MARCH 3, 2019

THE SUN RISES ON SIESTA KEY WELCOMING THE MONTH OF MARCH

March marks the mid-point of Sarasota's winter season.  On March 20, we say goodbye to winter and hello to spring.  And in one week we really get started on spring by turning our clocks forward one hour.  So far, Florida's law establishing Daylight savings time is in limbo, as Congress as yet to approve the will of the people

Took a stroll through the EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES exhibit running until the end of

Art from Embracing Exhibit

March.  On a beautiful spring day, with the water on one side and skyline on the other you are in for a treat of discovery.  I've been to several of these presentations, but this year's is the best.





We are being bombarded with email, newspaper and television advertising heralding the March 14 opening of THE LION KING.  Though several performances are close to sell-out,  as I found out last week, good seats are still available for several performances through close March 31.  This longest running show in Van Wezel history is only the forerunner of future Broadway shows opening next year and beyond.

If you want to purchase tickets, my suggestion is drive to their box-office.  Their personnel are not only helpful, but patient as well.  You can also call 941-826-9303.  On-line is available at www.vanwezel.org, but best seats will be found at their box-office.

Already have tickets for KING, and are looking for an early dinner option before the show on it's three weekends of performances????  Look no further than THE ROSEMARY.  In order to meet demand of a nearly booked ROSEMARY AND THYME; along with breakfast and lunch, ROSEMARY IS offering a price fixe dinner the weekends of March 16,17,23,24,30 and 31.

THE menu offers three courses including a glass of wine with each course. .  If you don't want the three glasses he is offering a bottle of your choice instead.  All this for $50 pp.  Add a tip and tax and enjoy a complete night of LION KING.

Seating is limited beginning  at 5 with  a promise to have you out the door well in advance of your 7:30 show time.  Come back next week for more information, but call 941-955-7600 for reservations.  This special price fixe dinner is NOT available at ROSEMARY AND THYME. 








Happening now through next Sunday, FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL.   Celebrating the strawberry harvest of Hillsborough county, this event is attended by nearly one million visitors each year.  Open daily 10 a.m.-10:00 p.m.  Admission is $10 with an additional $5 for parking.  Discount tickets are available at all area Publix locations.

There is a midway with rides ranging from Ferris wheel to go carts.  The main attraction is the talent lineup which is plentiful.  Old time favorites Willie Nelson, Styx, and Tanya Tucker are joined by Martina McBride and Chicks with Hits among others.  For a complete lineup and other information visit www.strawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996.

Mark your calendar for next weekend, when the SARASOTA FINE ART FESTIVAL

Featured at Art Festival

returns to Gulf Stream Avenue & Main Street.  This one features juried art as well as sculpture, painting, jewelry, woodworking and more.  Open 10 am-5 pm both days, but on Saturday if you arrive early, you can take in the expanded Farmers Market a few blocks away between Lemon and 2nd Street.   If you don't come early, finding parking will be difficult.

THE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL  begins next week on March 6 and runs through the 17th.  This year's 10th Anniversary edition has scheduled a record 18 films.  The Ringling College of Art + Design is participating this year, providing an animated short created by a student from the school before each feature.

These films are meant to enlighten as well as provoke you.  Go with friends, have dinner or coffee and dessert after the movie and discuss what you've just seen.  Makes for a wonderful evening.  For tickets call 888-718-4253, Option 1.



Mark and Debbie join me this week with a review of recently visited SOCIAL.  Located 1219 1st. Street.  For reservations call 941-444-4702.  They write"...seated promptly for reservation.  They offer a full bar with mostly familiar brands of liquor and beer.  Wine list was ample.  Their party of 6 started with drinks and appetizer of charcuterie platter easily serving the group.  Dinners consisted of salads, crisp pizza and the evening's chicken special.  Large portions served right out of the oven.  Reasonably priced, valet parking, easy location.  We will definitely go back.

JIM'S RANT....So many restaurants to choose from these days.  I can remember only a few years ago, when we were complaining about the lack of food choices.  Now we have more than enough to satisfy our palates. However, there is a problem with many of the new restaurants, and its not the food, which in most cases good, but similar,.....it is the service!  The established restaurants are able to hold on to most of their good servers;  it is the new choices that have trouble holding on to theirs.......Thanks for reading.  Until next week....JIM

FEBRUARY 24, 2018

TONIGHT THE 91ST. ANNUAL OSCAR CEREMONY ABC 8-11 PM

Danzel Washington Accepts his First Oscar

Saw THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME several years ago on Broadway.  Never did I think FST, could approach that production.  Not only did it approach, but at least equaled it in my estimation.  Fortunately, DOG has been extended through March 24.  Playing in the Gompertz Theatre, this play will have you in its grip from the opening scene to the final presentation by star Alexander Stuart.

