Epicurean Adventure Provides Insights into Area’s Unique Culinary Culture

SARASOTA, FL (January 1, 2021) - Representatives of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals today announced details for a new community culinary collaborative: “Original Eats.” The inaugural Original Eats will take place Friday, January 15 to Sunday, January 31, 2021 to support the local restaurant industry. For this limited time, participating Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ Member Restaurants, located from the northern tip of Anna Maria Island to the southern beaches of Venice, will each offer their guests a special signature dish. Each “Original Dish” will be unique in its representation of the character of the people and establishment preparing and serving it. Ranging from appetizers to entéres, all offerings will be priced under $20. Boar’s Head has pledged their support of the Originals as the official title sponsor of the 2021 Original Eats.

Original Eats was designed to not only showcase the global gastronomy of Florida’s Suncoast, but also to remind the community why “Eating Like A Local” is critical as we enter the new year. “As an organization, the Originals continue to look for inventive and engaging ways for people to enjoy the spirit and talents of our local, independent restaurants while prioritizing health and safety,” said Veronica Clinton, SMO’s Event and Community Outreach Director. “Local is so much more than a place. It’s the people, businesses, cultures and flavors. It’s a collective of voices and ideas. That’s what makes supporting local so special.” 
“Whether you’re a local, new in town or just passing through, Original Eats provides an excellent opportunity to experience the diverse and inspired food culture embodied by our local, independent restaurants,” said Sarah Firstenberger, Executive Director of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. “We want foodies to raise their forks in support of our area’s food and beverage professionals that are an integral part of Sarasota and Manatee County’s local economies and communities.”

Boar’s Head is the official title sponsor of the 2021 Original Eats culinary collaborative. “For over five generations, Boar’s Head Brand has been a family-owned business with the belief that consumers deserve superior quality products. The Sarasota-Manatee Originals are honored to align with Boar’s Head for this initiative and appreciate Boar’s Head’s support of the local restaurant community,” said Sarah Firstenberger.

Participating Restaurants include Beach House Waterfront Restaurant, The Bijou Café, Birdrock Taco Shack, Café Gabbiano, Cassariano Italian Eatery, The Crow's Nest, Drunken Poet Café, Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood, element: Steak. Seafood. Pasta., El Melvin Cocina Mexicana, Euphemia Haye, Fins at Sharky's, Harry's Continental Kitchens, JPAN Sushi & Grill, MADE Restaurant, Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub, Mattison's Forty-One, Mattison's City Grille, Mattison's Riverwalk Grille, Michael's On East, Miguel's Restaurant, The Oasis Café & Bakery, Overture Restaurant & Gallery Lounge, Paradise Grill, Pop's Sunset Grill, Primo! Ristorante, Sage, Sandbar Seafood & Spirits, State Street Eating House + Cocktails and Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill. 

More restaurants will be announced in the coming weeks and a full list of participating restaurants and their Original Dishes can be found at eatlikealocal.com/original-eats. Tickets are not necessary for dining, but reservations are recommended. 

Original Eats diners are encouraged to use hashtags #EatLikeALocal941 and #OriginalEats2021 and to further support Suncoast independent restaurants by posting a picture of their dining experience to social media. By tagging the restaurant by location and tagging the Sarasota-Manatee Originals (@dineoriginal on Facebook and/or @941originals on Instagram) diners will be entered into a drawing to win one of many prize packages including "Eat like a Local" Tervis Tumbler wine glasses, coasters, cutting boards, key chains and more!

About the Sarasota-Manatee Originals:

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is dedicated to promoting and sustaining the local independent area restaurants, and providing diners with unique local flavor. Over 60 strong, our Member Restaurants help define our Suncoast, give it character and make it a memorable town to visit and live. We urge you to support our local independent restaurants here and across the country and encourage you to always “Eat Like A Local.”

About Boar’s Head:

Founded in 1905, Boar's Head Brand has upheld a commitment to unwavering standards for quality for over 110 years, refusing to take shortcuts that compromise the integrity of its products for the sake of convenience or economy. What started with just a few products has grown to over 500, ranging from premium delicatessen meats, cheeses and condiments to an array of Italian and Old World specialties, hummus and foodservice items. All Boar's Head meats, cheeses, spreads and condiments contain no gluten¹, artificial colors or flavors, MSG added, fillers or by-products, or trans fat². 1 All Boar’s Head meats, cheeses, spreads and condiments are gluten free. 2 No trans-fat from partially hydrogenated oils.

 Sarasota Magazine is the proud Media Sponsor of the 2021 Original Eats event.

Contacts:
Sarah Firstenberger, Executive Director
sarah@dineoriginal.com
Veronica Clinton, Event and Community Outreach Director
veronica@dineoriginal.com

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals
1215D S Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34239
941.365.2800
eatlikealocal.com