Things to do on and around Siesta Key
Where ButterBurgers rule and custard reigns
A visit to Culver’s
TBy Jane Bartnett
hat friendly signature Culver’s sign and those blue and white awnings have beckoned loyal Midwest customers for many years. Now, a growing number of new fans from other parts of the country— and the world—have discovered Culver’s, too. They come for the delectable ButterBurgers, famous custard, and the new chicken sandwiches that made their nationwide debut last month. Culver’s in the Gulf Gate neighborhood, at 7207 South Tamiami Trail, has been a favorite destination for Gulf Gate, Siesta Key, and Palmer Ranch locals, as well as beachgoers visiting the area since 2014.
of the
A year ago, in July 2024, Margo Valenzuela—a former
A Taste of Southern Europe in Gulf Gate
By Jane Bartnett
There’s a distinct and delicious southern European vibe on Mall Drive in Gulf Gate. On May 14, the popular Bruschetta Mediterranean Cuisine restaurant moved into a newly refurbished location on Mall Drive after leaving their previous location on Gateway Avenue. One door away from Bruschetta is the new Degli Angeli Gelateria where owner and chef Anthony Vecsesi has opened a small gelato shop
featuring his own hand-made, small batch gelatos. Sitting next to Degli Angeli is Taste of Spain, where Spanish chef Fatima Soriano offers Spanish paella to go, Spanish delicacies, wines and tapas classes.
Bruschetta Mediterranean Cuisine
A welcoming atmosphere makes the intimate restaurant that seats 36 feel roomy and inviting. Chef and owner Marco Delzetti designed and
built the restaurant’s interior himself. The blonde woods and Italian wines that are showcased along the walls, as well as clever artwork such as a Godfather movie poster, imply that this is a place to enjoy delectable Italian dishes and good friends.
Each day, Delzetti offers a special dish that may feature his own lasagna, eggplant parmesan or another creation. Always on the menu are
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IT professional who made the restaurant business, and Culver’s particularly, her second career—along with her son Yair Ortega, became franchise owner/ operators of the Culver’s Gulf Gate location. They are also franchise owners/operators of the two other Sarasota Culver’s restaurants: one at 2605 University Parkway and the other at 90 Cattlemen Road. Ortega manages the Gulf Gate location, while Valenzuela oversees the other two.
The Gulf Gate Culver’s first opened in 2014. In the past year since the duo assumed control of the location, business has been booming. “It was a good season for us,” said Ortega. “We are growing, quite a lot,” added
Valenzuela. “He’s awesome,” she said of her son, who holds a business degree from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL, outside of Chicago.
Speaking of their success, Valenzuela said that as more people learn how delicious Culver’s popular ButterBurgers, fish fries, and frozen custard are—the items the brand is so famous for—they come back for more. She expects that the new Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and Grilled Chicken Sandwich, now on the menu, will be strong sellers. Florida, she explained, served as the test market as Culver’s prepared to introduce its revamped chicken sandwich
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Happiness is…New Relationships
July is brewing up something sweet at Abel’s Ice Cream — they’ve added a brand-new coffee roaster, BlackGold, to the mix! That means freshly roasted coffee is made to order alongside your favorite ice cream.
Craving something cool and caffeinated? Try their new Espresso Ice Cream Float (a.k.a. affogato if you’re feeling fancy.) It’s a creamy scoop of your favorite ice cream drowned in rich, hot espresso. Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
Want to bring the buzz home?
Diners enjoying a night out and a visit from chef and owner Marco Delzetti at Bruschetta Mediterranean Cuisine in Gulf Gate. (Photo provided)
Margo Valenzuela, and her son Yair Ortega, are franchise owner/operators
Culver’s restaurant in Gulf Gate as well as the Culver’s locations on University Boulevard and Cattleman Road.
