What We’re Celebrating This Month

June is National Iced Tea Month (Weather seems right!)

June 10 – National Egg Roll Day (Taste of Hong Kong & Victoria’s Hong Kong Café)

June 18 – National Sushi Day (JPan Sushi & Hanami)

June 21 – Father’s Day (Hey, maybe you should do the grilling for dad!)

June 25 – National Catfish Day (Lucky 8 & Owen’s Fish Camp)

June 28 – National Ceviche Day (Selva & The Cottage)

The LIST – May 2026

Summer – Here we go! One of the best times of year in Sarasota to get a table. Plus, there are some fantastic dining deals we highlighted last week in our Savor Sarasota intro piece. (READ THAT HERE)

You were all busy searching out restaurants last month. May is usually a slower month for dineSarasota.com. But you still somehow managed to rack up 40,000 views! Thanks!

Now for the news you’ve all been anxiously waiting for…

Let’s Make a Few Observations. The Alpine Steakhouse dethrones Masō and takes the top spot for the month. This was a real nail-biter. Could have easily gone into OT. But three in a row for Masō is nothing to sneeze at.

What’s up with the Fat Rabbit? Big move from thirteen last month to the Top 5! They’ve been open in Tampa since 2016. Maybe the Sarasota crowd is starting to catch on?

El Greco Kitchen and Market make their first appearance. I’m certain that there are many more to come!

The Envelope Please. If you’re at all interested in Sarasota food, restaurants, and dining happenings (and I’m guessing you are because you’re reading this!) AND, if you haven’t been hiding under a rock (or in self-imposed exile) the past week, then you’ve probably already heard the news. But this is such great news for our restaurant community that it bears repeating…

Sarasota now has three Michelin “mentioned” restaurants! This is a BIG deal. And it is just a little ironic that the famed food guide has singled out three of your local places, and yet the James Beard Foundation has failed to honor any of our local chefs with a “Best of” award. Maybe the folks at Michelin are the ones who are really in the know!

Let’s run it down one more time for those of you who haven’t seen it.

Lucky 8 – Michelin Bib Gourmand. The guide defines this award as “a special distinction recognizing restaurants that serve high-quality food at great value.”

This one really makes me smile. Lucky 8 is one of my favorite restaurants in the area. You can catch me there for lunch a couple of times a month! (READ OUR BURGER REVIEW HERE!)

Next up…

Tralia – Michelin Selected. This designation means that the “Chef uses quality ingredients that are well-cooked; simply a good meal.” Or, written another way, “It means that the inspectors have found the food to be above average, but not quite at star or Bib level.” I love their Detroit-style pizza (Don’t tell my Chicago pizza people! )

Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery – Michelin Selected. This Bee Ridge Road sandwich shop knocked me out when we originally wrote about it back in March of 2024 (READ IT HERE!) This one is really a gem hiding in plain sight. The strip mall location does not do justice to the delicious food they push out of this tiny space!

Congrats to all! Next, maybe a Michelin star? Or, how about finally a James Beard winner!

All of the Taste, None of the Buzz. Zero-proof has now officially hit the point of “Market Acceptance.” People are saying yes to the drink, but no to the alcohol. It really has become a thing.

I remember Budweiser O’Doul’s and Miller Sharp’s vividly. I’ll be kind and say these non-alcoholic offerings were, um, not very fulfilling.

Both O’Doul’s and Sharp’s launched in ’89. Fast forward 37 years, and the alcohol-free landscape has changed in ways that you couldn’t possibly have imagined back then.

There are lots of places around town serving “Mocktails” these days, and some of them are super creative. I mean, to the point that you don’t even miss the booze. They are a great way to socialize and still keep your wits about you.

Over at Michael’s On East, they’ve rolled out a brand new Zero Proof Collection. These specially crafted adult beverages will help you “elevate your dining experience” without worrying about having another.

Here’s a little tasting…

SOUTHERN BELLE (Agave Distillate, Honeysuckle, Lime, Sugar Rim)

MIDNIGHT IN MANHATTAN (Oak-Aged American Spirit, Italian-Style Aperitif, Aromatic Bitters)

Or maybe try a:

TEASE TINI (Coffee Liqueur Alternative, Vanilla, Fresh Espresso)

Michael’s is known for their wine selection. And their zero-proof wine choices demonstrate their ability to showcase the best offerings from around the world in the rapidly expanding alcohol-free universe.

Time to Trolley Up!

You may or may not remember this from last summer. If you do, this will serve as a little refresher. If not, this will all be new to you, so pay attention.

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals are firing up the Culinary Tour trolley once again this year. And there are just two chances remaining to hop on board.

The Bradenton Tour

Thursday, June 11 | 5pm – 8:30pm

Stops Include:

Mean Deans Local Kitchen, Cottonmouth Southern Soul Food, Taverna Toscana, Mattison’s Riverwalk

OR

The Nokomis/Venice Tour

Thursday, July 2 | 5pm – 8:30pm

Stops Include:

Cassariano, Cafe Venice, Fin’s at Sharky’s, Pop’s Sunset Grill, Paradise Grill

What Can You Expect?

1⃣ Five dishes + wine pairings

2⃣ Trolley transportation to all stops

3⃣ A $20 wine credit at the end of the tour

4⃣ Tips + gratuities covered

OH – And of course lots of fun and a chance to make some new foodie friends!

Tickets are priced at $155 per person (plus tax). Here’s a ticket purchase link for you:

BRADENTON TOUR TICKETS

At press time, tickets for the Nokomis/Venice tour were not yet available.

Yes, Chef! Over at Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar, they’re trotting out a brand-new chef just in time for Savor Sarasota! Chef Patrick LaFountain now helms the Lefty’s kitchen. Chef Patrick is originally from here in the Sunshine State. But more recently, he honed his craft in the Boston area, working in the kitchen of a James Beard Award-winning Asian restaurant. If you make it over to Lefty’s for Savor, make sure and give him a wave.

That’s it. Out of time. Keep sending stuff for us to try and write about. We LOVE that!

~ LH

SARASOTA FOOD INFO 

Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info. 

BUY A COPY OF OUR 2026 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE  

MENU OF THE MONTH!! – The Cottage – MENU HERE! 

FARMER’S MARKET INFO ‍ 

EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS 

EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS  

EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Florida Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS 

SHARE, FOLLOW, LIKE  

 Yes, we’re on social media! Our Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky 

Get information on 350+ Sarasota restaurants on the dineSarasota.com website 

Did you miss a story? Here are some of our past Bites – SB ARCHIVE 

Do you love our A Burger A Week pieces? – HERE’S THE FULL ARCHIVE  

Check out all of our Videos on our YouTube channel! 

Refer a friend to Sarasota Bites. That would make us super happy CLICK HERE! 

Email us a question, comment, or suggest a story. SEND EMAIL 

From time to time, our articles may include links to purchase items. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These small commissions help pay for the cost of creating the content we love bringing you. For more information on our editorial policy, CLICK HERE.   

 JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED SOMETHING… 

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The post Michelin Comes Calling, The LIST Gets Shaken Up & Sarasota Goes Zero-Proof appeared first on dineSarasota.

It’s Savor Time! I’m betting that you knew this time would get here. And I’m also betting that you knew EXACTLY when! Yes, the first two weeks of June signal the start of summer, but they also mean the start of Visit Sarasota County’s popular Savor Sarasota Restaurant Weeks!

Every year for the past twenty-one years, lucky Sarasota area diners have been able to indulge themselves in some pretty delicious restaurant deals. If you happen to be new to the area, welcome to Savor Sarasota. If you’ve been here a while, it’s time to dig out that bib!

Things are Expensive. Seems like this year just about everything is more expensive than last year. It’s not my imagination. I feel it every time I dine out or visit the grocery store. I’m sure you do too. And it’s squeezing folks a bit.

Savor is your opportunity to visit that old favorite or maybe explore a new place to try without dipping into your 401(k). These dining deals are real, and they’re happening at more than fifty-five restaurants across Sarasota County.

If you need a refresher, I will happily provide one. These are specially crafted prix fixe menus designed to give you a taste of what each restaurant does well. It’s their chance to impress and strut their culinary stuff.

HERE’S THE DEAL:

1⃣ Lunches are two-course meals for $25

2⃣ Dinners are three-course meals for $45

These menus will showcase some “premium upgrades” and “higher-end signature dishes.” What exactly are we talking about? Let’s zoom in on a few…

We should start with a couple of lunch offerings.

