SRQ DAILY Jul 7, 2026
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"I was raised with this marriage of Italian and Argentine culture."
Stefania Fochi shows a struggling student how to pinch a seam. “It's going to be delicious,” she says, beaming. ”We're not going for perfection."
Ten guests crowd the stainless steel tables in The Empanada Girl's kitchen, crimping dough and comparing tucks. Fochi moves between them, demonstrating five folds, each named for its filling. The spinach. The chicken. That's how she learned. A student raises a finished empanada like a trophy.
Fochi launched evening cooking workshops in June. Beforehand, students gather in the market over a grazing board so nobody gets “hangry.” The filling cooled overnight: raisins added dry to absorb the beef juices, paprika and cumin tossed in the hot pan, olives stirred in last. "When it's warm, it's too soupy," Fochi says. "Makes it so much easier."
Her great-grandparents left Italy for Argentina around the war. "I was raised with this marriage of Italian and Argentine culture," she says. “Hence, the pasta. My parents make that." They opened the shop twelve years ago; her grandmother ran the place until retiring last year. "I'm here now instead." A second workshop covers gnocchi and pesto, more recipes Fochi grew up making.
Between folds, Fochi traces Buenos Aires-style empanadas to 16th-century gauchos, who adopted a portable, protein-packed meal for the fields."Every region has its own," she explains. Hers come baked, flavors ranging from lamb and lentil to steak-n-cheese.
While the oven warms, Fochi grabs a bunch of parsley and demonstrates chimichurri. When the hot pockets emerge, everyone eats together, dipping as they go. Apple pie empanada concludes; students take the unbaked extras home. “Love is the common denominator,” Fochi says. New classes go up on The Empanada Girl's socials. Bring a Malbec.
The Empanada Girl, Mon-Fri 9:30am-6pm, Sat 9:30am-4pm, Sun 9:30am-3pm, 4141 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-870-2729, empanadagirl.com 
Pictured: Empanada Folding and Chimichurri Workshop at The Empanada Girl Cafe. Photo by Alex Alfaro.
Along Sarasota Bay, a city is expanding what it started. The Bay Sarasota park, already welcoming more than one million visitors since its 2022 opening, is progressing with its next phase. Town Square, enhanced shoreline access, and a future bayfront restaurant are among the improvements now taking shape. By 2028, one of Florida's most ambitious public waterfront transformations will be ready to enjoy. That same year, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts will be delivered. The alignment isn't a coincidence. Kolter Urban's 20-story bayfront tower sits at the center of this momentum, positioned between The Bay Sarasota park and Quay Harbor in the Quay Waterfront District. The collection of 117 one- to three-bedroom residences, ranging from approximately 1,200 to over 3,000 square feet and priced from $1.5 million, was designed to celebrate the surroundings it faces with open great rooms, expansive terraces, and floor-to-ceiling glass framing sweeping views of the bay, the park, and the downtown skyline. Amenities reflect a life lived at the water's edge, including an elevated Oasis Pool Deck, fitness and movement studios, social lounges, co-working spaces, and a ground level cycling studio. Buyers aren't just selecting a residence. They're arriving at the right moment.
Visit the Sales Gallery at 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110. Live1000.com | 941.770.3993
Café on St. Armands has refreshed its breakfast and all day menu with a selection of new Mediterranean inspired dishes, handcrafted beverages, and seasonal favorites. Guests can look forward to fresh additions like The Hestia, Salmon Avocado Toast, Ahi Tuna Crudo, Crispy Cauliflower, Octopus Confit, Roasted Beet Hummus, Medina Chicken + Grain Bowl, Fisherman's Pasta, and Pistachio + Rosemary Crusted Rack of Lamb. The menu refresh builds on guest favorites while introducing new flavors that reflect Café's modern Mediterranean vision.
Café on St. Armands, 431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota.
On July 12 at 3pm Peace will host a lovely summer bonus concert featuring rising stars in the world of piano performance. This delightful and varied program is presented as a satellite concert of the Rebecca Penneys International Piano Festival.
Peace Memorial Presb. Church (the pink church downtown) 110 S. Ft. Harrison Ave., Clwr. (corner of Pierce and Ft. Harrison). Doors open at 2:15pm to allow patrons to enjoy the Galban/Gaudi art exhibit on display in the chapel before the musical program.
Pictured: Summer piano rising stars. Provided photo.
The Museum of Fine Arts is pleased to announce the opening of upcoming exhibition, A Terrible Beauty | Photographers Amid Chaos. Taking its title from William Butler Yeats’ poem Easter, 1916, the exhibition explores how artists across time have confronted trauma, strife, and destruction to make sense of a chaotic world. A Terrible Beauty | Photographers Amid Chaos will be on view from July 11, 2026.
Detwiler’s Farm Market is excited to announce plans for a new location in North Port, Florida, with an anticipated opening in the fourth quarter of 2028. This location will mark a significant milestone for the family-owned grocer as its first store built entirely from the ground up, its southernmost location, and its largest location to date. For updates and to learn more about Detwiler’s Farm Market, visit detwilermarket.com.
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.
Delightfully Funky Since 1997, Blase Martini Bar in Siesta Key Village has been Sarasota’s cozy, funky go-to for inventive food, handcrafted martinis, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. It’s perfect for date nights or casual hangouts—offering bold flavors, expertly mixed drinks, and a setting that feels both relaxed and refreshingly unique. Join us for the launch of our Summer Pizza & Martini Menu, featuring hand-tossed specialty Pizzas, Pineapple Upside Down Vodka Martini for June, Siesta Suns Orange Vodka in July & Just Peachy Vodka Martini in August.
Blase Martini Bar in Siesta Key Village, 5263 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key
Start studying for Gecko's Grill and Pub's 24th Annual Summer Trivia Tournament. This six-week competition features weekly trivia nights on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at participating Gecko's locations throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. Teams can enjoy food and drink specials while competing for a share of $1,000 in Gecko's Bucks. The three teams with the highest cumulative scores are invited to the championship tournament, which is scheduled for Gecko's on Clark Road on August 17.
Gecko's Grill and Pub, All Gecko's Grill and Pub locations
Bubble artist Blaise Ryndes will blow guests away with his immersive Spheres Bubble Show under the banyans. Join us every Saturday for the next few weeks from 10 a.m. to noon for a comedic and mysterious fusion of art, science, and magic that the whole family will enjoy! Free for members, included with general admission for non-members. Visit selby.org
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
Wintry magic can be found in the summer sun in downtown Venice with Christmas in July. Enter the gift basket raffle, search for an elf in a scavenger hunt and try ornament making at The Venice Theatre. On Friday, have breakfast, coffee or lunch with Santa, and see him at the farmers market or fire station next to City Hall on Saturday.
Downtown Venice District, 200 W Venice Ave., Venice
Curious about the Mediterranean Way of Eating? Join us for Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way, an engaging, educational series that will transform your approach to food! Discover seven simple steps to healthier meals, learn easy recipes, and pick up practical tips that fit right into your everyday life. Registration includes a recipe book. 6-Week Program, Mondays: 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, and 8/31 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. This class will be virtual and will have a cost of $10 per person. Zoom link for the class will be emailed to participants before the start of class.
Virtual, Virtual
Skip the intimidation and discover wine the way it’s meant to be enjoyed—relaxed, social, and a little indulgent. Sommer School s is designed for those who want to learn the basics without the pressure, guided by our very own Jason Waganheim, in a lively, welcoming setting. You’ll taste a curated selection of wines, explore what makes each one unique, and pick up simple techniques to help you order, pair, and enjoy wine with confidence. No prior knowledge required—just bring your curiosity. This three part series begins July 8,2026 and meets the two consecutive Wednesdays.
State Street Eating House, 1533 State St, Sarasota
This summer's children's musical at Asolo Repertory Theatre will take you on a trip down the Yellow Brick Road. Adventure awaits at this family-friendly production at the Cook Theatre. The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition is directed and choreographed by Cat Brindisi and is under the music direction of Carl Haan. Join Dorothy, Toto and friends from Oz as they embark on a musical journey to find their way home.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
At the Court Cabaret, Nancy Allen presents a powerful tribute to era-defining artists in the 1970s, featuring hits from Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt and more. A singer trio of Victoria Boland, Samantha Duval and Madalyn McHugh deliver powerhouse vocals that capture the soul and strength of the female artists who wrote their own rules. This show is part of a three-show Summer Cabaret subscription that also includes Leaving on a Jet Plane: A Folk Journey and Legacy: Motown and More!
Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota
Try a new hobby, hand knitting, and create your own sand dollar pillow. At this Knit and Sip workshop, choose from three yarn colors and follow along with Deb of TDog ChunkHandKnits as she provides step-by-step instructions for crafting your pillow. This beginner-friendly experience will teach you the fundamentals of hand knitting so you can create other items, too. Tickets include a glass of wine, and small plates are available for purchase throughout the session. Act fast, because ticket sales close June 29.
GROVE, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch
Come one, come all to the circus this summer at The Circus Arts Conservatory in Sarasota. Kids ages 6 to 15 are invited to learn circus skills and make new friends with attendees from all over the country. Try the trapeze, rolling globe, aerials, juggling and more. Each Friday, friends and families are invited to a costumed showcase performance where campers share the skills they developed throughout the week. Pre-registration is required, and walk-ins are not accepted.
Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., 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
Maria A. Guzman Capron explores the complexities of identity through vibrant figurative textiles. Drawing inspiration from her own multicultural heritage, the artist creates layered portraits of exuberant, multi-faceted characters.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
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