A slice of New York in Gulf Gate
TSby Jane Bartnett
here’s pizza, and then there’s the New York-style pizza served at Capo Pazzo Pizzeria Kitchen & Bar in Gulf Gate.
Owned by Rino Bresciani, Steven Bordes, Stephen Menna, and Eric Montpetit, the restaurant will celebrate its first anniversary in September. Bordes and Montpetit manage the restaurant’s day-to-day operations, while Menna and Bresciani are based in New York.
Looking back on their first day, Bordes recalled that more than 200 people showed up. It’s been quite a year for the lifelong New Yorkers who have introduced the Siesta Key region to real New York City pizza.
Over the past year, the word has spread about authentic New York Italian cuisine located just
off Tamiami Trail South. “We’re doing great here,” said Montpetit, who serves as the manager and is generally the first person to greet customers. “We split the different aspects of the business,” Bordes said. “Eric and I are here every day, making the pizza and keeping the customers happy.”
The name Capo Pazzo, according to Menna, translates into “crazy boss” in Neapolitan slang. Menna, who also owns Tufino – a thriving pizzeria in Astoria, Queens – perfected the recipes that are the basis for Capo Pazzo›s menu. “They are Steve’s grandmother’s recipes,” said Bordes. “Most Italian grandmothers never share their recipes. We got lucky.”
Baked in wood-burning stoves and rooted in the foods and flavors of Naples, Italy, the pizzas
were developed and refined by Menna. He makes quarterly visits to Capo Pazzo. “I love going to Siesta Key,” Menna said on the Sarasota Speax Podcast.
Menna initially had the idea of opening Capo Pazzo. In 2021, Bordes and his wife Melissa relocated to Siesta Key from Long Island, New York. Soon after, Menna came to see his old friend who had supported him when he opened his Queens pizzeria. During this visit, Bordes said, “We realized there was a need for a New York style pizzeria here.” They spent an evening making pizzas in Bordes’ home kitchen and had their own taste test. On the fourth pizza, they found the right mix of dough and filtered water. The key was filtering the water that would be added to the
Gulf Gate’s Kolucan celebrates one year of elevated Mexican cuisine
an Lucas Colucán, located just southeast of Mexico City in the centralMexican state of Puebla, still carries significant components of Aztec culture—especially rich culinary traditions grown for generations from the region’s volcanic soil.
This historic area served as the genesis for Gulf Gate’s Kolucan, which celebrates its one-year anniversary this month. Chef and co-founder Gino Calleja, who grew up in San Lucas Colucan, named the restaurant for a native Náhuatl transliteration of his hometown. He and Kolucan co-founder and chef Jose Rojas became business partners in
the venture, united by their shared interest in elevated culinary techniques and traditional Mexican flavors.
Trained at the Arts Institute of New York City, Calleja worked in high-end Manhattan establishments before moving to Sarasota in 2007 and serving as Chef de Cuisine for Mattison’s, among other local eateries.
But taco-loving Sarasotans may be most familiar with Calleja’s talents from Reyna’s Taqueria, which he first opened on north Beneva Road in 2018. Reyna’s quickly became a hit and often earned local accolades for its tacos and other authentic Mexican
By Hannah Wallace
dishes. Calleja, who’d named the restaurant for his mother, Doña Reyna, operated it for five years before selling in 2023 to focus on Kolucan.
“When we opened Reyna’s, our goal was to offer the freshest, most authentic Mexican cuisine possible,” he said. “While Reyna’s was a great starting point, I always envisioned a restaurant like Kolucan.”
Reyna’s embodied wellexecuted Mexican cuisine in a comforting and casual way that’s familiar to many Americans. But Calleja had long dreamed of giving those traditional flavors the fine
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Co-owners Eric Montpetit and Steve Bordes in the Capo Pazzo kitchen.
Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. To 3 p.m.
H A P P Y H O U R M O N D A Y - T H U R S D A Y 3 : 0 0 P M T O 5 L I V E M U S
Arts on the Horizon
Selby Botanical Gardens
Each summer, all sorts of lists are published: the 100 Best Movies, the 50 Books to Buy This Month, the 100 Best Rorschach Inkblot Test Designs, and so on. This year, Time magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list features a local spot.
By Rodger Skidmore
The list includes a wilderness camp in Nepal, the Wukalina walk in Australia, and an underwater art exhibition off Portugal’s coast. These are all exciting destinations, but not easily accessible from Sarasota. However, Sarasota’s Selby Botanical Gardens is featured.
