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SRQ DAILY Nov 18, 2025

Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

Tuesday Dining and Food Edition

"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"

- Hal Christensen, General Manager, Harry's Continental Kitchen.
 

[The Dish]  The Long-Awaited Saltwater Social Has Arrived
Kate Wight, kate.wight@srqme.com

“Good food starts with clean water. It’s that simple,” says Hal Christensen, general manager of Harry’s Continental Kitchen. “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.”

Originally scheduled for October, the Saltwater Social is now taking place on Friday, November 21st, 2025 from 6pm-9pm. A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Oyster Boys Conservation, a nonprofit founded in 2022 by brothers Dom and Vince Marino. What began as a small passion project has become a powerful local movement improving water quality through nature-based solutions, hands-on restoration, education and community engagement. Supporting them means supporting cleaner bays, healthier shorelines and a thriving Gulf Coast for generations to come.

“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,” says 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.”

At the Saltwater social, guests can mix and mingle while enjoying chef-driven bites inspired by the flavors of the Gulf, including fresh coastal fare and oysters. Calusa Brewing will be offering craft beer samplings and guests can also enjoy curated wine tastings or handcrafted cocktails. The event will feature a pop-up gallery and boutique experience with Sarasota artist Lipstick Lex (Alexis Fraser). Her mobile gallery will be stocked with original prints, gifts and colorful surprises, providing a perfect opportunity for some pre-holiday shopping. The whole evening will be underscored by live music from CHARLIE, a soulful singer-songwriter.

The Saltwater Social event promises an evening of coastal-inspired cuisine, creativity and community all in support of protecting local waters. Tickets for the event are $99 and include food, drinks and entertainment. Find more information and a link to purchase tickets at www.harryskitchen.com/event/the-saltwater-social-benefiting-oyster-boys-conservation.

Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 525 St. Judes Dr., Longboat Key, 941-383-0777. 

Pictured: Originally scheduled for October, the Saltwater Social at Harry's Continental Kitchen will now take place Friday, November 21, 2025 from 6-9pm.

[The Dish]  Celebrity Wine Tasting and Meet and Greet with Katie Lee Biegel

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at Michael’s Wine Cellar in Sarasota, FL, as we welcome Food Network chef, best-selling cookbook author, and Kind of Wild Wines co-founder, Katie Lee Biegel. This exclusive Wine Tasting + Meet-and-Greet offers guests a rare opportunity to sip curated selections from Kind of Wild Wines while connecting with Katie in an intimate, elegant setting.

Tuesday, November 25, 2-4:00pm, Michael’s Wine Cellar, 1283 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, $20 per person (plus tax and Eventbrite fee). 

To learn more, visit

[Holidays]  Great Lakes Brewing Co. Brings Christmas Ale to Florida

Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) announces its distribution entry into Florida with Cavalier Distributing. The brewery begins its market launch this week, in conjunction with the release of seasonal juggernaut Christmas Ale in cans and draft. The launch also includes the brewery’s Holiday Pack, a variety 12-Pack with 6 Cans of Christmas Ale and 6 Cans of rotating Cookie Exchange Milk Stout: Berry Jam Thumbprint flavor. Additional brands may be announced in the coming months after a soft entry into the state. The launch will primarily serve the regions of Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Naples, Orlando, Palm Beach, Sarasota, Tallahassee, and Tampa as the brewery explores opportunities in the market. Currently, North Carolina is the southernmost state within the brewery’s 17-state distribution footprint, but an active fanbase and buyer interest inspired the strategic entry. 

[Shopping]  Champagne and Shopping at The Ringling

Join the Membership team to kick off the Member Holiday Sale! Members are invited to an exclusive evening of champagne and shopping. Light bites will be served. Meet Sarasota jewelry artist, Shari Lynn Davis, of SLD Designs, who will be showcasing her exquisite new work. Members save 20% on all regularly priced merchandise. Gift wrapping will be available.

Fri, Dec 5, 2025,6:00-8:00pm, The Ringling Museum Store. 

To RSVP click here

[The Dish]  Gamble Creek Farms Partners with Browne Trading Co. to Offer Holiday Seafood Delicacies

Gamble Creek Farms, the Real Organic Certified farm in Parrish, has partnered with Browne Trading Company for a holiday promotion. Browne Trading Company is a premier supplier of fine caviar and seafood from Portland, Maine. The eight-week holiday promotion is running now through Dec. 31, provides signature Browne Trading Company products available for pre-order and pick up at the farm, while supplies last. Gamble Creek Farms is located at 14950 Golf Course Road in Parrish. Orders can be placed directly through Gamble Creek Farms by calling 941-900-4234 or visiting the Farm Market. Items are limited and orders are encouraged to be placed in advance. Located in Parrish, Gamble Creek Farms has become a trusted source of organic produce for the community. At its on-site Farm Market, the farm offers a range of responsibly sourced meats, seafood, eggs, and mushrooms, along with breads and other artisanal products from local and trusted partners. With the addition of Browne Trading Company’s seafood, the market has expanded its seafood products to meet the growing demand for premium, sustainable, and responsibly sourced foods.

