G'Bye, Mate

'Outback Steakhouse Shaped My Career as a Food Writer'

Our food editor pens a final farewell to the place that shaped her entire career.

02/29/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Bottoms Up

The 'Set the Bar' Cocktail Competition Is Returning in April

This fun Sarasota-Manatee Originals event will feature 25 local mixologists and light bites from Originals restaurants.

02/27/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Shop 'Til You Drop

Miami’s Bal Harbour Shops Is Popping Up in Sarasota

For eight weeks starting March 8, Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up Tour will bring luxury shopping to the Sarasota market—in shipping containers.

02/26/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Clang Clang Clang

The 76 Flyer Trolley Offers Easy Transportation From the Airport to Downtown Sarasota

Part of Sarasota County Transit's new Breeze rebrand, the trolley is quick, affordable and dare we say enjoyable?

02/20/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Arts & Central, the Rosemary District's Newest Restaurant, Will Open Feb. 19

The 200-seat restaurant will anchor Parkside, the neighborhood's next food-and-beverage destination.

02/13/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Restaurant Review

Chinese Hot Pot Dining Debuts in Bradenton

The Chinese style of cooking in which diners dunk huge varieties of meats, seafood, vegetables, noodles and more into flavorful broths has become common in bigger American cities but remained absent in the Sarasota area—until now.

02/08/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Go, Sports!

Where to Get Great Takeout for the Super Bowl

We all know the best part of the Big Game is the food, right?

02/07/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Vroom Vroom

Le Mans Kitchen Is a Swanky New Restaurant From One of Our Best Chefs, and It's Located in a Car Dealership

The restaurant inside Sarasota Ford is an unexpected addition to Sarasota's dining scene.

02/06/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Love Is In The Air

Where to Eat on Valentine's Day

Impress your date by taking them to one of our favorite Sarasota restaurants.

02/02/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Kitchen Confidential

A Morning Making Bread at Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery Brought Me Back to My Restaurant Roots

It had been years since I worked an early shift in a restaurant kitchen, but when the owners of the new Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery offered me a morning of baking, I couldn't resist.

02/02/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Fab-Brew-Lous

These Area Coffee Shops Are Also Roasting Their Own Beans

Enjoy their locally roasted beans in the shop or at home.

01/25/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Small But Mighty

Local Writer Larry Hoffman's Little Sarasota Dining Book Is in Bookstores Now

Hoffman is an area expert on all things local dining, and he wants you to be, too.

01/19/2024 By Lauren Jackson

We Will Miss You

After Just Four Months in the Rosemary District, Nancy's Bar-B-Q Is Permanently Closing

Guests are invited to say good-bye—and have one last helping of brisket—by Saturday, Jan. 6.

01/04/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Restaurant Review

At Kolucan, Mexican Culinary Traditions Are Treated With Reverence

Diners will find established Mexican American favorites, but alongside the burrito bowls, carne asada and mole come upscale riffs on Mexican flavors previously unavailable here.

01/03/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Unity Awards

Marlene Hauck Promotes Mental Wellness From Youth Onward

Hauck has dedicated her life to breaking down stigmas around mental illness.

01/01/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Unity Awards

Tracie Troxler Improves Our Soil, and Our Community, Through Composting

“Healthy plants and healthy ecology sprout from healthy soil, and so does a healthy community."

01/01/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Year in Review

The Best Things Our Food Editor Ate This Year

Ten excellent bites from 2023.

12/27/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Auld Lang Syne

Where to Eat on New Year's Eve in Sarasota

Ring in the New Year with a full belly and plenty of cocktails at some of our favorite local restaurants.

12/21/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Mangia!

Wellen Park Has Added Acqua Pazza, a New Italian Restaurant

The eatery completes Downtown Wellen Park's first growth phase.

12/15/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Hole-y Smokes

Five-O Donut Co Is Opening Its Fifth Location in Ellenton

The local doughnut chain's newest location will open Dec. 15.

12/11/2023 By Lauren Jackson