SRQ DAILY Apr 7, 2026
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"If someone is looking for a ribeye steak, they are in the wrong restaurant, If they're looking for a flavorful, homestyle meal, then they are in the right restaurant."
Twenty-six years ago, Nikoletta Pongo left Hungary with a culinary degree after a knee injury cut short her European handball career. Today, she runs Vernona Gourmet in Bradenton’s Riverwalk East—greeting regulars by name and cooking everything from scratch daily.
The Hungarian-American community found her fast. “I don’t have a day without a Hungarian customer,” Pongo says, “because we use the old recipes, not an updated version. It brings back memories—the flavors, the textures.” Her regional stuffed cabbage recipe wraps seasoned ground pork and rice in pickled cabbage leaves, tangy like sauerkraut. In each house, “the recipes are really different,” she explains; “that goes for every single Hungarian dish.”
An all-day café—walls hung with photos of Hungarian cities and local art—Vernona is a family operation. Husband and co-owner Gregory Volkov handles marketing. “I run the day-to-day,” says Pongo. The menu spans breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast brings poached eggs over meatloaf and mushroom gravy. Midday, goulash soup— a robust broth, succulent beef and potato—comes with house-made sourdough for dipping. At dinner, chicken paprikás delivers a velvety paprika-infused ragu served with tender dumplings. A fan favorite: Carpathian-style shredded-potato-crusted fried chicken with seasoned sour cream. Potato pancakes and Wiener Schnitzel round out the menu.
In-house desserts bring dobos torta, a four-layer chocolate cake topped with hard caramel, or crepes filled with lemony cottage cheese whipped smooth. Off-menu specials—chicken liver, tripe stew—are announced via word-of-mouth or Facebook, along with themed dinners and wine tastings. Cuisines from other Eastern European countries, like Poland and Romania, are next on the roster. For some, Vernona is a destination; they come for live music and Hungarian wines, including Tokaj, and settle in for hours.
“If someone is looking for a ribeye steak, they are in the wrong restaurant,” she says, smiling. “If they’re looking for a flavorful, homestyle meal, then they are in the right restaurant.”
Vernona Gourmet, 711 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, Tues-Sat, 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-2:30pm, (941) 284-0416, vernonagourmet.com 
Pictured: Vernona's robust, old-country goulash. Photo by: Sarah Emily Miano.
As sea turtle nesting season kicks off along Florida's Gulf Coast, Longboat Key is doing something it does best: bringing the community together. Three of the island's most beloved restaurants are partnering for the Longboat Key Turtle Crawl, a festive culinary event benefiting Longboat Key Turtle Watch. The event takes place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The evening invites guests to experience a laid-back outdoor stroll from one iconic LBK restaurant to the next -- Harry's Continental Kitchens, The Lazy Lobster, and Lo' Key Island Grille. At each stop, guests enjoy a specially curated small plate paired with a glass of wine or a cocktail, spending approximately 30 minutes soaking in the atmosphere before moving on to the next destination. Tickets are $100 per person (plus tax and processing fees), with proceeds benefiting Longboat Key Turtle Watch. Additional fundraising includes business sponsorships and a raffle featuring gift certificates and experiences from local hotels, restaurants, and businesses across the Gulf Coast community.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar is rolling out an all-new beverage menu across all locations, introducing a fresh lineup of cocktails, free spirits, and more, all served on custom surfboard menus. Designed with the Gulf Coast in mind, the menu features tropical favorites like the Smoked Old Fashioned, Spicy Bloody Mary, and Anne Marie Sauvi B alongside signature creations like Purdy’s Florida Old Fashioned, inspired by family tradition. Guests will also find a dedicated Free Spirits section with zero-proof options, an expanded margarita lineup with customizable flavors, and Shuckin’ Good Beer, where $1 from every pour or can supports Shuckin’ Good Cause. Launching April 3 at all Anna Maria Oyster Bar locations . Details: full beverage menu refresh across all locations, surfboard menu presentation inspired by coastal living (coming soon!), cocktails, free spirits, beer, and wine available daily, happy Hour offered daily from 3pm-6pm and 9pm to close.
Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa invites guests to experience the 2nd Annual Taste & Toast Gulf Coast, an elevated culinary event celebrating the region’s vibrant food and beverage scene. This dynamic tasting experience brings together top local chefs, restaurants, wineries, and craft beverage makers, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy curated pairings and discover the flavors that define Florida’s Gulf Coast. Whether you're a passionate foodie or simply looking for a unique night out, Taste & Toast promises an engaging and memorable experience. Beyond the celebration, the event supports a meaningful cause, 100% of proceeds will benefit Florida Restaurant & Lodging Suncoast Chapter Education initiatives, funding scholarships, mentorship programs, and hands-on training for future hospitality professionals.
May 2, 6pm-9pm, Taste & Toast Gulf Coast, Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) will keep the laughter going this summer with a full lineup of improv featuring returning favorites from last year’s Sarasota Improv Festival alongside beloved productions from FST Improv, beginning April 24, 2026. Tickets for performances and workshops are now available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.
This summer, the Sarasota Opera House turns up the volume with an all-new live music experience: Classic Tribute Bands, part of the Opera House’s 2026 Summer Series, which also includes screenings of classic movies and performing art films in HD. This inaugural concert lineup brings legendary rock and pop catalogs to life through high-energy tribute performances—set within one of Sarasota’s most iconic historic venues. For more information visit SarasotaOpera.org
Limelight Community Garden is honored to announce it has received a $500 grant from the Sarasota County Butterfly Club to support the planting and cultivation of butterfly-friendly plants. This generous contribution will help expand vital habitat for pollinators while enhancing the beauty and ecological impact of the garden. Limelight Community Garden will use the funds to introduce a variety of nectar and host plants specifically chosen to attract and support native butterfly species throughout their life cycles. The addition of butterfly plants will not only benefit local wildlife but also provide educational opportunities for visitors to learn about pollinators and the importance of preserving their habitats. Garden organizers hope the new plantings will inspire community members to incorporate butterfly-friendly practices into their own spaces. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, biodiversity, and community connection through hands-on, local initiatives.
