Page 12 - Fall/Winter Taste Magazine

Gulfof MexicoDrive,LongboatKey(941-383-3633).
Who are the Sarasota-Manatee Originals? It was twenty years ago that members from the Sarasota and Manatee area’s restau- rant community came together to unite independently owned restau- rants and identify our region as a culinary destination. By bringing together restaurants through membership, they could showcase the best of their combined culinary offerings to a broader audience.
As our local, small busi-
Member of the Sarasota - Manatee Originals Mila Aguiar of 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails welcomes you
nesses were able to grow together, they were empowered to give back in even greater measure. Working toward shared success, the Originals proudly feed the reaped rewards back into their neighborhoods. Independent, locally-owned restaurants nourish their surroundings, strengthening the relationships, health, and economy of their commu- nity.
Today, the Sarasota-Manatee Originals collaborative consists of over 60 locally owned restaurants throughout Florida’s Suncoast, from the tip of Anna Maria Island to the southern beaches of Venice. The owners and operators share a love of the communities in which they work and live.
Throughout the year, the Originals produce several signature events which showcase their passion for dining excellence while cele- brating our rich Gulf-coastal lifestyle. The 17th Annual Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival is scheduled for January 2024 promising five days of food, wine and fun. And the Set The Bar Cocktail Competition returns for another round on April 14, 2024.
Sarasota-Manatee Originals is dedicated to promoting and sustaining our homegrown area restaurants, and we need your help. We urge you to support our local independent restaurants here and across the country and encourage you to always “Eat Like A Local.” Become an SMO “Insider,” by joining the mailing list at www.eatlikealo- cal.com.
The Surfing Coconut started in one of the biggest surf spots in Costa Rica where even coconuts surfed ashore. While living in Costa Rica agua de pipa was a daily treat! All day long at the beach you would hear "Pipa, pipa Fria" and what a refreshing drink to have in the heat of the day with the jungle close by! After returning to the United States and settling down on Anna Maria Island, Amanda and Travis Champ thought that the only thing missing on the beach was fresh coconuts/coconut water. There is nothing more invigorating and deli- cious than a fresh coconut! So here they are today selling coconuts enjoying the smile on their customer’s faces after their first drink. They love sharing their love for coconuts with their customers.
The Surfing Coconut is the original custom branded fresh coconuts on Anna Maria Island and surrounding areas. They are an American owned family business, (not a franchise) and source and control their own product to insure their customers with the freshest, healthiest, delicious coconuts. They provide elite service, premium coconuts and memories that last a lifetime.
Their premium coconuts are harvested young to guarantee the most vitamins, nutrients and naturally sweet coconut water that you will ever taste. Let them open and serve fresh coconuts at your next specialevent.They wouldlovetobepartofyourspecialday!
Coconuts have been a natural, healthy, healing fruit for many centuries. Not only is coconut water a good source of essential vitamins
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Taste Dining & Travel • Fall/Winter More online at www.tasteweb.net