[The Dish]
A Beautiful Brunch at Ocean Prime Sarasota
Kate Wight,
kate.wight@srqme.com
The very concept of brunch was born out of indulgence. The tradition traces its roots to late 19th-century England, where the upper class sought a leisurely Sunday meal that could soften the edges of a long Saturday night. By the 1930s, the concept had crossed the Atlantic, finding favor in America’s grand hotels and fashionable dining rooms. Equal parts breakfast and lunch, brunch became less about the hour on the clock and more about the experience—an unhurried celebration of good food, good company and the luxury of time itself. On Saturday, November 8, Ocean Prime Sarasota joined in the great brunch tradition, introducing an all-new Weekend Brunch. Every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm, guests can enjoy a decadent brunch experience at this nationally-acclaimed eatery.
“We’ve designed a menu that celebrates both indulgence and elegance,” says Ocean Prime Sarasota executive chef Nicholas Pratt. “We’re excited for guests to enjoy brunch in this stunning setting overlooking the waterfront.”
The chef-curated menu features a thoughtful selection of elevated brunch classics, signature seafood and steakhouse dishes and handcrafted cocktails. Savory surf options include lobster toast with silky avocado pea puree, pea shoots and a sunny side egg and crab cake eggs Benedict made with Maryland crab. For savory turf options, try the prime steak and egg, a 6 oz New York strip steak accompanied by a delicate poached egg, crispy potatoes and a citrus truffle vinaigrette. If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t miss the warm cinnamon bread drizzled with decadent cream cheese icing. And the cocktails are just as beautifully crafted as the food. Try the Bloody Mary (garnished with jumbo shrimp) or a tangy citrus rhubarb mimosa. This brunch is one for the history books.
Ocean Prime Sarasota, 501 Quay Commons, Sarasota, 941-404-1024, www.ocean-prime.com. 
Pictured: The bountiful brunch spread at Ocean Prime Sarasota is the definition of decadence. Photo courtesy of Ocean Prime.
[Festival]
Sip, Savor and Celebrate: Wellen Park Wine Festival Returns Nov. 14–15
The Wellen Park Wine Festival returns for its second year Friday, Nov. 14, and Saturday, Nov. 15, showcasing nearly 40 vintners from distinguished winemakers alongside the culinary talents of Downtown Wellen restaurants. The festival kicks off Friday evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Solis Hall with a sold-out five-course wine dinner, where ticket holders will enjoy exceptional pairings with wines from acclaimed vintner Silver Oak and their sister estate, Twomey. Saturday’s schedule begins with an educational introduction to wine session at 11 a.m. in Solis Hall, followed by the festival’s signature Grand Tasting along Wellen Park Boulevard and the Great Lawn. All events require tickets to be purchased ahead of time. The wine festival is open to guests ages 21 and older. For more information on the Wellen Park Wine Festival, visit wellenpark.com/wine.
Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, wellenpark.com/wine/
[The Dish]
Celebrate with Taste of Spain
This Thanksgiving — and all through the holidays — make your gatherings unforgettable with Tapas Platters, Paellas, and a beautiful selection of Spanish wines and sparkling Cava from Corpinnat. Tapas platters made 100% with products from Spain — perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any celebration. And remember, we always have ready-to-go platters available daily at the store — no pre-order needed!
[The Dish]
Libby’s Neighborhood Restaurant Announces Reopening with Fresh Renovations and Guest-Focused Updates
After six years since its last renovation, Libby’s Neighborhood Restaurant is proud to announce its grand reopening on Friday, November 7, revealing an updated look and refreshed atmosphere designed to enhance the guest experience for years to come. Guests will continue to enjoy the same delicious favorites they’ve come to love—along with exciting new touches throughout the building that keep Libby’s one of Sarasota’s most vibrant and welcoming dining destinations for family and friends. The refreshed space features new wooden floors, all-new furniture, and a deeply cleaned and upgraded kitchen and dining area. Every detail was designed to elevate comfort and style while maintaining the familiar warmth that defines the Libby’s experience. Following the Sarasota reopening, the Libby’s team plans to bring the same upgrades and design elements to its Lakewood Ranch location in the near future, ensuring both communities can enjoy the elevated Libby’s experience.
[Holidays]
Tickets on Sale Now for Lights in Bloom
Tickets are now on sale for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ annual Lights in Bloom holiday light show. Admission options for each night of the show include early entry at 5:30 p.m. and general admission at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, December 13, an additional “all inclusive” ticket choice provides on-site parking, a buffet dinner and open bar in the Event Center, and early access to the grounds. Ticket pricing and other information for all entry options can be found on the Selby Gardens website, Selby.org.