Stop by the box office, call 941-366-9000, or go to floridastudiotheatre.org, but do not miss this production.

When one thinks of Sarasota's casual restaurants, then Long Boat's Dry Dock, has to be close to the top. Had lunch there on President's Day, and as usual they were close to full outside and in.  But, now they accept reservations from Open Table, we were seated immediately in their spacious upstairs dining room.  When going, I suggest outside seating on the water.  Nothing like it on a beautiful spring day.

Except for daily specials, Dry Dock's menu has remained unchanged for several years.  And why should they change from a successful formula of seafood, salads, and sandwiches?  I had my favorite salmon sandwich, and along with a glass of wine and good friends had a wonderful 2 hours at Dry Dock, as good as it gets in Sarasota.



Not easy to develop a nasty cold in 80 degree weather, but I did.  In need of immediate attention this past Saturday, went to a Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care Center at St. Armands.  After a short wait, I saw the physician on-call, who immediately diagnosed my problem and prescribed over the counter medication going a long way to making me better.

SMH has 6 Urgent Care Centers in Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice.  Open 7 days a week, 8am-8pm they take most insurance plans.

Dick Van Dyke&Julie Andrews

Good theatre does not stop at the Sarasota county line.  Bradenton in Manatee County has some choices as well.  Currently playing at Manatee Players is Mary Poppins. 

From Broadway to big screen and small, this one never grows old.  I have not seen this production, but the Herald's Jay Handelman did and writes...."Mary is working wonders again, .....where Sarah Cassidy lends her a no-nonsense but warm-heated sheen in an engaging production of the stage version Mary Poppins."

Jan Wallace

Also playing at Manatee in another theatre is the return of Shirley Valentine.   Left alone after her husband walks out, and her children could care less, Shirley has nothing left but the four walls to talk to.   Good friend Jan Wallace is recreating her role which won her acclaim a few years ago.  Opening night is Thursday February 28 and will extend through March 17.

The Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W. Bradenton.  Tickets are available at box office or 941-748-5875 or manateeperformingartscenter.com.  Unless extended, this one closes March 3.

If you're going to ED SMITH STADIUM for spring training games  better bring your appetite.  One of Camden Yards favorites for 26 years, as well as mine, Boog's BBQ is setting up his grill at the Left Field Pavilion for all games. 

BOOG'S  BBQ Camden Yards

  Boog's son J.W. will be grilling here, but Boog promises to make several appearances, as he did opening game Saturday.  The menu is similar to Baltimore featuring bbq beef, spare ribs, turkey, kettle chips and more.  Worth the price of standing room ticket to taste Baltimore's Best BBQ. I can almost smell the bbq as I write this. 

Over the past several years, I have made Oscar predictions.  Since I've seen all the nominees including Roma, a Netflix original,  this year is easier than most.  Check to see how well I did or didn't do.......

Oscar Awaits a Winner

Best Picture...Bohemian Rhapsody
Best Director..Alfonso Curon/Roma
Best Actress...Glenn Close
Best Actor...Rami Malek
Best Supporting Actress.. Regina King
Best Supporting Actor...Mahershala Ali







JIM'S RANT.....Unthinkable that someone would use our iconic Unconditional Surrender statue to make a political statement.  Dating back to the end of World War II, this statue of a veteran of that war kissing the first woman he sees after learning the war was over, is not the place to register anger.  Social media or a letter to the editor is a far better way of expressing one's self.............Thanks for reading....see you next week....JIM

FEBRUARY 17, 2019

CELEBRATING TWO OF OUR GREATEST PRESIDENTS....

They sure don't make them like GEORGE and ABE anymore.   So spend some time reflecting on how our country got started and where we're headed; while you head out to your nearest Mall or Store and take advantage of PRESIDENTS DAY SALES!!!!


SPRING TRAINING is happening all over our state; especially here where we have two teams in our backyard. The Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, and the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota.

Ed Smith Stadium

Of special interest to Pirate fans is non-roster invite Garth Brooks, who is training this week at Lecom Park.

