SRQ DAILY Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"We soak chia seeds in premium coconut milk with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and some pomegranate honey, and then we top it just like a parfait."
In January, this column highlighted the reimagined dinner menu at EVOQ in the Westin Hotel designed by new executive chef Ryan Ward. Now Ward has turned his attention to the most important meal of the day, debuting EVOQ’s new breakfast menu that’s as diverse as it is delectable. With items ranging from light and nutritious to rich and indulgent, there's something for everyone.
“One of my standouts that’s probably the most healthy thing on the menu is the chia coconut bowl,” Ward says. “We soak chia seeds in premium coconut milk with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and some pomegranate honey, and then we top it just like a parfait. You have pineapples, berries, toasted coconut, granola and spiced pumpkin seeds.”
This dish is right in line with the eat well mentality that the Westin has wholeheartedly embraced. Every Westin has a juicery program, so juices are made fresh in-house from simple orange or grapefruit juice to more adventurous melon turmeric juice. There are also plenty of gluten-free items for diners with dietary restrictions.
But there are also ample options available for those of us who prepare a more decadent start to the day. The bananas foster French toast is made from inch-thick slices of egg bread that soak up the rich batter. The toast is topped with bananas that have been sautéed and tossed in a housemade bourbon caramel sauce. If you prefer something savory, the ham and cheese omelet has been elevated to a whole new level with tender braised pork belly, pepperjack cheese, dijonnaise, and chives. There are so many things to try, you’ll wish you could have breakfast every meal of the day.
EVOQ Sarasota, 100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, 941-260-8255, www.evoqsarasota.com.
Pictured: The chia coconut bowl is one of the standout dishes on EVOQ's brand-new breakfast menu. Provided photo.
Join Jack Dusty to celebrate the greatest two minutes in sports while donning your Derby best on Saturday, May 3. Enjoy a live bluegrass band from 2-5 p.m. and a DJ from 5:30-10 p.m. Photo ops and a satellite bar featuring Angel's Envy mint juleps and Jack Dusty's Sirens will be available in the Ca' d'Zan room just off the bow. The main bar located inside the restaurant will remain open to all guests, offering a full bar. There will be multiple televisions to ensure the Derby is visible to all attendees. The running of the 151st Kentucky Derby is set for 6:57 p.m. Please note that this is not a ticketed event.
810 Entertainment at Miromar Outlets in Estero is recognizing Cinco de Mayo with a trio of margarita specials while spotlighting the venue’s latest twist on the tangy cocktail. From Friday, May 2 through Monday, May 5, guests ages 21 and older can enjoy $5 house margaritas, $6 top shelf margaritas and $8 Cadillac margaritas, which feature Grand Marnier, a premium refined cognac and exotic bitter orange liqueur.
Sarasota Opera is excited to announce the return of its popular summer movie series: Classic Movies at the Opera House and HD at the Opera House, celebrating the Sarasota Opera House’s cinematic roots and vibrant cultural legacy. Classic Hollywood gems and HD-filmed performances of opera and ballet from internationally renowned companies will be presented on select Fridays and Sundays from June through October. The 2025 series kicks off on Sunday, June 8 at 1:30 p.m. with Puccini’s Madama Butterfly from London’s Royal Opera House. The Classic Movies series begins on Friday, June 27 at 7:00 p.m. with the multi-Academy Award-winning Amadeus. All tickets go on sale Monday, April 28 at SarasotaOpera.org.
Wonder is alive in museums as a powerful undercurrent of artistic expression, discovery, and meaningful connection. How can this powerful force transform the arts into a vehicle for health and healing? Through engaging talks, experiences, and activities, discover how the arts inspire wonder—and how wonder fosters emotional, mental, and physical healing. Tickets include access to all sessions, keynotes, the Carnival of Wonder, and Sarasota’s hottest summer party: The Ringling WONDERground.
The Sarasota Music Festival announced its concert programs for the 2025 Festival season, exploring the theme of “Music as a Mirror of History.” The three-week Festival runs from June 1 – 21 with 14 different concerts and events, as well as a wide range of masterclasses, coaching sessions, and open rehearsals. More than 400 pre-professional musicians from the world’s top music programs at colleges and conservatories audition for the Festival, with approximately 60 applicants accepted for fellowships each year. Fellows work side-by-side with a group of 40 faculty artists who represent many of the most renowned music schools and professional orchestras.