[Arts & Entertainment]
Announcing a New Hermitage Program on December 18 Featuring Hermitage Fellow Joseph Earl Thomas at Bookstore1
The Hermitage Artist Retreat announces a new December program. This newly announced event, “The Fantasy of Reality,” is scheduled for Thursday, December 18 at 6pm, at Bookstore1 in downtown Sarasota. “The Fantasy of Reality” features award-winning Hermitage Fellow Joseph Earl Thomas, who straddles form, from memoir and nonfiction to fiction and poetry. Thomas is celebrated for his distinctive style that often pushes expectations, and his work often plays with the boundaries between fantasy and reality. His memoir Sink was hailed as “extraordinary” by The New York Times. Past Hermitage Fellow and National Book Award winner Justin Torres said Thomas’ novel God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer “reads like direct communication from the soul.”
To learn more, visit
[Food Program]
HCA Florida Venice Doctors Emergency Collects Food for Community
HCA Florida Venice Doctors Emergency is collecting non-perishable food items to help the community this season. All the food collected will be donated to the All Faiths Food Bank. Between now and November 17, Venice area residents can bring their donations to the front lobby of HCA Florida Venice Doctors Emergency, located just south of Venice Avenue at 901 US 41 Bypass South in Venice, and drop them off in the collection boxes. The emergency room is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Representatives from All Faiths Food Bank say items most in need are: peanut butter, jelly, shelf-stable milk, beans, and canned meat such as tuna, chicken, or salmon.
[The Hermitage Artist Retreat]
Inspire and Foster the Most Influential and Culturally Consequential Art and Artists of Our Time
The Hermitage is a leading national arts incubator and the only major arts organization in Florida exclusively committed to supporting the creation and development of new work across all artistic disciplines. Located on Manasota Key in Sarasota County, the Hermitage provides accomplished and diverse artists with multi-week residencies to create original works of theater, music, visual art, literature, dance, and more. Hermitage Fellows have included eighteen Pulitzer Prize winners, multiple Tony, Oscar, Emmy, Grammy nominees and winners, Poets Laureate, MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellows, and hundreds of extraordinary artists from around the world. Hermitage artists, writers, and performers offer a unique glimpse into the creative process, sharing their original works-in-process with our Gulf Coast community. These free, hour-long programs take the shape of musical performances, play readings, concerts, visual art demonstrations, panel discussions, master classes, open studios, and more. Audiences can experience a unique level of engagement with these extraordinary talents at our year-round sunset programs on the Hermitage Beach and other partner venues throughout the region.
Click Here To Learn More
[SOON]
FESTIVAL:
Sarasota’s Farmers Market , January 11 – December 27, 7:00am – 1:00pm
The Sarasota Farmers Market Vendors Incorporated (“SFMV”) has been established as a not for-profit organization under laws of the State of Florida, continuing the 40+ year tradition of enhancing and improving the quality of life in Sarasota. Our charitable mission is to create a social opportunity for residents and visitors to gather and interact, to bring foot traffic to downtown Sarasota sustaining the economic viability of the entire downtown area, and to provide a venue for other not-for-profit organizations benefiting Sarasota.
Sarasota Farmer’s Market, N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
[SOON]
FOOD:
Cask & Ale’s Sunday Brunch , April 13 – December 28, 11:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Cask & Ale on Main Street lifts a toast & taps a toe to our fabulous Brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 – 3:00 with live Jazz during Sunday Brunch from Noon – 4:00. We offer a diverse chef-prepared menu with a full spread of Brunch delectables + our rotating Chef’s Special menu, bottomless Mimosas and a wide selection of craft cocktails. Cask & Ale Liquor Locker owners enjoy the benefit of reservations for tables, holidays or special occasions! Continue the good vibes to make the most of your weekend. Voted Best Cocktails by SRQ Magazine!
Cask & Ale, 1548 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
[SOON]
FOOD:
Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar Launches Daily & Late Night Happy Hours , April 23 – April 22
If you are oyster curious or just craving the fresh coastal seafood & hand-crafted cocktails from your new Rosemary District favorite, join us at Lefty’s for our daily Happy Hours Monday – Friday from 4 pm – 6 pm and our Late Night Happy Hours every night from 9:00-Close. With seafood offerings from the Steamer and Buck-A-Shucks on oysters plus our extensive wine, specialty and seasonal cocktails and draft beers, Lefty’s has your recipe to get happier and explore our menus. Join us every day for Lunch, Happy Hours or Dinner and for our downtown neighbors and Hospitality industry colleagues, we’ll have live music and keep the light on for you on the weekends!
