APRIL 1, 2018

THIS WEEK WE CELEBRATE TOGETHER

HAPPY EASTER          HAPPY PASSOVER

Everybody's busy with the Holiday.  And so am I.....


See you next week........

 JIM...................

MARCH 25, 2018

SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL FILMS REVEALED

Playing at Sarasota Opera House and Hollywood 11, this year's event promises some outstanding feature films as well as well-received documentaries.  Stars galore including Oscar-nominated Virgina Madsen and familiar favorite, Steve Guttenberg will be in attendance and receive Awards at two gala receptions during the Festival.

As previously reported last week, the Nick Bollettieri documentary "Love Means Zero" will be shown and Nick will be on hand to meet and greet.   You can see this now or wait for its Showtime debut in June.  In addition, some of the better documentaries from 2017 Sundance Festival will be shown along with the eagerly anticipated 1985 and Eighth Grade.


Lots of  restaurant news this week.  Metro Diner opened its second location at Lockwood Ridge and University; several of us re-discovered a Main St. gem, Prague; and a familiar name on the Sarasota restaurant scene, Sol Shencker is starting anew with lunch and cheesecake at The Starlite Room.  

Had dinner at Metro, and came away unimpressed.  The menu and decor match their Siesta Key location; however the service and food have a long way to go.  After waiting at least 7 minutes to see a server,  and another long wait for food, we were none too happy with our meal. 

Meatloaf along with smashed potatoes was semi-warm; the egg-sandwich also semi-warm.   We did spot our food on line for several minutes before it was served.  Would I go back? NO!!!  Possibly their Siesta location.  If I want real diner food, I'll find it in Baltimore.

I'll say this about SOL, he is a survivor.  After three failed

attempts at a genuine Jewish delicatessen, he's back for his forth.  Sol is bringing his unique style to the Starlite Room 1001 Coconaut Avenue. 

 Plans call for incorporating some of Sol's deli items  into their dinner menu as well; especially his "celebrated" cheesecake.  This seems like a strange departure for Starlite, known more for their live entertainment, rooftop lounge and eclectic clientele. 

Quoting him, ..."as everyone knows I love to cook NY style deli.  I tried it here in three locations, one was too small, one was too big and one was a joint venture. They all started good and for some reason fizzled out"....Let's hope the fourth time is long lasting.

Beginning this Tuesday, lunch will be served 11-3 through Saturday, with brunch Sunday 11-4.

We are almost into April, and time to start thinking about ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK Campaign Against Summer Hunger feeding 40,000 students throughout the Sarasota area.  More information on Summer campaign as well as volunteer opportunities by clicking onto their website here.

Asolo Reperatory Theatre is well into its 59th season with sold-out performances the norm this year.   Now, before Jungle Book concludes Asolo's  schedule in June, comes an announcement of their 60th season productins.
  

76 Trombones

  Leading off is an all-time favorite of mine and yours, Meredeth Wilson's The Music Man with Jeff Calhoun returning as director.  The closing show is Stephen Sondheim's classic musical  Around The World in 80 Days.  A few of the other titles are The Crucible and A Doll's House Part2.  Sounds like another winning season for Asolo Rep.  To order tickets for the remainder of this season, or get in line for their 6oth season click here to check schedule and order tickets on line,

The recently opened ROE, a frank play about the Supreme Court decision that changed lives for women all across this land has seen positive reviews.  It's been 50 years since that landmark day, and as witness by the audience response, the country is still divided in opinion on abortion rights.
 
This is an astonishing play about two women caught up in the 1970's decision and how  their lives forever that day. As we go forward in the Trump-Pence leadership, the right  for women to have an abortion faces uncharted water.  An entertaining as well as thoughtful night at ASOLO.

It's been far too many years since visiting our gem of a Main St. restaurant.  PRAGUE was a nice change from the too predictable restaurants most of us frequent in Sarasota.  And coincidentally several friends went the same week and came away with same impression.  The review is a compilation of their thoughts:

  ".......Absolutely fantastic!!  The food was very good and the portions were big enough to share.  Soup, salad, potato pancake order big enough for 4.  Wiener Schnitzel. Beef Stroganoff, Hungarian Goulash, spaetzle.  Beer wine; no liquor. Save room for the home-made apple strudel with ice cream.  Four forks will do it.  Open dinner only 5-9 Mon-Sat. 

