SRQ DAILY Oct 20, 2026
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"You eat in our restaurant like you eat in Italy today."
When Antonio Pariano traveled to Sarasota for a chef’s interview at Cafe Epicure more than 20 years ago, he took the Clark Road exit by mistake and ended up on Siesta Key. “I told my wife, this is the place,” Pariano says. “We’re going to live in this city.”
A culinary school graduate, Pariano had left Torino, Italy, for New York and cooked there for five years. With two children, the couple wanted an easier life. “Maybe less money, but money’s not everything,” he says. At Epicure, he befriended manager Luca Cassani, who also coveted his own restaurant. “I’m gonna be in the kitchen, you’re gonna be in the front of the house,” Pariano told him. They called the place Cassariano, after both surnames.
Opened in Venice in 2007, the eatery later moved a few doors down to a space with 150 seats and a full bar. They still run that original, which Pariano calls “our baby,” and The Lakewood Ranch menu mirrors it. “You eat in our restaurant like you eat in Italy today,” he says.
Andrea Bocelli serenades the room as servers deliver eye-catching, generously laden plates. Begin with the antipasto di mare, a cold salad of shell-on mussels, squid, octopus and shrimp, zesty with citrus and celery. Enjoy alongside the Italian Surfer, a refreshing, swiggable mix of coconut rum, Disaronno and pineapple juice. Next, ravioli di ricotta e noci: sumptuous pears riding horseback on housemade pasta plump with salty cheese and walnuts, dotted with gorgonzola sauce.
Popular mains include rack of lamb and veal scaloppine. The fish special, recently Gulf grouper, changes every few days, depending on supply. Save room for luscious chocolate mousse finished with whipped cream and a swipe of glossy ganache.
A new happy hour offers plates for $15 or less, from arancini and soup to penne or spaghetti with marinara or aglio olio, plus chicken or meatball. Wine and cocktails at $10 include a 1792 Old Fashioned and an Aperol Spritz. “A lot of people don’t want a whole dinner. They just want to enjoy a bite and a drink,” Pariano says.
Cassariano Italian Eatery, Sun-Thurs 4-9 pm, Fri-Sat, 4-10 pm, Happy Hour Mon-Thurs 4-6 pm, San Marco Plaza, 8209 Natures Way, Unit 103, Lakewood Ranch, 941-355-8615, cassariano.com 
Photo by Alex Alfaro.
Libby's Neighborhood Restaurant is now taking Thanksgiving reservations at both the Sarasota Location and the Lakewood Ranch location for its Traditional Turkey Dinner, served all day on Thanksgiving from 10am-9pm. Guests can gather at the table at Libby’s or skip the kitchen entirely by pre-ordering online and picking up their meal hot and fresh on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations are available through OpenTable, and pickup orders can be placed at www.eatatlibbys.com. Libby's regular menu is also available all day.
Libby’s Sarasota: 1917 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, 941-236-5826; Libby’s Lakewood Ranch: 8445 Lorraine Rd, Lakewood Ranch, 941-357-1570, eatatlibbys.com
GROVE Restaurant, Patio & Ballroom invites guests to gather for Thanksgiving with three holiday options: traditional dining in the restaurant, a Grand Thanksgiving Buffet in the ballroom and ready-to-eat meals for pickup.
For those who would rather leave the dishes to someone else, 83 Tavern will serve the Traditional Turkey Dinner in the restaurant all day on Thanksgiving from 10am-9pm for $30 per person. Reservations are available through OpenTable. 83 Tavern is also rewarding holiday shoppers: buy $100 in gift cards and get $40 in bonus cards back. Bonus cards can be used beginning October 1, 2026, making it an easy way to cross gifts off the list and treat yourself to a future meal.
83 Tavern: 8383 S Tamiami Trl #108, Sarasota, 941-203-5312, 83tavern.com
Provided photo.
