SRQ DAILY Jun 2, 2026
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"You have to have food available. I make it available."
Out of a Chevron station on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Jeff Houser cooks three thousand meals per week alongside his wife, Kim, a longtime nurse. Green chili turkey with saffron rice. Sambal-and-honey salmon cake with whipped sweet potato. Almond-crusted chicken breast seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice and Himalayan salt. “The same breast I would serve at the Ritz Carlton, for ten dollars,” he says. “They’d pay forty to fifty, if I did that in a saute pan and put it on a white tablecloth. The Houdini act is no different.”
Ninety percent of Jacked Panda’s farm-to-table prep service is subscription. No shipping. Seven pink vans, painted with a weightlifting panda, deliver every Monday from Anna Maria Island to Venice and inland past I-75. Clients range from doctors and firefighters to people staying in a calorie pocket. His 20 programs center on “whole products from God’s garden”: four to six ounces of high-quality protein, fresh local vegetables and low-glycemic, single-ingredient carbs. “You can get all your essential and non-essential amino acids from your food,” he says. “Anything more than that, I don’t find the body can digest or use.”
A classically trained chef, French and Asian, with stints at Spago and his own high-end restaurants, Houser came to meal prep by transforming himself. At 210 pounds, he changed his diet and by forty-five emerged a competitive bodybuilder. His daughter named the company poolside, back when Houser was, in his words, chubby and getting strong. At fifty, he sounds like a coach. “I’ve never met a human being who gets a second body.”
Portioned meals reheat in two minutes and sell out within forty-eight hours. Plans are customizable, no extra charge. “That’s service. For some people, it matters.” The lasagna layers 90/10 ground sirloin, fresh pasta, three cheeses, San Marzano tomatoes. “You have to have food available. I make it available.” Desserts include tres leches overnight oats with Greek yogurt and whey protein. “Is the juice worth the squeeze?” he asks. “You have to decide.”
Jacked Panda Prep to Go, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun 8 a.m.-7 p.m., 941-544-9696, jackedpandapreptogo.com 
Pictured: Chef Jeff and his team package almond-crusted chicken breast with cranberry pilaf Photo Credit: Sarah Emily Miano.
Selby Gardens’ Selenicereus, the spectacular night-blooming cactus, will soon be in full bloom with its nocturnal display, for one night only. Join us for a free viewing of the “Queen of the Night” from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Hobart K. Swan and Janis F. Swan Live Oak Arrival Court located at our Downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound Street, to witness this annual natural phenomenon. The date is yet to be determined and will be announced publicly via a media advisory and social media platforms. Guests are encouraged to bring their camera, lawn chair, bug spray, and flashlight. Food and beverages, including wine and beer, will be available for purchase from the Michael’s on East Food Truck. Ample parking is available in the Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility. Viewing will also be available via livestream on the Selby Gardens Facebook page . *The Garden grounds will be closed, but the viewing is open to the public. The event will take place rain or shine.
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time as The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime hosts its highly anticipated Hot Dog Day celebration on Saturday, June 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sponsored by Hamlet's Eatery, this day promises delicious food, cold beer, local shopping, live music, and plenty of dachshund-inspired fun. Guests can enjoy hot dogs piled high with every topping imaginable, from classic favorites to creative flavor combinations, while sipping on $4 beers and sampling complimentary Surfsidetastings throughout the afternoon. Adding to the festivities, Lowrider Dachshund Rescue will be on-site sharing information about their mission and introducing guests to some of their lovable long-bodied ambassadors. Animal lovers will have the opportunity to learn more about dachshund rescue efforts and ways to support the organization. The event will also feature a curated selection of local guest vendors, artists, and makers, bringing the eclectic energy and community spirit that The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime has become known for.
Hot Dog Day, Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11:00am-3pm, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota, Free to attend.
