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SRQ DAILY Jun 18, 2024

Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

"Besides our classic margarita, our top-selling cocktail is the Chill and Go which is like a pina colada margarita"

- Matthew Faul, Chief Operating Officer, Agave Bandido.
 

[The Dish]  Dining is a Sensory Sensation at Agave Bandido
Kate Wight, kate.wight@srqme.com

In October 2020, business partners Mathew Baum and Matthew Faul opened the first location of Agave Bandido in Pembroke Pines. With its colorful decor and creative culinary flair, this high-volume Mexican restaurant and tequila bar thrived in vibrant south Florida. In March, the duo opened a second Agave Bandido location in Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch where it’s already making a splash on the local food scene.

“The thing that we’re really taking on as our niche is taking a downtown large city vibe and bringing it to densely-populated suburbs,” says Faul who is the COO of Agave Bandido. To achieve this vision, every facet of the restaurant is, in Faul’s words, “over-the-top”.

That’s immediately evident starting with the decor. Agave Bandido is not your abuela’s Mexican restaurant. Though the restaurant is colorful, it has a moody, sophisticated vibe thanks to the use of saturated jewel tones throughout the space. Spray-painted murals adorn the walls and cascade along the ceiling, adding that urban edge, while light fixtures crafted from skulls and blown glass bring a touch of whimsy.

The food at Agave Bandito is as inventive as the decor. The cuisine can be best described as Mexican-inspired: while the dishes do feature many ingredients traditionally found in Mexican cooking, they have a contemporary flair to them. One of the most popular dishes at Agave bandido is the Birria Tacos. The beef is slow-cooked until it is tender and falling apart. The liquid from the beef is reserved as a consomme. That consomme is brushed on taco shells, imbuing them with a rich flavor, before they’re grilled on the flat top where they get super crispy, a beautiful contrast to the tender, juicy beef inside. The Birria Tacos are topped with salty cotija cheese, crisp radishes, and savory cilantro, adding more depth of flavor. Additional consomme is served on the side as a dipping sauce for the tacos.

As delicious as the food is, the bar menu may be even more impressive.

“Our hyperfocus is definitely tequila,” Faul says. At the Lakewood Ranch location, between 150 and 200 different types of tequila are available for diners to enjoy. They also offer a variety of mixed drinks, many of them tequila-based.

“Besides our classic margarita, our top-selling cocktail is the Chill and Go which is like a pina colada margarita. We top it with torched coconut shavings, pineapple fronds, and a chunk of pineapple,” Faul says. “It’s super flavorful and refreshing.”

Faul also recommends the Fueguito, a mildly spiced raspberry margarita that can be smoked under a dome at the bar or tableside where the dome will be removed in front of the diner.

“It’s a perfect social media experience,” says Faul.

Speaking of cocktails, be sure to head upstairs and check out Maya, the hidden Speaktiki (a Polynesian twist on a speakeasy). This cocktail-only area features lounge seating and offers higher-end bourbons, tequilas, wines, and tiki-style drinks among other beverage offerings.

Agave Bandido is open from 11am-10pm Sunday-Tuesday; 11am-11pm Wednesdays and Thursdays; 11am-1am Fridays and Saturdays. To learn more, check out their website at agavebandido.com

Agave Bandido, 1550 Lakefront Dr, Sarasota, 941-260-8866. 

Pictured: Smoked at the bar or tableside, the Fueguito cocktail is a drink and a show. Photo provided by Wolverine Restaurants.

[Holiday Event]  Juneteenth Jubilee in Newtown

ACG Productions LLC, Sarasota Democratic Black Caucus, and the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition proudly announce the Juneteenth Jubilee Jam: A Party with a Purpose!, set to take place on June 22, 2024, at the Historic Leonard Reid House in Sarasota. This event commemorates Juneteenth, the historic day marking the end of slavery in the United States, and serves as a celebration of freedom, culture, and community empowerment. For more information: jrglover444@gmail.com.

