“I’ve always had a passion for healthy food,” says Jie Chen. “I go to the gym quite often—I’ve been training myself for nine years—and I always eat clean food.”

Chen owns a house in Siesta Key that was damaged in last year’s back-to-back hurricanes, and she had a hard time finding the kind of food she likes to eat while she was overseeing the rebuilding of her home. A restaurant called Siesta Poke had opened not long before the hurricanes and was also shuttered as a result of the storms. When the eatery was finally ready to reopen last November, Chen purchased it and now spends her days preparing and sharing the clean, healthy food she values so much.

At Siesta Poke, diners can customize poke bowls entirely to their tastes. For a base, you can start with white rice, brown rice, quinoa or field greens. Protein options include ahi tuna, salmon, shrimp, chicken, red beans and tofu. Then you can choose from a wide variety of toppings, including cucumber, mango, edamame, corn, pickled ginger and much more. Add a crunchy topping like crispy onions or sesame seeds, and then select a housemade sauce to tie it altogether. These versatile dishes are endlessly customizable—you can eat them every day and still have tons of variety.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, you can also try a cool and refreshing acai bowl. Like the poke bowls, these frozen treats can be built according to your preferences and are packed with fresh, colorful ingredients. Since buying Siesta Poke, Chen has also added boba tea to the menu with boba made from scratch. With all the variety on the menu, it’s safe to say Chen doesn’t have a hard time finding fresh, tasty food anymore.

“I’m working here every day almost seven days a week,” Chen says. “I eat here every day. The quality of the food has to be very premium because I want very high-end quality for myself and my customers.”

Siesta Poké, 5206 Ocean Boulevard, Sarasota, 941-217-6359, www.siestapoke.com. 

Pictured: Jie Chen, owner of Siesta Poke, is excited to share her passion for healthy and delicious food. Provided photo.

Saluti! You are invited to enjoy a delectable five-course Italian dinner at Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails on Wednesday, May 21. The themed menu was crafted by Jack Dusty’s Specialty Chef Joe Bennett, whose dishes will be paired with a myriad of Italian wines from Palm Bay International’s repertoire. Wine expert Iris Dicicco from Palm Bay International and Chef Joe will present each course to dinner attendees, allowing them to answer questions from the diners. This exclusive event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Reservations can be made via The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota’s OpenTable or by contacting maria.adarmes@ritzcalton.com. 

Sarasota’s most sophisticated happy hour has officially begun—and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Join us at Ocean Prime Sarasota for an elevated Happy Hour experience, now available Monday through Friday from 4–6PM in our stylish bar & lounge. Guests can enjoy $5 off:  Our decadent lounge menu, handcrafted signature cocktails, curated select wines. Whether you're toasting a successful workday or catching up with friends, there’s no better place to unwind than by the water with Ocean Prime’s exceptional service and atmosphere. Happy Hour is happening now—make it yours. 

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is thrilled to unveil the lineup for its 15th annual Sarasota Improv Festival, a high-energy celebration of spontaneous comedy featuring 16 top improv companies from across the U.S. and Canada. The festival will take place July 18–19, 2025, at FST’s downtown Sarasota campus. Festival passes, single tickets, and workshop registration for the 15th annual Sarasota Improv Festival, running July 18–19, 2025, are now available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling the FST Box Office at (941) 366-9000. 

On April 12, local music school Music Compound is teaming up with Children's Art Classes to present "Inspired! Interactive Music & Art Journey." The event, with separate sessions for children (ages 8-17) and adults (includes wine sampling for ages 21+), will enable participants to paint while being inspired by live music performed by Music Compound instructors and students. The concept for the event was inspired by renowned painter and art theorist Wassily Kandinsky, whose experience with synesthesia resulted in seeing colors when he heard music, and hearing music when he painted. 

Pictured: Children and adults are invited to enjoy the Inspired! Interactive Music and Art Journey at Music Compound on April 12. Provided photo/CAC.

To learn more click here

The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling are happy to partner once again to present the Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater. Don’t miss this family-friendly show that runs Fri, Jun 13 through Sat, Aug 9! The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases some of the finest circus artists from around the world, performing acts to thrill audiences of all ages. 

For ticket information click here.

 The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce is still accepting applicants for its 2025 Leadership Institute, an engaging program designed to inspire and educate the next generation of community leaders. The Leadership Institute provides an opportunity for local professionals to develop leadership skills through a series of educational seminars and immersive experiences with business, cultural, community, and government leaders across the region. The program kicks off with a special ceremony on June 5th and includes monthly sessions such as a Sports Seminar at Innisbrook Resort and a Government Seminar featuring influential regional speakers. Those interested in building meaningful connections, expanding their knowledge of the Tampa Bay area, and making a lasting impact in their community are encouraged to apply now. Spots are limited and filling quickly. To learn more or secure your place in the 2025 Leadership Institute, email kennedy@tampabaybeaches.com or call 727-360-6957. 

Sarasota Bradenton international Airport (SRQ) is pleased to announce that American Airlines will launch daily nonstop service to Miami, FL (MIA) beginning November 3, 2025. The daily flights will be operated on a 76-seat Embraer 175 jet offering first class, main cabin extra, and main cabin, departing from SRQ at 6:30 AM, arriving at MIA at 7:40 AM. For the return trip, flights will depart MIA at 9:30 pm and arrive at SRQ at 10:40pm. 

Feature your business in SRQ’s July/August 2025 edition, packed with premium opportunities: the inspiring Home & Design Flipbook, essential Hurricane Preparedness section, and the celebrated Best of SRQ Local Winners Showcase. Reach engaged readers with impactful stories, expert positioning, and targeted visibility. Space is limited—secure your placement today!