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Patrons take a bite out of downtown with the Sarasota Opera

Taste of Downtown was held Sept. 15 at the Sarasota Opera House.


  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 4:50 p.m. September 15, 2018
  • Black Tie
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The Sarasota Opera welcomed back familiar faces with its Taste of Downtown food and wine fest Sept. 15. The fest was hosted inside the Sarasota Opera House on the main stage. 

Upon arrival, guests were given a glass filled with wine and a plate. Once on the stage, guests were able to sample menu tastings from 22 local restaurants, including Jack Dusty, Michael's On East and Selva Grill. Guests were also encouraged to refill their glasses and sample a variety of different wines.

Guests were given a glass of wine when they walked into the Sarasota Opera House.
Guests were given a glass of wine when they walked into the Sarasota Opera House.
Michael Ayers and Stacy Ridenour
Michael Ayers and Stacy Ridenour
Upon walking into the Sarasota Opera House, guests were able to hop into the photo booth before grabbing a plate and glass of wine.
Upon walking into the Sarasota Opera House, guests were able to hop into the photo booth before grabbing a plate and glass of wine.
Sherri and Jim Laverty
Sherri and Jim Laverty
Taste of Downtown was hosted on the Sarasota Opera stage.
Taste of Downtown was hosted on the Sarasota Opera stage.
Jay Gordon from Goodley Entertainment Group spun tunes throughout the event.
Jay Gordon from Goodley Entertainment Group spun tunes throughout the event.
Olivia Alstrom and Ashlee Middleton
Olivia Alstrom and Ashlee Middleton
Clara Reynardus de Villanueva and Roberto Villaneuva
Clara Reynardus de Villanueva and Roberto Villaneuva
James Morgan and Diana Morales
James Morgan and Diana Morales
Andrea Allison and Stacy Tocci
Andrea Allison and Stacy Tocci
Overture, Art Ovation Hotel served a smoked salmon blini.
Overture, Art Ovation Hotel served a smoked salmon blini.
In addition to wines and entrees, desserts were also served.
In addition to wines and entrees, desserts were also served.
H2O Bistro's Hailey Annunziata and Sol Shenker pour balsamic glaze on their tasting.
H2O Bistro's Hailey Annunziata and Sol Shenker pour balsamic glaze on their tasting.
Five-O Donut Co/Sift Bakehouse gave out assorted desserts, including these chocolate sprinkle donuts.
Five-O Donut Co/Sift Bakehouse gave out assorted desserts, including these chocolate sprinkle donuts.
Alina Evans, Katie Maisel and Shannon Farrell
Alina Evans, Katie Maisel and Shannon Farrell
Johnny and Cakey Mouredian
Johnny and Cakey Mouredian
Christine Nordstrom and Marlene Cooley
Christine Nordstrom and Marlene Cooley
Maria Hutchinson and Nyoka Bruggeman
Maria Hutchinson and Nyoka Bruggeman
Todd and Lauren Brue and Sean and Beverly Carey
Todd and Lauren Brue and Sean and Beverly Carey
EVOQ, The Westin served a lobster mac and cheese croquette.
EVOQ, The Westin served a lobster mac and cheese croquette.
In the middle of the food, guests were able to refill their glasses with different varieties of wine.
In the middle of the food, guests were able to refill their glasses with different varieties of wine.
Steve Sajewski pours a guests a glass of wine.
Steve Sajewski pours a guests a glass of wine.

 

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