food + beverage

JILL MARTINI

The Wandering Whale

Based out of Sarasota, FL, The Wandering Whale offers bar services for private events such as weddings, corporate gatherings and backyard parties across the Sunshine State. Boasting years of experience in the hospitality sector, owner Jill Martini adores delighting guests with her vintage mobile bar. Constructed in 1978, this former horse trailer has been transformed into a boutique bar with an eye-catching modern style. Defined by its vintagemeets-refined aesthetic, this unique bar is sure to charm your nearest and dearest.

After graduating from Ringling School Of Art and Design with a major in Interior Design, Jill embarked on a lengthy career in design all while working simultaneously in the restaurant industry. She eventually decided to combine her talent for design and entrepreneurial zeal by setting up The Wandering Whale. With a fleet of bar options & services, this business is committed to providing you with a truly distinctive bar experience.

Wanderin g Whale

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thewanderingwhale.com MOBILE BAR

hello@thewanderingwhale.com @the.wandering.whale

POONAM MAINI

Owner/President Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine

Poonam is a dynamic, passionate, and empowered professional and philanthropist who has diligently served the Sarasota and Manatee communities for almost twenty-two years. She is recognized as a forward thinking, an inspirational leader among women, and a friend to all. She was featured as an Amazing Suncoast Woman on ABC7 News; and she was also invited to New York to speak on a Tedx stage to share her story to empower other women who go through physical and mental abuse in a relationship.

Poonam is a proud owner of Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine located at 8453 Cooper Creek Blvd. Tandoor is a first-place award winner of The Herald-Tribune Reader’s Choice awards every year since 2002. Tandoor offers healthy, delicious, and authentic Indian culinary options to community members seeking an exquisite dining experience. Tandoor offers high end catering options for all kind of events too. Additionally, Tandoor Indian Cuisine supports her non-profit: Share-Care Global. Every meal you enjoy at Tandoor provides a nutritious meal to someone in need.

Poonam’s non-profit organization Share-Care Global is serving an average of 1000+ meals every week, and supports young girls by teaching them skills of custom designed Indian outfits via an entrepreneurship program. Share-Care Global also supports 56 elementary students, providing daily nutritious meals and much needed education.

Poonam’s heart for service and stewardship is evidenced by her charitable contributions to organizations benefitting youth and women. However, Poonam’s numerous professional successes, philanthropic endeavors, and community impact opportunities do not hold a candle to her crowning achievement: raising three beautiful, highly successful children. Poonam believes she will be living her true American dream if she can help other women achieve their independence and recognize their self-worth!

tandoorsarasota.net @tandoorsarasota maini.tandoor@gmail.com

MELLISSA LOUTY

Blue Dahlia Catering

Mellissa Louty has been working in kitchens for 20 years, beginning her career in catering before moving to restaurants. After many years of running kitchens for other people, she made the leap to run her own. Just over two years ago she started her catering company, Blue Dahlia Catering. It has been a whirlwind of learning, teaching, and making impactful relationships. She strives for each event to be the best it can be for her clients. Her newest endeavor is opening her own location with her business partner Two Chefs on Hillview. It will be a hub of gourmet items, from house made charcuterie to any baked good you can think of. She is so excited for what the amazing future will bring!

bluedahliacatering.com bluedahliacatering@gmail.com @bluedahliacatering