SRQ DAILY Apr 14, 2026
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"Everything we make is good."
“Any area you go to in my country, any place you get in, you’re going to try the best food of your life,” says Anas Aqel, co-owner and chef of Janie’s Amman. “Very tasty, that’s it.” One bite into his falafel and you believe him.
A fast-casual restaurant in a modest strip center near the Ringling School of Art, Janie’s bills itself as Middle Eastern-Mediterranean. But Aqel calls his menu—mezze and street fare—authentic Jordanian.
Start with the mezze. Fire-roasted eggplant mashed with garlic and lemon gives baba ganoush a smoky depth. Hummus comes smooth, scattered with sumac and chili, sharpening the whole affair. The highlight: ground chickpeas fried into a crispy shell, fluffy inside, punched with garlic. It’s—uncharacteristically—red. “I’m the only person who does it red on the inside,” says Aqel. The secret? He smiles. “All the stuff.”
Aqel and his partner, co-owner and chef Abood Hasan, came up through professional kitchens. They met in 2022, when Hasan walked into UTC’s Al Forno as a diner and started asking the manager some questions. Turned out, they were both Jordanian. The two began plotting their own venture, and Janie’s opened in January 2025. Working side by side, they feed office workers, students and a faithful Middle Eastern crowd.
The dish that Aqel promotes most proudly is chicken shawarma: layers of meat stacked on a vertical spit, shaved to order, then draped over savory rice or wrapped in saj bread. The rice, folded with peas and carrots, earns its bright yellow honestly. “Saffron, turmeric, curry, seven spice, black pepper… I put all this in my rice,” Aqel says without reticence.
Recent menu additions include fried catfish, Turkish coffee, mint tea and pistachio cake. The standout burger, beef mixed with lamb, comes with spice-dusted fries.
A second location is already in the works.“Everything we make is good,” Aqel explains. Whatever is in that falafel, it's very tasty.
Janie’s Amman, Wed-Mon 11am-10pm, Tuesday noon-6 pm, 1400 Dr Martin Luther King Way, Sarasota, 941-366-1111, janiesammanfl.com 
Pictured:Janie's Amman serves up Middle Eastern delicacies. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.
This Mother's Day, treat mom to something truly special at Ocean Prime Sarasota. Start with oysters on ice and lobster toast with avocado pea puree, pea shoots, and a sunny side egg, then let the table linger over warm cinnamon bread with cream cheese icing. Round it out with truffled potatoes or candied bacon on the side, and sip on a citrus rhubarb mimosa or a refreshing cucumber gimlet. Elevated, relaxed, and perfect for the whole family. Brunch is served 11 am–3 pm on Mother's Day. Reservations are available now https://ocean-prime.com/locations-menus/sarasota/.
Provided photo.
Gecko's Grill & Pub is excited to announce our much-anticipated Annual Iron Chef Competition, a thrilling event that brings together culinary creativity and team spirit! This year’s competition will run for a total of seven weeks, beginning on May 11th and culminating in a championship finale from June 22nd to June 28th. This competition offers our teams a unique opportunity to work together in the kitchen, fostering collaboration and camaraderie as they prepare dishes daily. Each participant must assist one another, transforming the kitchen into a hub of creativity and teamwork. We approach this promotion with an "Everybody Wins!" mentality. Each location will celebrate innovation and teamwork throughout the competition. Let the culinary battle begin! Gecko's Grill and Pub – Where Good Food Meets Great Friends. To learn more, visit geckoshospitality.com.
element: steak. seafood. pasta. has lost their lease and will conclude operations at 1413 Main St. in Downtown Sarasota, FL. The final day at this location will beSunday April 26, 2026. While the physical doors on Main Street are closing, element is actively scouting new locations in the Sarasota area with the goal of reopening for the 2026 season. Guests are encouraged to come and enjoy element in their last 3 weeks of service. About element: steak. seafood. pasta.: Located in the heart of Downtown Sarasota, element steak. seafood. pasta. is a modern, locally owned steakhouse offering fine dining with a Florida soul. They pride themselves on sourcing the freshest local produce and seafood, hand-cut steaks, and crafting every dish, from sauces to desserts, in-house.
Join us to celebrate the greatest two minutes in sports. Come dressed in your Derby best. Enjoy live entertainment from a bluegrass band from 3-6 p.m. and a DJ from 6-10 p.m. Photo ops and a bar featuring Angel's Envy mint juleps and Jack Dusty's famous Sirens will be available throughout the afternoon. There will be multiple televisions to ensure the Derby is visible to all attendees. The running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby is set for 6:57 p.m. Please note that this is not a ticketed event.