Arts on the Horizon
By Rodger Skidmore
Music is love
Or is it, “Food is Love?” Hey, how about both? Ernest Hemingway, in the 1920s, wrote a novel titled A Movable Feast about his life in Paris. For him, and others, it was a wonderful time. Amore, a restaurant serving Portuguese & Italian cuisine, moved, a few years ago, from Pineapple to Lime, truly a movable feast.
While in the Burns Court area they served good food and also provided their diners with an evening of entertainment. And now, how do they fare? And how tasty is their fare? Just fair? Or fairly good? Or, as the Michelin Guide people say, “Worth a detour?”
A recent evening’s trip took the detour and wound up just north of Fruitville Road on N. Lime Avenue, next to the Sunflower Market, a daytime place to buy exotic high-end foods. Well, if exotic means special tasty treats that one does not whip-up at home, then that is a good descriptive term. Soon after arriving at Amore the table was laden with rack of lamb, Bacalhau à Brás, and Porco à Trasmontana. Nobody came to blows, but everyone claimed that their dinner was the best. Realistically, it will take quite a few visits to work one’s way through the menu.
The other side of the food/music combo? Well, the Friday evening crowd-pleaser (and two other evenings a week as well) was Eddie Tobin. Playing tune after tune, from the vast playbook in his head, Mr. Tobin (everyone calls him Eddie, and he calls them back by
name) plays up-tempo and laid-back lounge music. He knows his music, who wrote it, and has stories to tell that are fun to hear. When singing, he can make his voice into a low gravel growl or a soft pleasing cloud…what one would call an artist.
This spring he performed a lovely concert for the Sarasota Concert Association, but his evening work is for a smaller crowd, served with really good food, and delights many more of one’s senses. And can, with an extra glass of time, last later into the evening.
Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays are Tobin’s only days of the week to entertain. Different performers are there on other days, so one can, over a period of time, catch as many singing flavors as there are tasty entrees. During a quick break, Luis Morais, a Thursday artist, took over the piano bench for a moment and played/sang a lovely Portuguese song.
Tito and Liana Vitorino, who cook and manage the Amore, as well as the waitstaff, are part of the evening’s experience, as are all the patrons of this restaurant. Food, music, and a welcoming atmosphere make for a lovely dining/listening experience. Info at amorelbk.com
Tony is coming to town
Seeing a show that was nominated for three Tonys, including Best Musical, is always a treat. A Year with Frog and Toad was just such a show and is opening at the Asolo Rep (Cook Theatre at the Florida State Center for the Performing Arts) on July 16 and will keep the young ones hopping with delight through August 3.
The bookThe Wind in the Willows was loved by all. But Toad, of Toad Hall, was a bit(?) egotistical, narcissistic, self-promotional, and often delusional (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Both Toad and Frog of the beloved book and show, on the other hand, are empathetic and, thankfully, just as quirky: Toad plays the tuba for his newly seeded plants to encourage them to grow. And eating wet sandwiches on a picnic might be fun, if eaten with a friend. What makes a show a hit with the younger set? Characters that are friendly, fun, have adventures together and encounter a bit of danger (but not too dangerous), that is resolved in a safe and friendly way. When Frog and Toad opened in New York at an Off-
Broadway theatre, tickets were $30 and it was a soldout smash. It then moved to Broadway with tickets at $90 and closed in two months, even though it was nominated for multiple Tonys. Now, over 20 years later, and multiple bouts of inflation, the ticket price at the Asolo Rep are $15-$19 (and there’s nothing wrong with that ). More info at asolorep.org.
What is a community?
The question might better be posed as “What are communities?” as they so often overlap. One geographic area can be made up of different ethnic, political, religious, ages, sexes, lactose intolerant, and generally intolerant peoples. And other communities can hop, skip, and jump around the world, in small
A New Chapter Begins at Made
By Jane
Ah gelato - that wonderfully cool and delicious frozen Italian treat! Not to be confused with ice cream, Italian gelato, believed to have been created in Italy in the 16th century, is also dairy based but is made with more milk and less cream than ice cream. At Made in Rome Organic Gelato, in the heart of Siesta Key Village on Ocean Boulevard, Jonilda Dragani is the new owner and manager of the sweet shop. Since taking over the store from Diane and Massimo Cuna earlier in the year, customers have been delighted to discover her many new artisanal organic flavors.
