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South Sarasota, FL · Lifestyle

Herald-Tribune

partner publisher · 37.8K followers

'World famous' Sarasota restaurant plans to reopen with original owner

A Sarasota restaurant that touted itself as "world famous " thanks in large part to a national television spotlight, before closing last year after more than two decades in business, plans to reopen under its original owner. J.D. Chester told the Herald-Tribune that he intends to reopen Munchies 420 Cafe, at 6639 Superior Ave. in Sarasota's Gulf Gate neighborhood, around the end of November or start of December. Munchies opened in 2002, with the idea coming from Chester after he wrapped up a night of drinking and couldn't find a restaurant in Sarasota that stayed open in the late hours, according to a 2017 Herald-Tribune story for the restaurant's 15th anniversary. Downtown Sarasota restaurant closes as neighborhood transforms Ticket Newsletter: Sign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday Munchies featured a menu of fatty and fried food that would be enticing especially, but not exclusively, to the inebriated, and late-night hours. Its greatest exposure came from a 2009 Sarasota-set episode of Travel Channel's "Man v. Food" that also featured The Old Salty Dog and Yoder's. Chester later sold Munchies to new owners , and the restaurant closed last year , citing the

Sarasota, FL · 1d

Herald-Tribune

partner publisher · 37.8K followers

Iconic Sarasota County waterfront restaurant reopens

For Mary and Charlie Morhardt, the recent reopening of an iconic Old Florida restaurant in south Sarasota County known for serving comfort food in a waterfront setting could not happen soon enough. The Michigan couple had been visiting Snook Haven , located “Smack Dab on the Myakka River” at 5000 E. Venice Ave., Venice, since the 1970s. “We ride a lot of motorcycles, back in the 70s,” Charlie Morhardt said. “It was more of a motorcycle hangout. It’s always nice to come here, they always have a band going,” he added. Sarasota County closed Snook Haven on April 30, 2025 to begin an $8.75 million makeover that included a new food service building and covered seating pavilion. Last year, while Sarasota County was in the midst of that project, the couple put their kayaks in the river and paddled over to see the new facility from that side. This year, they waited patiently for the reopening. “We stayed an extra day just to be here,” Mary Morhardt added. The Morhardts were the first customers served after the new food pavilion opened. They ordered the Florida Seafood Chowder and Myakka Nachos. What's on the menu at the reopened Snook Haven SSA

Sarasota County, FL · 22h

Mysuncoast.com

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Der Dutchman Thanksgiving Menu

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Today in our kitchen General Manager Manuel Aguilar and Meredith Stutzman PR & Marketing Specialist with Der Dutchman joined us with a preview of their Thanksgiving Menu options. The Thanksgiving Carryout: Family Feasts & Pie orders are open online now through November 21. You can pick-up...

Sarasota, FL · 3d

Herald-Tribune

partner publisher · 37.8K followers

Every new Trader Joe's opening in Florida in 2027: See the full list

Popular grocery chain Trader Joe's is adding three new stores in Florida this year, and they've already announced six more coming in 2027. The newest store opened on Wednesday, Nov. 5, in Orlando. A Sarasota location will open by the end of 2026, according to company spokesperson Nakia Rohde. Trader Joe's previously opened a store in West Palm Beach in June. "Next year, we plan to add new Trader Joe’s in Boynton Beach, Orlando, Kissimmee, Maitland, Central Naples, and Vero Beach," Rohde said. "We are actively looking at hundreds of neighborhoods across the country as we hope to open more new neighborhood stores each year." Shop Trader Joe's with Instacart The popular California-based grocery chain, is known for its private-label " unique and interesting products ," along with seasonal favorites and its highly sought-after totes , prides itself on "low prices, every day" with no loyalty programs or membership cards. Here's what to know. New Trader Joe's in Orlando The new location, which opened on Nov. 5, is at 1444 North Alafaya Trail in Orlando, in the Waterford Oaks shopping center, near the University of Central Florida. .oembed-frame { width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0; border: 0; } New Trader

Florida · 2d

Viva la Vida

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A Taste of Tradition and Fusion: Sarasota's New Cuban-American Dining Gem

In the culinary landscape of Sarasota, a new establishment is poised to make its mark. Viva La Vida, the brainchild of Traci and Alejandro Lazo opened its doors on December 15, 2025, bringing with it a rich tapestry of Cuban culinary traditions infused with American influences. Located on Clark Road, this family-run restaurant doesn't just serve food; it offers an authentic experience that captures the essence of Cuba while embracing the melting pot nature of American cuisine.

Sarasota, FL · 5d

tbbwmag.com

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Charley’s opening 14,000-square-foot steakhouse in affluent Lakewood Ranch

Charley’s Steak House is opening a 14,000-square-foot restaurant in Lakewood Ranch, its first in the Sarasota-Manatee market and fourth Florida location for the family-owned chain, which currently operates in Tampa, Orlando and Celebration, according to newly filed development documents. The restaurant is proposed for 6120 Exchange Way, just east...

Lakewood Ranch, FL · 3d

uncoveringflorida.com

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This Old-School Florida Italian Bakery Serves Pizza Worth Getting There Early For

Rhode Island pizza strips are hiding in a Florida bakery case. Yes, the cold, saucy, cheeseless red strips that New Englanders grew up on. They’re sold right here, far from Providence. The case doesn’t stop there. Lobster tail pastries, sfogliatelle, rainbow cookies, and cannoli filled to order share the...

