MAY 19. 2019

MOM TAKES A BACKSEAT THIS WEEKEND AS SPORTS RULES........

Tiger in Happier Days

We'll have to wait for US OPEN next month for another look at TIGER and the many fans who follow him.  This week they're following Brooks Kopeka who leads by 7 strokes as I write this.

Lots of restaurant news this week.  On Thursday,  after months of renovation, LIBBY's reopened for your pleasure.  Both the Herald and Observer  went to a preview and came away with raves.  I plan to go next week and give you my take.


Not so good news from UTC where two of their original restaurants are in trouble.  Kona Grille recently filed for bankruptcy and faces an uncertain future while remaining open. 

 Burger & Beer Joint, in same area as Kona, has been evicted after failure to pay rent for several months.   A new tenant is due to be announced soon.

 Lots of similar menus from so many restaurants makes it hard to compete unless the product is excellent; see The Grove, Patrick's, Umbrella's, Classico, Burger FI.........

SAVOR SARASOTA is only weeks away, but you can find your favorite restaurant's menu on line.  The dates are 6/1-14, but already The Rosemary and Capital Grille have extended through June and probably further into the summer.  If you want an early sampling, The Rosemary is starting Savor 5/28!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with SAVOR SARASOTA, most of our popular restaurants offer a price fixe menu $16 for lunch and $32 dinner.  Generally there are three courses.  Some more generous than others, but wherever you go, this is as good as it gets around here for dining value.

There's a first for everything, and last week flew ALLEGIANT AIR for the first time. 

Two flights; first St. Pete-Clearwater, then Syracuse.  Will definitely fly this airline again, though if possible out of SRQ.  Nothing wrong with St. Pete; just the travel time back and forth.


Low cost they're not, as base price does not include cost of carry-on or checked baggage.  AND, if you want a "wider" seat, that's an additional cost.  Service was what you'd expect; the planes were clean; the crew, especially on our flight back to St. Pete, took their PA announcements to a level of entertainment.  Bottom line, we all should be happy SRQ is becoming more viable every day.

Roberta, Scott, ADAM, Cathi. Jason, Jim

Syracuse was a treat because we celebrated our grandson Adam's graduation from Syracuse College of Arts and Sciences .  We're spoiled though, as cold and rain do not go well with our thinning blood.  Great meals with family made for a most enjoyable weekend.


The next to last  big production of 2019 is coming to a close.  Playing until 6/1, SWEENEY TODD, has generated the type of reviews every production craves: good word of mouth.  The TV and print reviews from a few weeks ago were very positive, but those coming from friends are even more so.  This Broadway standard farce and slapstick will make you laugh at a time we need laughter in our country.


Tickets are available for most performances; even last minute at box-office 5555 N. Tamiami Trail.  You can call 941-351-8000 or go to asolorep.org.  Tickets anywhere from $15-$50, but this relatively small theatre doesn't have a bad seat in the house.  Some weekend performances even offer discount tickets.

The Crowds at Recent Craft Festival

If you thought end of season marked the end of the Craft Festival season, no way.  This weekend's Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival ends tonight at Five Points Park.  But if you're reading this during the week, you can mark your calender for 5/24-26, as Saint Armands Seafood & Music Festival takes over the Circle next weekend.


On May 25, The Van Wezel hosts a new event SRQ MARGARITA FESTIVAL.  Combining tequila, at least 12 types margaritas, bands and singers, food trucks and 'games" this promises to be a festival not to be missed.  VIP tickets can be purchased that include open bar, reserved parking, shaded public area, air-conditioned lounge areas, and catered food.  No One under 21 admitted!

Tickets on sale at Van Wezel or Srqmargaritafest.com.  Be prepared for a long and tiring day as festivities, along with food and drink, kick off at 2 and last until 10 or the last margarita has been served.  

Of the dozens of restaurant openings these past few years, CONNORS Steak&Seafood,  is definitely in the top tier.  Located on the south end of Westfield Siesta Mall where parking is literally curbside.

Mouth Watering

 Steak and Seafood are their specialties; however their lunch salads are comparable to anyone here.  My group each had their grilled chicken chopped salad.  No one finished and we had enough to take home for a late afternoon snack. 

Prices are reasonable; the noise volume under control; service quick and efficient.  AND, on the way out we stopped at the dessert station, and hesitated long enough to smell, but will wait on one of those until a dinner.
Call 941-260 3232 for reservations.


JIM'S RANT......Sarasota Orchestra is looking for a new home.  Having out-grown Holley Hall years ago, it it time to move on.  Most recently  Director Joe McKenna has floated the idea of a campus in Payne Park.  To me this is the perfect location;  lots of room for construction, parking strolling, and growth.  Sarasota Orchestra needs to remain within the city of its name.........Have a great week.  I'll see you next Sunday.......JIM