Overton Closing, New UTC Restaurants, Anna Maria Oyster Bar Expands: Restaurant News

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

Overton Restaurant Closing in Sarasota

The Overton restaurant and bar in Sarasota’s Rosemary District will close by the end of June.

Chef and co-owner Christian Hershman told the Sarasota-Herald Tribune that he had planned to relocate the restaurant when a buyer offered to take over its space at 1420 Boulevard of the Arts.

“We had already been in talks for another location, and talking to developers in the neighborhood," he said. "So this kind of fell in our lap and kind of fit perfectly, because our plans were to move The Overton. We like the neighborhood, so we want to stay in the neighborhood.”

A deli will open in its current location.

Sage Restaurant Offers Seasonal Summer Menu

Sarasota’s Sage Restaurant recently launched its seasonal menu for summer, which includes a number of new entrees, appetizers and cocktails.

The culinary team, led by executive chef Christopher Covelli, has continued to honor the restaurant’s mission of offering a global culinary experience by frequently introducing new menu items that demonstrate French, Italian and Asian influences, according to a news release.

“We are pleased to offer guests a diverse menu using seasonal ingredients,” said Covelli, who is also a co-owner. “Summers in Sarasota get very humid, so we’ve created new dishes that will satisfy diners with robust flavors but won’t leave them feeling heavy.”

Some of the new seasonal entrees include zucchini blossoms stuffed with mirepoix; red onion, zucchini and yellow squash over a curry honey yogurt; pickled peach salad with boursin cheese, basil-ginger pistou, Fresno chilis and mixed greens; pan-seared foie gras with blue corn and foie tamale and a pipian rojo gelato; steamed hake in a banana leaf with cilantro chutney, roasted tomatoes and turmeric rice; and grilled Spanish octopus with nuoc mam and pickled watermelon over crispy farro.

The new seasonal cocktail list offers a number of alcoholic beverages crafted by Sage Restaurant bartenders, including the Vitamin Bee, Mare Azul and Monday Motivation.

Anna Maria Oyster Bar Opening UTC Location

The local seafood chain Anna Maria Oyster Bar is opening a new location in the University Town Center area. The restaurant will move into space formerly occupied by Newk’s Eatery in the Square at UTC.

"We're beyond excited for the opportunity to bring our unique brand of 'Five Star Fun' to East County residents for the first time," CEO John Horne said in a statement, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. "What our longtime Anna Maria Oyster Bar fans love about us is the awesome experience, amazing people and hospitality, fantastic food — plus the best value in town, so that's what guests should expect from our newest location as well."

Mexican Restaurant Opens in Bradenton

Avocado’s Cocina Mexicana & Bar recently opened in Bradenton, taking over a remodeled space at 6510 Cortez Road W. that was previously occupied by Hurricane Grill & Wings and LeRoy Selmon’s.

Owner Ramiro Ramirez told the Bradenton Herald that the homemade dishes were inspired by family recipes.

“We try to introduce authentic Mexican cuisine. Everything is made from scratch based on Mom’s recipes. We try to make people happy,” he said.

Suncoast’s Largest Food Truck Festival Planned

The Suncoast’s Largest Food Truck Festival will take place 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Mall at University Town Center.

The event features more than 50 food trucks, a family fun zone, free entry and free parking. Sunday night will also end with a fireworks show.

New Restaurants Coming to the UTC Area

The Bradenton Herald reported that seven new restaurants are coming to the University Town Center area in coming months.

• Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar.
• Yard House.
• 3Natives Acai Juicery.
• Al Forno De Libano.
• Kelly’s Roast Beef.
• Post Kitchen & Bar.
• Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine.

Mattison’s Locations Offer Special July 4 Menu

All three Mattison’s locations will be open on the July 4th holiday and offer a special menu.

The menu at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille in Bradenton includes the FreeBird Farms firecracker chicken, Niman Ranch baby back ribs with Knob Creek bourbon BBQ sauce, herb buttered filet mignon, burgers brick-oven pizzas, chicken wings and an array of salads and appetizers, according to a news release.

This location is also “the perfect spot to watch the fireworks from the beautiful Bradenton Riverwalk right on the Manatee River,” the restaurant said.

There will also be live music with Tropix, featuring Lisa Egan, taking the stage at 6 p.m.

The menu at Mattison’s City Grille in downtown Sarasota includes the Durham Ranch bison burger, bistro steak entree, the pork ribeye and the fall-off-the-bone Niman Ranch baby back ribs. The Lisa Ridings duo performs at 6:30 p.m.

The menu at Mattison’s Forty-One in South Sarasota includes rosemary honey-glazed salmon, ribeye steak with truffle mashed potatoes, seafood gumbo, pot roast reconstructed and pork tenderloin. Joe Thayer will perform live.