SRQ DAILY May 19, 2026
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"The menu aims to bring new life and excitement to our offerings each year."
The iconic Savor Sarasota returns June 1 for its 21st edition, transforming the summer dining scene into a 14-day culinary festival. Over 55 restaurants serve up $45 three-course dinners and $25 two-course lunches. But this year’s standout? Pairings. Nearly every kitchen is elevating the standard prix-fixe format with crafted beverage matches.
At Duval’s, the menu marries beloved staples and fresh takes, aiming “to bring new life and excitement to our offerings each year,” says Sous Chef Patrick Scalabba. A rich three-cheese and Old Bay crab dip finds its counterpart in a crisp Hampton Water Rosé. On the South Trail, Tripletail fittingly serves tripletail—citrusy sweet—suggested alongside a Crystal Cosmo with white cranberry and elderflower.
In Nokomis, Pop’s Sunset Grill embraces the season with a Baked Lobster Couscous piled with sweet corn, green peas and shitakes, which Chef Marcos Vasquez designed “to feel refined and comforting without being overly heavy.” To accompany: a vibrant Blood Orange Aperol Spritz starring Shark Tooth vodka, distilled in neighboring Venice.
At Mimi’s Brasserie, a guajillo-braised pork shank meets the Ernestly Tiki— a complex coconut oil-washed rum cocktail laced with pistachio-lemongrass falernum and apricot liqueur. Meanwhile, at AMOB, Chef Will Parard’s warming shrimp and pollock gumbo gets a paw-paw citrus twist on the classic Purdy’s Florida Old Fashioned.
Not every pairing involves a potential hangover. Michael’s on East offers a stellar zero-proof collection—complementing Savor dishes like Galician Braised Octopus, featuring chorizo, fennel and a kick of chipotle. Arts & Central pairs its orange-chive crab cocktail with a Broadbent Chardonnay, but don’t bypass their innovative zero-proof drinks.
Even hotel lounges are bringing the heat. At Bridges, inside Embassy Suites, a seared scallop sits next to a Burgans Albariño—“bright, citrusy and kissed with ocean minerality,” says Elizabeth Dimitrova, Director of Food, Beverage and Catering. Wink Wink, at Sarasota Modern, delivers Brussels sprouts studded with bacon, goat cheese and candied pecans alongside a Grapefruit Paloma with a smoky mezcal finish.
Savor Sarasota, June 1-14, 2026, 55+ participating restaurants, Sarasota County, SavorSarasota.com 
Pictured: A vibrant pairing at Fins at Sharkys Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Visit Sarasota County
Michael’s On East is proud to unveil The Zero-Proof Collection, a thoughtfully curated selection of zero-proof cocktails, wines, spirits, and beers designed to elevate the dining experience—without the alcohol. Crafted with the same precision, balance, and artistry as traditional offerings, each beverage in the collection delivers complexity, depth, and sophistication. Whether guests are abstaining, moderating, or simply exploring new options, the Zero-Proof Collection offers an opportunity to indulge fully—without compromise.
Sarasota-Manatee Originals is inviting guests to experience the region’s dining scene in a whole new way with the launch of the newly reimagined Originals Culinary Tour, formerly known as The Blend Trolley Tour. The Originals Culinary Tour is Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ signature food-and-wine trolley experience, a curated culinary crawl designed for true food lovers, spotlighting standout restaurants, artisanal dishes, and perfectly paired wines throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Guests hop aboard the trolley for a progressive tasting experience featuring multiple restaurant stops, curated wine pairings, and behind-the-scenes storytelling from the chefs and wine experts behind each pairing. Each tour includes five chef-crafted dishes with wine pairings, trolley transportation between restaurant stops and a $20 wine credit at the conclusion of the tour. Tips and gratuities included. The result is an immersive evening celebrating the creativity, hospitality, and culinary diversity that define Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ independent restaurant community. Purchase tickets and learn more at eatlikealocal.com/originals-culinary-tour/.
Welcome to Lefty's, Chef Patrick! After spending six years in Boston, Chef Patrick LaFountain built his culinary background around the rich culinary landscape and seascape of New England seafood before expanding his experience in a James Beard awarded Asian restaurant kitchen. From cooking for intimate groups to managing teams the past 12 years, Patrick now brings his appreciation for fresh seafood, expertise in the kitchen, love of sharing a good meal and experience back to his home state of Florida and to Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar.
In celebration of Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement, The Green Orchid is serving tasty new treats that put flavor in motion! Try the "Circus" Strawberry Shortcake or the "Passiflora" cocktail, inspired by one of the horticultural vignettes in the exhibition (can be served as a mocktail)!
ensembleNEWSRQ (enSRQ) concludes its 10th anniversary season with “Music for New Bodies,” a sweeping and visually arresting operatic work by composer Matthew Aucoin and director Peter Sellars. Presented in collaboration with Artist Series Concerts, this Sarasota premiere takes place Friday, May 22, 7:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Single tickets for the concert are $50; VIP tickets are $175. For more information, visit www.EnSRQ.org.
