SRQ DAILY Jul 28, 2026
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"If you don't have a good chocolate chip cookie, go home."
Geno Zaharakis slides a cookie across the table. “We were baking and giving them away to everybody,” recounts his husband and business partner, Dustin Hoffman. “I said, we should try a farmer's market! So we rented a tent and baked up some terrible cookies.” He grins. “If you don’t have a good chocolate chip cookie, go home.” These are not those first cookies.
The classic chocolate chip: caramelly at the edges, chewy through the soft-bellied center, rippled with milk and semi-sweet chocolate. Browned butter lends a nutty undertone; house-milled oat flour smoothes the crumb.
Beekman Bakes started in 2023 at the peninsula counter of a small apartment in Key West, says Zaharakis, with a five-quart mixer. The name came from Auntie Mame. “The apartment in the movie resembled ours; it was 3 Beekman Place,” Geno says. “So we started calling ourselves the Beekmans.” They spent “every waking moment until the first market” overhauling recipes, with friends and neighbors giving honest feedback. “We bought The Cookie Bible,” Hoffman recalls, then figured out butter and flour combinations. They slashed white sugar by three-quarters. “That completely changed them,” Hoffman says. “You can actually taste the vanilla.” Virginia peanut butter and white macadamia nut followed.
They get creative with the shortbread, which Zaharakis dubs “the adult cookie.” The turbinado sugar crust cracks first, then the cookie crumbles, tender and buttery. The salted dark chocolate— 70%— is their most craved; a version with orange comes scented with fresh zest. Rosemary or lemon-lavender pairs well with wine.
Amongst many ventures, the husbands ran a cocktail bar together in Chicago. “Restaurant brats,” Zaharakis says. “We love people.” Now in their fourth season, they craft 120 cookies every sixteen minutes at Bakery Pro Kitchen, an incubator for bakers on Cortez Road. In Key West, baking took fifteen hours, a dozen at a time.
An online store launches in August: the Beekman Dozen, baked and shipped the same day, limited quantities to keep the small-batch quality. “It’s a make-your-own cookie flight,” Zaharakis says. Look for the orange checkered booth at the farmers’ markets. “We really have the best job in the world,” says Hoffman, “because everybody's like, ‘Yay, a cookie.’”
Beekman Bakes, Sat 7 a.m.- 1 p.m., Sarasota Farmers Market, Sun 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market, 630-621-8090, beekmanbakes.com 
Pictured: Salted Dark Chocolate Shortbread and Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie spreading joy from Beekman Bakes market booth. Photo by Alex Alfaro.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is continuing to weave fine art directly into its celebrated food and beverage programming with its live painting series by Sarasota-based artist Alexis Fraser, known professionally as Lipstick Lex (@lipsticklexart). Fraser is known for her unconventional method of mixing paint with cosmetics, creating bold, expressive works that come to life in real time. Diners will be able to experience her creative process firsthand during a series of appearances at the resort’s signature seafood restaurant, Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails, from 5-8 p.m. on the following dates: Saturday, August 1; Wednesday, August 5; Saturday, August 15; Wednesday, August 19; Saturday, August 29; Wednesday, September 2.
Pictured: Alexis Fraser at Jack Dusty. Provided photo.
Scooter’s Coffee is inviting the community to enjoy an afternoon with the local fire department at two upcoming Touch-a-Truck events on August 1st and August 8th. The first event will take place on August 1 at Scooter’s Coffee, located at 4708 SR-64 followed by a second event on August 8 at Scooter’s 6625 SR-70 location. Both events will begin at 1:00 p.m. The Touch-a-Truck events will allow children and people of all ages to tour a fully functional firetruck, interact with firefighters, and enjoy games, crafts, and other family-friendly activities. The first 100 people can also grab a free giveaway. As part of the Touch a Truck Events, $1 from every purchase will be donated to support the local fire department, helping give back to the first responders who serve the community.
August 1, Scooter's Coffee at 4708 SR-64, Bradenton, 1-4pm, August 8, Scooter's Coffee at 6625 SR-70 E, Bradenton, 1-4pm.
