Unity Awards

Alison Thomas Is Changing the Lives of People With Developmental Disabilities

“We wanted parents to go to work knowing their children were getting a quality education and could go out and have an independent life after graduation."

03/03/2025 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

Love Me Tender

Dining Out For Valentine's Day Is Hard on Everyone

It's totally OK to eat out on Valentine's Day—but just know it might leave you (and everybody else) disappointed.

02/12/2025 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

Neighborhood Guide

The Best Restaurants in Downtown Sarasota

From French to Vietnamese, there's something for every palate in downtown Sarasota.

02/06/2025 By Cooper Levey-Baker and 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

🧧 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

Love Where You Live!

11 Local Neighborhoods Where Everything Is Changing

Our region has grown like crazy in recent years, but growth can look very different depending on your neighborhood.

01/13/2025 By Kim Doleatto, Lauren Jackson, Megan McDonald, and Cooper Levey-Baker

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

The Secrets of Longevity

Thanks to Good Genes, a Positive Attitude and Plenty of Socializing, Carol Hochberg Is Thriving at 91

“My mindset is that you have to make the choice to not be a basket case when bad things happen. When we are faced with tragedy, we have to not dwell, because life goes on."

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

Community Partnership

Our Big List of Upcoming New Year's Events

Here's what's happening in Sarasota this season.

12/30/2024 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

Year in Review

Our Top Food Stories of 2024

From the closings of the beloved Hob Nob and South Trail Outback to Michelin-starred restaurants and exciting new Asian offerings, there was always something happening in the food scene this year.

12/20/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Wahoo!!!

HL Asian Market on South Tamiami Trail Is Officially Open, and It's Awesome

The huge grocery store features 23 aisles of Asian groceries, cookware and ceramics, as well as an enormous meat and seafood department.

12/16/2024 By Lauren Jackson