Mademoiselle Paris | 1766 Main St | (941) 350-5611

First Course (Choice of):

• Caesar Salad

• Chicken Salad Tartine

• Soup of the Day

Second Course (Choice of):

• Coq Breton Crepe (Chicken, Mushroom, & Spinach in a White Cream Sauce)

• La Lyonnaise (Poached Eggs, Potatoes, Grilled Onion, Bacon, and Mixed Greens)

• Croque Monsieur (Toasted Sandwich with Ham and Cheese)

• Saint Michel Toasted Panini (Ham and Swiss Cheese)

• Hot Ham and Swiss Croissant (Toasted Croissant with Ham and Covered in Melted Swiss Cheese)

Pop’s Sunset Grill | 112 Circuit Rd, Nokomis | (941) 488-3177

First Course (Choice of):

• Chef’s Chopped Salad (Romaine Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onions, Cheddar Jack Cheese, Grilled Chicken, Bacon Bits, Hard Boiled Egg, Choice of Dressing)

• Clam Chowder

• Chef’s Soup

Second Course (Choice of):

• Royal Red Shrimp Roll (Argentinian Shrimp Sautéed with Garlic Butter, Melted Pepper Jack Cheese, Served on Brioche Lobster Cluster Roll with a Side of Kale Apple Slaw)

• Grilled Steak Kebabs (Marinated Beef Steaks Skewered with Peppers, Onions, Cremini Mushrooms, Served with Rice Pilaf and Tzatziki Cream Sauce)

• Key Lime Grouper Tacos (Roasted Corn Salsa, Queso Fresco, Dill-Scallion Aioli, Side Habanero Sauce, Served on 2 Flour Tortillas with a Side of Kale Apple Slaw)

Those look pretty great, but what’s for dinner? Ah, we thought you might ask…

Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar | 428 N Lemon Ave | (941) 954-8688

First Course (Choice of):

• Seafood Chowder (Cream-Based, Chock Full of Gulf Grouper, Conch, Clams)

• Key West Chowder (Tomato Base with Key West Conch, Gulf Grouper & Clams)

• Side Dog House Salad (Romaine, Onions, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Mixed Cheese, Lefty’s Housemade Croutons)

• Caesar Salad (Romaine, Fried Anchovy, Parmesan Cheese, Lefty’s Housemade Croutons)

Second Course (Choice of):

• Seafood Ceviche (Our Freshest Catch Marinated in Citrus Juice & Cilantro)

• Smoked Fish Dip (Served with Crispy Corn Tortilla Chips)

• Six House Oysters on the Half Shell

• Crispy Calamari (Served with Spicy Marinara)

• Key West Conch Fritters (Served with Lefty’s Cajun Remoulade)

Third Course (Choice of):

• Mahi or Shrimp Tacos (Two Warm Flour Tacos, Prepared Grilled, Blackened, or Fried with Cabbage, Pico de Gallo & Taco Crema)

• Fish & Chips (Beer-Battered Atlantic Haddock Served with French Fries & Lefty’s Housemade Coleslaw)

• Linguine with Clams (Garlic, Shallot, White Wine Butter Sauce)

• Blackened Chicken A La Vodka (Linguine, Spinach, Red Onion, Creamy Vodka Sauce)

• Shrimp & Grits (Jumbo Gulf Shrimp Paired with Creamy Southern Grits & Spicy Andouille)

• Salmon Dinner (Atlantic Salmon Prepared Grilled or Blackened with Housemade Dill Sauce. Served with Rice & Seasonal Vegetable)

Fourth Course:

• Bread Pudding Key Lime Pie

Yes, you’re reading Lefty’s menu correctly. They’re giving you that fourth course (dessert) for the same $45. That is a deal!

Mimi Brasserie & Speakeasy | 1920 Hillview St | (941) 909-6464

First Course (Choice of):

• Fried Squid (Lemon Aioli, Pickled Radish)

• Chopped Kale Salad (Corn, Roasted Tomato, Lime Vinaigrette)

• Dry Aged Beef Carpaccio (Horseradish Crema, Caperberry, Manchego)

• Oeufs Mimosa Tartine (Pickled Carrots, Herbs)

Second Course (Choice of):

• Steak Frites (Sauce au Poivre Vert)

• Braised Pork Shank (Guajillo, Shallot, Herb Salad)

• Grilled Cabbage (Broccolini, Sauce Alba, Lemon)

• Filet Mignon (+$7) (Mixed Greens, Frites)

• Wood Fired Grilled New York Strip 12 oz (+$9) (Mixed Greens, Frites)

• Wood Fired Grilled Prime Ribeye 16 oz (+$19) (Mixed Greens, Frites)

Third Course:

• Olive Oil Cake (Blood Orange, Vanilla Ice Cream)

Yes, I know – that is A LOT to digest. The good news is you don’t have to do it all at one sitting! You’ve got two solid weeks of dining enjoyment just waiting for you.

Timing is Everything! These Savor dining deals run only from June 1-14. Sometimes, and I will stress, sometimes, a restaurant may choose to run their special dining promos through the summer. Don’t count on that. If you see something that catches your fancy, go EAT IT!

Of course, we’d like to make your Savor Sarasota planning just a little bit easier. Just like past years, we’ve put together a little Savor Sarasota printable checklist just for you! – DOWNLOAD THE 2026 SAVOR CHECKLIST HERE!

~ LH

END NOTES –

(a) Last week, we wrote about the Backyard Smash Burger at Arts & Central. We have since discovered (thanks, Sarah!) the source of those perfectly smashable patties. It’s a special burger blend cooked up by Scott McGowan over at The Butcher’s Block. Hey, stop in, and maybe he’ll share his secret, or, at the very least, sell you a few patties!

(b) Many restaurants will also offer special beverage deals to accompany the prix fixe menus. That means you can eat AND drink for a nice, discounted price!

(c) We try really hard to make that printable restaurant list as accurate as possible. But, like a lot of things in the restaurant world, it’s a moving target. We apologize if there are any spots that we may have accidentally missed. If you’d like to get the most up-to-date info throughout Savor week, check the Visit Sarasota County Savor page HERE!

SARASOTA FOOD INFO 

Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info. 

BUY A COPY OF OUR 2026 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE  

MENU OF THE MONTH!! – Stella’s Greek Cuisine – MENU HERE! 

FARMER’S MARKET INFO ‍ 

EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS 

EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS  

EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Florida Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS 

SHARE, FOLLOW, LIKE  

 Yes, we’re on social media! Our Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky 

Get information on 350+ Sarasota restaurants on the dineSarasota.com website 

Did you miss a story? Here are some of our past Bites – SB ARCHIVE 

Do you love our A Burger A Week pieces? – HERE’S THE FULL ARCHIVE  

Check out all of our Videos on our YouTube channel! 

Refer a friend to Sarasota Bites. That would make us super happy CLICK HERE! 

Email us a question, comment, or suggest a story. SEND EMAIL 

From time to time, our articles may include links to purchase items. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These small commissions help pay for the cost of creating the content we love bringing you. For more information on our editorial policy, CLICK HERE.   

 JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED SOMETHING… 

The post Sarasota’s Tastiest Two Weeks Have Arrived appeared first on dineSarasota.

You Can’t Outrun the Burger. As hard as we try, it seems like it’s nearly impossible for us to leave the burger in the dust. We have sampled and written about more than fifty of them. At this point, I guess it’s kind of part of the Sarasota Bites identity.

A Street, A Name. There’s a four-way stop in the Rosemary District that has been memorialized. In February of 2024, a restaurant opened at the corner of Boulevard of the Arts and Central Avenue. Either as a tip of the hat to the location or in an attempt to make it easy to find, Arts & Central was born!

And as a way of acknowledging the artiness of their new neighborhood, the restaurant showcases local artists alongside a menu featuring globally inspired contemporary American cuisine.

In short, this is not the type of place where I’d expect to be writing about the burger. Maybe the Pear & Burrata Salad or the “Dirty Rotten” Fruit Basket, but certainly not the burger.

On this beautiful sunny Sarasota Tuesday, I had a few dining pals. No, I didn’t entice these folks with the prospect of uncovering a possibly delicious local burger find. They wanted to have lunch, and I wanted to sample a burger. Win-win.

Industry Chatter. My tablemates are all hospitality industry folks. And if you’ve ever eaten with anyone in “the business,” you know just how interesting and rabbit-hole-like these food discussions can get.

At times, I felt just a touch of concern for our server, Tom. There was a little bit of an interrogation vibe to our interactions with him. Seemed like he definitely could have thought we were “secret shoppers” sent in to observe and report back on how the restaurant was performing. Not the case!

Before we get to what you’re all here for, the burger, let’s take a spin through the restaurant and a couple of other dishes.

This place is open concept, that much is for sure.