Join us for Botanical Briefings with Selby Gardens’ botany team, who is often in the field collecting and conserving plants. Catch the entire group of these intrepid explorers at the next in-person Botanical Briefing on Thursday, August 13, from 11am - 12pm at the Downtown Sarasota campus. Discover Selby Gardens’ outstanding botanical collections and learn about recent plant collecting and conservation efforts here in Florida and in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Botanical Briefings is complimentary for members and included with admission! Stay for lunch at The Green Orchid by Michael's On East or Selby House Cafe.
Pictured: Selby Gardens' Botany Team. Provided photo.
Art Center Sarasota concludes its landmark centennial season with four new exhibitions opening Thursday, August 20. Featuring nationally recognized artists Molly Duff-Clarke and Antoine Williams alongside Shaping Sarasota: A Century of Art and the juried exhibition Icons, the exhibition cycle celebrates contemporary artistic practice while honoring the organization's 100-year legacy of artistic innovation and community engagement." A public opening reception will be held Thursday, August 20, from 5–7 p.m. The exhibitions remain on view through September 26, 2026. Admission is free.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941.365.2032, artsarasota.org
Pictured: Molly Duff-Clarke, Untitled (Lamp), 2025, Glazed Ceramic and Yarn. Provided photo.
The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP) is accepting nominations for the annual “Six to Save” list until Sept. 15. Members of the public are encouraged to submit nominations for historic buildings and assets, archaeological sites or cultural resources in our community that are at risk. This year marks the seventh year of the Six to Save program, which allows SAHP to shine a spotlight on historic resources that are in danger of being lost to development, neglect or demolition. Nominations may be submitted online at https://www.preservesrq.org/six-to-save through Sept. 15.
Pictured: The Luke Wood Park and its 1930s-era Mable Ringling Fountain were added to the 2025 Six to Save list in the hopes they could be restored to their former glory. SAHP and partners are working with the Sarasota City Parks Department on plans to rev
Relief is on the way for motorists traveling State Road 31 in Lee County as the Florida Department of Transportation advances a major overhaul of the corridor. The improvements are designed to ease long-standing congestion and replace the aging Wilson Pigott Bridge over the Caloosahatchee River. The two-phase project includes widening a 1.4-mile stretch of S.R. 31 between Palm Beach Boulevard (S.R. 80) and Bayshore Road (S.R. 78) from two lanes to a six-lane divided roadway. FDOT is expected to accept bids in the near future. Both projects include sidewalks and multiuse trails along S.R. 31 as well as lighting enhancements at major intersections and significant improvements to stormwater facilities. The existing S.R. 31 will become an access road for properties to the west. The speed limit for most of the new road will be 45 mph. For more information about Southwest Florida’s new hometown, located just northeast of Fort Myers off Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, visit the Woodlea Hall Discovery Center at 42850 Crescent Loop in Babcock Ranch, call 877-709-6620, or visit BabcockRanch.com.
Get ahead of the competition with Best of SRQ Local 2027! As our most successful competition ever, Best of SRQ Local 2026 drove more than 55,500 nominations and nearly 360,000 votes, giving participating businesses exceptional exposure to an engaged local audience. Sponsorship packages for the Nomination and Voting Rounds are available now at last year's rates, offering premium visibility and digital advertising opportunities. Reserve your package by July 31, 2026 before pricing increases and request more information today.
Space Closing August 14, 2026
Ever wonder what goes into creating a circus? The Ringling's Canvas City exhibit offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people who make the spectacular entertainment venues come to life, from tentmakers and photographers to costume designers. See over 1,500 pieces, including circus costumes, leotards, band uniforms, animal blankets and more. Costumes on view will be rotated throughout the year as museum registrars review the collection and add notes and new photography to their records.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
By audience demand, Florida Studio Theatre is extending Dog Mom through August 2. This comical play created by writer, producer and filmmaker Tate Elizabeth celebrates the unconditional bond between a dog and its human–even if that human is the least dog-friendly person on the planet. Director Nancy Rominger delivers a heartwarming and hilarious production that journeys through self-discovery and unlikely friendships.
