Partner in crime bottle of wine = guaranteed good time!

We love a good date night! One where the food is incredible, the vibes are romantic, and the drinks are delicious. The Suncoast is made up of locally owned and operated restaurants that know how to make every date night one to remember. We’ve put together a list of some of the best spots in town and some of their upcoming events!

Harry’s Continental Kitchens 

Harry’s Continental Kitchens restaurant on Longboat Key is fine dining at its best! Stop in any night for an incredibly relaxed atmosphere and enjoy their award winning menu. This month they are hosting TWO wine dinners that would make the perfect DATE NIGHT!

The first is Harry’s French Feast Wine Dinner. Taking place Wednesday, August 10th 2022, at 6:30pm.

View the menu here 

$109.00 per person.

The second wine dinner is Harry’s Going Down Under Wine Dinner. Taking place on Thursday August 18th, 2022, at 6:30pm! Harry’s Continental Kitchens’ sommeliers Harry Christensen and Hal Christensen along with Nicole Hollister, from Winebow Pioneer Division, invite you to a wonderful night of wine, food, and fun!

View the menu here

$99.00 per person.

Make your reservation for Harry’s by calling 941.383.0777

 

Michael’s On East

The culinary team at Michael’s On East is challenged to create new dishes inspired by the world’s most exotic destinations each month. Imagine going on a date around the globe! Now you can travel the world without leaving the Suncoast – Michael’s wants guests to experience ever-changing, palate-pleasing global cuisine with their Epicurean Adventures. 

The three-course dinner menu is available Tuesday through Saturday evenings for $42.95 per person. Plus, you can enjoy special wine pairings for $8 per glass or $15 for the pairing.

For the month of August the destination is MOROCCO! And Michael's Epicurean Adventures menu features a variety of diverse and delicious Moroccan cuisine like Gulf Shrimp Pil-Pil; Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Breast with Curried Couscous Salad with Dried Apricots; Red Wine and Cinnamon-Braised Short Rib; and authentic Fig and Orange Meskouta for dessert 

And if that's not enough, join us for a date night on Thursday night for half-priced bottles of wine! Not to mention you can enjoy All-Night Happy Hour every Tuesday!

Michael's popular $8 beverage specials includes: Select Hand-Crafted Cocktails, Domestic Beers, and Michael’s Private Label Wines or Sparkling Wine. 

The best part is Michael's On East donates a percentage of sales to select local nonprofit organizations throughout the year with Michael’s Extended Happy Hour which extends dollars for important causes.

DUVAL'S F.L.S

 

At Duval’s Fresh. Local Seafood, they have a commitment to serving only the freshest dishes to their guests. They receive fresh fish daily from local fishermen and filet everything in house to ensure the best possible quality! While only the finest ingredients are sourced from local farmers.

This eclectic eatery is a perfect place to bring your special someone for a one-of-a-kind dining experience in downtown Sarasota. Every menu item is prepared to order which allows for customization and personalization of each dish and to ensure you are getting the freshest possible meal.

The best advice we can give you is for you and your date to order as much as you can and pass the plates around – There is not a wrong choice to make and if you can’t stop in, opt for Carry-Out and you can bring this incredible experience to the comfort of your home!

View their entire menu here

Reserve your table at Duval’s by calling 941.312.4001

 

Mattison's Forty-One

Does your date love exquisite wines? Join Daou Wines representative Jordan O’Mara and Chef Paul Mattison on Thursday, August 18th at 6:30pm as they present an exclusive wine pairing dinner featuring the world-class wines of Daou Vineyards & Winery. 

Chef Paul has crafted a 6-course menu that perfectly complements the wines in the brilliant Daou portfolio.

View menu here

The wine dinner will be held at Mattison’s Forty-One in the newly renovated, private Galleria and the evening will begin with a welcome reception followed by the 6-course wine dinner.

The price is $125.00 per person.

Reservations are required by calling 941.921.3400.

 

Cafe Gabbiano

Looking for good wine and great company? 

Back by popular demand, on August 18th at 7:30pm, The Prisoner Wine Company Dinner at Cafe Gabbiano returns!! Featuring a night of fine wine and a 4-course meal.

Main course options include Allen Brothers Filet Mignon served with a demi glace, and  Pan-Seared Red Snapper in a roasted red pepper sauce! For dessert, Chocolate Lasagna with black cherry sauce!

Tickets are going for $110.00 per person.

 Limited spots are available – Purchase tickets here.

 

The Grove LWR

Your next destination can be enjoyed right here in Lakewood Ranch! This date night is for all the world travelers! 

Grab your person and join The Grove in their ballroom as they take you on a tour around the world featuring their favorite wineries and light bites to complement them. 

Your ticket will include four unique wine samples paired with light hors d'oeuvres. 

Tickets are $25 per person (plus tax and gratuity)

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Upcoming Dates:

New York 8/3

Willamette Valley, Oregon 8/17

Central Coast, California 8/31

Piedmont, Italy 9/7 

 

Book your tickets and learn more here

 

Mean Dean’s Local Kitchen

Head on over to Mean Dean’s for two special events for the month of August! Is your date a crab-lover? From August 8 to 14 Dean’s will be hosting a Crab Bash with a very special menu. Our eyes are on the Blue Crabby Mac & Cheese! The menu will be available for lunch and dinner.

This date is a great idea for those who need to be flexible with the date and time as there is no ticket required! Just stop in during the week to enjoy what their menu has to offer.

Read the menu and find out more here.

Now if you are looking for something a little different, they are also hosting a Wine Dinner called “Tour de France” Saturday, August 30th 2022, at 7:30pm.

This is a 5-course meal experience with wine pairings everyone will love.

Advanced ticket purchase is required for this event.

$129 per person ($119 per person for Wine Dinner Club Members.*) Tickets must be purchased by the end of business on 08/16/22 (unless sold out sooner).

Call 941.251.5435 to purchase tickets and/or visit their website here.

More information on the wine dinner can also be found here.

 

Date night at ANY of our 60+ Member Restaurants will be an incredible venture. By choosing to dine at an Originals restaurant you support the extraordinary efforts of these local restaurateurs who share a passion for dining excellence and commitment to the communities in which they work and live. What is a better date night than that?  

 

So grab your loved ones and as always we encourage you to “Eat Like a Local.”

View our entire member list HERE.