Born to Rum

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals' 'Set the Bar Cocktail' Competition Returns

Tickets are currently on sale for the lively competition, featuring 25 local bartenders vying for the top prize.

08/31/2022 By Lauren Jackson

That time of year again

Forks & Corks Is Back!

While the popular Grand Tasting won't take place this year, there are plenty of other great wine and food events happening.

05/04/2022 By Bob McGinn

Partnerships

Sarasota-Manatee Originals Announce Ongoing Sysco Sponsorship

Sysco will offer discounts, buying incentives and rewards to SMO members.

03/28/2022 Photography by Staff

Act Now! Supplies Are Limited!

Discounted Gift Certificates to Dozens of Local Restaurants Go on Sale Thursday

Sarasota-Manatee Originals is selling discounted dining certificates to more than 60 local restaurants this holiday season.

12/08/2021 By Marc Griffin

Supplies Are Limited!

Discounted Gift Certificates to Local Restaurants Are on Sale Again

More than 30 restaurants are offering gift certificates at a 30 percent discount, starting today.

09/09/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Alcohol Olympics

'Set the Bar' Cocktail Competition Will Return in October

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals contest will feature drinks from 25 different restaurants.

08/06/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Hop on the Trolley

New Progressive Dinner Series Highlights Wine and Food Pairings

The Blend is a new series of dinners organized by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals.

06/11/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Party time excellent

Highlights of This Year's Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival

This year's event has something for every type of wine lover, from novice to expert.

04/21/2021 By Bob McGinn

Still Happening

Forks & Corks Details Revealed

The festival will be limited this year because of Covid-19 safety precautions, but there's still plenty going on.

04/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Act Now!

Snag Discounted Gift Certificates to Local Restaurants

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is selling vouchers at a 30 percent discount.

03/18/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Flavor town

Restaurants Will Offer Signature Dishes as Part of 'Original Eats' Program

The goal of the two-week event is to highlight the variety of cuisine in the area and to encourage customers to order from local, independent restaurants.

01/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Going fast

Originals Restaurant Group Starts Selling T-Shirts, Tank Tops

The new designs include slogans like "Eat Sip Support Local," "Be Original" and "Eat Like a Local."

11/25/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

🍴🍷🍴🍷🍴🍷

Next Year's Forks & Corks Scheduled for April 29-May 3

Details of how next year's festival might function have not yet been worked out, but organizers say it is happening.

10/26/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Drink Up

Set the Bar Event Celebrates Great Local Cocktails

Every day this week, participating bars and restaurants are serving special new drinks, offering discounts and more.

10/12/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Sip, baby, sip

Forks & Corks Tickets Go on Sale Monday

The 2020 Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival is scheduled to take place Jan. 23-27.

10/31/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food

Local Restaurant Group Hires, Promotes

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals recently promoted Sarah Firstenberger to the role of executive director and hired Maggie Wood as event manager.

06/23/2017 By staff

Food

Restaurant Group Names New Board President

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals, a nonprofit with more than 50 member restaurants, recently elected Sonia Velasco as the group's new board president.

09/02/2016 Research by staff

Food News

Veronica Fish & Oyster Will (Softly) Open on Thursday in Southside Village

Plus, the newest from Tableseide Restaurant Group and the Originals' famous gift certificate sale.

07/06/2016 By Alaina Upman

Article

Sarasota-Manatee Originals Forks & Corks 2015

01/14/2015 By Sarasota Magazine

Article

Sarasota-Manatee Originals Dining Guide: Fall 2014

Sarasota Manatee Originals Dining Guide

09/08/2014 By Megan McDonald