SRQ DAILY Nov 14, 2023
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

"Our guests really wanted fresh, high-quality food, they wanted it prepared accurately and they wanted it consistently and quickly. "


Founded by partners Tock Noythanongsay, Tanner Loebel and Eric Bialik in 2018, Pacific Counter has become a go-to eatery for favorites like sushi burritos and poke bowls. Last month, the fast-casual spot from St. Pete, which also has restaurants in Tampa and Lakewood Ranch, opened its new Sarasota location where guests can enjoy the same flavorful dishes using a streamlined ordering system.
“Our guests really wanted fresh, high-quality food, they wanted it prepared accurately and they wanted it consistently and quickly,” says Loebel. After observing patterns at their other locations, he and his team realized that they could improve the ordering process and overall dining experience by implementing self-service kiosks. Guests who are familiar with the establishment and know what they want can proceed to a kiosk and place their order, without waiting in line behind newcomers who might spend more time sampling the various options before they make their final selection.
Longtime Pacific Counter enthusiasts and anyone discovering the restaurant for the first time have no shortage of menu options to choose from. The poke bowls are popular, and diners can enjoy dishes like The O.G., with tuna, avocado, edamame, mixed greens, shredded onion, nori, sesame seeds and classic poke sauce. Loebel shares that the Build Your Own Poke Bowl is popular and allows guests to customize their own delicious meals. The sushi burritos, like the Ring of Fire, with spicy tuna, shrimp, cucumber, jalapeno, greens, crispy shallots, garlic crisps and fire water sauce are another crowd-pleaser. The restaurant also serves up all-beef hot dogs with tasty toppings including Hawaiian salsa and kimchi. Diners can enjoy bubble tea and Pacific Counter’s signature Dole Whip, the perfect way to finish off a meal in this relaxed and upbeat environment.
Pacific Counter Sarasota, 4942 S. Tamiami Trl. #500, Sarasota, 941-217-6016, pacificcounter.com.
Pictured: Try a sushi burrito at the new Sarasota Pacific Counter location. Photo Courtesy of Pacific Counter.

Thanksgiving is coming soon and if you have not made any dinner plans yet this might be interesting for you! Ka Papa Cuisine is offering a special Thanksgiving menu for dine-in on 11/23/2023 from 5 - 9 pm and pre-order dinner packages for pick up on 11/22 or 11/23 between 2 - 4 pm. Order Deadline for dinner packages is Sunday November 19th 11:59 pm. (contact us if you need a different pick-up time). We look forward to seeing you soon! Dinner menu dine-in, prix-fixe, $69 per person ($74 Gluten-Free): First Course (choose one) - Spicy Orange Butternut Soup (GF), Creamy Carrot Soup (GF), Caesar Salad with Truffled Croutons. Second Course (choose one) - Thanksgiving Roast or Gluten-Free Shepherd's Pie with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Mushroom Gravy, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Carrots, Thyme & Cranberries, Lingonberry Sauce, Buttery Stuffing (GF available) with Mushrooms, Leeks, Apple & Celery, Creamy Wild Mushroom Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms & Fresh Herbs, Butternut Ravioli with Sage Butter & Pine Kernels. Third Course (choose one)- Carrot Cake, Pumpkin Spiced 'Cheesecake', Apple Streusel (GF). If you have questions you can call us: 941-600-8700 Tue thru Sunday 5 - 9 pm.

Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. is offering a Thanksgiving meal on November 23 rd from 11am-8pm. The menu includes turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, Chef’s signature stuffing, green beans and carrots, sweet potato casserole, and cranberry sauce. The meal is served with a house salad, cornbread, rolls, and a choice of pumpkin or key lime pie for $49 per person. A children’s portion is available for $29 for children under 12. The Thanksgiving menu is the exclusive menu at Duval’s for the day meaning their regular menu will not be available. For guests who would like something different, Duval’s offers three other options on Thanksgiving: Pan-Roasted Gulf Fish, Loaded Seafood Alfredo, or a Grilled 6oz Filet. Duval’s also offers the Thanksgiving menu for takeout and free delivery! Individual portions can be ordered as well as a family-style feast that serves 4-5 people. The family-style feast for $189 includes a half a turkey, 2.5 pounds of ham, and generous portions of all the sides listed above. A whole pie is also included. Takeout and delivery orders are packaged hot and ready for immediate consumption. 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 https://www.duvalsfreshlocalseafood.com/thanksgiving-2023. Limited reservations remain for dine-in. Please call the restaurant to reserve your spot. Duval’s is located at 1435 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236.