Discover Sarasota Tours offers first Bradenton Trolley Tour running twice this summer called Bar Bites Trolley. This fun three-hour happy-hour themed tour is perfect for beating the summer heat and features stops at two restaurants: enRichBistro and Oak & Stone for savory appetizers, summer-soaked cocktails, and beautiful water views. Along the route, singer Michelle Pruyn and owner Tammy Hauser will entertain guests with sing-along songs, trivia, and Bradenton history. enRich Bristo will provide three of their most popular appetizers: empanadas, tuna poke and chicken sliders and Oak & Stone will serve pickled fries, Philly cheese eggrolls, and spinach dip. Drinks can be purchased separately and are not part of the ticket price of $89.99. Before boarding, guests will enjoy complimentary beer/wine in the Trolley Cottage Tiki Bar. This savory Bradenton tour runs on Thursdays from 4-6:30PM on June 25 and July 23. Space is limited to 30 guests. If it fills up, this tour will be offered as part of our Bar Bites Trolley Series during the year focused on different cuisines from Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota. Tour tickets and information available online at DiscoverSarasotaTours.com or by calling 941-260-9818.
Michael's Wine Cellar is now open on Mondays. Start your week with an exceptional selection of wines, personalized recommendations and the warm hospitality you know and love. Whether you're picking up a favorite bottle or discovering something new, we're here for you, Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm.
Live in Florida? Want to see theatre from all over the world? Get a local show pass for aactWorldFest–A world-wide week-long community theatre festival featuring shows from around the globe, parties, workshops, and more!
Art Center Sarasota is proud to celebrate serving nearly 1,900 participants through classes, workshops, open studios, critiques, and more. This season reflected our community’s incredible passion for creativity, connection, and lifelong learning. One of the most rewarding parts of the season is watching students learn, grow, and gain confidence in their creative practice. We especially love seeing many of them take the next step by submitting their work for exhibition at ACS. Visit artsarasota.org to learn more.
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.
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
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
Bruce Holst, Vice President for Botany at Selby Botanical Gardens, will describe the research and conservation efforts of the institution over its 5+ decades. The Gardens has been a leader in the discovery and description of previously unknown species of plants for science in the tropical Americas, particularly epiphytes, or “air plants.” In addition, he will discuss its important role in documenting plant diversity and distribution to promote conservation, and how Phase II of Selby Gardens’ Master Site Plan will enhance its work. Free for members, included with general admission for non-members. Visit selby.org.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
Enjoy an evening packed with family-friendly fun, including games and activities on the Great Lawn, the mesmerizing Spheres Bubble Show by Blaise Rhynds, and a spectacular fireworks finale lighting up Sarasota Bay. Come hungry and ready to celebrate! Feast on smoky barbecue favorites, cool off with refreshing frozen treats, and indulge in festive summer sweets available for purchase throughout the evening from a variety of local vendors. This event is rain or shine. General Admission and all-inclusive tickets available. General admission guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and bug spray for maximum comfort. All-Inclusive tickets (no member price) include on-site parking, a delicious buffet dinner by Michael’s On East, an open bar inside our air-conditioned Event Center, and prime viewing of the fireworks! Visit selby.org for tickets.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
Discover Sarasota Tours offers first Bradenton Trolley Tour running twice this summer called Bar Bites Trolley. This fun three-hour happy-hour themed tour is perfect for beating the summer heat and features stops at two restaurants: enRich Bistro and Oak & Stone for savory appetizers, summer-soaked cocktails, and beautiful water views. Along the route, singer Michelle Pruyn and owner Tammy Hauser will entertain guests with sing-along songs, trivia, and Bradenton history. Drinks can be purchased separately and are not part of the ticket price of $89.99. This savory Bradenton tour runs on Thursdays from 4-6:30PM on June 25 and July 23.
Doors open at 5 pm for drinks & mingling, artist talk starts at 5:30 pm
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Explore the growing evidence that supports different behaviors which optimize creative thinking for innovation processes: high-focus work and restorative activities. Learn how space design can cultivate the creativity necessary to spark innovation.
Architecture Sarasota, 265 S Orange Ave, Sarasota
Vocalist Fred Johnson joins guitarist LaRue Nickelson- guitar, Michael Ross- bass, and Billy E. Peterson- drums, for an engaging program of traditional and contemporary arrangements drawn from the Great American Songbook and the jazz canon. The performance features music composed and popularized by legends such as Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Jon Hendricks, Nat Adderley, and Joe Williams, among others—offering a rich blend of timeless standards and inventive interpretations.
John C. Court Cabaret , 1265 1st Street, Sarasota
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