JUNE 30, 2019

INDEPENDENCE DAY...........2019

The granddaddy of fireworks displays takes place along the Bayfront.  Bring your lawn chair and sit on U.S. 41 as the show starts around 9 and lasts 30 minutes.  If you are dining on one of the many downtown restaurants, step outside at 9, turn your head east and view the biggest show in Sarasota.

For those of you who prefer a family outing then 

the third annual Nathan Benderson Park Fireworks show Wednesday July 3 is for you. Complete with food trucks, a  4 Mile Race around the park, and ample room around the lake for family picnic.  Admission is FREE all day.  For more information call 358-7275.  Free parking at UTC, with bus transportation to and from the event.


SARASOTA POWER GRAND PRIX is on now.  Powerboat Races at Lido Beach  next Sunday beginning at 10.  The raucous Boats On The Block Party is the night before starting at 6:00 p.m. on Main St to  Orange, Gulfstream and S. Palm.  Remember Main St. and Lemon are closed for paving until JULY 4 FIREWORKS.

BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW

Critics, friends and Blog readers all agree,  Come Together, the current FST Cabaret presentation is a must-see.  Irv Becker writes..."performance by Carole Buford and 4 piece band was sensational. Maybe the best in all the years I've attended.  It is a "must see."  If you don't enjoy and think it's terrific, let me know and I'll pay for the tickets!"

COME TOGETHER

With music from The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Simon&Garfunkle and Tina Turner how could it be anything but great.  Playing through July 21, good seats remain for most performances.  Their box-office is open daily,  call 941-366-9000, or www.floridastudiotheatre.org and grab yours today.  


I can remember when PACIFIC RIM was one of the few choices for Japanese-Thai-Sushi.  Not the case today, as similar menus are available all over the place.  However, on a recent early Wednesday, tables were at a premium, and justifiably so.  The food, form Lettuce Wrap, to California Roll, to Thai Noodles was as good, if not better than remembered.  And more good news, Rim's prices have remained consumer friendly.

Located 1859 Hillview and open lunch and dinner, you can call 941-330-8071 for a reservation which is necessary, especially in season.


The Tampa Bay Rays, who recently announced they are exploring the possibility of a split season with Montreal, are at it again.  For their series this week with the Baltimore Orioles, you can see any game for $2.00!  These are night games beginning at 7:30, and are sandwiched between games with the Rangers and Yankees over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Excitement at the Trop

As strange as a split city schedule sounds, I am not too old to remember when the Chicago White Sox split their games with Milwaukee.  The latter ended up with their own team, and the Sox a new ballpark.  If Tampa can support hockey, with a better stadium, they Will support baseball.

All this chatter did nothing to increase attendance, as last night's game against the Rangers drew 13,955 to the Trop


Great news for those of us who feast on cheese steak.  The one and only SOUTH PHILLY

CHEESESTEAKS is finally opening its Main St. location this week.  Serving Manatee County since 2002, their 1439 Main St. location was under construction for over a year as it replaces shuttered consignment store Encore & More.  Fries of many types, hamburgers and even salads  are among the additional  items available.   Click here for complete menu. 

 If you're not familiar with Janet Mishner's art work, you should be.  This local artist has been on display in several Sarasota galleries for years.  In a few weeks, Janet will be showing her art along with two  other area artists at Ford Art and Antiques 522 S. Pineapple Avenue, July 26-29.

 You can stop by and say hello to Janet and the others Friday the 26th 6-9pm






It's been a few years between lunching  at STATION 400........and it will be several more before

going back, if ever.  Maybe we caught them on a bad day, but our wait for food order was interminable last week.

All kind of excuses, including "short staff today",  "one of our chefs did not come to work today", "ran out of lettuce"....WHAT?...The food finally was served nearly 45 minutes after placing our order.  And sad to say, the salads and sandwich  were  just OK. One bright note though; we were not charged for our meals.  Nice gesture, but a free meal would not get me back there.... and those who know me, know how I love free meals!!!

Cantor Avi Schwartz

Mark your January 12, 2020 calendar for an event not to be missed.  The Mazur family is presenting an evening of music with Park Avenue Synagogue Cantor Azi Schwartz.  Appearing with a vocal and instrumental ensemble. Schwartz will be performing songs  from  Broadway's runaway hit Hamilton as well as traditional Jewish favorites.  Tickets go on sale September 16 at Sarasota Opera House, the venue for this special evening.

