April 17, 2026

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Issue #250

⏰ Twenty-Three Days and Counting! That is your very unofficial Mother’s Day countdown clock. 552 hours seems like it should be more than enough time to get most things on your to-do list accomplished. Unless you’re a next-level procrastinator.

We’ve all been there at one time or another. We want to make plans, but it gets pushed off to make room for something just a touch more pressing. It’s not just holiday planning. It’s the reality of a busy life.

🐰 Remember Easter? Yes, it was just a couple of weeks ago. Still fresh in the rearview mirror. I had intended to write that almost required “Where to Eat on Easter” piece. It really was on my list of things to do. I figured others would be doing that. So, it didn’t seem super pressing.

Mother’s Day (just like Easter) has a component that revolves around food. Why is it that when we stop to acknowledge a special day, what to eat and where to eat it come into play? 📝 There are exceptions, I guess. Presidents’ Day comes to mind. A great day to buy a new mattress. But not a ton of buffet brunches to choose from.

So, why not at least run through some options for celebrating your mom, wife, sister-in-law, or whomever that special person is that needs acknowledging? This isn’t going to be an exhaustive list of where you can go and drop $100 a head for a meal. We will include a few of those for folks who want to go all out!

🤵 Dress to Impress. Let’s talk higher-end options first. These are places that might not be on your “every weekend” list. But they certainly will put a big exclamation point on the day! 📝 We’re not going to fill in every single blank here. For more info, you should call and chat with the restaurant. Or at a minimum, use the link provided.

MICHAEL’S ON EAST – Yes, the folks here at Michael’s know how to WOW. Mother’s Day (like Easter) at Michael’s is an event. This is not your Hampton Inn breakfast buffet (you will not be required to toast your own bread!). This is the definition of upscale. Think hand-carved prime rib, eggs Benedict, and Bananas Foster. Now you’re getting the picture. – MORE INFO HERE!

SIESTA KEY SUMMER HOUSE – Every Sunday, the bar area is transformed into an array of pastries, seafood, sushi, and more. Mother’s Day is celebrated in style at this island hot spot. The atmosphere is lively, the service is more than attentive, and every detail has been checked and re-checked. Yes, it’s “The Village,” which means the valet parking service is more than appreciated—it’s a relief – MORE INFO HERE!

🤱 Everyday People. We’re not going to bust out that Sly Stone classic here (as much as we want to). Sarasota is a pretty good-sized eating town. That means that there are opportunities at every price range. Here are a few options that will let you treat mom to her special day and still let you have some money left over for the college fund.

DUVAL’S FRESH. LOCAL. SEAFOOD – No buffet (or buffet lines) here. Just a delicious dinner from their special All-Day, Mother’s Day menu. Sometimes it’s just good to sit, relax, and have someone else serve you. Lobster Pot Pie and Croque Madame are just a couple of your menu options. – MORE INFO HERE!

THE COLUMBIA RESTAURANT – No buffet, no special menu, just the fantastic Columbia experience. If taking in a casual, easy Mother’s Day meal is your thing, then The Columbia might just be the perfect way to celebrate. A glass of Tinto or Blanco Sangria and a 1905 Salad are the perfect way to tell that special person that you appreciate them – MORE INFO HERE!

🥰 A Change of Pace. Some moms don’t fit neatly into any category. They’re the ones that let you eat the ice cream straight from the carton! They deserve to be honored in just a little different way. Here are a couple of ideas that she might love.

SIESTA KEY OR LIDO KEY BEACH – The weather is nearly perfect right now, and the crowds have thinned just a bit. It’s the perfect time to enjoy our white sand resources. And what goes better with a sunny beach day than a picnic lunch or sunset dinner? There are a few options around town for putting that all together. Here’s an easy one – LET MORTON’S MARKET DO THE WORK!

KOLUCAN – Some moms have to work on Mother’s Day. But there is no reason that they can’t still have some “Mom Time.” How about celebrating on Monday instead of Sunday? And how about doing it in a super unique way? Does Cocina con Mamá: A Mother’s Day Cooking Class – Featuring Chiles Rellenos sound like something mom might enjoy? – MORE INFO ON THIS COOKING CLASS HERE!

OK – There are a few things for you to mull over. All kinds of options for all kinds of moms. But, if you’re going to do something (or anything), just remember that the clock is ticking!…

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😔 On a Sad Note… Last week, Sarasota lost one of our food community’s biggest advocates and supporters, Chef Judi Gallagher. Chef Judi was passionate about every aspect of the hospitality business. Back in 2002, when I was just starting to write about food, she was unbelievably generous with her time and advice. I will always appreciate that.

Sharing her knowledge of the business was something that she seemed to do so effortlessly. Judi knew EVERYBODY and was always willing to connect you to the perfect person who might be helpful in any situation.

Judi and I co-hosted a television program for 4-5 years, and she was a valuable contributor to our annual dining book. More importantly, she was a good friend, caring mother, and great partner to her husband, Paul. I was fortunate enough to have shared laughs, stories, and, of course, food with her over the past 20+ years. She will be greatly missed not just by me, but by Sarasota.

~ LH

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🗓️ SARASOTA FOOD INFO🗓️ 

Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info. 

📖 BUY A COPY OF OUR 2026 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE 📖 

📋 MENU OF THE MONTH!! – Stella’s Greek Cuisine – MENU HERE! 

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🧑‍🌾 FARMER’S MARKET INFO ‍🌾 

EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS 

EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS  

EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Florida Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS 

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