No celebrities at Ed. Smith Stadium, where a group of young, hungry, and hopefully talented players are beginning   a rebuild of the once proud Oriole franchise.  

Practice is open to the public as most of the outside diamonds are in use for fundamentals this time of year.  Games start Saturday 2/23 when Baltimore hosts the Minnesota Twins.  For tickets the box office is open daily.  Or you can call 941-893-6300.  Help is also available at www.Orioles.com/spring.

SELBY GARDENS invites you to its spring exhibit VOYAGE TO PARADISE.  Running  through June,  this exhibition highlights the essential role of botanical elements in achieving the artist's vision of the exotic.    Along with lush displays of tropical plants in the conservatory, in colors inspired by Gauguin's paintings, several of Gauguin's wood cuts and lithographs are on display.

Located at 900 South Palm Ave. More information at www.selby.org-


The reviews keep on coming for Sarasota's newest restaurant ROSEMARY&THYME.  In a blink of an eye, Rosemary diners have moved down the block to George Armstrong's new creation.  With an enlarged menu, featuring most items from Rosemary, a full service bar for table or bar dining and many dessert choices this is the place to go for any occasion.

Joe Marsh writes....."had dinner last night at Rosemary&Thyme.  The food was outstanding and considering the restaurant was full, including all the outside seating, the service was quite good.  I had the Tomahawk Pork Chop, which was outstanding, and done just right...."

As a convenience to Rosemary&Thyme patrons, parking is now available at Gulfside Bank, 333 N. Orange on the corner of Orange and Fruitville.  Reservations a must at 941-955-7600.

Fans of Judy Garland can't wait for Sarasota Orchestra's next live orchestra and film event.  On March 1&2 at Van Wezel, the orchestra under the direction of Steven Reinecke is presenting an evening  with Judy Garland in concert.

The life of iconic superstar Judy Garland will be told through live music paired with Garland's original vocals.  Rare home movies, photos and the star's own reminiscences accompany the original arrangements.  Just writing this, brings back memories of one of music's greatest singers and performers.

Tickets are from $35 and can be purchased at Orchestra box office,  the Van Wezel ticket office or by picking up you cell and calling 941-953-3434.  This is sure to be a sell-out, so I encourage you to buy tickets today.  You can also go on line at www.sarasotaorchestra.org.






The VAN WEZEL SEASON rolls along with night after night of entertainment and theatre.  Of course, the big one this year is THE LION KING, opening next month for 17 performances. This show marks the longest engagement in their history, but having seen this on Broadway and  as a movie, it is well worth the extra performances.  Hard to believe tickets are still available.  The dates are March 14-31 and include several matinee performances. 

I am anxious to see how the show plays without a center aisle.  To purchase tickets the quickest way is their box office on site.  Call 941-953-3368 or visit them online at www.VanWezel.org.




If you haven't been paying attention, the road show of Broadway sensation, HAMILTON, has rolled into the Tampa's Straz Center for the Performing Arts for a limited engagement ending March 18.  

Scene from Broadway cast of Hamilton

After several years,  HAMILTON, is still the highest grossing performer on Broadway and is nearly sold out in Tampa.  Tickets for each performance are available through a daily lottery.  If you are interested call 800-955-1045 or www.strazcenter.org/hamilton.  We saw this on opening week, and still remember its brilliance.

Mary Poppins is back again performing nightly at Manatee
 Players through March 3.  This charming theatre is located at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. West Bradenton.


This production is theBroadway version and stars local  favorite Sarah Cassidy.   Joining her is a Broadway veteran Kevin Steele, who is making his local debut as the chimney sweep Burt.  I have been to Manatee Arts Center over the years for several performances, and have always come away happy I made the trip.

Tickets are available at their box office or calling 941-748-5875.  


JIM'S RANT......No one asked me, but renovating Bobby Jones Golf Club's 290 acres to the tune of $16 million is ridiculous.  With declining interest in players due to length of the game,  plus the availability of  several public courses in the area, the need for Bobby Jones has been diminished. What makes more sense is selling the land for affordable housing which is sorely lacking in and around Sarasota.........

Roberta, Gayle, Linda, Ruth, Jim, Nancy
enjoying Valentines Day dinner at Rosemary&Thyme

VALENTINE WEEK FEBRUARY 10, 2019

YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO MAKE A DINNER RESERVATION FOR.......

