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.......