SRQ DAILY Aug 4, 2026
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"We are able to expand our offerings, and not jeopardize the quality at all,"
A Slow Rise candle burns near the door, though its custom scent quickly gives way to yeasty sourdough and buttery croissants. One question had become a Sunday ritual at the Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market: “When are you opening up here?,’” co-owner Jules Thuet relates. Bread Bandits has finally answered with a Main Street outpost.
The Sarasota bakery, whose loaves supply restaurants including Pura Vida and the St. Regis, has earned a following as one of the area’s few handcrafted sourdough bakeries. “We wanted to expand our reach,” Thuet says. “Somewhere that was convenient…This was as ideal as it gets.”
The menu matches the original shop, for now. The multigrain sourdough, Thuet’s favorite, gets its signature nutty flavor from grains toasted for twelve hours. Daily specials rotate through breads such as cranberry-walnut, cheddar-green onion and fougasse, blistered and fragrant with black olives and rosemary.
The growth doesn’t stop at the storefront. While all of the bread will still be baked down south, the new shop doubles as a pastry test kitchen. “We're able to expand our offerings, and not jeopardize the quality at all,” Thuet says. Beyond croissants, danishes, bagels and muffins, expect seasonal savory items, organic pizzas and sandwiches. Co-owner Brad Rutledge wants to introduce ancient grain loaves.
The neighborhood pantry is worth exploring before you head to a friend's house. Dark blue shelves hold Sarasota honey, blueberry-lavender jam and spicy mustards. Fermented sourdough pasta. A roasted garlic algae oil that Store Manager Grace Valtz swears by. Bags of organic Bagatelle flour imported from France, the same used in their loaves. Ceramic mugs, cookbooks and candles cover a rustic wooden table; patterned teatowels adorn a ladder. “A lot of the brands are local to Sarasota or local to Florida,” says Valtz, who curated the collection.
Everything is baked fresh daily, and the most sought-after items disappear quickly. Online preorders let regulars skip the line, though browsing makes for fun.
Bread Bandits, Mon-Sun 8 a.m.- 6 p.m., 8130 Lakewood Main Street, Ste 103, Bradenton, 941-326-6213, breadbandits.com 
Photo by Alex Alfaro.
Sarasota Opera has announced its Board of Trustees leadership for the 2026-27 season, with David Chaifetz elected Chair of the Board and Syble DiGirolamo elected Vice Chair. The appointments come as Sarasota Opera enters its 68th season, continuing a tradition of artistic excellence and community engagement that has established the company as one of the nation's leading regional opera organizations. To learn more visit SarasotaOpera.org
Your favorite Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurants are waiting, and right now you can save big on a night out. Our quarterly Dining Certificate Flash Sale is live through Tuesday, August 5 — and some restaurants sell out fast, so don't sleep on this one! Certificates are delivered straight to your inbox, valid for six months, and redeemable toward the food portion of your bill at some of the best locally owned, independent restaurants on the Suncoast. Buy them for yourself, give them as gifts, or stock up for a summer full of great meals out.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar is shucking into National Oyster Week with eight days of oyster specials, coastal flavors, and Five Star Fun. Guests can enjoy raw Gulf oysters for $1.99 each, all day, every day throughout the celebration. The secret menu item, Chipotle Crab Royale Oysters, features oysters baked with cheese, crabmeat, parmesan bacon crumble, garlic butter, and chili aioli, then finished with green onion and lemon. Shuckin’ Good Beer will also be available in cans and on draft throughout the week. Each can or pour helps support Shuckin’ Good Cause and its work throughout the local community.
July 28 through August 4, All day, all week, All Anna Maria Oyster Bar locations.
VIP and general admission tickets for the third annual Wellen Park Wine Festival go on sale Saturday, Aug. 1 at wellenpark.com/wine. The two-day alfresco event features a collection of ticketed wine experiences, including an exclusive five-course wine dinner Friday, Nov. 13, in Solis Hall and continuing Saturday, Nov. 14, with an introductory wine tasting class and the promenade Grand Tasting along Wellen Park Boulevard from 1 to 4pm. A sell-out event every year, the wine festival showcases over 40 vintners from celebrated national and international wineries as well as the culinary talents of Downtown Wellen restaurants. Guests can enjoy a weekend of wine tasting, live contemporary jazz music, shopping and small bites from Acqua Pazza Coastal Italian, Agave Bandido, The Banyan House, Grain and Berry, La Maison, Oak & Stone, Sassy Tarts and Villani & Co.
