For many of us, Sunday morning means coffee, a quiet and settling in with the paper. And as you flip through its printed or digital pages, you’ll find the stories that shape our community – from city council debates and school board decisions to triumphs on the sports fields and cultural events that enrich our lives.
But I’d argue that no local coverage is more intrinsically linked to the pulse of our community than our food coverage.
You might think of food as just recipes or restaurant reviews, but it’s so much more.
Our food reporting is a bedrock of our local news coverage. It’s about economics, from the struggles of family farms to the vibrancy of our restaurant scene. It’s about health, impacting what we put on our plates and how our kids are nourished. It’s about culture, celebrating traditions and forging new ones. When we delve into the world of food, we’re not just talking about what’s for dinner; we’re exploring the vital arteries of our community.
Take, for instance, a recent visit that perfectly encapsulates this trend: Smoke & Fire BBQ on Clark Road. My colleague, Wade Tatangelo, recently reported on this intriguing spot, and his words resonated deeply. Imagine, a board-certified doctor specializing in internal medicine, pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine by day, and a bona fide pitmaster crafting some of Sarasota’s finest barbecue by night (or rather, by weekend!). Todd Horiuchi, alongside co-owner Nick Seth-Ward and Nick’s mother, Susan, who manages the front, has turned his passion for smoke and fire into a weekend sensation.
Tatangelo describes the taste of their brisket as textbook-perfect smoke ring, incredible tenderness, and a rich, deep smoky flavor permeated every bite. This isn’t just barbecue; it’s craft barbecue, made from scratch with genuine expertise and care.
This story of Smoke & Fire BBQ is more than just about great food; it’s about the heart and soul being poured into Sarasota’s dining scene. These small, specialized operations, often driven by a singular passion, are injecting unique character and incredible diversity into our culinary landscape. They represent a return to authenticity, where the focus is squarely on quality, craft, and a personal touch that larger establishments might struggle to replicate. For the curious diner, it means a thrilling sense of discovery – the joy of stumbling upon a gem that might not be widely advertised but is deeply loved by those in the know. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best flavors are found off the beaten path, in places born of pure passion.
So, as we look to the week ahead, let’s celebrate these dedicated culinary artisans who are enriching our community one meticulously smoked brisket or perfectly baked cookie at a time. Sarasota’s food scene is not just about what’s new, but about what’s authentic, what’s surprising, and what’s born of genuine love for the craft. Go forth, explore, and perhaps, find your own unexpected favorite within our unique culinary scene.
Mark J. Rochester
Executive Editor
SarasotaHerald-Tribune
Mark J. Rochester previously was managing editor of inewsource, a nonprofit investigative newsroom in San Diego. He was twice elected to the national board of directors of Investigative Reporters & Editors Inc. – an international association of journalists dedicated to improving investigative journalism – and served as its vice president.
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