DECEMBER 29, 2019

IT'S 2020......LET'S MAKE THIS THE BEST YEAR EVER.........

The best place to be is downtown Sarasota where the festivities begin at 1:00 p.m. and last until 2 a.m. when I'll have been asleep for almost 2 hours.  This is always a well-attended event with parking at a premium.  Five Points is where you'll find amusement rides and games.  Live music will be playing at corner of Main and Lemon streets, where you can also find food and drink vendors.

If you're looking for a reservation at the  downtown restaurants, I suggest you do it now, as many are already booked for the evening.
The grand finale is Sarasota's "world-famous" Pineapple Drop which welcomes in 2020, followed by a gigantic fireworks display.  The party's over at by 2 a.m.  Everything free except food and rides.


If you don't want to fight the crowds downtown there are several events around the area including UTC's first NY Eve party at their popular Holidays on the Green.  This one is primarily for families, with face painters, balloon artists, live music, and a countdown to a 9 p.m. fireworks show. 

Also available is the illuminated winter wonderland ice skating, sledding, horse and carriage rides and a carousel.   The charge is $20 for ice skating and sledding. This one runs from 6-10, giving you ample time to attend both.

If you've never seen a Sailor Circus performance, you're missing one of Sarasota's better attractions for the whole family.  However, by the time you read this, it may be too late to purchase tickets for their last performances of 2019. 


 The show features 70 young circus performers ages 8 to 18 performing skills learned during weekday workouts after school.  The name Dolly Jacobs should be familiar to you from her many performances here.  She is committed to passing on her skills to a new generation of performers.

This six show event is taking place at the newly renovated Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista Sunday at 1 and 6pm and tomorrow at 2 and 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased at 941-355-9805;  circusarts.org; or on-site at box-office.........."Sailor Circus dazzles in latest show...." Michael Moore Jr. 12/28 Herald Tribune.....

According the the Herald Tribune, Sarasota/Manatee witnessed the arrival of 15 major restaurants in 2019.  With so many to choose from, it is easy to forget the "oldies but goodies."  An evening this week took me to one that never gets "old", and is as good as when opened in 1989.  I'm talking about Caragiulos 69 S. Palm Ave, a few steps from all those newer restaurants on Main St.

At first glance, nothing has changed in 20 years other than an increase in size.  The food is familiar, substantial, and good, with prices as reasonable as one expects from an Italian kitchen.  Add impeccable service to the mix, and you can understand why I recommend Caragiulos for eating in or taking out.  Reservations for parties of 6, but the friendly bar makes the wait for our party of 4 easy to take. 




JIM'S RANT....Hope you've all had a great year and that 2020 is the best ever!  Through laughs and tears we've made it through another one.  My biggest laugh was watching people attempting to figure out how to feed the parking meters on Main and St. Armands Circle.  Days were a lot simpler when each car had its own meter.......JIM......Thanks for reading....see you again next year.......

DECEMBER 22, 2019

SEASONS GREETINGS........AS WE CELEBRATE HANUKKAH AND CHRISTMAS........



















Today marks the beginning of Hanukkah.  This eight-day Jewish celebration commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the second Temple in Jerusalem, where Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.

Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.

Enjoy this week as we head to 2020 next week!

If you're reading Blog early on Sunday, you still have time to join in the fun at the 9th Annual A Taste Of Chanukah at Phillipi State Park.  Along with activities for children of all ages there will be a rich array  of Kosher food prepared by Sarasota's finest Kosher caterers.  Activities for children of all ages, The Skyriders trampoline show, Plenty of free parking.  The prediction of rain may dampen the spirits, but has not cancelled the event.

Florida Studio Theatre is once again demonstrating why they, along with West Coast Black Theatre provide the best in local theatre.  And on a larger scale, The Asolo Rep continues on that path.


Recently opened Handle With Care is FST's second Main Stage production, and it's generating great reviews from Jay Handelman as well as readers of this blog.

Kay Kipling wrote in Sarasota Magazine...."Handle With Care is anything but showy or splashy, but is a holiday package most audiences will enjoy."  Blog reader Paul Hollinger writes..."a must see.  Good writing and acting.  Also a Baltimore connection with a Jewish theme."  Playing through March 8,2020.  For tickets call 941-366-9000 or floridastudiotheatre.org.

JPAN continues to be my choice for sushi in Sarasota.  We first started going to

the Sarasota  location when it opened 11 years ago and recently went back for a Sunday dinner of sushi and creative Japanese appetizers.  For me,nothing has changed over the years; good food, great service and reasonable pricing.  It's equally as good as UTC location, only more convenient to downtown living.

Their Sarasota location is 3800 S. Tamiami Trail, conveiently located at Shops At Siesta Row; while UTC location is 229 N. Cattleman road.  Call 941-952-5726/Sarasota or 941-954-5726 UTC for reservation or carry-out.  As of this writing, JPAN is not affiliated with any food delivery service.

In addition to sushi their menu is wide,  offering chicken, shrimp,beef and salmon prepared in a tasty teriyaki sauce and smothered with vegetables.  My mouth is watering as I type this.  Go hungry and leave satisfied.  


Looking for a last-minute gift idea???   Why not tickets to January's BUGS BUNNY

at the SYMPHONY with Sarasota Orchestra.  This live musical with Original Looney Tunes on a big screen is playing the Van Wezel January 3 and 4, with kid friendly matinee on the 4th.

"...Bugs Bunny at the symphony joins Sarasota Orchestra in a newly revised 30th Anniversary edition.  This production projects Looney Tunes on the big screen, while the orchestra plays the classically-infused original scores live.  Enjoy Die Fledermause, Barber of Seville and more.

Youth tickets only $9.  Standard tickets for as low as $37.  Call 941-953-3434 or SarasotaOrchestra.Org.

Moving away from entertainment and dining for a paragraph, have any of you tried TIDE Cleaners?  If not, you should consider them for your next cleaning.  Reasonable prices with discounts nearly every week; in fact this week's opening of their newest location 4325 S. Trail celebrated its opening with a 50% First-Time offer in Wednesday's Herald.  

Their other locations are 1760 Main St. and 8542 Tuttle Ave.  Open Mon-Saturday until 7.   My location on Main even has free bottled water for its customers.

Perlman at 2018 Final Concert

This week marks the return of The PMP Suncoast Winter Residency featuring Toby and husband Itzhah Perlman.  Since 2005 the Perelmans have made Sarasota their winter home as they train some of the most gifted young musicians in the country.  USF Rehearsals and work in progress are free, with three specialty events including the closing  Opera House concert requiring paid tickets.

Ticket availability for free and paid concerts can be found at PerlmanSuncoast.org or by calling 941-328-1300.








JIM'S RANT.....I am a news junkie, and have been for quite sometime now.  However, I am swearing off ABC/7 until the new year.  This past week, at the peak of holiday shopping, their newscasts are filled with commercial breaks consisting of nothing but local auto dealers, one after another with no product separation.   In fact, one break had a sponsor who never ran a commercial during that time.  Where is product protection when we need it?....JIM........Happy Holidays...I'll see you right before New Year's Eve........

This week the Sarasota community is mourning the untimely passing of Charles and Margery Barancik.  Charles was killed in a Long-Boat auto accident Thursday night; Margery passed the next day from injuries suffered in the accident.  Memorial services are 2 p.m. Sunday at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh  Road, Sarasota.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to JFCS of the Suncoast, or your favorite charity.

DECEMBER 15, 2019

SARASOTA'S NEWEST ATTRACTION IS OPEN TO EXPLORE........

After $30 million dollars and countless delays, The Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College is open and ready for locals and tourists on a daily basis.  Located 1001 S.Tamiami Trail in the completely renovated Sarasota High School building during the hours of 10am-5pm.  Admission is $15 and free to members.  Call 941-309-7662.  Or visit them at www.ringling.edu/museum.


I've told you for months about the Ringling College Library Association TOWN HALL lecture series coming early next year.  Up until 24 hours ago, you could only purchase season tickets. 

 As an early Christmas gift, SINGLE tickets are now available on-line.  You can find them at www.RCLAassociation.com or 941-309-5100.  

Depending on location, tickets are priced at either $65 or $125.  The series begins Monday January 27 with General John Kelly, and includes Annie Leibowitz ,Ambassador Wendy Sherman, Sam Quinones, and Lisa Genova.

 Christmas is two weeks away, and from now until the end of 2019 there are a variety of events  entertainment venues happening in Sarasota; too many to include in one blog, so  here are just a few.  For more information, pick up the Herald Tribune/TICKET wherever you see a newspaper box around town.

Several of you have expressed pure joy in the family musical lighting up the ASOLO stage this month.  The Sound of Music continues through December 28.  There are several matinees during those dates with tickets available at their box-office 5555 N. Tamiami Trail or 941-351-000 or www.asolorep.org.

Nationally recognized Sarasota Ballet is performing Circus Nutcracker December 20-21 at Van Wezel.  The familiar Nutcracker will feature a large cast of dancers, and along with a live orchestra, is the only Nutcracker to see this season.

Sarasota Ballet Circus Nutcracker

Tickets start at $30 and can be yours by calling 941-359-0099, Van Wezel box-office, or www.SarasotaBallet.org.  Good seats remain, but I suggest you purchase now, as this one is sure to sell out in the days leading to December 20.


If you missed last weekend's craft show at Robarts Arena don't fret.   Though the 12th annual Atomic Holiday Bazzar is totally different in scope, it is a unique viewing and shopping experience.  The scene below is what last year's Bazaar looked like.  Get there early......

The Bazzar continues today from 12-5 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium 801 N. Tamiami Trail.  There is a $5 admission which means the crowds will be large but manageable.

Crowd at last year's Bazaar

  For those of you who wish to by-pass entrance fee, their Bay Front room and street fair are free.  In addition several familiar food trucks from Funky Fusion to Mouthole BBQ will be available to treat your hunger.

If you pick up the aforementioned Ticket, and turn to page 8, you will find a list of featured vendors.  Everything for your children, best friends, home pets and more are listed.  Stop reading, grab your wallet and go before the Bazzar closes late this afternoon.

JIM'S RANT.....This Holiday Season is a good time to step back to count our blessings.  It's unfortunate so many living in Sarasota/Bradenton only have time to move shelter to shelter or food bank to food bank.  You can help those in need of food by donating to All Faiths Food Bank or The Food Bank of Manatee or any organization providing food for those unfortunate not to be able to feed themselves.  Let's make this a Merry Season for all.....JIM......As always thanks for reading....see you next week....

DECEMBER 8, 2019

LIGHTS in BLOOM...............

Selby Gardens is the place to be for this and every Christmas season when 
beginning Saturday 12/4 and running over 18 evenings,  the gardens are transformed to an extravanga of lights and music.  

Stroll through a tropical holiday showcasing Selby Gardens at this most decorative time of the year.   They claim over two million lights throughout the gardens.  Whatever the number, it is a sight to behold and will be until January 2, when they turn their attention to SPRING! 

As always food and beverages from Michael's on East is available during display hours 6-9 p.m.  For more information go to selby.org.


Special thanks this week to Joan Blum and Debbie Yonker and who were first to report of a new Selva Grill location at UTC. They will be  located in an out-parcel next to Jared Jewelers N. Cattleman Rd.   

Under construction now, Selva anticipated opening late spring or early summer 2020; which when you think about it is right around the corner.....well, after the after Christmas sales are over.  

Darwin Santa Maria

For those who don't remember, Selva started as a family restaurant  in a shopping plaza on Beneva and Clark. Owner/Chef Darwin Santa Maria, his wife Lellys and sister in-law Liz worked tirelessly to make Selva a go to place for those who love Peruvian style cooking.  Oh my how they've grown. 

If you're lucky, you may run into the family at Darwin Evolutionary Cuisine, his very popular restaurant 4141 S. Tamiami Trail.  Easy to find, just steps away from Trader Joe's.




Season tickets for the 2020 TOWN HALL lecture series are still on sale and will be for the next several weeks.  As we get closer to General John Kelly's eagerly awaited presentation along with Q and A January 27, you might want to add this one to the stocking.  Call 941-309-5100 to reserve your seat today.  If you are not interested in the series, single tickets are going on sale shortly after the first.
To add your name to their wait list call 941-309-5100.  Price range, depending on location is $65-125.00.

If you're into comfort food, not too fancy, just lots of it, and pretty good, then Dutch Valley 6721 S. Tamiami Trail is the place for you.  Serving a breakfast menu all day, along with a large lunch and dinner menu, DV does not skimp on portions.  Most meals come with sides and dessert, almost enough to share; but more than enough to take home for a snack or meal.  Prices are ridiculously low for this no-frills diner-type restaurant.  And they even serve wine and beer!

 Lights in Bloom

By the time you read this, there will be less than three weeks left for Christmas shopping.  Some of your last-minute stress could be reduced by visiting Raine Studio 728 Gillespie Ave.  There, between 5-7PM, Marlene Meyer and friends return with their handmade and one-of-a-kind jewelry, mugs, painting and more for a last minute sale and show.

   Along with wine, cheese and  homemade sweets, you'll be able to shop til you drop.   







JIM'S RANT.....I was in the midst of writing this week's blog when a Vern Buchanan email hit my computer..."Death Knell for Robocalls?" He happily reported the U.S. House passage of a bill cracking down on illegal robocalls.  Though the bill needs Senate approval, Buchanan assures us that is a certainty!  Let's hope so.  A day does not go by without at least 3 of those irritating calls.... Vern, what took so long?  It's about time!!!!

DECEMBER 1, 2019

HOLIDAY FAVORITES RETURN TO SARASOTA..................

Kicking off the season is A Motown Christmas.  The Westcoast Theatre troupe revives its hit revue, first performed in 2015 December 4-6 and 18-20 at the Sarasota Opera House.  Featuring all your seasonal favorites along with popular music
from many of Motown's original group of artists.

Nate Jacobs has put together songs by several  Motown favorites as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Jackson Five with Michael Jackson, and adds to it your favorite Christmas Carols.  A huge cast has been assembled for these performances, and along with a full orchestra, makes this a must see for Christmas and Pop Music fans.

Tickets are selling fast at Sarasota Opera House box office 61 N. Pineapple; 941-366-1505; www.westcoastblacktheatre.org.

A must-see this year is The Nutcracker performed by the acclaimed Sarasota Cuban Ballet School.  Joined by the Venice Symphony.  This Tchaikovsky classic is popular throughout the year, but especially this time of year.  Performances are 2 and 7 p.m. December 14, and 2 p.m. December 15 at Venice Performing Arts Center 1 Indian Ave. Venice.  Tickets can be purchased at 941-218-3779 or www.veniceperformingartscenter.com.

One final Blog Christmas recommendation for this week,   Sounds of the Season, the annual Great Escapes program featuring  Christmas and Hanukkah music.  Guest conductor Michelle Merrill leads our Sarasota Orchestra through her renditions of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, a Christmas sing-a-long, a melody of Christmas standards and familiar and not so familiar traditional Hanukkah music.  Tickets start at $42 and can be purchased by calling 941-953-3434 or www.SarasotaOrchestra.org.


The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years brings many new movies to your favorite cinema.  However,  why leave the comforts of your couch when Netflix, Amazon and Disney are streaming their new releases on their services.  For instance, one of the best reviewed movies this year is THE IRISHMAN.  Playing in New York, it is now available on Netflix whenever you want to watch it.

From Director Martin Scorsese and starring Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci in a mob story reminiscent of past gangster movies.  Many familiar Hollywood actors have a cameo in what has been called Scorsese's next Academy Award for director and picture.

The Marriage Story from Noah Bombach and featuring Adam Driver and  Scarlett Johanson begins streaming December 6.  If you can't wait, now streaming is The King with Timothee Chalamet or Laundromat from Steven Soderbergh with Meryl Streep. And the Cine World closing film The Two Popes streams just in time for Christmas December 20.

BOOKERVPA.COM

If you're looking for a different entertainment venue for next weekend, I encourage you to consider UNDER THE STARS December 6-7.   Booker VPA is presenting its annual outdoor concert at Eye of the Tornado inside their campus.  This showcase willfeature  music from contemporary to classics to seasonal performed by talented Booker students.  The musicians range from rock to jazz to contemporary.  The program begins at 7p.m.  Tickets are $15 adults and $5 students.

Plenty of parking at 3201 N. Orange.   See you there.  Hopefully the weather will be as beautiful as this week has been.

Looks Good Enough to Eat

The weekend ACTION  takes place December 6-8 on Siesta Beach for their annual SEAFOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL.  This will be the best outdoor last minute Christmas shopping experience before the big day.  Crafts, arts, jewelry and more; by now you know the drill.  Along with all the shopping comes day-long entertainment and some of the best seafood available along the way.  

Festival times are Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 11-9pm and Sunday 11-6.  Parking on the Island is limited, so I suggest arriving early, take Uber or Lyft or grab bus at Westfield/Siesta  Mall.

JIM'S RANT....After so many seasons of awful performances by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, one forgets the good seasons.  I was reminded of the good times this morning when the NFL announced its Hall of Fame semifinalists.  Former Bucs John Lynch, Ronde Barber and Simeon Rice-teammates on the 2002 Championship are among the 25 semifinalists chosen for this prestigious honor. Unless there are drastic changes,  it will be a long time before anything like this happens again.....JIM.....Thanks for reading....see you next week.....

Long Lines at UTC....BLACK FRIDAY