SRQ DAILY Nov 3, 2026
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"I want the food to speak for itself."
In a cast-iron pan, baked littleneck clams gleam with maître d’hôtel butter, each shell heaped with golden garlic breadcrumbs. This is Mitchell’s Food and Wine, the Main St. restaurant that Chef Ryan Boeve and partner Mark Baldwin just opened in the former home of their Lucile Pizza and Wine Bar.
Sarasota diners have relished Boeve’s cooking for decades. Zoria’s menu trotted the globe, from plantain-crusted red snapper to togarashi-dusted yellowfin tuna. Pomona’s was French-inspired and fearless, with crispy sweetbreads and foie gras custard. For Mitchell’s, Boeve returns to that classical style, and for longtime fans, few openings this season promise more.
“I want the food to speak for itself,” Boeve says. Amongst the small plates, blue crab and avocado salad, dressed in Old Bay and bonito remoulade, glints with trout roe. Bibb lettuce cradles Key West shrimp scented with lemongrass and scattered with crushed macadamias, served with a lime-coconut XO. Prosciutto di Parma and rough-shaved Parmesan come with torn hunks of rosemary focaccia.
For mains, duck breast glistens in a dark cherry gastrique, its whole cherries spiced for fall, spilling into a mini potato gratin. The sea scallops are its opposite, delicate and bright with a grassy salsa verde and a whisper of lemon. Heartier appetites will find short rib brasato with cipollini onion jam and potato purée. Pizza remains for anyone who misses the old menu, one pie featuring fresh Lion’s Mane and brie.
The partners refreshed the small dining room with midcentury modern design, plus bits of personal nostalgia. Boeve wants “everyone involved.” Chefs carry plates to the tables and stay to chat, while the “front-of-house staff will know how to cook every dish on the menu.”
The name stays in the family. Mitchell was the surname of Boeve’s grandmother, Lucile, and his mother’s maiden name. Boeve carries it as a middle name, and so does his chef de cuisine: his son, Aaron.
Mitchell’s Food and Wine, Mon-Sun 4:30-9 pm, 1660 Main St., Sarasota, 941-951-9191, Instagram: @mitchells_srq. 
Pictured: Sea scallops with salsa verde. Photo courtesy of Mitchell's Food and Wine
A time to recognize Florida manatees' seasonal journeys. Falling air temperatures signal manatees to begin migrating to warm-water refuges to avoid potentially life-threatening drops in water temperature. Their annual movement also highlights the importance of responsible boating. Boaters can help by reducing speed in designated zones, staying alert in shallow waterways, and giving manatees plenty of space. In Bradenton, conservation begins close to home. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature has been rehabilitating manatees since 1998 and was a founding member of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership in 2001. Today, rescued manatees receive specialized care at Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat before returning to the wild. Bishop Foster Friends (BFFs) supportthe Museum’s secondary rehabilitation efforts through food, veterinary care, and habitat support. This November help raise awareness of Florida's manatees to help ensure they have a chance to thrive for generations to come. Become a Bishop Foster Friend (BFF) with a monthly gift and help provide the food and specialized care rehabilitating manatees need before returning to the wild.
Gecko’s Grill & Pub will host Pours & Paws: An around-the-world wine tasting on Friday, November 6, 2026, at its Fruitville location, 351 N. Cattlemen Rd. Benefiting Love4Paws, the event will feature a patio wine tasting, dogs available for adoption, and a five-course VIP wine dinner highlighting Coastal California wines. The patio wine tasting will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the VIP dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the M&M Lounge for a limited number of tickets. Guests can explore wines from around the world during the tasting before enjoying a paired dinner inspired by Coastal California.
Tickets for the annual Lights in Bloom are now on sale for members! Ticket sales will open to the general public on Friday, November 6. Step into a tropical winter wonderland at our Downtown Sarasota campus featuring more than two million lights, festive photo opps, activities & entertainment for the whole family to enjoy! Lights in Bloom® has proudly been ranked in USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice contest for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the country! Advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Don’t miss out—secure your tickets today for the dates and times of your choice!
