The 15th Anniversary Celebration was hosted Sept. 27 at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
By
Kayleigh Omang
| 8:44 p.m. September 27, 2018
Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink
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The Sarasota-Manatee Originals celebrated 15 years with a celebration party to thank its community partners on Sept. 27 in the New Pass Room at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
Founded in 2003 by local restaurants owners, including Michael's On East owner Michael Klauber, the Sarasota-Manatee Originals has grown from 24 restaurants to almost 60 now. The organization hopes to reach 70 restaurants by this year's Forks and Corks Festival in January.
In addition to celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Sarasota-Manatee Originals is gearing up for its Eat Like a Local Restaurant Week, Oct. 1 through Oct. 14. As of now, there are over 40 restaurants participating in the event. During this week, Sarasotans are encouraged to "act like a tourist" and dine at local restaurants.
Greg Campbell, Darcy Arpke, Executive Director Sarah Firstenberger, Michael Klauber, Beth Owen-Cipielewski, Nikki Logan Curran and Liza Kubik
Jason Samson and Abby Hincker
Rob Lewis, Harriett Hritz and Emma Kate Silvestri
Laurie Schroder and Britt Rader
A word search for the original restaurant names was set up.
DJ David Curran spins the disk.
The evening celebrated the Sarasota-Manatee Originals 15th anniversary.
Monique and Chris Budelman
Desserts by Gray set out an array of decorative desserts.
The drink of the night was the Kiss of a Rose cocktail.
The new Grove restaurant in Lakewood Ranch served shrimp Louis gazpaeho shooters.
Hello Gorgeous brought a photobooth with customized props.
Javo Rodriguez and Zach Gilliland from S-Art-Q made customized napkins for guests.
The napkins were painted with the Eat Like a Local logo.
Mardino Bello, Maurizio Colucci and Michelle Teeter
TigerLilly decorated the New Pass Room with tropical pieces.
Jennifer Simms and Amanda Chandler
Gino Calleja, executive chef at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar, dusts porcini on his filet mignon.
Madison Lazo, Erin Hunter and Ray Collins
Executive Director Sarah Firstenberger addresses the audience.