On any day, a visitor will
discover 48 different flavors. But that’s not all that’s waiting here at this small bit of Italy on Siesta Key. Beautiful color photos of Rome decorate the walls and several small tables and chairs, inside as well as outside, offer diners a chance to sit and enjoy their cool treat or tasty dessert in comfort.
“In addition to new gelato flavors, we’ve added home-style tiramisu, Mediterranean style baklava and European desserts,” reported the new owner. “For birthdays and other celebrations, we also have gelato pies and even organic doggie gelato,” she said with a smile. There is also a selection of vegan sorbets, as well as sugar-free and gluten-free
choices. Adults can also indulge in several alcohol infused gelatos.
The classic Italian affogato is another new delectable offering.
“It’s very common in Rome,” said Dragani, explaining that the special dessert is made by pouring hot espresso over a scoop of cold gelato. A shot of whipped cream and caramel or chocolate tops the creation.
Dragani, who also owns Ciao Gelato in Venice, FL, has been in the restaurant business since moving from Albania to the United States with her husband and children 12 years ago, “Food, desserts and baking were always a passion,” she said. An attorney in her native land, Dragani
specialized in family law. With no regrets, she joked that she traded corporate meetings, court rooms and high heels for a chef’s uniform. Her first foray into the restaurant business came when she and her husband purchased a Nokomis restaurant called Anita’s. The couple owned it for nine years. “It was an American breakfast and lunch location,” she said. “We served Mediterranean foods for dinner.” The couple sold the eatery and became the new owners of Ciao Gelato.
Since purchasing Made in Rome Organic Gelato this spring, the couple now oversee two thriving gelato shops. “All of our artisanal hand-made organic gelato is
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Made in Rome Organic Gelato owner Jonilda Dragani in her Siesta Key store with one of her hand-made gelatos.(Photo provided)
made daily at our Venice store and served at both shops.” Gelato has become a family affair.” My husband and oldest four children also work here,” she said. “I decided that happy people come to a gelato restaurant. This is my focus,” she said with a smile.
When asked for recommendations, Dragani suggested the tempting Ferrero Rocher chocolate gelato flavor. A taste test proved her right. It truly does melt in your mouth as the rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors blend together. Ricotta meditteraneo, limoncello, passion fruit and pistachio were also among her top picks. “We change the flavors daily and try to feature
two new choices every day.”
In June, Dragani traveled to Rome and Croatia to attended gelato meetings, fairs and classes. “We’ll be learning new techniques and discovering new flavors that we’ll share with our customers.”
For the youngest gelato lovers, flavors include cookie monster, bubble gum and cookies and cream.
Those in the mood for a smoothie won’t be disappointed with the fresh fruit choices and green mix smoothies, made with spinach and kale. Protein
service business for a long time,” said Dragani, sitting in her new Siesta Key gelato store as customers streamed in. “Our gelato is the best quality. It’s expensive to make organic but it has no chemicals and it’s the healthy choice. We keep everything organic and earth safe.” Writing on her Facebook and Instagram page, Dragani wrote: “Choose organic, choose a better tomorrow.”
Dragani’s gelato process, she explained, dates back 130 years, from generations long ago. In
interesting ways. In a small-word twist of fate, Dragani discovered that former owner Massimo Cuna is a distant relative who also came from her hometown in Albania. Siesta Key truly is a melting pot and as many loyal fans attest, home to some of the best gelato in the world.
