Things to do on and around Siesta Key
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Two new eateries open in Village
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by Jane Bartnett
iesta Key Village recently welcomed two new casual, fresh, and delicious takeout eateries to Ocean Boulevard. Siesta Poke, next door to Made in Rome Organic Gelato, and The Duo Doner & Deli in the Siesta Center, across from Davidson Plaza, both bring something new and completely different to the Siesta Key food scene. The two new take-out dining spots are creating a lot of buzz on Siesta Key and throughout Sarasota. Both are being hailed as welcome entries for beach goers and visitors strolling the village.
Siesta Poke
Siesta Poke server Julia Schoenborn will take your order! (Jane Bartnett photo)
Siesta Poke brings a taste of Hawaii to the shores of Siesta Key. Since opening its doors in late August, the colorful and
welcoming dining spot has garnered rave reviews from customers. This is the place to discover why the healthy fresh poke, and açai bowl food craze has taken the nation by storm. It is the latest restaurant creation of Chris Brown and Mike Granthon. The duo’s Above the Bar Hospitality Group also owns and manages the Summer House, The Hub, and The Cottage restaurants in Siesta Key Village. Poke, the dish, traces its roots to the early days of the Hawaiian Islands. Fishermen created poke bowls by mixing their catch with Hawaiian seaweed and native nuts to create a meal. At Siesta Poke, customers design their own creation by selecting a protein: ahi tuna, salmon, or grilled chicken. A server adds
fresh greens, quinoa, or rice - either brown or white. And then comes the secret sauce. “All of our sauces are made daily,” said Katie Spelman of Above the Bar Hospitality Group. Calling the jalapeño sauce “incredible,” Spelman said with great enthusiasm, “I highly recommend the spicy poke, sweet soy, and the ceviche. It’s very citrusy.” Siesta Poke’s açaí bowls are also on the menu, featuring a base of blended açaí berries, sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and mango with a topping of crunchy granola. Açaí berries are grown on the acai palm tree in South America. The purple-red berry has developed a strong following Continued on page 9V
The Face of Paris, French Facial Spa Comes to Gulf Gate by Jane Bartnett
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t’s been a busy year for Helene Bergbauer, a French trained aesthetician, a native of Paris, France and the owner as well as “the face,” of The Face of Paris, French Facial Spa, one of Sarasota’s award-winning skincare centers. After celebrating her spa’s 10th anniversary in January of this year, in March, Bergbauer relocated The Face of Paris to its current location on Stickney Point in Gulf Gate from downtown Sarasota. This summer, she was recognized as a 2024 Best of Florida Regional Award winner. Her spa, that was previously located in
downtown Sarasota, also won honors from SRQ Magazine in 2021, when Bergbauer was named best local aesthetician. No stranger to the Siesta Key and the Gulf Gate area, Bergbauer recalled the day 26 years ago when she and her husband first visited Siesta Key on Christmas Day, 1998. “We looked at each other and said, we’re home,” she recalled with a laugh. The entrepreneurial couple made Sarasota their home and both created thriving businesses. “My husband is a Bavarian bread maker,” she said. He sold his Bavarian Bread company to
Mama G’s Bakery, who still use his recipes, and he owns that retail space.” The new Face of Paris Stickney Point spa has three treatment rooms where Bergbauer works alongside Shiloh Swensk, a trained aesthetician and graduate of the Aveda Institute. “I’m so happy to be here in our new location and so close to Siesta Key.” Looking ahead to the beginning of the season, she looks forward to welcoming back many seasonal clients who have been with her for many years. Continued on page 9V
Helene Bergbauer, owner of The Face of Paris Facial Spa. (photo provided)
Happiness is…Reconnection October in Florida is magical—a blend of sun and rain, lower humidity, and the excitement of snowbird season. At Abel’s Ice Cream, we’re thrilled to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones! To celebrate, we’re bringing back two Northern favorites: Maple Walnut (Sweet maple ice cream loaded with crunchy walnuts.) and Carrot Cake (Rich carrot cake ice cream with fresh walnuts and a luscious ribbon of cream cheese frosting.) So whether you’re a long-time local or a snowbird soaking up the sunshine, these
flavors are sure to warm your heart and bring a touch of Northern charm to our sunny spot. Come by and enjoy a scoop or two! 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 Noon-10 pm. Learn more online at www.abelsicecream.com or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.