Gamble Creek Farms’ Farm Market is open every day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about Gamble Creek Farms, visit www.gamblecreekfarms.com. For more information about Browne Trading Company, visit www.brownetrading.com. 

[Holidays]  Discover Dozens of "Only in Sarasota" Holiday Gifts Now Available in the Ringling Museum Gift Shop

The Ringling Museum Gift Shop just inside the Visitors Pavillion located at 5401 Bayshore Road, Sarasota, is loaded with special finds your loved ones will treasure this holiday season. Choose from circus themed ornaments to coasters and posters and jewelry galore. Puzzles and art books and much, much more.
So, make your list and check it twice — then stop by to find something special while supporting Ringling Museum. Parking is free and the gift shop is open Friday through Wednesday:10am to 5:30pm. Thursday 10:00AM-8:00PM. No ticketing required. Remember Museum Mondays are free. Happy Gifting! 

[Arts & Entertainment]  Artist Opening Reception at Venice Theatre

Join us for the FREE Artist Opening Reception celebrating the extraordinary work of Wonda “Penny” Granville. Meet Wonda, explore her stunning charcoal portraits, and enjoy an evening filled with conversation, community, and creativity. Wonda’s work is simply beautiful and fits perfectly as an entry into the world of the play, The Amish Project.If you saw the show last weekend, surely you noticed her artwork as you waited for the stage doors to open. All are welcome to attend the reception (RSVP below). The artwork stands alone and also serves as a wonderful enhancement to attending the play. We look forward to seeing you at the reception and in the audience.

Tuesday, Nov 18, 5-6:30pm, Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W, Venice. 

[Holidays]  All Faiths Food Bank to Distribute Thousands of Thanksgiving Dinners Across Sarasota County

For many years, in addition to its regular food distributions, All Faiths Food Bank has held large-scale turkey distributions across DeSoto County, providing turkeys and all the trimmings to neighbors in need in advance of Thanksgiving. These distributions are part of the annual ThankFULL campaign, a three-month community effort to raise funds for 14,500 turkeys and 4.1 million holiday meals for families across Sarasota and DeSoto counties. This year's large-scale distributions for Sarasota County residents take place at the following locations and times: Ed Smith Stadium (2700 12th St., Sarasota) Wednesday, Nov. 19, 4-6 p.m. (in partnership with the Baltimore Orioles); Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (777 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota) on Saturday, Nov. 22, 9-11 a.m.; and in South County, community members can find turkey dinners at Englewood Sports Complex (1300 S River Rd., Englewood) on Nov. 20, 9-10:30 a.m.  

[Recognition ]  Visible Men Academy to Spotlight Official Naming and Unveiling of the Johns Building on Giving Tuesday

The Visible Men Academy (VMA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the official dedication and unveiling of the Johns Building on GivingTuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:00 am. For more information about VMA, visit vmacademy.org/.
 

[Lakewood Ranch Community Activities]  Explore All that Lakewood Ranch Has to Offer

For 25 years, Lakewood Ranch Community Activities (LWRCA) has been creating opportunities for residents to connect, engage, and enjoy all that our vibrant community has to offer. We celebrate a quarter century of bringing neighbors together and building lasting memories. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities (LWRCA) is dedicated to enhancing the lives of our residents by creating opportunities for connection, wellness, and shared experiences. Our mission is to bring people together through large-scale community events, inclusive recreational activities, and social groups and clubs that encourage an active, connected, and welcoming lifestyle. As our community continues to grow, so do the opportunities to connect! LWRCA is here to make Lakewood Ranch your home for fun and friendship. 

Click Here To Learn More



[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Sarasota's Farmers Market , January 11 – December 27, 7:00am - 1:00pm

The Sarasota Farmers Market Vendors Incorporated (“SFMV”) has been established as a not for-profit organization under laws of the State of Florida, continuing the 40+ year tradition of enhancing and improving the quality of life in Sarasota. Our charitable mission is to create a social opportunity for residents and visitors to gather and interact, to bring foot traffic to downtown Sarasota sustaining the economic viability of the entire downtown area, and to provide a venue for other not-for-profit organizations benefiting Sarasota.

Sarasota Farmer's Market, N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FOOD: Cask & Ale's Sunday Brunch , April 13 – December 28, 11:00 pm - 3:00 pm

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

[SOON]  FOOD: Lefty's Oyster & Seafood Bar Launches Daily & Late Night Happy Hours , April 23 – April 22

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

[SOON]  FOOD: A Taste of Art , August 26 – December 30

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

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Second Fridays Creative Happy Hour , November 14 – May 8

2nd Fridays Creative Happy Hour brings the party to the gallery and transforms ArtCenter Sarasota into a vibrant hub of creativity, conversation, and connection. These lively monthly gatherings feature rotating themes, interactive art activities, live music, dance, film, and collaborations with local artists and arts organizations. It's a fresh take on the classic art salon, welcoming all ages to mix, mingle, make, and experience art in motion.

ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: Tripletail Seafood and Spirits Sunday Brunch , November 16 – November 15

Tripletail Seafood & Spirits delicious Sunday Brunch is from 11am-3pm. Guests are invited to indulge in a delightful brunch experience on the beautiful covered patio or casual dining room with nautical touches. The 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. Guests will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa with the purchase of any entrée.  Prices range from $13 to $26. Reservations can be made through Open Table or by calling 941-529-0555.

Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, 4870 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Gecko's Trivia Nights , November 17 – November 18

Think while you drink! 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.

[SOON]  FOOD: Craft Feature Fridays at Gecko's on Hillview St. Supports Local Non-Profit! , November 21, 6:00 p.m.

The brews are flowing at Gecko's on Hillview Street in Southside Village for Craft Feature Fridays! Every month, we proudly partner with a local brewery to bring you exclusive tastings, exciting giveaways, and special craft features that you won't want to miss! NOW, we are also partnering with a local non-profit Nuero Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's. Gecko's will donate a portion of the beer sales back to the organization. This month, we’re thrilled to welcome Escape Brewing Company to our Craft Feature Friday event! Come sip on a selection of their finest brews while mingling with fellow craft beer enthusiasts. Bring your friends, and let’s raise a glass to local brews and philanthropy.

Gecko's Grill & Pub, 1900 Hillview St, Sarasota, FL 34239

[SOON]  MUSIC: Cornucopia of Jazz , November 22

Feast your ears on a rich blend of classic jazz standards and exciting new arrangements, perfect for kicking off the holiday season. Don’t miss this musical harvest of harmony, groove, and gratitude! Led by Pete BarrenBregge with special guest vocalists Jeremy Gaynor and Michelle Amato.

Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave Building 5, Venice, FL 34285

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Lights in Bloom , December 5 – January 1

Lights in Bloom will feature more than two million lights illuminating the gardens and walkways of our Downtown Sarasota campus and is a fun holiday tradition that offers photo opportunities, activities, and entertainment.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Snow White , January 3 – February 1

You’ve never seen Snow White like this before! Two quick-changing actors bring an entire fairy tale world to life in this inventive retelling of the classic story. From the evil queen and the magic mirror to the seven dwarfs and a brave princess, this fast-paced adventure delights audiences of all ages with creativity, heart and humor.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: A Serenade and a Symphony , January 18

A concert where delicate serenades and bold symphonic sounds intertwine. Featuring intimate selection of wind chamber works that beautifully balance lightness with grandeur, showcasing the depth and versatility of wind instruments in both lyrical and powerful expressions.

Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL 34285

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The 4th Annual Showtime Benefit , January 24

A lively afternoon of song and dance with 100 percent of the proceeds going to help rebuild Venice Theatre. Singers from The Sarasota Players and Venice Theatre, along with the Showtime Dancers and Silver Foxes Dancers, will delight and entertain. Get your tickets early as this show will sell out!

Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. Venice

[SOON]  MUSIC: Follow the Lieder , February 1 – February 2

Violinist Blake Pouliot has performed with orchestras throughout North and South America and Europe. His decade-long collaborator is pianist Henry Kramer. Together, they present a program devoted to the influence of art song on instrumental music, including selections by Schumann and Chausson, Pouliot’s own arrangement of Dvoƙák’s Zigeunerlieder, and music from the opera Carmen.

Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota FL 34241

[SOON]  MUSIC: Variations on America , February 13 – February 15

Adolphus Hailstork’s An American Port of Call captures the relentless energy of the port of Norfolk, Virginia. Pianist Clayton Stephenson performs Gershwin’s jazz and blues-infused Concerto in F. Charles Ives composed his delightful and quirky Variations on "America" when he was only 17. Audiences at the 1934 premiere of Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony were so moved that they erupted in applause at the end of each movement.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Cake , February 20 – March 8

When a beloved family friend asks for a wedding cake—only it’s for a same-sex marriage—Della, a devout Southern baker, must examine her long-held beliefs. The Cake is a heartfelt, humorous look at faith, love, and acceptance.

Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice, FL 34285

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Ahamefule J. Oluo: The Things Around Us , February 28 – March 6

The Things Around Us is a dazzling new work from acclaimed multi-disciplinary artist, Ahamefule J. Oluo, that layers live music and narrative exploration to create an introspective evening about the things that connect us all. It is the third in a trilogy of shows from Oluo, following Now I’m Fine and Susan.

Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  MUSIC: ArcoStrum , March 5

Committed to redefining the 21st century violin-guitar art form, ArcoStrum presents innovative chamber music that blends multiple genres, eras, and cultures. The duo champions unique concert programming through original transcriptions of beloved classical repertoire, progressive rock, and traditional Chinese instrumental music featuring the erhu and dizi.

Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota FL 34236

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Art Crawl Trolley , March 13 – April 10

Second Fridays, 3pm. Explore Sarasota’s vibrant public art downtown and neighborhood gallery locations. Hop on, hop off at the art gallery and studio locations. Enjoy free beer/wine before boarding, and at galleries while you browse.

[SOON]  SPORTS: 99 Bottles Run Club , March 19 – December 31, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

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

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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

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