Phillippi Creek is the perfect waterfront destination for gathering with family and friends. The award-winning Phillippi Creek restaurant will feature the regular menu with additional specials like fresh Stone Crabs, baked stuffed seafood, fresh steamed oysters, and oysters on the half-shell and Seafood boats for two along with a traditional Turkey Dinner for those craving the flavors of the holiday. For over 40 years, the “Creek” as locals like to call it, has been a favorite to gather for the freshest seafood, cocktails, and daily specials for lunch and dinner. Large parties without reservations are welcome for al fresco dining or can enjoy one of the larger tables indoors. Whether early lunch, late afternoon family meal, or a cozy dinner for two, Phillippi Creek is your destination to enjoy the holiday.


Igor Stravinsky’s music for the theatrical work L’Histoire du Soldat propels the tale of a soldier who trades his magic violin to the Devil in exchange for knowledge of the future. The piece is a tour de force for the seven instrumentalists, three actors and one narrator tasked with bringing the spectacular score to life. Now considered among the most important cha mber music opuses of the early 20th century, L’Histoire’s combination of virtuosic instrumental writing and dramatic narration make its live performance a must-see event. A familiar name to Sarasota audiences, Logan gabrielle Schulman is the producer and director for the one-night-only performance. Schulman writes: “the performance is one which celebrates the American ideals our soldiers fight for, [set in] many tourist destinations across the US. […] The performance is at once a trip across our nation, and a journey into the depths of the mind of a combatant looking for their slice of peace following war.” Schulman is a New York-based interdisciplinary theatrical director and installation artist with a degree in Theatre and Religion from New College of Florida. The cast for the performance includes 23 Alejo-Barbić (The Soldier), Raychel Ceciro (The Princess, Associate Producer), Amber McNew (The Devil) and Casey Murphy (The Narrator), with additional costume design by Anna Roth. The staged, theatrical production features an ensemble of seven Sarasota Orchestra musicians: Bharat Chandra, principal clarinet; Edward Rumzis, bassoon; Gianluca Farina, principal trumpet; Casey Maday, trombone; Michael Turkell, principal second violin; John Miller, principal bass; and Marcelina Suchocka, principal percussion.
November 19, 4:00 pm, Holley Hall, SarasotaOrchestra.org, Box Office at (941) 953-3434.


Florida Studio Theatre presents Take it to the Limit, a high-energy tribute to the rebel musicians of the 1970s who helped bring Rock & Roll back to its Southern roots. Created by Richard Hopkins, Rebecca Hopkins, and Sarah Durham with Musical Arrangements by Jim Prosser, this all-new Cabaret features such songs as “When Will I Be Loved,” “Ramblin’ Man,” “Landslide,” and “Hotel California.” Take it to the Limit begins playing November 29 in FST’s Goldstein Cabaret. Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000. "Take it to the Limit came out of our work putting together last season's hit Cabaret, The ‘70s: More Than A Decade," said Rebecca Hopkins, one of the show's developers. "When we were developing The '70s, we were more focused on the pop songs from that era. However, all this wonderful rock music was just sitting there, unexplored. That music is what we’re diving into with this show.”
Pictured: Hannah Taylor, Sarah Hund, Ken Sandberg, and Joe Casey. Photo by John Jones.






ITALIAN IMMERSION | Get whisked away to Italy at Osteria 500, Waterside Place's new Italian eatery, November 2023.

