MAY 5, 2019

PUT ON YOUR SOMBRERO AND DANCE....

And after dancing visit your favorite Mexican restaurant for a meal of rice and beans and more.  El Toro Bravo's two locations has a special day-long menu along with music and prizes and great food.

An Unforgettable Movie Moment

JUST ANNOUNCED.....Julie Andrews coming to Van Wezel November 14.  This Hollywood and stage icon remembered for her performances in Sound of Music, Mary Poppins and My Fair Lady, among others.  Scheduled for 7:30 November 14, the show will include a video montage of her work.  Ticket prices have not been announced, but go on sale Friday May 10.

Bur if your taste is not Mexican then you must head out to Shake Shack.  Recently opened at UTC in an front of mall on Cattleman.  Burgers are delicious, and prepared as ordered.  Fires are better than other fast food.  For hot dog lovers there is Vienna beef dogs.  Along with shakes, beer and soft drinks you won't go home hungry.  Along with Five Guys, this is best fast-food burger; though Randy S still favors Steak 'n  Shake.



There are few markets in our country willing to turn a garage opening into an event.   But
Sarasota did just that last week with its grand opening of St. Armands Garage, complete with ribbon cutting, bands and speeches.  Though costing in excess of $15 million, the city hopes to recoup the amount and more with paid parking and meters.  Maybe a second "grand opening" in the fall when snow birds return.

Several weeks ago, we were in NY for a Bar Mitzvah and had the pleasure of reuniting with several friends from our Baltimore days.  Here is a picture of two of them...Richard Sher and Howard Maleson; one a successful broadcaster; the other a top advertising executive.  The guy on the end is me.

Richard's Square Off has been a Baltimore Sunday staple for years, and he has Howard to thank for producing his high rated show.



Only a week left before Arts In The BALLPARK, celebrating 70 years of music,

as Sarasota Orchestra presents a two night outdoor event culminating with a spectacular fireworks display after the performance.  Women In Rock pays tribute to women of classic rock.  Music includes Tina Turner's Proud Mary, Pat Benatar's Hit Me With Your Best Shot, and Aretha Franklin's Respect among others.


Three Women Rock your favorites, joining the orchestra in a nostalgic night of music and fireworks.  Tickets sold at Ed Smith Stadium, 941-893-6300 or Orioles.com/Sarasota.  Kick off the Mother's Day weekend with this exciting show.



Dining out this

Jessica and George Welcome You to
The Rosemary

time of year finds your favorite restaurant less crowded.  You will also find specials to encourage you to eat out more often.  The ROSEMARY is staying open for dinner during May with a special too good to pass up.   On Monday & Tuesday from 5 to 8 pm for $30 get a 10oz Prime Rib Eye steak along with stuffed shrimp, salad, dessert and bottle of wine!

Steak as only Rosemary can Serve

Also, in conjunction with West Coast Black Theatre, with your meal comes a chance to win a 4-night stay in Tuscany with airfare.  Additional tickets available at THE ROSEMARY for $10 each.

Space limited so call now 941-955-7600.  


You still have time to catch Manatee Performing Arts Center season's last show, BARNUM.  Performances of this former Broadway favorite run through May 12.  In an era when circus as we've known it is pretty much over, the story of circus showman P.T. Barnum will take you back to your youth.  Cy Coleman wrote the music for this 1980 Broadway hit musical.  Steve Dawson, a Manatee staple plays the title role and sings the hit ballad The Colors of Your Life quite impressively. 



Tickets can be obtained by calling 941-748-5875 or manatee-performingartscenter.com.  There isn't a bad seat in the house.

In your mailbox or on newsstands now is always anticipated Sarasota Magazine's best of issue for 2019.  I agree with most of their choices; however they seem to favor advertisers when it comes to best restaurants. 

Several of my favorites are missing including afore mentioned Rosemary, Hyde Park Steakhouse and Bodhi Tree Cafe to mention a few.  If you don't want to buy the issue you can always go on line.






JIM'S RANT......Speeders beware!...In a recent email to Sarasota County sheriff's deputies.  their leader complained about overall productivity being way down; especially in numbers of speeding tickets.  Now that traffic has somewhat thinned, we all have a tendency to speed up.  Maybe it's time to slow down....JIM.....See you next week, and as always thanks for reading.....

APRIL 28, 2019

WELCOME TO MAY AND THE WARM DAYS AHEAD......

Hopefully you are reading Jim Knows Sarasota Saturday or Sunday, because there is still time to attend the area's biggest and best Outdoor Art Show and Craft Marketplace.  SIESTA FIESTA, for the 41st time is open through 5pm Sunday.  

Running along Ocean Blvd. and throughout the village, familiar, new, different and exciting craftsmen from around the country will be available to view or purchase.  Of course there is food.  Getting there is easy as buses will be running throughout the 2 days from Westfield Mall. Siesta Drive at 41.

If you live in the Lakewood Ranch area, there is a Fine Art Festival on Main Street this weekend as well.  Whichever you choose, have a great time.



Finally saw FST's smash hit Cabaret show The Wonder Years.  It was so good,  I am thinking about going again before it closes June 9.  Maybe it was the 60's, the performers, or the amazing graphics that told the tale of the music; whatever, I was thoroughly entertained for 2 hours.

I've heard from many who only see one Cabaret each season because of familiarity.  If you've seen one make it two this year.  Tickets available at box office, 941-366-9000, or  www.floridastudiotheatre.org.



A second visit to FST, this time to see Mark St. Germain's new play Wednesday's Child.   This murder mystery tackles some every day issues without preaching to the audience.  Well written, acted and directed, Child should be added to your calendar.  Scheduled to close May 24, unless extended.

As you approach St. Armands Circle you will pass a restaurant which has been open

for years, but seldom mentioned when Sarasota dining choices are discussed...it should be.  Reservations are honored; service is quick and efficient; the food served hot and tasty.  If you haven't guessed by now it's SHORE.  Occupying the second floor of a building  whose first floor is devoted to vacation clothes.  You  can walk up or take an elevator.

When you arrive Shore has a beach feel to it, with just enough noise to let you know you are in a popular place.  From salmon to hamburger to chicken to pasta and more, you won't go away hungry.  Rather than dessert there, take a walk around the corner for gelato and drive home happy.

Hard to believe, but Mother's Day is 2 weeks away.  Time to start planning where to take your mother or wife for brunch/dinner on their day.  One of the best, with the most food, easy location and most beautiful setting is Selby Gardens.  Catered as always by Michael's On East, their spread includes omelet and pancake station, carving station, salads and a wide variety of desserts.

Members $70; non-members $80; children 3-11 $30.  All this and admission to the most beautiful grounds for a picnic.  Call 941-248-3585 or specialevents@selby.org



With DANCE, DANCE, DANCE, Sarasota Orchestra wraps up its 2019 Great Escapes series.  Everyone in the audience is sure to be moving in their seats for this concert of music composed for dance.  From the subtle charm of the Brazilian Samba to the exuberant energy of a Las Vegas show, you will revel in popular music from around the world.  Performances begin Wednesday May 1,  and run through Saturday at Holley Hall.

Tickets are available for any of the four performances by calling 941-953-3434 or visiting them on line at SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Next weekend why not take a trip south to VENICE for their annual Seafood & Music Festival.
Starting at 4 on Friday afternoon, and continuing Saturday until 11; Sunday until 6pm. some of the best seafood and entertainment from all over the state.  Admission is free; the food isn't!  And if you aren't completely worn-out from this week's Sarasota craft shows, you can shop to your heart's content at this festival.  



JIM'S RANT.....How many remember 2011 when parking meters were introduced to Main St.?  If you don't,  try remembering back to 2012 when they were removed due to merchants stating the meters" killed business".  Seven years later those meters are coming back.  This is probably due in large part to  the success of  meters on St. Armands Circle and the user-friendly equipment this time around.  I'll take a wait and see attitude on this one....See you in a week....JIM

APRIL 21, 2019

CELEBRATING TOGETHER THIS WEEKEND

The Passover-Easter Connection...Passover marks the biblical story of Exodus, of the Jews and their leader Moses, fleeing slavery in Egypt with the help of divine intervention.

Easter, widely considered the most important day of the Christian calendar, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus as told in the Gospels of the New Testament.........and there you have my history lesson for this week.

The 37th annual Suncoast Boat Show takes place in downtown Sarasota next weekend, April 26-28.  Located at Marina Jack.  Dozens of boat and yacht companies will be on hand displaying their boats.  The show will also have marine accessories, boating products and marine electronics on display.

Admission is $15 adults and free for children under 15.  There will be food to purchase from a variety of vendors.  Show runs 10am-7pm Friday-Saturday; 10am-5pm Sunday.


Several of our theatres are in their last production of the season.  Getting wonderful reviews, but little word of mouth is The Cake, playing now at Asolo Rep.  Anything written by Bekah Brunstetter is worth a visit.  You don't recognize the name?  Bekah is an Emmy Award winning writer-producer of the hit NBC series This Is Us !


Tickets remain for most performances, but best seating is late  this week.  The box-office is open daily.  You can also call 942-351-8000 or 800-361-8388.  Tickets are not available on line.

Opening May 1 and running until June I is another classic, Sweeney Todd.  Who can remember back to 1979 when Stephen Sondheim brought this to Broadway.  There was also a movie in 2007 with Johnny Depp.  Their season closes with Around The World in 80 Days June 7-23.  


It is rare for me to write a negative review about a new restaurant; however, my recent lunch at Lemon Tree was less than inspiring.  True, they had been open for only a few short weeks, but the owner is not new to the business.  The Seidensticker family, who runs several successful restaurants throughout the community,  has gotten off to a shaky start with this one.

With a menu featuring vegan, gluten free and vegetarian, most of us had salad which was not up to our expectations.  Aside from the less than average food, the service was even worse.  The decor is pleasant enough, but lime is not the color of lemon.

Several of you did write last week to give a more positive review to Lemon Tree.  Marlene writes "...our lunch was good.  I had homemade pimento cheese toast and friend had smashed avocado.."; "Joan writes.."We think it's a winner.  The menu is very user friendly. I had a margarita pizza.  It was delicious..."and Paul..."needed a quick bite before theatre. They have an extensive selection of lite fare options..."






I would like to correct information from last week's blog regarding Sarasota Cuban Ballet School's  end of year show.  The date is Sunday May 12 4:00pm at Booker High School 3201 N. Orange.   Price of ticket is $25 adults; age 12 and under $15,  and can be purchased at Booker day of performance.  In addition, tickets can be ordered by calling 941-365-8400 or stopping by  Ballet School at 501 N. Beneva Rd.

Bob and Renee in Sarasota

Following up his best selling novel, Fatal Volley,  Bob Ross has done it again.   Only this one, Tennis Doubles for Seniors, comes with the advice of a long time tennis doubles player.  When Bob is in Sarasota he plays as many days as the sun shines, which is alot!   I have known Bob as a fraternity brother and friend for over 60 years, and he is never at a loss for words.  You can pick up this book on e-bay or a favorite book store. 

JIM'S RANT....the Tampa Bay Lightening embarrassed themselves this week by failing to show for their Stanley Cup series against the Columbus Blue Jackets.  After a record breaking season of wins being swept 4-0 is an embarrassment we and they will long remember.  Time to pay attention to the Rays, even if no one else does.  Sad, they cannot even draw 10,000 for a team with baseball's best record....As always have a great week..I'll see you next week....JIM

APRIL 14, 2019

GOLF RULES THIS SUNDAY.........

Going To  Be A Great Finish

Enjoyed a week away, travelling to a very cold and rainy NY.  While there saw a sure bet for a Tony this June; To Kill A Mockingbird.  Starring Jeff Daniels along with a truly stellar cast, it is Aaron Sorkin's modern version of Harper Lee's classic.   Tickets are scarce, but available.

BUT it's great to be back in Sarasota, where spring has arrived in all its glory.  This time of year, eating out is only a walk away, and this week, I'd like to begin with a restaurant review of a very good one!

