Quick Bites – Final Friday, Derby Time, and Cocktails
There’s a lot of stuff happening in our restaurant scene. Take a look…
🥂 Toast of the Town. A new champion had been crowned! Yes, the 2025 edition of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals Set the Bar Cocktail Competition is in the books. There were SO many creative creations, but unfortunately, only one delicious drink could raise the trophy in celebration.
This year’s top honors went to a drink from the whiskey category.
Congrats to this year’s winning mixologist, Kristopher Lawrence! Representing Cafe Gabbiano (5104 Ocean Blvd. | 941- 349-1423), Kris’s Limoncello Blackberry Cobbler took home the award as the judge’s favorite of the day.
His combination of Old Bardstown Kentucky Bourbon, Homemade Limoncello, Blackberry Simple Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, Maple Pecan Bitters, Rimmed with Caramel Graham Cracker, Garnished with Blackberry and Smoked Rosemary was over the top delicious!
If you’re interested in the complete list of category winners, including the People’s Choice winner, you can read that here
➡️ 2025 SET THE BAR WINNERS LIST!
📝 I was lucky enough to be asked to judge again this year. It’s always a fun afternoon. And it’s just so interesting (and mind-boggling) to see what our talented local cocktail chemists create!
🏇 And They’re Off… It’s time once again for the “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” or, as casual watchers refer to it, The Kentucky Derby.
Unbelievably, this year will be the 151st Run for the Roses. Let’s give that a little context, shall we? What in the world is going on in 1875??
• The first indoor game of ice hockey 🏒
• “Albert’s Swarm” of locusts descends on the western US 😲
• Ulysses S. Grant is President (what the?!…) 🙄
• A dozen eggs, 27 cents 🥚
• It would be another 39 years before the 1st commercial air flight! ✈️
• Another 33 years before cars are generally available 🚗
• AND – The first Kentucky Derby was run and won by Aristides! 🌹
That’s a crazy trip down memory lane! (Well, not my memory lane, but…)
Fast forward to May 3, 2025. You’re looking for a way to watch the big event. It’s only two minutes, but you want to make the most of those roughly 120 seconds.
We’ve got you covered. Or, I should say Cask & Ale (1548 Main St. | 941-702-8740) does. They’ll be hosting a Kentucky Derby “Pink Out” Party!
Yes, the race will be shown, AND yes, there will be prizes! 👒 Here’s a hint – wear your best derby day hat or bow tie! 🐴 HERE’S SOME ADDITIONAL INFO
🥳 T.G.I.F. We’ve all heard of First Friday celebrations around Sarasota. But how about a Final Friday Sip & Shop!? Yes, that’s today, the final Friday of April. If you’d like to see the month out in style, Siesta Key Village is the place to do just that!
The last Friday of each month, The Beach Club (5151 Ocean Blvd. | 941- 349-6311) rolls out some Friday fun for all ages. They’re known more for their late-night activities. But once a month, they’re the home of street vendors of all types. They even have a Lemonade Stand! 🍋
Each month, the gathering has been getting bigger and better. This month, the Final Friday festivities will include a gelato ice cream sandwich cart! I’ve never had a gelato ice cream sandwich, but I sure want one now!
You can expect drink specials, street vendors, and just a plain old-fashioned good time. The Final Friday Sip & Shop takes place from 4PM-7PM, right in front of The Beach Club. Come on out!
🍝 Buon Appetito! Is it just me, or does it seem like lately, a lot of the restaurant openings sport a menu that’s Italian-themed? I don’t know. Maybe it is just me. Or maybe not…
We asked the question in our last reader survey, “What are your favorite types of cuisine?” Those are the results. A whopping 84% of you listed Italian as your fav! That’s a BIG number. And just maybe it explains some things??
One of our newsletter readers keeps his own running list of Sarasota restaurants. He was nice enough to have forwarded me a copy. That list contains 30+ places listed under “Italian.” Only “Pizza” (that’s kind of Italian) and “Seafood” had more entries.
📝 This list is really a work of restaurant passion. Next level detailed and very well researched. Maybe, somewhere down the road, I’ll be able to share it with all of you…
We attempted to coax your participation in our survey with the reward of a free dining book. Well, we have winners! Congrats to: Derek S., Faye K., Irwin S., Mark H., Rosemary E., Patti G., and Mickey S. Well done!
~ LH
⚡ Lightning Round!
1️⃣ The Breakfast Company just opened their 4th location. They’re growing fast! BC #4 is located in the Rosemary District (411 N. Orange Ave.). This is the former home of The Rosemary. Stop in, say HI, and maybe treat yourself to one of their delicious pastries! 😋
2️⃣ Mother’s Day will be here in a hurry. If you want to indulge any important “mom” in your life, you’d better get on it and make a res. I guarantee MAY 11th will be on you in a flash! We’ve got a small list for you. It’s not a bad place to start your search. – OUR MOTHER’S DAY LIST!
3️⃣ Our very own St. Regis, Longboat Key was just named to the Travel + Leisure It List of Best New Hotels. Even two 2024 hurricanes couldn’t slow them down. Congrats! We wrote a piece about their Oshen Bar. You can READ THAT HERE!
4️⃣ Speaking of award-winning. Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. was the winner in the Best Seafood Restaurant category of the Herald-Tribune Community Choice Awards. This is the 10th year in a row that Duval’s has brought home that honor. WOW! They obviously are doing lots of things right over there on Main Street. On to the next 10!
🗓️ SARASOTA FOOD INFO🗓️
Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info.
📖 BUY A COPY OF OUR 2025 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE 📖
😋 MICHAEL’S ON EAST – MONTHLY EPICUREAN MENU – GREECE🌍
🧑🌾 FARMER’S MARKET INFO 🌾
EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS
EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS
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