Lefty’s Oyster and Seafood Bar, 428 N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
[SOON]
MUSIC:
Monday Night Jazz at Florida Studio Theatre , August 4 – January 12
This promises to be a memorable evening of music that speaks to the heart, the mind and maybe even your feet! Doors open 6:30 pm for dinner and beverage service.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First Street at Cocoanut Ave, Sarasota
[SOON]
FOOD:
A Taste of Art , August 26 – December 30
Delight your senses with A Taste of Art, where fine cuisine meets live creativity! Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evening, local artists demonstrate their craft live at Chaz 51 Steakhouse, offering diners a front-row seat to the artistic process. The restaurant also features a rotating gallery of local artwork available for purchase. Come for the steak—stay for the inspiration.
Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US-41 BYP, Venice, FL 34285
[SOON]
GALLERY:
Spencer Pettit: A Continuing Act of Discovery , September 5 – November 21
This posthumous exhibition celebrates the deeply personal and evolving artistic journey of Ringling alumnus Spencer Pettit (Class of 1978), whose textured, figurative works blur the lines between realism, abstraction, and expressionism. Pettit described himself as a “process artist,” focused not only on visual impact but on the layered journey of creation. His work invites viewers to look beyond surface aesthetics and engage with the underlying techniques, decisions, and emotional narratives that unfold across his canvases. Like chapters in a book, each piece builds upon the last, forming a cohesive and evolving body of work that speaks to a lifelong pursuit of meaning and connection.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
[SOON]
GALLERY:
Silent Observers in a Changing World, Untouched Yet Not Unaffected , November 8 – December 8
The Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s (SBAC) “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative continues its exploration of diverse artistic voices with “Silent Witnesses: Silent Observers in a Changing World, Untouched Yet Not Unaffected,” an exhibition of charcoal drawings by Wonda J. Granville. A reception with the artist takes place Tuesday, November 18, 5:30–7 p.m., coinciding with the theater’s production of the play, “The Amish Project,” inspired by the 2006 Nickel Mines schoolhouse tragedy—an event that profoundly echoes the quiet resilience and forgiveness depicted in Granville’s art.
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice, FL 34285
[SOON]
GRAB BAG:
Second Fridays Creative Happy Hour , November 14 – May 8
2nd Fridays Creative Happy Hour brings the party to the gallery and transforms ArtCenter Sarasota into a vibrant hub of creativity, conversation, and connection. These lively monthly gatherings feature rotating themes, interactive art activities, live music, dance, film, and collaborations with local artists and arts organizations. It’s a fresh take on the classic art salon, welcoming all ages to mix, mingle, make, and experience art in motion.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
[SOON]
GRAB BAG:
MOD Weekend 2025 – Moderns That Matter , November 14 – November 16
This year, we shine a spotlight on Moderns That Matter, a curated collection of iconic landmarks and everyday spaces that define Sarasota’s unique architectural identity and vibrant sense of place.This thoughtful inventory showcases 100 years of architectural excellence and celebrates Sarasota’s role as a global epicenter of design innovation. Throughout MOD Weekend, many of these standout locations will welcome visitors with tours and special programming, offering a rare opportunity to experience Sarasota’s built heritage up close.
[SOON]
MUSIC:
Classical Rockstars , November 14 – November 15
Experience the energy, beauty, and intensity of classical music that meets rockstar status! Hear masterpieces including Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C Major featuring a stunning solo by Principal Cellist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Robert DeMaine, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave Building 5, Venice, FL 34285
[SOON]
GRAB BAG:
Meet and Greet Christine Bokman, MD, FACS , November 19, 5:00 p.m.
Join us at a reception for Sarasota’s newest aesthetic leader, Dr. Bokman — expert in facial surgery, injectables and laser rejuvenation. Enjoy champagne, light bites, and exclusive event-only offers, and be among the first to meet the doctor everyone will be talking about.
Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa | Sarasota, 6600 University Pkwy Suite 202, Sarasota, FL 34240
[SOON]
PERFORMANCE:
Black Nativity , November 19 – December 21
An inspirational gospel musical originally penned by poet/playwright Langston Hughes that retells the biblical Nativity story. The music is an exuberant mash-up of gospel, blues, spiritual and Christmas music, paired with the poetry of Hughes and the creativity and heart of WBTT. Nate Jacobs adapted and is directing the show; WBTT’s Resident Choreographer, Donald Frison, will be assistant director.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
[SOON]
GALLERY:
Narrative Constructs: Contemporary Representation and the Politics of Perception , November 21 – January 17
SPAACES is pleased to present this two-person exhibition featuring Sarasota-based artists Alicia Lisa Brown and Aaron Board. Both alumni of the New York Academy of Figurative Art, Brown and Board use richly detailed figurative painting to examine the power of narrative as a means of expressing personal and political truths.
SPAACES, 2051 Princeton St, Sarasota, FL 34237
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