Sarasota-Manatee Originals Launches the Newly Reimagined Originals Culinary Tour Series
Sarasota-Manatee Originals is inviting guests to experience the region’s dining scene in a whole new way with the launch of the newly reimagined Originals Culinary Tour, formerly known as The Blend Trolley Tour.
The Originals Culinary Tour is Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ signature food-and-wine trolley experience, a curated culinary crawl designed for true food lovers, spotlighting standout restaurants, artisanal dishes, and perfectly paired wines throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Guests hop aboard the trolley for a progressive tasting experience featuring multiple restaurant stops, curated wine pairings, and behind-the-scenes storytelling from the chefs and wine experts behind each pairing.
Each tour includes:
• Five chef-crafted dishes with wine pairings
• Trolley transportation between restaurant stops
• A $20 wine credit at the conclusion of the tour
• Tips and gratuities included
The result is an immersive evening celebrating the creativity, hospitality, and culinary diversity that define Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ independent restaurant community.
“The Originals Culinary Tour allows guests to experience the personality and flavor of our local restaurant scene in a truly interactive way,” said Marne Gaston, Director of Operations for Sarasota-Manatee Originals. “Each stop offers something completely different, and the trolley experience creates a fun, social atmosphere where guests can discover new favorites while hearing directly from the chefs and hospitality teams behind the experience.”
The tour series will rotate through different regions of the market throughout the year, offering guests the opportunity to explore Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Nokomis, Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, and beyond.
Upcoming Originals Culinary Tour Dates
Sarasota Tour [LOW TICKET ALERT)
Thursday, May 21 | 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Stops Along the Route:
• Michael’s On East
• Mimi Brasserie & Speakeasy
• Rose & Ivy
• Brick’s Smoked Meats
• Hanami Sushi & Cocktails
Bradenton Tour
Thursday, June 11 | 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Stops Along the Route:
• Mean Deans Local Kitchen
• Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen
• Taverna Toscana
• Mattison’s Riverwalk
The Bradenton experience will begin and conclude at Mean Deans Local Kitchen, creating a unique bookend to the evening’s culinary journey.
Nokomis / Venice Tour
Thursday, July 2 | 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Participating Restaurants Include:
• Pop’s Sunset Grill
• Fins at Sharky’s
• Cassariano
Additional participating restaurants will be announced soon.
Future tours are also planned for Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island later this year.
Ticket Information
Tickets are $173.71, including tax, and are available exclusively through Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ official ticketing platform.
Each ticket includes all food and wine pairings, trolley transportation, gratuities, and a $20 wine credit.
Tickets are non-refundable, and quantities are limited.
Purchase tickets and learn more at eatlikealocal.com/originals-culinary-tour/.