Saturday, May 2, 2-10pm, ritzcarlton.com/sarasota
The Sarasota Players invites audiences to experience a musical unlike any other as Assassins takes the stage April 29 – May 10, 2026, at The Crossings at Siesta Key Mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Following the close of its acclaimed 2026 Winter Opera Festival, Sarasota Opera has announced that subscriptions for the 2026–27 Opera Season are now on sale. Subscribing is the best way to secure exceptional seats, exclusive benefits, and optimize savings. To subscribe, visit www.sarasotaopera.org or contact the Sarasota Opera Box Office at 941-328-1300 Monday through Friday from 10am until 5pm. In-person assistance is also available at the Opera House Box Office, located at 61 N. Pineapple Avenue in downtown Sarasota.
Arts Advocates is pleased to announce its schedule of May events, which include the annual scholarship awards luncheon, giving $50,000 total to 10 Sarasota and Manatee county students; a special program with Sarasota Art Colony artist Beth Arthur; a tour of the Van Wezel; and an artist talk by Art Venti. Unless otherwise indicated, registration is required at ArtsAdvocates.org.
The 30th Annual Phil Galvano Golf Classic will be held April 23-24 at The Resort at Longboat Key Club in Longboat Key, Florida. The Golf Classic will raise hundreds of thousands of dollars again this year to benefit the students and teachers of Manatee County public schools through the work of the Manatee Education Foundation (MEF). This year’s tournament is another sold-out event, with many joining a waitlist in hopes of securing positions.
Lee Wetherington Homes, a top rated, privately owned custom luxury home builder in Sarasota, recently welcomed Tom Latka as its new production manager. In his new role as production manager, Latka will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the home construction process, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget and to company quality standards. He will manage day-to-day construction operations for multiple residential home projects, develop and maintain construction schedules to meet deadlines, oversee and support construction managers and field staff, and ensure homes are built according to plans, specifications and building codes, among other tasks. With more than 30 years of experience in delivering commercial and residential projects from concept through certificate of occupancy, Latka has a demonstrated track record of managing multi-million-dollar budgets, leading large trade teams, and coordinating with architects and inspectors.
“Reflections” is a unique art exhibition and auction centered on mirrors as both functional objects and expressive art pieces. Through painted, redesigned, and reimagined mirrors, participating artists explore the concept of reflection—examining themes of identity, perception, space, and self-awareness. This collaboration between AIA Florida Gulf Coast and SARTQ Artist Collective highlights the dialogue between architectural form and artistic expression. The event aims to showcase innovative designs that blend utility with creativity, encouraging audiences to reconsider everyday objects through an artistic lens. Proceeds from the auction will support community arts initiatives and architectural education programs.
Architecture Sarasota, 265 S Orange Ave, Sarasota
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.
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
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
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
Dive into an exquisite selection of sushi and specialty rolls, crafted with the freshest ingredients and inspired by the rich maritime traditions of Sarasota. This weekly event promises a delectable experience while supplies last, so be sure to arrive early and indulge in these flavorful creations. Sushi is available to order throughout the restaurant. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling (941) 309-2266.
Jack Dusty at The Ritz-Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota
Experience the pinnacle of coastal indulgence as Jack Dustys Sunday Brunch returns with a jazzy twist, featuring new dishes, inventive cocktails and live entertainment. Savor unique offerings like Crab & Avocado Benedict and Truffled Croque Madame, perfectly seared Steak Frites and an opulent Seafood Plateau crowned with the freshest catches. Making its debut on the sweeter side of the menu are the brand new Sticky Toffee Griddle Cakes. Pair your dish with masterfully crafted cocktails such as mimosas, fully loaded Bloody Marys or bottomless wine options. This is brunch reimagined, where elegance meets ocean-inspired flavor. Brunch menu and live Jazz-style entertainment offered 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations available via OpenTable or by calling 941-309-2266.
Jack Dusty at The Ritz-Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota
Take your senses on a trip through Napa’s wine country. Enjoy a delectable five-course wine dinner curated by Chef Joe Bennett of Jack Dusty paired with magnificent wines from Copper Cane Wines and Provisions. Reservations can be made via Jack Dusty's OpenTable or by contacting Koryn.Varley@ritzcarlton.com.
Jack Dusty at The Ritz-Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota
This Mother's Day, treat the mother figure in your life to a beautiful waterfront experience at Rufa. Set against stunning Sarasota Bay, guests are invited to celebrate the women who make life blossom. Moms can create something uniquely their own with a DIY flower bar, selecting fresh stems to design a custom bouquet to take home. Sip, stroll, and savor the moment with refreshing drinks, gentle coastal breezes, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere made for creating meaningful memories with someone special. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
Rufa at The Ritz-Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota
This Cinco de Mayo, Rufa will set the scene with coastal‑inspired décor, irresistible taco specials, and a specialty Patron cocktail menu designed to keep the fiesta going all night long. It’s the ultimate mix of laid‑back luxury and high‑spirited celebration, perfect for margaritas, mingling, and making memories.
Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
Rufa at The Ritz-Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota
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