A roomy and comfortable dining room is connected to a good-sized bar area.

They call themselves “A Backyard Restaurant,” so they need to deliver a great outdoor experience. And they do!

Let’s See Some of that Food! Yep, we are here for the food, after all. Let’s have a peek…

The Whipped Feta (Ricotta & Goat Cheese, Fermented Honey, Candied Fruit, House-Made Pita) had just the right amount of honey to complement the saltiness of the cheese.

This was Jacqui’s call. I think she has ordered whatever “whipped cheese” dish was on the menu every time we’ve dined together. A definite trend is developing…

How about a little color for the table? This Loaded Hummus Plate (Beetroot, Green Pea, Artichoke, Olive, Baby Tomato, Sesame, House Pita) combines flavor with a rainbow of culinary color! Since Taylor didn’t seem like she was going to be “burgering” it today, she picked something that was at the opposite end of the food spectrum, and it was perfect.

What in the world?! My friend Joe likes to walk a little on the wild side. He’s a master mixologist on Siesta Key, so he absolutely could not resist the Shrek Juice (Arugula, Mint, Blueberries, Ginger, Peaches, Black Pepper, Turmeric, Coconut Water). What this non-alcoholic beverage lacks in “eye appeal,” it makes up for in flavor. It is also known as Alligator Elixir. OH – It’s also gluten-free if that matters to you!

Burger Time! Hummus, feta, and non-see-through beverages are great and all, but it’s time for me to do my thing. And that thing today is the Backyard Smash Burger.

RESTAURANT: ARTS & CENTRAL (611 Central Ave.) | 941-306-2356

DATE OF VISIT: MAY 7, 2026

BURGER STOP #: 56

BURGER TASTED: BACKYARD SMASH BURGER

OUR TASTING NOTES

This burger is described on the menu as: Toasted Bun, Caramelized Onion Aioli, Smoked Gouda, Tobacco Onion, Lettuce, Tomato ($20)

• Right off the bat, I wondered about the Tobacco Onions. I was guessing that these would be “smoked” like they sometimes do with a smoke gun and whiskey. I was wrong. These onions get their “tobacco” flavor from a spice mix. They were tasty, but the real burger asset here was their crunchy texture. A great contrast from the other toppings.

• The smash burger style is MY style. This one was perfectly “smashed.”

• The Smoked Gouda cheese is the real hero on this burger. It does most of the heavy lifting flavor-wise. And it really makes this burger sing!

• This is a BIG burger. If you’re ordering this for lunch, you may just need a post-meal nap. Or maybe like me, only eat half. If I had one suggestion here, it would be to offer a single patty option. I learned later that this was available. It needs to be printed on the menu so that folks actually know!

• The Fries. OK, here we go! I’ll just come out and say it. I wasn’t a fan of these. For a burger this good, it was a letdown to get a cup of very average, “food service” fries served alongside it. Upgrading the fries would be a BIG plus here.

Let’s check out how all of this looked when I ordered it.

Burger Takeaways. For twenty bucks, this is a hell of a burger. It’s a smash, but it feels more “gourmet” than that. The flavor of the cheese really holds everything together. If you can sit outside, DO IT! They have a fantastic outdoor dining setup.

~ LH

END NOTES –

(a) The thing with the fries was really stuck in my head. I mentioned it to my friend and local musician Dean Johanesen. He told me the Poolside Tots (Brisket, Aioli, Scallions, Sweet Soy Glaze) were out of this world. Next time, I’ll skip the fries and grab an order of tots for the table. Thanks, Dean, I owe you one!

(b) Arts & Central is really invested in the local art community. And they feature artists and poets each month. You can check out who’s on the featured list by CLICKING HERE!

(c). If you’re new to the newsletter or haven’t read our other A Burger A Week pieces, here’s a link to the archive: A BURGER A WEEK ARCHIVE!

SARASOTA FOOD INFO 

Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info. 

BUY A COPY OF OUR 2026 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE  

MENU OF THE MONTH!! – Stella’s Greek Cuisine – MENU HERE! 

FARMER’S MARKET INFO ‍ 

EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS 

EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS  

EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Florida Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS 

SHARE, FOLLOW, LIKE  

 Yes, we’re on social media! Our Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky 

Get information on 350+ Sarasota restaurants on the dineSarasota.com website 

Did you miss a story? Here are some of our past Bites – SB ARCHIVE 

Do you love our A Burger A Week pieces? – HERE’S THE FULL ARCHIVE  

Check out all of our Videos on our YouTube channel! 

Refer a friend to Sarasota Bites. That would make us super happy CLICK HERE! 

Email us a question, comment, or suggest a story. SEND EMAIL 

From time to time, our articles may include links to purchase items. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These small commissions help pay for the cost of creating the content we love bringing you. For more information on our editorial policy, CLICK HERE.   

 JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED SOMETHING… 

The post A Burger A Week – Arts & Central appeared first on dineSarasota.

The Clock on the Wall Says… We made it to the checkered flag! Season in Sarasota unofficially ends on the Monday after Mother’s Day. I completely realize that others may have a different endpoint. But after twenty-five plus years of watching, this is mine.

The past few months have been chock-full of events and eating opportunities. From Forks and Corks in January to the recent Mother’s Day meal, there has been no shortage of chances to sample some of Sarasota’s best dishes.

But the end of “season” doesn’t necessarily have to mean the end of dining options. We’ve got a cool little Savor Sarasota tidbit at the end of this article. Make sure and check that out!

Judging from the number of offerings, I can definitively state that Sarasotans (and visitors) love that breakfast/lunch combo. And there are a lot of different ways to experience it.

Some folks like brunch off the menu. Others like to graze through a line of food options that cannot possibly all be sampled in one outing. And, then there is a magical hybrid of the two…

Brunching at a Higher Level!

At The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is Riva. Normally, this upscale but casual restaurant features “Coastal Italian” cuisine. But for a few hours each Sunday, it transforms itself into a Brunchers’ dream.

Whether you like your brunching from a menu or checking out the buffet, you’ll love Riva’s Mezzogiorno Brunch setup. This is really the best of both possible brunching worlds. But let’s back up a minute…

Before you are even escorted to your table, consider a mimosa from the Vespa mimosa cart. It’s the perfect way to get this luxe brunch started. And it is included with your meal.

If you love dining al fresco when it’s comfortable, Riva has a beautiful outdoor setup that has a view of the water.

Remember I said this was a “hybrid”? Yes, easy buffet crowd, they do have a food line set up.

What’s different about this food lineup from a traditional buffet? You won’t need to stand in line. Your server (in our case, Liviu) will assemble your selections and bring them to your table.

See what I mean? Hybrid! I think we have just created a special brunch category. Well, maybe the St. Regis has created it. But I take some credit for naming it!

Now that you’ve warmed up with your Vespa Mimosa, it’s time to get down to business. If mimosas aren’t your thing, they have handcrafted Bloody Marys that are prepared tableside!

OK – Let’s get to it. We’re here for the food, and we know that you are too!

We kicked things off with the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus (smooth and creamy, served with farm-fresh vegetables). Super refreshing and a great starter.

This Creamy Herbed Ricotta Spread (roasted stone fruit, radicchio, caramelized nuts, saba, grissini) was a great companion for the hummus.

Together, they got us started on the right foot.

Next up was a seasonal selection. I LOVE Stone Crab. So a Stone Crab Benedict (hollandaise, Cortez bottarga) was just about impossible to resist. And I’m SO glad I didn’t!

A pretty traditional Gulf Shrimp Cocktail (limoncello cocktail sauce) seemed like a must for this springtime brunch.

On to something a touch more “meaty.”

This Lambrusco Short Rib (Calabrian honey potato hash, wilted greens, fried egg) really had a nice balance of flavors. The fried egg made it very “brunchy.”

There’s not much room left in the tank. So, we wrapped things up with a light and delicious Torta Al Limoncello (lemon curd, limoncello cake, mascarpone, micro meringue, and a graham crust).

This is a relaxing, leisurely midday meal. Two hours passed without even a thought of what else was on the schedule for the day. That’s hard to do in this fast-paced world. Slowing it down a little is a welcome change.

Let’s wrap this up into a neat little brunch box. The brunch at Riva inside the St. Regis is a delight. At $95 per person, it won’t be something that most people can or will even want to do weekly. But it is the perfect special occasion brunch. And it is also the ideal way to show off in “staycation” style. Try it – You’ll love it!

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is located at 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive. You can contact the restaurant at: 941-233-9036. Or, make a brunch reservation HERE. Brunch is served on Sunday only. Hours: 12PM to 2PM.

~ LH

END NOTES –

(a) The St. Regis is not inexpensive. But they do offer a very discounted valet parking rate for Riva diners. That helps a little.

(b) There is also a roaming caviar server and a tableside cannoli maker. A couple of really nice, luxury touches that make this brunch extra special!

(c) Back in January of 2025, we wrote a piece about the St. Regis’ outdoor bar, Oshen. If you haven’t read it, it’s worth a look. It remains one of the most popular pieces that we’ve published.

ODDS & ENDS

Doctor’s Orders. A little bit of a Savor Sarasota preview for you. This is not exactly about the $25 lunches or $45 dinners. We will get to those in due time. This is about a cocktail creation that is so unique that I could not pass it up.

Yes, your eyes do not deceive you. That is a “Make-Your-Own” Florida Old Fashioned. It’s a pre-measured amount of all the liquid ingredients in a bottle! In this case, Don Q. Reserva 7-Year rum, Munyon’s Paw-Paw Citrus, Herbal Liqueur, and Cointreau. Add an ice block to a rocks glass. Pour the contents of the medicine bottle over ice. Garnish with a Filthy Cherry and an orange slice!

If you read the tiny print at the bottom of the bottle, it says, “not a medication”! I think that may be open to interpretation.

This was too great not to clue you in on. It’s available at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar (all locations). You can enjoy it with their Seafood Gumbo for Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week.

You’re welcome. Cheers!

Last, Last. If you noticed something different at the top of today’s newsletter, give yourself an awareness award! We’ve updated our Sarasota Bites header to help freshen things up a bit. We hope you like it. We may even do it again in another three years!

SARASOTA FOOD INFO 

Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info. 

BUY A COPY OF OUR 2026 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE  

MENU OF THE MONTH!! – Stella’s Greek Cuisine – MENU HERE! 

FARMER’S MARKET INFO ‍ 

EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS 

EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS  

EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Florida Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS 

SHARE, FOLLOW, LIKE  

 Yes, we’re on social media! Our Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky 

Get information on 350+ Sarasota restaurants on the dineSarasota.com website 

Did you miss a story? Here are some of our past Bites – SB ARCHIVE 

Do you love our A Burger A Week pieces? – HERE’S THE FULL ARCHIVE  

Check out all of our Videos on our YouTube channel! 

Refer a friend to Sarasota Bites. That would make us super happy CLICK HERE! 

Email us a question, comment, or suggest a story. SEND EMAIL 

From time to time, our articles may include links to purchase items. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These small commissions help pay for the cost of creating the content we love bringing you. For more information on our editorial policy, CLICK HERE.   

 JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED SOMETHING… 

The post The Art of the Leisurely Brunch appeared first on dineSarasota.

Surprises. Yes, life is filled with them. Big ones and, of course, little ones. I don’t want to seem like a downer here, but it has been my experience that most surprises in life are negative.

An explanation is probably in order. And I guess I should have qualified all of this by saying I’m a glass three-quarters full person by nature. But it seems more likely than not that when you visit your mailbox, there will be an unexpected bill versus an unexpected check. This is what I mean.

Again, life is filled with surprises. And when you stumble upon an unexpected, pleasant surprise, you should savor it. This week’s newsletter is about that very thing…

Sarasota Has a Culinary History. Back in the early 90s, at the corner of Main and Orange, a full fifteen years before the roundabout opened, sat the El Greco Cafe.

George Soublis had moved from Greece in the mid-60s and thought it might be a good idea to bring a bit of his “home cooking” to Sarasota. It turned out to be an excellent decision. Not only for George, but for hungry Sarasota diners too.

The original El Greco Cafe closed a while ago (George sold it back in 2007 before it was shuttered). Even though the original is long gone, the spirit of that cozy Greek cafe has just been rekindled.

In the Expo on Clark shopping center (also home to Oak & Stone, The Original Egg, and Valentino’s) sits the latest chapter in the Sarasota history of El Greco. And this is a pretty great restart!

Welcome to the new El Greco Kitchen & Market!

George’s daughter, Patti Soublis Corcoran, and her nephew, Dimitri Syros, saw the opportunity to bring some of the El Greco dishes back to life, but in an updated and 2026 kind of way.

This is a “fast-casual” operation. I think you know how this kind of thing goes…

1⃣ Order at the counter, using either by using the kiosk or by actually talking to a live person!

2⃣ Grab a seat.

3⃣ Wait for your order to be dropped off at your table.

4⃣ Enjoy!

It’s quick, easy, and practically effortless. I was a little surprised (a positive surprise!) at how dialed in they had everything, even though they had only been open for a couple of weeks. But this is a family that knows the restaurant business inside and out!

The dining area isn’t fancy. But honestly, it doesn’t need to be. It’s light, bright, and welcoming, and frankly, that is more than enough for this type of place.

What About the Food? Yes, that is why we’re here after all. So, let’s get to it.

The menu is limited. Not a bad thing. Makes choosing WAY easier. On our visit we went pretty traditional. The Gyro Pita seemed like the best play here. And as it turned out, it didn’t disappoint!

We added tzatziki sauce, tomato, cucumber, and onion to our wrap. That’s a pretty standard prep. We’re not pushing the gyro envelope here, or anything like that.

A lot of people will go with the fries actually wrapped up in the sandwich. We wanted to sample those separately today. And they were pretty damn good. Nice and crispy and salty.

There are a couple of holdovers from the original El Greco menu. Joe, Patti’s husband, and the restaurant’s unofficial greeter, told me that the Avgolemono Soup and the Horiatiki Salad are the original recipes. We’re saving that for next time.

They are planning on a little “Grab and Go” market. That’s a little bit of a work in progress at the moment. But I’m sure that they’ll get there.

This is a family operation to be sure. And there are little touches of that sprinkled all around the restaurant. Things here have a noticeably personal touch to them. I’m hoping that never goes away.

I’ll start this note by saying that I have NO, I mean ZERO, inside info here. But this El Greco “Lite” feels like it has a “full-size” El Greco just waiting in the wings. I can keep my fingers crossed, I guess.

Bottom Line – The new El Greco Kitchen & Market is perfect for what it is. Great food, affordable pricing, and a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Wrap it all up in a nice family-owned-and-operated package, and you’ve got a great experience. And, as a bonus, this plaza has a ton of parking!

El Greco Kitchen & Market Info:

Address: 4035 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL

Phone: 941-373-9630

VIEW THEIR MENU HERE

EL GRECO WEBSITE | DINESARASOTA PAGE

~ LH

END NOTES –

(a) If you happen to be at all curious, we dug up an old El Greco Cafe menu from our archives. Yes, they had a delicious Lamb Shank! – VIEW THE OLD EL GRECO MENU HERE.

(b) Our old Ride-Along dining partner, Tim (remember him from our Happy Hour series?), was with us on this trip. Thanks, Tim, for suggesting El Greco. Great choice! Do you have a new place in town that you’d like us to try? Put it on our radar, and maybe we’ll take you for a Ride-Along tasting too! – SUGGEST A RESTAURANT HERE!

A LITTLE UPDATE – Back on April 24th, we wrote a piece about the newly opened Kitchen Social out at UTC. We tried, prior to publishing, to get in touch with someone at the corporate office to ask about the “Scratch Kitchen” concept. Unfortunately, at the time we needed to publish, we couldn’t contact anyone. That has changed!

Enter Brian O’Malley. Brian is the co-founder of Kitchen Social. He, along with three friends, started this Ohio-based, upscale casual dining brand. He was nice enough to reach out so that we could ask some questions.

We were really interested in how they view the definition of “scratch.” According to Brian, the restaurant makes all of their own sauces, guacamole, tortilla chips, and dressings. Yes, like all restaurants, they need to acquire the base ingredients from somewhere. They have a local vendor for that.

One of the most interesting (and intriguing) things was the pizza dough. They have their own “mother” starter for their dough. They started growing it before the first restaurant opened. And, yes, a portion of the original was lovingly transported here to Sarasota to be used in this location. That’s pretty great!

Burgers. Of course, my job wouldn’t be nearly complete if I didn’t ask about the “Signature Burger Patties”. I mean, as you may know, we LOVE a good burger around here. Brian did tell us that they have a purveyor in Ohio that designed a special burger blend just for them. That recipe is a secret. But he swears that the Pimento Cheese Burger is especially delicious! (Yes, they make their own pimento cheese! We may be the judge of that shortly.)

To wrap this up. No, Kitchen Social does not consider itself to be Farm to Table. They don’t raise their own cows for the steaks they serve or grow their own heirloom corn for masa. But they do consider themselves to be “scratch” in the sense that they don’t plop dressing from a one-gallon Ken’s dressing jug into their salads. They source, prep, and mix the components that make their dishes unique to them.