June 22, 2024, 6-9pm, Historic Leonard Reid House, 2529 Orange Avenue, Sarasota. 

[Event]  Not Your Typical Trivia

Join Hamlet’s Eatery every Wednesday for Not Your Typical Trivia night. Each week we will have a local celeb host with a theme of their choice. Doors open at 6pm for dinner and trivia is from 6:30-8pm. There will be prizes for top teams and last place always receives Free Fries (because losing is still fun)! This Wednesday, June 19th is a special Wildlife theme night of trivia. Proceeds will benefit Wild World Rescue hosted by Stacey & Mike Gilkison and Greg & Kate Hebert. The last Wednesday is Live Music Bingo with Sabrina. Hamlet’s is located in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information visit www.Hamletseatery.com or call 941-445-1938 to make your reservation. 

[Arts & Entertainment]  Billy Ocean Announces Show in Sarasota

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome Billy Ocean to Sarasota on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 7:30pm. Tickets go on sale on Friday, June 21 at 10am EDT. Tickets start at $48 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact Ellen Dyer, group sale manager, at ellen.dyer@sarasotafl.gov. 

[Arts & Entertainment]  Arts Advocates Announces July and August 2024 Events

Arts Advocates is pleased to announce its schedule of July and August events. Art talks include “6 of 26: Six of the Original Florida Highwaymen Artists’ Paintings in the Arts Advocates Collection” and “Late Bloomers: Contemporary Women Artists Who Achieved Fame in Their Senior Years.” A special showcase featuring the 2024 Arts Advocates scholarship recipients runs through July and August, and the “Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage” tours return on August 19. Unless otherwise indicated, registration is required at ArtsAdvocates.org. To learn more about or become a member of Arts Advocates, or to register for programs and events, visit ArtsAdvocates.org. 

Pictured: ArtsAdvocates Van Wezel tour includes Thunder on the Beach by Ben Stahl.

[Appointment]  Danielle M. Lutyk Appointed to Twelfth Circuit Grievance Committee C

Shumaker lawyer Danielle M. Lutyk has been appointed to serve on the Florida Bar’s 12th Circuit Grievance Committee “C.” She will serve a three-year term on the Committee, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the legal profession by evaluating complaints against attorneys and ensuring that the Florida Bar's standards are met. Danielle, an associate in Shumaker’s Litigation and Disputes Service Line, has been a member of the Florida Bar for seven years. Her experience and dedication to the principles of legal ethics make her a valuable addition to the Committee. Danielle has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fairness, justice, and the rule of law in her practice, where she focuses on all phases of civil and business litigation. An experienced civil litigator, Danielle’s attention to detail and adaptable nature makes her a strong advocate for clients. She has represented individuals and corporations in both trial and appellate actions and brings a wealth of knowledge from her broad experience. Grievance committees are made up of volunteer members, at least one-third of whom are not lawyers. Each of Florida’s 20 judicial circuits has at least one such committee. The grievance committee reviews complaints with much the same purpose as a grand jury. 

[New Homes]  Private Neighborhood Amenities Completed at Lakespur in Wellen Park

A resort-style pool, children’s play spaces and other amenities are now open in Lakespur, a multigenerational neighborhood of single-family homes nestled along lakes, heavily forested preserves and wetlands in Wellen Park. The amenity campus was officially unveiled during a grand opening event June 8. Emphasizing lifestyle and social connections among residents, the private amenities feature plenty of spaces to play and relax, including a firepit lounge and a coastal-inspired poolside cabana with a party kitchen, restrooms, under-roof gathering venues and terraces overlooking a fireplace. Canvas canopies provide shade for cabana-inspired sitting areas around the large pool, which offers a sun shelf and lap lanes separated by a water feature. There’s also an event lawn for fitness classes, cornhole and outdoor games, an area for food trucks and a dog park. Introduced in spring 2023, Lakespur offers 138 single-family homes by national builders Lennar and Pulte Homes in its first phase. Twelve one- and two-story floor plans are designed for families of all sizes and feature two to five bedrooms, 1,670 to 3,321 square feet under air and covered lanais for outdoor living. Two model homes by Pulte Homes are open daily for viewing. Lennar Homes is conducting model tours and sales from their Antigua neighborhood in Wellen Park. Subsequent phases will include both single- and multi-family product types. Lakespur connects to Wellen Park’s Oakheart Trail and is within walking distance of future K-12 grade schools and close to youth activities, making the neighborhood a popular option for nature enthusiasts and families with children. Lakespur is also convenient to Downtown Wellen and Atlanta Braves spring training and family friendly events at CoolToday Park. 

