SRQ DAILY Feb 4, 2025
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

"When designing the cocktails, we wanted to make them very approachable to everyone,"


Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget proposal included a surprise for what university manages The Ringling. The Governor’s “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility” calls for the museum campus to become part of New College of Florida.
Right now, the entire campus, including the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Ca’ d’Zan and the Ringling Museum of Circus, belongs to Florida State University. But New College leadership appears ready to take on the responsibility of the institutions that now about the state university’s southern border.
“Governor DeSantis has demonstrated amazing leadership in making Florida’s State University System the nation’s premier public higher education system,” Corcoran said.
“To continue this great work means ensuring each university reaches its greatest heights. Florida State University is advancing its scientific research and closing in on membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities. New College is building America’s best liberal arts college, and the addition of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art strengthens that mission, offering an unparalleled cultural and academic resource that benefits students, local residents, and visitors alike. This proposal will move the needle for both institutions to attain greater heights.”
Of course, any move would need the support of the Florida Legislature, which has been at odds with DeSantis recently over immigration enforcement. But state Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, said the idea of shifting The Ringling to a Sarasota-based school’s oversight is worth exploring. The talks also come amid rumors the Legislature could move the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee to New College as well.
“The Ringling is a crown jewel for anybody,” Gruters said. “Does it make sense for all three of those campuses to be united into one? I think it I something that should be looked at.”
Corcoran declined to speculate on FSU’s most conspicuous involvement at the school, the Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. That currently operates at the Asolo Repertory Theater on The Ringling’s campus.
Photo courtesy The Ringling



Love is in the air (and on the menu) at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. From February 1st through 16th, celebrated on-site eateries Jack Dusty and Rufa are serving up Valentine’s-inspired craft cocktails. On February 14th, Jack Dusty will also offer a romantic prix fixe dinner.
“When designing the cocktails, we wanted to make them very approachable to everyone,” says lead bartender Heidi Finley. “And who doesn’t love chocolate and strawberries and cherries on Valentine’s Day?”
Those influences are found in both cocktails at Jack Dusty. The first is the Cupid’s Bow, a white chocolate strawberry martini that features the eatery’s signature handcrafted ingredients like vanilla bean-infused vodka and fresh strawberry puree. The second is the more spirit-forward Red Velvet, a chocolate-cherry old-fashioned with tart cherry syrup and walnut bitters. At Rufa, the resort’s new al fresco dining and lounge experience, The Love at First Sight has a breezier feel. Served in a wine glass with a cranberry heart ice cube, the cocktail features bergamot liqueur, butterfly pea tea, lavender mint syrup and prosecco.
If you haven’t finalized your Valentine’s Day plans, there’s still time to make reservations at Jack Dusty on February 14th between 5pm and 10pm. The three-course prix-fixe menu consists of an appetizer, entree and dessert for $150 per person (not including tax and a 20% automatic gratuity).
“I was going for a romantic vibe with the colors,” says Joe Bennet, the new specialty chef at The Ritz-Carlton. “Looking at the menu you’ll see a lot of red going on there, a lot of purples.”
Diners have four different options to choose from for each course, and the menu is thoughtfully balanced to ensure it will have widespread appeal. The beausoleil oyster appetizer is accompanied by caviar and strawberry champagne mignonette and a touch of real champagne adds a fun textural element to the dish. The entree of large, succulent scallops is accompanied by decadent seafood risotto infused with a saffron lemon beurre blanc. Pastry chef Chris Vitanza has created enticing desserts like a dark chocolate heart filled with tart passion fruit mousse and sweet raspberry coulis that plays beautifully off the bitterness of the chocolate. No matter what menu selections you choose, you’re sure to fall in love with this meal.
Jack Dusty/Rufa at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota, 941-309-2000.

Duck Donuts, known for serving Warm, Delicious and Made to Order® donuts, has bold and sweet flavors hitting the menu this February. From indulgent Reese’s® creations to love-themed sweets, guests are in for a delightful treat beginning February 3. Duck Donuts specializes in warm, delicious and made-to-order donuts. Upon entering the store, customers are welcomed with the aroma of warm, light vanilla cake donuts. Customers can create their own donut combination by choosing from a variety of coatings, toppings and drizzles, including traditional favorites such as chocolate icing with sprinkles and more adventurous creations such as maple icing with bacon. The family-friendly stores offer a viewing area where children and adults alike can watch their donuts being made.

Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with a romantic dining experience at Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. On February 14th, indulge in an exclusive 4-course Valentine’s dinner featuring chef-curated entrées such as a Hand-Carved Ribeye, Ora King Salmon, or Herb-Crusted Fresh Catch. This special menu will be available from 3PM to 10PM as the sole offering, meaning Duval’s regular dinner and happy hour menus will not be available. For couples looking to celebrate early, Duval’s is offering a Dinner for Two menu from February 10th to 13th for just $99. The special menu features several of Duval’s fan favorites and includes a bottle of wine, two soups or salads, two entrées, and a shared dessert.


Join us for the 43rd Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival: Swamped but Never Sunk! This two-day event will take place on February 15 & 16, 2025 from 10am–6pm. Admission is $5, kids 12 & under are FREE. There will be plenty of delicious seafood, live music, nautical and environmental art, community displays, an expanded kids area, touch tanks, and “Dock Talks” by University of Florida Fisheries Department & Florida Sea Grant. All proceeds benefit the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage.
February 15 and 16, 10am-6pm, In front of Starfish Co. and A.P. Bell (and between 123 and 124th St W), Cortez, $5.00, kids under 12 free. fishcortez.org

Senior Friendship Centers announces the continuation of its popular authors series, “Joyful Journeys.” This engaging, free program celebrates the art of storytelling and highlights local authors. Each month, a featured author shares their unique insights, captivating stories, and personal experiences. Attendees can enjoy lively discussions, participate in Q&A sessions, and connect with fellow literature enthusiasts. The sessions are on Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m., at Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota. Generous support from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County makes the Joyful Journeys series possible.
2025 marks the 54th anniversary of Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s (SILL) “Global Issues” series. This month’s lectures feature key global issues explored by leading experts, including Gaisu Yari, a Wilson Center fellow and former civil service commissioner in Afghanistan, who will discuss the dramatic shifts in women’s rights in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return in 2021; Jeremi Suri, the Mack Brown Distinguished Chair for Leadership in Global Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, who will examine why democracies, including American democracy, are under siege today; Sean McFate, an author and national security strategist, whose talk is titled “The Dark Arts: Ungentlemanly Warfare for Our Time”; and Katharine Donato, director of the Institute for the Study of International Migration at Georgetown University, who will address the challenges and opportunities of global human migration for leaders at all levels.

ensembleNEWSRQ (enSRQ), the innovative chamber music ensemble, continues its ninth season with "Truth and Mayhem," a percussion-driven spectacle that features an eclectic array of percussion instruments—all propelled by the ensemble's vibrant energy. The program includes Ellen Reid’s “Fear/Release” (2017) for percussion quartet; Jonathan Cziner’s “Music for the Temple” (2019, arr. 2024) for marimba and vibraphone; Nico Muhly’s “Pillaging Music” (2005) for percussion, celeste, piano, and pre-recorded CD; and Tan Dun’s “Elegy: Snow in June” (1991) for solo cello and percussion. Cellist Abe Feder returns as a guest artist to perform in this work. The concert is Monday, February 17, 7:30 p.m., at First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota. A post-concert reception will follow, offering attendees the chance to meet the musicians. Single tickets are $30. For more information on ticket packages and single tickets, including student ticket pricing, visit EnSRQ.org.
Choral Artists of Sarasota announces a schedule update: the concert “A Measure of All Faith,” originally set for Sunday, February 23, at the Church of the Redeemer, will be replaced by “A Few of Our Favorite Things,” an intimate recital featuring soprano Adelaide Boedecker and pianist Joseph Holt. The program features some of their most cherished selections from opera, Broadway, and popular song. The concert is Sunday, February 23, 5 p.m., at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S Palm Ave, Sarasota. Tickets are $25. A gala reception honoring the singers, musicians and programs of Choral Artists follows the performance in Goewey Hall at the church. Tickets for the concert and gala start at $75. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-6046.
Creative Liberties at ARCOS Gaze Gallery: View work by artists-in-residence Jordan Beutel, Thomas Fabian and Mayer Kersun through February, at Arcos Apartments, 340 Central Ave., Sarasota. Jordan Beutel’s art and poetry reflect his journey of self-discovery as a transgender man, blending words and visuals to evoke emotions tied to his transition. Photographer Thomas Fabian, known for his documentary and street photography, has returned to his craft with renewed passion after overcoming a decade-long health challenge. Mayer Kersun, a WWII-era artist inspired by comics and history, creates compelling works in acrylics and collage. The ARCOS gallery is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Get ready to experience the soulful sounds of 2018 Soul Blues Artist Johnny Rawls on Friday, February 14th, from 5 to 8 PM! With a career spanning decades, Rawls has played alongside blues legends and has a timeless style that blends masterful guitar work with fresh, innovative songwriting. His latest album, “I’m Still Around,” won the award for Best Soul Blues Album! The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime shops will be open until 7pm. Hamlet's Eatery will be serving dinner from 5-7:30. No cover charge. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy an unforgettable night of live music!

