iron Chef per location. We will also crown one location as the Gecko’s Hospitality Group’s Iron Chef Grand Champion with a cook-off week of competition! The Chef & Sous Chef team from each location will collaborate on a menu and compete against the Chef & Sous Chef teams from the other GHG locations. The team who wins that week will be the GHG Grand Champion with the winning team earning a handsome bonus & bragging rights for the year. The Iron Chef Champion in 2022 crown was won by Stickney Point Gecko’s...but the GHG siblings have been eagerly awaiting the return of this In House competition, are sharpening their knives and gunning for the coveted champion’s Chef coat and trophy! Join us as our Gecko’s Chef’s fire up their stoves and as always, delight in sharing our award-winning Gecko’s hospitality with you.

Pictured: Photo credit: Chef Vanessa and Enrique creating Geckos award-winning fare. Courtesy Geckos Hospitality Group

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System honored more than 700 employees celebrating milestone work anniversaries this year, including 123 longtime staffers achieving 20, 30, 40 and even 45 years of service. With more than 9,000 employees, the community-owned health system is Sarasota County’s largest employer. It has been repeatedly recognized for creating a work environment and culture that fosters a team of committed, highly engaged staff. OB/GYN perinatal sonographer Barbara Pittenger, who has served Sarasota Memorial patients for 45 years, was the guest of honor at the health system’s annual service anniversary celebration on April 11. The health system also recognized a group of five employees marking 40 years of service; 12 celebrating 35 years of service; 15 celebrating 30 years; 30 celebrating 25 years; 60 celebrating 20 years; 97 celebrating 15 years; 130 celebrating 10 years and 381 employees celebrating 5 years. Affectionately known as Bip, Pittenger started working at SMH as an X-ray tech in 1977, and within a few years, completed training to become a perinatal sonographer, specializing in ultrasound exams for high-risk pregnancies. She eventually worked her way from the hospital’s radiology department to Sarasota Memorial’s First Physicians Group OB/GYN practice. Colleagues and leaders shared many congratulatory comments, recognizing Bip for the skilled and compassionate care she gives to patients and for the support and insights she shares with teammates. One of her colleagues, OB/GYN Kathryn Gard, MD, was a medical student when the two first worked together at the OB/GYN practice. She later returned to the practice as a physician, where she continues to work closely with Bip. It’s not often you see that kind of longevity and loyalty in today’s workplace, but it has been the norm at SMH. Sarasota Memorial’s longest-serving employee, Lenora "Nori" Yoder, was honored for 50 years at the service anniversary celebration last year. A lab tech in the microbiology department, she had postponed retirement to support SMH staff and the community through multiple surges of the pandemic, including the deadly Delta wave. At 47 years and counting, nurse Clara Rock, who was honored at last year’s celebration, is currently the longest serving employee still working at SMH. 

 Join Chef Paul Mattison for a very special wine pairing dinner featuring gold medal recipient Jacquart Champagnes and the Big, Bold Reds - Dei Vino di Montepulciano and Obsidian Ridge Cabernet. Experience the best of both champagne and wine at this unique dinner Saturday, April 22, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm at Mattison’s Forty-One Galleria, 7275 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota. The dinner is part of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals Forks and Corks multi-day food and wine festival centered around promoting locally owned, independent restaurants and encouraging people to “Eat Like A Local”. The evening will be highlighted by special guest and featured speaker, Joelle Weiss, the Chief Winemaker at Jacquart. Joelle, along with Robert Schafer, a fine wine consultant, will be telling the interesting stories behind the gold medal award-winning champagnes and amazing wines. Throughout the evening, all four Jacquart cuvees will be paired perfectly with the chef crafted, 5-course menu. The only two cuvees Jacquart entered into the Forks and Corks Wine judging were the Mosaique Brut and Mosaique Rose. They both won gold medals. The evening begins with a reception of lite bites and bubbles featuring the gold medal winner, Champagne Jacquart Mosaic Brut Rose, followed by a 5-course dinner created by Chef Paul Mattison and his team of classically trained, expert chefs and culinary creators. The first course, a Florida Sun Shrimp Vol Au Vent with a Beach mushroom and leek butter, will be perfectly paired with Forks and Corks Gold Medal winner Champagne Jacquart Mosaique Brut NV. The second course, a Butter Braised Pompano, with a citrus beurre blanc, will be matched with the Champagne Jacquart Blanc de Blancs 2013. For the third course, a Cherry Glazed Crispy Pork Belly will be featured to compliment one of the big, bold reds, the Dei Vino di Montepulciano 2018 rated 94 from James Suckling. The next course treats guests to a Syrah Braised Beef Short Rib matched with the other big red, Obsidian Ridge Cabernet 2019 hailing from Red Hills Lake County, Obsidian Ridge Vineyard 93 WE. The Obsidian Ridge is the highest vineyard in the Mayacamus Range making it the most sought after vineyard site in all of California. Unique volcanic soils mixed with Obsidian stones, that dominate the mountain, make for the highest quality California mountain vineyards. The evening’s finale will feature a divine Opera Cake dessert with Joelle showing the Tete du Cuvee - top of the line - Alpha 2010 96 Decanter which is something to behold! Seating is limited for this dinner with reservations required. Tickets are $175++ and can be purchased by calling Mattison’s Forty-One at 941-921-3400 or at For more information contact mattisons_marketing@mattisons.com or visit mattisons.com. 