Made in Rome Organic Gelato is open daily. Store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., MondayThursday and Sunday. On Fridays and Saturdays, Made in Rome Organic Gelato is open from 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 p.m. Call 941-9998876. Visit them on Facebook and Instagram, and at 5204 Ocean Boulevard, Siesta Key.
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Catch and release snook fishing in the ICW at night or in the surf should be good options in July. With very warm water this time of year, it is important to use tackle heavy enough to land them quickly. Spin anglers should do well fishing lighted docks and bridges in the ICW with live shrimp, CAL jigs with shad tails or jerk worms or DOA shrimp. Docks and bridges close to passes should be the best ones. You’ll also find snook in the surf, where you can walk along the beach and sight cast to them.
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters (941) 923-7799
Tarpon fishing should still be a good option this month, although large schools of tarpon will dwindle in size and numbers to singles, doubles and small schools of post spawn fish during July. I usually find tarpon to be aggressive in July. With spawning completed and after a long migration, they usually feed aggressively. I also find them to be more curious this time of the year, often swinging closer to check out the sound of a landing bait, lure or fly. Spin anglers will do best by setting up in travel lanes and drifting live baits under floats while staying ready to sight cast to fish that may pop up with no notice. The DOA Baitbuster is my “go to” lure for tarpon. The DOA Swimming Mullet, 4” Shrimp and CAL 4” swim bait are also good choices depending on the situation.
Tarpon will thin out in the coastal gulf towards the end of the month as they begin to move to inside waters of Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay and
Charlotte Harbor. They move into these areas to rest and feed following spawning. They can be targeted in these areas with flies, a variety of DOA lures or live bait. Also look for tarpon feeding in schools of “breaking” ladyfish in these areas. Shallow water action for reds and big trout will be best early and late in the day. With plentiful baitfish and higher tides, they’ll spend more time feeding over shallow grass flats. Look for them along the edges of bars or in potholes when the tide is low or along mangrove shorelines and around oyster bars when the tide is high. You’ll also find big trout in many of the same areas where you find reds. Surface walking top water plugs or fly poppers and Gurglers may draw some big explosions! Casting CAL jigs with shad tails or jerk worms ahead of your boat is a good way to locate reds. In my opinion, it’s important to protect larger trout, which are usually female breeders.
Some of the best action will
Capt. Rick Grassett
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Capt. Rick Grassett (941) 923-7799
Email snookfin@aol.com www.snookfin-addict.com www.flyfishingflorida.net
be with trout, blues, pompano and more on deep grass flats. I like to drift deep grass flats and cast ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and shad tails or jerk worms, DOA Deadly Combos or Ultra Hair Clouser flies tied on long shank hooks on sink tip fly lines to find trout. A drift anchor will slow your drift to a more manageable speed if it’s windy. Look for birds or baitfish on the surface to find fish. Flats close to passes or on points that get good tidal flow are usually productive. In addition to tarpon,
you might find tripletail or cobia in the coastal gulf this month. You might even find cobia swimming with tarpon or cruising bars in shallow water along the beach. You can use your tarpon fly or spin tackle for cobia, but a medium spinning outfit or an 8 to 9-weight fly rod will be better suited for mackerel and albies. I also occasionally run into tripletail this time of year, either around a crab trap buoy, navigational marker or floating debris.
There are lots of options this
month, late season tarpon, snook in the surf or at night or fishing skinny water for reds or big trout. Tarpon fishing is best when sweat is pouring down your back, but you’ll want to fish early in the day in inshore waters. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills and discharges, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation. Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
JULY 2025 TIDE CHART
Sarasota, FL - Jul 2025
LEFT: There should be good action in Sarasota Bay early and late in the day in July. Steve and Connor Pullum, from NC, had good action catching and releasing pompano, RIGHT: Spanish mackerel and trout. (Photos provided)
lineup.
