Male models to spice up 'Taste of the Keys'

You know their names and faces. And, soon, some of the most recognizable men on Longboat Key will be on their best (model) behavior.

“A Taste of the Keys” will feature a male fashion show with styles from Brooks Brothers. Models include Town Manager Bruce St. Denis; Public Works Director Juan Florensa; businessman Jack Black; Commissioners Bob Siekmann, Phil Younger and Jim Brown; Fire Chief Paul Dezzi; Police Chief Al Hogle; Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce President Tom Aposporos; and former Mayor Ron Johnson, along with narration by Matt Walsh, CEO/publisher of The Observer Group Inc.

But, before the fashion show, at least 11 local restaurants will spice up the event with a variety of hors d’oeuvres that will give attendees a taste of Key cuisine. Tickets also include two complimentary drinks.

“It’s very unique in two ways,” said Barb Kerwin, who is co-chairing the event with Susan Landau and Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, Executive Director Jane Buckman. “There aren’t many male fashion shows, and we’re using as models our public officials and well-known townspeople. Also, on the food side of it, there really hasn’t been a combination taste of the keys of Longboat, Anna Maria Island, Lido and St. Armands.”

Approximately 100 tickets are currently left for the event, which benefits the Garden Club and Arts Center. Tickets are $50 and are available at the Longboat Observer, Exit Art at the Chart House, the Arts Center or through the Longboat Key Garden Club. Call 383-0772 or 383-8030 for tickets and more information.

If you go
A Taste of the Keys and Male Fashion Show
When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13
Where: Longboat Key Center for the Arts, 6860 Longboat Drive S.
Contact: Barb Kerwin at 383-0772 or Susan Landau at 383-8030

On the menu
The following restaurants will provide food at the event:
• Chart House Restaurant
• Dry Dock Restaurant
• Joe’s Sweets and Treats
• Lazy Lobster Longboat Key
• Lido Beach Resort
• Longboat Key Club and Resort
• Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort
• Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub
• Old Salty Dog
• Tango Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
• Terrace on the Circle

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected]