SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2013

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY..THE ONE DAY A YEAR MOM IS QUEEN FOR THE DAY!

THEY'RE BACK!!!!!!!!! Every May around this time of year those of us in Florida are treated to the love bug mating season.  Unfortunately, they mate all over our automobiles.  Ugh...but have no fear, their season is almost over....until October when they return to die off until next year.

Manatee Players recently moved into its new Bradenton location.  It is easy to find IF the old signs are removed; unfortunately, if you don't have directions you will end up in the old location which is several blocks away.  Once, we found it, we parked adjacent to the building and walked a short distance to the  theatre.  It is ALMOST finished.  The building is scheduled for completion in August....just in time for next season's shows.  However, it is a fine addition to the area's arts scene and a short drive from  University and 301.

The first show was Miss Saigon which sold-out followed by the current run of Fiddler on the Roof.  The cast is big, local and mostly talented.  Fortunately, the role of Tevye is played by a large, imposing, talented singer.  The rest of the cast is uneven, as you can expect from amateurs ; however it is an entertaining production worthy of support.  To learn more about next season's schedule or remaining Fiddler performances you can click here to learn more about manatee players .  If you plan to go and want directions you can always call or email me.  I had the right directions, but went to the old location anyway.  No comment!!!!!

SARASOTA New restaurant alert from CIO Debbie....."family owned rev-el-ry, a welcome addition to the mostly corporately run University Parkway restaurants, is now open daily 4-11pm with a wide ranging menu appealing to all appetites.

I was invited to a mock service last week giving me an opportunity to sample a good portion of the large menu.  After being seated and  served our drinks, the appetizers began arriving.  My party started with a slice of wild mushroom pizza.  As with all rev-el-ry pizza, the crust is thin and crispy.  We also sampled spicy sausage, tomato and the house specialty golden potato with bacon and cheddar; all equally good!!!  In addition to pizza, we sampled wings, bratwurst, baked oysters with a luscious cream sauce, Gorgonzola tart with side salad and sausage bites.  All were excellent and highly recommended.

For our entree we shared seared scallops, pork loin chop and perfectly cooked tenderloins.  Entrees come with vegetable and potato.  The portions are generous and easily split after a few appetizers.



Michael, Jennifer and Joey

Dessert was prepared by owner/chef Angela.  We sampled chocolate marquis: not too sweet and served in a pool of creme Anglais....a slice of chocolate heaven.  AND toffee pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.  YUM!!!

Happy hour, featuring $3 wine is 4-7pm daily.  The bar area is comfortable with sofas and soft chairs for casual drinking and lite dining with friends.  The pub menu consisting of hamburgers and the appetizer offerings already mentioned is available all evening, and can be ordered in restaurant as well. AND, the bar is open until 11pm with food service as well as drinks.

John and Angela have put together a well trained and professional wait staff.  I highly recommend you visit rev-el-ry, and support a locally family owned restaurant." 

The 2013-2014 Broadway, Dance and Classical performances  at Van Wezel have been announced. 

Featuring  Tony winner MEMPHIS along with nine other smash hits and four specials it is their best season yet.  Subscriptions are available now with single tickets going on sale sometime in June.   JUST ANNOUNCED.....DIANA ROSS returns September 11. 2013.  If you did not see her a few years ago, you are in for a terrific standing ovation performance.  Tickets go on sale in two weeks, but if you become an e-mail subscriber now, you can order on-line where best seats are still available.  Roberta and I will hopefully see you there!!!

RIDICULOUS HEADLINE FROM LONGBOAT OBSERVER


This is no April Fool joke, but a recent headline to a story in the Longboat Observer.  For those who don't know, the groin referred to in the headline is sand related.  Groins slow the constant movement of sand from north to south to bring sand to an area that's sand starved.

For those of us who have been on those beaches (try getting on with condo access) the system is working and refurbishing the beaches that have been losing sand  for several years.

I just think there was a better way to get our attention than this headline.  April Fool....YES....April 25....NO!!!

Jim's rant this week is with the jerks interviewed by television reporters who are in opposition of the text-ban law which goes into effect on 10/1...that is once Governor Scott signs the measure into law.  How can anyone in clear conscience be opposed to a law making it safer to take to the streets of any Florida highway??  And while I'm at it, why does it take 6 months for the bill to become law?  Well at least the legislature cleaned up election rules increasing early voting and extending voting for those still in line when the polls close.  No one will be laughing at us in 2016.....HA!!!!!!

Thanks again to Tracy for her editing and proofing.  No one but Tracy knows the shape this blog is in when I hand it over to her.  And thank you CIO Debbie for your REV-EL-RY review.  I couldn't agree more.  I cannot wait to go back; especially that thin crust pizza.  NEXT WEEK, DEBBIE AND I WILL REVEAL A SURPRISE COMEBACK/RETURN OF A WELL KNOWN SARASOTA restaruranteur to a familiar corridor.  Watch for it.  Have a great week and mothers enjoy your day.....JIM.......