Both attribute the popularity of their three Sarasota Culver’s restaurants to the welcoming nature of the place—which is a part of the Culver’s corporate culture—and the freshness of the food. “ButterBurgers are #1 here,” said Valenzuela. “Many people enjoy the Deluxe ButterBurger. It is delicious.” Ortega noted, “Our meat is fresh and always cooked to order.” All their milk also comes from Wisconsin.
The two have discovered a special recipe for success. “We’ve grown these restaurants so much in the past year,” Valenzuela said. “We are one of the top five in the region.” Florida, she advised, is now Culver’s second-largest state. Wisconsin, where Culver’s began in Sauk City in 1984, remains number one.
Share Nights at Culver’s Community, said Valenzuela, is also very important. The Share Nights at Culver’s are popular and a key element
in the corporateCulver’s Give Localcampaign.
Valenzuela recalled that at the end of the school year, diners visiting the Gulf Gate Culver’s discovered they had arrived during a Share Night with the Riverview High School football team. Members of the varsity squad—some wearing Riverview football T-shirts—greeted customers and helped run orders. “The whole team, as well as parents and coaches, pitched in,” said Ortega. “The customers really enjoyed it.” As a thank-you for their help that evening (which ran from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.), the team received a percentage of the sales during those three hours in support of the program.
In April, Gulf Gate Elementary School parents and teachers also took part in a Share Night at the Gulf Gate location. A percentage of that evening’s sales went to support the school. This summer and beyond, Valenzuela and Ortega plan to reach out to many more Sarasota and Siesta
Southern Europe
the restaurant’s signature bruschetta ranging from the classic: fresh bread topped with olive oil, garlic, tomato, basil and mozzarella, to the pepperoni, shrimp e pesto, and salmon bruschetta.
Appetizers include the ever-popular Nonna’s Meatballs, made from Delzetti’s grandmother’s recipe, carpaccio rucola e parmigiana, shrimp e gorgonzola, grilled octopus, and mussels marinara. A variety of risotto dishes are also offered. Entrees include chicken Milanese, chicken parmesan, veal Milanese and veal parmesan. Dessert choices include tiramisu and homemade desserts. Italian Danesi caffe, from Italy, is served as well as espresso and cappuccino.
Raised in a family of restauranteurs in Torino, Sicily, where he first learned to cook,
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Delzetti spent time working in Rome before moving to Sarasota in 2009. “I was born in a kitchen,” the amiable chef joked. He and a friend ran a restaurant here for several years. After taking a trip to Key West, he decided to move there and opened the first Bruschetta restaurant. Five years later, he returned to Sarasota and opened Bruschetta Mediterranean Cuisine in Gulf Gate. “I enjoy making our customers happy,” he said with great enthusiasm. Reservations for Bruschetta Mediterranean Cuisine may be made through Opentable or by calling at 941-923-6091. The restaurant is located at 2661 Mall Drive, Gulf Gate. bruschettasrq.com
Degli Angeli Gelato
One door away from
Key nonprofit organizations to increase awareness of the program.
July at Culver’s Gulf Gate
July will be a busy month for Valenzuela and Ortega. Diners at all three Sarasota Culver’s restaurants can expect to find a patriotic ice cream sundae on the menu, made with vanilla ice cream, strawberries, and blueberries. “Whenever a holiday comes along, we do something special,” said Ortega.
On Monday, July 7, a weeklong celebration will begin as the pair celebrate their successful first year of ownership of the Gulf Gate restaurant, along with the continued success of their two other Sarasota locations. “We will have daily specials and fun things for families to enjoy at the Gulf Gate Culver’s,” Ortega said. Face painting for kids, arts and crafts sessions, and other family-oriented activities will be announced on their website.
Together, the mother and son
team are looking back on a very successful year—and looking ahead as well. They are building a brand-new Culver’s restaurant in Parrish, FL, at the main entrance of Harrison Ranch off U.S. 301. “We hope to open by the end of the year,” said Ortega.