Pictured: The Lakespur amenity campus was officially unveiled during a grand opening event June 8.



[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Hot Dog Day at Hamlets Eatery , July 6, 11am

Enjoy Hot Dog Day at Hamlet's Eatery. All the toppings you could want, live music and free beer samples from Big Top and Sun King!

Hamlet's Eatery, 821 Apricot Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34237

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Fresh Harvest Farmers Market at Wellen Park , June 25 – May 31, 9 am to 1 pm

Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.

[SOON]  FOOD: Siesta Key Rum Distillery Tours , September 2 – September 30, Various times

Siesta Key Rum runs free year-round tours for guests to learn the story of the craft distillery, the awards they have won and the secret to how they make their rums taste so good. During our 30-45 minute tour we will discuss the following topics: history of Siesta Key Rum, an overview of the awards our small company has won, what makes our rums taste so good, the rum-making process from mashing and fermentation to distillation, barrel aging and bottling of our rums. After the tour, we welcome you to sample a freshly made Siesta Key Rum cocktail, stock up on your favorite rums and browse our gift shop. 2212 Industrial Blvd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FOOD: Geckos Grill and Pubs New Summer Menu , May 13 – July 31, 11am

NEW!! Gecko’s Grill & Pub’s have launched a special Summer Lunch Menu at all of our six locations.  With specials from our menu sure to delight you, including our award-winning ½ lb. USDA Choice Angus Gecko’s Burger, Sandwiches, our Signature 1992 Salad and more…for $8 you can enjoy our favorite time of the year with some of your fav Gecko’s dishes when you dine in with us for Lunch.  Always fresh, always made-to-order, join us to kickstart your Summer with our Summer Lunch specials from 11-3 Monday-Friday.  Dine In only. 

Gecko's, 1900 Hillview St, Sarasota, F

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Wildlife Trivia Edition at Hamlets Eatery , June 19, 6pm

Join our special guest hosts Stacey, Mike, Greg and Kate for a special edition of Not Your Typical Trivia. They will test your knowledge on all sorts of wildlife questions. A portion of sales will benefit the Wild Horse Rescue and Sanctuary. Prizes for 1st 2nd and last (because losing is still fun)! Doors open at 6pm and trivia starts at 6:30pm. 

Hamlet's Eatery, 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237

[SOON]  FOOD: Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch , September 3 – September 30, 10am-2pm

Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Awaken Outreach , May 30 – September 1, 9:00am

Awaken Outreach in North Port/Venice has a drive through food pantry every Friday from 9:00am-12:00opm. Food is supplied by All Faiths Food Bank. Food pantry for walk in clients is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9:00am - 1:00pm and Wednesday from 3:00pm - 7:00pm. The first Saturday of every month from 9:00 am- 1:00pm clients may get a hot meal, haircut, and shower, clothing and household items.

Awaken Outreach , 4940 Pan American Blvd. in North Port

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Salvation Army of Sarasota Food Pantry , May 30 – September 1, 12pm

The Salvation Army of Sarasota has a new Food Pantry that is now open Mondays and Thursdays from 12:00om to 2:00pm at 1701 South Tuttle Avenue. Food is being supplies by All Faiths Food Bank. 

