SRQ DAILY May 13, 2025
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"For the salmon toast, we hand-slice sourdough bread and spread on scallion cream cheese we make in-house."
Sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough days in the weekend to do everything you want to do. On one of your rare days off, would you rather soak up the sun at the beach or enjoy a leisurely brunch? If you visit Whitney’s in Longboat Key, you don’t have to choose. Located just a short walk from the beach, this breezy eatery is the perfect place to start your Saturday or Sunday.
There’s a little something for everyone on Whitney’s brunch menu. In the mood for something sweet? The brioche French toast is a must-try. Slices of brioche are soaked overnight in French toast batter, then prepared to order. It’s topped with a homemade maple miso butter that is a great balance of sweet and salty as well as 100% pure maple syrup. The dish is topped with sliced bruleed bananas and crunchy toasted pecans.
In the mood for something lighter? General manager Kelli Rutherford is a fan of the eatery’s take on avocado toast and smoked salmon toast.
“For the salmon toast, we hand-slice sourdough bread and spread on scallion cream cheese we make in-house,” she says. “That gets topped with rolled up smoked salmon, cucumber, blistered tomato, pickled red onion and everything bagel seasoning. With the pink salmon and green cucumbers, it looks really bright and fresh.”
Whitney’s itself also has a bright and fresh look. Once a service station, it has been fully revamped. The pristine mint green and white tiles have a vintage appeal and make the surroundings as Instagram-worthy as the food.
Whitney’s is open Monday through Friday from 11am to 9pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 9pm. Brunch is served on the weekends from 9am-1pm.
Whitney’s, 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 941-383-4606, whitneylbk.com.
Pictured: Enjoy a beachy brunch at Whitney's in Longboat Key. Provided photo.
Join the Gecko's Hospitality Group family as we kick off the exciting Annual Iron Chef Challenge from May 12th to June 15. Each of our six Gecko's Grill and Pub locations will unleash their culinary creativity with a special Iron Chef Menu every week. Watch as our talented chefs whip up mouthwatering dishes, featuring both brand-new creations and beloved classics with a twist! It's a weekly battle of flavors, and you get to be the judge. Taste, vote, and help us crown the Iron Chef of the week, complete with a cash prize for the winning chefs. And don't miss the grand finale championship showdown from June 9-15, where the winning location will be named the Gecko's Hospitality Group Iron Chef Champion for 2025. Watch our social media stories weekly to see which delicious dishes will take the spotlight and help us celebrate creativity in the kitchen.
After more than 16 years of shaping the artistic vision and musical excellence of Choral Artists of Sarasota, Dr. Joseph Holt will retire as artistic director in June. Holt, selected to be the conductor of the ensemble in 2009 (then known as Gloria Musicae), was appointed artistic director in 2011. Under his leadership, Choral Artists has evolved into one of the region’s leading professional vocal ensembles, known for its bold programming, community collaborations, and vocal artistry.
Courtesy photo.
RIAA-certified Gold and holiday favorites a cappella group Straight No Chaser are back for another festive fall with their “Holiday Road Tour.” Straight No Chaser will be sharing the joy, “dad jokes,” and songs of the season with families around the country starting in October. The “Holiday Road Tour” (a nod to the theme song of cult classic film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation) kicks off in Findlay, Ohio on October 17, and plays the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Monday, December 29 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale on May 16 at 10am.
The Wellness Space, a highly anticipated self-care studio focused on meditation, emotional wellness, and holistic living, is officially open and welcoming guests in Waterside at Lakewood Ranch. Located at 1561 Lakefront Dr, Unit 208, the studio offers a range of classes and one-on-one services designed to nourish the body, calm the mind, and empower the spirit. The space will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 4:00pm followed by an open house reception from 4:30pm - 6:00pm. RSVPs are welcome, but not required. Those who RSVP will be entered to win a raffle that evening.
HCA Florida Englewood Hospital is marking its 40th anniversary by recognizing outstanding employees, physicians and volunteers through the hospital-level 2025 HCA Healthcare Awards of Distinction.The awards honor individuals who exemplify the hospital’s mission through exceptional service, compassion and commitment to excellence.
Sarasota County Government will host a job fair connecting job seekers with rewarding career opportunities in local government and public service. There will be a dedicated recruitment hour at the event just for veterans. The event will be on Wednesday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, in the first-floor training room of the Sarasota County Administration Building.The schedule is as follows: 10am-11am: Recruiting hour for Veterans; 11am-3pm: Recruiting open to the public. Sarasota County’s Human Resources team and hiring managers from multiple departments will be on site to speak with, screen and interview qualified candidates for a variety of open positions.