One word of caution.  The restaurant is small and noisy when full.  Call 941-392-2882 for reservations.

 JIM'S RANT.......The cancellation of Tuesday's 14th annual Celebrity Chefs event and wine tasting at Longboat Key Club was called off late afternoon due to tornado and thunderstorm warnings. A charity event for JFCS, with over 400 ticket purchasers were disappointed.....but not to be disappointed were the homeless served by Salvation Army.  The food along was delivered there along with several chefs who did the serving!!!  JIM......Thanks for reading...see you next week.......
 

MARCH 18, 2018

HERE THEY COME.........

SPRING BREAK is officially here.   Maybe not the crowd as shown here, but hundreds at our many beaches and restaurants.  The good news is our visitors will add plenty to economy; The bad news is traffic until the end of April.

 SARASOTA Fairgrounds is once again host to COUNTY FAIR.  Open today (Sunday) until 5:00pm, and 10 Monday-Thursday.  Closing day is Friday when gates open at 2:00 and close at 11:00.  If you are thinking of going tomorrow (Monday) or Friday 5-close admission is only $1.  There is of course a Midway with several rides along with special events every day.  Food is plentiful, and along with livestock, plants, fortune teller your time there will be well occupied. For a complete entertainment schedule and guide to exhibits click here

Bryon Stripling Guest Conductor

Those of you who were at last week's at Sarasota Orchestra's sold-out Van Wezel Best of Broadway concert left cheering and singing.  Along with Broadway stars Norm Lewis and Laura Osnes, the orchestra performed music from hit musicals South Pacific, The Producers, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, and many more.

One concert remains next month Swingin' At The Club.  A tribute of sorts to Ella, Cab and The Duke, selections range from Dinah to Stormy Weather, St. Louis Blues and Minnie The Moocher.  Playing April 20 and 21, tickets do remain, but they are going fast.  For tickets the box office can be reached at 941-953-3434 or you can click here to purchase tickets on line. 



 Most restaurants are busy this time of year some deservedly so, some not so.  One of those who deserves the crowds every day of the year is Michael's On East.  A Sarasota original, Michael's is easily one of the best choices for a sandwich or three course dinner.  And if you go on Friday, and love lobster, their special will fill you long after the last shell is cracked.  For $39.95 you get two Maine lobster, corn, along with mussels and clams. Their service, bread and desserts are also outstanding.  For reservations call 941-955-1945.  

Outside dining at Dry Dock

Dry Dock revisited.....Much better experience this week.  Had reservation booked for 6:00 pm.  When we arrived a line had already formed at the front door.  Upon checking in we were immediately ushered to our table. We'll be back, but probably after the season rush is over.




There is still time to purchase tickets and join one of the seasons' best events; JFCS Celebrity Chefs and Wine Tasting at Longboat Island side.  For $100 you get to sample food from 125 of the area's best restaurants along with some of the best wine available anywhere.  Under a tent; festivities begin at 5:30 and your out the door at 8:30.  To purchase tickets call 941-366-2224 NOW!!!

Mark your calendar now for the upcoming SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL.....It's their 20th anniversary and promises to have many gems among the 100 or more films.  As always, there will be stars, entertainers and musicians attending with easy access to the public.  Taking place at Hollywood 11 April 13-22, an announcement of scheduled events and attendees should be announced this week.  If it is, check back here for details next week.

Steve Guttenberg, Eric Stoltz and Rory Kennedy are the early Hollywood participants.  A complete list of movies, parties and panel discussions will be listed here next Sunday.  If the films are equal to the just concluded Jewish Film Festival we're in for a treat.

 Chasing the Blues is a comedy built around the search for a missing blues record.  This one stars Guttenberg and will play at Hollywood 11.  More on the brand new stadium theatre down to 11 screens from 20 next week.

 JIM'S RANT....This Herald headline caught my attention this week..."Curtains for arts programs?"...the article suggests that the recently passed  state budget  could lead to job and program cutbacks at FST and Asolo among others.  I know our generous community will not let that happen.  The diminished appropriations are due to a shift in priorities since the Parkland shootings.  A state rich in the arts should find a way to protect that along with our children...don't you think??  Thanks for reading...JIM...See you next week

MARCH 11, 2018

DID YOU JUMP FORWARD THIS MORNING.....IF NOT YOUR RUNNING ONE HOUR LATE

 Losing an hour of sleep sucks, but think of the fun you'll have next Saturday when everyone becomes Irish for 24 hours.  Start with the Downtown Farmer's Market and then you're on your own.

Looking for a different Paddy's experience, then get down to Venice and join the fun at BRITISH OPEN PUB & RESTAURANT, 367 Jacaranda Blvd.

 Twenty beers on tap and a full selection of fine wine and spirits.  Entry to the event is $5 with re-entry allowed all day and night.  Under a tent with continuous entertainment along with your favorite food.....Reubens, Irish Stew, Traditional Corned Beef Dinners( NO!!! Sol is not catering here or bringing his famous cheesecake.  Call 941-492-9227 or click here for more information.  

There are several Sarasota-Bradenton restaurants and bars offering similar packages.  Choose your poison and drink and drive sensibly. 

The Colony 2006

Two articles in last week's Sarasota Herald-Tribune caught my eye; especially the one about" Colony property gets closer to overhaul."  Who can ever forget The Monkey Bar restaurant or Murf's  famous Beach Buffet along with fireworks on July 4?  Vacant for over 10 years, The Colony is a step closer to long overdue make-over by company who plans a five-star hotel and residences on vacant, ugly Longboat site.

The other article is regards to legend and former Colony pro Nick Bolletari who is featured in Showtime movie Love Means Zero premiering in June. Already getting high marks from Toronto Film Festival , speculation has it when Sarasota Film Festival announces its April 14-22 titles, this will be one of them.  Love is already scheduled for a March 15 screening at Miami's Festival of Films.

Most of you know Bolletari's local presence looms even larger over the area with his hugely successful IMG Academy growing daily in Bradenton.

When Michael and Victoria Calore several months ago sold their extremely popular Mazzerella Fella they told me "stay tuned."  On March 3, Roberta and  I tuned into their newly opened Pazzo Southside 1830 S. Osprey Av.  When arriving around 11:45, we were surprised with the number of tables occupied at that  time of day.

What we were not surprised with was the food.  Exceptional, outstanding, delicious, and every bit as good if not better than their former restaurant.  The difference here is an enlarged menu with Pasta, Salads, Pizza and several entrees, young energetic servers, and the excitement of a happening place you need to bring your friends to. 

Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Sat.  The good news is they take reservations at 941-260-8831. Even without a reservation, your wait will not be long.  Grab a number and discover Morton's down the street or one of the many shops on Osprey.   Michael and Vickie know how to manage a restaurant!!!

  
  Had a not too pleasant experience at one of Longboat's most popular restaurants,  Dry Dock.  Nothing to do with the food, which as always was outstanding; but their lack of respect for RESERVATION policy.  Yes for those of you who are unaware, they now take reservations by phone or Open Table.  When arriving a few minutes before 8:00 reservation, we were given a pager and told we'd be seated close to our reservation time.  Is 8:40 close enough???

My suggestion is to avoid them during this popular season, and go back, as we will, in April when a call ahead is just as good as a reservation.

ALWAYS A FUN EVENING!!!

 An exceptional setting for ANY occasion, Indigenous 239 S. Links ranks among the best dining experiences in all of Sarasota.  Though outside seating is limited, if you reserve well enough in advance, this is the way to dine; especially on mild spring nights. Their menu, while distinctive and creative, is comparably priced, if not lower, than many high ranking restaurants, and not much more than an upscale chain restaurant. 

Mushroom Bisque

We shared a bottle of red from their ample wine list.  Then onto mushroom bisque which was thick and creamy along with a black garlic caeser salad. The  portions are not skimpy and our party of 4 could have easily split one salad.  All had a "hook to fork" entree which we devoured.  I was forbidden to order their burger, but according to Sarasota Magazine, it's #1 in town and comes with "duck fat roasted potatoes" for $17. The special dessert was a homemade butterscotch brownie with ice cream.  And here's the good news, Indigenous is kind to your wallet.

Reservations should be made well in advance; even out of season.  Call 941-706-4740 for yours.

