FEBRUARY 4, 2018

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY...........

We can only hope for as exciting a game as last year's New England/Atlanta thriller.  My prediction is at bottom of blog.  ENJOY the game and party!!!


Playing now at ASOLO is SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE.  Winner of Academy Award for Best Picture several years ago, it is drawing big crowds in this theatre adaptation.

Critics raved.... " an absolute joy from beginning to end," it tells the story of playwright William Shakespeare as he begins his career in England.  While going through writers block (I know something about that) he meets the love of his life.  The rest you'll have to see on your own.  Now through March 28, Click here for performance schedule and to purchase tickets. You can also visit or call box office at 941-351-8000. 

With all the new restaurants open or about to open, it's easy to forget about the ones that got us here.  PATRICK'S has been a Main St. fixture long before many of their neighbors; in fact over 29 years!  Mark Freed went with family for their Monday $5 hamburger, and was not disappointed.

Mark writes, "...needless to say they were quite crowded, but seated without too much of a wait.  There were 5 of us and all ordered the burger.  Each one came out as ordered and stood the test of time.  The sides of cole slaw, potato salad and fries were equally as good.  Along with a full bar serving generous drinks reasonably priced;  definitely would go back."


Mark also commented on their extensive menu offering entrees, salads and specialty sandwiches.  Open daily with lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.  For those of you who have forgotten about Patrick's take another taste!!  Reservations for parties of 5.

URBANITE THEATRE continues to prosper with their unusual theatrical presentations.  The first of this season, Northside Hollow is set deep in a mine.  For several minutes there is no light as an explosion rocks the place and everything goes dark.  Jay Handelman calls it a"fully immersing experience."

For those of you who have never been to or heard of Urbanite, they are located close to Whole Foods at 1487 Second Street.  Seating is limited so my advice is to plan well ahead.  Northisde Hollow is playing through March 11. For tickets call 941-321-1397 or click here to purchase tickets.

The success of one of our favorite restaurants, THE ROSEMARY, has prompted

owner George Armstrong to expand not only to a new version  coming soon, but to a  deli a few doors down at 433 Orange.  CHARLIE'S Deli named for George and Jessica's son, is a welcome addition to the Rosemary district.

Open 10am-6pm with limited seating, you will be able to order sandwiches from a wide variety of Boar's Head product, feast on  lox and bagels and much more.

Also for take out will be whitefish spread, potato pancakes, matzo ball soup, lasagna and Rosemary meatloaf.  Chef Scott calls this"a work in progress", with more items added weekly. 



In my continuing effort to bring you unusual area events,

Quicksilver

I call your attention to next week's Gospel Music Convention.  Beginning Monday for  6 days at the Bradenton Convention Center at One Haben Blvd, just off US Hwy 301-41.

Many of the artists featured last year are back i.e., Booth Brothers, David Phelps, Quicksilver, Greater Vision, and Karen Peck.  More information is available at 941-756-6942 or click here for the complete lineup and various ticket purchase locations.

Opening Wednesday and running until Feb 18, Jan Wallace brings her acclaimed Shirley Valentine to Backstage at the Players.  More on this next week, but you can order tickets at 941-365-2494 or click here for Shirley performance schedule. Additional Players information as well.

JIM'S RANT....This week's opening of the first Amazon/Whole Foods continues a run of specialty grocery chains putting a foot down in our community.  Trader Joe's was followed by Fresh Market, Sprouts, Lucky's and Earth Fare.  What once was a small tourist stop in the winter has become a big-time community.  Sarasota is no longer a best kept secret!!!!...........Thanks for reading.  Until next week....JIM



EAGLES IN UPSET!!!!