Michael's On East delivers 425 lobsters to New College Foundation clambake

Horsing Around

InStride Therapy and Easterseals Southwest Florida Happiness House’s Black Tie & Blue Jeans Equestrian gala more than lived up to the name.  Guests had the chance to meet some therapy horses. The horses — named Deo and Daisy — were more than game to pose for photos. 

Plight of the Lobsters

Nearly 1,600 miles. That’s the distance that from Maine to Florida. It’s also the distance more than 400 lobsters traveled for the New College Foundation’s annual Clambake held Nov. 7. 

The 425 crustaceans were tanked and put onto trucks which arrived at Michael’s On East noon the day of the event, according to Michael’s On East co-proprietor Phil Mancini. He’s particular about when the event’s lobster arrives – it has to be the same day. 

“I always joke, ‘If the lobsters are late, people are going to be eating barbecue,’” Mancini said. “We want them fresh.”

Beyond the small legion of lobsters, this year’s Clambake went through 20 gallons of clam chowder. The ocean is a little less crowded today, and Sarasota is better for it. 

Electric Avenue

Beyond enjoying some refreshingly cool weather, guests at the Hermitage Artist Retreat’s Artful Lobster took in a special performance from violinist and renowned artist Daniel Bernard Roumain. What made Roumain stand out, though, is the genre-bending style that he brings to his music. Roumain — also known as DBR — infuses electronic, urban and African-American influences into his music, with the end result being an eclectic sound. 

Tidbits: 

The Scout & Molly’s Lakewood Ranch boutique a year of operating with a promotion from Nov. 11 - 17 that’s donating a portion of its proceeds to SPARCC. There are raffles and promotions throughout the week.