SRQ DAILY Aug 25, 2026
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"The community wanted a truly authentic Irish bar, not a bar with Irish menu items."
Enter Delany’s Public House, and the scent of wood and gravy hits you before you find the bar. Tory Delany and her husband and co-proprietor Darren Shore have conceived eight restaurants, including Allswell at Waterside. But for this one, Delany flew home to Ireland. “The community wanted a truly authentic Irish bar, not a bar with Irish menu items,” she says.
Delany sourced the interior herself, commissioning bespoke chairs in Northern Ireland to endure decades of lively nights, picking through salvage yards for vintage mirrors, traditional curios and stained glass. Seating 250 guests, the dining room breaks into cozy snugs, appointed with hand-curved wooden settles. Button-tufted banquettes flank a grand hearth. Black-and-white landscapes and portraits grace the walls, including one of Wilde. “This is absolutely like every bar that we’ve ever grown up with in Ireland,” Delany says.
Executive Chef Nils Tarantik, also of Allswell, turns out generous, rustic plates. Plump bangers arrive over creamy mash with a nest of crispy onions. A braised lamb shank slides off the bone into a dark, unctuous gravy. Pub snacks range from corned beef and cabbage rolls to beef-tallow fries doused in curry and chip butty on Brennan’s bread slathered with Irish butter.
Beneath the bar’s carved wood canopy, bartenders serve up pints of Harp, house ale and a two-part Guinness pull topped with a dense, velvety cap and shamrock etching. “Irish people are very proprietary of their Guinness,” Delany notes. For last orders, pair it with battered sausage or beans on toast.
A small stage brings live music that packs the house, spilling onto a hundred-seat outdoor patio. A provisions store stocks imported favorites like Boland fig rolls and Tayto crisps.
“Number one is the hospitality,” Delany says. “Truly welcoming somebody who genuinely wants to talk to you, to hear your story.”
Delany’s Public House, Sun-Thurs 11 am-12 am, Fri-Sat, 11am-1am, social hour Mon-Fri, 3-6pm, 8110 Lakewood Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, delanyspublichouse.com 
Pictured: Delany's delivers the real craic with lamb shank and a proper Guinness. Photo by Alex Alfaro.
Something unusual is coming to The Sarasota Players. From August 26 through September 6, The Sarasota Players will present Bat Boy the Musical, a rarely produced cult favorite that combines comedy, horror, romance, social commentary, and an unforgettable score into one of the most unconventional musicals in contemporary theatre.
Provided photo.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze will captivate Sarasota audiences this holiday season at The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Saturday, November 21, at 7 p.m.with a brilliantly breathtaking holiday spectacular for the entire family. As the original cirque holiday theatrical event, this nationally acclaimed annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around awe-inspiring contemporary circus arts. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 28, at 10am.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to announce the lineup for its 2026-27 Winter Season, featuring a four-show Mainstage Series and a three-show Cabaret Series. From Tony Award-winning Broadway favorites to compelling new plays and original musical revues, this season celebrates extraordinary stories and the connections that bring people together.
Christopher Alan Homes team members recently collected and donated 30 backpacks filled with back-to-school necessities for local students served by Eva’s Closet & Foundation.
Employees purchased backpacks and filled them with new school clothes, uniforms and shoes to help students prepare for the new school year. The donation continues Christopher Alan Homes’ ongoing support of Eva’s Closet & Foundation and reflects the company’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.
Pictured: Christopher Alan Homes team members pose with collected backpacks that were donated to Eva's Closet and Foundation. Provided photo.
The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has launched a public survey as part of its Regional Transit Feasibility Study, inviting residents, workers, and visitors to share their feedback and help inform future transportation planning throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. The survey is designed to better understand the community’s transportation needs. Responses will help identify gaps in current transit services, understand barriers to transit use, and explore opportunities to improve mobility and access for all travelers, regardless of whether they currently use public transportation. The anonymous survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese at form.jotform.com/SarasotaManateeArea/Transit or through the MPO website at mympo.org/regional-transit-feasibility-study. Responses will be summarized and no individual survey responses will be identified. For more information, visit the MPO website at www.mympo.org or contact us at (941) 359- 5772.
The Sarasota County Correctional Facility has earned accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) for its mental health program, demonstrating compliance with nationally recognized standards for correctional mental health care. Accreditation represents dedication to continuous improvement and quality care within the Sarasota County Correctional Facility. Achieving this recognition required coordinated efforts across multiple disciplines to ensure mental health services, staff training, clinical practices, and operational procedures align with nationally recognized standards. The accomplishment reflects the facility's ongoing commitment to excellence, public health, and the well-being of individuals in its care. For more than 45 years, NCCHC has developed standards designed to improve health and mental health services in correctional facilities nationwide. Accreditation is a voluntary process that recognizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to quality, standards-based care, and continuous improvement.
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
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
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
Every Saturday and Sunday, Cask and Ale on Main Street lifts a toast and taps a toe to a delicious brunch with a diverse chef-prepared menu. Try the rotating chef's special menu, bottomless mimosas and a wide selection of craft cocktails. On Sundays, hear live jazz music from 12pm-4pm.
