MARCH 31, 2019

BEWARE WHAT TOMORROW BRINGS.............

Happy Fishing

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA will conclude its 70th season in a few weeks.  Of interest to many of you are their "Live Orchestra and Film Experience" concerts that have filled The Van Wezel for several nights this year. 


The last is one of these I've been looking forward to with great anticipation;  Hollywood Hits April 12-13.  Using film clips along with video as background to scores and vocals from Ben Hur, Doctor Zhivago, Pink Panther and more, the orchestra led by Andrew Lane will put you in a nostalgic mood for a couple of hours.

Performances are Friday-8:00pm/Saturday 2:20 & 8pm.  Tickets are available at Box Office, 941-953-3434 or SarasotaOrchestra.org

While buying popcorn at Hollywood 11 last week, I could not help but notice the SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL poster in front of the concession stand.  Starting April 5 through closing night on the 14th there are over 150 movies of all shapes and sizes.  Many are already sold-out and adding more showings.  Don't be left out...call 941-366-6200...visit box office at Hollywood 11 or SarasotaFilmfestival.com.  

One note of warning.  The price of a ticket is higher than you usually pay for a movie.  Starting at $15 and going as high as $22 for "Centerpiece and Highlight films".  With those prices maybe you want to wait for Netflix.

Last week's Blog featured an article on the closing of UMBRELLAS 1296.  Their closure was due to a water line break and had nothing to do with gas as I first reported.   Though the damage was extensive, management has done a wonderful job of repairing said damage and are ready to serve the public again. 

As Season 2018-19 winds down, we look forward to next year with great anticipation as several venues make 2019-20 announcements.  

MANATEE PLAYERS is first up with an ambitious slate of musicals beginning in August and running through May. 

Original Broadway Cast WSS

 If you did not see West Side Story at ASOLO, or want to see it again you can beginning Aug 8-25.  Damn Yankees, It's a Wonderful Life, Charlie Brown and Titanic are among the other productions scheduled throughout the season.

For more information visit them on line at manateeperformingartscenter.com.

This week's restaurant review comes from a reader who prefers to remain anonymous, and after reading you will understand why.....

Art Ovation Hotel

 "OVERTURE in the Art Ovation Hotel lobby, would be great before FST or Opera.   Convenient location, attractive room, with tasteful contemporary decor and interesting lighting.

But Overture is a culinary disaster.  All three times we ate there,  food tasted and looked like the chef had never eaten in a restaurant, and skipped a few important classes of training.  We kept thinking maybe this was an "off night."  But it wasn't.

Beautiful Overture Restaurant

There was always a problem; too salty; not enough food on plate; no veggies; not enough sauce; all the food was beige-no garnish; tepid cappuccino.  With entrees at $28-$32, not a bargain except maybe the $18 burger.

Although the wait staff was sweet and well-meaning, and the room is quiet, we have no reason to return."

This month's Sarasota Magazine, in addition to a farewell interview with Anu Tail, has a feature devoted to our several restaurants known for their creative seafood dishes.  Owens Fish Camp,  Crab & Fin, Walt's and Captain Brian's are among the reviewed dinning options.

Cannabis Quest tells the story of a husband searching for medical marijuana in our state.   Lots of new information on a growing issue of debate.






MARK YOUR CALENDARS......SAVOR SARASOTA DATES ARE JUNE 1-14.........

JIM'S RANT.....Went to one of the closing performances of Lion King, and though I have seen this show in several forms since its debut in 1997,  it was as fresh and entertaining as I can remember.  Three weeks is unique for a show at Van Wezel, and yet over 40,000 tickets were sold.  Hopefully, we will now become a prime location for touring Broadway musicals. The Straz is a terrific venue, but over 50 miles away;  being only a few miles from home is even better....Next week is a bye week...see you in two...JIM

Thanks For The Memories

MARCH 24, 2019

YOU KNOW WE ARE GETTING CLOSER TO SUMMER WHEN THIS HAPPENS

Siesta Beach Last Sunday

No need to drive to Venice this time of year for the  CHALK  Festival.  It returns to Burns Square  April 5-7.  The nonprofit organization running this event decided the demand was too great NOT to have the festival back where it originated .  Artists from around the world will be here in April to create works of art on a sidewalk.  Entertainment and food as well.


