More than just exceptional cuisine, these restaurants are home to spirited gatherings that spread cheer and unite the community. With musical acts, seasonal celebrations, special events, and fundraisers, there’s always something to look forward to.
Patrons of Paradise Grill in Nokomis can expect a side of quality entertainment along with a fresh coastal, crowd-pleasing menu. Since opening in 2016, the restaurant has hosted live music every night—and was one of the first in the area to do so. Its impressive musical lineup has grown to include karaoke nights, singer Tracy Zito each week on Taco Tuesday, classic rock and country band 2 Doors Down every Thursday, six-piece band Soundwave the first Saturday of every month, the Michigan-based Cheese Brothers in Paradise, and Paradise Grill staple DJ Harry.
Paradise Grill also celebrates seasonal events with enthusiasm. “In October, we will definitely have a Halloween party, which even the staff dresses up for and gets into,” said general manager Brenda Nava. Other fall happenings include an annual car show and Trunk or Treat event in October [EL1] and Friendsgiving in November.
December coincides with Paradise Grill owner Mary Beth Hansen’s birthday, traditionally celebrated with a Holiday Toy Drive. “The Toy Drive is a special event for us at Paradise Grill,” said Nava, “we usually have thousands of dollars’ worth of gifts for local children and teens donated.”
To keep track of upcoming events, Nava suggests visiting the restaurant’s website and Facebook page. “Be sure to keep an eye out … because you never know what our team has come up with!” she said.
Nava noted that each event is designed to feel warm and welcoming to newcomers. “We have a large number of ‘regulars’ for a reason,” she said, “it’s because we want our guests to feel recognized and seen as soon as you walk in the door. We greet by name; we get to know you. At Paradise Grill, you aren’t just a paying customer, you’re a new friend.”
San Marco and Mirabella’s Coastal Italian, both owned by Jeffrey and Kathleen Ziccardi, serve up classic, traditionally prepared Italian food and select wines and cocktails along with special shows, elegant private events, live music, and activities.
While San Marco’s seating area is furnished with a stage and blackout curtains, Mirabella’s contains a 5,000 square foot ballroom for 250 people. “We host everything from full-blown weddings to baby showers and small birthday parties,” said Jeffrey Ziccardi of Mirabella’s. He noted that guests enjoy the one-on-one attention and comfortable atmosphere of the venue. “We make sure the event goes great from start to finish,” he said, “we make it memorable.”
San Marco and Mirabella’s also treat customers to live music by local performers such as solo guitarist Chuck Lang and Sinatra and Dean Martin cover artist Frank Gomes. Ziccardi said that many appreciate the talent and peaceful volume of the performers, who are experts in subtly enhancing the dining experience.
As an added perk, San Marco now offers stylish, one-of-a-kind souvenirs for jewelry enthusiasts: bar customers are given a free bracelet and charm on their first visit, and a new charm each visit thereafter. “Folks come in, have a glass of wine or a cocktail, have a conversation, and get a charm,” said Ziccardi.
This fall, Mirabella’s is set to host The Kollections Band on October 9, October 31, and November 27; a Wine or Martini Glass Painting Party on October 22; and a Witch’s Broom Decorating Party on October 29. Upon making the decision to join the fun and attend a Mirabella’s special event, Ziccardi said to “make a reservation, because they fill up fast!”
Venice’s BrewBurgers Back Porch is known for its popular bar and deliciously innovative burgers and handhelds. Its weekly entertainment offerings and highly anticipated annual events are also a big draw. “There’s always something going on at Back Porch,” said owner Michael Bacon.
Bacon described Monday’s Music Bingo as “great fun,” and Tuesday’s Trivia Night, hosted by Last Resort Trivia, as the biggest night of the week. “Sometimes there’s 160 people,” he said. Music Bingo and Trivia Night winners receive house gift cards along with a lively evening of friendly competition.
Back Porch hosts a variety of special events throughout the year to support the community. “Every month we sponsor a different charity,” explained Bacon. The restaurant’s most popular charity event, taking place on October 8, is the Child Protection Center’s Celebrity Bartender Challenge. Last year, eight local celebrities—– including VCL’s own Charmaine Tincher—paired up in teams of two and competed to create the best specialty drink.
The team with the most tips at the end of the night had their names added to the Shaker Cup and, as Bacon put it with a smile, “bragging rights.” After this year’s challenge, Bacon plans to celebrate the event’s five-year anniversary with a championship round. “Whoever wins this year will compete against [winners from] the first three years.”
Bacon described Back Porch’s events as charity-based festivities that allow attendees to have a good time, give back to the community, and make a difference. He encourages people to “donate money to charity, open your heart, open your checkbook, show up and have some fun!”