Thanks, Brian, for taking the time to set the record straight. Appreciated!

SARASOTA FOOD INFO 

Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info. 

BUY A COPY OF OUR 2026 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE  

MENU OF THE MONTH!! – Stella’s Greek Cuisine – MENU HERE! 

FARMER’S MARKET INFO ‍ 

EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS 

EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS  

EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Florida Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS 

SHARE, FOLLOW, LIKE  

 Yes, we’re on social media! Our Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky 

Get information on 350+ Sarasota restaurants on the dineSarasota.com website 

Did you miss a story? Here are some of our past Bites – SB ARCHIVE 

Do you love our A Burger A Week pieces? – HERE’S THE FULL ARCHIVE  

Check out all of our Videos on our YouTube channel! 

Refer a friend to Sarasota Bites. That would make us super happy CLICK HERE! 

Email us a question, comment, or suggest a story. SEND EMAIL 

From time to time, our articles may include links to purchase items. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These small commissions help pay for the cost of creating the content we love bringing you. For more information on our editorial policy, CLICK HERE.   

 JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED SOMETHING… 

The post The Comeback: El Greco Returns to Sarasota appeared first on dineSarasota.

Quick Bites: Top 10. Big Deals. Big Flavor.

Your May Guide to Sarasota Dining—Plus Cocktails, Brunch & Plant Bingo

What We’re Celebrating This Month

May is National Hamburger Month! (OUR BURGER LIST IS HERE!)

May 5 – Cinco de Mayo (Kolucan & The Hub Baja Grill)

May 9 – Foodies Day! (This day is for all of you!)

May 10 – Shrimp Day (Walt’s & Big Water)

May 18 – I Love Reese’s Day (This day is for me!)

May 24 – Escargot Day (Figaro Bistro & Rick’s French Bistro)

May 25 – Memorial Day

The LIST – May 2026

May is upon us! It’s time to start thinking about some summer plans. Oh, and of course some summer sampling. Food that is.

See below for news on great summer dining deals that are just around the corner.

All right, it’s time for a few comments on this month’s Top Ten.

Masō notches the three-peat. Yes, that’s three months in a row for this new and unique dining spot. Seems like a pretty firm grip on the number one slot. Impressive.

We just wrote about Kitchen Social, so no real surprise that it makes the top five this month. But how about the old-school Alpine Steakhouse coming in at number three!?

If you’ve been following along with our monthly lists, you may be asking, “What in the world happened to the Shebeen Irish Pub?” Well, this was an executive decision. Yes, they are a mainstay on The LIST. Since they haven’t opened up their new location yet, we felt maybe we should only include restaurants that you can actually eat at! Have no fear, once they open their doors, they’ll be back in the mix.

Congrats to Double Deez Chicago Style Hot Dogs for making the list. I LOVE a good Chicago dog! And apparently so do you!

Savor the Flavor. OK, granted, June seems to be just a few miles down the road. But when there are great deals on delicious Sarasota food, you can never be too prepared. The 2026 edition of Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week is just around the corner. June 1–14 to be exact!

We will have lots more info just around the bend. We just thought that it was important enough for you to add to your culinary calendar right now! Keep an eye out…

The Mother of all Days. Mother’s Day info continues to come into the dineSarasota inbox at a pretty good clip. Here’s another one to add to the list of dining possibilities. Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. is rolling out an off-the-menu brunch that any mother will love. There’s a great assortment to choose from. It spans the spectrum from Caprese Avocado Toast to Berry Trifle, and lots more. The special menu runs all day, so if you want to sleep in, that is no problem! HERE’S A LINK TO THE MENU!

Plants + Beer?? Yes, you did read that correctly. And I’ll agree it is an odd combo for sure. Here’s how this strange couple comes together. B-I-N-G-O! That’s correct. The first Sarasota occurrence of Plant Bingo (at least that I’m aware of!) and it’s hosted by Sarasota’s own nationally-famous Beer Bar, 99 Bottles Taproom.

This fun and unusual event is scheduled for Thursday, May 7 at 7PM. For $49.87 (I agree. It’s a funny price! ), you get eight rounds of plant bingo + two drink tickets. You’ll need to be 21 to attend. And even if you’re not one of the evening’s lucky bingo winners, you’ll still receive a FREE plant! – HERE’S A LINK FOR TICKETS!

Your Table is Waiting. Good news. You can now make a reservation at The Green Orchid at Selby Gardens! This unique restaurant, nestled in one of the country’s best botanical gardens, is a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Aside from the delicious dishes that are crafted by the Michael’s On East culinary crew, this restaurant grows a lot of the vegetables they serve right on the rooftop of the building. Talk about skipping the middleman.

We wrote a piece about them right after they opened. If you haven’t read it, you can do so right HERE. If you’re visiting Selby and want to make certain that you have a table before or after your stroll around the beautiful grounds, you can make a reservation by calling the restaurant at (941) 265-8194. The Green Orchid is open from 11AM to 3PM daily.

Sip, Sip, Hooray! The cocktails have been shaken AND stirred, and there are winners. This year’s Sarasota-Manatee Originals Set the Bar competition has been all wrapped up, and yes, there were winners. We promised you a recap of the best creations of the day, and we’re here to fulfill that promise. Here you go!

Best Overall: Tiki in the Mist | Jack Dusty | Heidi Finley

Best Bourbon Cocktail: Tiki in the Mist | Jack Dusty | Heidi Finley

People’s Choice Cocktail: Disco Geisha | Tsunami Sushi, Cocktails, & Grill | David Roth

Best Vodka Cocktail: Disco Geisha | Tsunami Sushi, Cocktails, & Grill | David Roth

Best Rum Cocktail: Old Man and the Sea | DD Roasters | Vic Cipolla

Best Tequila Cocktail: Bella Basil | Michael’s On East | Lars Hall

Best Gin Cocktail: Pink Guava Fizz | Harry’s Continental Kitchens | Geoff Pinter

Best Bar Bite: Cochinita Pibil Tacos | Kolucan

Best Tablescape: Pop’s Sunset Grill

We weren’t part of the judging crew this year. But this year’s panel had some pretty impressive cocktail credentials. Congrats to all the 2026 winners!

~ LH

END NOTES –

(a) 99 Bottles was recently named the fourth-best beer bar in the country by USA Today. That is definitely BIG time. Congrats to their super knowledgeable staff!

(b) If you’re really into bingo, Big Top Brewing has a bingo night every Tuesday starting at 6:30PM, hosted by B Trivial. For more info, check the Big Top Brewing website.

SARASOTA FOOD INFO 

Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info. 

BUY A COPY OF OUR 2026 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE  

MENU OF THE MONTH!! – Stella’s Greek Cuisine – MENU HERE! 

FARMER’S MARKET INFO ‍ 

EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS 

EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS  

EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Florida Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS 

SHARE, FOLLOW, LIKE  

 Yes, we’re on social media! Our Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky 

Get information on 350+ Sarasota restaurants on the dineSarasota.com website 

Did you miss a story? Here are some of our past Bites – SB ARCHIVE 

Do you love our A Burger A Week pieces? – HERE’S THE FULL ARCHIVE  

Check out all of our Videos on our YouTube channel! 

Refer a friend to Sarasota Bites. That would make us super happy CLICK HERE! 

Email us a question, comment, or suggest a story. SEND EMAIL 

From time to time, our articles may include links to purchase items. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These small commissions help pay for the cost of creating the content we love bringing you. For more information on our editorial policy, CLICK HERE.   

 JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED SOMETHING… 

The post Quick Bites: Top 10. Big Deals. Big Flavor. appeared first on dineSarasota.

Everything Has a Vocabulary. This is especially true for the restaurant world. Words matter. And, yes, believe it or not, sometimes they are misused, misleading, and sometimes misconstrued.

Let’s run it, shall we… hand-crafted, small batch, farm to table, fin to table, artisanal, handmade, authentic… I could do this all day (you could too!), but I think we all get the picture.

OH – I almost forgot, there’s one more term that has been making the rounds lately. This one is just as confounding as the others, Scratch Kitchen.

There are just SO many ways to interpret that term. If it weren’t 2026, a time where everything (and every word) is dissected, parsed, and examined, “scratch kitchen” might get cut some slack. That’s not true in today’s restaurant world.

In the current hyper-competitive hospitality environment, nothing goes unchallenged. I’m not suggesting that false advertising or misleading slogans should go unchecked. They shouldn’t.

I’m just throwing this out there for discussion. “Should we argue less about the terms? And focus more on the experience?”