Call 941-955-8121 for additional information.

JIM'S RANT......the headline in Thursday's Herald said it all.....Florida Elevates Its Art Funding......After a year of cutting funding to the bare bones  for many of Sarasota's most popular cultural attractions, somehow Governor Ron DeSantis and the State Legislature agreed to a major increase which helped moves Florida from 48th to 20th State in cultural subsidies ranking.  Nice to see everyone on board with support for what makes us great!!!!......Have a great summer and stay dry from the rains sure to come, and I'll see you in September........JIM......

JUNE 23, 2019

NIK WALLENDA WALKS AGAIN.....

Tune in tonight 8pm ABC 7 or your local ABC station to watch Nik and sister Lljana walk 25 stories over New York's Times Square.  Since the families horrific 2017 fall at Benderson Park, we've heard very little from Nik, but all that will change tonight.  If successful, two more televised stunts are being planned for future viewing.


When you recover from Nik and Lljana's walk you should consider some lighter entertainment.  Beginning Wednesday FST's Main Stage returns to the Keating Theatre 
with Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow.  Waters music will never grow old.  Who can forget classics "Am I Blue?" This Joint is Jumpin," and Stormy Weather.

This show is scheduled to close August 4, giving you several opportunities to purchase tickets at 941-366-9000.  Box office is open daily and on nights of performance or go to www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

Also continuing into early August is this year's Summer Circus Spectacular in the Historic Asolo Theatre at the Ringling.  Hard to believe so much  can be packed into an hour, but once the performance begins it's non-stop til the last act. Somewhere between the first act and grand finale you forget the setting is an air conditioned theatre, but instead a circus big top tent.

Credit goes to the energetic cast of characters and amiable host Jared Walker who builds anticipation for each act with his boyish enthusiasm.  Jay Handelman writes.."packs a lot of excitement into each performance with a mix of grace, humor and heart-stopping thrills into just an hour..."

See for yourselves by purchasing tickets at box office in lobby of The Ringling  or 941-360-7399.

Not many locals eat at Jack Dusty.  You should!!  Lcoated in the hotel lobby of very popular Sarasota Ritz Carlton Hotel, there is ample seating in a spacious dining room or on their deck with its waterfront view.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, we choose their elaborate brunch.  Too many items to mention here, but enough food to make one full, happy and ready for an afternoon nap. Jack Dusty offers a full bar with an excellent bloody Mary!

Most of my friends consider Jack Dusty as one of those "special occasion" restaurants.  They're wrong.  Though elegant in setting, this is as casual as it gets.  Shorts, khaki or tie come as you are and enjoy a really good "hotel restaurant."

Once again SRQ is adding several non-stop flights to a major market. 

 Low-cost carrier FRONTIER is adding Cincinnati to its growing list of markets.  Service won't begin until October, and involve only three days to travel, but it beats the drive to Tampa or St. Pete.  And if you hurry $39 fares are available Tuesday only at www.flyfrontier.com.  Certain exclusions apply.

Siesta Sunset

Those flights and several others will be filled this summer with visitors taking advantage of Sarasota and Venice ranking as "Top 10 Beach Towns"  Wallethub, the personal finance website, recently ranked Sarasota No. 6, while Venice came in at 10.

For those of  you who like IMPROV, FST is the place to be July 12 & 13,  Over those two days performance will be almost non-stop for several hours each day.  Single tickets go for $10, but a pass for Friday is $39; Saturday $59; or go both days for $75.  Headliner Quartet arrives here from LA.

JIM'S RANT.......It is way too early to think about the 2020 Presidential election, but here we are in Battleground State Florida.  President Trump is off and running (though he never stopped) and a field of 23 Democrats are gearing up for an NBC debate this week.  This rant is not for or against any candidate, but is a shout out to those who did not vote in 2016....YOUR VOTE COUNTS......If you're not registered now is the time.  If you are get ready for a wild 2020....JIM

Than ks for reading.  Join me next week for my last blog until early fall....

JUNE 16, 2019

Today is for US!!!!  Relax, watch some golf, have dinner with the family.  You've earned this day.


With the exception of FST's summer schedule of Main Stage and Cabaret shows, Urbanite and Players, most if not all take a breather before  returning in September with their 2019-20 season.  However, there is one show left at ASOLO.

