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

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

Gobble this

A List of Last-Minute Thanksgiving and Local Food Giveaways

As local residents continue to recover from the impacts of the recent hurricanes, local organizations are stepping up to provide food to those in need this week.

11/25/2024 By Staff Report

A Day in The Life

Learn More About Food Editor Lauren Jackson in the Most Recent Episode of WUSF's 'The Zest'

Jackson was a guest on season 9, episode 17 of Dalia Colón's show, which airs on our local NPR affiliate.

04/29/2024 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

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime

These Local Restaurants Will Be Open Christmas Day

No matter how you celebrate Dec. 25, these restaurants are ready to serve you a fabulous feast.

12/07/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Pop Quiz

We Asked Local Chefs to Share Their Favorite Ingredients, Kitchen Gadgets and Junk Foods. Here's What They Said.

Who loves Cheetos? Whose favorite way to unwind after service is with beer and a gummy? Read on to find out.

11/07/2023 By Lauren Jackson

48 Hours in Sarasota

The Food Lover's Guide to Sarasota

Spend a long weekend eating your way through town.

11/06/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Down South

The Best Restaurants in Osprey and Nokomis

Venture to south Sarasota County for a taste of one (or all) of these great spots.

05/09/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Be Mine

Don't Forget to Make Your Valentine's Day Reservations

Sample a special prix fixe Valentine's Day menu at any of these local spots.

02/10/2023 By Lauren Jackson

In the Mood for Love

Where to Take Your Tinder Match on a Date

Swiping right can be terrifying—so take your match on a fun-filled date to any of these local digs.

02/08/2023 By Lauren Jackson

L'Chaim!

The Sarasota Jewish Food Festival Returns This Month

The annual Temple Sinai event will feature plenty of beloved Jewish food and fun for the whole family.

01/11/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Ho Ho Ho

These Local Restaurants Will Be Open on Christmas Day

Ditch the dishes and make Christmas Day reservations instead.

12/14/2022 By Lauren Jackson

'Tis The Seasoning

These Local Shops Have The Best Gifts for the Foodie in Your Life

We shopped around for the best food gifts in town, perfect for the aspiring chef in your life.

12/07/2022 By Lauren Jackson

Turkey Twist

How Immigrants Blend American Thanksgiving Dishes With Their Own Culinary Traditions

We talked to six locals who moved here from elsewhere about how they celebrate this very American holiday.

11/15/2022 By Kim Doleatto