Things to do on and around Siesta Key
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‘Covered by goose skin’
Andrius Petkus poses with one of his amazing sand creations. He’ll be among several international participants at this year’s Crystal Classic. (submitted photo)
Lithuanian sand sculptor recalls first steps on Siesta Beach, and is back for more By Hannah Wallace “Siesta Beach is unique,” said Lithuanian sand sculptor Andrius Petkus. “I never seen the sand [like] what you have here. I remember my first steps on the beach — my skin immediately was covered by goose skin.” Petkus’ sentiment echoes what many international artists have felt when first they arrived here for the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, an event founded in 2010. And while the pandemic hampered international bookings in recent years, the 2023 Crystal
Classic, Nov. 10 to 13, will feature masters sand sculptors from the Netherlands, Canada, Italy, Ukraine, Japan, and Latvia. Petkus’ enthusiasm for Siesta, as well as his passion for sand sculpting in general, reflects the kind of energy that all of these artists bring back to the beach this year — further enhanced by their unique cultures and backgrounds. Spectators, in turn, will be rewarded as always with towering, jaw-dropping artworks carved from Siesta’s own spectacular quartz sand, in the midst of an
artsy, international beach-party environment. “For people it is still impossible to believe what artists can make out of sand,” Petkus said. “One moment it is just a pile of sand, and suddenly in a few days it transforms into a piece of art.” Petkus answered questions recently from his home near Vilnius, where he’s hard at work building a house — not of sand this time, but a real one, made from wood and other traditional Continued on page 14V
What’s new ... near Siesta Key
Kolucan: Something novel while keeping with the culture By Jane Bartnett
Kolucan, the new Mexican bar and grill in Gulf Gate, brings diners a new upscale approach to Mexican fare. In fact, chef and co-owner Gino Calleja describes Kolucan as “elevated Mexican cuisine.” Following the restaurant’s early September opening, complete with a Mariachi band, diners have been excited to discover the many enticing dishes, small plates, desserts, wines and cocktails that celebrate the foods, wines and beverages of this meltingpot nation.
“We wanted to create something different without losing the identity of our culture,” Calleja said. “Kolucan focuses on our roots, where we come from.” Many of the dishes found on the restaurant’s menu are based on treasured family recipes that have been tested and refined. The two restaurateurs decided to take an innovative approach to introducing Sarasota diners to Continued on page 11V
A mariachi band delivers a festive opening night vibe at Kolucan, the new Mexican restaurant in Gulf Gate on Gateway Avenue. (submitted photo).
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“Mexican cuisine is very diverse,” said Calleja. “Our goal is to highlight the different regions of the country and let people discover the many flavors of each area. There’s plenty of room for variety. We’ll keep innovating.” Known for his popular Reyna Taqueria restaurants, Calleja and his business partner, chef Jose Rojas of the former Louies Modern restaurant in downtown Sarasota, have been planning for Kolucan’s opening for five years. It’s located at 6644 Gateway Ave.
Lots of good info for fishing fans
Happiness is…Old Friends The weather is finally cooling down, and the humidity is dropping. It’s a perfect time for long walks on the beach, short lines at restaurants, and sweet treats from Abel’s Ice Cream.
In a few short weeks, you’ll be sharing delicious flavors with old friends as they return to our warm coastal beaches, ushering in a new season. Maybe it’ll be a cone of Maple Walnut (sweet maple ice cream loaded with walnuts), or a cup of Carrot Cake (You can stop baking, this is the ultimate Carrot Cake recipe…carrot cake ice cream with fresh walnuts and a
thick ribbon of cream cheese frosting.)
As the quiet time dwindles, take time to treat yourself.There’s nothing better than stopping in at Abel’s Ice Cream, a quick trip across the bridge from Siesta Key, before or after viewing the breathtakingly gorgeous early sunsets of autumn. Abel’s Ice Cream is located at 1886 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota in the South Bridge Plaza. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from Noon10 pm. Learn more online at www. abelsicecream.com or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.