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Multi-platinum country artist and songwriter Niko Moon will headline the free after-party concert following Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade at University Town Center (UTC) on Saturday, November 14, bringing his signature feel-good sound and upbeat energy to one of the region’s most anticipated holiday celebrations. The 90-minute concert will cap off an evening of festive entertainment, giant balloons, spectacular floats, marching bands and fireworks as UTC officially unwraps the holiday season. This year’s “Home for the Holidays” parade begins at 6 p.m. along North Cattlemen Road, with pre-event festivities starting at 3pm. For the full Holidays at UTC schedule and event details, visit utcsarasota.com/holidays.
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Get ready to waltz, whirl and be delightfully surprised as The Venice Symphony serves up a dazzling array of Viennese delights. This sparkling program brims with effervescent melodies, soaring solos and playful twists that keep audiences guessing. From graceful waltzes to orchestral fireworks, the concert celebrates elegance, humor and musical magic.
Friday, Nov. 20, at 7:30pm; Saturday, Nov. 21, at 3:30 and 7:30pm, Tickets: $44-$84, Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Building 5, Venice.
Neal Land and Neighborhoods, a leading community and land developer in Southwest Florida, has appointed Quentin Alexander as Property Accountant, further strengthening the company's accounting and finance team.
Sarasota County will celebrate the reopening of Snook Haven Park’s main visitor use area with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at 5000 E. Venice Ave., Venice. The park’s improvements include a new, elevated and accessible food service building, covered dining pavilion overlooking the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, performance stage and patio, fishing pier and accessible parking. New accessible walkways connect the park to the existing boat ramp and canoe and kayak launch. SSA Group, LLC will operate the park’s food and beverage concessions. For more information, call 311 or 941-861-5000 or visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.
Best of SRQ Local 2027 nominations are now open giving Sarasota-area businesses, organizations and community favorites have the chance to make the official ballot. Encourage your customers, clients and community to show their support and nominate your brand during the six-week nomination round, running through November 18. Get ready to rally your community!
Nominations close November 18, 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.
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
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
Hear Duke Ellington's music as you've never heard it before with this Tony Award-winning theatrical journey. Directed by Jim Weaver, Sophisticated Ladies shares elegant and timeless hits including It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing and Don't Get Around Much Anymore. Every song tells its own story of the romance, humor and refined style of the time. Performances are offered at 2:00pm and 7:30pm.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave., Sarasota
Inspired by the Brothers Grimm fable, this fairy tale opera follows two siblings who encounter a beguiling Gingerbread Witch. This opera displays a timeless reflection on innocence, resourcefulness and the power of family. Hansel and Gretel is presented in three acts and includes music by Engelbert Humperdinck and words by Adelheid Wette. Tickets go on sale online on August 1 and at the box office on September 1.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Ringling College of Art and Design alum Chie Fueki synthesizes Japanese ukiyo-e atmospheric techniques with Western abstraction, perspectival space and practices of overlay and juxtaposition. Drawing from her own Japanese and Brazilian heritage, Fueki's vibrant and densely layered works dance with an elaborate interplay of painting, drawing and constructed mulberry paper compositions. Spanning 25 years of Fueki's career, these works carve out familiar scenes that fuse figuration and abstraction to create an intricate floating world.
Sarasota Art Museum Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Throughout November, visit all 10 library locations of Sarasota County Libraries for a literary celebration featuring author talks, book signings, writing workshops and family activities. See bestselling authors including Anthony Horowitz, Brad Meltzer, Nathaniel Philbrick and Kate Quinn. This annual event will kick off on November 1 with a publishing day and local author fair, and a family day will be held on November 7.
Sarasota County Libraries
Each year, SRQ MEIDA recognizes local leading women who have deeply contributed to our community through their business, philanthropic, health and wellness, entrepreneurial, cultural, science, technology and educational endeavors through the Women Who Roar Initiative. We invite our readers to nominate an individual who best exemplifies the attributes of professional acumen, philanthropic passion, personal integrity and community leadership. Gather with us on November 6, 2026 at Michael's on East. Reserve a spot today!
Michael's on East, 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota, FL
From visual art to live entertainment, November's Fresh Fridays event brings the community together to explore the many ways art inspires and connects. Beyond The Canvas is dedicated to the local artists, creators and creative energy that make Sarasota such a vibrant place. Spend your evening strolling through downtown, discovering something new and enjoying the energy of Sarasota's arts scene on North Palm Avenue.
