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MAY 2017 | SCENE 97 on the town limequat-ade, and black tea were displayed on the makeshift bar covered in a shabby-chic tablecloth. Swamp Head Brewery ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ India Pale Ale, and Midnight Oil of Oatmeal Coffee Stout. Wines poured that evening were from Montinore Estate, which only �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ As we settled in and took in the beautiful views and the rolling hills, we noticed the local, organically-grown blooms placed in mason jars set on the family-style wooden harvest tables. ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ property and explained the various programs and pursuits of providing their community with clean, nutritious, healthy food. He explained how they have crafted the farm as a model of sustainability and stewardship, with a focus on conservation of �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� their food. Their supporters are happy, as are their healthy animals. They believe the animal element is essential to a healthy farm organism and they vow to treat their creatures ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ The farm-to-table dinners also feature ingredients cultivated on nearby farms. Chef Justin Langer prepared a menu of veggie crudité with a yogurt and herb tahini for dipping along with burnt scallion and garlic chive pesto. Our second course was a green soup of broccolini, Tuscan kale, green garlic, and coconut milk. Our main course was Asian-style roast pork, purple sweet potatoes, collards, chard, and bok choy. For our yummy ending, we had compressed drunken strawberries with whipped cream, an oat crumble, and sweet coconut milk. The vegetables and pork were from Swallowtail, the milk and yogurt from the Swallowtail Creamery, the vegan pasta from Vine, the fresh roasted coffee from Flagship Roasters, the olive oil from Saporito Oil, Vinegar and Spice, and the fresh, soft bread was brought in from Big Cypress Bakery. I had brought a red sweater poncho in case it got a bit cool at night as the sun set and the full moon rose, but when they placed bread baskets that resembled miniature picnic baskets with the bread it in on the tables, I had to put my red poncho on and pose like Little Red Riding Hood holding her basket as she stood in the vast forest. All night long we took in background music performed by Long Over Duo. It’s a one-night-only seasonal dinner prepared with great love and respect. We surely tasted it, heard it, saw it and �������� it. We were long overdue. “The Greatest Gift of the Garden is the Restoration of the Five Senses” – Hanna Rion �������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� was enjoyed by over 400 guests at the sold-out 9th annual Party on the Pass fundraiser for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Thanks to major sponsors �������������������������������������������� and the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, guests grazed on an assortment of ceviche, spring rolls, sushi, shack shrimp and grits, andouille sausage, ground beef ������������������������������������������������ a chocolate fountain to dip your strawberries and ������������������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������������� up with a signature drink for all to sip on which was aptly name Mote-jitos. But most importantly, because of these sponsors and many others, Mote’s animal hospitals can continue to treat and care for the animals that come to Mote in critical condition, with problems ranging from ���������������������������������������������� gear, ingesting plastic bags and debris, and injuries ���������������������������������������������������� papilloma tumors and other life-threatening conditions. Mote has treated more than 615 sea turtles and 71 dolphins and small whales. They are dedicated in their efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and release back to the wild these protected species of marine life. In the process, they learn about the animals’ biology, health and disease processes, and life history in the wild. Their science is leading the way to curing many diseases and we’re blessed to have such a facility in our backyard. Sea’n in the crowd were Michael and Sandy Albano, Mote Board of Trustees Chairman Lowe Morrison and daughter Ashley Morrison, Judy Graham, Gordon and Jennifer Abbott, Tom Waters, Scott Collins, Marge and Vinnie Maisto, �������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������������� Wachtmeister.


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