Selby Botanical Gardens has always been a gem. It has the world’s largest collection of orchids and shaded pathways that wind through exotic trees, bushes, and flowers. Selby Botanical Gardens has become even more appealing lately with a new visitor center, covered parking, and the Green Orchid restaurant featuring produce from its rooftop gardens.
The gardens also host exhibitions that integrate an artist’s work into and among the flowers in the orchid conservatory, around the grounds, and in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. Currently on exhibit through Sept. 15 are the works of the Florida Highwaymen. In the 1950s, this group of artists held up their paintings along Florida’s east coast highways and sold them to vacationing tourists. The subjects of the paintings were the colorful flowering trees, wind-swept palms, foamy waves, white feathered birds, and sunsets of south Florida.
Also on exhibit is the 44th Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition, featuring local wildlife and plant photography, that runs through Sept. 30. Both exhibits can be seen at Selby Botanical Gardens, with culinary treats available at the Green Orchid or Selby House Café. More information is available at selby.org.
“Night, Reflected” performance
With summer’s heat dissipating, it’s a good time to make a night of enjoying new music. The ninth season of ensembleNEWSRQ kicks off on Aug. 23 with a performance titled “Night, Reflected.”
The program features Kevin Day’s “Glasshouse,” a relaxing, joyful ensemble piece with soft chimes. It will be followed by Sofia Gubaidulina’s String Quartet No. 2, which offers a more intense sound particularly in contrast to “Glasshouse.” Arlene Sierra’s three-movement composition “Avian Mirrors” presents an exploration of call and response, mirrored reflections, and a competition between violin and cello. Chris Stark’s “Stars in Dead Reflection” starts meditatively before the quartet’s instruments chase each other.
As the sky turns dark outside the First Congregational Church, Shawn Allison’s “Night Rituals” will close the evening with a full ensemble work. For more information about the season, visit ensrq.org.
Water ski spectacle and volunteering
The Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show Team will perform on the bay in front of their City Island facility (behind Mote Marine Aquarium) on Aug. 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. Watch as the award-winning team performs thrilling
stunts on water skis, including spinning, jumping, and turning. It’s a fun, family-friendly spectacle!
For those who prefer land-based activities, consider volunteering for National Public Lands Day on Sept. 28. Help Sarasota County Parks with tree planting, pruning, and invasive plant removal at Phillippi Estate Park. This is the largest single-day volunteer event in the United States to improve public lands. You, your family, and your friends can make a day of it and help beautify this park for year-long enjoyment. More information, including what to wear and bring, can be found at sarasotacountyparks.com.
Artist Series Concerts
Several trios are coming to Sarasota with performances that will be worth your while. While it’s nice to listen to music at home, nothing compares to the live experience. On Sept. 22, Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota will present a concert at First Presbyterian Church featuring Milena Pajaro-van Stadt (a founding member of the Dover String Quartet) on viola, Sarasota Orchestra’s Bharat Chandra on clarinet, and Natalie Nedvetsky on piano. The program includes Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet” for viola and piano.
If you can wait until Oct. 8, the Top Shelf Tuesdays series will feature French-born violinist Arnaud Sussmann and pianist Michael Stephen Brown performing compositions by Debussy, Saint-Saëns, and others at Church of the Palms. For more information about the season’s performances, visit artistseriesconcerts.org.
Halfway to St. Paddy’s
Shebeen Irish Pub & Kitchen will be hosting its annual Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Party on September 17. The special celebration will include live Irish music, Irish dancers, bagpipes, all the traditional Irish menu favorites, and perhaps, most importantly, pints of Guinness, Harp, Kilkenny, and Smithwick’s are $6 all day long!
“I am so pleased to be hosting our second annual Halfway to St. Paddy’s Day party at The Shebeen,” said owner Eileen Carrigan. In December, we’ll complete our second year of operations at this Siesta Key location and I’m so grateful every time a customer tells
us that we’ve got it right. Between the music, the food, the staff and the ambience, we’re proud to know that we bring a bit of Ireland to Sarasota.”