Born in Beijing under China’s one-child policy and now a Sarasota resident, Jing Herman has lived several distinctly American lives in a single lifetime. Recently selected as an official America250 commemorative artist—one of only a small number of artists nationwide chosen for the distinction—Herman is now creating an evolving series of 50 original American flag paintings that invite reflection on identity, resilience and the many layered perspectives shaping the American experience.
Wellen Park is celebrating 10 consecutive years among America’s top-selling master-planned communities, earning recognition as one of only 11 communities nationwide to maintain top-selling status for a decade or more from John Burns Research and Consulting, one of the nation’s leading housing industry research and consulting firms.In addition to the national milestone, Wellen Park ranked No. 5 in Florida in John Burns’ inaugural statewide ranking of the top-selling master-planned communities based on 2025 new home sales, reflecting continued demand for the community’s diverse home offerings, lifestyle amenities and long-term vision. As buyers from across the country continue relocating to Florida, Wellen Park continues attracting residents with its broad mix of home choices, extensive recreational offerings and thoughtfully curated lifestyle amenities, as well as convenient nearby access to several popular Gulf Coast beaches.
The Office of Angel Colonneso, Esq., Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County, will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. The office will reopen with regular business hours Tuesday, May 26. Customers can continue to access online services during the closure, including searching court records, official records, and making payments on the Clerk & Comptroller’s website at https://www.ManateeClerk.com/ or download the Clerk & Comptroller's mobile app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Geckos Grill and Pub is excited to announce our much-anticipated Annual Iron Chef Competition, a thrilling event that brings together culinary creativity and team spirit! This years competition will run for a total of seven weeks, beginning on May 11th and culminating in a championship finale from June 22 to June 28. 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. Participants are encouraged to unleash their culinary imagination! Competitors must create a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 dishes, featuring items from all cooking stations: fry, grill, saute,and pantry. Exciting Prizes Await! Our top three finalists at each location will earn fantastic cash awards. During finals week, the ultimate victors will each receive a cash bonus, an embroidered chef coat commemorating their Iron Chef winning year, and the honor of displaying the Iron Chef trophy at their location for an entire year. Join us for a flavorful time of competition, creativity, and camaraderie at Geckos Grill and Pub. We can’t wait to see the incredible dishes our teams will create. Let the culinary battle begin! Geckos Grill and Pub – Where Good Food Meets Great Friends.
Gecko's Grill and Pub
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
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.
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
The summer 2026 exhibition at Selby Gardens will celebrate the creative collaboration between two legendary figures and longtime friends, photographer Lynn Goldsmith and singer-songwriter Patti Smith, who is Selby Gardens’ artist in residence. The exhibition will feature Goldsmith’s photographs of Smith, past and present, in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. The images will offer an intimate portrait of an iconic artist over the course of her remarkable career.
Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Juana Romani (1867–1924) was one of the most fascinating and successful painters in late-nineteenth-century Paris. Born in Italy, Juana—whose given name was Giovanna Carlesimo—moved to Paris with her mother and stepfather at the age of ten. She took up painting, studying under the well-known painters Jean-Jacques Henner (1829–1905) and Ferdinand Roybet (1840–1920). Romani quickly earned both critical praise and significant fame for her deftly painted, richly colorful depictions of strong, sensual women adorned in lavish textiles.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Mayer explores the impact of technology on the human body through this interactive sculpture series. Slumpies invites viewers to sit and slump on these sculptures, much like furniture, and find a place of comfort while using their technological devices.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
This long-term installation in Gallery 10 of the Museum of Art showcases five outstanding examples of 17th-century Dutch painting on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Featuring a dramatic seascape, an expansive landscape, and captivating portraits set in detailed interiors, this exhibition offers a window into the vibrant artistic production of the Netherlands as the small nation rose to global prominence in the 17th century. The five exceptional paintings from the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, complement The Ringling's holdings of Dutch art and provide additional perspective on the artistry, historical significance, and continuing appeal of Dutch painting from this period.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Artificial Intelligence is no longer limited to computers and research labs — it’s now available right on your smartphone. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to use AI tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and other AI tools directly from their mobile devices to simplify everyday tasks.
Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Get ready to move this summer with Sarasota Contemporary Dance and guest teachers in sunny Sarasota for a week-long dance intensive, unlike any other! You have three weeks to choose from-or do all three!
Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts Suite 300, 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
Join us for a weekly guided tour of the night sky in our state-of-the-art planetarium. As Earth moves around the sun, different objects come into view. We'll not only discuss what you can see this season, we'll fly you there!
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton
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