Get ready for an afternoon filled with incredible flavors, live music, and the best of Sarasota's independent dining scene! Taste of the Bay returns to The Bay Park on Sunday, October 25, bringing together 21 Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurants for a delicious celebration of all things local. From savory bites and creative culinary favorites to refreshing beverages and waterfront views, it's your chance to sample signature dishes, discover new favorites, and support the restaurants that make our community so special. And the best part? Admission is completely free!
Sunday, October 25, 12-3pm, The Bay Park, 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, Live Music by Kettle of Fish, Free Admission, RSVP Requested.
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant will be open on Thanksgiving Day, from noon to 8 pm. The Anna Maria Island restaurant will offer a buffet-style dining experience featuring holiday favorites alongside fresh coastal flavors. For starters, guests can enjoy a seafood raw bar, charcuterie and cheese selections, seasonal salads, and fresh-baked breads. Main entrees include a citrus-brined turkey carving station, glazed smoked ham, blackened salmon, and a seafood boil with shrimp, crab, clams and mussels. Pricing: $65 per adult; $20 per child under 12. Full bar available. Reservations are strongly encouraged at beachhousedining.com.
200 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach.
Provided photo.
Bat City Comic Professionals invites the community to celebrate the Halloween season with the return of two great events. The first event, Gothic Book Fair and Night Market, Friday, October 16 from 5PM to 9PM, is the perfect way to get in the spooky spirit. The second event, which features family-friendly fun, Batastic Halloween will be Saturday, October 24 from 11AM to 4PM, coinciding with the Old Manatee Trick-or-Treat event happening until 2PM the same day. For more information regarding any of the upcoming events you can contact Shannon Live at contact@batcity.org.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce the establishment of the Institute for Nature and the Arts, a new interdisciplinary initiative exploring the connections between the natural world and the arts. Conceived under the leadership of President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki, the Institute reflects Selby Gardens’ commitment to fostering creativity, discovery, and a deeper understanding of the relationship between people and nature. The Institute will operate under the direction of Selby Gardens’ Vice President for Visitor Experience, Dr. David Berry.
Provided photo.
La Musica Chamber Music invites Sarasota audiences to experience the artistry, intimacy and exhilaration of chamber music in its 2026–27 season, bringing an exceptional roster of internationally acclaimed musicians to the region for seven concerts and one special lecture from December through April. Under the artistic direction of pianist Wu Han, the season journeys from the brilliance and inventiveness of J.S. Bach’s complete “Brandenburg Concertos” to the expressive depth and color of masterworks by Beethoven, Brahms, Ravel and Rachmaninoff. Presented at the Sarasota Opera House and Riverview Performing Arts Center, the season pairs landmark repertoire with extraordinary performers in performances that celebrate both the enduring power of great music and the spontaneity of live collaboration.
Pictured: Cellist Leland Ko makes his La Musica debut April 5 and returns for concerts April 8 and April 12. Provided photo.
Calling all home & design professionals! The 2027 SRQ Home of the Year Competition is officially OPEN for submissions! SRQ Magazine invites local architects, builders, interior designers and landscape architects to showcase their most exceptional residential projects in this year's competition. From breathtaking interiors to innovative architecture and outdoor living spaces, we're celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship and vision shaping our region's homes. A distinguished panel of out-of-market judges will recognize outstanding projects with Platinum, Gold and Silver awards, with winners featured in the March 2027 issue of SRQ Magazine!
Nominations close November 4, 2026
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.
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
From the smooth soul of Motown to the irresistible hooks of pop and R&B, this dynamic tribute spans the greatest classics from the 1960s through today. Relive beloved hits made famous by icons like The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Four Seasons and The Temptations. Featuring tight harmonies and charismatic showmanship, this energetic revue delivers constant hits and fresh takes on old favorites.
Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N Palm 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
The popular Halloween-inspired light show returns to Selby Gardens' Historic Spanish Point! The campus is transformed into Spooky Point where you can follow an eerily lit path and encounter fantastic creations and boo-tanically-themed decorations along the way. Equal parts campy, creepy and cute, this walk-through show is fun for all ages. Tickets go on sale August 24.
Historic Spanish Point Campus, 401 N Tamiami Trl, Osprey
Enjoy fresh produce, local art, music and free family activities on Bradenton's Old Main Street every Saturday from October through May. Local farmers, artisans and chefs share their talents, and you'll always be greeted with a smile from the market vendors.
Old Main Street, 400 12th St. W, Bradenton
The seventh year of the popular Hermitage Sunsets at Selby Gardens will feature six programs between the Selby Gardens Downtown and Historic Spanish Point campuses. See performances and explorations of works-in-progress by Hermitage artists-in-residence and alumni. Dates include October 16, November 20, February 11, Feburary 25, March 18 and May 6. The first event, New Music Under the Old Oak, is at the Downtown Sarasota Campus at 5:30pm.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota campus and Historic Spanish Point campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota
This special Chilean Wine Dinner featuring Vina Concha y Toro offers guests an elevated evening of curated Chilean wine pairings paired with a four-course dinner, beginning with a welcome reception followed by a dinner service. Meet fellow wine lovers and enjoy a relaxed, fun atmosphere that promises great sips and good vibes. Regional manager for Vina Concha y Toro, Joe Consolo, will educate guests and help them enjoy these robust wines.
Tripletail Seafood and Spirits, 4870 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Set sail with the smooth sounds of the '70s and '80s in this feel-good celebration of Yacht Rock and beyond. Featuring favorites like Sailing, Margaritaville, Brandy, Escape (The Piña Colada Song), Arthur's Theme and more, this breezy musical revue charts a course through the songs that became the soundtrack to romance, adventure, heartbreak and endless summer nights. Written by Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins; directed by Catherine Randazzo; music arrangements by Jim Prosser.
Court Cabaret, 1265 1st St., Sarasota
Drawing on the ephemeral and fragile properties of smoke and mirroring, along with the purity, fragility and apparent permanence of porcelain, the work exposes false narratives, conflicted virtues and fractured identities. Using transience and tension as both visual and material metaphors, figures formed with smoke hover between presence and evasion across pristine porcelain and mirrored, color-shifting grounds. The opening reception will be held on October 3 from 5-8pm.
502 Gallery, 502 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Opening the fall 2026–spring 2027 season at SPAACES, this exhibit showcases artists who work outside the public eye. Curator Yosnier Miranda brings together artists who maintain dedicated, disciplined studio practices while choosing not to exhibit their work publicly. Bedroom Communities offers a rare opportunity to encounter work that has largely remained unseen despite years of thoughtful and passionate creation.
SPAACES, 2051 Princeton St., Sarasota
Dress for the sock hop, dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for a 50s sock hop gone sour. This interactive murder mystery dinner is filled with clues, suspects, twists and plenty of laughs along the way. For attire, think poodle skirts, swing dresses, saddle shoes, cat-eye glasses or cuffed jeans, white tees, bowling shirts and slicked-back hair. Tickets include a three-course chef-curated dinner and a welcome cocktail.
GROVE, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch
Join Project Pride SRQ for a joyful day of Pride, community and celebration in Sarasota to bring together LGBTQ+ residents, families, allies, artists, local businesses, nonprofits, sponsors, volunteers and community partners. Explore a lively vendor marketplace, connect with local organizations and resources, enjoy delicious food, experience live performances and celebrate in an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere built around visibility, joy and belonging.
Project Pride SRQ, 1370 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota
Come one and all to a fun-filled day of comics, candy and creativity. This Halloween celebration includes free comics for all ages, Halloween-themed crafts, a chance to meet comic creators and more. A kids costume parade will be held at 2pm. Visit the other shops and restaurants around Old Manatee Historic District for more trick-or-treat fun from 11am-2pm.