JIM'S RANT.... Florida's Governor has finally signed a long overdue gun control bill into law. Not perfect,  and coming too late to save the children of our state who were slaughtered last month, it is a small step in the right direction.   I am looking forward to March 24 and "A March4 Our Lives" in  Washington that could finally begin to bring  broader National CHANGE!!!!..............
Another week getting us closer to Easter and Passover...Until next week...Thanks for reading....JIM

 

MARCH 4, 2018

TONIGHT BEGINNING 8PM ON ABC IT'S THE 90TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

     

 

There are several outstanding movies nominated for this year's Best Picture Oscar.  Pleased to say saw all 9, and though I question some of the nomainaitons, enjoyed them all.  Most were dark and art house, but for me Three Billboards...., The Post.....and Lady Bird stood out.  My nod goes to Billboard.

Frances McDermand

With that said, I think best actress will go to Frances McDermand who is commanding her role as mother of murdered daughter.  Sam Rockwell as town sherrif should get Supporting Actor, and Mary J. Blige will win for her role in Mudbound.  Best actor has to be Gary Oldman. His portrayal of Winston Churchill was spot on.  Best Director will go to Guillermo Del Toro for The Shape of Water...not one of my favorites!!!

Gary Oldham

The two movies that I enjoyed among the rest were The Post and one not nominated Mollly's Game.  Lots of movies, but not a great season for Hollywood.  If you missed some of the nominations you can still catch them at Parkway 8 for $2.  Three Billboards, Lady Bird, The Shape of Water, Darkest Hour, Phantom Thread(a total bore) and not nominated Molly's Game. 

Seen from Three Billboards

 SARASOTA ORCHESTRA continues its exceptional Pops performances at Van Wezel next weekend with POPS: Best of Broadway.  Music from old favorites Phantom of the Opera, Chorus Line, The Lion King and Hello Dolly to the new of Beautiful, Mormon and soon to open Frozen.

Along with the Orchestra, will be two Broadway stars Norm Lewis and Laura Osnes.  Their credits include Phantom, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Bonnie and Clyde and South Pacific among many others.

Performances are Friday March 9 at 8:00 and Saturday March 10 at 2:00 and 8:00.  Call 941-487-2740 for tickets.

Looking for lunch a sports themed restaurant that is relatively quiet with good food, then I suggest OAK & STONE, 5405 University Parkway across from CVS and near Starbucks.  I'd never been for lunch, but have had pizza and beer in the evening when the noise level was high though tolerable.  Their lunch menu is no different than dinner, but you can get salads or burgers, watch some TV and have a conversation without surrounding noise. 

With so many restaurant choices in SARASOTA, every once in awhile you make a bad one!!!!  Such was the case on Saturday when faced with an eating decision at 6:30 we chose CARMEL KITCHEN.  Though they eventually filled most tables, there was ample seating upon 6:30 arrival.

Serving Mediterranean and "modern" cuisine, this was easily the poorest meal we've had in Sarasota in quite a long time.  Our only happiness was when the bill came and we left.

For several weeks now, I have been promoting the Sarasota Jazz Festival.  Though not my music of choice, this has been a major event here for 37 years.  You would think by now they would have their act together...NOT.  The same ad without dates ran again this week in Ticket.  In case you're interested the Festival runs 3/7-10.  For more information click here.


Next weekend you'll have an other opportunity to visit with and purchase from several artists and crafts persons, as the Sarasota Fine Arts Festival returns for the weekend of March 10-11.  Running 10-5 Saturday and Sunday March 10-11 from Main Street & Gulf Stream Avenue.  This one promises to be different from the show a few weeks ago, as Paragon Events is the promoter. 

Rarely do I have the time or inclination to read Sarasota Magazine cover cover, but their new issue is something else.  Their cover story, and literally every story in their March issue has to do with THE FUTURE of our community.  I've been ranting for the past several years about the traffic growth at I75/University, Main St. area, Longboat and others.  Now the magazine in their feature article THE FUTURE, addresses why this is happening and while it will continue to get worse before getting better.

Especially eye-opening is the article from Editor Susan Burns:  Times Are Changing.  She says it better than anyone to date about what seems to have happened overnight to our charming Sarasota.  


JIM'S RANT....Most will agree with Herald Tribune's view "Diverging diamond a gem of a project."  Don't get me wrong here, as I am in agreement with their assessment; however have you ever tried the diamond going east or west around 4:30-6:00 pm Monday through Friday?  No Diamond can alleviate that kind of traffic this time of year.  So have patience, and use that diamond anytime but the afore mentioned hours.  Hope you have a great week and come back next week....JIM

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

SUNDAY MARCH11 7pm

There will be food/music/entertainment all at Jewish Federation Campus

$10 Adult/Kids under 18 free