Around The World in 80 Days has been well received by critics and readers of this blog. 

However, you have only this week to see it as closing is a week from today.

For both young and older audiences, World, according to Jay Handelman...."whisks the audience right along on a journey filled with ingenuity and theatrical flair."  Produced by the same company that brought well received  Hetty Feather to ASOLO three years ago is family friendly with plenty of opportunity for its audience of all ages to be constantly entertained and surprised.

Tickets for this final week can be purchased at box office day of performance or by calling 941-351-8000.  You can also click Asolorep.org to purchase on line.  

Last Sunday's highly anticipated Tony Awards were for me a three hour bore.  Sure there were scenes from most nominated musicals, and some clever side numbers, but I felt Cordon  was flat, and the shows not as good as past years.  I was disappointed that Mockingbird came away with only one Award, but not having seen any of the other nominees, I'll have to go with the voters.  Only 8 more months until Hollywood presents their Academy Awards!


This week's Romeo lunch was at old favorite Mediterraneo restaurant.  Though not participating in Savor Sarasota, they offer a wide ranging lunch  menu of pasta and salads, all reasonably priced.  Never crowded at lunch, a quiet table where you can have a conversation without yelling  is easy to find.  

Who can resist a shared piece of tiramisu for dessert.   Four forks, and we all went home happy.  Thanks for the treat Joe.


Sarasota Music Festival continues with several interesting events this week. 

Of special interest to me, and hopefully you, is the Friday June 21 program Beethoven, Brahms, and Bebop.

  Performed in the Sarasota Opera House, tickets can be had for as little as $29.   And when do you get to see our Orchestra and jazz musician Wynton Marsalis all on the same stage.  This promises to be the most exciting program of the Festival.

The box office at 709 N. Tamiami Trail is open daily from 10:00 am.  You can also purchase tickets  by calling 941-953-3434 or sarasotaorchestra.org.  I look forward to seeing many of you Friday evening.  

No surprise that SRQ announced number of passengers for May.  Their increase year to year is a whopping 38%, and reflects the addition of two new carriers, 23 new routes and 18 new destinations in the past year plus.  This increase is remarkable when you consider the number of airports within close proximity to our market.  This speaks well to SRQ management and you the consumer who is supporting our airport.



The PLAYERS CENTRE For Performing Arts last production opened Wednesday,    It was written by Nora and Delia Ephron in 1995.  Produced on Broadway in 2008, Love, Loss, and What I Wore, it is a series of monologues performed by a rotating cast of five women.

Saz Franz writes in the Herald...."...there is a sense of authenticity and energy to these relatable stories, which are told with humor and heart.''  Playing through June 23, with all tickets at a reasonable $18.  They can be purchased at box office 838 N. Tamiami Trail, by phone at 941-365-2494 or theplayers.org


Sub Lovers ALERT!!!! Now through June 19 PUBLIX  has lowered the price of

their subs to the ridiculous low price of $5.99, a $3 savings.  And, they are worth every penny.  We had a rare Boars Head roast beef, but also available is rotisserie chicken and ham.  Highly recommend.





JIM'S RANT.......Savor Sarasota continues around town, as many restaurants extend the promotion beyond this weekend.  While most participating restaurants provide ample portions at lunch and dinner, several don't!! Shame on those who thought this was a menu sampling, and skimped on portions.  Hats off to those who use the opportunity to keep portions the same as usual while welcoming new and old friends.  Check with your favorite restaurant to see if they are continuing the promotion......JIM....See you next week.....

Tiramisu at Mediteranneo

JUNE 9, 2019

TONIGHT 8 pm CBS.......THE 53rd ANNUAL TONY AWARDS......

James Corden Hosts as Only He Can

Always a far better show than the Academy and Grammy Awards, The Tony Awards promises lots of entertainment from host Corden along with presenters Bette Middler, Lin Manuel Rivera and Julie Andrews.

In the Best Musical category are Bettlejuice, Tootsie, The Prom, Ain't Too Proud, and Hadestown.  Performances from those musicals as well as Stephanie Block who plays Cher, and 
Kelli O'Hara from KissMe Kate., promises to make this 2 plus hours worth your time tonight. 

