Restaurant News: Sun King Brewery Opening, Palmetto Italian Restaurant

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

Breakfast with Santa Hosted by Hamlet’s Eatery

Hamlet’s Eatery at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime will host Breakfast with Santa Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Santa will be available for photos with those who come by for a bite to eat. There are no additional costs for the photos – just the cost of your meal.

“It wouldn’t be Christmas in July without Breakfast with Santa,” Hamlet’s wrote on the Facebook event page.

The vendors of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime will also feature deals throughout the day so attendees can get a jump on holiday shopping.

Tickets on Sale for Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival

Formerly known as Taste of Downtown, the Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival returns after a break because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Sarasota Opera website.

The event features restaurants, coffee shops and specialty food stores from Sarasota and Manatee counties serving samples Sept. 17 at the Sarasota Opera House.

Tickets are $75 per person in advance and $85 at the door. Proceeds benefit Sarasota Youth Opera, which will also perform at the event.

Sun King Brewery Opens Friday in Sarasota

An Indiana-based brewer is opening its first Florida brewery and taproom Friday in Sarasota.

The new Sun King Brewery is opening in a 5,000-square-foot space at 1215 Mango Ave. The location is the former home of JDub’s Brewing Company.

While this is Sun King’s first brewery and tap room outside of Indiana, Sun King has been available on tap and in cans in Florida since 2017. The brewery has won more than 50 national and international awards for its unique craft beers since they began brewing more than 12 years ago, according to a news release from the company.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of our Sun King Sarasota Brewery and Tap Room and are excited to get brewing, share our craft beers with thirsty beer lovers and contribute to the friendly Sarasota community that’s welcomed us,” Clay Robinson, co-founder, said. “I am excited to move to Sarasota later this year and join our Florida-based team to oversee operations and collaborate with local businesses, community organizations and nonprofits. A huge part of what we do is centered around giving back to the local community in which we operate.”

The Sun King Sarasota Brewery and Tap Room features 10 beers on tap including year-round beers like Sunlight Cream Ale, Keller Haze and Orange Vanilla Sunlight Cream Ale, as well as seasonal and specialty beers such as Amber Has Two Moms and a rotating pastry stout, all of which have been top sellers for Sun King in Florida.

Sun King plans to brew handcrafted, seasonal and specialty beers specifically for Florida craft beer lovers that will feature distinct ingredients, styles and methods.

New Eateries Coming to Lakewood Ranch Development

Several new eateries have been announced at the Center Point Development in Lakewood Ranch.

Lake Park Diner, Crisp & Green and Toasted Yolk Café are among the businesses that will move into the development, which mostly should be completed by late 2023, according to Observer Media Group.

Owen’s Fish Camp and Ruth’s Chris Steak House previously committed to the project, while Olivia, a fine-dining restaurant based in Tampa, is reconsidering opening in the development.

Italian Restaurant Opens in Historic Palmetto Home

An Italian restaurant has opened in a historic Victorian home in downtown Palmetto.

Ristorante Ragu Cucina Italiana is the latest eatery to call the location at 336 Eighth Ave. home. Previously, it housed an ice cream shop and several other restaurants, according to the Bradenton Herald.

Daiquiri Deck Celebrates National Daiquiri Day on Tuesday

Daiquiri Deck, a regional frozen daiquiri chain, celebrates National Daiquiri Day at its five locations on July 19 with specials and a giveaway for free daiquiris for a year, according to a news release. The bar and restaurant has locations in Sarasota, Venice and Bradenton Beach.

All day Tuesday, patrons can enjoy one free 10-ounce daiquiri or virgin daiquiri with a purchase. The bar and restaurant will also offer merchandise specials for the day.

Mattison’s Riverwalk Introduces New Brunch Menu

Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille has launched a new brunch menu featuring former favorites and a few new options to try, according to a news release from the restaurant. Signature Bloody Mary’s and Bottomless Mimosas are available.

In addition, the lunch menu will also be available during brunch. And brunch isn’t just for weekends anymore at Mattison’s — the brunch menu is available any day of the week.

The restaurant also hosts a Live Blues Brunch on the last Sunday of every month. The next event is July 24 and will feature Randy Stephens & The Groovemakers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.