Stop by The Green Orchid and enjoy delicious new menu items, including the Bacon Jam Burger, the Billionaire Blue Cheese Burger, creative flatbreads of the day, refreshing salads, sandwich wraps, and brunch menu items such as delectable cheese blintzes and a twist on avocado toast. Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys every Saturday and Sunday! 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Check out the menu in the link below! Walk-ins welcome. For reservations, call 941. 265.8194.
Gecko’s Hospitality Group is bringing local landmarks, creativity and family fun to the table with the release of “Mike’s Summer Adventure,” a new children’s activity book created by Gecko’s Summer Intern Mariela Rodriguez and Chief Operating Officer Fiona Farrell. Designed to make family dining experiences more enjoyable, “Mike’s Summer Adventure” gives children an opportunity to stay entertained while exploring familiar places throughout Sarasota, Bradenton and surrounding communities. The activity book will be available for purchase for $5 at all six Gecko’s Grill & Pub locations and includes a small pack of crayons. For more information about Gecko's Grill & Pub, visit www.geckosgrill.com
Beachside Hospitality Group has raised $15,000 to support marine conservation efforts through donations to Mote Marine Laboratory and Clearwater Marine Aquarium following fundraising campaigns at its Manatee and Pinellas counties restaurants. Across Beachside Hospitality’s three Manatee County restaurants – Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub, Sandbar Seafood + Spirits, and Beach House Waterfront Restaurant – the group donated $1 from every Chubby Mermaid cocktail sold, resulting in a $10,000 contribution to Mote. The donation supports Mote’s manatee rehabilitation and conservation programs and elevates Beachside Hospitality's partnership to the Bay Partner level. Beachside Hospitality presented the donation to Mote at its Marine Mammal Center on City Island in Sarasota, where Mote rehabilitates manatees and conducts research and animal care. For more information on Beachside Hospitality Group, visit bshgrp.com.
The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota is thrilled to announce that single tickets for its 2026-27 season, Like No Other, are on sale starting August 3, 2026. From patriotic anthems and Broadway favorites to celebrations of national and local artists alike, this 51st season is set to further The Pops Orchestra’s mission of providing “music you love, by musicians you know.” Under the leadership of conductor Dr. Robyn Bell, Like No Other will offer something for everyone, with familiar favorites, fresh surprises, and plenty of fun throughout the season. This 51st season is anchored by four mainstage shows with two special add-on experiences that expand The Pops Orchestra’s reach beyond the traditional concert experience and deepen its connection with the community. Tickets and additional information for the 2026–27 season are available at ThePopsOrchestra.org.
There’s a popular misconception that dance is for an elite few: a pursuit of the genetically gifted that demands their undivided attention from childhood and holds no rewards for anyone else. All those stereotypes go out the window at the second annual Thalhe Festival, a three-day celebration of the art form that’s returning to Sarasota this September to prove once and for all who among us deserves to dance. The answer? Just about everybody. The festival will take place from Friday through Sunday, September 11 through 13, at the beautiful and historic Sarasota Opera House. For full information, visit thalhefestival.com.
Provided photo.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to present Legacy: Motown & More!, an electrifying musical celebration spanning the greatest hits of the 1960s through today. From the smooth soul of Motown to the irresistible sounds of pop and R&B, this vibrant cabaret showcases the music that has brought generations together. Previews begin August 4, with an officially opening August 6, in FST’s Goldstein Cabaret. Subscriptions and single tickets are available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.
Best of SRQ Local 2026 was our biggest and most successful competition yet, generating more than 55,500 nominations and nearly 360,000 votes from an engaged local community. There's no better way to put your business in front of loyal customers and future fans. Best of SRQ Local 2027 advertising packages, including both the Nominations and Voting Rounds, are available now! Reserve your package by August 14, 2026 and be part of the region's most anticipated celebration of local business.
Space Closing August 14, 2026
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
Win prizes while you think, drink and enjoy food at Lefty's Oyster and Seafood Bar at trivia nights every Tuesday. Trivia Nation hosts a Game Show Loco Trivia experience inspired by classic game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Test your knowledge across a variety of categories, make strategic choices and try your luck with games of chance. Bring your friends, family and coworkers, or jump in and join a team when you arrive.
