The LIST – March 2025
Don’t fear the Ides of March. All signs point to a delicious finish to the month!
How did March get here SO fast!? I’m not sure who’s in charge of ripping the giant pages off the calendar. But they can slow down anytime now. We’re right in the thick of March 2025. That means lots of visitors, a bump in traffic, and reservations recommended.
Something to Celebrate!
March is National Caffeine Awareness Month! You people know who you are. Be aware! 
March 14 – National Reuben Sandwich Day (Wolfie’s Deli + Walt’s)
March 21 – National French Bread Day (Bonjour French Cafe + C’est La Vie!) 
March 24 – National Cheesesteak Day (Gentile’s + Little a)
March 24 – OBERON DAY!! (Everywhere that serves Bell’s beer!)
March 31 – National Clams on the Half Shell Day (Speaks + Crab & Fin)
Some Other Things Happening in March.
Let’s Get This Green Party Started! Of course, it’s St. Patrick’s Day (MAR 17TH). There is plenty of Guinness to be downed and corned beef and cabbage to consume. The Shebeen Irish Pub & Kitchen gets things started at 11AM with Ross the Piper. $6 Guinness pints all day! And, not to be outdone, The Shamrock Pub has a 4Days 4GoodLuck Party that starts on FRI MAR 15TH and continues through the big day on MON MAR 17TH. Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!
We’ve got a few new spots that we’ve added to the dS database. These places aren’t necessarily “brand-new,” but they are new to our site. Welcome! 
Fresh Catch Market & Grill (7119 S. Tamiami Trl. | 941- 413-7133) – INFO
Darrell’s Restaurant (215 S. Tamiami Trl. – Venice | 941- 485-9900) – INFO
How in the world did we not add Darrell’s back in 2013 when they first opened!? It’s a question that I do not have a great answer for. But they’re in now, and that’s all that matters. 
Yes, we have a Top 10 for this month. Let’s have a peek at it, shall we?…
HERE’S THE TOP 10 FOR MARCH 2025
Looks like lots of you are showing some love for Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar. This converted (former Mandeville Beer Graden) Rosemary District spot is serving up fresh seafood and cold beer. That’s a combo I think a lot of you can get behind!
Also, one of my personal favs, Tony’s Chicago Beef, cracks the Top 10 for this month.
If you love Chicago Beef Sandwiches like I do and would like to take a crack at making them at home. Here’s a spice blend I stumbled upon a few months back. It’s really authentic and super easy to use! – CHICAGO JOHNNY’S ITALIAN BEEF GRAVY SEASONING!
HERE’S THE COMPLETE LIST OF THE TOP 25 FOR MARCH 2025!
Thanks for reading! Hope your March goes out like a lamb! Or even better, a Lamb Chop! Baa. 
~ LH
ODDS & ENDS
More Than Just a Pretty Plate. The Rosemary District has been growing up. Yes, its rise has been a stop-and-start affair over the years. But the number of new places drawing hungry crowds is on the upswing. When Arts & Central opened last year, they promised a delicious blend of creative cuisine and support for the local arts scene. They delivered on both! This month’s featured artist is Karen Chandler. You can view her work HERE!
The Chefs of the Future Start Here! It may not be the Culinary Institute of America or even Johnson and Wales, but training the next crop of great young chefs has to start somewhere. If you’ve got a budding young culinary creator milling around your home kitchen, Chef Paul Mattison wants to help light that fire! Sign-ups for Mattison’s Summer Chef Camp 2025 start on March 24TH. To reserve your child’s place in the kitchen, you can SIGN UP HERE!
+ Yes, it’s Pizza and Brew Time! We know that Big Top Brewing has been brewing some fantastic beers for a little bit now. (The Hazy Skywire is a personal fav). But did you know that you can pair your beer selection with a wood-fired pizza? Yes, you can! – HERE’S THE PIZZA MENU!
Mailbag! You’ve been busy emailing with ideas, suggestions, and comments.
On our piece about the burger at Ed Smith:
• Rick wrote in to suggest bringing your own condiments in a small plastic bag or Tupperware. He brings pickles! 
That’s a GREAT idea!
• They have both sausage and Philly sandwiches on the menu, Ron mentioned subbing in the peppers and onions to use as burger toppings. I like that. Nice condiment improv!
Ann mentioned that the burger at Neat SRQ was worth adding to the list (we’ll do that! 
).
And while not exactly a burger, Kathy wrote to let us know that the Crab BLT at Fresh Catch was top notch. (We’ll let you know what we think of it down the road a bit.) 
Thanks for all the email and messages. Keep ’em coming!
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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