Creative Liberties presents “A Better World Through Art,” a compelling student exhibition in collaboration with Art 4 Change, on view throughout May at the GAZE Gallery, 340 Central Ave., in Sarasota’s Rosemary District. The exhibit showcases original works by students from Sarasota and Manatee County schools, each reflecting a bold and hopeful vision for the future. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful composition, these young artists explore today’s pressing social issues—reimagining a world shaped by empathy, justice, and creativity. Founded in 2020 by Sarasota artist and educator Clifford McDonald, Art 4 Change empowers emerging artists to spark dialogue and create social impact through visual storytelling. “Art 4 Change isn’t just a program,” McDonald says. “It’s a movement—one that invites us all to look inward, speak out, and build a better world together.” As part of the exhibition, families are invited to a free hands-on art experience during Remake Learning Days on Thursday, May 1, 5-7 p.m., featuring guided art activities led by professional artists. A student artist reception will follow on Saturday, May 3, 3-5 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit CreativeLiberties.net or email info@creativeliberties.net.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to announce the lineup for its 2025 Summer Season, featuring a dynamic mix of productions in both its Mainstage and Cabaret Series. From feel-good musicals and heartfelt dramas to upbeat songs and behind-the-scenes stories, this summer’s programming is designed to entertain, uplift, and inspire.
A place that forbids you to take anything seriously. Transport yourself into a wonderful world of unexpected, photo-worthy drinks, décor and delights inspired by the Circus Capital of the World - Sarasota. Ringside at Cirque St. Armands Beachside orchestrates a dining performance where culinary artistry collides with circus-inspired drama. A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows reveal panoramic views of the beach, billboard-size murals showcase trapeze artists doing daredevil acts, with private booths peeking out from behind sumptuous velvet drapery. The setting meets its perfect match in our menu, serving up a delicate balancing act of bold flavors and Gulf seafood favorites. Unleash your imagination and discover pure circus wonderment under the Big Top, where memories are made and cherished for a lifetime. You’ll never be bored with what is mixed, muddled, and mastered beneath the unique cage-like canopy of the bar.
Step into a visual conversation between two lifelong friends who helped shape Sarasota’s artistic history at 502 GALLERY. Hartman + Berg: Parallel Paths, celebrates the enduring friendship of William Hartman and Wilfrid Berg—two artists who painted side-by-side throughout the 1940s and 1950s in both Sarasota and Michigan.Their watercolor paintings, many of the same scenes rendered through separate eyes, reveal a rich, intimate dialogue of light, color, and perspective. This exhibition offers a rare look into a creative relationship rooted in trust, curiosity, and deep appreciation for the landscape they shared. Visit 502 Gallery to experience the show while it’s still up—and discover a unique chapter in Sarasota’s history.
It's time to kickstart kindergarten excitement with the perfect trio: dinner, dancing and unforgettable delight! The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County and Sarasota County Schools are thrilled to once again co-host the 3rd Annual “Kickoff to K” Parties—two FREE events designed for the families of children entering public or charter kindergarten in August 2025. These vibrant celebrations are part of Suncoast Remake Learning Days, a regional festival supported by The Patterson Foundation and coordinated by the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. The events will be hosted at two locations:
Tuesday, April 29, 5:30 – 7:30pm, Suncoast Technical College – Sarasota, 4748 S. Beneva Rd, Sarasota, Campus Atrium – Indoor event (rain or shine); Thursday, May 1, 5:30 – 7:30pm, Suncoast Technical College – North Port, 4445 Career Lane, North Port, Campus Conference Center – Indoor event (rain or shine)
Think while you drinks! Gather your friends, co-workers or family and join us for a fun-filled evening. Prizes and specials each night. Monday – Wednesday at 7:30pm. Gecko’s on Clark – Monday ; Gecko’s on SR64 & Stickney Point – Tuesday ; Gecko’s on Hillview – Wednesday.
Gecko's Grill & Pub, Multiple Locations
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits is thrilled to announce the launch of its much-anticipated Sunday Brunch. Guests are invited to indulge in a delightful brunch experience on our beautiful covered patio or casual dining room with nautical touches. Our new brunch menu features a variety of mouth-watering dishes created by Chef Cesareo Cardenas, including his decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast, savory Steak & Eggs, succulent Lobster Benedict, the flavorful Tripletail Brunch Burger, and Crab & Shrimp Omelet. To complement your meal, guests will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa with the purchase of any entrée.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits , 4870 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231
Every Wednesdat at 6 pm a 5k Fun Run starts and ends at 99 Bottles. Course runs through Downtown Sarasota and along the Bayfront, all skill levels, all fun. Each time you finish a run, you must get yout card punched to get an attendance credit and receive 99 bottles prizes. All runners are expected to obey all traffic laws, be courteous to other runners, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, etc.on the route and to know your limits - running and/or drinking!