Several years ago, NANCY'S BBQ moved off the streets to a permanent location on Pineapple and Ringling.  That she is prospering in this location was obvious last Sunday when we ordered take-out of ribs and bbq beef sandwich.  Both inside and out, there wasn't a seat to be had.  And, by the way, her product was as good if not better as than we remembered.

NANCY'S Lakewood Ranch operation is thriving as well in its Main Street Lakewood Ranch  location.   So well that NANCY'S is moving  early May to a much larger space at the northwest corner of State RTE 70 and Lorraine Road.  More seating along with a full bar will make this a must go location for BBQ fanatics.  For more information visit nancysbarbq.com.

  

We're only 2 weeks away from the 21st annual SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL.  Running April 5-14, with most screenings taking place at Hollywood 11.  If you can't wait for this weekend's Herald Tribune, a complete guide is available at Hollywood 11. 


Among the must-see movies are two documentaries; one directly tied to Sarasota.  All There Is-A Circus Story features Sarasota circus families reflecting on their years with The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.  The other,  Mike Wallace Is Here, celebrating the life of CBS news person who left him mark on broadcasting.   

With having Cannes and  Sundance to choose from,  this year's program promises to be their best. Several Hollywood stars, directors and producers will be here during the 2 weeks of screenings.  See you there.

From week to week I feature a Sarasota company I've had the pleasure of doing business with.  Today it's UNLIMITED COMFORT,  a small, but growing mattress factory on Clark rd.  


Searching for a mattress can be tiring; especially if you limit your search to name-brand advertisers.
However,  if  you're looking for a local firm specializing in a personal approach then I wholeheartedly recommend UNLIMITED COMFORT.  Owner Sandy Rodriguiez and family handcraft your mattress, install it, and follow-up in person to repair or fine-tune their product.  Sandy's cell number is the one you reach for service!!!

You Could Be Sleeping Like This 

For a better night's sleep at the right price visit UNLIMITED COMFORT at 4035 Clark Rd. Or visit www.unlimitedcomfort.com to see what you've been missing.




Two restaurants; one established, the other new to our area, made me think twice about going back.  A friend went to Umbrellas with a reservation last Friday only to be greeted with a sign on door stating closure due to water line break.  No problem, except no call to inform them of closure.  Fortunately they were able to book at Mediterraneo.

Umbrellas remains closed today as the break spread throughout inside and outside of restaurant.  My hope is they can repair the damage and re-open.  However the extensive damage includes kitchen, bathrooms and patio.


My own experience was of at  all places at Indigenous.  Touted as one of our best restaurants; they were far from it Wednesday night.  The soup was tasteless and the hamburger so flat and well-done, it was not edible.  When server was told of this he said "I'll tell the chef."  Our check came with no feedback from chef.  Indigenous is not on my must list anymore.

Sarasota School Kids in 

We are a few days into spring, but it's time for ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK Campaign for Summer Hunger to begin.  You can do your part by joining your friends with a walk across Ringling Bridge.   The walk kicks off a six week campaign to raise funds to feed children of Sarasota at risk of hunger over the summer.  To register call 941-379-633 or allfaithsfoodbank.org.

Friends Sue and Tom Lordi helped organize a fund raiser for All Faiths at G&G In-Between Bridge Club last Sunday raising over $2,000 for the Food Bank. Congratulations on a great event creating awareness of the 40,000 school kids of need for food this summer.

JIM'S RANT......The headline in Wednesday's Herald said it all...."Legal but not available"

....After we voted overwhelmingly to approve medical marijuana in 2016,  then  Gov. Scott signed legislation that banned smoking it. Finally this week Gov. DeSantis signed legislation repealing the ban., and smokable marijuana is now available. Why does Florida crawl instead of run when it comes to these kind of decisions?..........Thanks for reading.....See you next week....JIM

MARCH 17, 2019

ON THIS SUNDAY WE CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK'S DAY........

Don't Let This Happen To You Today

Enjoyed my return to an old favorite this week.  Since 1996, MEDITERRANEO has been serving Sarasota in its 1970 Main Street location.  During those 23 years, many imitators have come and gone, but MEDITERRANEO thrives due to its consistent menu, unparelled service and reasonable prices.

From pizza to pasta to fish and more, their menu is rich with Italian dishes big enough to share for a party of 4 or more.  Open for dinner 5:30 to 10:30 call 941-365-4132 or Open Table.

One negative from my experience.  On the night we were there, the bar was in full swing with a party noisy enough to be heard throughout the restaurant; even in their back room.

URBANITE THEATRE closes another successful season with In A Word, by Lauren Yee, a well known playwright making her Sarasota debut..  As with most presentations in this theatre,  this one-act 75  minute play is both moving and emotional.

Running through April 14 at 148 2nd street.  For tickets 941-321-1397 or www.urbanitetheatre.com.  For an up close and rewarding experience you should see In A Word.

My rant of last week in support of SELBY GARDENS expanion generated many comments from you.  I am only posting one.  From Ann Hollins...."you need to see expansion documents before you make the support statement for Selby expansion.  It is way too ambitious, especially with the traffic issue on Orange.  A narrow two lane street, it is across Mound St."  As always, I don't expect all of you to agree with my Rant, and welcome your dialogue. 

Sarasota Memorial 

Having been witness to the quality of care at SARASOTA MEMORIAL, it comes as no surprise that once again they were named as one of the nation's 100 best performing hospitals.  This ranking comes from IBM Watson Health who looked at over 2,200 hospitals based on several categories including costs of care, patient satisfaction and readmission rate.  We are indeed fortunate to have SMH right in our backyard.

Aretha Performs at Kennedy Center Honors

I remember August 18, 2018 well.  It was on that day one of my favorite singers, Aretha Farnklin passed away.  Last Sunday, CBS had a 2 hour special with several artists reprising her many hits.  Not to be outdone, WEST COAST BLACK THEATRE is closing its 2018-19 season with their own tribute, Love Sung In The Key of Aretha.  

If any of you were fortunate enough to see Nate Jacobs'previous production or his tribute last year, you know this show will have you standing and cheering when its over.  Four women who live together review their life experiences through songs made famous by the "Queen of Soul"Aretha Franklin.  

Playing through 4/28 1012 N. Orange Ave. 941-366-000 or on web at west-coastblacktheatre.com.


In a few weeks the BALTIMORE ORIOLES will be heading home for opening day.  This week you still have time to take in a ballgame at Ed. Smith.  The Yankees are here today (3/17), Boston mid-week, and next Saturday the Minnesota Twins are in for a 6:05 twilight game with a fireworks show immediately following.  

Good tickets remain at ball park, 941-893-6300 or Orioles.com/sarasota.  Hope to see you there


JIM'S RANT.......A problem that will never go away is our homeless population.  As I travel downtown  I am struck by the increasing number of homeless on street corners, in alleys,

throughout the waterfront parks, and the bus station.  I was told, but do not believe, many of the homeless are being bused in from Manatee County.  Several apartment/condo complexes have gone to 24/7 desk security due in part to the increased number.  There is no long-term solution to this problem, just wanted to bring to your attention.  Thanks for reading.  See you next week......JIM

MARCH 10, 2019

DID YOU REMEMBER TO   SPRING FORWARD TODAY..... 

HELLO TO SPRING............

Farewell to a Fearless Leader

Anu Tali's final concert with SARASOTA ORCHESTRA is less than a month form now.  Peace and Joy featuring Beethoven's Ninth Symphony will close out this season's Masterworks series, with all performances at Van Wezel April 5-7.  Also performing along with the full orchestra is Choral Artists of Sarasota and Key Chorale.

Tickets are still available for as low as $37.  Call 941-953-3434 or SarasotaOrchestra.org to purchase yours today.

Oh my love........

Unchained Melodies has returned to FST Cabaret for a brief encore appearance through March 17.  Celebrating the male harmony groups of the '50's and '60's, this is a musical time machine down memory lane, and also one of the most popular Cabaret shows in recent memory.