All three Sarasota Culver’s restaurants offer drive-thru service, DoorDash and Uber Eats delivery, as well as in-restaurant
Bruschetta Mediterranean Cuisine is the newly opened Degli Angeli Gelateria, the home of artisanal gelato. Anthony Vecsesi is the gelato master behind this special little shop that offers handmade, 100% natural small batch gelatos. Plant-based, dairy-free offerings are also available. Only eight gelato and sorbet flavors are offered on a given day currently. The selections change weekly. Featured dairy selections that appear on the Degli Angeli website included: Flor de Latte or stracciatella; poached cherries and vanilla; Sicilian pistachio and Italian Danesi espresso and chocolate, made with 54% Belgian dark chocolate. Featured fruit selections shown were lavender and lemon, and strawberry and basil. An alcohol infused sorbetto for adults, 21 and over, called the Sorbetto alla
seating. Senior discounts and kids’ menus are available. To learn more about Culver’s menus, Culver’s Share Nights, and more, drop in at the Culver’s Gulf Gate store at 7207 South Tamiami Trail in Gulf Gate; call 941-960-2141, or visit the 2605 University Parkway, or 90 Cattlemen Road locations. All three restaurants are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Visit Culver’s online at Culvers.com
Margarita includes Reposado Tequila, triple sec, lime and agave.
The name, Degli Angeli translates to “for the angels.” It is, according to their website,” a tribute and testament to the guiding spirits. Gelato for the angels.”
Sold in small cups and pint containers, Degli Angeli gelato may be enjoyed on-site or taken home. “Gelato is served 10 degrees colder than ice cream,” reported Vecsesi. A small table and chairs are outside.
On a hot summer afternoon or evening, gelato is the perfect dessert to follow a meal at the neighboring Bruschetta Mediterranean Cuisine. Visit https://www.degliangeligelato. com and drop in at 2665 Mall Drive, Gulf Gate. Call 941- 3649708. Hours are WednesdaySaturday, 3 to 10 p.m.
Members of the Riverview High School Football team took part in a Culver’s Share Night to raise funds for the team at the end of the school year. (Photo provided)
At Degli Angeli Gelateria, in Gulf Gate, gelato master Athony Vecsesi creates artisanal gelato and sorbets. (Photo by Jane Bartnett)
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and large clusters, linked only by their commonality. Each community can be neurodivergent from another, and so also with individuals being divergent from others within their own community. Since members of those communities are capable of making art, we, as members of other communities can, at various times, view that art and thus see things we may never have seen before. And the time and place to see such art? Through July 30, at the Ringling Museum’sCommunity Gallery in theTing Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art. The current exhibit is not of Asian Art, but of 66 pieces of art by 27 individual artists, linked together, communitywise, as being neurodivergent artists in their showArt from the Heart: CONNECTIVITY
This venue specializes in not specializing and hosts multiple communities over time. More
info at ringling. org.
In the English language, two negatives make a positive Claude Monet filled some of his paintings with beautiful lilies. And some of his other paintings were filled with lovely lilies. Yes, his paintings were chockablock with lilies, lily pads, arched bridges and blueish green water. Every painting was filled with so many things on which one could focus. But one’s gaze didn’t linger on any one item for long because there were just way too many.
Contemporary art presents
KRINGLE
a different way for us to focus on what the artist is presenting. Yes, in this regard, negative space can be quite positive. Painting a teacup floating in the air would certainly highlight the teacup but, other than Claes Oldenburg, there aren’t too many artists who would do that. Rather than teacups, abstract images can hold our attention when floating amidst other colored or blank areas on acanvas. The isolation of specific elements can hold one’s attention just as well as a beautiful water lily.
On display in the lobby of the Art Ovation Hotel on N. Palm Avenue, through November, are several paintings in Hal Schwarze’sEthereal Journey series. Each contain a variety of elements making up their linked unity.
And in the same gallery space is a mini-series of deconstructed/restructured violins by Dixon Bergman. Perhaps they will make music in your mind.