As the summer begins, we would like to raise funds for our upcoming summer camps, programs, and events in 2025. In the fall, we will be having programs every day of the week at skate parks, schools, and our 180 Skate House. We hope to provide our students with new ramps and gear so they are able to learn safely and efficiently. As we continue to grow as a nonprofit, we are planning to add new members to our staff and coaching team. Our ultimate goal is to have a vehicle to provide transportation to students and our own building to have additional programs and events at. No matter how much you are able to give, we appreciate your support.
Join the Gecko'ss Hospitality Group family as we kick off the exciting Annual Iron Chef Challenge from May 12-June 15. Each of our six Gecko's Grill and Pub locations will unleash their culinary creativity with a special Iron Chef Menu every week. Watch as our talented chefs whip up mouthwatering dishes, featuring both brand-new creations and beloved classics with a twist! It's a weekly battle of flavors, and you get to be the judge. Taste, vote, and help us crown the Iron Chef of the week, complete with a cash prize for the winning chefs. And don't miss the grand finale championship showdown from June 9-15, where the winning location will be named the Gecko's Hospitality Group Iron Chef Champion for 2025. Watch our social media stories weekly to see which delicious dishes will take the spotlight and help us celebrate creativity in the kitchen.
Gecko's Grill and Pub
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
This time of year had a special significance in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, and the term originates from their studies of astrology. Nowadays, the term has taken on new meanings as pet parents associate it with lazy days when dogs are so hot they just want to lay in the shade and sip an ice-cold Puppuccino. Artists are invited to share their favorite fur-baby creations of dogs and cats.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) is a remarkably talented young Viennese composer who unwittingly finds a fierce rival in the disciplined and determined Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Resenting Mozart for both his hedonistic lifestyle and his undeniable talent, the highly religious Salieri is gradually consumed by his jealousy and becomes obsessed with Mozart's downfall, leading to a devious scheme that has dire consequences for both men.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
This half-day experience is designed to equip you with the tools, strategies, and connections to elevate your career and amplify your impact. Through dynamic speakers and interactive sessions, you’ll gain the confidence to step beyond self-doubt, embrace new opportunities, and take ownership of your success.
Carlisle Inn and Conference Center – Sarasota, 3727 Bahia Vista Street Sarasota, FL 34232
The 34th National Juried Exhibition showcases the best representational paintings produced across North America. With nearly 200 juried artists and many invited Master Signature artists, it serves as a showcase for both up-and-coming talent and some of the most celebrated artists working today. The exhibition does not focus on a single style or theme but instead celebrates the diversity and art produced within the representational oil painting tradition. The exhibition & opening is in conjunction with the OPA National Convention, which features numerous lectures, painting demonstrations, and social events geared to artists and collectors.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
MarineMax Sarasota is thrilled to announce the return of AquaPalooza, the biggest boating bash of the summer, happening Saturday, May 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the iconic New Pass Sandbar. A staple of the Sarasota boating scene, AquaPalooza is the perfect way to kick off Memorial Day Weekend and celebrate the start of summer in true Florida style. This family-friendly flotilla brings boaters from all over to enjoy a day of fun, sun, and non-stop music. This year’s entertainment lineup features live performances from Jah Movement, Dr. Dave Band, and Zach Regan Band, with DJ Joey Horn spinning beats throughout the day to keep the energy high.
MarineMax Sarasota, New Pass Sandbar
The Venice Symphony proudly announces the return of its annual Patriotic Pops Concert, taking place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at CoolToday Park in the Wellen Park community of south Sarasota County. This year's event, Salute to the Greatest Generation: A WWII Tribute, commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and will feature beloved WWII-era music, a tribute to U.S. Armed Forces veterans, and a dazzling fireworks display to conclude the evening. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County returns as the presenting sponsor for this beloved tradition. Now in its sixth year, the Patriotic Pops Concert has become a signature event, celebrating patriotism, music, and community spirit as the unofficial start to Memorial Day weekend.
The Venice Symphony , CoolToday Park, Wellen Park, Sarasota County
This 2nd Annual Art & Health Fair event will be one you don't want to miss! There will be something for everyone! Not only will you get a chance to learn about MCR Health and The Ringling Museum, you'll also have an opportunity to learn more about your local community partners. What's more is there will be FREE admission as to The Ringling, LIVE music, great food, entertainment for the kids and beautiful surroundings!
The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
SRQ DAILY is a daily e-newsletter produced by SRQ MEDIA. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. 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. SRQ DAILY includes content excerpted from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Robinson Valverde at 941-365-7702 x703 or via email |
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe
