SUNDAY, JANUARY 8,2017

MONDAY NIGHT: CLEMSON VS.ALABAMA: WINNER UNDISPUTED COLLEGE CHAMP

.

.

After an abysmal Bowl season it finally comes down to a re-match of the 2016 game won by Alabama 45-40.  With the exception of an exiting Rose Bowl, most of the games leading up to this one have been one-sided with low viewership and sparse attendance. 

 Not a problem Monday as Raymond James Stadium in Tampa is sold out with several out of town  attendees staying in Sarasota.  If you don't have a ticket, ESPN begins its telecast at 8:00 pm, but if you are really into this one, they  promise day-long coverage right from several Tampa locations.

SUNDAY 7pm NBC,  the 74th annual GOLDEN GLOBES begins a two month countdown to the ACADEMY AWARDS.  Both movie and television programs are honored along with categories Best Drama and Best Musical or Comedy for both.  The telecast is "live" and  most in the audience will be  drinking throughout the 3 plus tedious hours of awards with zero entertainment.

I am not going to list every nominee, but want to tell you my favorite for at least Best Musical or Comedy.  It is LA LA LAND!!!  Many of you who saw the movie at Royal Palm did not like it at all.   However, just got off the phone with Roberta Fox who along with Bruce "loved" the movie.  Others also agree with my assessment of the movie.

 I thought it was ingenious, made me smile throughout, well acted and  captured the essence of what Hollywood musicals use to be.  This independent release was made on a shoe string budget, as were several of the Best Drama nominees.

Watch for  Emma Stone to win best in that  category.  To me she was totally believable in her characterization.  Ryan Gossling will also win, but will be hard-pressed by Casey Affleck  at Academy Award time.

After reading this, I should get allot of feedback from most of you who disagree with me.  Email me, and I will use your comments  next week along with mine about the program.

Looking for something different the next few weeks??   Why not take a drive to Palmetto for the 101st. annual Manatee County Fair.  Located at 1402 14th Ave. West, the Fair begins Thursday and runs every day through 1/22.  A showcase for the best of Manatee County.  Featuring exciting exhibits, a thrill packed midway, a variety of great entertainment and of course fair food-all packed into ten days and nights.   For a schedule of daily entertainment click here.

The first big-name entertainer is Friday when  Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder presents an evening concert under the stars.  Bring a blanket, lawn chair, or stand and move to their country music.  If you go, please send me a review. 

If you don't feel like traveling  to Palmetto  you can wait for  Sarasota's 87th annual  County Fair March 17-26 at a much more convenient location; Ringling Blvd. and Fruitville Rd.  More on this one in a few months.

I am excited to bring a new restaurant to your attention this week.  Discovered by George Armstrong, owner of the highly successful Rosemary.  His comment to me as a competitive owner, "this was one of the best  meals ever had here." 

enRich Bistro Local Farm Salad

en RICH BISTRO  5629 Manatee Avenue W 941-792-0990.  Not a stand alone, but in a strip mall along Manatee Avenue.   Open Tues-Fri 11am-9:30pm and Saturday 5-9:30 pm.  Reservations accepted.  For their outstanding menu click here. Once there, I challenge you to find at least a dozen if not more items to order on your first visit.


 IT'S MY HEART, a non-profit organization that supports babies and families of children born with congenital heart defects is having a fundraiser and book signing next Saturday  the 14tn.  Author of several books dedicated to each of her 11 grandchildren, Kathleen J. Wihelm will be there with her 6th book in the series.

For reservations to the noon luncheon and signing at Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club call 941-926-7602.

JIM'S RANT.... In an attempt to elevate the traffic congestion on Longboat and North a water taxi service is being proposed for Anna Maria Island to Sarasota.  Good first step, but even before the taxi, a fix is needed badly for Circle congestion.  One idea is to have police at some intersections during peak times.  Could have used some during past two weeks when it took more than an hour to cross the bridge...a continuing and GROWING problem....

Another week bites the dust...see you next week...JIM