 Discovered The Bodhi Tree Cafe last week after many recommendations from blog readers.  What took me so long???

Located in a charming cottage at  1938 Adams Lane in the Towles Court Art District just behind Indigenous.  And, in my estimation Bodhi Tree is a far better choice.

Bodhi Tree Entrance

Owned by chef Oscar and his wife Carolina,  Bodhi Tree's menu is a delicious mix of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, all created by Oscar.  If you're familiar with Sarasota restaurant history, then you'll remember Oscar from his first venture Uva Rara, which years later is Amore, and not nearly as good as its predecessor. 

Along with outside porch seating, Bodhi Tree is the right size for Oscar to provide delicious hot meals to all the customers.We sampled several items from the easy to maneuver menu, but we especially  loved the Burrata, Chicken Solare and Formaggi. 

Go with an appetite and be prepared for a charming and quiet evening of  Sarasota dining.  Dinner Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-8:30pm.

Next week I will review Lemon Tree, occupying former location of Louie's Modern.   If you've been there I'd like to have your comments before giving mine......I've had several already....

Sarasota as Featured in US News & World Report

Woke up this week to good and bad news about Sarasota.  According to a survey conducted for US News & World Report, our fast growing community is growing faster than any other in Florida!  After ranking No.34 in 2018, Sarasota jumps 16 spots to No. 18, making it the third-fastest growing metro area out of the 125 places on the list. 

Between 2013 and 2017, Sarasota saw a population increase of 13.1%.   For those of us who live here, this is not new news as construction and traffic are booming.  Even more enlightening is this comment...."offers a sizable market for those working in health care, small business and tourism."  We have become much more than a "retirement destination."  Oh well, I guess we'll have to learn to live with our traffic.

Several of you have written enthusiastically about the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School.  Carol Weis states..."I never could have imagined what a fantastic ballet company this is....beautiful costumes, superb dancing, choreography, lighting ...one of the best performances of my life!" And Jane Baum Rodbell adds...."the SCBS is an amazing gem in Sarasota."

You can see for yourselves how these non-professionals perform as well as the pros next month when the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School performs its end of year recital Sunday 7:00pm  May 12 at Booker High School.  No information yet on ticket pricing or where to pre-purchase, but I will have for you in a few weeks.  Tickets are always available at the door.  For more information call 941-365-8400.

NOT SO FAST!!

The long  awaited opening of 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop has happened.   Located on the ground level of The Desota at 1445 2nd Street, this stylish and comfortable taproom features 36 taps,  28 wines by the glass, and an assortment of made to order bites from popcorn to pretzel to cheese and crackers to small sandwich.  Seating for 38 along with ample standing room.

The bottle shop has over 99 bottles of beers on the wall, a selection of boutique wines and merchandise. All are available for to go purchase at reasonable pricing.

Open daily by noon and closing 10pm sun-thurs; 11pm fri-sat.  For more information including beer/wine classes and happy-hour specials, call 941-487-7874 or www.99botles.net.

Liza Minnelli  in Fosse Classic Cabaret

So many channels with original programming makes it difficult to watch any live.  My best suggestion is to tape the new FX  Fosse/Verdon and watch without commercial interruption.  Anything with the Hamilton creative team behind it has to be good. 

Fosse/Verdon is not only good, it's great.  Starring Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams, it tells the story of one of theatre's historic creative partnerships which included wild success, marriage and heartbreak.  Tuesday at 10:00.  You can pick up first episode On Demand.




JIM'S RANT....As another hurricane season approaches many of you are going to meetings for preparedness instructions.  Others are making plans to get out of town as soon as the first warning arrives.  And still more are waiting on our State Legislature to move forward a bill that would allow for removal of trees on residential property,  that up until now were protected by law.  Based on past experience with our Legislature...wait until next year.....Thanks for reading, and I'll see you next week....JIM

APRIL 7, 2019

HAVE A GREAT WEEK.......SEE YOU NEXT SATURDAY NIGHT.....

JIM