This monthly gathering of car enthusiasts brings together automobile lovers from every walk of life, not to mention a wide array of spectacular cars. Bring your own vehicle (all makes and models are welcome) to show off, or check out the hundreds of cars on display. Each month, the event sponsors a different charity, and attendees are encouraged to donate $10 to benefit the charity. The event, occuring on the second Sunday of each month, will feature live music, complimentary coffee and more. To learn more, visit facebook.com/carsandcoffee941. Sarasota Cars and Coffee, The West District at University Town Center near Ford’s Garage, 295 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota.
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.
Starting Jan 12, 2024, Myra Mains, the hostess with the mostess is headed to Hamlets Eatery for a fun-filled evening. The beloved hotspot for foodies and music enthusiasts combines the best of both worlds with Music Bingo! Join them every 2nd Friday of the month for delicious food, and toe-tapping tunes. Doors open at 5pm and the first round starts at 5:30. Play one round or play all four and there is no fee to play. Music Bingo is an innovative twist on the classic game, combining the thrill of bingo with the joy of listening to your favorite songs. Myra Mains plays an eclectic mix of music from various genres and eras as players mark off the corresponding song titles on their bingo cards. Hamlets Eatery is renowned for its great food, and this event promises to be no exception. Whether you are a meat lover or vegan, Hamlets Eatery has something for everyone. As the excitement builds throughout the night, be prepared to win prizes. The winners of each round will be rewarded for their bingo prowess. Whether you are a music aficionado, a food lover, or simply someone looking for a fun night out, Music Bingo at Hamlet’s Eatery is for you. For more information visit www.hamletseatery.com or call 941-445-1938.
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.
Starting the week of Oct. 15, a dynamic lineup of weekly fitness activities for the community will begin. Groups will meet in Downtown Wellen, in front of Kind Vibes Outfitters. Yoga and Zumba classes meet on the Great Lawn. Walking Group Meet-Up, every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Cycling Group Meet-Up, every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Running Group Meet-Up, every Monday at 6 p.m. Yoga, every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Zumba, every Monday from 8 to 9 a.m. For more information, visit wellepark.com.
We invite you to join us to attend our 2nd Annual Dreams to Success Gala. This year, we promise an unforgettable evening that will resonate in your hearts for years to come. Picture a night filled with delectable dinner, live music that will move your soul, a captivating silent auction, dancing that will keep you on your feet, and inspiring testimonies from our adult and youth families who experienced the love from our programs. Expect a night filled with fun and meaningful connections as we eagerly anticipate your sponsorship and presence at our second annual fundraiser scheduled for Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Plantation Golf & Country Club. Your participation means the world to us, and it is through your support that we can continue making a significant difference in the lives of the children and families we have the privilege to empower. Plantation Golf and Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice, laurelcivic.org.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat announces a newly developed partnership with Nathan Benderson Park as a part of the Hermitage’s 2023-2024 season. Expanding on the success of the Hermitage programming at Selby Gardens and other venues throughout the region, the new Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park series launches this year following a popular Hermitage program at the park last season. Each program in the Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park series will feature a celebrated Hermitage artist to be announced. The outdoor series features performances and explorations of works-in-progress by Hermitage artists-in-residence and alumni. Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park events are currently scheduled to take place by Benderson Lake near the Nathan Benderson Family Finish Tower. The first event in this series is scheduled for Thursday, November 16th at 5pm and will feature two of the most innovative voices working in theater today. Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park: Theater on the Lake showcases the talents of Hermitage Fellows Terry Guest and James Anthony Tyler. These two talents split the bill to share some of their latest work and discuss the creative process as the sun goes down over the lake. This first program in the new series is presented in partnership with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Urbanite Theatre, and Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy. Admission is free, but registration is required for $5 at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
Join us on November 15th at 7pm to kick off the 2023-2024 season with the Tobias Quartet! Members of the Tobias Quartet initially connected during summers spent at the renowned Perlman Music Program on Shelter Island, NY. They reunited during their studies at the Juilliard School and the quartet ultimately formed in the summer of 2021 at the Music from Angel Fire Festival, located in New Mexico. During their residencies at Music from Angel Fire in 2021 and 2022, the quartet performed a wide range of repertoire including the world premiere of an octet by Elise Arancio in collaboration with the Vera Quartet. The name of their ensemble pays homage to Toby Perlman, to whom they are eternally grateful for her infinite wisdom and inspiration. Tickets will be available October 1st and this public show will be located at the Sarasota Art Museum in Thomas McGuire Hall, 1001 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, https://www.perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org.
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.
Calling all Jeep Enthusiasts! The Sarasota Hooters location is hosting Jeep Night on the third Thursday of the month starting at 6pm. Hooters is giving away raffle prizes during the monthly events. The September 21 raffle prize is a Flashcal For Jeep Superchips Calibration Tool. Congratulations to Shawn Miller who won a Jeep Tow Kit during the August 17 Jeep Night. Upcoming Jeep Nights will take place on December 21. Hooters of Sarasota is located at 6507 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Visit Hooters during Jeep Night and present your Jeep key for 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages and an entry for the giveaway. Jeep Night has become a favorite thing to do for the Sarasota community. From regular customers to Hooters Girls who own Jeeps and Jeep lovers everyone is enjoying this opportunity. For more information, visit www.HootersFlorida.com.
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