By Jane Bartnett

Welcome to November, the start of the “season” in Sarasota.

A number of exciting new restaurants are making debuts this fall, just in time for those special get-togethers with family and friends.

In Gulf Gate, the long-awaited Opus SRQ restaurant and lounge has opened its doors as a new upscale eatery offering small plates and a late-night elegant lounge and bar at 6630 Gateway Ave. Occupying the space that once housed Off the Hook and Il Panificio Pizzeria, diners will enjoy chef Kyle Harrington’s Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, classic cocktails and fine wine. Visit opus-srq.com or call (941) 925-2313.

The delightful Breakfast at Victoria’s, at 4141 S. Tamiami Tr. #10, is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 3 pm. Breakfast at Victoria’s website reports that the new eatery is “a fusion of authentic Italian and American bakery and restaurant.”

Run by Luigi and Eleanora Rasso, a husband-and-wife team of Italian culinary school graduates who are natives of Napoli and Firenze Italy, this is a convenient new spot for enjoying a delicious breakfast or lunch. Visit Breakfastatvictorias.com or call (941) 923-6441.

St. Armand’s Circle is fast becoming a very exciting destination for new restaurants and shops.

In January, the new Lobster Craft restaurant is expected to open at 28A South Boulevard of the Presidents. The restaurant will serve genuine Connecticut-style lobster rolls filled with delectable lobster, along with their own variations on the traditional lobster roll theme.

For the steak lover, Lobster Craft offers a surf n’ turf sandwich with a minced marinated flank steak.

Try the LBLT sandwich for a twist on the classic BLT that adds lobster to the bacon, lettuce and tomato. 

Other new tempting emporiums on the Circle that offer a nice place to enjoy dessert and watch the world go by are the new Crisp Waffle Company and Ephesus Mediterranean Delights.

The Crisp Waffle Company offers Belgian-style made-to-order Liege waffles made from dough imported from Belgium with caramelized Belgian pearl sugar that can be topped with fresh fruit, chocolate, whipped cream and other delights. Pop in for a delectable waffle and a cup of coffee, tea or a cool smoothie at 17 Fillmore Drive. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday. Visit crispwafflecompany.com.

At Ephesus, enjoy exotic Turkish coffees and teas as well as desserts that will transport your tastebuds across the sea. A selection of Turkish gifts is also sold.

The location is 27 N. Boulevard of the Arts. Call (352) 217-3195.

Taco fans, you’re in luck. In the near future, two new taco restaurants will be making an appearance in Sarasota. The owners of the popular Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar of West Palm Beach, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, penned a lease for space in the West District of the University Town Center mall near Target and Best Buy.

In other local taco news, according to the Restaurants in Sarasota website, the popular Tacos and Tequila Cantina of Naples is preparing to open in the Westfield Siesta Key mall. 

Next, a new physical therapy clinic called Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center at 5980 S. Tamiami Tr., has opened. 

A national franchise, Fyzical accepts most medical insurances as well as Medicare and HMO plans. The therapy team focuses on a holistic therapy approach to wellness and healing, offering individualized treatments and state-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment for treating orthopedic issues, neurological conditions, sports injuries, balance disorders and other concerns that can benefit from physical therapy treatment. Visit Fyzical.com or call (941) 894-6848.

Finally, make plans to lace up your sneakers on Thanksgiving Day. The fourth-annual 5K Turkey Trot at Nathan Benderson Park will be a fun way for the whole family to start the holiday. The race begins at 8 a.m. and benefits Nathan Benderson Park, the multi-use sports venue. Kids 12 and under can join in the Kids’ Turkey Dash.

Visit raceroster.com for pricing and ticket information. Everyone receives a race shirt, race bib and finishers medal.

Gobble, gobble!