GSP Development, a Chicago-based real estate firm developing the Saravela luxury condominium tower in Sarasota, today announced a groundbreaking partnership with Virginia-based Heritage Golf Group that will provide a host of tremendous benefits to Saravela buyers, including a full year of complimentary sports membership to the vibrant TPC Prestancia, a private golf and country club in Sarasota. Likewise, members of Heritage Golf will gain access to preferred pricing and selection for residences at Saravela.Signed this year, the partnership forges a new alliance between two premier organizations and provides wonderful new additions to the luxury lifestyle that each organization brings to residents of the Sarasota region. Discover Saravela today — visit Saravela.com or call 941-203-5383.
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
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
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
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.
As the New Year begins, Jack Dusty, the waterfront restaurant and bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, is bringing back its popular Sunday Brunch beginning January 11, inviting locals and hotel guests alike to ease into Sundays with live music, waterfront dining, and a menu designed for lingering. Designed as a leisurely afternoon experience, Jack Dusty’s Sunday Brunch runs from 11AM to 4PM with live entertainment throughout, creating an upbeat yet laid-back atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious food and drink. The brunch menu blends elevated classics with seafood-driven specialties and indulgent favorites, including a Maine lobster roll on toasted butter brioche, crab and avocado benedict with yuzu hollandaise, sticky toffee griddlecakes, and a decadent truffled croque madame. Heartier offerings range from wagyu steak frites topped with a sunny-side egg to confit pork belly char siu with scallion pancakes, alongside a robust raw bar and sushi selection featuring oysters, stone crab, crudo, nigiri, and maki rolls.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
Crabapalooza is back at Anna Maria Oyster Bar, arriving just in time for Valentine’s Day and bringing a seasonal celebration of crab to the table. While oysters may be for lovers, crab is for romantics, and this limited-time menu is designed for sharing, cracking, and savoring together. The Crabapalooza lineup features three signature highlights, including a show-stopping Seafood Tower, a drool-worthy Seafood Boil, and a Maryland-style Crabcake Salad. Each dish is crafted to spotlight premium ingredients, generous portions, and the kind of hands-on dining that turns a meal into a memorable night out. To round out the experience, Crabapalooza also introduces a curated lineup of featured drinks, including the Mai Oh Mai Tai, Paloma, and Passionfruit Aperol Spritz, along with a featured wine, Maddalena Chardonnay, selected to pair beautifully with the bold, coastal flavors of the menu.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar
Our Tapas Cooking Classes are designed as a cultural and gastronomic experience, not just a cooking class. Guests will learn how tapas are enjoyed in Spain, the history and traditions behind them, and take part in a hands-on cooking experience preparing several classic Spanish tapas. The evening also includes tasting, wine, and written recipes to take home.
Taste of Spain, 2767 Mall Dr, Sarasota, FL 34231
Café on St. Armands is introducing Prime Rib Sundays, a new weekly dining feature available every Sunday beginning at 11 AM. Guests are invited to enjoy a classic prime rib dinner, thoughtfully prepared and served as part of Café’s elevated all-day dining experience. The featured Prime Rib entrée includes chianti herb and Dijon-crusted prime rib, garlic confit mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, rich au jus, and creamy horseradish. The dish is available for $46.
Cafe on St. Armands, 431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL
A gala performance by Summer Intensive dancers from around the world.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
Matthew Aucoin’s “Music for New Bodies,” created in collaboration with acclaimed director Peter Sellars, is a bold operatic meditation on humanity’s shifting place in the natural world. Premiered in 2024, this one-act visionary operetta fuses the poetic texts of Jorie Graham with visceral soundscapes for five singers, an 18-piece chamber orchestra, lighting, and electronics. Aucoin crafts a work that is at once urgent and transcendent, while Sellars’ visionary staging brings the music into striking visual focus. Presented in a historic collaboration with Artist Series Concerts, this Sarasota premiere at the Sarasota Opera House invites audiences to imagine new forms of life, connection, and transformation.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Delight once again in the inspiring performances of Pinky's Players, Venice Theatre's Community Engagement Program that partners with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop and share their artistic talents.
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice, FL 34285
Anna Maria Oyster Bar UTC is proud to participate in Taste of UTC this April, offering specially priced three-course lunch and dinner menus that showcase guest favorites and signature coastal flavors. Join us for a limited-time experience featuring a curated selection of dishes that reflect the fresh seafood, bold flavors, and Five Star Fun hospitality that have made Anna Maria Oyster Bar a local favorite. Lunch is available for $18 per person and includes choices such as Spicy Seafood Gumbo or New England Clam Chowder, AMOB Tacos, Crab Mac and Cheese with house-made chipotle cheese sauce and lump crab, and the always popular Fish and Chips. Guests finish their meal with a slice of Anna Maria Oyster Bar’s famous housemade Key Lime Pie. Dinner is offered for $34 per person and features elevated selections, including the Seafood Fra Diavolo with shrimp, scallops, and mussels, Danish Baby Back Ribs, and Cajun Cobia topped with lump crab and Parmesan bacon crumble. Each dinner also concludes with our housemade Key Lime Pie.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar UTC, 5405 University Parkway, Unit 110
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