The Halfway to St. Paddy’s Day Party menu will include all the favorites: fresh baked pretzels and cheese, Shebeen poutine, Shebeen’s famous fish and chips, corn beef and cabbage, and Irish nachos finished off with a topping of shepherd’s pie, Guinness gravy, and beer cheese. The party menu will be served from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Musical guests include Dana Lawrence, Fresh Air, Ross the Piper, and Drake Irish Dance. In addition to great food
ACCOMMODATIONS
Beach Palms B-#74
Siesta Key Beach Resort & Spa Map-A #38A
ATM / BANKS
PNC ATM Map-C #61
Sun Trust Bank & ATM Map-E #4
BARS & NIGHTCLUBS
Blase Café Map-A #38
Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar Map-B #42-43
Gilligan’s Map-B #33
My Village Pub Map-C #53/54
Siesta Key Oyster Bar Map-B #45
The Beach Club Map-D #22
The Cottage Map-C #58
The Hub-Baja Grill Map-D #59
COFFEE SHOPS
Bean Coffeehouse Map-D #62
Mojo Risin’ Coffee Company Map-B #31
Project Coffee.....................................Map-D #9
FASHION & ACCESSORIES
Beach Bazaar’s & Swin Shack Map-C #28
Blvd. Beachwear Map-B #30
Casa Smeralda Fashion’Style D #12-11
Comfort Shoes-Birki & More Map-D #64
Foxy Lady Fashions Map-A #40
Gidget’s Coastal Provisions Map-B #44
Island Boutique Map-B #50
Island Style Map-C #53
Lilly Pulitzer Map-D #66
Sandbar Swimwear............................Map-B #50
Sea Shanty Map-C #24
Siesta T’s Map-B #30
Southern Tide.....................................Map-D #60
The Sandal Factory Map-B #46
GAS STATION
Circle K Store Map-E #6
GIFTS & SOUVENIRS
Beach Bazaar Map-C #28
Gilligan’s Gift Store Map-B #32
Island Trader Map-C #51
Sea Pleasures & Treasures Map-C #29
Siesta Key Outfitters Map-D
and drink, Shebeen Irish Pub & Kitchen is known for their great customer service and friendly environment.
“Every member of our staff works very hard to make the customer experience what it should be,” said Carrigan, “and we are blessed to have them with us! They are a small group and we couldn’t do it without each and every one.”
In closing, Carrigan added, “And, after a long, hot summer, we’re happy to start the coming season and to look forward to our favorite of all days, March 17!”
Come September 17, we are halfway there. Let’s celebrate!
Paddy’s Day Party
MEDICAL - DENTAL
Siesta Village Dentistry
Siesta Dental
Siesta
PROFESSIONAL
The Shebeen team from left to right: Mynor Cifuentes, Ryan Miner, Valerie Beahm, Chris Reddinger, and owner, Eileen Carrigan
Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report
I recently hosted a group of friends and clients on my annual flyfishing trip to southwest Montana. I traveled from Sarasota to Bozeman and then drove 2.5 hours to Medicine Lodge, a 100,000-acre working ranch near the Beaverhead River, outside Dillon, Montana. At the lodge, I met up with Steve Coburn from Wisconsin, Jeff Coburn from Colorado, and Mike Perez and Dennis Kinley from Indiana. We fished the Beaverhead and Madison rivers with guide Dave King, owner of King Outfitters in Dillon, and his talented team. I’ve fished with King for more than 20 years. His guides do a great job and know their fishery well. Despite rumors of declining fishing quality, we have experienced great catches in recent years, including on this most recent trip.
Using 4-, 5-, and 6-weight fly tackle, we caught and released brown and rainbow trout exceeding 20 inches on streamers, dry flies, and dry/dropper rigs. The dry fly action often involved a
hopper, sometimes paired with a nymph or smaller dry fly dropper, and a few other bugs. This trip is an annual tradition for me. If you’re interested in technical fly fishing for large trout or want to learn from an experienced group, please get in touch with me.
Back in Sarasota, we are still reeling from Hurricane Debby’s flooding. In addition to record-breaking flooding, this storm is an example of what often happens when large amounts of storm water overwhelm wastewater treatment facilities, leading to a huge “dump” of hundreds of thousands of gallons of raw sewage. This is unacceptable. Once conditions return to normal, catch-and-release snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should be a good option. Juvenile tarpon might also be found around dock lights, as well as in canals and creeks. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by residential, industrial, and agricultural runoff, toxic spills, intentional releases, freezes, and increasing fishing pressure. These elements all lead to habitat loss and degradation. Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Dennis Kinley, from IN, with a healthy Montana brown trout caught and released with King Outfitters.
Mike Perez, from Sarasota, with Montana brown and rainbow trout caught and released with King Outfitters.
Medicine Lodge, on a 100,000-acre working ranch near the Beaverhead River, outside of Dillon, MT.
