You must all remember the box of Cracker Jacks you get at the ball park. Somehow the plastic mystery decoder ring seemed more the exciting than the caramel popcorn shaking inside the box. Well, forget about that old box and think about freshly-made caramel sauce dribbled over hot, air-popped corn and then tossed with a hit of cayenne—and you’ve got the ultimate sweet and savory bite of the week. eat here, the downtown sensation by “Mr. Restaurant” Sean Murphy now offers “Crack-o-Jacks” upstairs at the bar. Warning—it is a wicked treat [...]

What does it take to run a successful local business in Sarasota during a global economic recession?  It’s a difficult question and there are a lot of different answers that will always depend on who’s being asked. There’s one sentiment, though, that every answer will likely have in common: It’s not easy. That’s why this reporter, who has lived in Sarasota for almost six years and has seen a lot of businesses come and go, is embarking on a mission to gather as many of these answers as possible.  This [...]

Once a month, an acquaintance and client from work comes along and catches up with me. Sometimes we talk about her dog; other times we talk about her upcoming wedding, of which I know every detail except for the nuptial night (I have class!) and what the invite looks like, since I have not been invited. Don’t gasp, I am only an acquaintance! As this person leaves my workplace I always hear, “Don’t work too hard, Eduardo … ” Every single time I hear those four words it makes me cringe. [...]

 bis·tro (bis-troh) noun, plural bis·tros (bis-trohz)      1. a small, modest, European-style restaurant or café.      2. a small nightclub or restaurant.     Question: When is a bistro more than just a bistro?     Answer: When the bistro concept is stretched beyond its traditional definition. Such is the case with Piatti Italian Bistro and Bar, the new restaurant concept launched by the owners of Il Panificio. Perhaps underscoring the restaurant’s intended characteristics, Piatti, which is attached to Il Pancifico in Gulf Gate, stands apart from other buildings in the area. Sleek in design and appearance with a large glass front, [...]