Anyone interested in getting groceries delivered right to their door in as little as an hour through their favorite local stores will soon have a new option. Starting Thursday, Instacart will be launching delivery service for their Instacart Express membership program in Sarasota through popular local stores like ABC, Publix, Whole Foods Market, Costco, and … MORE>>

Sometimes, smaller is better. That’s what Solomon Shenker says as he enthuses about reopening his Sol’s NYC Delicatessen inside the Il Panificio location at 6644 Gateway Ave. that serves as a landmark entrance to the vibrant Gulf Gate dining and entertainment district. Nick Melone, whose family owns and operates Il Panificio, has removed the cappuccino … MORE>>

It has been a long, strange 2016 for Solomon Shenker. One of the top chefs in the area, Shenker opened Sol’s NYC Delicatessen in the former Applebee’s space of Main Plaza, next door to the Hollywood 20 movie theater, in February following a 2015 falling out with his former business partners – who happened to be … MORE>>

Turner C. Moore recently gave a convincing argument that his fifth annual Whiskey Obsession will be the biggest whiskey festival in the country. Tickets for the festival, which takes place March 29 to April 1 at several Sarasota venues, are on sale today. Moore is expecting 2,500 guests enjoying 25 unique whiskey experiences over the four … MORE>>

Iconic restaurant and live music venue has been closed since June following fire damage. SARASOTA COUNTY — A classic Old Florida eatery, beer joint and live music venue is rising from the ashes. J.R.’s Old Packinghouse Cafe, which has been closed since June following fire damage, is set to reopen. “Remodel work is progressing fast … MORE>>

Support the delightfully diverse lineup of local shops and restaurants of Sarasota’s Gulf Gate neighborhood during Small Business Saturday. Participating businesses will have various specials and promotions and then we highly recommend stopping by Mr. Beery’s (2645 Mall Drive). The acclaimed craft beer bar will be hosting a happy hour from 3-7 p.m. with $1 off … MORE>>

Cigar box guitars have been around since the 1800s and have become fashionable again in recent years — just ask Justin Johnson, a leading ambassador for the instrument and the 9 p.m. headliner of WSLR’s Third Annual Cigar Box Festival, which also features performances by local favorites Steve Arvey and David Smash as well as … MORE>>

Leonard Cohen really wasn’t meant for these times. Cohen, who died Nov. 10 at age 82, spoke to and for the lovers of peace, acceptance and knowledge. He was a poet. Some might even say a prophet. Cohen was honest as hell about everything from love and sex to god and death. From “(getting) head on … MORE>>

Sandwich and potato salad combo that makes waiting to eat lunch until 3:30 p.m. totally worth it. Cold, strong beer full of hoppy flavor complementing each bite and helping with the decompressing process. Covered, outdoor seating on a gorgeous autumn afternoon with just the sound of a familiar favorite, the Cowboy Junkies’ version of Lou … MORE>>

Downtown Bradenton’s newest and longest-running restaurants are neighbors on Old Main Street and I couldn’t be happier. Fav’s Italian Cucina (419 Old Main Street) has been serving some of the region’s best pizza, pasta dishes, stromboli and sandwiches since 2000. This month Mark and Donna Cripe, owners of the outstanding Central Cafe (906 Manatee Ave. … MORE>>