SRQ DAILY Sep 2, 2025
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"Together, we can turn celebration into conservation."
Harry’s Continental Kitchens is bringing together great flavors for a great cause this fall with The Saltwater Social: A Benefit for Oyster Boys Conservation. Set for Friday, October 18, 2025 the event promises an evening of coastal-inspired cuisine, creativity and community all in support of protecting local waters.
From 5pm to 8pm, guests can sample chef-driven bites inspired by the flavors of the Gulf while sipping curated wine and craft beers or enjoying inventive cocktails crafted for the occasion. The event will also feature live music and a unique experience from Headliner Hat Co. where guests can design custom cowboy hats on-site.
The evening’s purpose reaches beyond food and fun. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Oyster Boys Conservation, a nonprofit founded in 2022 by brothers Dom and Vince Marino. The organization collects shells and returns them to the water in the form of vertical oyster gardens (VOGs), which enhance water quality through filtration, serve as a habitat for various marine species and contribute to oyster population restoration. More than 1,500 of the organization-produced VOGs can now be found in various bodies of water around the area’s barrier islands.
“Oysters are nature’s water filters — each one can clean up to 50 gallons of water a day. By restoring oyster populations, we improve water quality, strengthen habitats, and ensure healthier coastlines for generations to come,” adds Dom Marino, President and CEO of Oyster Boys Conservation. “We’re grateful to Harry’s Continental Kitchens and the community for rallying behind this mission at The Saltwater Social. Together, we can turn celebration into conservation.”
For Harry’s, the connection is clear. “Good food starts with clean water. It’s that simple,” says General Manager Hal Christensen. “The Saltwater Social is our way of bringing people together to eat, drink, and have a great time—all while making a real difference for our coast.”
The Saltwater Social: A Benefit for Oyster Boys Conservation takes place Friday, October 18, from 5–8 p.m. at Harry’s Continental Kitchens, Longboat Key. Tickets are $125 plus tax and are available now at harryskitchen.com/event/the-saltwater-social.
Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 525 St. Judes Dr., Longboat Key, 941-383-0777. 
Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. thanks Sarasota residents for voting them Sarasota’s Best Seafood Restaurant for the 10th year in a row by the Herald Tribune. To show appreciation to the community, they are offering limited-time throwback pricing on 10 of their most popular lunch items for 10 days. This offer is available September 1st–10th, and guests are encouraged to gather friends, family, or colleagues and enjoy a meal that highlights why Duval's has been voted Sarasota's best seafood restaurant for ten years running. The menu features their famous Shrimp Po Boy, BLT, and other lunchtime favorites. In addition, Duval’s is introducing an exciting $10 Off for 10 Weeks promotion. Beginning September 1, guests can pick up a Thank You Discount Card to enjoy special savings through November 19, 2025. After picking up the discount card, on each subsequent visit, guests receive $10 off a $50 dinner purchase or $5 off a $25 lunch purchase, along with a punch on the card. After collecting 10 punches, guests can redeem the card for a complimentary meal up to $50!
Duval’s is located at 1435 Main St. Sarasota.
We celebrate 100 years of the historic Sarasota Opera House and bring our Fall opera back with Mozart’s Così fan tutte October 31 through November 15. The Winter Opera Festival launches February 14 with Puccini’s La bohème, followed by Lehár’s The Merry Widow, Verdi’s Il trovatore, and Floyd’s Susannah. Help us celebrate 100 years of the historic Sarasota Opera House with a commemorative concert and gala dinner on April 11. Single tickets and subscriptions are on sale now online at sarasotaopera.org, in person at the Box Office at 61 N. Pineapple Ave, or via phone at 941-328-1300. Don’t miss the season of a century at Sarasota Opera!
Oktoberfest returns to Wellen Park with a full day of German music, food and festivities in Downtown Wellen. Dirndls, lederhosen and Bavarian flair will set the stage for the community celebration. Now in its second year, the free, family-friendly event takes place Saturday, Oct. 4, from noon to 8 p.m. in Downtown Wellen Park. The event will feature a traditional Oktoberfest atmosphere with live entertainment from the DeLeon Family Oktoberfest Band, polka dancing, a spirited stein-hoisting competition, and German-inspired food and drinks, including beer, brats and more. Guests can also enjoy outdoor food tents hosted by Downtown Wellen restaurants The Banyan House, Villani & Co., Acqua Pazza Coastal Italian and Oak & Stone, plus festive offerings from The Yard.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to announce the lineup for its 2025-26 Winter Season, featuring a four-show Mainstage Series and a three-show Cabaret Series! This year’s Mainstage Series features a madcap musical caper, a heartwarming play about tailor-made suits and fresh starts, an imaginative comedy about the men behind the moon landing, and a Broadway hit capturing the extraordinary moments of everyday life. The Cabaret Series features three original musical revues that celebrate iconic performers, unforgettable songs, and transformative eras in popular culture. With its mission to make theatre accessible to as many people as possible, FST offers all four Mainstage shows for as little as $79, and all three Cabarets for as little as $59. Subscriptions are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at (941) 366-9000.