Sarasota Sunset

One of several reasons to live here is our beautiful sunrise and sunset.  And according to this week's U.S. News and World Report, Sarasota ranks No. 20 on the new list of most desirable places to live in U.S.  Beaches, year round warm temperatures and the Arts are just some of the reasons for this ranking.

If you're reading  Jim Knows Sarasota late Saturday or early Sunday, you still have time to drive to St. Armands Circle for their last Craft Festival until fall.  This 18th annual event allows you to take advantage of the many sales at the Circle shops and dine at the several restaurants along the event.  As always, parking is at a premium.....no need  to feed those meters on weekends!  Or leave your car at Van Wezel, hop on a bus, and avoid the parking hassle altogether. 

If you can't make it to the Circle, but are looking for an outdoor event then head over to Nathan Benderson Park where the US Rowing Youth National Championships runs through Sunday afternoon.  Over 1,500 athletes from across the country are competing.  There is a cost of $10 attached to this event, not including parking.



Several of you saw the recent Tampa production of Come From Away, and wrote to give enthusiastic reviews.  We saw the show on Broadway last year, and left wanting to see it again.  We'll all have that chance, as Van Wezel recently announced this show as one of the choices of their Broadway series this winter.  Starting with Beautiful, this promises a season not to be missed.

For a complete schedule of shows go to vanwezel.org or call 41-953-3368 or 800-826-9303.  Their box office on site is open Monday through Saturday and Sunday on show days.

In need of some drama on these hot evenings?  Look no further than Urbanite Theatre, where just opened Niceties is generating rave reviews.  This entry kicks off their new summer  season.  A story of a progressive black student and her white female history professor is topical and very thought provoking.

Taking a clue from our divisive 2016 presidential election, Niceties shows that old well-established and seemingly proper ways of doing things don't work as well as they use to.

Urbanite is located 1487 2nd St.  Call 941-321-1397 for tickets.  Unless extended, which is likely, Niceties runs through June 30.  A second show Scorch follows, with their main series led by The Thanksgiving Play opening November 8. 


We are well into Savor Sarasota, as over 90 area restaurants have created 3-course lunch and dinner menus for $16/$32. We took advantage of dinner at The  Capital Grille last Sunday. Every table occupied at 7, with more people arriving throughout our dinner. And for good reason as Capital Grille's Savor menu is dedicated to steak lovers.

We're Going Back For More Steak

For our first course we chose Wedge with Blue Cheese & Smoked Bacon. Our main course was either an 8oz Fillet Mignon or 140z Bone-In Dry Aged NY Strip. The steaks came as ordered and were so ample in portion, we did not finish. The sides of Sam's Mashed Potatoes and French Beans with Heirloom Tomatoes was more than enough for our party of 4. Dessert was a choice of  flowerless chocolate cake or creme brulee.

You won't get Savor Sarasota specials at SOUTHSIDE DELI;  but what you will get are some of the best salads, soups, and sandwiches served anywhere in Sarasota.  Located on Hillview and Osprey and open breakfast/lunch.

Just one sample.  A turkey/chef salad comes in small and large size.  The large size, reasonably priced at $8.75 is enough for two.  The small size is not easily finished, but you will have a clean plate at end of your meal.

Get there early, as lines form around noon and continue until 2:00.  Great inexpensive choice for quick, casual lunch.



The 16th annual Summer Circus Spectacular arrives at the Historic Asolo Theatre June 11 and runs through August 3. Every seat is a good one in this intimate venue, where shows normally last an hour, and are followed by a meet and greet with cast members for those who stay around for that. During the first week, tickets are $12 for all. After that adults are $16 and $12 for children 12 and under.

Hang on to Your Seats

Performances are scheduled 11 a.m. Tuesday-Friday and 5 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets can be purchased at Ringling box office or 941- 360-7399. For more information go to ringling.org





JIM'S RANT....Somewhere in heaven, Nate Benderson is smiling today; especially after Sarasota Symphony Head Joe McKenna  "abandoned" his search for a new home in Sarasota;  he is now looking elsewhere in the county.  This search has stretched for more than 16 years, or about the same time Nate offered the Symphony land on University and Cattleman along with $, only to be turned down due to long distance from Longboat.  I don't think anyone else is laughing, including Joe McKenna.....SEE YOU NEXT WEEK....JIM

Beautiful Sarasota