Keating Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota
This summer, Selby Gardens is excited to present an indoor and outdoor exhibition featuring the work of legendary American photographer, Lynn Goldsmith, who is renowned for both her celebrity portraits and fine art images. Goldsmith’s exhibition at the Downtown Sarasota campus will combine stunning images of flowers with intimate portraits of Selby Gardens’ artist in residence – Patti Smith. Visit selby.org for tickets.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
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
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
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
Whether you're a gardening newbie or a plant pro, visit Palma Sola Botanical Park to learn all about plants that thrive in the heat. Hear cool tips to keep your garden flourishing even when the temperature rises and see how sun-loving plants can handle the extreme summer heat.
Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton
Learn what fertilizers are, how nutrients work and how to choose the right products for your garden at this Plant Food 101 workshop. Instructor Mack Lessig will help you gain the practical knowledge to choose the right products and feed your garden for peak seasonal performance. Also, you'll decode the essential elements of what fertilizers contain and how plants utilize these nutrients at a cellular level.
UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension Office, 1303 17th St. W, Palmetto
Join Project 180 for its fifth annual Changing Lanes Bowling Tournament and experience an afternoon of family-friendly fun. This two-hour event includes bowling shoes, pizza and fries, unlimited soft drinks and an arcade card. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a beginner, this tournament is a great way to strike up some friendly competition, connect with the community and celebrate some of Project 180's recent graduates.
Bowlero Gulf Gate, 7221 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
If you're looking for a Queen tribute band that is scarily similar to original icons that shaped the rock world so many decades ago, you've come to the right place. Led by frontman and lead singer Emo Alaeddin, The Kings of Queen deliver a fully live performance of some of Queen's greatest hits. Band members include Gregg Thompson on guitar and vocals, Chris Trimmer on bass and vocals, Matisse Passillas on drums and vocals, and multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Joel Case.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Hear Sarasota native and award-winning actress, singer and teaching artist Delores McKenzie as she performs Hello, Gorgeous! A Barbara Streisand Tribute. This intimate cabaret celebrates one of the greatest entertainers of all time through iconic songs, engaging storytelling and theatrical flair. McKenzie will perform beloved classics from Streisand's legendary career, woven together with personal reflections and dynamic performances.
Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota
A reimagined fairy tale comes to Sarasota this August that brings beloved characters in a magical and bold performance. Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and more experience the thrill of wishes being granted and the struggle of moving forward when life does not go as planned. Under the direction of Jacob Ruscoe, Into the Woods explores family, grief, responsibility and community. Evening performances are at 7:30pm, and Sunday matinees are at 2:30pm.
Rise Above Performing Arts, 3501 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
At The Bishop's planetarium, join a panel from the Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency to explore the award-winning Palmetto Bay Oyster Restoration Project and learn how more than 300 reef balls are rebuilding oyster habitat, improving water quality and creating a healthier ecosystem for marine life. Hear about the project's promising early results, ongoing scientific monitoring that tracks its progress each quarter and the important role of nearby Connor Park. Doors open at 6pm.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W, Bradenton
FST's resident improv team returns with Out of Bounds, an audience-favorite competition where two teams battle for laughs in a fast-paced series of games. Every scene is inspired by audience suggestions, and the winning team is up to the spectators to decide–and the method of voting is applause! This no-holds-barred comedy showdown runs 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
Bowne's Lab, 1265 1st St., Sarasota
Celebrate four years of ArtLab: In Motion with an immersive evening of art, movement, music and special guest performances. ArtLab has evolved into one of Sarasota's most immersive arts experiences–bringing together visual art, movement, music and meaningful human connection. See curated visual art exhibitions, hear moving poetry, watch mesmerizing multimedia installations and enjoy a curated tasting experience. This event celebrates the remarkable artists and collaborators who continue to shape the vibrant Gulf Coast arts scenes.
ALEUR-Event Collective, 1001 Central Ave., Sarasota
Celebrate the new school year with family and friends at LECOM Park at this Back to School Jam. Every guest receives a free baseball game ticket and meal voucher, plus a new backpack filled with school items (while supplies last). Gates open at 5pm, and stay until the end of the game to watch a dazzling fireworks show.
LECOM Park, 1611 9th St. W, Bradenton
Set at New York City's Legendary High School for the Performing Arts from 1980 to 1984, this show follows a group of young artists from their first audition to their graduation. The production explores the dedication and passion required to succeed despite artistic, academic and personal challenges. See electrifying pop and dance numbers in this celebration of youth, artistry and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
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