Facebook is a fertile ground for this type of “discussion.” I quote that word because “discussion” doesn’t really seem like the best way to describe much of the back-and-forth. It feels like today, people are letting words get in the way of making decisions that thirty years ago would have been a piece of cake.

Opinions DO matter. They matter a lot. But trying to grind up a restaurant’s reputation because you think they may (or may not) be representing what they do in some sort of pre-planned and dishonest way isn’t a good look. Especially if you have no real info to back it up.

All right, I will now step down from my soapbox. Maybe we’ll tie this up at the end of this piece.

Let’s Take a Field Trip! Today’s adventure in dining takes us out to the sprawling, seemingly endless UTC area. There is A LOT out there. A lot of everything! And lately it seems like restaurants are cropping up quicker than Midwest dandelions in the spring.

The recently opened Kitchen Social is like a lot of the restaurants in this area that have popped up. Big open floor plan (perfect for Florida). Lots of two and four-person tables, and of course, a bar area that lets you dine in or out.

This setup is being duplicated over and over in this part of town.

Rocco’s Tacos is right next door. Different color scheme, different menu, same layout.

Kitchen Social has an upscale, but laid-back feel. It’s very “polished,” but not stuffy. The overused term “open concept” fits here, so I may as well use it anyway.

This is a mini-chain (six locations, one in Florida). Yes, I’m very aware that there is a roaring chain versus locally-owned debate that rages here in Sarasota. There are some smaller chains that seem less “corporate.” Honestly, this feels pretty corporate. It has a well-planned-out character. It may not be everyone’s cuppa tea. But if you like this style, then you’ll like this place.

Food Talks Too.

This is that part where things get tricky. Yes, we are here for the food. But the overall experience matters just as much. Horrible service can blunt an otherwise excellent meal. And the reverse is also true. Five-star service can’t make up for dishes that don’t deliver.

Let’s take a look at what we ordered…

We started things off with the Whipped Feta (Sweet + spicy peppers, honey, toasted ciabatta, black pepper – $12).

This was a pretty good start to things. The feta was nice, light, fluffy, and full of flavor. The carrier (toasted bread) didn’t get in the way of the whipped cheese.

So far so good.

This is where things got a little more complicated. Next, we had the Tuna Bowl (Sushi-grade tuna, cilantro rice, edamame, broccolini, pickled onions/jalapeños, Korean glaze – $16). This did not come out at all as I expected. I was thinking more along the lines of a traditional Poke Bowl. This was not that.

LOTS of tuna, but not a lot of anything else. Which, if you just want the tuna, is great. The pickled onions were fantastic. I just wish there were more of them. Same with the edamame. Lots of rice, though. Overall, it’s a pretty tasty dish. I was just a little surprised when it arrived at the table with BIG slices of tuna, not the more traditional dice. There’s a whole lotta fish here for sixteen bucks.

There was an Asian (or Cajun) spiced rub on this tuna. I asked a server and a manager. They both said “Cajun,” so… A nice Thai chili rub would have fit this dish better!

The Bottom Line – Here we go. This is where we said we would tie things up. Is this a “scratch kitchen”? Undetermined. Is this a place where you can get a good meal at a reasonable price? Yes. My server, Wendy, could not have been nicer. The Tuna Bowl for $16 was a good deal. Lastly, if you like the open, Florida feel, Kitchen Social definitely delivers on that.

Kitchen Social Info:

Address: 257 N. Cattlemen Rd. (UTC Area)

Phone: 941-315-6607

VIEW THEIR MENU HERE

KITCHEN SOCIAL WEBSITE | DINESARASOTA PAGE

~ LH

BONUS – Anyone that knows me (even just a little) probably knows that I could definitely have the Good Humor truck music as my ringtone. I LOVE anything frozen + sweet. Yes, that means ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and yes, frozen yogurt.

Imagine my luck when I rolled out the front door of Kitchen Social and walked right into the back door of Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt!

This place is the real deal (I mean, if you like this kind of stuff).

There are lots of choices!

And even more choices!

PRO TIP – DO NOT pass on the Dulce de Leche. It is fabulous. That is all.

END NOTES –

(a) We tried to contact Kitchen Social through their website and email to put this whole “scratch kitchen” thing to bed. We never received a response. So, we are still left wondering…

(b) Kitchen Social has a bit of an older lunchtime crowd. I’d say the place was stocked with 45 to 65-year-olds. Probably skews a bit younger during the dinner rush.

(c) Kitchen Social will be rolling out a new menu on April 29th. We’ll update the link in the web version of this story to the new version of the menu.

(d) If supporting local (rather than chains) is your thing, do not fear. The UTC location of Florence & The Spice Boys is at the end of this same plaza. I’ve never had anything but great meals from Florence!

ODDS & ENDS

Brunch On! Seems like Sarasota is really turning into a brunching town. A couple of new additions to investigate (if brunch is your thing). If you happen to find yourself downtown, Cask & Ale just rolled out a new weekend brunch menu. SEE THE CASK & ALE BRUNCH MENU

And on the upper end of the brunch spectrum, Riva at The St. Regis Longboat Key has just started serving what they call “Mezzogiorno.” That’s midday in Italian. We’ll have a nice deep dive into this unique brunch offering soon. In the meantime… CHECK OUT THE RIVA BRUNCH MENU HERE!

One Last Thing… The Hob Nob re-opened under new ownership this past Tuesday (4/21/26). We’ll make it there for a burger re-do. If you go, send us a pic or two. We might even send you a 2026 dining book for your trouble! – EMAIL US HERE!

SARASOTA FOOD INFO 

Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info. 

BUY A COPY OF OUR 2026 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE  

MENU OF THE MONTH!! – Stella’s Greek Cuisine – MENU HERE! 

FARMER’S MARKET INFO ‍ 

EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS 

EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS  

EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Florida Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS 

SHARE, FOLLOW, LIKE  

 Yes, we’re on social media! Our Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky 

Get information on 350+ Sarasota restaurants on the dineSarasota.com website 

Did you miss a story? Here are some of our past Bites – SB ARCHIVE 

Do you love our A Burger A Week pieces? – HERE’S THE FULL ARCHIVE  

Check out all of our Videos on our YouTube channel! 

Refer a friend to Sarasota Bites. That would make us super happy CLICK HERE! 

Email us a question, comment, or suggest a story. SEND EMAIL 

From time to time, our articles may include links to purchase items. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These small commissions help pay for the cost of creating the content we love bringing you. For more information on our editorial policy, CLICK HERE.   

 JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED SOMETHING… 

The post Kitchen Social Is Open. But Is It “Scratch”? appeared first on dineSarasota.

Issue #250

Twenty-Three Days and Counting! That is your very unofficial Mother’s Day countdown clock. 552 hours seems like it should be more than enough time to get most things on your to-do list accomplished. Unless you’re a next-level procrastinator.

We’ve all been there at one time or another. We want to make plans, but it gets pushed off to make room for something just a touch more pressing. It’s not just holiday planning. It’s the reality of a busy life.

Remember Easter? Yes, it was just a couple of weeks ago. Still fresh in the rearview mirror. I had intended to write that almost required “Where to Eat on Easter” piece. It really was on my list of things to do. I figured others would be doing that. So, it didn’t seem super pressing.

Mother’s Day (just like Easter) has a component that revolves around food. Why is it that when we stop to acknowledge a special day, what to eat and where to eat it come into play? There are exceptions, I guess. Presidents’ Day comes to mind. A great day to buy a new mattress. But not a ton of buffet brunches to choose from.

So, why not at least run through some options for celebrating your mom, wife, sister-in-law, or whomever that special person is that needs acknowledging? This isn’t going to be an exhaustive list of where you can go and drop $100 a head for a meal. We will include a few of those for folks who want to go all out!

Dress to Impress. Let’s talk higher-end options first. These are places that might not be on your “every weekend” list. But they certainly will put a big exclamation point on the day! We’re not going to fill in every single blank here. For more info, you should call and chat with the restaurant. Or at a minimum, use the link provided.

MICHAEL’S ON EAST – Yes, the folks here at Michael’s know how to WOW. Mother’s Day (like Easter) at Michael’s is an event. This is not your Hampton Inn breakfast buffet (you will not be required to toast your own bread!). This is the definition of upscale. Think hand-carved prime rib, eggs Benedict, and Bananas Foster. Now you’re getting the picture. – MORE INFO HERE!

SIESTA KEY SUMMER HOUSE – Every Sunday, the bar area is transformed into an array of pastries, seafood, sushi, and more. Mother’s Day is celebrated in style at this island hot spot. The atmosphere is lively, the service is more than attentive, and every detail has been checked and re-checked. Yes, it’s “The Village,” which means the valet parking service is more than appreciated—it’s a relief – MORE INFO HERE!