Capt.Rick Grassett with guide Dave King and some Montana brown trout action!
double zero Italian flour. “The double zero flour is lighter and gives a better taste,” Bordes said. “Getting the dough correct is the most important thing and the water is also a big issue.”
Finding a location was the next challenge. “It took about a year,” said Bordes. Once he discovered that the former Il Panificio and Off the Hook space was available and equipped with a working pizza oven, he signed the lease.
In the past few months, Capo Pazzo has won SRQ Magazine’s Best of SRQ, Local Gold Winner for Best Pizza award, and received a five-star Google rating.
The Capo Pazzo team also went head-to-head with Bradenton’s Joey D’s Chicago deep dish pizza for top pizza honors in a Herald Tribune competition. “This is the best pizza I’ve had since I moved here from New York,” said local resident Michael Kennedy, who
• Beef Tenderloin
• Prime Rib
• TurDucKen
• Crown Roast (Pork or Lamb)
• Party Platters
• Stone Crab Claws
Prime Aged Steaks, Chops, Seafood, NY Deli Meats, Sausage and Salads
Voted Sarasota’s Best Philly Cheesesteak and NY Reuben Serving Sarasota Since 1975 We offer takeout and complete Sarasota’s only old-fashioned Meat Market, Deli and Restaurant under one roof Voted Sarasota’s best non-chain Steakhouse 4 years in a row! Home of the Sarasota TurDucKen, as seen on The Food Network with Guy Fieri, host of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Time to order:
Shipped Anywhere in the U.S.
lived in New York for most of his life.
Capo Pazzo’s celebrated thin-crust pizza, like the pizza at Menna’s Queens restaurant, is cooked for a shorter time at a higher heat, giving the crust a slight char. All the dough is made on-site in the Gulf Gate kitchen. Grande mozzarella cheese tops the pies. Montpetit and Menna are often in the kitchen making the pizza pies alongside chef Ralph Pacilio, a native of Naples, Italy.
In the short time Capo Pazzo has served Siesta Key residents, visitors, and foodies, the restaurant has added an outside beer garden and catering. They also offer home or office delivery and a new free app for Apple and Android. “We are making big plans for the first anniversary celebration,” Menna said.
There is indoor seating for
about 25 and the outside seating for 60.
Margherita pizza is their best seller, Menna said, but he noted that diners are also discovering the Sicilian and white pizzas. The menu also features pasta and classic Italian dishes such as meatballs, chicken parmesan, and heroes. The large salads could be a meal on their own. For dessert, offerings include zeppola, cannoli and tiramisu. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are also available.
Capo Pazzo Pizzeria Kitchen & Bar is located at 2053 Reynolds St. in Gulf Gate, just off Tamiami Trail South. Hours are Monday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Tuesday; Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 941487-8677. Visit CapoPazzo.com for more information.
your orders now! Review our menu at
Capo Pazzo Chef Ralph Pacilio creating a specialty dish.
GreenTea 5:00pm-6:00pm Daily. Must be seated by 6:00pm. Excluding Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and New Year's Eve.
dining treatment. His New York training, after all, had been centered on the precise and elevated preparations of foods from other cultures. Why not his own?
“I was intrigued by the idea of bringing that level of culinary excellence to a Mexican restaurant,” he said. He joined forces with Rojas, whose Sarasota resume includes Louies Modern and the Summer House Siesta Key, and the two began work creating a scratch kitchen built on refined techniques and a menu that blended their own family recipes.
In addition to flavors from Doña Reyna’s kitchen in San Lucas Colucán, the Kolucan menu represents far-reaching regions of the country, like the Yucatan and Veracruz along the Gulf of Mexico, Colima along the Pacific, and the northern border state of Sonora facing the Gulf of California. Dishes feature carne asada, pollo adobado, pork shoulder, chorizo, and all sorts of seafood. You’ll also see elote, ceviche, guacamole, and risotto flavored with huitlachoche, or “Mexican truffle,” a fungus that grows on corn. You could even have ensalada Cesar or a Kolucan
hamburguesa.
Kolucan’s first year in operation has been “incredibly successful,” said Calleja. But, he added, the warm reception hasn’t led to complacence. “We remain committed to learning, growing, and improving.”
Kolucan is open for lunch
DISCOVER GULF GATE’S SHOPPING VILLAGE
With our map on the next page you’ll be able to navigate your way to our featured shops with ease.