Bat City Comic Professionals, 912 Manatee Ave. E, Bradenton
Experience an afternoon of local flavor, live music, waterfront views and some of Sarasota's favorite locally owned restaurants. You're invited to come hungry, bring your friends and celebrate the flavors of the local community and the delicious Gulf-coastal lifestyle. Admission is free, and food can be purchased with food tickets—each sold in $5 increments.
The Bay Park, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota
Join Blase Martini Bar for its first dart tourney, prizes and to make a difference in the health of the community. Show off your skills on the new dart boards to benefit Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation's program to provide low-income women with diagnostic screenings. Enjoy Miller Lite's all day and the special martini of the month, the Boo-Hoo.
Blase Martini Bar, 5263 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key
Bring the whole family to this community event filled with water and wastewater education. Held at the Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility, the expo offers an opportunity to visit the new facility, learn about water and wastewater processes and see how Sarasota County provides these essential services to the community. Educational activities, lawn games, informational booths and a touch-a-truck experience are featured. Food trucks will be on site, and free Kona Ice is available for all guests.
Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility, 5550 Lorraine Rd., Sarasota
In this collaborative playreading series led by Roxanne Baker, The Script Society will read I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire by Samantha Hurley. Stop by Bookstore1 to buy a copy of Hurley's book and participate in this farcical and subversive play, which takes place at 4pm in the bookstore loft.
Bookstore1, 117 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
This Tony-winning stage musical is about a shy high school student with social anxiety who becomes entangled in a lie after a classmate’s suicide. By fabricating a friendship with the deceased, Evan finds the popularity and connection he always craved. He faces a crisis when his deception threatens to unravel his life and ruin his relationships. Dear Evan Hansen reminds us all that–even in our loneliest moments–you will be found.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
Celebrate The Orchid Show 2026 with an exclusive after-hours viewing of the exhibition along with a cocktail reception and live entertainment by the Sarasota Opera in Selby Gardens' Event Center. The evening is sponsored by Mike and Dee Bennett.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota
This rock musical adaptation of Stephen King's novel follows Carrie White, a shy, bullied teenage outcast with telekinetic powers. Dominatingly controlled by her religious fanatic mother at home and tormented by peers at school, Carrie unleashes her destructive powers on prom night after a cruel prank. Powerful vocals and raw storytelling will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
Daring, mysterious and unforgettable—The Vampire Circus invites you into a world where the unexpected awaits. Featuring international performers, the show combines acrobatics, dance, comedy and illusion in a thrilling 90-minute immersive experience. Set in 19th-century Bohemia, Count Dracula uses a traveling circus as the perfect disguise for his sinister plan. This performance delivers a dark, high-energy spectacle inspired by Tim Burton and Cirque du Soleil.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
To open Sarasota Ballet's upcoming season, hear a special selection of Sir Frederick Ashton's celebrated Divertissements, offering a suite of excerpts from some of his most renowned works. Meditation from Thais, Friday's Child from Jazz Calendar, Pas de Trois from Les Rendezvous and intricate ensemble patterns of Pas de Cinq from Illuminations will take the stage. Gemma Bond tests the limits of composure with Manner, a Company premiere that explores inherited and performed behaviors through intimate choreography.
FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
A work doesn't have to be monumental to demand our attention. The fifth installment of 502 Gallery's popular annual invitational exhibition, Shopliftable, is a celebration of small-scale works by 20 artists. Each artwork is modest in size but full of possibility, inviting viewers to look closely and discover how much an artist can say within a limited physical space. The opening reception will be held on October 3 from 5-8pm.
502 Gallery, 502 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Based on the novel by Bram Stoker and adapted by Ren Pearson, The Players Studio Black Box invites audiences into the shadows with one of the most iconic Gothic tales ever written. Mysterious, thrilling, romantic and terrifying, Dracula will explore fear, obsession and the darkness that lives just beneath the surface.
The Players Studio Black Box, 1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota
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