Just in time for Mother’s Day (May 14), Discovery Cove® in Orlando has announced savings of up to 40% on visits through 2023 to the one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive day park. The perfect gift for the mom who thinks she has seen it all, a day at Discovery Cove can include swimming with dolphins, snorkeling among thousands of tropical fish and rays, strutting with flamingos, encountering playful otters, or the rare chance to relax in paradise. This exclusive offer is available to guests who book their reservations by April 30, 2023, for visits through December 31, 2023. Each admission to this unique day resort includes incredible experiences and exceptional amenities, such as all-day food and beverages (including beer and wine for guests over 21 years old), endless snacks, wetsuits, towels, swim gear and more. Guests who want to really spoil mom can reserve a private cabana, starting at just $299. Private cabanas come complete with waterway views, chaise lounges, towel service, stocked mini-fridge, snack basket, and more. Secluded day beds are also available for an additional fee. Recently named the “Best Marine Mammal Park in the United States” by Global Brands Magazine, as well as #1 theme park in Orlando by USA Today’s 10Best, Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort where guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds, and encounter playful otters. Relax and explore rocky lagoons surrounded by lush landscaping, tropical reefs, winding rivers, and white, sandy beaches. Freshly prepared meals, snacks and beverages (including beer and wine) and swim gear are included. Guests can experience the most exciting animal encounters the world has to offer in a breathtaking tropical atmosphere. 

To learn more click here.

The 5th Annual LECOM Suncoast Classic will return to Lakewood National Golf Club from April 20th through April 23rd, in Lakewood Ranch, FL. The tournament, which is the only Korn Ferry Tour event in Florida, will feature 156 pro golfers. A $1 million purse will be split amongst players, and the winner will take home $180,000. The event has raised over $750,000 for local non-profits since its debut in 2019. The Korn Ferry Tour, which has been coined as seeing the “The Pathway to the PGA TOUR”, has hosted nationally recognized players including Justin Thomas, Cameron Young, Will Zalatoris, Scottie Sheffler, Jordan Speith, Tony Finau, and more. The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) will serve as the tournament’s Title Sponsor. Additional partners and sponsors can be viewed here: https://www.lecomsuncoastclassic.com/sponsors. Since its debut in 2019, the LECOM Suncoast Classic has raised money toward regional non-profits. Those include the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund, First Tee – Sarasota/Bradenton, Bradenton Dream Center, and the Visible Men Academy. Adult tickets are $20 per day. Military, first responders, teachers, and children 17 and under can attend for free. Parking and shuttling to the tournament entrance is located at the Premier Sports Campus (5895 Post Blvd, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211) and is also free of charge. Visit www.lecomsuncoastclassic.com for more information, and follow @lecomsuncoastclassic on Facebook and Instagram. 

This weekend, April 22nd and 23rd, Key Chorale welcomes back The Lubben Brothers, an acoustic folk group made up of triplet brothers Michael, Tom, and Joshua, to re-create and re-imagine the music of the folk-rock genre. The Key Chorale Chamber Singers will explore the 30-year discography of the folk-rock group Crosby Stills & Nash, and other artists known for their intricate vocal harmonies and timeless melodies. CSN meets choral music! The groups will combine on several of their classics including “Judy Blue Eyes,” “Marrakesh Express,” “Teach Your Children” and “Our House.” They will also perform “Seven Bridges Road” by the Eagles and a folk-inspired arrangement of Neil Young’s “Old Man” by the Wailin’ Jennys. Triplets and high-energy acoustic musicians, The Lubben Brothers specialize in tight vocal harmonies and an eclectic blend of folk instruments involving banjo, mandolin, tin whistle, accordion, hammered dulcimer, and fiddle. Diving into classical music at a young age, their modern songwriting style merges folk roots with complex pop ideas. They will be joined by electric bass, electric guitar and drums. The performances: Saturday, April 22, 4 PM, Church of the Palms; Sunday, April 23, 5 PM, St. Boniface Episcopal Church. Tickets are $35-$45. For tickets, go to keychorale.org or call the box office at 941-552-8768. 

Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your landscape! Join Master Gardener Volunteers April 29 for the Spring Plant Sale located at the Barbara Davis Educational Gardens (1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221). The sale will feature wildflowers, Florida natives, pollinator plants and more, all grown by Master Gardener Volunteers. All proceeds from this event go to the operation and maintenance of the Master Gardeners’ Educational Gardens and Greenhouse, and to support Master Gardener educational and outreach programs. Tickets to the event are free and guests are required to register beforehand on Eventbrite. Only cash or personal checks will be accepted during the sale.  

If you missed SRQ Magazine’s Decals and Donuts event this past week, not to worry. We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be doing another one! Join us Wednesday, April 26 from 8am to 1pm at our studios in Downtown Sarasota. Pick up your decal while chatting with other winners over donuts and coffee. And we’ll have the BOSRQ signage up for selfies and photos! See you then! 

RSVP Here