Restaurant News: Food Truck Festival, Forks & Corks, Evie’s On The Run

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

Evie’s Opens To-Go-Dining Experience, Convenience Store

The Evie’s Tavern local chain, which has locations in Sarasota and Manatee counties, is opening a new Evie’s on the Run, a to-go dining experience and convenience store, on Clark Road in Sarasota.

One of the company’s owners, Michael Evanoff, told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune that the chain’s latest concept was inspired by pandemic trends.

“People don’t want to get out of their cars, people want delivery, people want simplicity, and simplicity in the restaurant business as well is a key," he said. "So we’re keeping a short menu, simple, with the other market items.”

Food Truck Festival Takes Over Fruitville Grove

A food truck festival, Food Trucks, Brews and Tunes, will take over Fruitville Grove Farm Market Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is a free event.

More than 20 food trucks representing different cuisines will be serving food all day. Beer, wine and hard seltzer will also be available to purchase. There will also be live music and activities for all ages.

The Food Mine Restaurant Opens In Bradenton

A new Bradenton restaurant, The Food Mine, which opened at the end of April, serves a new American style menu with “modern twists on classic dishes,” executive chef Matthew Jackson told the Bradenton Herald.

Forks & Corks Event Runs Through Sunday

The 15th annual Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival kicks off Tuesday and runs through Sunday offering University Master Classes, a virtual auction and a selection of wine dinners at restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

This event is presented by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. Learn more about Forks & Corks here.

New Café Opens On Anna Maria Island

A new eatery, Blueberries Café & Wine, has opened in Holmes Beach. Serving breakfast and lunch, the focus is on healthy food items — bowls, juices, smoothies, protein shots, paninis and quesadillas.

“We fell in love with the area and found there was a need for healthy food,” Thaina Cianciarelli, co-owner, told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Italian Restaurant Opens Its Doors in Bradenton

A new Italian restaurant recently opened in Bradenton. Scuderia Italian Cuisine offers a wide array of offerings — pizza, pasta, chicken and seafood dishes, sandwiches and more. There’s also an extensive menu of specialty pizzas — you can get a cheeseburger pizza, a taco pie or a Philly cheese steak style pie.