By the numbers

Restaurant Sales Dropped 24 Percent Last Year

And while spending is expected to rise again in 2021, it is not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels.

01/27/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Meet Cute

The Cheesecake Cutie Brings Sandwiches, Charcuterie and, Yes, Cheesecake to Holmes Beach

Jennifer Geils has turned her mother's cheesecake recipe into a popular Anna Maria Island business.

01/27/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food news

Lucile Pizza and Wine Bar Has Opened

The much-anticipated new restaurant from Lila chef Ryan Boeve is located at 1660 Main St. in downtown Sarasota.

01/25/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food news

New Pan-Asian Restaurant Opens Near University Town Center Mall

Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi's menu draws from the food of Japan, China, Korea and Thailand.

01/22/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota: Jan. 21-27

A burger and beer bash, an open-air art show, outdoor concerts, provocative panel discussions and much more.

01/21/2021 By Kay Kipling

The best part of waking up

Bradenton Company Brings Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans to Your Doorstep

Banyan Coffee Co. sells single-origin beans that come from all over the world and are roasted right before they hit your kitchen counter.

01/21/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Beer and Bagels

Sarasota Pub Turns Into a Bagel Shop During Pandemic

Cock & Bull has been a happening craft beer spot for decades. To get through the Covid-19 pandemic, it's now baking bagels, too.

01/20/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Tasting notes

A New Generation of Argentinian Winemakers Is Challenging the Wine World

Often overlooked, Argentina is producing a number of exciting bottles. Here are some of our favorites.

01/20/2021 By Bob McGinn

Wine

Sarasota Wine Shop Hosts Monthly 'Social Drinking' Get-Togethers

Discover new wine and enjoy it with a grilled cheese sandwich at Seagrape Wine Co. this Thursday.

01/19/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Let's make a deal

Michael's on East Expands Catering Offerings

Michael's is now on the list of approved caterers at the Powel Crosley Estate, the Bradenton Area Convention Center and the Premiere Sports Campus.

01/19/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Museum Dining

Take a Break From Gazing at Paintings at Two New Museum Restaurants

Museum restaurants must offer a wide enough selection of dishes to appeal to the masses and get you in and out in a jiffy, but they also can’t skimp on flavor. Here's our review of two local ones.

01/14/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Change of Direction

How a Sarasota Catering Business Shifted Into a Meals-to-Go Operation

When the Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to much of Zildjian Catering & Consulting's events catering business, the company ramped up its takeout division.

01/12/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

New gig

New Chef Revamps Menu at Bridges Restaurant in Downtown Sarasota

Chef Solomon Shenker, best known for his New York-style deli cuisine, recently became the executive chef at the restaurant in the Embassy Suites hotel.

01/11/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Taste test

Making Sense of Natural, Organic, Biodynamic and Sustainable Wines

Interested in exploring the world of "green" and "clean" wines? We've got some recommendations.

01/06/2021 By Bob McGinn

Flavor town

Restaurants Will Offer Signature Dishes as Part of 'Original Eats' Program

The goal of the two-week event is to highlight the variety of cuisine in the area and to encourage customers to order from local, independent restaurants.

01/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker