Der Dutchman, Owen’s Fish Camp, Nicky’s On Palm: Restaurant News (Miami: closing, organic)

[wondermint2]

Best restaurants Sarasota to Punta Gorda including Venice waterfront gem

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tri...a44cee8f&ei=62

"Ahead of the highly anticipated opening of Sunseeker Resort along the Peace River in Punta Gorda, I bid farewell to all my favorite restaurants in downtown Sarasota and Bradenton and headed southbound with a big grin on my face. We had a room booked at the Suites at Fishermen's Village, and there would be plenty of dining opportunities in Punta Gorda, as well as along the way in places like Venice and Port Charlotte.

Not familiar with Fishermen’s Village? Built in 1980 on the site of a pier that once housed fish houses, this adorable, mostly covered village offers a delightful blend of restaurants, bars, shops, a marina, and the Suites resort.

Over four days, I visited nine different establishments in search of the best seafood, burgers, and anything else that sounded appetizing. From waterfront restaurants to a biker bar, and from great to terrible cuisine, here's what I discovered during my recent culinary journey that began on a Thursday afternoon in Charlotte County and concluded on a Sunday with much-needed stops in Venice and then downtown Sarasota."

[wondermint2]

Miller's Dutch Kitch'n property transformed into an events venue and food truck park

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddri...e9094a44&ei=34

The former Miller's Dutch Kitch'n property now has a new owner and a new life.

Kourosh Attari, who has owned several local Shell fuel stations, bought the 2.46-acre property at 3401 14th St. W. in January 2022 for $1.945 million.

During its 36-year run, Miller's was known for its all-you-can eat buffet and for its fresh-baked pies, selling tens of thousands annually. Miller's busiest time was Thanksgiving, when 3,500 pies were typically sold.

The 17,594-square-foot building along 14th Street West, which served as Miller's Dutch Kitch'n from 1981 until its shuttering in 2017, is now an events venue: Gala Banquet and Events.

And the back side of the property has been set aside for the El Patio food truck park.

"Each one of them has outstanding food," Attari said of the food trucks.

Among the trucks parked at El Patio this week were Miss Empanadas, Tropi Coco (coconut smoothies, coconut water and whole coconuts), Botalon Grill (hamburgers, barbecue and more) and Opita Burgers.

Attari says he has room for a couple more food trucks, but he doesn't want the park to get too big.

In addition to Miss Empanadas' food truck, the brand also has a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the Sarasota Commons shopping center, 935 N. Beneva Road, Suite 613.

Attari anticipates soon beginning to franchise Miss Empanadas.

"Miss Empanadas is really growing its business and has super-tasty food," Attari said.

Among those who came for lunch at Miss Empanadas this week were Nolbin Alnarenga, who ordered the beef and beans lunch, and Felix Fong, who ordered empanadas.

Both were returning customers.

"The empanadas are very good," Fong said.

Empanadas, turnovers filled with savory or sweet ingredients, originated in Spain and Portugal and are found throughout Latin America. They are growing in popularity in the United States as well.

The El Patio Miss Empanadas is open 8 a.m. -3 p.m. every day.

The other food trucks at El Patio are open 3 p.m.-midnight Wednesday through Sunday, and are closed Monday and Tuesday, Attari said.

[wondermint2]

Here are the best German restaurants to celebrate Oktoberfest in Sarasota, Bradenton

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...ota-bradenton/

"To honor my late father, please raise das boot (the boot-shaped glass that many German beers are served in) or even an average-sized stein to the best local German dishes in town — just in time for Oktoberfest."

[wondermint2]

Locally founded taco restaurant, craft beer/tequila bar to soon open new Sarasota location

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tri...351a5bb1&ei=57

Irma's Tacos, Craft Beer & Tequila Bar plans to open in late October at Fruitville Commons, said managing partner Tommy Villani, where it'll join other businesses including restaurant and winery Cooper's Hawk, sports bar chain Twin Peaks, and an in-the-works new location for Sarasota brewery Big Top Brewing Company. It will be the second location for Irma's Tacos, which opened in Wellen Park in 2020. Villani is also a proprietor of fellow Wellen Park business Villani & Co. Steaks Seafood Raw Bar, Italian restaurant Lucarelli's in Venice and, formerly, Venice brewpub Off the Wagon.

