Cortez Kitchen, Sage, Hong BBQ & Hot Pot, Hooters: Restaurant News

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — Here's the latest restaurant and bar news in Sarasota and Manatee counties:

Chinese Hot Pot, Korean Barbecue Restaurant Opens

Hong BBQ & Hot Pot, a Chinese hot pot and Korean barbecue restaurant opened Tuesday at 445 Cortez Road W.. Diners cook their own meals at the table.

“It’s an entertaining activity, especially with friends and family members. The broth inside the pot boils over our specially designed heaters, and you have a variety of protein options (meatballs and thinly sliced beef are popular) to add to your pot. In addition to the protein choices, you can add noodles, vegetables, tofu, and more into your soup. The broth comes in many different styles,” according to the restaurant’s website.

Other locations include Tampa, Pittsburgh and Grandville, Michigan.

Bradenton Hooters Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Mark your calendars! Hooters of Bradenton celebrates its 20th anniversarywith a party on Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. All day deals include 20 wings for $20 and $2 domestics.

The restaurant will also offer a giveaway of free wings for a year to one lucky winner during the party.

All former Bradenton Hooters Girls are invited to a free meal during the party in celebration of the 20th anniversary.

Sage Earns “Wine Spectator” Restaurant Award

Sarasota’s Sage Restaurant has been honored for its wine program in “Wine Spectator’s” 2023 Restaurant Awards, according to a news release.

“In a time of technological innovation, restaurants offer the human experience diners are hungry for — listening to their customers and offering personalized experience,” Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of “Wine Spectator,” said. “This annual issue celebrates the places where wine is at the top of that conversation. I’m pleased to congratulate all 3,505 restaurants for their dedication to wine and wine-loving diners.”

Launched in 1981, the Restaurant Awards represent the world’s only program focused exclusively on restaurant wine service. They are assigned on three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award, with 2,001; 1,411; and 93 winners this year in each respective category.

Sage has won the 2023 Award of Excellence. The Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.

“This is our third consecutive year of winning this award and we’re honored,” Christopher Covelli, executive chef and co-owner of Sage, said. “Making sure our wine list matches our menu is no small feat, especially considering we offer a new seasonal menu every three months.”

Cortez Kitchen Closes for Renovations

Cortez Kitchen at 4528 119th Street W. in Cortez is temporarily closed for renovations, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page.

While it’s closed, the eatery’s merchandise is available for purchase online.

“Celebrate your love for your favorite restaurant, bar or hangout spot with exclusive merchandise including t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, swimwear, comfortable yoga leggings, hats, accessories, and so much more. New items are added daily,” the owners wrote in a Facebook post.

The restaurant is offering 10 percent off all merch orders for a limited time.

McDonald’s Planned in Palmetto Area

A new McDonald’s is planned for the Palmetto area, according to the Bradenton Herald.

The 4,365-square-foot restaurant opening at 2845 69th Street E. will have a dual drive-thru.