Everyday People. We’re not going to bust out that Sly Stone classic here (as much as we want to). Sarasota is a pretty good-sized eating town. That means that there are opportunities at every price range. Here are a few options that will let you treat mom to her special day and still let you have some money left over for the college fund.

DUVAL’S FRESH. LOCAL. SEAFOOD – No buffet (or buffet lines) here. Just a delicious dinner from their special All-Day, Mother’s Day menu. Sometimes it’s just good to sit, relax, and have someone else serve you. Lobster Pot Pie and Croque Madame are just a couple of your menu options. – MORE INFO HERE!

THE COLUMBIA RESTAURANT – No buffet, no special menu, just the fantastic Columbia experience. If taking in a casual, easy Mother’s Day meal is your thing, then The Columbia might just be the perfect way to celebrate. A glass of Tinto or Blanco Sangria and a 1905 Salad are the perfect way to tell that special person that you appreciate them – MORE INFO HERE!

A Change of Pace. Some moms don’t fit neatly into any category. They’re the ones that let you eat the ice cream straight from the carton! They deserve to be honored in just a little different way. Here are a couple of ideas that she might love.

SIESTA KEY OR LIDO KEY BEACH – The weather is nearly perfect right now, and the crowds have thinned just a bit. It’s the perfect time to enjoy our white sand resources. And what goes better with a sunny beach day than a picnic lunch or sunset dinner? There are a few options around town for putting that all together. Here’s an easy one – LET MORTON’S MARKET DO THE WORK!

KOLUCAN – Some moms have to work on Mother’s Day. But there is no reason that they can’t still have some “Mom Time.” How about celebrating on Monday instead of Sunday? And how about doing it in a super unique way? Does Cocina con Mamá: A Mother’s Day Cooking Class – Featuring Chiles Rellenos sound like something mom might enjoy? – MORE INFO ON THIS COOKING CLASS HERE!

OK – There are a few things for you to mull over. All kinds of options for all kinds of moms. But, if you’re going to do something (or anything), just remember that the clock is ticking!…

On a Sad Note… Last week, Sarasota lost one of our food community’s biggest advocates and supporters, Chef Judi Gallagher. Chef Judi was passionate about every aspect of the hospitality business. Back in 2002, when I was just starting to write about food, she was unbelievably generous with her time and advice. I will always appreciate that.

Sharing her knowledge of the business was something that she seemed to do so effortlessly. Judi knew EVERYBODY and was always willing to connect you to the perfect person who might be helpful in any situation.

Judi and I co-hosted a television program for 4-5 years, and she was a valuable contributor to our annual dining book. More importantly, she was a good friend, caring mother, and great partner to her husband, Paul. I was fortunate enough to have shared laughs, stories, and, of course, food with her over the past 20+ years. She will be greatly missed not just by me, but by Sarasota.

~ LH

SARASOTA FOOD INFO 

Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info. 

BUY A COPY OF OUR 2026 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE  

MENU OF THE MONTH!! – Stella’s Greek Cuisine – MENU HERE! 

FARMER’S MARKET INFO ‍ 

EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS 

EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS  

EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Florida Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS 

SHARE, FOLLOW, LIKE  

 Yes, we’re on social media! Our Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky 

Get information on 350+ Sarasota restaurants on the dineSarasota.com website 

Did you miss a story? Here are some of our past Bites – SB ARCHIVE 

Do you love our A Burger A Week pieces? – HERE’S THE FULL ARCHIVE  

Check out all of our Videos on our YouTube channel! 

Refer a friend to Sarasota Bites. That would make us super happy CLICK HERE! 

Email us a question, comment, or suggest a story. SEND EMAIL 

From time to time, our articles may include links to purchase items. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These small commissions help pay for the cost of creating the content we love bringing you. For more information on our editorial policy, CLICK HERE.   

 JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED SOMETHING… 

The post Where to Eat (and Celebrate) This Mother’s Day appeared first on dineSarasota.

This Seems to Be a Recurring Theme. People move here from all over the place for a variety of reasons. But one thing is constant: they may be willing to give up some things from back “home,” but they won’t give up their food!

Whether it’s pizza, BBQ, hot dogs, or specialty regional sandwiches, we want to have our cake and eat it too. And, for the most part, you can finally do that here in Sarasota. There was a time in the not-too-distant past when you couldn’t say that.

Winging it! Wings are a thing. A BIG thing. There are entire food empires that are built squarely on the back of the smallest edible part of the bird. Buffalo Wild Wings, Wingstop, and yes, Hooters, all made their names serving up wings of all styles and heat levels.

Unless you’re from Buffalo, the most recent local entry into the wing space may not have been on your radar. Welcome Duff’s Famous Wings to the Sarasota wing party!

The “Who has the Best” debate always rages in the Queen City. Whose wings really stand at the top of the heap? The Anchor Bar, which claims to have invented the “Buffalo Wing,” is usually somewhere in the mix.

All the way back in 1964, Teressa Bellissimo of the Anchor Bar Restaurant was said to have stumbled upon what now seems like a pretty obvious thing. A deep-fried chicken wing. It seems so weird that someone pre-’64 hadn’t done this already…

It must be that EVERY bar/restaurant in the city of Buffalo lays claim to having the best wings. My friend, Georgina, who is a former Buffalo area restaurant owner (Grover’s Bar & Grill), swears her wings were the best. And I think I believe her!

Not being from Buffalo, I can safely remove myself from the “Who has the Best” conversation. If we were talking pizza or hot dogs, I could use a little of my Chicago background to help make a semi-pro evaluation. But sadly, this is not that.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening at the brand-new Duff’s Famous Wings.

This is a “sports bar.” There is really no way around it. I love a good sports bar, so I’m thinking this is going to be right in my sweet spot.

There are a ton of TVs in this place. You can comfortably watch your favorite team from a table or at the small bar at the front of the place. This may be a wild guess (or maybe not), but I think come football season, this will be a Bills hangout?!

It’s not a big bar, but it almost has one TV per person!

If you have sharp eyes (and I’m guessing you do!), you’ve already noticed the frozen drink machines. This could be fun!

There is also another bar in Duff’s back room.

All of these TVs and signed jerseys are great. But if the food’s not right up there, then we have a problem.

Duff’s service is personal. My server, Annalia, could not have been nicer (and more efficient). Sometimes service in these kinds of places takes a back seat. Not so at Duff’s!

What to Order? I said that out loud like it’s an actual question. We all know what to order here (at least I think we do…).

There is absolutely no question that wings have to be ordered (and sampled). But scrolling down the menu, one other dish screams, “ORDER ME!!”

If you guessed Beef on Weck, then take a bow. (I mean right now!)

The good news here is that there is no dilemma. Duff’s is going to make this decision super easy for me. Check this out…

YES! There is a Wing + Beef on Weck Combo. And it’s priced at twenty-one bucks. Not bad for lunch in 2026!

I ordered those five wings with a mild-medium spice level, cooked extra crispy, and all flats ($1 per 10 wings for that option). The sandwich I ordered “as is” on the menu. Here’s how it all turned out…

First, the wings.

Now for the sandwich.

Now all of this together…

That’s quite a lunch!

OUR TASTING NOTES

• The wings were perfectly cooked. Nice and crispy. Delicious.

• Yes, these wings are “saucy,” but not to the point where you’re dripping in it. I’m not a fan of more sauce than wing. They do provide you with a bucket for your bones and all of the napkins you’ll go through. That’s super convenient.

• The size of these wings was great. The “jumbos” aren’t my thing. But I know lots of people love that size. My experience has been that they cook up so unevenly that you never really know what you’re going to get. These are “mediums” and just right.

• I LOVED the bun that the sandwich came on! I really did! It had just the right amount of caraway seeds and coarse-ground salt. There was a taste explosion in every bite.

• The sandwich is a manageable size. It’s not one of those gigantic handhelds that we’ve written about in the past. (Looking at you, Johnny Longhots and Capriotti’s.)

• The chips they serve with this sandwich are a kettle-cooked variety. Really crunchy, a great texture difference from the soft bun and roast beef.

Are These Wings the Best? Are Duff’s wings the best I’ve ever eaten? It is a definite maybe. They are pretty damn good, that much is for sure. Like anything else, it’s a matter of personal preference. But these wings would certainly be in the running in any “Best of” competition.

