Organic Farmer’s Table was opened by Giulia Salustri in December 2022 and got its start as a trendy organic cafe and coffee shop rooted in a love for clean and nourishing food. Salustri wasn't new to the restaurant business—her family owned Le Colonne in St. Armand's Circle, which had been dazzling diners with its authentic Italian fare since 1998. After last year's back-to-back hurricanes, the beloved Sarasota staple was forced to shut its doors. Now Salustri has revived the family business at her own eatery, bringing back some of Le Colonne's most beloved dishes on her dinner menu, all done with Organic Farmer's Table ethos.

“Our new dinner menu features traditional Italian dishes made from scratch using fresh, organic ingredients, prioritizing sustainability and local sourcing,” Salustri says. “From hand-rolled fettuccine to rich, rustic sauces, every bite supports our mission to feed the soul and sustain our family.”

That dinner menu is brought to life by the people who know it best. Salustri hired Le Colonne’s longtime head chef, and Salustri’s sister makes all the pasta by hand. Salustri’s father, who made the sauces at Le Colonne, is also on hand to oversee everything. At breakfast and lunch, the cafe is casual, but at dinnertime it transforms into a space that is rustic, yet elegant (Salustri describes it as “farm chic”). Tablecloths, soft lighting and Italian music complement the cuisine which is traditional and authentic, but made with the high-quality, organic ingredients Organic Farmer’s Table is known for. One standout dish is the ossobucco. Slowly braised in Barolo wine and garden vegetables and served with pillowy homemade gnocchi in a rich, velvety sauce, the pork shank melts with deep, soulful flavor.

“We invite you to join us and be part of this new chapter. Whether you’ve been with us since day one or are visiting for the first time, there is always a seat at our table,” Salustri says.

Organic Farmer’s Table, 14 North Lemon Avenue, Sarasota, 941-362-3276, www.organicfarmerstable.com. 

Pictured: Dishes from the beloved Le Colonne (like this decadent ossobucco) have been revived and reinvented on the dinner menu at Organic Farmer's Table. Photo by Cecilia Marty.

Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome! This summer, The Sarasota Players invites audiences to step inside the Kit Kat Club with an unforgettable VIP Experience—an immersive night of theatre like no other. Guests can now sit on stage during the production of Cabaret and become part of the seductive, shadowy world of 1930s Berlin. Each VIP Table seats two guests and includes: A bottle of French champagne, a delicious spread of charcuterie from Pineapple Kitchen, delicious sweets to enjoy during the show, premium, immersive seating that puts you in the middle of the show. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for an unforgettable night out, the Cabaret VIP Experience blends theatre, ambiance, and indulgence into one thrilling evening.

The Sarasota Players, The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 200, Sarasota, FL 34239 (Park and enter the mall at Connors Steak and Seafood.), July 30–August 2, August 6-9 at 7:30pm, August 3, 9-10 at 2pm. 

For reservations click here.

Coming soon to Englewood’s historic Dearborn Street, Chophouse285 combines high-end dining with Old Florida hospitality, for a uniquely welcoming experience worthy of the charming location. The steakhouse represents the latest project from owners Keith and Laurie Farlow, who first opened Farlow’s on the Water along Ainger Creek more than 20 years ago. Chophouse285 begins with a commitment to the highest culinary standards. Utilizing an on-site dry-aging room, Executive Chef Austin Davis will oversee a state-of-the-art kitchen with a custom wood grill by Dutch Fabricator Chris Demant. The flavorful, perfectly cooked steaks will be paired with classic steakhouse fare alongside dishes inspired by the Farlows’ diverse cultural backgrounds: Laurie brings Southern influences from her home state of Kentucky, while Keith, who grew up in St. Croix, incorporates the many flavors of the Caribbean. For more information: www.Chophouse285.com  

As Savor Sarasota kicks off, one of SRQ Magazine’s “Best New Restaurant” winners invites you to experience a fresh wave of seasonal flavors. Lefty’s is launching all-new Savor menus, Summer Lunch features, and Late Night Happy Hour specials — each crafted with bold coastal flair. Whether you're joining us on the Savor trail for lunch or dinner, popping in for a quick express lunch, or winding down with us Late Night, there's something for every appetite and occasion. Whether you’re chasing flavor, value, or a great late-night vibe, Lefty’s is sailing into summer with truly craveable coastal offerings. 

To learn more click here

This month is full of flavor at Taste of Spain – whether you're planning a Spanish dinner for two, want to learn how to cook tapas, or just love discovering new gourmet treats, we’ve got something for you! Come by and experience the Taste of Spain – fresh, authentic, and ready to enjoy.

