SELBY GARDENS CONTINUES THEIR ARTIST EXHIBIT SERIES WITH CONTEMPORARY ICON ANDY WARHOL.
Known more for pop than flowers, Warhol created thousands of flower paintings and images; some of which are featured in this event. Like last year's Chagall exhibit, several of Warhol's paintings and plant inspirations are featured throughout Selby. Running through early June, this is a wonderful outing for out-of-town guests or yourselves on a beautiful spring day. For more Warhol information as well as Selby hours and pricing please click here.
Over the years early-bird specials have morphed into HAPPY-HOUR, with most restaurants providing same. Several are in the bar, but if you do some research, you can find them in the restaurant as well. Recently went to a couple at UTC. Here is a brief take on both.
SEASONS 52 has Happy Hour in spacious bar area and outside dining with open view of parking lot. Their menu is limited, and they're not kidding when they say "small plates". The price is right at $5, but if you order two then you might as well go to their main menu. Hours are 3-7 weekdays.
BRIO Tuscan Grille has a small bar space, but ample seating outside in a covered area; also in view of parking lot. Their menu far exceeds Seasons, and includes a burger with chips for $6. By far the more popular of the two, their hours are 3:30-6:30 weekdays. With so few tables in lounge area, you should anticipate sitting at the bar.
UTC favorites, Cheesecake Factory and Kona Grille have happy hour as well. Sad to report Capital Grille does not have happy hour, but if you're here for Savor Sarasota, the Grille has a burger special in bar which is best in show!!!
Now playing at Manatee Players is the stage adaptation of a memorable 1996 Disney movie of Victor Hugo's novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Awhile back I wrote how impressive the young performers were at a benefit, and they are equally if not more so here. Many of the songs should spark a memory if you saw the movie. Playing through March 15 call 941-748-5875 click here for a schedule of performances.
In last week's blog, there was an article promoting the 38th annual SARASOTA Jazz Festival and its move from under construction Art Ovation Hotel to Riverside Performing Arts Center. Their full page ad in this week's TICKET told you that and more. Only thing missing was date of March 7-10. For more information click here.
The most recent TripAdvisor listing of Best Beach, dropped Siesta Beach to #2, replacing it with Clearwater's Beach. Since their list is based on traveler review; if you want the #1 distinction again in 2019 get those votes in!!!! Or can it be a backlash from awful MTV program Siesta Beach????
JIM'S RANT....The recent sale of Ritz-Carlton properties caught my eye for several reasons. The $171 million price for the hotel along with its golf course and its private club on Lido Beach is an historic figure for a Sarasota project of this type. I can remember when the hotel idea along with a Tower Residence was floated in the late 90's. It was said at the time, Sarasota was going to change. WELL?????? Thanks for reading....See you next week...JIM
Mark your calendar for Saturday's Sun Circle Art Festival 10-5 in the Indian Beach/ Sapphire Shores neighborhood near Ringling Museum. Over 80 participants...........
This week we celebrate the shopping holiday: PRESIDENTS DAY. By lumping both Lincoln and Washington's birthday together, we get bombarded with sales advertising for nearly a month. So happy shopping, but as you do, stop to think about two GREAT American Presidents!!!!
DARWIN's newest restaurant featuring what he calls "evolutionary cuisine" is alive and kicking. So much so they have outgrown their 4141 Tamiami Trail location and are expanding next door!! If you haven't been you're in for a treat, as all meals are unique and served with sauce and sides not regularly seen in Sarasota.
The night we were there, the menu special was Whole Snapper including the head. Our friends loved it. I could not watch them eat it! However, my salmon was served with special Peruvian sauce and along with a plantain side, I went away happy.
Located within walking distance of Trader Joe's, Darwin is open 7 days with early and late happy-hour. Another very positive note: You can talk without shouting; something we're finding more difficult in today's modern restaurant. Learn more about Darwin by clicking here.
If you read the TICKET in this week's paper and didn't come away overwhelmed by the number of theatre, live performance, street fair, baseball promotions, etc. then you didn't read the entire insert. What with the ORIOLES, PIRATES, RAYS and YANKEES all within a few miles from here your baseball appetite should be satisfied. Spring games begin in a week or so; BUT a word of caution, most games have limited availability.
I know many of you are into JAZZ; especially with all the rap and hip hop music now invading our space. The 38th Annual SARASOTA Jazz Festival takes place March 7-10 at The Riverview Arts Center at Riverview High School. This is a change from original venue Art Ovation Hotel due to construction delays.
For more information on schedule click here.
The 9th Annual JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL is less than a month away.a few weeks away. Featuring 12 outstanding Israel themed films, including the un-cut director's version of one of our all time favorites EXODUS. How do you think that one would fare against today's BLACK PANTHER???
There are 11 other movies including the Southwest Florida Premier of Ben-Gurion, Epilogue, a rare and intimate reflective interview with Israel's founding prime minister. Though filmed 50! years ago; his vision for the future of Israel stands the test of time. Tickets will be on sale soon. and when I have that information, I will pass along. Click here to learn more about the movies and events for the Festival.
This week's fifth Masterworks is called Midori Honors Bernstein: Feb 22-25. Join Sarasota Orchestra with guest conductor Michael Balke in a romantic post Valentine program featuring a tribute to Leonard Bernstein who if alive, would have been 100 this year.
Balke is an internationally known conductor, regularly appearing with symphonies in South Korea, Russia and Japan. Call 941-953-3434 for tickets.
World renowned violinist Midori joins the orchestra for this special program. You can click here to purchase tickets and see upcoming events.
JIM'S RANT....The year was 2004, and in September, the ribbon was cut opening Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Mickey Fine and myself were just two of the many volunteers working there. Visitors to our front desk position were few and far between, and time spent uneventful. Fast forward to this week's announcement of a $28.5 Million Dollar expansion. One more clue to the rapid growth of this community........Thanks for reading. Have a great week......JIM
CORRECTION...The February 25 screening time for ITZAH at Jewish Federation is 4:00 PM. For Perlman fans, this is the one to see. Call 941-706-0033 for more information.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
Two days ago, Circus Sarasota returned to the big top at Benderson Park with OVATION. And yes, this year's version drew a standing O at their second act conclusion. Though Nik is missing this year, the International cast more than makes up for his absence with their daredevil aerial performance without a net. This show runs through March 9. Box office is open daily or you can call 941-355-9805. Or you can click here to order those tickets.
Sarasota opera had its season debut Friday with their first production of Puccini's Manson Lescaut. Running through March 23 it tells the story of a couple who experience love at first sight and face serious obstacle to a lasting relationship. Other featured Operas are Norma and Defland. The season concludes with the more popular and more familiar opera, Bizet's Carmen.
Performances are at Sarasota Opera House. For more information call 941-328-1300 or click here for more information.
After hearing so much about NAPULE, from friends, readers and Sarasota Magazine, 5 of us went for dinner Wednesday. Attractive and modern best describes the interior of the restaurant. Imagine Boca or Bravo and you have a pretty good idea. Along with its brick-oven pizza, large screen movie loop and an open second floor for dining, Napule is much more attractive. If you can get by the NOISE, Napule is a positive addition to our growing list of restaurants.
Inexpensive and casual best describes the menu. Some have raved about their pizza, I am not one of them. I prefer a solid crust. Needless to say Napule features a soft crust which made hand holding difficult. Their pasta is rich and flavorful. Desserts look no different than of other Italian restaurants here. Maybe they all get from same bakery.
A reservation is suggested; especially on crowded weekends. Call 941-556-9639. For menu and additional information click here. And request 2nd floor. The noise is as bad as one can imagine.
The recently concluded 2017 PERLMAN MUSIC PROGRAM continues into 2018 with ITZHAK the movie. Showing Sunday, February 25, 4:30p.m. at Beatrice Friedman Theater 580 McIntosh Rd. The film, which is part of PBS American Masters series, follows Perlman as he interacts with students, family and among others, Billy Joel. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by clicking here. In addition to movie, there is information on year-long PMP events.
There has been much publicity regarding the JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL. I will have the complete line-up next week. The Festival has grown from a handful of films to over
a dozen. Opening night guests include Yariv Mozer and Alon Ben-Gurion. Most screenings will be at Hollywood20. If you can't wait until next week you are welcome to click here for an update on all scheduled movies as well as special evnets associated with film festival.
The closing night film EXODUS will be presented at Sahib Shriners Auditorium in its full over 3 hour un-cut version.
The world is changing along the University Corridor. What once was a sleepy bunch of parking lots with fast food, bank and Outback Restaurant, has welcomed a state of the art WHOLE FOODS, WAWA, soon to open METRO DINER, and the just announced Mote Marine.
In addition, UPCC is about to become a recreational district with current owners in charge; and if you are an owner with ballot and a registered Manatee County voter now is time to get that vote in to your Neighborhood Chairperson.
A few parting words on the AMAZON/WHOLE FOODS. It's easily double in size from their 1St. Street location. Included is a restaurant with beer and wine service. Restaurant even offers a happy hour with $2 off 4-7 pm. Just imagine a huge expansion of what you've come to expect from WHOLE FOODS. Along with WA WA, this is one busy strip mall. AND, if you are an Amazon Prime Member, there are additional specials throughout the store.
JIM'S RANT....Ten years ago, Nate Benderson had an idea to create a cultural area around the then being developed UTC and Benderson Park. He offered land and $ to Sarasota Symphony to relocate to that site. In addition he offered to help develop the property. Didn't happen, and now with Mote Marine moving that way, one can only imagine what would have been.....
Thanks for reading.....Until next week.....
JIM
Known more for pop than flowers, Warhol created thousands of flower paintings and images; some of which are featured in this event. Like last year's Chagall exhibit, several of Warhol's paintings and plant inspirations are featured throughout Selby. Running through early June, this is a wonderful outing for out-of-town guests or yourselves on a beautiful spring day. For more Warhol information as well as Selby hours and pricing please click here. 
BRIO Tuscan Grille has a small bar space, but ample seating outside in a covered area; also in view of parking lot. Their menu far exceeds Seasons, and includes a burger with chips for $6. By far the more popular of the two, their hours are 3:30-6:30 weekdays. With so few tables in lounge area, you should anticipate sitting at the bar.
The most recent TripAdvisor listing of Best Beach, dropped Siesta Beach to #2, replacing it with Clearwater's Beach. Since their list is based on traveler review; if you want the #1 distinction again in 2019 get those votes in!!!! Or can it be a backlash from awful MTV program Siesta Beach????
JIM'S RANT....The recent sale of Ritz-Carlton properties caught my eye for several reasons. The $171 million price for the hotel along with its golf course and its private club on Lido Beach is an historic figure for a Sarasota project of this type. I can remember when the hotel idea along with a Tower Residence was floated in the late 90's. It was said at the time, Sarasota was going to change. WELL?????? Thanks for reading....See you next week...JIM 