The School District of Manatee County celebrates outstanding employees on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the Excellence in Education Awards. The ceremony to name Manatee County’s “Educator of the Year” and “Support Employee of the Year” will begin at 7 p.m. at Manatee Technical College’s Main Campus, located at 6305 State Road 70 East, Bradenton. Awards will be broadcast live on Manatee Schools Television which is available on Frontier channel 39, Spectrum channel 646, the School District of Manatee County app available on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and online at https://www.ManateeSchools.net.

Teachers + Tuesdays = 1⁄2 OFF Pie’s at Pie On Main! Every Tuesday Teachers with School ID enjoy 1/2 off Pizzas when you Dine-in with us! Convenient parking in our lot behind the restaurant. 1/2 off Pizzas with purchase of any beverage, excluding personal pizzas.
Pie on Main, 1507 Main St Sarasota, FL 34236
Longtime friends Chef Charles Amherst of Chaz 51 Steakhouse in Venice and Barbara Gerdeman, co-founder of Creative Liberties Artist Studios in Sarasota, have joined forces to create a series of interactive “live art dinner showcases.” Join us every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings from 5-8:30 pm.
Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US-41 BYP, Venice, FL 34285
Be the first to experience our elevated new menu offerings in our stunning, one-of-a-kind restaurant. The festivities will also include cocktails and live entertainment for an unforgettable evening in celebration of our new Sarasota UTC location. RSVP by Friday, January 20th.
Fleming's Sarasota UTC, 8306 Tourist Center Dr. Bradenton FL 34201
Experience a bit of Indian culture right here in Sarasota. This intimate event will include a fashion show with lenghas, shalwars, saris, and Indian jewelry. Learn how to wrap a sari and enjoy culturally traditional finger foods, desserts, and music. Door prizes and changes to win special clothing items.
Private Home in Bent Tree , (34241)
Join us for an unforgettable evening with food served a La Parisienne family style by French Chef Arnaud Wallet who has 20 + years of cooking expereince and live music by Chuck. Our Valentine's Day Dinner is available at all of our locations: UTC & AMI & Main Street Sarasota
Various Locations, Various Location
Our annual Lakewood Ranch Community Campout at Greenbrook Adventure Park offers a range of activities for families and friends! From Saturday, February 15th to Sunday, February 16th, you'll enjoy: Campfire perfect for roasting s'mores, Family-friendly movie showing, Food truck dinner for purchase, Live music by Justin Layman, Complimentary donuts & coffee for breakfast and much more! This overnight event will begin on Saturday at 3 PM and end Sunday morning at 9 AM. Tickets are for ages 3+. Children under 3 are free.
Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
The Southside School Foundation for the Arts (SSFA) is thrilled to announce its third annual Cooking for the Arts event, co-chaired by Molly and Ethan Biter and Sepi and Ryan Ackerman. This extraordinary evening will welcome nearly 250 guests for a one-of-a-kind, hands-on culinary experience. Under the expert guidance of renowned local celebrity chefs Phil Mancini and Jamil Pineda, attendees will collaborate to prepare a delectable four-course meal, making for an unforgettable night of camaraderie and creativity.
Michael's On East , 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
Tenor Hak Soo Kim is renowned for his performances at Sarasota Opera and other stages. In addition, he is certified sommelier and has worked at some of New York City's finest restaurants includin the last three years as head sommelier at James Beard Award winner Thomas Keller's restaurants Per Se. This extraordinary wine dinner feature wines selected by Mr. Kim paired with a sumptuous four-course dinner prepared by Michael's on East under the direction of Exective Chef Jamil Pineda.
Michael's Wine Cellar, 1283 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Fl 34239
Join us for our Tropical Soiree | Peace, Love, and Plants Market. Embrace yourself in nature while shopping local under the big oak trees!
The Meadows, 5041 Ringwood Meadow Sarasota, FL 34235
Your evening begins by meeting your fellow South American oligarchs over a specialty cocktail (or beer or wine) at Rae's Cabaret in MPAC's grand lobby. Next, you will be conducted upstairs to the Ballroom, for a brief participatory tango demonstration, followed by a two-course dinner accompanied by Argentine wines. Finally, you will be given premium main stage seatin g for MPAC's production of the award-winning Broadway musical "Evita."
Manatee Performing Arts Center , 502 3rd Avenue West Bradenton FL 34205
