OCTOBER 6, 2019

LET THE CRAFT SHOW SEASON BEGIN.......

One day remains for the 25th annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival.  Open until at least 5pm tonight at 5 Points Park & Central Avenue.  Everything from crafts, paintings, jewelry, clothing and food...lots and lots of food.  Admission is free...if you miss this one, many more to follow.

Went to Burns Court Cinema last week to see new Judy movie starring Renee Zellweger in the role of her career.  Sure to be an Academy Award nominee, RZ shines in her portrayal of Judy Garland.  Most of the movie centers on winter 1968 when Garland was in London to perform a five-week-sold-out run.

After the movie, we went next door to Owen's Fish Camp, only a few steps down from the theater.  Though there was a wait at 7 p.m., it went by quickly.  One thing to remember about Camp is the fast service to handle big crowds; especially on the weekend.

Owned and operated by the Carigulio family, Owen's menu has changed very little,

Waiting for Owens!

  if at all during its 10 years of operation.  There are daily specials listed on a blackboard in main dining room.  From starters, baskets, fish, plates and sandwiches, you are sure to find an item to suit the pallet.   A must is to save room for Apple pie and ice cream; never feels to satisfy.

Open daily from 4pm taking reservations for parties of 6 or more  at 941-951-6936.  New restaurants open monthly, but our oldest are still best!

While Who Loves You continues its extended run at FST, a new Cabaret show has opened.  That's Amore celebrates the music and career of legend Dean Martin.  Scheduled to run 5 months, you should have ample time to sing along with Dean's many hits including the time he was part of infamous Rat Pack.

Playing at the Court Cabaret, in my opinion the best

The Best

of their cabaret theaters, Amore, was  created by the Hopkins team, who continue to find ways to entertain Sarasota audiences.  Tickets are available by phone 941-366-9000, at box-office or floridastudiotheatre.org.



If Dean is not your thing, and blues is then Bradenton's BLUESFEST coming December 6-8 is the place for you.  Over the three days national artists from Kenny Neal to John Primer to Angela Easley will be performing.  Not all events require tickets, in fact the evening of 12/6 everyone is invited to a free concert on the Riverwalk.  A Blues Brunch will close festivities at Mattison's Riverwalk Grille in downtown Bradenton.

Stage tickets for this event are already sold-out so I suggest to purchase tickets on line in advance.  Purchasing that way will save $10.  Bradentonbluesfestival.org is the only place to purchase advance tickets.

SILL Music Mondays announced its 2020 season of musical interviews/performances

this week.  In addition to bringing back favorites pianist Charlie Albright and Baritone Todd Thomas, they've added among others Trombonist Brad Williams and Melodica Men who are the rage of YouTube.  Season begins Monday January 6 at Church of the Palms.  For more information go to sillsarasota.org where you can purchase tickets as well.







JIM'S RANT......At long last our state is taking action against those who use a cell phone for texting while driving, but not enough!  Drivers now will be stopped while using phone in school zones,  school crossings and work zones and issued a warning.  Starting next year the penalty rises to a citation.  It's ridiculous the state was not stronger and banned the use of wireless texting while driving period!......JIM....Thanks for reading...see you next week....

SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

CELEBRATE THE JEWISH NEW YEAR

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown today.  For Jewish people in Sarasota and beyond, this day marks the beginning of inner renewal and divine atonement.  The observance ends at sundown on Tuesday October 1,  continuing to October 8-9  with the observance of  Yom Kipur.

With perfect timing,   The Players Center began its 2019/20 season with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat last week.  Continuing through October 6, this Webber-Rice musical opened on Broadway in 1982,and has been revived several times.  With only a few lines of dialogue, Joseph is a musical that  can be seen by the entire family.

Players venue is 838 N. Tamiami Trail.  Most performances begin at 7:30 with weekend matinees at 2:00 Best to call 941-365-2494 for tickets.  For more information www.theplayers.org.

