Editor Letter

We had a great time clowning around with all the Edible publishers who attended the 13th annual Edible Communities Publishers Conference in Sarasota. We had publishers from all over the country, many of whom had never visited our area before. We enjoyed a beautiful night under the stars at The Ringling Museum and feasted on a sustainable seafood lunch on Anna Maria Island. The Edible publishers could not get enough of what our amazing community has to offer as they raced around town checking out rooftop pool bars, slipping through back doors to local hot spots, and grabbing lobster rolls for the all-too-soon ride to the airport. Next year’s publishers meeting is scheduled in Santa Fe, New Mexico—no flip-flops required.

We hope you like the newly designed and revamped look of Edible Sarasota, courtesy of our creative designer Matthew Freeman. It includes new departments, fresh layouts and illustration styles. We are excited to feature more seasonal recipes, like our blueberry basil crepes and scrumptious flatbread with peaches and tarragon.

Looking for that perfect Easter brunch menu? Charlotte Abrams has created a brunch menu that has a little bit of everything, from seasonal-veggie-packed gluten-free pancakes to bright salads and Ice Cube Mimosas made with seasonal fruit. We introduce you to a local florist to help decorate your holiday table and a farmer who is producing real-life Easter eggs.

If there’s one liquor that’s made its mark on the cocktail scene over the past few years, it’s mezcal. It seems to be the alcohol of choice for the wellness movement, and mixologist Spencer Taliaferro from MADE Restaurant shares three perfect cocktail recipes with us, including an infused mezcal ice pop!

Our local restaurant scene is growing more impressive by the day. The Gecko’s Hospitality Group is growing sustainable partnerships with local farms and Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Paul Mattison has been named an honorary hog farmer by Niman Ranch for his commitment to serving the best products available. Abby Weingarten highlights each of their efforts in this issue.

Well, it’s not every day that a rock star serenades you on your birthday OR ends up on the cover of your magazine. I had the pleasure of sharing my 47th birthday with the one and only Brian Johnson, lead singer of AC/DC, at Darwin Evolutionary Cuisine, his favorite local spot. Megan Greenberg breaks bread (well, plantain chips) with Johnson, who shares his love of food from childhood days in Ma's kitchen to Peruvian fare from Chef Darwin, along with his passion for race cars. It was an afternoon full of laughter and smiles and—you better believe it—selfies!

Shoot to thrill, AC/DC.