The Wellen Park Night Market returns the second Thursday of each month from 6-9pm offering an evening of shopping, live music and dining under the twinkling lights of Downtown Wellen. The Night Market features independent artists and makers specializing in art, jewelry, boutique fashion, home decor, bottle art, wood designs and specialty food items set up along Wellen Park Boulevard with 50 rotating vendors. Food items included rum cakes, desserts, lemonade, barbecue and vegan fare.
Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd
Think while you drink! Gather your friends, co-workers or family and join us for a fun-filled evening. Prizes, specials and FUN!
Gecko's Grill & Pub, Multiple Locations
Join us Saturday, February 8, at 6 p.m. for The Orchid Ball 2025: Here Comes the Moon! Together we will celebrate the 2025 Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition: George Harrison: A Gardener's Life throughout the grounds of Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus and raise our glasses for a special toast to Jennifer Rominiecki's 10-year anniversary at Selby Gardens!
Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street Sarasota, FL 34236
Join us on Main Street for the Best Seat outside of New Orleans at Pie On Main. We'll have food & bar specials, specialty shots & our hand-tossed Pie's, Calzones, Sub's and Salads. Every quarter we'll have some SUPER GIVEAWAYS! Reserve your seat today with any of our friendly tap masters or servers and bring your Big Game party here! We'll help you celebrate the last game of the season at your favorite game-watching spot on Main Street.
Pie on Main, 1507 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join The Market on Dearborn every Friday evening from October 2024 - May 2025 from 3pm-7pm on Historic Dearborn Street in Englewood, Florida as we launch an evening market to expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs and provide an additional family-friendly event for local residents and guests of Englewood
The Market on Dearborn, 232 W Dearborn St., Englewood, FL, United States, Florida 34223
Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning presents former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson in “What's Next for American Democracy.” Jeh Johnson was the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security fromDecember 23, 2013, to January 20, 2017. He led the third largest department of the U.S. government. Johnson will present his insights on the future of American Democracy and other critical issues.
Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239
Celebrate the women who have captivated the world with their dynamic personalities and fierce vocals. Starting in the 1960’s, female artists such as Cher, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion have been pushing boundaries and shattering records with hits such as, “Turn Back Time,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “My Heart Will Go On.”
John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join us on the Bolger Campiello for live music and dancing. Food and beverage will be available for purchase on the bayfront. One chair per person will be available. No outside food, drink, coolers, chairs or pets are permitted. Members please note: $20 tickets are limited to one for Individual Memberships and two for all other Membership levels.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
The 27th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival is a three-day event held Feb. 14-16, 2025 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds that benefits Suncoast Charities for Children. National Headline Acts include Blue Öyster Cult (Friday – Feb. 14), Grand Funk Railroad (Saturday – Feb. 15), and Creed Fisher (Sunday – Feb. 16). The Festival features continuous live music, vendors, daredevil acts, a charity motorcycle ride, bike show, a motorcycle “sound off” competition, biker games, and much more! On-site camping is also available. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate (12 and under free). Limited VIP tickets are also available. Over the past 26 years, the Festival has raised over $2.8 Million for charity.
Sarasota Fairgrounds
Shopliftable pt. 2 builds on the success of our inaugural exhibition, showcasing impactful small artworks.This second installment features pieces small enough to steal by 50 of Sarasota's favorite artists. Join us in celebrating creativity through compact, compelling art.
502 Gallery, 502 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 25th anniversary season, titled "25 Years of Black Heritage," continues through May 25. The remaining shows in the season are "Fences" (through February 23), "Five Guys Named Moe" (March 5-April 6), and WBTT's first-ever, world-premiere tap dancing musical revue, "Syncopated Avenue." Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org to learn more about WBTT and to purchase tickets. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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.
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