Food News

Buzz-Worthy

Gayle Goodfriend Turned a Decade-Long Hobby Into a Thriving Honey Business

Goodfriend works from a five-acre homestead in Manatee County where approximately 400,000 bees feast on nearby saw palmettos, sable palms and Brazilian peppertrees.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Straight Off the Boat

Maggie's Seafood Hauls Fresh Catches to Multiple Markets

Married owners Maggie and Gary Balch sell 500 pounds of seafood at both the Sarasota and Venice farmers markets.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Hot Pockets

Empanada Girl Has Grown From a Small DIY Operation Into a Massive Farmers Market Attraction

Every week, Stefania Fochi and her team make nearly 5,000 empanadas in 25 different flavor combinations

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

The Smell of Success

The Owner of Nick B’s Chimichurri Wins Over Customers With an Ingenious Marketing Technique

“This year we sold $700,000 in chimichurri around the country,” says Maria Barrajo. “I just love to sell. I could sell you a camel in Miami."

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Blowing Minds

Bill Nelms Wants You to Know That Mushrooms Aren’t Just for Eating Anymore

“We sell about 400 pounds of mushrooms a week," Nelms says.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

With Lucky 8, Cajun Cuisine Finally Has a Home in Sarasota

The food comes courtesy of chef and co-owner Mark Majorie, who worked in kitchens in New Orleans for years, and his business partner Edward Zaki, the owner of 1592 and co-owner of Adeline.

03/10/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Flower Power

Flower Child, a Healthy Restaurant Concept, Is Coming to Lakewood Ranch

Flower Child is opening its first Florida restaurant on University Parkway.

03/05/2025 By Lauren Jackson

La Bella Vita

Two Popular Tampa Restaurants Are Coming to University Town Center

Chef-owner Chris Ponte is bringing his On Swann and Olivia to the shopping and dining district.

02/18/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Well Done

University Town Center's New Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Is Now Open

It's the chain's second Sarasota location.

02/10/2025 By Lauren Jackson

The Dish

Alton Brown Brings His Farewell Tour to the Van Wezel on Feb. 16

Brown's shows are famous for their over-the-top shenanigans and creative culinary demonstrations. "It will be an evening of culinary hijinks," he promises.

02/05/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams

1000 North, a Private Club Co-Founded by Michael Jordan, Will Arrive in Sarasota Later This Year

The 13,000-square-foot club will be led by local hospitality industry veterans Tim Fanning and Alex Elshimy.

01/30/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Los Mejores

Our Favorite Local Mexican Restaurants

Mexican Americans and Mexican immigrants enrich our community in so many ways, and their influence can be seen in the restaurants that punctuate nearly every neighborhood in town.

01/29/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Dining Out

A Lot of New Restaurants Are Opening Up in the Rosemary District

A seafood joint takes over Mandeville Beer Garden, a new Origin Pizza in Parkside and more—here's what's already arrived and what's coming soon.

01/27/2025 By Lauren Jackson

New Changes

Aldi Is Opening in Sarasota Later This Year

The new Aldi grocery store will replace Winn-Dixie on Bee Ridge Road and McIntosh Road.

01/24/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Still Got It

Despite Last Fall's Storms, Longboat Key’s Maison Blanche Remains One of the Area’s Top Restaurants

Chef José Martinez showcases French fine-dining techniques you would expect to find in a much larger city—we’re lucky to have his skill here at home.

01/24/2025 By Lauren Jackson

A Moveable Feast

After 36 Years on Palm Avenue, Caragiulos Is Moving to Ringling Boulevard Later This Year

The family-owned Italian restaurant is preparing for a fresh start while also honoring its long local legacy.

01/20/2025 By Kim Doleatto

🧧 Happy New Year! 🧧

Celebrate the Lunar New Year With a Festival at Waterside Place

Korê's owner Daniel Dokko is spearheading the celebration, which will include a lion dance, tents showcasing Wagyu beef from Japan, and Dokko's version of "Squid Games."

01/15/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Hole-y Moly!

Duck Donuts Is Open at Waterside Place

With more than 100 stores throughout the country, Duck Donuts has finally arrived in Lakewood Ranch.

01/10/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Let's Taco 'Bout It

Casa Masa's Second Location Officially Opens This Weekend in The Landings

Chef Rob DiSilvio's new location has been in soft-open mode this week, ahead of the opening. The new restaurant features an expanded menu and a full bar, with a raft of creative cocktails designed by former Pangea owner Brad Coburn.

01/08/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Elvis Has Left the Building

The Waffle Stop Is Closing, But You've Still Got Time for One Last Meal

The restaurant will close after 74 years in business next week.

12/24/2024 By Lauren Jackson