Lauren Jackson

Sarasota

Eat and Drink Editor at Sarasota Magazine

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Articles

The Wait for Peking Duck at Rainbow Island Chinese Is So Worth It

2 weeks ago | sarasotamagazine.com | Lauren Jackson

When you walk into Bradenton’s Rainbow Island Chinese, you may think it’s another average takeout spot, with its eight tiny tables and stock photos of Chinese American dishes. Dig a little deeper, though, and you’ll discover a treasure trove of Chinese specialities. Chief among them is a Peking duck that you have to order ahead of time for a Sunday pickup. Call between Wednesday and Friday to reserve your bird, and thank us after you take your first bite of crisp, crackling bronze skin.
Former City Manager Marlon Brown on Public Service, His Biggest Accomplishments and His New Role with the Sarasota Chamber

3 weeks ago | sarasotamagazine.com | Lauren Jackson

This conversation is the first in a new monthly Q&A series that highlights Sarasota’s diverse population. “In Their Own Words” is brought to you by Gulf Coast Community Foundation. When Marlon Brown moved to Sarasota in 2009 to accept a position as deputy city manager, he’d already built a legacy for himself in municipal governance. In Tallahassee, he led the city’s transportation department before becoming assistant city manager.
A French Perfumer Is Inspired by the Many Fragrances of Florida

3 weeks ago | sarasotamagazine.com | Lauren Jackson

Something is always in bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Whether it’s a rare orchid, the mangroves lining Sarasota Bay or the bromeliads surrounding the koi pond, diverse fragrances fill the air. During a fragrance masterclass at Selby Gardens in March, French perfumer Anastasia Sokolow shared the joys of Selby's—and Florida's—botanical aromas in an immersive class filled with essential oils, distillations and a deep dive into Florida’s many aromatic natural habitats.
The 25 Most Powerful People in Sarasota

3 weeks ago | sarasotamagazine.com | Kim Doleatto |Lauren Jackson |Cooper Levey-Baker |Megan McDonald |Megan Mcdonald

That’s a question those of us at Sarasota Magazine found ourselves asking again and again as we set out to compile a list of the region’s most influential individuals. Does power mean the ability to sway local government? Or does it come from having a huge national following? Does being wealthy make one powerful? Or does real power come from donating to causes important to you? These are all questions we debated, and they each helped shape our thinking in putting together this list.
Casa Masa’s Second Location Takes the Original’s Mexican Cuisine to the Next Level

3 weeks ago | sarasotamagazine.com | Lauren Jackson

Despite having extensive experience in the restaurant industry, when Rob DiSilvio moved from New York to Sarasota in 2015, he had no plans to buy a taco spot. But in 2020, that’s exactly what he did, purchasing Island House Taqueria on Bee Ridge Road.
Ocean Prime Has Opened at The Quay

4 weeks ago | sarasotamagazine.com | Lauren Jackson

Ocean Prime has washed up on the shores of Sarasota, giving residents and visitors plenty of reasons to celebrate. We’ve traded our days of traveling to Tampa to grab a date night at this much-loved national chain for sweeping views of Sarasota Bay courtesy of the restaurant’s new two-story location at The Quay. Ocean Prime’s menu showcases the best of land and sea by way of Wagyu beef, fresh fish and a legendary seafood tower.
A New Hotel Has Opened on Lido Key

1 month ago | sarasotamagazine.com | Lauren Jackson

Cirque St. Armands Beachside has officially opened on Lido Key, replacing the Holiday Inn across from Lido Beach on Benjamin Franklin Drive. The new hotel is part of the Opal Collection portfolio, which also includes local hotels like The Resort at Longboat Key Club, Lido Beach Resort and Zota Beach Resort. It's now officially accepting room reservations.
Sugar Champagne Bar Opens in Downtown Sarasota This Friday

1 month ago | sarasotamagazine.com | Lauren Jackson

The highly-anticipated Sugar Champagne Bar is currently accepting reservations for its Friday, March 28 opening. Downtown commuters have watched as the bar's historic building on the corner of Pineapple and Lemon Avenues received a hefty facelift in preparation for the new space, which includes a bubbly pink exterior that carries through into the Art Nouveau dining room via lush curtains, upholstery and other pink flourishes.
Gulf Coast Community Foundation Wants You to Know that You Matter

1 month ago | sarasotamagazine.com | Lauren Jackson

Sarasota County’s Gulf Coast Community Foundation is launching a new campaign today. It's called "You Matter," and the foundation calls it a “kindness campaign." It aims to encourage community members to reach out to each other and let one another know that their daily contributions to life in our community do, in fact, matter. So how do you get involved?
Sarasota's UF/IFAS Extension Offers Dozens of Ways to Up Your Local Food IQ

1 month ago | sarasotamagazine.com | Lauren Jackson

The University of Florida Institute for Agriculture and Food Sciences program—commonly known as UF/IFAS, because the official title is quite a mouthful—has offices all over the state through its Extension program. Sarasota County’s is an essential destination for anyone interested in local food. The staff leads community learning initiatives around agriculture, gardening, landscaping, 4-H youth development, natural resources, sustainability and nutrition.