Lefty's Oyster and Seafood Bar, 428 N Lemon Ave., 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
To commemorate the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment that granted many women in the United States the right to vote, a luncheon at the Grove will showcase women-owned businesses and celebrate Women's Equality Day. A guest panel will be moderated by Mercedes Solar, co-owner and president of Solmart Media. Attendees can learn about local women-owned businesses, participate in networking and hear from a multi-generational panel about the strides women have made and can continue to build.
The Grove, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch
In its third year, this Wellen Park festival invites family and friends into a traditional Oktoberfest atmosphere with German dancers, a live polka band, a stein-hoisting competition and plenty of beer and brats. Experience the inaugural keg tapping and hear the DeLeon Family Oktoberfest Band with three generations of accordion players. Food and drink options include Banyan House, La Maison, Pop Dawgs and more. Parking lots and street parking are available along Sunglow Boulevard and Springtide Way.
Downtown Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice
Experience a morning of fall fun at the Runaway Pumpkin 5K and free family festival. Food trucks, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, a bounce house, costume contest and PAWS therapy dogs are featured. Kids ages 12 and under can participate in the mini monster dash. Consider donating non-perishable food items that will be distributed to local families facing food insecurity through partnering organizations.
The Child Protection Center's Monda Campus, 5600 Peace River Rd., North Port
Learn about Sarasota history with guide John McCarthy on this relaxing cruise to learn illuminating facts about the region. This event is a major fundraiser that helps with the restoration and preservation of the Crocker Memorial Church and the Bidwell-Wood House. Enjoy snacks and a cash bar on board the LeBarge. Reserve tickets soon because seating is limited. Meet at Bayfront Park on the lawn in front of LeBarge at 10:30am to receive your name badge, which serves as your entry ticket.
Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota
Experience an evening of warmth, reflection, joy, and musical intimacy as Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota presents Close to the Heart: Diversity Unplugged, a unique concert that strips away the electronic layers to reveal the pure emotional connection between singers, musicians, and audience. For two nights only on December 13 and 17, these performances feature acoustic instrumentation, luminous harmonies, seasonal favorites, heartfelt ballads, uplifting anthems and moments of humor and celebration. Diversity Unplugged creates an atmosphere that is both deeply personal and universally welcoming.
St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota
In demand throughout the world, Grammy Award-winning pianist Daniil Trifonov will at last make his Sarasota recital debut. Trifonov has made a spectacular ascent in the classical music world as a solo artist, as well as a champion of the concerto and chamber music repertoire. Combining consummate technique with rare sensitivity and depth, his performances are a perpetual display of astounding virtuosity and lyrical intensity.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Sarasota Ballet's second program, featuring live music by the Sarasota Orchestra, brings together three works–two of them Company premieres–that explore imagination and characterization. Solitaire by Sir Kenneth MacMillan follows a solitary figure who drifts between observer and participant in a series of elegant, interconnected sections. In Lyric Pieces, Jessica Lang creates a sequence of poetic scenes that feel both playful and refined. Alexei Ratmansky's Pictures at an Exhibition bursts with color and energy, inspired by Mussorgsky's famed piano score and the vivid watercolor imagery of Wassily Kandinsky.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Visit the beautiful Phillippi Estate for Friends of the Sarasota County History Center's third annual picnic fundraiser. Enjoy a variety of offerings from food trucks and listen to Paisley Craze Band perform rockadelic 60s hits. Advance reservations open September 14.
Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Celebrating its third year, this two-day alfresco event features an exclusive five-course wine dinner on Friday, November 13 and an introductory wine tasting class and the promenade Grand Tasting along Wellen Park Boulevard on Saturday, November 14. Guests can also enjoy live contemporary jazz music, shopping and small bites from Acqua Pazza Coastal Italian, Agave Bandido, The Banyan House, La Maison and more. Aside from admission, a general admission ticket includes a commemorative wine glass, a signature event tote, unlimited wine tastings and four food tasting tickets to redeem at participating restaurant tents.
Solis Hall, 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd, Venice
Featuring works by such acclaimed modern and contemporary artists as Louise Bourgeois, Chuck Close, Yoko Ono, David Hockney, Ai Weiwei, and more, this never-before-seen exhibition offers a rare glimpse into private collections held throughout Southwest Florida.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Art immersion class for children ages 6-18. Small classes with fine arts materials. Visit linarinconart.com for more information and to register.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Creative Academy, 927 N Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237
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
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
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