The Shop SRQ (G-2) offers flat-tops, fades, tapers, blowouts, razor cuts, and straight razor shaves. Owners, Erick and Dawn use a back to basics approach to grooming with a precise attention to personal detail.
Their commitment to excellence has provided them with many loyal customers. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Hours: Tues. thru Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat., 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gulf Gate Barber Shop (G-7) has been an institution in the community for years, owned by Kyle Flannery. The super-clean barbershop’s clientele is comprised of primarily men, but the shop services children as well. Scott Reich, formerly of the Siesta Key Village Barber Shop has relocated to this location.
West End Pub (G-49) Where else can you watch your favorite game with a great selection of beers, wines and liquors served by a friendly staff AND where you’re allowed to bring your own restaurant or deli food? Right here. 6500 Gateway Ave. 941-554-8905. Tony’s Chicago Beef Company (S-16) is owned and operated by true Chicagoans. Dedicated to deliver Chicago’s best food, Chicago style Hot Dogs wit’ the works ... dragged through the garden on poppy seed buns with fresh cut fries, Italian Beef Sandwiches anyway you like, dipped or dry, sweet or hot.
Solórzano’s Late Night Pizzeria (S-34): At every Solórzano’s, they offer an experience familiar to those who understand the importance of family and dedication. Their recipes and techniques have been perfected through three long generations based on the traditional simplicity of the methods used by their Italian ancestors. Dine inside, outside, pick up, or DELIVERY anywhere on Siesta Key, or in Sarasota until 3:30 a.m. 6574 Superior Ave., 941-924-5800.
Gulf Gate Food + Beer (S-51): Sarasota’s late-night hot spot for the service industry, night owls, and midnight snackers. It’s not your typical sports bar, offering unique menu selections for carnivores and vegetarians. Be sure to check out their menu online at: eatfooddrinkbeer.com. Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. (Sun. - Thurs.) open until 2 a.m. (Fri & Sat.).
Roberts Realty, Inc. (M-5) John Garner, Broker Assoc. & Diane Shane, Broker Assoc. have a combined 40 years’ experience in Sarasota of making dreams come true for our clients. For buyers, we have had great success in finding the right property for our clients because we listen closely to their wants and needs and matching that as close as possible. For sellers, over the years we
have successfully listed and sold many, many properties throughout Sarasota County. Our philosophy is to have fun, enjoy the experience, achieve great results, make friends and receive referrals. We’re with you every step of the way! Call 941-924-2330 or drop by our office.
Only Eyes Optical (S-24) brings a new, exotic, eclectic, eccentric, unique collection of vintage, hipster, contemporary eyeglasses and sunglasses to the community. Licensed and experienced optician available to fill your prescriptions. Only Eyes Optical has a large assortment of free frames with the purchase of new lenses. Call 941-444-7984 to set up an appointment with their licensed optician.
Seascape Aquarium & Pet Center (GG39) Serving the area since 1975, this lively critter emporium features 10,000 feet of showroom, 25,000 gallons of freshwater, saltwater and coral, and adventures galore.
Hours are Monday-thru Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 am. 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
Scandinavian Gifts Baked Goods and Grocery (GG-37) A fixture in Sarasota for 32 years, Scandinavian Gifts offers an assortment of linens, glassware, cookbooks, jewelry, candles, food items, and Christmas collectibles. Located at 2166 Gulf Gate Drive, the store is open Monday-Saturday from 10
a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Skinny Dip (G-26) Established in 2020. The Sarasota Skinny Dip location is a family-owned business, with husbandand-wife Alex and Sorelly, and their kiddos, Sophie and Noah. The business specializes in letting you make your frozen yogurt the way you want it! We specialize in Skinny8 Froyos, which are only 8 calories per once! Also available vegan and low-fat options so that all Dippers can, well, dip!
Apothecary Shoppe (GG-28) Eric and Laurie’s knowledge of pharmaceuticals and natural/holistic remedies enables the safe integration of traditional and natural therapies. Their organic skincare line is compounded on site by Laurie who started her career as a make-up artist for the Today Show, Saturday Night Live, and so many more. Eric is a pharmacist and also certified in naturopathy, wanting the best natural options for his clients. Open M-F 10-5 pm, Sat 10-3 pm.
L’Opera Bakery Bistro (GG1) This French bakery and pastry restaurant has a great dedication to freshness with sweets and breads baked on site. Also features salads and sandwiches along with homemade macaroons and chocolate. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday thru Sunday. Located at 2336 Gulf Gate Drive. Call 941-922-2253.