These final performances are at the Keating Theatre, where there are no bad seats.  Tickets are available by phone at 941-366-9000, floridastudiotheatre.org, or at their on-site box-office daily at 1241 N. Palm Ave.  By far the best Cabaret show this season.

Received an interesting announcement from JPAN this week that I am passing on to you.  On Thursday March 21, JPAN is offering their version of OMAKASE; which means roughly, "I trust you (the chef)."  All  15 courses designed by Daniel and Andre.  Typically the meal starts with lighter dishes concluding with heavier ones. Seating at 6:30 or 8:30,  is limited and requires advance reservations  at both locations 3800 S. Tamiami Trail  or UTC 941-954-5726.  Cost for dinner is $80++.  See you there.

I can Smell From Here

I can always count on Randy and Pam to discover different and tasty restaurants.  With baseball season upon us, and a trip to a  RAYS game in St. Petersburg, they have the perfect meal before or after the game,  Dr. BBQ.  Randy writes"......This is a Chicago style smokehouse with Datz deli group backing which translates into lots of unusual flavor combinations that taste really amazing on the palate.   Nothing too spicy here unless you want it that way.  The place makes on apologies for being a carnivore heaven, but vegetarians don't have to feel out as there are a number of plant-based options on the menu."  

1101 1st Street, St Petersburg 727-443-7227

Allegiant ready for takeoff

Ken Lindholm, whose strong support for direct Baltimore from SRQ flights, helped bring them here,  writes....."Just wanted to let you know, we recently took our first flight on ALLEGIANT AIRLINES between Baltimore and Sarasota.  The flight was great!  A new A320 aircraft, with a very wide aisle.  On time.  Reasonably priced; even including the cost of extra leg room.  We've already booked another flight."  

Jerry Coleman also flew Allegiant from Baltimore to Sarasota, and at lunch Tuesday gave them a B+ for price, food and service.

Thanks to Ken and others, SRQ is adding more non-stops to more cities as we roll into spring.  What was once a sleepy airport is no longer sleeping, but alive and well.  Check for yourself at SRQ-airport.com

One last chance to make those ROSEMARY weekend reservations.  Dates are 3/15,16 and 3/22,23.  George Armstrong is offering a 3 course price fixe dinner including wine for $50pp ++.  Early seating at 5 with reservations a must.  Call 941-955-7600.  Parking is available at Gulfside Bank on corner of Fruitvelle and Orange.

What would Sarasota be like without a COUNTY FAIR????  This year's edition begins Friday and runs thru 3/24. Location 3000 Ringling Blvd and Fruitville.  Gates open most days at 2 and close 10 pm, with $2 admission  Mon-Fri 5-10pm.  Once there you can catch a ride, eat a hot dog, take in  livestock exhibitions, or stroll an arts/craft area.  There are also two stages for music and entertainment.  Let's hope the weather cooperates  during the Fair's 10 day run.

If you don't want to wait in line to purchase tickets go to SARASOTAFAIR.COM to buy them and print at home.

Having missed Apple Pie at URBANITE , we have tickets to area premiere of Lauren Yee's In A Word.    Running through April 14, I will have a review next week.  URBANITE is located 1487 2nd street.  For tickets call 941-321-1397 or urbanitetheatre.com.  Prices start at $31, and for those of you under 40 as low as $5.00.  The best of cutting edge theatre in Sarasota.

JIM'S RANT......Selby Gardens is planning an expansion, and their neighbors are unhappy.  Along with The first phase includes a new welcome center and a  badly needed 450 capacity parking garage.   It can't be the garage which will keep traffic away from their homes making neighbors unhappy, but the  proposed rooftop restaurant which could bring noise at unwelcome hours.  Selby is a premiere destination for residents and tourists and should be allowed the additions they are requesting from the city.  Sorry neighbors, but we all will be far the better with an expanded Selby.......Thanks for reading.  See you next week.....JIM

Scott, Cathi, Tracy, Rodney
Roberta, Jim
Celebrating Roberta's 80th