Food News

Step Up

Casa Masa’s Second Location Takes the Original’s Mexican Cuisine to the Next Level

At the new spot, you’ll find those same classics at the same price point, plus a bunch of new items that allow DiSilvio to flex his culinary muscles.

04/01/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Tower of Power

Ocean Prime Has Opened at The Quay

And people are flocking for good reason—including the restaurant's legendary seafood tower.

03/26/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Pop the Cork

Sugar Champagne Bar Opens in Downtown Sarasota This Friday

The swanky new spot will offer caviar service, cocktails and, of course, an extensive Champagne list.

03/25/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Personal Growth

Sarasota's UF/IFAS Extension Offers Dozens of Ways to Up Your Local Food IQ

Here are some highlights.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

In Bloom

Everything You Need to Know About Sarasota's Local Food Scene

Hope you’re hungry!

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Rescue Mission

Julie Morris and Jim Strickland Are Out to Prove That Preservation and Agriculture Go Hand in Hand

With their 1,300-acre Lost Girl Prairie, the couple want to show that business owners and environmentalists can work together to preserve Florida’s dwindling parcels of untamed land.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

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

Fresh!

Your Guide to Every Single Local Farmers Market

Whatever you’re hungry for, you’ll find it at a local market.

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

Fat Tuesday

Here's Where to Get Paczki, Just in Time for Fat Tuesday

We've got the lowdown on these deep-fried treats, as well as where to find them so you can satisfy your craving.

03/03/2025 By Chloé Cuyler

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

Sarasota Magazine

Food News

Casa Masa’s Second Location Takes the Original’s Mexican Cuisine to the Next Level

Ocean Prime Has Opened at The Quay

Sugar Champagne Bar Opens in Downtown Sarasota This Friday

Sarasota's UF/IFAS Extension Offers Dozens of Ways to Up Your Local Food IQ

Everything You Need to Know About Sarasota's Local Food Scene

Julie Morris and Jim Strickland Are Out to Prove That Preservation and Agriculture Go Hand in Hand

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

Maggie's Seafood Hauls Fresh Catches to Multiple Markets

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

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

Popular Content

Tommy Bahama Will Reopen at the End of September

Sarasota's Best New Restaurants

Sarasota's Best Breakfasts

Now in Its Fifth Year, Bahi Hut’s Tiki Fever Is Bigger Than Ever

A High-End New Sushi Restaurant Is Coming to Lakewood Ranch's Main Street

A Conversation With Chef Erin French, Star of The Lost Kitchen

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

Your Guide to Every Single Local Farmers Market

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

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

Here's Where to Get Paczki, Just in Time for Fat Tuesday

Two Popular Tampa Restaurants Are Coming to University Town Center

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

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

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

Our Favorite Local Mexican Restaurants

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