I've noticed several newspaper and television ads for Once, a nine-time Tony winner in 2012.  Coming to The Van Wezel for only one performance Wednesday October 9, I can only assume several tickets remain in all price groups.  It's a shame, since this show I saw on Broadway, features a cast of singer-musicians playing their own instruments while performing the musical numbers.


A love story of boy meets girl in the most unusual circumstances while he is performing on the streets of Dublin, Ireland.  A songwriter and musician, he is about to give up his dream when the girl falls in love with his music and him.

In addition to a Tony, the cast album won a Grammy for best Musical Theatre Album the following year.  

Tickets are available at 941-953-3368, www.vanwezel.org, or the box office open Monday-Saturday on site.

I had the good fortune this week of being at the right place at the right  time.  Met

my Tuesday ROMEO group for lunch at Baker and Wife which was closed.  No problem, since right across the street are many good restaurants to choose from.  We met at Connor's , but before we entered, someone came up to us and told us lunch was free across the way.


Luckily we were one of the first to sample Bravo serving from their new Italian Mediterranean menu.  The place was teeming with hosts and servers; we were later told management brought in 4 people from their Tampa office to assist with the opening.  In addition to lunch each table received a 1.5 Liter bottle of Pico Rosso wine of which I was fortunate to take home.

The food was OK. Bread was warm and served with seasoned pesto sauce, the salads were better with meat prepared when ordered, and a side of olives was well seasoned and delicious.  Once their act is together, and I have no reason to believe it won't be, we will go back.

Jim Reading Laura

Laura Finaldi's review in Wednesday's Herald, goes into great detail about menu,  new carry-out display and structural changes.  Worth the read if you're going soon for lunch or dinner.

Only two weekends left to take advantage of $7 Saturdays at Mote Marine.  One catch, you have to be a Florida resident.  "The real goal of $7 Saturdays is for Mote to give back to the community with a discounted admission so those who live here and haven't been in awhile can come and learn about the oceans and animals who inhabit them." Proof of Florida residency is required for admission.



Mote is located at 1600 Ken Thompson  Parkway at the gateway to Longboat Key.  Open Saturday 10am-5pm.  Another suggestion, pick up Ticket at most newspaper boxes in Sarasota to learn of several more attractions.

Fall is here, and with it comes a beautiful few months

New College Logo

of cooler, drier weather and the beginning for school for those of us who attend the many courses offered throughout Sarasota.  Not a course, but an anticipated lecture series has been announced for early November start.

New College announced speakers committed for their lecture series.  A five-lecture program featuring Jan 23 speaker Andrew Prince, the artist behind everyone's favorite Downtown Abbey.


On Feb 20, the CEO of Art Recovery International will speak to that topic.  Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling 941-487-4888 or ncf.edu.

SO FRESH is now downtown/Sarasota at 1455 2nd Street.  They join the growing list of healthy fast-food options within waking distance from Whole Foods.  The restaurant (eat-in/carry-out) offers warm bowls, salads, wraps and quesadillas that can be customized.  During this opening week, I ran into several neighbors.  The service was quick, and the food quite tasty.  Open daily 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.  For information call 941-803-5800 or ilovesofresh.com.


JIM'S RANT.....Throwing caution to the wind, Sarasota County Library is adopting a

no-fine policy for books exceeding the borrowing limits.  They claim it's costing more to collect the fines than the fines themselves.  So now when you borrow a book from them for say 2 weeks and keep it 4 you won't be charged for the additional 2 weeks.  LOL with this one......JIM.....thanks for reading....I'll see you next week.....

SEPTEMBER 22, 2019

FOOTBALL IS BACK WITH A VENGEANCE 

BUCS CELEBRATE A SACK!!!

If you're reading Jim Knows Sarasota Saturday evening and have no plans for Sunday, good seats remain for the BUC/Giants game in Tampa.  If not there's always television or your favorite bar.