The new location's menu will be the same as the original Irma's Tacos, Villani said, which offers tacos ranging from the traditional al pastor and carne asada to more eclectic fillings such as fried gator and Korean short rib, with numerous non-meat options as well. While tacos make up the majority of the menu, there are also some other similar dishes such as fajitas and flautas.

Irma's Tacos' Sarasota location is at 3080 Fruitville Commons Blvd. Suite 100 and plans to be open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. For more information, call 941-217-6594 or visit facebook.com/irmastacosfruitvillecommons.

[wondermint2]

New restaurants opening in Lakewood Ranch, East County

For the full list:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...h-east-county/

Ruth's Chris Steak House was the first of several new restaurants set to open before the end of the year.

[wondermint2]

The Fox Mercantile Has Opened in the Former Sea Hagg Space in Cortez

For full article & photos:

https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/fas...cantile-cortez

The Fox Mercantile is run by owner Ashley Petrone, who also opened Joie Inn, a boutique hotel, nearby. Petrone bought the almost quarter-square-acre property last October for $1.45 million, and after seven months of renovations, opened The Fox Mercantile in June. It offers drinks, light bites and homewares, local jewelry and other accessories, and can also be used as an intimate events space.

Changes include the addition of a small kitchen that delivers light, brunchy bites, like Liège waffles made fresh to order. The menu is set to expand on Nov. 1 and will include items like fresh yogurt cups, avocado toast and ricotta toast with pistachio and honey, to name a few.

For beverages, tea is steeped to order—even the iced stuff—and don’t be surprised to see it garnished with fresh flowers. And heads up, coffee fiends: there’s a real-deal Italian Marzocco espresso machine, stocked with beans roasted by Longwood-based Leatherback Roasters. A filtration system ensures the water is top-notch. And if you need a sweet treat, the store’s signature Foxi Shake is made with local chocolate chip ice cream from Yoder’s Southern Creamery.

The sprawling 8,000-square-foot outdoor area is dense with native tropical plants and trees for a tropical oasis vibe, scented by fragrant jasmine vines.

“Ashley wanted a bright, beachy, modern Bohemian space,” says Kevin Lenhart of Yardzen. “With lots of exterior square footage, we worked with [Petrone] to design plenty of nooks and seating areas that would encourage guests to gather and relax outside.”

The Fox Mercantile is located at 12304 Cortez Road, Cortez, in Manatee County. To learn more, click here:

https://www.thefoxmercantile.com/visit

[wondermint2]

5 exciting new restaurants to revive downtown Sarasota Rosemary District

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tri...33526822&ei=46

"While many of the best restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee counties are clustered in downtown Sarasota near Main Street, a cadre of exciting eateries has recently opened in the Rosemary District, located just north of Fruitville Road.

Yes, it's a wonderful time to live in the Rosemary District or simply visit on a beautiful weekend, as I did late last month. I frequented four restaurants that have all opened in the past year and explored the location where a highly anticipated new eatery should be fully operational in the next few weeks.

The Rosemary District's dining scene faced significant challenges in 2022 with the closures of The Blue Rooster and The Overton, followed earlier this year by the shuttering of Oasis. However, today, The Rosemary District appears ready to thrive. Here's information on five of the neighborhood's newest and most exciting dining destinations."

[wondermint2]

By Patrik Petterson Is Now Open for Dinner Inside the Kompose Hotel

For full article:

https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/eat...hotel-sarasota

University Parkway has added a new restaurant—but this time, it’s farther from University Town Center and closer to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. By Patrik Petterson is led by a chef of the same name and located inside the Kompose Hotel.

Diners can pick a five- or seven-course tasting menu curated by Petterson and inspired by his global travels

The restaurant’s menu will change seasonally. And if the tasting menu sounds good to you, don’t wait: Petterson is only offering them for the time being. The five-course menu is $85 per person and the seven-course is $110 per person. Wine pairings can be included at market price.

Despite the set menu design, Petterson is also committed to accommodating dietary restrictions, although he recommends that interested guests give the restaurant ample notice.