Art Center Sarasota, located on Route 41, is closed while the city is tearing up the roadway in front of their venue. But, not to worry, the creativity of the ACS instructors that would be on display in their galleries is in full view at the Art Ovation in the exhibition Radiant Moments. So, as they say, Go. Go see it all. More info at art. artovationhotel.com.
Beautiful Scandinavian Crystal & China Colorful Kitchen Linens and Cooking Accessories Quality Imported Candles, Jewelery, Greeting Cards Christmas Collectibles • Scandinavian Grocery
DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE
With our map on the next page you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease.
The Shop SRQ (G2) offers flat-tops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail. Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. thru Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat., 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G-7) has been an institution in the community for years, owned by Kyle Flannery. The super-clean barbershop’s clientele is comprised of primarily men, but the shop services children as well.
Scott Reich, formerly of the Siesta Key Village Barber Shop has relocated to this location.
Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food, Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works ... dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot.
Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-34): At every Solórzano’s, they offer an experience familiar to those who understand the importance of family and dedication. Their recipes and techniques have been perfected through three long generations based on the traditional simplicity of the methods used by their Italian ancestors. Dine
inside, outside, pick up, or DELIVERY anywhere on Siesta Key, or in Sarasota until 3:30 a.m. 6574 Superior Ave., 941-924-5800.
Gulf Gate Food + Beer (S51): Sarasota’s late-night hot spot for the service industry, night owls, and midnight snackers. It’s not your typical sports bar, offering unique menu selections for carnivores and vegetarians. Be sure to check out their menu online at: eatfooddrinkbeer.com.
Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Sun.Thurs.) open until 2 a.m. (Fri & Sat.).
Roberts Realty, Inc. (M-5)
John Garner, Broker Assoc. & Diane Shane, Broker Assoc. have a combined 40 years’ experience in Sarasota of making dreams come true for our clients. For buyers, we have had great success in finding the right property for our clients because we listen closely to their wants and needs and matching that as close as possible. For sellers, over the years we have successfully listed and sold many, many properties throughout Sarasota County. Our philosophy is to have fun, enjoy the experience, achieve great results, make friends and receive referrals. We’re with you every step of the way! Call 941-924-2330 or drop by our office.
Only Eyes Optical (S24) brings a new, exotic, eclectic, eccentric, unique collection of vintage, hipster, contemporary eyeglasses and sunglasses to the community. Licensed and experienced optician available to fill your prescriptions. Only Eyes Optical has a large assortment of free frames with the purchase of new lenses. Call 941-444-7984 to set up an appointment with their
licensed optician.
Seascape Aquarium & Pet Center (GG39) Serving the area since 1975, this lively critter emporium features 10,000 feet of showroom, 25,000 gallons of freshwater, saltwater and coral, and adventures galore. Hours are Monday-thru Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 am. 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
Scandinavian Gifts Baked Goods and Grocery (GG37) A fixture in Sarasota for 32 years, Scandinavian Gifts offers an assortment of linens, glassware, cookbooks, jewelry, candles, food items, and Christmas collectibles. Located at 2166 Gulf Gate Drive, the store is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Taste of Spain (M13) We are a catering service specializing in authentic paellas and tapas, serving Sarasota, Manatee, and the Tampa Bay area in Florida. Treat your guests to the sight and aroma of Spain’s famous dish being prepared at your event. With exquisite Spanish cuisine, top-notch service, and customizable options, we ensure an unforgettable experience.
Munchies 420 (S-1) Sarasota’s legendary casual dining comfort food bar and grill is still setting the standard for food and fun in Gulf Gate. Now open for lunch at 12 p.m. daily and serving food until 3 a.m., locals and visitors alike flock to Munchies for live music, open air tiki bar vibes, and our worldfamous fat sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, handmade burgers, and mouthwatering wings! Takeout and delivery provided as well. 6639 Superior Avenue. 941-3033304