However, for future consideration, there is bus service along with ticket available from Sarasota for the ridiculous starting  low price of $66 including ticket and transportation. . 

Due to a home game in London, a bye week and road games, their next home game is November 10 against The Arizona Cardinals. Call 941-256-7738 for tickets.  Four more games follow including the December 22 tussle against Tom Brady's New England Patriots.

Tonight 8:00 the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards airs on FOX, honoring some of the biggest television accomplishments of 2018.  Several hours of boredom, but if you are a television viewer this one is for you.  Like the Academy Awards earlier this year the show will run without an emcee.  Tired of football?  Go For it!!



Took a walk to oldie, but goodie, SELVA GRILL, 1345 Main Street.  Now into its third ownership, this one only improves with age.  Reservations are a must, as on a Saturday night the bar, restaurant and outdoor patio were full to capacity.  The food was excellent, wine delicious and service impeccable.


Taking the idea of fusion food very literally, there's a mix of Latin American meets United States meets Asian cuisine on the menu, with a nod to Peruvian style dishes.  Along with a glass of wine we started our dining with a Short Rib Spring Roll and Chopped Salad. 

 We split our main course of Skirt Steak (a specialty for many years), served over sweet plantains, beet relish with their house chimichurri.  More than enough for two; especially with appetizer and salad.


Open nightly from 5-11 with extended hours on the weekend.  Unfortunately, not open for lunch.  Call 941-362-4427 for reservations or book through Open Table.



If you want to take time away from football Sunday October 6, then I suggest you spend part of the afternoon at  5 WOMEN- 1 SHOW,  featuring the works of several of Sarasota's finest artisans.   While browsing have some wine and cheese. 

Taking place at Raine Studio 728 Gillespie Avenue , 5 artists from  Karen Chandler's whimsical and yet evocative acrylic paintings & prints; Melodie Burris' unique furniture&accessories with coastal influence & European style; Lorrie Dickerson owner of Raine who designs handcrafted jewelry on site; Marla Katz who creates one of a kind sculptures, and friend Marlene Meyer whose unique napkin rings and coastal clutch purses will be available for early Christmas shopping.

Visit Sarasota County,  this week unveiled a new program to help stimulate September

traffic at participating businesses in the county.  Open to visitors and locals alike, the discount program affords savings from local hotels, attractions, restaurants, shops and more.  Over 100 deals are available at the 80 participating businesses.  

To get a pass go to www.SarasotaBigPass.com, and print it out. A physical pass is available at all Sarasota County Visitor Information Centers.   

Mixed Fruit and Granola

Green Zebra Cafe, the very successful St. Armands Circle restaurant has expanded to  Sarasota.  Located 1377 Main St. in the recently shuttered Mozaic,  Zebra's new location is a full service casual eatery offering an expanded menu along with wine and beer.  Open now for breakfast and lunch, plans call for special dinner offerings at a later date.

 On a recent breakfast visit, owner Ivan Iankiev was busy waiting on tables, but told me of his use of only organic products including free range poultry and eggs, organic milk and organic raw nuts from a scratch kitchen....everything prepared to order.  No microwaving here.  The menu is extensive, with a salad or sandwich or omelette to satisfy every pallet.


HELD OVER....You still have a chance to see FST production of Frankie Valli's greatest hits Who Loves You.  Extended for what should be the last time through October 13 to make room for the new season productions (more on those next week).  Call 41-366-9000 for tickets.

JIM'S RANT.....At long last the 12 weeks of construction from Main St. to State St. is finished.  More to come in that area, but at least the Merchants will have a chance to recoup some before season.  What is not finished, or close to is the roundabout on 14th and Tamiami, and the continuing road work from Fruitville  to the Van Wezel and beyond.  Season is close and so is the congestion sure to come next month.  If weather was not the hold-up what was????.......JIM........Thanks for reading..See you next week...