It will be one to remember with musicals, comedies, thrillers, classics, and world premieres creating a season filled with HOPE, HEART, and ROCK ’N’ ROLL. Growing and evolving to meet the needs of our community, Asolo Rep continues to expand community partnerships while bringing exciting shows, bold new initiatives, and fresh perspectives—pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on stage and beyond. With a new collection of compelling stories this season, Asolo Rep reaffirms its commitment to innovation, artistry, and ongoing support for Florida’s Gulf Coast, delivering season after season of unforgettable theatre. More than a place for great performances, Asolo Rep is home to the Gulf Coast and beyond, with a seat here for every visitor, neighbor, and partner. We hope you will join us for world class theatre, made just for you, right here in Sarasota.
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
The Sarasota Art Museum partners with the Jazz Club of Sarasota to present live jazz on the second Thursday of every month on the Marcy and Michael Klein Plaza. Enjoy a beverage or food in the Bistro and extended hours in the galleries and shops! Concert begins 5:30 pm.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Delight your senses with A Taste of Art, where fine cuisine meets live creativity! Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evening, local artists demonstrate their craft live at Chaz 51 Steakhouse, offering diners a front-row seat to the artistic process. The restaurant also features a rotating gallery of local artwork available for purchase. Come for the steak—stay for the inspiration.
Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US-41 BYP, Venice, FL 34285
Join us for the 19th Annual IPG Leadership Breakfast at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club. Our honorees, Heather Kasten and Dr. Larry R. Thompson, exemplify leadership in action as their commitment to teen empowerment creates a brighter future in our region. Be there September 5th and honor those who empower our next generation.
Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, 3100 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237
The Exotic Car Show on St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota returns for its 13th consecutive year, proudly presented by Sage Auto Studios. This premier automotive event transforms one of Florida’s most iconic shopping and dining destinations into a showcase of the world’s most coveted vehicles. From Ferraris and Lamborghinis to McLarens and rare supercars, the streets of St. Armand’s come alive with roaring engines, polished finishes, and passionate enthusiasts. Guests are invited to stroll the palm-lined Circle, explore the stunning lineup, speak with car owners, and enjoy the surrounding boutiques and restaurants that make this location so unique. Now a Sarasota tradition, the event is more than just a car show—it’s a celebration with purpose. All proceeds benefit Flight to the North Pole, a heartfelt local charity dedicated to creating unforgettable holiday experiences for terminally ill children and their families. Thanks to the ongoing support of Sage Auto Studios and the local community, this fifth annual event continues to grow in impact, blending horsepower and heart into an unforgettable day for car lovers and families alike.
Sage Auto Studios, St. Armands Circle
Come let the musical rhythms of VT's 76th season put a smile on your face and a warmth in your heart. Michelle and Kristofer will enchant you in this Solis Hall Summer Series concert that features the songs of Venice Theatre's upcoming season.
Solis Hall, 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd, Venice
Hosted in our SFC Sarasota Activity Center, Derrick DeSilva, Jr., MD, (Integrative Medicine) will share the best of eastern meets western medicine as we navigate our personal wellness and how to take healthcare into your own hands. This series is specifically for those age 50 and better who want their lifespan to equal their healthspan. This presentation places a friendly spotlight on proactive lifestyle choices, from simple start-today recommendations to cutting edge modalities. This series is also for Senior Service professionals who wish to expand aging-with-intention wellness for themselves, and their clients.
SFC Sarasota Activity Center, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, FL, 34236
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
Featured acts include Albert Castiglia, Chambers DesLauriers, Johnny Rawls, the Shaelyn Band, Toronzo Cannon, Eden Brent, and Desoto Tiger. In addition to the superb musical lineup, the event will feature local food vendors offering a variety of delicious food and drink, as well as artisans showcasing unique goods and festival merchandise. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities and enjoy the lively shopping and dining atmosphere of Waterside Place, as festival re-entry is allowed throughout the day.
Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240
There's much ado about something in this whip-smart, laugh-out-loud new romantic comedy from Lauren Gunderson. Lady Disdain is a fast-paced, razor-sharp riff on the deliciously dramatic world of Fantasy Romance novels (yes, those ones-you know them, you love them). Beatrice and Benedict, rival audiobook narrators with voices made for swooning and tempers made for sparring, are locked in a battle of wits, words, and wildly inconvenient attraction. Asolo Rep proudly presents this world premiere from one of America's most celebrated and funny playwrights.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
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