Taste of Spain, 2667 Mall Dr. Sarasota, 941-580-8663, tasteofspainsrq.com 

Wellen Park invites the community to roll out their best crust and show off their baking brilliance at the Great Wellen Bake-Off 2025: Pie Edition on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Solis Hall, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd. Back by popular demand, this free, family-friendly event invites bakers of all ages to put their dessert pastry prowess to the test. With separate judging categories for Junior Bakers (under 13), Teen Bakers (13–18) and Adult Bakers (18 and older), the whole family can join in the delicious competition. The first-place winner will receive a $500 Visa gift card and commemorative etched wooden spoon, and the runner-up will earn a $250 Visa gift card and commemorative etched wooden spoon. Pre-registration is required for all participants. Each participant will have one entry into the competition. Registration fees for the Adults are $10, and the Teen and Junior Bakers fees are free. All entry fees will be donated to a local food pantry. 

To learn more click here

Sarasota Opera is pleased to welcome Matthew Glover to its Development Department. Glover joined the team on May 15 as Events and Corporate Officer.
Glover brings a dynamic blend of performance and arts administration experience to his new role at Sarasota Opera. A passionate advocate for the performing arts, he has spent over a decade working behind the scenes in development, artistic direction, marketing, and community engagement.
With a background in opera, musical theater and dance, he started his career as a performer and later served in multiple administrative and artistic roles at companies across the US, including as a director at Voices Carry in New York City, Associate Artistic Director and Director of Marketing at Flat Rock Playhouse in North Carolina, and most recently as Interim Director of Development at Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina. 

Selby Gardens’ Selenicereus, the spectacular night-blooming cactus, will soon be in full bloom with its nocturnal display, for one night only. Join us for a free viewing of the “Queen of the Night” from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Hobart K. Swan and Janis F. Swan Live Oak Arrival Court located at our Downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound Street, to witness this annual natural phenomenon. The date is yet to be determined and will be announced publicly via a media advisory and social media platforms. Guests are encouraged to bring their camera, lawn chair, bug spray, and flashlight. Food and beverages, including wine and beer, will be available for purchase from the Michael’s on East Food Truck. Ample parking is available in the Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility. Viewing will also be available via livestream on the Selby Gardens Facebook page.

To learn more click here

The Hermitage Artist Retreat (Sarasota County, Florida) Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, announced today the organization has welcomed Melanie Vadzemnieks as Development Director, following a national search led by the Tom O’Connor Consulting Group, in coordination with Laurie Huebner. Melanie Vadzemnieks [vad-ZEM-nicks] comes to the Hermitage after serving as Development Director for the Erie Art Museum in Erie, Pennsylvania. She joins the Hermitage team following a twenty-year career in fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations. Prior to her role as Development Director of the Erie Art Museum, Vadzemnieks was responsible for donor relations and special events at her alma mater, Gannon University. She was one of the founding members of the Development Directors of Erie, which was the precursor to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Erie Chapter. 

Get ready to say his name three times and brace yourself for a frightfully fun time—The Sarasota Players is thrilled to present Beetlejuice Jr., a spooky-silly, high-energy musical perfect for the whole family! Running June 12 through 22 at The Crossings at Siesta Key (3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239.) Beetlejuice Jr. brings the cult-classic film to life in a brand-new, stage version bursting with laughs, and a healthy dose of the supernatural. Follow the recently deceased Maitlands as they try (and fail) to haunt away the new owners of their beloved home—with the help of one delightfully devious demon named Beetlejuice. With its quirky humor and show-stopping numbers, this production captures the mischievous spirit of the beloved movie while putting a spotlight on rising young talent from our community. 

To learn more click here

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) continues its 2025 Summer Cabaret Series with Carole J. Bufford’s Too Darn Hot: Songs for a Summer Night, a sizzling musical experience featuring steamy summer hits and captivating stories. From the smoky sounds of Frank Sinatra to the soul-stirring vocals of Ella Fitzgerald, this brand-new cabaret brings timeless tunes to life in unexpected ways. Performances begin in FST’s Court Cabaret on June 24, with an official opening on June 26.  Too Darn Hot: Songs for a Summer Night is part of FST’s three-show Summer Cabaret subscription package, which also includes How Sweet It Is, a celebration of Motown legends and their lasting influence, and A Band Called Honalee, a nostalgic tribute to the iconic folk music of Peter, Paul and Mary and their peers. Subscriptions start at just $59 and can be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000. 

After Sarasota County was heavily impacted by multiple storms in 2024, many areas of the community continue to undergo repairs or rebuilding. Sarasota County Emergency Management urges the community to take steps now to make their plans and prepare for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. The 2025 hurricane season begins June 1, and the community should stay alert through the end of the season on Nov. 30. Emergency Management officials recommend updating emergency plans, ensuring contact information is current, checking insurance coverage, considering flood insurance and refreshing disaster supply kits. Officials also encourage checking in on neighbors, especially those new to the area. 

To learn more click here