*******Apologies to Gloria Biberman whose name was misspelled last week********

SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA OPENS SEASON

SO RETURNS IN 2 WEEKS

For its 71st season, Sarasota Orchestra is celebrating the 250th anniversary of Beethoven with an opening concert sure to be a sell-out.  Featuring Beethoven's Symphony number 5, and including Rossini's moving overture along with Beethoven's piano concerto number 3 in the  intimate Sarasota Opera House.  

Tickets are available at 941-953-3434, online at SarasotaOrchestra.org or at box office 709 N. Tamiami Trail.

Two performances September 28 7:30 pm and Sunday 2:30 pm.  Ticket price starts at low $27, but even lower if you buy a season Flex Pass.  Great Escapes returns next month with added Sunday matinee concerts at 2:30 pm.  More next week.



Right after going to press last week, I received an exciting announcement from The Straz/Tampa.  HAMILTON is returning as part of their 2020-21 season of Broadway touring shows.  Their is still time to sign up for the remaining 2019-20 including Aladdin, Mean Girls, and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.  For more information go to strazcenter.org or call their box office 813-229-7827.

After several months delay, the second location of  SHORE fills the space formally occupied by long shuttered Moore's Stone Crab.  Friend Gloria Biberman writes "..... it is beautiful.  Inside and outside bars and dining.  You can see the water no matter where you eat.  The food is the same as their circle location, but say they will be changing the menu.  They offer valet parking, so need to worry about that.  It is a beautiful facility that should be busy inside and out as the bars are big and beautiful."  Open daily 4-9 PM, 800 Broadway St. Longboat Key.

As we go forward with paid parking in Downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle, several of you are still having trouble with rules, restrictions, free parking and more.  

Along with several other hand-outs, I picked up a helpful  parking guide at Selby Library;  I am sure it is available at several shops in those areas. If you park in those areas, this colorful guide will give all the answers.

Unforgettable Julie Andrews

ASOLO REP announced its 19/20 season with a colorful brochure this week.  As usual the season kicks off with a classic Broadway musical The Sound of Music.  Running November 16- December 28 with low price previews November 13-15, Music features a Broadway and local cast of singers and dancers along with director John Rhodes who previously directed last year's production of Evita.

Subscriptions are available now, with single tickets for Music and the remaining shows on sale September 28 online (asolorep.org) and at the boxofice 5555 N. Tamiami Trail.  Beginning October 1 you can call for tickets at 941-351-8000.

Following Music is Agatha Christie's Murder On The Orient Express.  Most of you have seen the movie; the play is equally as good; if not better!  Season brochures are available at box office.

If you are a lover of Mexican food then book  a table now for The Rosemary's first annual FIESTA MEXICAN,  Thursday September 19 . Reservations  beginning  5:30 at  Rosemary location 411 N. Orange.

 Menu was created by pastry chef Marciala Romero and includes appetizers, two courses,  cocktails, and dessert all for $35 plus tax/tip.  A full menu is available right here.  For reservations call 941-955-7600.

Recent Rowing Event At NBP

Sometime in 2013, friend and neighbor Nate Benderson had a vision for a lake and park close to UTC.  In 2014,  Nathan Benderson Park was born and with it came a rowing facility that has drawn world-wide attention and praise.  Many competitions later the biggest has been awarded to Benderson Park in 2022 when The International Dragon Boat competition comes to Sarasota.   Thousands of rowers from the US and around the world will be here for this event; more than any to date.  A long way off, but worthy of mention as Sarasota becomes more than just a place to call home and vacation.

Sarasota YMCA Lives

On a day where luck is hard to find, Friday September 13 proved to be a lucky one for the Sarasota YMCA!  Instead of closing their doors forever, come Monday they will stay open under new Save Our Y management.  Kudos to all of you who worked so hard to raise the money to keep a Sarasota treasure alive.

