If there’s a common thread in this issue, it’s simple: good food, good people, and a reason to linger.
For this issue of Edible Sarasota, we leaned into all of it, beginning with an evening out on the water with Red Boat Tours on Anna Maria Island. Champagne in hand, the Gulf showing off at sunset, and not a single reason to rush— it was a gentle reminder that sometimes the best moments are the simplest ones, especially when shared with good people and something delicious within reach. Come aboard with us.
And speaking of delicious, this issue is going to make you hungry—in the best way.
From a talented young cheesemonger at Morton’s Market bringing fresh energy (and seriously good cheese) to the scene, to peanuts you can’t stop reaching for, cookies that disappear faster than you’d like to admit, and spiked pickles with just the right punch—these are among the distinctive flavors that define our community. Add in a growing local spirits scene (Shark Tooth vodka reflects both creativity and place), and you start to see the full picture: Sarasota isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a place to discover.
That spirit of discovery is what inspired a new series we’re especially excited about: Faces in Food. It’s a celebration of the people behind what we eat and drink—the growers, makers, chefs, and visionaries who bring it all to life. These are the stories behind the stories, and they deserve a spotlight.
This issue also calls for a moment to pause.
We say goodbye to two culinary figures who left a lasting mark on our community: Judi Gallagher and Geordie Rauch. Judi was more than a presence—she was a feeling. She welcomed everyone with open arms, turned meals into celebrations, and somehow made every table feel like the place you most wanted to be. There were countless meals, a lot of laughter, and always a reason to order one more thing.
Geordie helped put Sarasota’s craft beer scene on the map through Calusa Brewing, creating beers that felt as local and thoughtful as the community that gathered around them. Calusa isn’t just a brewery—it is a meeting place, a reflection of what happens when passion and place come together. His impact will be felt every time a glass is raised in this town.
Their absence is deeply felt, but so is the legacy they leave behind.
As always, this issue is a reflection of where we are right now—what we’re growing, cooking, sharing, and celebrating. It’s about connection, community, and the joy of gathering around the table.
We’re so glad you’re here—and maybe go ahead and order one more thing for the table.
Tracy Freeman
Editor, Edible Sarasota
