For over twenty years, Keith and Laurie Farlow have been dishing up Caribbean cuisine with a southern twist at Farlow’s on the Water, a relaxed waterfront restaurant in Englewood. Now the veteran restaurateurs have announced plans to open another restaurant called Chophouse 285 on Englewood’s historic Dearborn street in fall of 2025. At Chophouse 285, you can look forward to classic steakhouse fare that is elevated and flavorful, in a comfortable and welcoming environment. While executive chef Austin Davis will oversee a menu that is completely unique from the one diners enjoy at Farlow’s on the Water, the new eatery will continue to incorporate southern flavors inspired by Laurie’s Kentucky roots and Caribbean influences from Keith’s upbringing in St. Croix.

“We saw an opportunity to branch out into new culinary horizons, while continuing to serve the place and the people we love,” says Laurie.

The location for the new Chophouse 285 has been home to several restaurants over the years, most recently La Stanza Ristorante. The Farlows have done extensive renovations and additions to the new location, adding features like a state-of-the-art kitchen, fresh pasta-making station and dry-aging room. But they’ve also kept a section of the old building, preserving its history and charm. Diners in that area will have a front-row view of the glass-front wood-fired grill. When finished, the space will seat 340 people, with indoor and outdoor seating available.

Chophouse 285 is slated to open sometime in the fall of 2025. For more information on opening dates, visit their website at chophouse285.com. 

Pictured: Caption: This rendering gives a first look at the future Chophouse 285 in Englewood. Provided photo.

Let the call of the Siren summon you to Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, where the star of our show awaits. During Siren Social Hours, sip on $25 Siren cocktails while enjoying half-off bar bites, including Shishito Peppers, Wagyu Beef Sliders and Smoked Fish Dip. This iconic offer begins July 1 and will continue through October 15, 2025 from 3 – 6 p.m. Sunday – Friday evenings and is available to patrons seated at the bar only. The Siren is calling. Will you answer? 

Image Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

The Dog Days of Summer are festive & delicious at Watershed Hospitality Concepts. Our Summer Gift Card Sale is all of July; treat your friends, family, or even yourself to great food & good times with Bonus GC's on purchase of $50 and $100.  Our GC's are interchangable at all four of our restaurants.  

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This is not just a cooking class — it’s a full Spanish experience! Enjoy tapas and a glass of wine as you arrive, then cook four traditional tapas, learn their history, take home printed recipes, and receive 10% off in our market that evening. Call 941-580-8663 to reserve your spot – space is limited, only a few spots left! Future dates: October 8, November 12, December 10. 

The votes are tallied, and Der Dutchman is among the 10 Best Buffets in the country. The restaurant placed third out of 20 finalists in the 2025 USA Today Readers’ Choice Award Contest. General Manager Manuel Aguilar and his team are appreciative of the recognition. Der Dutchman Sarasota is part of Dutchman Hospitality Group, which includes restaurants, inns, and gift shops in Ohio, Indiana, and Florida. The company also owns and operates a theater and food market at its Dutch Valley campus in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Learn more at dhgroup.com. The restaurant was the only USA Today Best Buffet finalist in Florida. 

Sarasota County’s 2024 Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report is online at scgov.net/CCR, and printed copies can be found at county libraries.This annual report provides in-depth, measured results of the quality of water delivered to Sarasota County Public Utilities customers during 2024, based on standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The report demonstrates that the county is in full compliance with all FDEP and EPA standards. The report also highlights Public Utilities’ commitment to educating the public about the quality and safety of drinking water, plus the broader role of Sarasota County Public Utilities. 

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The Lunch and Listen concert How Low Can You Go? on November 13 is now being held at Palm Aire Country Club, in the Palm Aire Room, 5601 Country Club Way, Sarasota, FL 34243. This concert features bassoonist Eleni Katz and double bassist Nina Bernat in a program titled “Basso Vox” which includes music by Bach, Mozart and Piazzolla. The remaining Lunch and Listen concerts, which all begin at 11:00 a.m., are at the Sarasota Yacht Club. 

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Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is pleased to announce the final extension of its opening Summer Mainstage musical, Dames at Sea, now held over through Sunday, July 13, 2025, in the Gompertz Theatre. With book and lyrics by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller, and music by Jim Wise, Dames at Sea is a high-energy production celebrating movie musicals from the golden age of Broadway. Tickets are on sale now at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000. 

Join us for the inspiring 10th Annual SRQ Women Who Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon, celebrating local women leaders who significantly impact our community. Enjoy a dynamic program featuring the introduction of the esteemed 2025 Leadership Circle inductees, engaging PopUp Boutiques, and opportunities to network during our post-event reception. 

Get ready to be inspired at the Annual Giving Coast Luncheon: Philanthropic Agenda & Good Hero Awards, recognizing local changemakers. Join us in bringing the philanthropic community together on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Michael's On East and help celebrate the nonprofit spirit of our area. Featuring a panel of distinguished philanthropic leaders discussing giving trends, the honorable Good Hero Awards, and the interactive Giving Tree Program, this event will be nothing short of spectacular. Also highlighting the acclaimed SRQ Lifetime Good Hero Achievement Award, the program will uplift attendees and spark meaningful change. 

Reserve your space in SRQ Magazines' September publication, featuring three opportunities to spotlight your business: Living Lakewood, connecting Lakewood Ranch businesses with the community; Elite Top Attorneys, spotlighting the region’s most trusted legal professionals; and In Conversation: Career-Based Education, a dialogue on workforce development and training. Secure your space and connect with our readers. Contact us!