99 Bottles, 1445 2nd St Sarasota, FL 34236
Cask & Ale on Main Street lifts a toast & taps a toe to our fabulous Brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 - 3:00 with live Jazz during Sunday Brunch from Noon - 4:00. We offer a diverse chef-prepared menu with a full spread of Brunch delectables + our rotating Chef's Special menu, bottomless Mimosas and a wide selection of craft cocktails. Cask & Ale Liquor Locker owners enjoy the benefit of reservations for tables, holidays or special occasions! Continue the good vibes to make the most of your weekend. Voted Best Cocktails by SRQ Magazine!
Cask & Ale, 1548 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
If you are oyster curious or just craving the fresh coastal seafood & hand-crafted cocktails from your new Rosemary District favorite, join us at Lefty's for our daily Happy Hours Monday - Friday from 4 pm - 6 pm and our Late Night Happy Hours every night from 9:00-Close. With seafood offerings from the Steamer and Buck-A-Shucks on oysters plus our extensive wine, specialty and seasonal cocktails and draft beers, Lefty's has your recipe to get happier and explore our menus. Join us every day for Lunch, Happy Hours or Dinner and for our downtown neighbors and Hospitality industry colleagues, we'll have live music and keep the light on for you on the weekends!
Lefty's Oyster and Seafood Bar, 428 N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Taste & Toast Gulf Coast will feature top chefs, mixologists, and beverage artisans from across the Gulf Coast region. Guests will enjoy an interactive experience filled with live culinary and mixology competitions, tastings from 20+ wineries, breweries, and distillers, craft cocktails, mocktails, and exciting live entertainment.
The Yard at South Bay Center, 600 US 41 N Palmetto, FL 34221
Join Cask & Ale for a Party celebrating the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, Saturday, May 3! The traditions continue with honors paid to the best Bourbon, the rituals of Spring and the greatest two minutes in sports! We'll have our Derby Hat + Bowtie contests, prizes, specialty cocktails and of course, Mint Juleps with our housemade simple syrup. Bring your friends and lift a toast to fast horses, bourbon & the Run for the Roses, Cask & Ale-style. Proceeds to benefit Men Wear Pink.
Cask & Ale, 1548 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
This year, we’re turning up the fun with Bourbons & Barks - Raising Spirits for Rescues! Join us on May 8th for a fantastic evening dedicated to supporting our furry friends in need. The event will include spirit tastings and raffles on the patio and a VIP dinner in the M&M lounge (limited availability). Join us for a night of tastings and cuddling with rescue pups, all for a good cause!
Gecko's Grill & Pub, 351 North Cattlemen Road Sarasota, FL 34232
Enjoy Mother’s Day Brunch at Selby Gardens! Ticket price includes a hot and cold brunch buffet catered by Michael’s on East featuring an omelet and pancake station, carvings station, dessert bar, plus coffee, tea, and water. All other beverages will be available for purchase. Your brunch ticket also grants you full access to our Downtown Sarasota Campus to view the gardens and Spring Exhibition, George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life, before or after your seating time.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Manatee Chamber’s Headliners luncheons are designed to equip business leaders with key insights into critical community issues. They are also a great opportunity to make new connections while discussing important business and community topics. These events are informative and offer valuable networking. Whether you choose individual open seating or prefer the reserved, guaranteed group seating of full and half tables, you will be part of a dynamic and engaging experience.
Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, 7650 Legacy Boulevard, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
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.
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.
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
The Sarasota Farmers Market Vendors Incorporated (“SFMV”) has been established as a not for-profit organization under laws of the State of Florida, continuing the 40+ year tradition of enhancing and improving the quality of life in Sarasota. Our charitable mission is to create a social opportunity for residents and visitors to gather and interact, to bring foot traffic to downtown Sarasota sustaining the economic viability of the entire downtown area, and to provide a venue for other not-for-profit organizations benefiting Sarasota.
Sarasota Farmer's Market, N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Welcome to the Bradenton Public Market, a place where the community meets each week to enjoy fresh produce, local art, music, and free family activities on Old Main Street.
Old Main Street Downtown Bradenton, Old Main ST. Bradenton, 34205
Discover a vibrant community gathering at the Phillippi Farmhouse Market, nestled within the scenic Phillippi Estate Park. This seasonal market, open every Wednesday from October through April from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., invites you to experience the best of fresh produce, prepared foods, artisanal products and live music. Beyond shopping, visitors can explore the park’s beautiful grounds, including the historic Edson Keith Mansion, through a free, docent-led tour beginning promptly at 10 a.m. each Wednesday.
Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231
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
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