MARCH 1, 2015

WELCOME TO MARCH WHERE IN A FEW WEEKS IT WILL BE SPRING AND TIME TO GO TO SIESTA BEACH # 1....AGAIN!!

Siesta Beach is #1 beach destination  thanks to TripAdvisor.com's recent "Travelers' Choice Awards" The awards are determined by travelers who take the time to vote and rate vacation destinations.  It has been four years since SIESTA'S  first #1 designation, which is still visible on signs all around the KEY.

The water is still too cold for most of us, but not for the thousands of spring breakers who will be here again this month.  If they are interested in art, culture and food they've come to the right place.

Re-Purposed continues to draw record crowds to the Ringling Museum where it will be until May 17.  The exhibit explores several of the more recognizable trends among artists who consistently "re purpose" garbage, tin cans, musical instruments, and almost anything within reason to create their works of art.  Themes of the exhibit are Index, Identity, and Environment.  Each theme is a potent reminder of our close connections to the materials we use to create and facilitate our lives.   

The Ringling Museum  is a perfect addition to any tourist's journey throughout SARASOTA. 

GIUSEEPPE'S Ristorante, located at 1900 Main Street across from Hollywood 20, has been open awhile.  Why did it take us so long to discover it?  Guiseppe's is a find to say the least.  This Italian gem serves their own homemade pasta that is as good as it gets.

  The food is served piping hot, and not only plentiful, it is priced almost half of that other Italian restaurant just a few doors east.  So the room is not beautiful, the food is, and that's what counts.

  Also important to dining in SARASOTA these days is the NOISE.  I am happy to say by sitting at a side table,  we could carry on a conversation with our dinner companions without shouting to be heard. Remember that next time you make a reservation....366-6610.


Open for lunch as well with Hand Tossed Pizza, baked or grilled, Giuseepe's is quickly being discovered by many more than me.  And if you love dessert as much as I do, try one.  All made on premises.  I highly recommend....


ACADEMY AWARDS recap....  A highlight for me was Lady GA GA performing songs from Sound of Music and the appearance by Julie Andrews.  Also, John Legend's performance of Commons's Glory from Selma was truly remarkable.  My predictions were accurate except for Eddie Redmayne.  Length is always a problem with these  Awards, and this year was no exception. Don't quite understand why major awards are bunched at end of telecast.  They should be placed throughout the program!!

It was announced almost immediately after the awards, Lady Ga Ga, who has really branched out as a performer;  first with Tony Bennet, then the Sound of Music medley,  will be one of the stars in this fall's American Horror Story/Hotel on FX.  By now you know, this is one of my favorite television programs.  Another one to watch is Empire on Fox.

I saw one of the final performances of FEARLESS, this year's Circus theme,  and was blown away by production as well as the tent and location.  Could have done away with pig act, but all in all it was a few hours well spent.  This year's edition was a total sell-out which can be attributed in part to the Wallenda publicity.  If you have not seen his pyramid act, start marking your calendar for next year.

Next month, in the same location, and for only two performances,  CIRQUE DES VOIX, takes over the tent.  Nik Wallenda will be there, but do not know what act he will be performing.  However, it features a 100 voice chorus along with an orchestra and several circus acts.  I urge you to get tickets NOW, as word of mouth from FEARLESS will make this an instant sell-out. To purchase tickets on line please click here.

There are so many restaurants opening on the University corridor, it is hard to keep up with them.  Currently under construction are Tom and Cheese adjacent to Fresh Market along with Fresh Kitchen plus  Daily Eats in front of the Cooper Creek shopping center.  Which leads to new contributor Joan Blum's discovery of MAEMI on Tourist Center Drive near New Balance.

Joan writes, "MAEMI features a combination of Japanese and Peruvian influence foods such as sushi, fish and beef dishes prepared with wonderful flavorings.  The bouillabaisse with clams, mussels, fish and octopus had a distinct flavor all its own."

Quoting Joan again,  "delicious! with pricing lower than most of the current favorites."  She closes by stating, "give it a try."  Think I will in the near future and let you know my take.


Now playing in the Gompertz at FST, and generating rave reviews, is FLY. A powerful story of discrimination in the ranks of soldiers during WW11.  A true tale of brotherhood, acceptance, and equality.  FLY continues this exceptional season of high-quality drama for minimal ticket price.  Playing through April 4, you have ample time to see this one before heading back north.  And, if anyone is interested, FST is already selling season tickets for 2015-16.  A perfect gift for any occasion.

For those of you fortunate enough to have tickets to Wednesday's Alan Dershowitz lecture, you heard a man dedicated to Israel, not afraid to say so, and as a Liberal Democrat put President Obama in his place for not supporting the State as well as most President's before him.  Hats off again to the Mazur family for making this event happen. Their plans going forward include more lectures of this type in memory of husband and father Lenard. 


JIM'S RANT....Next Sunday I will be riding in the second annual PEDAL FOR PUPS starting at Nathan Benderson Park.  If you would like to support my efforts with a contribution to Nate's Animal Rescue you can send one to 8437 Cooper Creek Blvd. Bradenton, Fl 34201.  You are all welcome to come out and cheer....If you want to enter ..There is still time to register by clicking here.  Hope to see you next Sunday.  Walkers are welcome as well as your furry animal.

CONGRATULATIONS TO GOOD FRIEND JOE MARSH WHO AFTER OVER  60 YEARS OF GOLF HAD HIS FIRST HOLE IN ONE AT UPCC ON MONDAY.  THE PAR 3 8TH HOLE WAS RECIPIENT OF BALL.....

 By the way, after picking up ball from hole,  Joe was able to stand up and complete the round!!

Thanks to Tracy and to all of you for reading and hopefully supporting my efforts in Pedal For Pups next Sunday morning (Sunday 3/8)......JIM