Quick Bites – Yes Chef, Bubbles, and A New Name
We’ve got a few juicy tidbits to finish off your month!
🆕 Prest-O, Change-O. Some things change, and some things stay the same. Out on St. Armands, change comes VERY slowly to many of the circle staples. Yes, it’s true, new faces will spring up, but the mainstays have been holding it down for years.
That’s a pretty spot-on description of Cafe L’Europe. For 50+ years, it was a local landmark. It changed hands in 2022 (purchased by John & Amanda Horne’s Oyster Rock Hospitality). Then, in 2024, Hurricane Helene intervened. Recently it was time for some “reimagination!”
Cafe on St. Armands (431 St. Armands Cir. | 941- 388-4415) is starting its own traditions. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu has a little bit of something for everyone. It’s still on the “upscale” side of things but not so high-end that you have to save for a month to dine there. Haven’t been yet? Here’s a peek at the menu for a little incentive – CAFE ON ST. ARMANDS MENU HERE!
🍾 Let’s Pop Some Corks! A lot, and I mean a lot, has been written about the upcoming opening (FRI, MAR 28) of the Sugar Champagne Bar (127 S. Pineapple | 941-233-9133).
There have been reports of $150PP check minimums to secure a reservation. The Sarasota FB restaurant groups have been ground zero for the back and forth that usually accompanies these high-priced openings. But this level of chatter is pretty intense.
Sugar Champagne Bar and Owner, Ronnie Shugar, are going for that Hollywood flair meets old Florida charm feel. They’re calling it “Old Regency Florida,” and from the images provided, they’ve nailed that look.
If you’re planning a visit, be aware, the dress code is pretty specific:
“For outdoor PATIO reservations, please wear smart-casual attire, including collared shirts and dress pants or dark denim (no sandals or shorts are permitted for gentlemen).
For indoor DINING ROOM reservations, cocktail attire is encouraged; elegant dresses or tailored suits are excellent examples of acceptable wear.
While we embrace our “Sugar-sota” lifestyle, guests in tank tops, flip-flops, swimwear, athletic wear, or hats will be turned away.”
Here’s the burning question. Is this a niche that is aching to be filled? Are Sarasota locals (looks like we ARE the target here) ready for a champagne and caviar-filled lifestyle? Or are we more of the beer and pizza crowd? We’ll bring you more in the future on this unique Sarasota destination. Good Luck to Ronnie on the opening!
👩🍳 Hail to the Chef. Cheffing is still a male-dominated space. There have been big leaps forward for women in the field since Julia Child. Some pretty huge role models have emerged during that time. April Bloomfield, Sarah Grueneberg, and Anita Lo have all been recognized with a Michelin star (or two) for their restaurants here in the US.
Now aspiring female local “Chefs-To-Be” have someone to look up to. The Beach House Waterfront Restaurant (200 Gulf Dr. N. | 941- 779-2222) has just named Cherry Carreon as their new Executive Chef.
As the first female EC at the Beach House, Chef Carreon brings her passion and culinary curiosity to the long-time Bradenton Beach eatery. She hasn’t won that coveted Michelin star just yet. But we’re sure that when she puts her unique stamp on the Beach House menu, accolades will follow. Congrats on your new adventure, Chef Carreon!
📝 The Michelin Guide does not review restaurants in the Sarasota-Bradenton area just yet. But they are working their way south. They’ve just included the St. Pete – Clearwater market. We can’t be far behind…
⚡ Lightning Round!
1️⃣ Do you like tequila? Do you like cigars? Answering yes to one will qualify you for the Agave & Embers event at Kolucan (6644 Gateway Ave. | 941- 921-3133). But if you checked the YES box for both, well… It’s an evening of “fine tequila, premium cigars, and elevated Mexican cuisine.” This April 1st event is no joke! – EVENT INFO HERE!
2️⃣ If tequila and cigars are not your thing. How about something a little more “traditional”? April 17th, Cafe Gabbiano (5104 Ocean Blvd. | 941- 349-1423) will be hosting a Porter Family Vineyards Wine Dinner. You’ll be able to meet and mingle with Winemaker Tom Porter and enjoy some delicious dishes from Chef Paolo Di Costanzo. That’s a great combo – RESERVATIONS HERE!
3️⃣ Have you ever longed to “Master the Mother Sauces”? If you’re like me, you probably haven’t given it that much thought. Until right now! Now you’re just yearning to learn the secrets. For the modest fee of 75 bucks, GROVE Restaurant (10670 Boardwalk Loop | 941- 893-4321) Executive Chef Greg Campbell can light the way for you. Aside from learning the tricks of the trade, you’ll get a “multi-course, chef-created meal.” April 4th is Cooking with Campbell – TICKETS HERE!
4️⃣ Longboat Key’s own Marcella Hazan finally comes to the big screen. The documentary, years in the making, will make its debut as the opening night film of the 27th Annual Sarasota Film Festival. Marcella is directed by Peter Miller. Her 1992 688-page Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking brought Italian cuisine to millions of our home kitchens. Nothing can bring a community together quicker than a bowl of Risotto with Bolognese Meat Sauce! Buon appetito! – TICKETS HERE!
📈 One Last Thing… Thanks to all of you who took the time to fill out our reader survey last week. There were A LOT of you! We appreciate you helping make this newsletter just a little bit better. We’ve got a pretty good idea of where you’d like things to go. If you didn’t have a chance to give us your input. We’ll keep it open for one more week. Results soon… FILL OUT OUR SURVEY HERE!
That’s all I’ve got for you. Send in your bites so we can share them with the world! See ya, March – April is just around the bend…
~ LH
🗓️ 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 – NAPA VALLEY🌍
🧑🌾 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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