But you better do it NOW, as most restaurants are booked solid for Thursday's Holiday Dinner.

Unlike thirty years ago, there are many choices in Sarasota when it comes to casual or formal dining.  Some would argue, too many, but with our expanding population, the more the merrier!!



There's a SIZZLING HOT new restaurant on 1st street.   SAGE is alive and well at 1216 First St., in the former home of  Tapas driven Ceviche.  Reservations are a must, but be prepared to wait a few minutes, unless you want outside seating on a well-heated undercover patio ( the night we were there it was too cool to try this option).  And if your table is not ready, head up the stairs or elevator to their cool roof-top bar and have your drinks there.

Food was outstanding, with a presentation worthy of fine dining.    Service was slow, but due to unexpected  full-house on a Tuesday night,  understandable.  Though pricey and noisy, that would not keep us from going again.  Finally a place for millennials and retirees to dine together.  Call 941-445-5660 for reservations.  


Several readers have raved about Urbanite Theatre's current production APPLES IN WINTER. The review when opened January called the performance both "riveting and gut wrenching."  Extended through 2/24, this one woman play starring Jennifer Fawcett tells the story of a warm, expressive woman who faces a life changing decision when she's asked to bake an apple pie.  

For those of you who have not been to this intimate theatre, there is not a bad seat in the house.   Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at Urbanite 1487 Second Street, 941-321-1397 or www.urbanitetheatre.com.  Best seating is on weekdays.

Sarasota Opera House

Sarasota Opera opened its winter season last night.   Running these next two months, if you've never been, it's something to try at least once.  Dress is from jeans to gown; whatever makes you comfortable.  Real-time English translations are projected above the stage so you can follow along,  whatever the language of the Opera.

Performances now through March 22 of TURNADOT. This Puccini classic takes place outside the Chinese Imperial Palace, where a Prince in exile, seeks the love of Princess Turnadot.  If successful, he will be rewarded with the princess' hand, if not, execution!  Along with a beautiful score comes magnificent singing.  We saw this a few years ago, and for non-opera goers, it was quite an experience.

Tickets from $19 at the box-office, 941-328-1300, or www.sarasotaopera.org.

 If Opera is not  your thing, then Florida Studio Theatre offers you an opportunity of seeing their always entertaining Cabaret or recently opened CURIOUS INCIDENT of the DOG in the NIGHT TIME.  First a book, then play and winner of 2015 Tony Award for best drama, Dog tells the story of an autistic boy mathematician who sees the world in a different way than those around him.


We saw this on Broadway shortly after it opened, and plan to see again with our season subscription to FST.  Playing through March 23, tickets are available for most performances.  For tickets their box-office is customer friendly or call 941-366-9000 or check them out on-line at www.floridastudiotheatre.org.  Season tickets for all shows are still available.

Doesn't Get Any Better Than This

The tent is up and in a few days, CIRCUS SARASOTA begins its yearly schedule of performances at Benderson Park.  For those of  you who are unfamiliar with  location it is behind UTC off Cattleman Rd. and Desoto Rd.  Each year features a new cast of International circus performers in a one-ring European style Big Top.  New this year is air conditioning!!

The 2019 show features incredible artistry on the Cyr Wheel , a modern blend of arial dance and horses galloping below, hand-to-hand acrobatics, high wire, juggling, and much more.

Tickets start at $15, with opening weekend 20% off, courtesy media partner ABC 7.  Box office open daily at UTC, or call 941-355-9805 or visit them at www.circusArts.org.  Become a kid again and go to the circus.  Running from 2/15-3/22.

Look For This  Sign

Have any loose change in your pocket?  You're going to need it if travelling to St. Armands Circle for food or shopping.  Beginning Tuesday,  their 500 car parking garage is up charging $.50 an hour, while meter parking is available for up to  $1.50 an hour.  Charges in effect daily 10a.m.-8p.m. Remember, it's only a short walk from parking in front of SMH walk-in clinic. where the area is meter free. SUNDAY IS FREE!

If you're stuck for change, or don't want to walk a block to the above meter, Sarasota has just announced it will accept payment through the PARKMOBILE APP.  Easy to download to iPhone and Android devices, the app will be available for use throughout St. Armands.  Just follow simple instructions when you log in with ZIP CODE.

JIM'S RANT....Are you still a newspaper reader?  I know from conversations with friends most get the Herald as a way of staying in touch with local happenings; not so much anymore for the news.  The Herald, on the other hand, seems to have decided less is better, and has cut down on editorial drastically, while increasing advertising space dramatically.  Turn the few pages and see ad after ad in their favorite colors of green or blue. And just this week in a green front page box NOTE TO READERS advising of additional content in their E-Edition!  I'm still reading, but only because I have to.....Thanks for reading.  Until next week.....JIM

FOOTNOTE...Last week's edition had an error in opening story which many of you caught; but too late for publication.  My opening story about Super Bowl had New Orleans as one of the teams and not New England.  No excuse... just wishful thinking after that atrocious non-call in the Championship Game.

FEBRUARY 3, 2019

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

RAMS VS PATRIOTS...........ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL.......

I know where I'll be this afternoon and for several hours. Glued to CBS along with most of you watching what has become as close to a national holiday as you can get, SUPER BOWL SUNDAY.  For all you Bears/Ravens fans, Cubs and Orioles begin spring training in 2 weeks!!!


Tickets went on sale this weekend for the 10th annual JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL.  Leading off is Heading Home,  A stirring story of sports, patriotism and personal growth,  Home is the story of story of the Israel national team's competing for the first time in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.  From Israel to final destination Seoul, this film documents Israel's introduction to the world stage of international baseball.

Most of the screenings take place at Hollywood 11, where there is plenty of covered parking.  For more information and to purchase tickets call 1-888-718-4253, option 1 or www.jfedsrq.org where a complete list of films are available.

Friend and sometime restaurant critic Randy Silagi writes....."Lunch at The Overton.   Food's good, but the benches and chairs are brutally hard.  Decoration is austere.  Nothing that would convince a hungry traveler to relax and have a good time.  Ordered hamburger fries & shake, and after we got our food they told me the shake machine was broken.  Never had that happen at Steak and Shake.

The place also seems to be inhabited by glowing millennials who appear to graze on kale and quinoa, while living vicariously through IPads.  Absence of survival skills in the event terrorists should descend upon the restaurant from the ballet school next door.

When you go, be sure to take a cushion for your tush."  Randy sure has a way with words, but always very entertaining.

Last month's Great Escapes was a memorable evening of entertainment and music.  In the hands of Conductor Chung Park, the Sarasota Orchestra was at its best playing selections chosen by the sold-out audience.  The Broadway musicals of our youth are long lasting and memorable.  Park and the Orchestra brought them alive.  Which leads me to February. From Wednesday 2/13-17 you will be treated to a program of romantic music.  

A Many Splendored Thing features music for love and about love.  Of special interest will be the Academy Awards Medley; especially with this year's ceremony coming up in 3 weeks.  Tickets are available at 941-053-3434 or SarasotaOrchestra.org.


In a little over a week, The Baltimore Orioles will begin practice at Ed Smith Stadium.  With a new manager and coaching staff there is quiet optimism that 2019 will mark a turn around for this team.  It's always fun to go to a spring game that is played in a totally relaxed atmosphere.  Players sign autographs, interact with the fans, and the weather is generally ideal for this outdoor activity.  Tickets on sale now at Ed Smith Stadium or 941-893-6312.

Fox/Sher

Barroway/Galman/Fox

Though dedicated to Sarasota, I do stray from time to time.  This past week strayed all the way to West Palm Beach, where Roberta and I had two eventful reunions.   First with our friends from Baltimore, Richard and Annabelle Sher, broadcast buddies with multi-media connections.  Then an evening with Cherry Hill New Jersey friends, from our years in Philadelphia broadcasting.  So many memories, one night could not hold them all.  See you next year.

JIM'S RANT....Turned the corner of February a few days ago, and with the turn comes a familiar rant of mine.......THE TRAFFIC IS AWFUL....My guess is the end of red tide coincided with the return of snow-birds.  Also driving up traffic are the sub-zero temperatures back north.  Along with increased traffic comes an influx of bad drivers who never met a speed under 60.  I wish all the merchants, restaurants, hotels, etc. well, but I'm looking forward to May........Thanks as always for reading.  Until next week........JIM

FOOTNOTE:  Had computer issues yesterday making it impossible to finish blog on time: Or so I 
thought.  On a very busy day and at the last minute, Computer genius, Alan Rowley came to my rescue.  He diagnosed the issue; remotely took control of computer, AND resolved issue . You can reach Alan at ....CITIZEN BIZ 941-800-5225...