North Palm Avenue, N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
Think big on a small scale. This playful exhibition at Creative Liberties features imaginative, affordable original artworks that make memorable holiday gifts. An opening reception will be held on November 6 from 5-7pm.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios, 927 N Lime Ave., Sarasota
Celebrate 10 years of making a difference for homeless animals at the sixth annual Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare Friendsgiving. Enjoy an exciting live auction, silent auction and live music while helping raise critical funds to support this organization's life-saving programs. Every dollar raised helps provide specialized medical care, heartworm treatment, enrichment and second chances for animals in need.
The Pavilion at Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E, Bradenton
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
Celebrating 20 years, Bowls of Hope attendees select offerings from dozens of the community's finest restaurants and caterers as they serve delicious soups, bread, desserts and more. Guests choose from beautiful, handcrafted bowls–all donated by local potters, artists and students–to keep, while enjoying a modest meal as a reminder of the empty bowls they help to fill. This year's event is chaired by Ruth Hochman. Individual tickets go on sale October 1.
Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota
The annual Living Arts Festival showcases diverse art forms in Sarasota through performances, visual art, family events and live music. Throughout Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice, see the Sarasota Orchestra, Artists on Art: Photography, Rising Stars Talent Show, Creative Liberties Galleries, Perlman Music Program, Jazz Club of Sarasota and more. This is your opportunity to join the community in shared experiences, strengthening the connections that make the Cultural Coast a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
Olympic Medalist Nancy Kerrigan joins Our Mother's House for An Afternoon with a Champion, celebrating resilience, determination and the power of community. Nancy's journey from a hardworking family to the Olympic stage was shaped not only by determination but by the sacrifices and support of those around her. During the luncheon, she will share her personal story of perseverance and overcoming adversity, offering an inspiring perspective on resilience and finding the strength to keep moving forward.
Michael's On East, 1212 S East Ave., 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
Since 2010, this four-day event has brought together talented master sand sculptors from around the world to transform Siesta's famous sand into stunning, large-scale works of art. Visitors can enjoy live music, local food and drink, shopping, sand sculpting demonstrations and family-friendly activities–all set against the backdrop of one of America's top-ranked beaches. Whether you're an art lover, beachgoer or local supporter, the Crystal Classic offers a truly unique experience that inspires creativity and brings the community together year after year.
Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Rd., Sarasota
Kick off the holidays with a merry celebration along N. Cattlemen Rd. that features giant balloons, fantastical floats, marching bands, dance troupes and a special appearance by the one-and-only Santa Claus. The excitement continues with thrilling FMX stunts by Nik Wallenda's Wonderland Circus, the lighting of UTC's 50-foot holiday tree, dazzling fireworks and an after-party concert. Visit the kids zone for games and crafts from 3-5pm, and pre-party entertainment begins at 4:15pm.
UTC District, N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota
This family-friendly celebration will spotlight young entrepreneurs alongside Black art, music, dance and soul food. Participating young business owners include Genesis Williams of Little Genny's Italian Ice, Zahi' Jennings of Jass Lemonade, Kay Gallego of Kay's Sweet Empire and more. The event gives young people a chance to introduce their ventures to neighbors, engage potential customers and see the wider community celebrate their ambitions.
The Historic Leonard Reid House, 2529 N Orange 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
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
Set in 1927, this beloved musical comedy is about Hollywood’s tumultuous transition from silent films to talkies. The story follows dashing silent film star Don Lockwood as he falls for an aspiring actress while struggling with his screechy-voiced co-star, Lina Lamont, who stands poised to sabotage both his love and his career. A hilarious send-up of Hollywood’s foibles, this beloved musical has it all: sweeping romance, show-stopping choreography, and some of the greatest tunes ever written.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 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
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties will host their annual Champions for Children Gala, beginning with a reception at 6pm, followed by a delicious 3-course gourmet dinner catered by Michael's on East. There will be live auctions and raffles, along with inspiring performances by Boys and Girls Club members. Black tie is optional. Proceeds will benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties' award-winning slate of teen programs and provide transformational services to thousands of young individuals across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.
The Ora, 578 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota
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