Cask and Ale, 1548 Main St., Sarasota
Enjoy a delicious brunch offered every Sunday at Tripletail Seafood and Spirits on the beautiful covered patio or casual dining room. The menu features a variety of dishes created by Chef Cesareo Cardenas, including his decadent creme brulee French toast, steak and eggs, lobster benedict, crab and shrimp omelet and the Tripletail brunch burger. Guests will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary or mimosa with the purchase of any entree.
Tripletail Seafood and Spirits, 4870 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
This free summer program encourages guests to explore all six Anna Maria Oyster Bar locations while enjoying exclusive savings and creating memories along the way. Available while supplies last, each passport includes more than $100 in exclusive offers that can be redeemed throughout the promotion. The grand prize winner will be announced on September 8, and passport offers are valid through October 31. A bonus grand prize entry is available at Cafe on St. Armands.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar
Celebrate the holidays–Sarasota style! With palm trees wrapped in lights, sand snowmen, and festive tunes, this all-new edition of Deck the Halls captures the magic of Christmas and Hanukkah in the Sunshine State. Filled with original songs, sketches, and interactive fun, this beloved family tradition is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. This play runs 50 minutes with no intermission.
Keating Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota
As the original cirque holiday theatrical event, this nationally acclaimed annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around awe-inspiring contemporary circus arts. Reimagined for 2026, Cirque Dreams Holidaze features original music, fresh twists on beloved holiday favorites sung live, new sets, dazzling scenery and stunning costumes—making it the ultimate holiday gift. The ensemble includes aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, eye-popping acrobatics and much more. Tickets go on sale August 28 at 10am.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trl, 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
Kimberly is a teenager navigating first love, family dysfunction and a rare condition that causes her to age rapidly. As she faces the complications of growing up and an uncertain future, she discovers that life isn't measured by the years you're given—it's what you do with them. A funny, heartfelt coming-of-age story about family, friendship and making the most of the time you have. Book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire; music by Jeanine Tesori; directed and choreographed by Ben Liebert.
Gompertz Theatre, 1265 1st St., Sarasota
As part of ASC's Lighter Fare series, the joyful trio Biriba Union performs original compositions that draw on the freestyle theatrics of hip-hop and Go-go music, the effortless beauty of Brazilian forro and choro, the earthiness of American roots music and the improvisational spontaneity of jazz. Hear Mike Block on cello and vocals, Christylez Bacon on beatbox, guitar and rhymes, and Patricia Ligia on electric bass and vocals. This open seating concert will be held outdoors at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, weather permitting. A cash bar by Michael's on East will also be available.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota
Presented by Key Chorale, the Chamber Singers invite you into a world of beauty, reflection and wonder at this candlelit choral experience. The choir is joined by renowned organist Jeremy Filsell, violinist Jeff Thurston and cellist Susan Dobronsky. Here contemplative and sacred selections by Faure, Paulus, Gjeilo and Esenvalds at this evening of serenity and inspiration.
Christ Episcopal Church, Bradenton, 4030 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton
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
Sarasota brings one of the most influential trailblazers to the city for a powerful series of experiences designed to inspire courage, character and civic engagement among youth and throughout the community. Local students will walk together in honor of Ruby's historic steps. A community town hall conversation, moderated by Charlayne Hunter-Gault, will reflect on Ms. Bridges' defining place in our nation's story and the enduring power of civic engagement, community dialogue and collective action.
Booker Visual and Performing Arts Center, 3201 N Orange Ave., Sarasota
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
See the historic relationship between fiery abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass and a cautious statesman, President Abraham Lincoln, who is determined to preserve the Union. Written by award-winning playwright Beth Duda with original spoken word poetry by Cedric Hameed, this play explores how two men with different perspectives found common ground during one of the most divided times in American history. This is a 90-minute production that includes a staged reading, followed by a panel discussion with the actors and playwrights.
Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota
Put on your favorite disco attire, gather your friends and enjoy an evening of classic hits, dancing and great company at Disco Dance Night in Solis Hall. Dress in your best disco-inspired costume for a chance to win the costume contest. Your ticket includes one complimentary wine or beer, light bites and access to the 360 photo booth.
Solis Hall, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice
Learn the basics of choosing the right plants to create a beautiful yard that beats the Florida heat. This workshop explores the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping in a fun and informative environment. You'll learn how to save water and also create a haven for pollinators. At the end of the class, you can take home a copy of the new Florida-Friendly book.
UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension Office, 1303 17th St. W, Palmetto
Based on a ridiculous tabloid story, Bat Boy: The Musical is a comedy horror show about a half-boy, half-bat creature who is discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia. As he learns to navigate human society and falls in love with a local veterinarian's daughter, Bat Boy discovers that fitting into a community can be far more complicated than simply learning how to act normal. The production will be performed in-the-round, placing audiences in the middle of the action and creating an immersive theatrical experience.
The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Visit The Bishop's Planetarium for a one-hour live presentation launching into the legacy of NASA's Space Shuttle Program! Discover why the world's first reusable spacecraft launched like a rocket but landed like a glider. Explore how the shuttle built a brand-new era of global space science collaboration, and witness how the launch of space telescopes brought a new view of our universe. Beer, wine and concessions are available for purchase. Doors open at 6:30pm.
The Planetarium at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W, Bradenton
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