Salvation Army of Sarasota , 1701 South Tuttle Avenue

[SOON]  FILM: Duck Soup at the Sarasota Opera , October 4, 7:30pm

From May 10th- October 18th, Sarasota Opera House will be showing classic movies as timeless as the theater itself. Our Classic Movies at the Opera House series begins on Friday, May 10. HD at the Opera House series begins on June 9. Tickets on sale now! This Marx Brothers classic is a satire about the nature of war, politics, and affairs of the state. Directed by Leo McCarey and starring Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo Marx, and Margaret Dumont. Running time: 1 hour, 8 minutes

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

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Marine Mammals of Florida , July 22 – July 26, 8:30

There are many things to explore and discover at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Summer Camp. Learn, explore, craft, play, snack, and have fun every day! Camp Times are 9am-3:30pm Monday through Friday with 8:30-9am Drop off & Pick up 3:30-4pm. $250 members/$300 non-members per week. Summer Science Camp is for campers in Grades 2-5, Ages 7-11 (starting second grade/Leaving fifth grade). What are our local marine mammals, and how are they critical to our ecosystem? We will look closely at a variety of marine mammals found in Florida.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. West Bradenton

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Lets Connect at Oscura in Old Manatee , August 31 – December 26, 8:30-10am

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.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens , February 11 – June 30, n/a

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will present Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe as the eighth iteration of its annual Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, which examines the work of major artists through the lens of their connection to nature. The exhibition, which will be on view from February 11 through June 30, 2024, at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, will explore the unexpected yet profoundly impactful mentoring relationship that developed between iconic artists Yayoi Kusama and Georgia O Keeffe. The theme of the upcoming Goldstein Exhibition is the latest announcement of programming planned for Selby Gardens 50th anniversary season. For more information, visit selby.org.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Shinique Smith, Parade , January 4 – January 5, Various times

Enjoy the extraordinary opportunity to experience the work of contemporary artist Shinique Smith in conversation with the collection of European art at The Ringling. Unfolding across six galleries of the Museum of Art, the exhibition creates a series of unique stories that together form an abstract narrative of the parade as a metaphor for life. Well known for her monumental sculptures created from an array of materials, including luxurious textiles, personal clothing, dyed fabrics, ribbon, and wood, and for her abstract paintings of calligraphy and collage, Smiths work in this exhibition speaks to various facets of the European artistic tradition, such as classical drapery and religious iconography, while foregrounding notions of Black femininity and the history of the circus. Learn more at ringling.org.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens , November 11 – August 31, N/a

Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens will be on view through August 31, 2024 at the Historic Spanish Point campus. Selby Gardens is excited to present the extraordinary imagery of photographer and conservationist Clyde Butcher throughout the grounds of the Historic Spanish Point campus. Large-scale prints on aluminum of Butcher’s beautiful photographs of plants, animals, and habitats of Florida will be exhibited amid the natural landscape of the 30-acre waterfront preserve, enabling the public to engage with the artist’s work like never before. In the tradition of earlier landscape photographers like Ansel Adams, Butcher captures the beauty and majesty of America’s natural treasures in dramatic black and white. The unique environments of Florida have been subjects of particular interest to Butcher since the 1980s, when he was first introduced to the magic and mystery of sites such as Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Nature Through the Lens will include Butcher’s photographs of regional locales such as Myakka River State Park and Casey Key. This exhibition is presented in partnership with the Clyde Butcher Gallery & Studio in Venice, Florida. For more information, visit selby.org.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Business Networking and Cowork Session , August 22 – June 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Attention all business professionals. Join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event every Tuesday at Out and About Coffee in downtown Sarasota. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. O and A Coffee Supply, 1316 Main St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Project Phoenix and Resale , June 12 – September 1

Project Phoenix and Resale will help clients who are starting over due to losing a home through a fire or other life changing events. Residents Sarasota and Charlotte County who have experience said events get household, personal, and or food items at no cost. Must first call for an appointment and be reffered by a local nonprofit.

Project Phoenix and Resale, 36 W Dearborn St., Englewood, FL 34223

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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