Whenever the Caragiulo name is attached to a new restaurant, there is no such thing as a “quiet opening.” Such was the case with Owen’s Fish Camp, Nancy’s BBQ and most recently Shore Diner. Why such an immediate response from the public? It is not because of the grand opening fanfare — there is none — nor the saturation of ads with discount coupons, which are non-existent. This gushing public desire comes from the anticipation and expectation of a great dining experience in a new Caragiulo restaurant. Pent-up demand, created and cultivated [...]

- by Guest Contributor Van Jazmin.  “We are one global family
All colors, All races
One world united.
We dance for peace and the healing of our planet Earth
Peace for all nations.
Peace for our communities.
And peace within ourselves … 
”- Earthdance International Prayer For Peace The year  2012, doomsday prophecies aside, is destined to be an important time in human history. As we ask ourselves, “What if this was our last year on Earth?”, more people are discovering peaceful solutions, sharing knowledge and seeking new experiences. It is no coincidence that festivals are [...]

“I know you’re not a golfer, Donald,” she says, “but you may want to consider taking up the game. Its summertime in Sarasota, and all the golf course communities are eager for people to come out and play. In fact, some offer golfers the opportunity to walk the greens.” He says, “That doesn’t sound like much fun to me. Thanks, but I think I’ll stick to getting my exercise in an air-conditioned gym. The downtown Y is nearly empty this time of year and the TV is all mine. But [...]

It’s always a thrilling feeling for me to hear about a local Sarasota band that’s taking on that infamous next step that  is, apparently, part and parcel of serious musicianship: THE TOUR. Last Friday, I sat down with Carmela Pedicini and David Brain of Sarasota’s own folk band Passerine, which is about to take on that great leap with a 17-day tour across four states in early August. As a fan of music with no actual experience myself, I’m terribly curious about what that experience must be like, as well as what it’s [...]

Check out Zoe’s photos from Passerine‘s packed CD release party at Fogartyville last Saturday! The local band played for two hours, the fans drank every last drop of beer in the place — and there was even cake.  Come back and see me on Thursday for the scoop on all that’s happening over the weekend. Have a great week, Sarasota! – Photography by Zoe Rayor.

As many readers of This Week in Sarasota know, I am the mother of a toddler, and I started on this virgin vegan journey in an effort to instill healthy eating habits in my daughter Daphne right from the start. Those of us who have been pregnant know that prenatal eating is a highly regulated affair. Obviously, you give up alcohol and sushi; but strangely enough, even seemingly harmless lunchmeat is taboo. At one of the most joyous times in a woman’s life, she must also be extremely vigilant about [...]