Duff’s Famous Wings Info:

Address: 3900 Clark Rd., Sarasota FL

Phone: 941-282-9199

VIEW THEIR MENU HERE

DUFF’S FAMOUS WINGS WEBSITE

~ LH

END NOTES –

(a) I didn’t do a thorough and exhaustive wing analysis before I came to my conclusions. But Jay and Jill of the Buffalo Wing Bible sure did. And the results may (or may not) surprise you. Have a look at their Buffalo wing winners – SEE THE RESULTS HERE!

(b) Most recently, this location was the former home of Chianti Ristorante Italiano. And for those of you who have been here in town for a while, you will remember this spot as Big Kitchen. That was a great deli. I still miss it.

(c) If you’d like to try your hand at making your very own Beef on Weck sandwich, we can steer you in the right direction. Here’s a recipe from The Kitchn – BEEF ON WECK RECIPE HERE!

ODDS & ENDS 

Drive Time! Cadillac Jack’s and The Forbidden Tiki, on South Tamiami Trail, change hands. Troy Jenkins, owner of the popular Island House Tap & Grill on Siesta Key, is taking the helm of these two super unique venues. He will be expanding their dining options in the near future. Once things really get rolling, we’ll bring you a complete profile. Congrats and good luck, Troy!

SARASOTA FOOD INFO 

Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info. 

BUY A COPY OF OUR 2026 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE  

MENU OF THE MONTH!! – Stella’s Greek Cuisine – MENU HERE! 

FARMER’S MARKET INFO ‍ 

EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS 

EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS  

EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Florida Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS 

SHARE, FOLLOW, LIKE  

 Yes, we’re on social media! Our Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky 

Get information on 350+ Sarasota restaurants on the dineSarasota.com website 

Did you miss a story? Here are some of our past Bites – SB ARCHIVE 

Do you love our A Burger A Week pieces? – HERE’S THE FULL ARCHIVE  

Check out all of our Videos on our YouTube channel! 

Refer a friend to Sarasota Bites. That would make us super happy CLICK HERE! 

Email us a question, comment, or suggest a story. SEND EMAIL 

From time to time, our articles may include links to purchase items. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These small commissions help pay for the cost of creating the content we love bringing you. For more information on our editorial policy, CLICK HERE.   

 JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED SOMETHING… 

The post Buffalo’s Best-Kept Secret Just Opened on Clark Road appeared first on dineSarasota.

Issue: 248

What We’re Celebrating This Month

April is National Grilled Cheese Month!

April 1-9 – Passover

April 5th – Easter Sunday (A great day for brunch or a beach BBQ)

April 5th – Deep Dish Pizza Day (Joey’s D’s)

April 7th – National Beer Day!! (99 Bottles & Island House)

April 9th – Pimento Cheese Day (Lucky 8)

April 27th – Prime Rib Day (Connor’s & Alpine Steakhouse)

The LIST – April 2026

It is almost impossible to believe that we’re already a quarter of the way through 2026! They say time flies when you’re having fun. I think time just flies – period!

OK – Here we go. Masō is still king of the mountain—at least for another month. This is not your ordinary Sarasota dining experience. This is a fine-dining niche. And that niche seems to have been properly filled.

My new favorite Sarasota County dive bar, Wally’s Pour House, hangs in there at number two. They also have a really great burger, as every proper dive bar should! – READ ABOUT THEIR BURGER HERE!

The Shebeen Irish Pub moves from seventeenth last month to number three. I’m guessing that a lot of you were searching for fun things to do on St. Paddy’s Day. And you were probably disappointed (like I was) that The Shebeen didn’t throw its annual bash this year. No word on when the new Gulf Gate place might open, but when it does, we’ll have a full rundown for you.

Samba and Ringside round out the top five for April 2026!

SEE THE WHOLE APRIL 2026 LIST HERE!

New Kids on the Block. We’re trying really hard to keep up with the database additions. But honestly, restaurants are opening at a mind-blowing clip. I’m not sure if there are enough people living in the area to work at all of these new spots.

The Island Chick-N-Shack (312 S. Tamiami Trl.) down in Venice is a throwback! I mean that. This place doesn’t even have a phone (or at least an advertised number). In 2026, that is not the norm. They do have chicken tenders (not very old school), just about any way that you want them. We’ll be down there as soon as traffic lets up a bit. And, yes, we’ll be going with our Venice restaurant connections! Stay tuned for that – MENU HERE!

Kitchen Social (257 N. Cattlemen Rd. | 941-315-6607) opens up in the UTC Mall neighborhood. There has been A TON of chatter about this place in the Sarasota Facebook food groups. It’s a big debate (I really don’t know why ). This is a “mini” chain. They have six locations, including the brand-new Sarasota location.

Everyone seems to be all spun up about whether or not they really are “scratch.” My feeling – if you like the food, service, and ambiance, you should go. If not, pick another place that suits your preferences better. Maybe save your outrage for something a little more worthwhile.

The Bunny System. Easter is here, the day after tomorrow. That means if you don’t have Easter brunch/dinner plans already in place, you may be in scramble mode. We may not be able to use our connections to get you into Michael’s On East or The Summer House. But you still may have some last-minute options.

Osteria 500, The Ritz-Carlton, The Capital Grille, and Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay (MENU HERE) all have indicated that they still have some availability on Sunday. (I completely understand that two of those four may be out of a lot of people’s price range.)

As a more budget-friendly alternative, how about a visit to our local Honey Baked Ham store? Those hams are delicious, affordable, and easy for a group of any size!

Lightning Round

Chardon-hey. Downtown cafe Pastry Art breaks out their finest wine glasses for a tasting on April 10th. They’re not one of the places around town that has tastings on a regular rotation. So this one might just be your only shot. You’ll be sampling “Crisp Chardonnays, refreshing rosés, and elegant light reds.” – Call the restaurant for more details: (941) 955-7545.

Duck, Duck, Goose! For sixteen years now, the Anna Maria Oyster Bar has held their Annual Lucky Ducky Race. On Saturday, April 11th, they will make it lucky number 17! This is a fundraiser for the Pace Center for Girls. Buy a duck for five bucks and keep your fingers crossed that he/she is the winner! Prizes include a two-year lease on a Jeep Wrangler or $5000 in cash. You can also win a weekly dinner for two at Anna Maria Oyster Bar for a year. – HERE’S HOW YOU CAN ENTER!

Wheels for a Cause. Do you like to ride? Would you like to pedal with a purpose? If you’re a YES to one or both, then we can spin you in the right direction. Sunday, April 26th, it’s Sharky’s Ride the Beaches. It’s a fun fundraiser benefiting three great local charities. Participation is limited to the first 1000 riders (seems like a lot of riders!) There are 70, 35, and 15-mile rides. Pick the distance that suits your style and comfort level best. – HERE’S HOW TO SIGN UP!

The Bar is Open. Still a little bit of time to get your Set the Bar tickets. This is always a fun cocktail-centric event. It all happens on April 19th at Ed Smith Stadium. We’ll have a list of all of the winners right after it happens! – SET THE BAR TICKETS!

END NOTES –

(a) We LOVE hearing from our readers! If you’ve been to any (or all) of the places that we’ve written about in any of our newsletters, send us a short review of your experience. If we print it, we’ll also send you a 2026 Little Sarasota DINING Book for your efforts! – SEND YOUR REVIEW!

(b) We are looking for restaurants to feature for our Make it at Home series. If you’re a local restaurant owner or Chef, we would like to highlight one of your signature dishes. Just drop us a note. It’s really that easy. There is no cost, and it’s a great way to spread the word about what you’ve got cookin’ – EMAIL US HERE!

~ LH

SARASOTA FOOD INFO 

Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info. 

BUY A COPY OF OUR 2026 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE  

MENU OF THE MONTH!! – Stella’s Greek Cuisine – MENU HERE! 

FARMER’S MARKET INFO ‍ 

EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS 

EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS  

EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Florida Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS 

SHARE, FOLLOW, LIKE  

 Yes, we’re on social media! Our Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky 

Get information on 350+ Sarasota restaurants on the dineSarasota.com website 

Did you miss a story? Here are some of our past Bites – SB ARCHIVE 

Do you love our A Burger A Week pieces? – HERE’S THE FULL ARCHIVE  

Check out all of our Videos on our YouTube channel! 

Refer a friend to Sarasota Bites. That would make us super happy CLICK HERE! 

Email us a question, comment, or suggest a story. SEND EMAIL 

From time to time, our articles may include links to purchase items. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These small commissions help pay for the cost of creating the content we love bringing you. For more information on our editorial policy, CLICK HERE.   

 JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED SOMETHING… 

The post Quick Bites – The List, the New Kids, and a Little Easter Scramble appeared first on dineSarasota.