Sarasota, FL · 1d

uncoveringflorida.com

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Authentic New Jersey Bagels Are Hiding at This Unassuming Florida Shop

Pork roll on a bagel, served in Florida. That one menu detail alone tells you this shop knows exactly who it’s cooking for. The signs inside are shaped like New Jersey license plates. A window lets you watch bagels getting boiled before they bake. I like how the whole place feels built by someone who missed home and decided to fix it.

Florida, NY · 3d

Bay News 9

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Residents vocal about latest Venice Airport master plan

VENICE, Fla. — Susan Lang lives just a few blocks away from the Venice Municipal Airport. "This airport is not a commercial airport," she said. Not a day goes by that she doesn't hear planes go over her house. "They have the jets parked right across the road from...

Venice, FL · 2d

familydestinationsguide.com

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The Burgers At This Little Florida Cafe Are So Enormous, You Can Barely Take A Bite

Out on Anna Maria Island, there’s a turquoise cafe with a hand-painted sign out front that makes a bold claim, and after one visit to Skinny’s Place in Holmes Beach, you’ll realize the sign is just telling the truth. Florida has no shortage of places to eat...

Holmes Beach, FL · 3d

SuncoastPost

publisher · 4.3K followers

The Best Waterfront Restaurant in South Florida May Be in Cortez

Fresh seafood, Sarasota Bay sunsets, live music and the character of a working fishing village make Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar a destination worth crossing the coast for. Calling any restaurant the best is an invitation to debate. South Florida has glittering hotel dining rooms, celebrity chefs and waterfront tables stretching from Tampa Bay to the Keys. But the restaurants people remember most are not always the most polished. They are the places where the setting, food and sense of place come together so naturally that dinner feels like a Florida experience rather than simply a meal.

Cortez, FL · 2d

fox13news.com

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Controlled Chaos: A Sarasota Artist’s Masterclass in Smoke

Rob Tarbell’s technique—often referred to as pyrofine art or "smoke drawings"—involves using the carbon residue and soot from burning materials to create intricate, photorealistic imagery. Fox 13 photojournalist Barry Wong shows us this unique artwork.

Sarasota, FL · 1d

fastfoodclub.com

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How Did Three Thousand Vendors End Up At Red Barn Flea Market In Bradenton Every Weekend?

Every Friday morning in Bradenton, a big red building wakes up after four quiet days. By nine o’clock, booths are open, carts are rolling, and shoppers are hunting for things they did not know they needed. Fishing reels, crystals, leather belts, parakeets, fresh produce, and even golf carts all...

Bradenton, FL · 21h

wusf.org

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Meet the woman behind the Sarasota Art Museum's 'Presence' exhibition

Among the more than 100 photographs in “Presence: The Photography Collection of Judy Glickman Lauder,” an exhibition of 20th century masterpieces at the Sarasota Art Museum, there is no portrait of the woman for whom the display is named. Judging by a delightful hour spent with her on...

Sarasota, FL · 9h

decorhint.com

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Families Are Filling Carts With Amish Butter And Bulk Noodles At This Florida Farm Market

I would not walk into this grocery store without a cooler in the trunk. That would be a rookie mistake with a full cart of cold butter and cheese. Florida has a family-owned farm market where an Amish-style deli, a cheese shop with over 100 varieties, and bulk pantry goods share one roof. It feels like a farm stand that kept growing.

Palmetto, FL · 1d

sarasotamagazine.com

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More Than a Restaurant: Arts & Central Brings Food, Art and Community Together in Sarasota

Seeing a show? Join us for an exclusive dining offer!. Bring your ticket confirmation (dated within the past 10 days or for an upcoming 2026-2027 season show) & receive:. In a city known for its vibrant arts scene and growing culinary landscape, Arts & Central is bringing something different to the table. Blending creative cuisine, local art, live music and a welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant has become a place where food and community come together.

Sarasota, FL · 2d

Extended Reach USA

partner publisher · 239 followers

Alma de España Finds a New Home in Sarasota’s Towles Court

Chef-owner Elier Rodriguez has moved his Spanish tapas restaurant into the former Indigenous cottage, with plans for a patio and music quiet enough to keep the conversation going. SARASOTA, Fla. — Alma de España has a new home at 239 S. Links Ave. in Towles Court, bringing Spanish tapas and wood-fired cooking to the cottage …

Sarasota, FL · 3d

The Daily Sun

partner publisher · 22.4K followers

'Taste of Venice High' gives delicious experience

VENICE — Students in the AICE program at Venice High had the opportunity last month to hone their writing skills with real world practice thanks to a collaboration between the English department, the culinary classes, and local restaurants.{/span}

Venice, FL · 2d

thebradentontimes.com

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Inaugural Manatee River Turkey Trot Bridge Run

This Thanksgiving morning, local families and runners are coming together for a brand-new holiday tradition with a purpose: the Inaugural Manatee River Turkey Trot Bridge Run, hosted by the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa and Fit2Run. This is our newest race – our 4500-registrant Florida Turkey Trot at Nathan Benderson Park sells-out each year prior to the event.

Palmetto, FL · 2d