By Patrik Petterson is open Wednesday-Saturday from 5-10 p.m. inside the Kompose Hotel at 965 University Parkway, Sarasota. For more information, call (941) 284-3794 or click here:

https://bypatrikpettersson.com/

[Above Average Bear]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

5 exciting new restaurants to revive downtown Sarasota Rosemary District

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tri...33526822&ei=46

"While many of the best restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee counties are clustered in downtown Sarasota near Main Street, a cadre of exciting eateries has recently opened in the Rosemary District, located just north of Fruitville Road.

Yes, it's a wonderful time to live in the Rosemary District or simply visit on a beautiful weekend, as I did late last month. I frequented four restaurants that have all opened in the past year and explored the location where a highly anticipated new eatery should be fully operational in the next few weeks.

The Rosemary District's dining scene faced significant challenges in 2022 with the closures of The Blue Rooster and The Overton, followed earlier this year by the shuttering of Oasis. However, today, The Rosemary District appears ready to thrive. Here's information on five of the neighborhood's newest and most exciting dining destinations."

How is crime in Rosemary District?

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Rise & Nye’s coffee & ice cream shop in Sarasota helps provide jobs for people with disabilities

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/smal...37ad2636&ei=42

Rise & Nye’s is a coffee and ice cream shop that offers much more than freshly made ice cream, coffee and sandwiches.

“People come in, Kelley runs around and gives you a hug,” said co-founder Beaver Shriver. “She remembers your name and what drink you got, just to know that it’s a place for everybody.”

The shop in downtown Sarasota employs more than 35 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Kelley, who has been making customers her famous iced lattes for two years.

Kelley is always looking forward to putting on her apron.

“Every day is good,” said Kelley.

The shop has also implemented a buddy system, which brings in local high school volunteers like Pine View student Brooke Wolfinger.

“Everybody has their talents and abilities, and even if you have one disability you have so many more abilities that you can do a normal job. There shouldn’t be discrimination in the workforce,” said Wolfinger.

Rise & Nye’s recently won the Community Impact Award at the Sarasota Chamber Small Business Awards. The business hopes to inspire other employers to follow their blueprint as Shriver has hundreds of people with disabilities on his job waitlist.

Rise & Nye's is located at 1534 State Street in Sarasota. For more information about Rise & Nye's visit their web site:

https://riseandnyes.com/

Rebranded cafe opens downtown, rolling out 50 new ice cream recipes

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...cream-recipes/

New menu, same great cause.

Five words that should quicken the pulse of any downtown Sarasota foodies who love healthy dining options and supporting area nonprofits.

After a two-month closure for rebranding, Rise Up Cafe reopened to the public last week with the same mission and team but with a new breakfast menu, more healthy dining options and sleek logo.

Located at 1534 State St., the nonprofit-run cafe’s mission provides opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn new skills and use their talents in the workplace.

“Same team, same mission. We’re still supported by the nonprofit we started, Inclusion Revolution, which helps us keep the doors open,” said Beaver Shriver, founder. We still need to raise about $20,000 a month to pay everyone from job coaches to occupational therapists.”

Formerly known as Rise and Nye’s, the popular downtown eatery and ice cream parlor recently won the Community Impact Award from the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

“We’ve branded as Rise Up Cafe to better fit the product offerings and mission,” said Beaver Shriver, founder. “(The opening) was like a big-screen TV sale at Walmart, everyone was banging down the door.”

No surprise there. Shriver’s wife, Erin, elevated the menu, with fresh takes on standard lunch fare, like tuna salad, chicken salad and grilled cheese. Rise Up offers a vegan “tuna” salad. And the chicken at Rise Up is cooked sous vide, so it’s tender enough to cut with a fork, said Beaver Shriver.

“It’s all about the mission, but it’s also all about the food,” said Beaver. “It’s probably the healthiest junk food in Sarasota.”

To wit, you won’t find any artificial colors or flavorings in any of the menu items, said Erin.

But the centerpiece of the new menu is the artisanal bagels crafted via a two-day process to give New York bagel joints a run for their money, said Erin.

And about that ice cream station: Rise Up has 50 new recipes to roll out, with 18 on offer at a time. Six of the 18 are non-dairy options. Some highlights include Jacked Up Jones (black cocoa, nitro cold brew), First Responder Fudge (chocolate chunk and donut), and the dairy-free Booberry Pie (blueberry jam, Shriver crumble).