JIM'S RANT.....the first reviews are in, and paid parking on Main St and Long Boat Key is  not earning favorable response from merchants and drivers.  Stores and restaurants located in both areas report a loss of business due to the paid parking; their hope is once consumers become adjusted to paying, business will pick up.  As someone who frequents both areas, I am getting use to paying, but would rather have a meter than walk to pay station.  Just one man's opinion....JIM

SEPTEMBER 8, 2019

GOOD RIDDANCE..............

For over a week, we have been dealing with DORIAN, the first hurricane to venture near Sarasota.  We were spared this time around, but with several more potential storms looming, this is no time to let your guard down.

The latest FST Cabaret presentation, Who Loves You,  is a loving tribute to Frankie Valli and other singers from the 60's.  Valli is remembered best for his frontman role of the Four Seasons, but he has many hits of his own.  With the recent success of Jersey Boys,  Valli's music has become popular again.   The popular team of Richard and Rebecca Hopkins along with Jim Prosser never fail to entertain. Tickets are available for most performances at 941-366-9000, floridastudiotheatre.org, or at boxoffice.


Just a week ago, FST sent an email announcing their 2019-20 Winter Season with the usual lineup of 3 Cabaret and 4 Main Stage productions.  While the Cabaret is always entertaining, even though it seems we've heard that song before, the Main Stage productions look more promising than seasons past.

The first show,  Bright Star, debuted on Broadway in 2016 and was nominated for several Tony Awards for creators Steve Martin and Edie Brickel.   The musical set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1940's .  Never before seen in Sarasota, Star is a great choice to kick off the season November 6.  I urge you to purchase subscription packages now.  Single tickets will be available in a few weeks.  I'll let you know when you can start calling.  See information above.

Three shows follow this one, and each looks as entertaining.  Opening for the remaining series are in December, January and April.  While all of our entertainment venues make it easy to flex and change tickets, FST is the best.

 While the thermometer doesn't suggest it, fall is upon us.  With fall comes cooler temperatures, football games and continuing education.  There are many programs at several Sarasota locations, but the one I find most intriguing this year is OLLI AT Ringling College.  Not only is their line-up of courses diverse and attractive, but this semester finds them in a new location.  Yes, this is the school going into the renovated Sarasota High School. 100 S. Tamiami Trail.

If your interest is in Arts & Entertainment, Current Events & Global Affairs,  Technology, Science and more there are classes and lectures reasonably priced and available throughout the week.  For more information call 941-309-5111 or visit them on line at www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org.  Open registration begins Tuesday.

Seems like a month doesn't go by without a new restaurant opening...but why is it, we keep going back to the familiar ones?  In the case of DRY DOCK, one word says it all....consistency.

Ease of seating, menu, pricing and service are as timeless as Labor Day.  At a recent dinner I had my favorite Salmon BLT which was as delicious and generous as I can remember.  Along with fries and slaw good service and great company, what more could I ask for? And they've been doing this for 20 years!

Many of you, I'm sure are not even aware that Gecko's Hospitality Group took over ownership of DRY DOCK in 2015.  And though the menus at each one of their restaurants is distinct to location, so is aforementioned food, pricing and service.  Located 412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, DRY DOCK is open lunch and dinner daily.  Reservations are available at Open Table.






Mark your calendar for next weekend, September 13, 14, 15 as the annual Sarasota Bradenton Home Show returns to Sarasota for its 10th year.  Once again at Robarts Arena at the Sarasota Fairgrounds 10am-7pm 3000 Ringling Blvd.   Aisle after aisle of flooring. windows, solar, painting, Hurricane Shutters, Insulation and much more.  Free passes now online HomeShowFlorida.com or $10 at the door.

JIM'S RANT.....No matter where we live, weather plays a big part of our lives; so it goes without saying, both local and national newscasts had a field day with Dorian.  Several weatherpersons ventured into the Bahamas in search of story, and got predictably wet.   Others were so frantic, I feared for their well-being (only kidding).  Weather is a never-ending story, but maybe for the next weather-related event our talented weatherpeople can take a breath and calmly tell the story....As always, thanks for reading....JIM